Category: Web Site Information

Website information and helps

Communication Shorts 3-1-2025

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!

March Bulletin Available Coming Soon!

The March Bulletin deadline is March 14th! Submit those posts and columns now! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

National Grange Contest Updates

In the most recent issue of Grange Today! (see page 8), National Grange announced a number of changes to contests, including some that are dropped altogether. Directors and Chairs in Maine will be reviewing these to see what impact there might be on Maine Contests.

Grange Month!

Time’s a wastin’! As noted earlier, the National Grange did not release the traditional resources such as sample press releases. If I can help you and your Grange with publicity for the month, let me know! But don’t forget, every month can be Grange Month if we remember to celebrate!

A Favorite Poem

“The codfish lays ten thousand eggs.The homely hen lays one.
THe codfish never cackles to tell you what she's done.
And so we scorn the codfish, while the humble hen we prize, 
Which only goes to show you that it pays to advertise!"

Nikhil Sharda

Is your Grange a codfish for a hen? Can we hear some cackling? What’s your news! When’s your next event?

Words for Thirds

We continue to add to the resource pages. Most recently, we’ve added an article describing how to do a “Dictionary Race‘ with the kids when you hand out dictionaries. It’s fun! Everybody wins!

Consider this Idea!

Have you considered planning a spring spruce up for your hall? Make it a community event! Plan the activities so people can choose what to help with… and don’t forget to include a rain date! Make it a cabin fever reliever! Think big! Invite contractors! Take before and after photos!

Think about this!

“Fun is not an activity, it is a state of mind.”

 Bryant McGill

Online Directory of Granges

Our online directory of Granges has been updated based on the current roster. As time permits, we’ll be adding additional contact information. Our goal is to have at least two contacts available for every active Grange!

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • 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 consult these directories often.

Communication Shorts 2-15-2025

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!

February Bulletin Is Available!

The February Bulletin is now available! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Scholarship Updates

We have finished updating the Maine State Grange Scholarship Page! You can always add or change information by contacting us, but we won’t be nagging you for a while.

Online Directory of Granges

Our online directory of Granges has been updated based on the current roster. As time permits, we’ll be adding additional contact information. Our goal is to have at least two contacts available for every active Grange!

Words for Thirds

Congratulations to Ocean View Grange — what a fantastic success story goes with their recent Words for Thirds Project!

Consider this Idea!

At least one Grange in Maine has had great success with using a “sign up” system for keeping their hall plowed. They number storms and people with plows pick which storm number they will handle.

Think about this!

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

Edith Sitwell

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • 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 consult these directories often.

Communications Column – February 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Facebook and Social Media for Granges

“Not everyone uses Facebook!” Yes, I hear that cry. In fact, most of the Grangers I know personally do not. However, National Grange is becoming increasingly enamored of it, and we do have some Granges in Maine with Facebook Pages and Groups. Therefore, I’m devoting just one column to some essential things you should know. Just this week, I had an inquiry about a message from a Grange received accusing them of a trademark violation. It was a scam. The general consensus is that scams are increasing on Facebook and in general.

One prevalent one on Facebook concerns methods for you to “protect” what you post and limit what Facebook can do with it. In short, it doesn’t work. Since, as a writer, I frequently deal with copyright and intellectual property, I try to explain to people that if you post something on Facebook, you have given up all control of it. The minute you use FB, you’ve agreed to their TOS (terms of service), which no one ever reads. That means you’ve agreed they can use anything you post pretty much in any way FB sees fit. The TOS is effectively a contract between you and them.

Because of this, If I write something that I want to keep the rights to, I only post it on the website I own. I may post a link to the article on Facebook, but not the article itself. That doesn’t stop someone else from posting it. Now, if they do post the article, THEY (the person who posted my article) have violated MY copyright. Facebook is not guilty or responsible. Remember, Facebook has the right to anything posted, and you can’t change that agreement! (One reason they are claiming not to fact-check is liability reduction.)

If this happens, I could sue the person who posted it, but Facebook is pretty much off the hook. The point here is to understand the media you are using and use it responsibly. Simply put, you do not have the right to distribute someone else’s property without their permission. Think twice before posting something you don’t “own” on Facebook or other social media. The simple workaround is to post a link to the original material and not the material itself. Contrary to popular opinion, Facebook is not your friend. They don’t exist just so you can stay in touch with friends. In fact, the more “friends” you have, the better it is for them—even if those friends aren’t who you think they are.

That leads us to a second important point. You really should consider hiding your friend list on Facebook. When you are hacked or cloned (there is a difference), the person doing it is not after you; they are after your friends. When you leave your friend list available to the public, you only make Facebook happy while exposing your friends to more scams. It’s like saying, “These people are my friends—if you pretend to be me, you might be able to take advantage of them!

I’ll admit that I am not a huge fan of social media, but it can serve some great purposes. But it should be used cautiously and consciously. That’s not always easy, and it’s important to remember that Facebook’s and your interests do not always align.

