Wayside Grange reorganizes

    DEXTER — Ten dedicated local citizens braved the bitter cold on the evening of Jan. 24 to show up at the Abbott Memorial Library to initiate a community program for the Wayside Grange for the upcoming season beginning in April.

    The revitalization of the Wayside Grange, formerly known as the North Dexter Grange began last month when Grange Master Dave Pearson called a meeting to discuss the status of the Grange.

    A preliminary schedule of concerts has now been planned with six definite bands booked so far, a talent night, a comedy show and a children’s play. In addition there will be regular monthly Grange suppers beginning on April 13.

    The Abbott Hill Ramblers will kick off the season’s concerts beginning on April 27 followed by Ken and Jane Brooks on May 25.

    At each event will be a fund raising 50/50 raffle and a pie auction to help support the grange. Joyce Whalen volunteered to bake the pies for the auction.

    Wally Warren volunteered to be on the stage committee along with Michelle Dyer-Fagan, Ram Das Singh and Dawn Huntt. Joe Kennedy is working with Pearson scheduling bands for monthly concerts. Das called for a Feb. 9, 2 p.m. meeting to work on the comedy night skits. Frank Spizuoco presented a preliminary budget for the season to cover expenses. Dave Greenham will be contacted about bringing his Theater of Ideas show “Maine At Work,” to Wayside for a presentation to follow a grange supper.

    Grange officers elected include Grange Master Pearson, Secretary Barbara Bekier and Treasurer Spizuoco.

    The next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at the library. All are invited.