Category: Web Site Information

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
 mainestategrange@gmail.com.

March Bulletin

The deadline for the March Printed Bulletin is March 14. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Seeking Someone

Do you, your child, or your grandchild have some knowledge of WordPress? (For those unfamiliar, WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that allows users to create, manage, and customize websites without needing advanced coding knowledge. The Maine State Grange Website uses it.) If so, let’s connect and explore some opportunities. I could use a few hours of volunteer help occasionally.

Journals of Proceedings

The 2024 Journal of Proceedings has been received and posted, a summary of State Session held in 2024. Note these are large files with many pages and photos.

Rapid Resource

We’re always seeking resources of potential interest to Grangers and Friends that are not necessarily specific to the Grange. These will be short and easy to digest. As an example, the first concerns finding and tracking scholarships. You can help! Let me know what you think and, by all means, submit ideas and suggestions.

What’s Going On?

St Patrick’s Day and Grange Month programs and events needed now!

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine.

To Ponder…

“No idea is so antiquated that it was not once modern. No idea is so modern that it will not someday be antiquated.” 

attributed to Ellen Glasgow

An Idea for Your Grange

It’s a marriage made in heaven! There’s a consensus that food is an important component of events. How do you make that work for you?

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

• The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
• The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
 mainestategrange@gmail.com.

February Bulletin

The February Bulletin is now available for download. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Seeking Someone

Do you, your child, or your grandchild have some knowledge of WordPress? (For those unfamiliar, WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that allows users to create, manage, and customize websites without needing advanced coding knowledge. The Maine State Grange Website uses it.) If so, let’s connect and explore some opportunities. I could use a few hours of volunteer help occasionally.

Rapid Resource

We’re always seeking resources of potential interest to Grangers and Friends that are not necessarily specific to the Grange. These will be short and easy to digest. As an example, the first concerns finding and tracking scholarships. You can help! Let me know what you think and, by all means, submit ideas and suggestions.

National Grange Notes

Remember, applications for National Grange Rural Life Initiative Grants are due by February 28, 2026. (You must submit through the online portal.)

Your Grange Presence

If your Grange has an active website or social media presence, please make sure to let us know! We maintain a list on the site and publicize them as a source of more information.

To ponder…

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”

attributed to Abraham LIncoln

An Idea for Your Grange

I recently stumbled upon an organization offering a free “How to Write an Obituary” workshop. It might sound unusual at first, but offering some legacy-planning information could be a valuable service. Hospice workers, funeral directors, financial planners, etc., could be included.

What’s Going On?

St Patrick’s Day and Grange Month programs and events needed now!

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine.

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

• The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
• The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
 mainestategrange@gmail.com.

February Bulletin

The deadline for the February Bulletin is Valentine’s Day (February 14)! Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Rapid Resource

We’re introducing this on a trial basis. We’re always seeking resources of potential interest to Grangers and Friends that are not necessarily specific to the Grange. This will be short and easily digestible. As an example, the first concerns finding and tracking scholarships. You can help! Let me know what you think and, by all means, submit ideas and suggestions.

National Grange Rural Life Initiative Grants

Remember, applications are due by February 28, 2026. (You must submit through the online portal.

Your Grange Presence

If your Grange has an active website or social media presence, please make sure to let us know! We maintain a list on the site and publicize them as a source of more information.

To ponder…

“To lead people, walk beside them. As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate. When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!“

Lao-Tsu

An Idea for Your Grange

What are you planning for Grange Month (April)?

What’s Going On?

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine.

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

• The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
• The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
 mainestategrange@gmail.com.

February Bulletin

The deadline for the February Bulletin is Valentine’s Day (February 14)! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

To ponder…

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

Anthony J. D’Angelo

An Idea for Your Grange

Create a Greeters Committee to welcome new residents. If you work with the town office, you could inform them of resources and encourage their engagement in local activities, including your Grange events.

Waz up?

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine.

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

• The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
• The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

January Bulletin

The January Bulletin is now complete and available for download. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Have You Changed This?

The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330. The email address is mainestategrange@gmail.com.

To ponder…

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Winston Churchill

An Idea for Your Grange

Have you started planning for Grange Month in April? It’s a great opportunity to do something special, and it will be here soon! Don’t forget to submit your events and news!

ODD Directory Change

The online ODD Directory and Print Directory are being changed. Please note that the correct email for Nate Pennell is Pennella@yahoo.com.

Waz up?

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving!