One of the attractions of Facebook is how easy it is to use. I know someone who almost everyday posts, “Does anybody know what the weather will be like today?” I’m always tempted to answer, “Yes! I checked the NOAA forecast!” Easy doesn’t mean safe or smart. You have been warned! (By the way, most scams are easy to fall into; that’s why they work!)

Note the Maine State Grange Communications Handbook includes the National Grange Social Media Code of Conduct and a number of resources and communication ideas.

► FACT: Did you know that the MSG Communications Handbook includes a list of daily and weekly newspapers in Maine with contact information?

Didja Miss US?

A Communications Bulletin

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

Communications Logo

While most of us were sleeping, something happened to the websites I manage Tuesday morning at approximately 1:30. In short, they became inaccessible. I discovered it at 5:00 am and went to work on the problem, ultimately contacting the company that hosts the sites, including this one. I could probably bore you to tears with a step-by-step explanation. Suffice it to explain that after an hour plus, I was assured that everything would be fixed within 24 hours and, hopefully, sooner. (While they didn’t acknowledge it, the problem was created by something that happened with or at the hosting company.)

Then I received a text message from a thoughtful Granger letting me know about the problem. (She checks the site first thing every morning! Wow! I’m impressed.) This started me thinking about what to do next.

A few days ago, I left the house to do a few quick errands. I was several miles away when I realized I hadn’t picked up my cell phone on the way out. I confess that my first instinct was to call home so Janice would know I didn’t have my phone. I gave myself a slap on the forehead and a “duh” for that idea.

Probably because of that experience–and the fact that even I could not access the site–I didn’t long consider posting a message on the site explaining it wasn’t available. But it did occur to me that I could contact our website subscribers with an announcement and explanation. Yay! After doing that, I (we all, really) were at the mercy of the “team” at the responsible company. Fidgeting wasn’t going to be helpful, so I got back to my schedule for the day.

A bit to my surprise, the escalation team solved the problem fairly quickly and had the sites online at approximately 9:30 am. We were “down” for approximately eight hours–at least half of that in the middle of the night here in Maine.

First, sorry for the inconvenience if you were affected. “Uptime” is a key indicator in the website business, and we take it seriously.

Second, one thing this experience demonstrates is the value of subscribing to the website. When you subscribe, we’ll send you a weekly email (usually Sunday Morning) summarizing what’s been posted. But, more importantly, we can contact you by email on those rare occasions when something unusual or important happens. We don’t share subscribers’ email addresses or any personal information with anyone without your permission. And, of course, you can “unsubscribe” at any time! This truly is a “no risk”offer! Why not give it a try!

If you have any questions about the recent outage or subscribing, send an me email. My goal is to answer email within 24-48 hours.

Email the MSG Webmaster
Subscribe to the Website

Communication Shorts 2-1-2025

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!

February Bulletin Is Coming Soon!

The deadline for posts and columns is February 14. If you’re planning to spend that day romantically, submit early! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Scholarship Updates

LAST CALL! If your Grange is offering a scholarship, please visit the page and make sure your information is correct. Send changes either by using the Submit Tab or sending an email. If your listing is clearly out of date, it will be removed soon.

Words for Thirds

Check out the Words for Thirds Resource Pages here. Grange Month in April would be a great time to sponsor a project, but you’ll need to get started soon! National Grange has not yet released any Grange Month material, but we can do a “Our Grange Celebrates Grange Month by Sponsoring a Dictionary Day!” feature!

Loving the Grange

One of my goals for this year is to post at least one reason to love the Grange each month in 2025. The easiest way for you to help make this happen is for you to fill out this simple form. You can answer more than once! Why do you love the Grange?

Community Matters More Voting

Bangor Savings just announced its grant program for this year. As a reminder, only 501(c)3 organizations are eligible. Subordinate Granges are, therefore, not eligible. It’s a great program but writing in a local Grange is a waste of your vote!

Form 5102 Scam

Farms and other businesses may receive an official-looking “Form 5102” requesting a $119.00 payment to register “Beneficial Ownership Interest.” This is a documented scam. (There are requirements regarding B.O.I, but this isn’t one.)

Consider this Idea!

We recently saw an organization announcing a “Muffin Morning.” (I love alliterations, if you haven’t noticed.) It sounded like fun and definitely an easy program because there is no program. All you need are muffins and drinks and give the opportunity for a Koffee Klatch. Simple!

Think about this!

Groundhog Day is the perfect instance of optimism — you either choose to believe the rodent or not. Both options can give you a fantastic outlook for the future.

Anonymous

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • 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 consult these directories often.

Communication Shorts 1-16-2025

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!

January Bulletin Is Available!

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

Scholarship Updates

Last week, the Scholarship Page was the fourth most visited page on the site! It is that time of year. If your Grange is offering a scholarship, please visit the page and make sure your information is correct. Send changes either by using the Submit Tab or send an email.

Words for Thirds

Our official release date is January 18, 2025 but you can check out the Words for Thirds Resource Pages here. We’ve got some surprises coming! Stay tuned!

