“These essays by Walter Boomsma unpack the teachings of the Grange and relate them to today’s world and our everyday lives,” writes Betsy Huber, National Master (President) of the Grange. Many people, including Grange members themselves seem to be wondering about the relevance of this 150 year old organization in modern society. They may find some answers in Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life, a series of essays encouraging readers to understand the basis of Grange ritual and tradition. This is not a “guide to the Grange,” it truly is an exploration of some of the words and actions found in the Grange ritual and tradition. Included are the Grange Mission Statement and Declaration of purposes, allowing readers to take away from the book a new and deeper understanding of the Grange—not merely as an historical organization, but also an organization that teaches a way of life that aligns us with nature and creates community. Walter Boomsma is the author of "Small People-Big Brains: Stories About Simplicity, Exploration, and Wonder." He has served as Communications Director for the Maine State Grange since 2014 and has been a member of Valley Grange in Guilford Maine since 2003. In 2015, he began writing a monthly column for the Maine State Grange website designed to explore some of the rich tradition and history of the Grange. Several of those columns have been reprinted in Good Day!(TM), the magazine of the National Grange. In addition to a published author, he is an educator of adults and a substitute elementary school teacher. He is an active proponent of good mental health and a NAMI certified Mental Health First Aid Specialist for youth and adults. He and his wife Janice make their home in Abbot Maine.