Grange cancels Parade of Pirates 

GUILFORD — Valley Grange of Guilford recently announced that in a joint agreement with the administration of SAD 4, the Parade of Pirates scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 is being canceled. In announcing the cancelation, Valley Grange Program Director Walter Boomsma explained, “After reviewing the recent changes to Gov. Mills’ Executive Order, we made the unhappy decision to cancel the event in keeping with the spirit of the order and everyone’s safety.”

Boomsma also reminded everyone that the purpose of the parade is not canceled, “We just have to celebrate our community treasurers differently and more creatively.” He suggested that “even something as a simple card, email, letter or email to someone and saying thanks for being part of our schools and communities and the area we live in.”

Valley Grange offers a number of programs to support area communities ranging from providing dictionaries to third graders to making “fabric hugs” — blankets for children in conjunction with Project Linus. The Guilford Grange has a long history of programs to support schools and kids. Boomsma had a special message for the students, parents and teachers.

“In these uncertain times, I promise you this. We’ll be back,” Boomsma said.

Additional information about the cancellation and ideas for celebrating are available on the Valley Grange Website (http://valleygrange.com) and Facebook page.