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

• The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
• The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

January Bulletin

Deadline for the next Bulletin is January 14, 2026. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

To ponder…

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every year find you a better person.

Benjamin Franklin 

An Idea for Your Grange

Write an annual report of your Grange’s activities and accomplishments. Submit it for consideration in your town’s annual report. And submit it for publication on the Maine State Grange Website.

January Tasks

It’s actually a bit late, but is your roster information current? Once the new roster is out, we’ll be updating the online directory. Let’s keep it current!

Waz up?

Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving!

Don’t Shoot the Piano Player!

He’s playing as fast as he can. With the move and the end of the year, there’s a lot to be done on the site. Recent illnesses in the Boomsma household have been taking a toll! The docs keep reminding us that we’re not as young as we used to be and that it will take time. We’re gainin’! (If you see something that needs fixing, let us know!)

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

• The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
• The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated November 15, 2025.

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

December Bulletin

The December Bulletin is available for download. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Website Subscribers Sought

See the last page of the December Bulletin! Be sure to share with members!

Don’t Shoot the Piano Player!

He’s playing as fast as he can! Recent illnesses in the Boomsma household have been taking a toll! We’ll probably continue working a reduced schedule for at least another week.

To ponder…

I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all year.

Charles Dickens 

An Idea for Your Grange

With all the recent media attention to Food Insecurity, it could make sense to add some food items to your Book Exchange Box. If it’s outside, be aware of freezing!

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

• The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
• The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated November 15, 2025.

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

November Bulletin

The November Bulletin is available for download. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

New Words for Thirds Resource

We’ve added a sample press kit to the Words for Thirds Resources. A press kit is often provided to reporters who are attending or writing about a particular event. This one is based on five dictionary days, but is easily adaptable. Help reporters and journalists who are helping you.

Craft Shows

It’s that time of year! In case you missed it, we’ve created a Grange Craft Show Logo or Icon. It will be beneficial when we receive announcements of craft shows that do not include a photo or flyer and help create a sense of “branding” of Grange Craft shows. Feel free to use it! And remember to get your craft show listed on the website, where it will be seen across the state and beyond.

Website Subscribers Sought

See the last page of the November Bulletin! Be sure to share with members!

Don’t Shoot the Piano Player!

He’s playing as fast as he can! We’re still catching up with results and information from the State Session. A printable ODD Directory is now available! Get yours today! (A copy will be snail-mailed to secretaries with the Bulletin.) The online ODD Directory should also be correct.

Think About This!

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Melody Beattie 

An Idea for Your Grange

With all the recent media attention to Food Insecurity, it could make sense to add some food items to your Book Exchange Box. If it’s outside, be aware of freezing!

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

• The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
• The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated November 15, 2025.

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

November Bulletin

Deadline for the November Bulletin is November 14th. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Belated Greetings from the National President

Through what might be seen as a comedy of errors, we missed posting a Maine-specific video of greetings to our State Session from National President Chris Hamp. We’ve now added it to the 151st Session page — you can watch it there or on YouTube by clicking this link.

Bangor Savings Bank PB&J Drive

If you or your Grange were proud participants in the Bangor Savings recent drive collecting PB&J for food banks, you should know! BSB announced that this year’s collection resulted in over 39,000 jars! They estimate that since the program began in 2012, they’ve collected and distributed more than 185,000 jars. That’s enough to make over 3 million PB&J Sandwiches!

Craft Shows

It’s that time of year! In case you missed it, we’ve created a Grange Craft Show Logo or Icon. It will be beneficial when we receive announcements of craft shows that do not include a photo or flyer and help create a sense of “branding” of Grange Craft shows. Feel free to use it! And remember to get your craft show listed on the website, where it will be seen across the state and beyond.

Website Subscribers Sought and Found!

We added 14 website subscribers during the State Session. “Inquiring minds want to know!” We’ve also been getting more since then. Here’s a form you can print (there are two per page) to post and hand out to your members and guests to help keep them in the know! 2025 FOMO Subscriber Form.

Don’t Shoot the Piano Player!

He’s playing as fast as he can! We’re still catching up with results and information from State Session.

Think About This! CHANGE

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Melody Beattie 

An Idea for Your Grange

Before you get overwhelmed with the holidays, it’s a great time to review the status of your future projects, such as Words for Thirds and your Book Exchange Box.

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes! The officer portion of the ODD Directory should now be accurate. Deputies and Directors are being updated.

• The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
• The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information.