Loving the Grange

One of my goals for this year is to post at least one reason to love the Grange each month in 2025. The easiest way for you to help make this happen is for you to fill out this simple form. You can answer more than once! Why do you love the Grange?

Suspicious Submissions

I supposedly have received a submission through a company called “ShareFile.” Since it’s requiring me to log in and create an account, I haven’t. There are a couple of reasons I’m suspicious. If you’re “Tara White” and trying to reach me, you’ll have to be a bit more direct!

Consider this Idea!

The MSG Event Calendar for 2025 is still pretty bare at this point. Directors and Committee Chairs, please ensure your contest deadlines and events are listed! Granges, submit your programs and events! You are planning ahead, right?

Think about this!

“For in order that man may do well, whether in the works of the active life, or in those of the contemplative life, he needs the fellowship of friends.”

Thomas Aquinas

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • 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 consult these directories often.

Communications Column – January 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

New Developments

You’re probably aware of our new resource page(s) for the Words for Thirds Program. We’ll officially release on January 18, 2025, but it is a work in progress. Some resources, such as label templates and sample press releases, have already been accessed and used. There are still a few things “coming soon,” including an interview with Mary French, Director of the Dictionary Project. In addition to making life easier for Granges participating in Words for Thirds, we are determined to get more Granges in-terested in the program. As most know, I have been directing Valley Grange’s program for close to twenty years and I’m excited and happy to work with and assist Granges who are interested!

I’ve recently been working with the AARP Fraud Watch Network to add another resource to the MSG Website. We’ll post a weekly Fraud Watch Alert on specific types of fraud and scams. These will serve a dual purpose. First, Grangers will have access to concise information for their use. Second, the information can be used in lecturer’s programs and as FHH reports. As a bonus, these posts will have buttons at the bottom, making it easy to share them on social media or by email. Links are also provided, giving access to an AARP speakers’ bureau.

(Speaking of scams, stay suspicious! I’ve personally been getting hit with a lot of phony emails that look like they are from companies like United Health Care, Bitdefender Support, PayPal, Delta Airlines, FedEx, etc. They often are identified as “FW” (forwarded) in the subject line. Most have an attachment (which I do not open) and an offer of something free. When in doubt, don’t!)

The underlying development for the Words for Thirds Resources and AARP Fraud Watch Alerts is a more structured editorial plan for the website. We want the site to be resource-rich, engaging, and useful. As a reminder, every member is a reporter and potential contributor. Submit your news and events, but don’t hesitate to go beyond that. If you’re a lecturer, consider submitting your program ideas and tips. Tell us about your Community Service activities or how your Grange is improving Family Health and Hearing. Thanks to several “reporters,” we’re now working on some information regarding Grange Hall insurance that will be shared soon. I can’t do these things alone. That’s one reason I’ve adopted the slogan, “We’re Grangers. We help each other.”

► FACT: In the past week, the most visited posts and pages were the Grange Directory, Program Books and Information, Words for Thirds Resource Page, and Grange Scholarships.

Tell us why you love the Grange
Submit an Event or News
Find the button representing how and where you want to share a post.

Communication Shorts 12-31-2024

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 Is Coming Soon!

The deadline for posts/columns for the January Bulletin is Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Submit your stuff! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

We’re Still Looking for Help!

In case you missed it, we’re looking for your comments regarding both property and liability insurance on your Grange Hall! I know people have been busy with the holidays, but we’d like to summarize and share the information by January 15, 2025. See the original request and help us out!

Words for Thirds

Our official release date is January 18, 2025 but you can check out the Words for Thirds Resource Pages here. We’ve got some surprises coming! Stay tuned!

Loving the Grange

It’s not a resolution, but one of my goals for this year is to post at least one reason to love the Grange each month in 2025. The easiest way for you to help make this happen is for you to fill out this simple form. You can answer more than once! Why do you love the Grange?

Reminder! 2024 is now 2025

It usually takes a bit to get in the habit of writing the correct year. Thanks to technology, getting the year right is somewhat automated, but we still need to pay attention!

Consider this Idea!

The MSG Event Calendar for 2025 is pretty bare at this point. Directors and Committee Chairs, please ensure your contest deadlines and events are listed! Granges, submit your programs and events! You are planning ahead, right?

Think about this!

“Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing.”

Thomas A. Edison

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • 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 consult these directories often.

Communications Column – December 2024

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Making it Work

How providential that I recently received this email from Larry Bailey, Master of Ocean View Grange:

FYI – The dictionaries for the Ocean View Grange “WORDS FOR THIRDS” project have been ordered. There are two third-grade classes to whom we will distribute the books. The students have always seemed excited and grateful for getting the dictionaries. I was very surprised to see that response when we first gave out the dictionaries given that we live in an electronics and internet-based world.

Larry’s email was sent to members—I was copied. Communication creates involvement and allows people to feel engaged even if they are not directly participating. As another example, we recently completed Valley Grange’s “Dictionary Day” Words for Thirds Program. One of those days received front-page coverage in a weekly newspaper. As a direct result, a woman located some distance away sought out and called our secretary, explaining how much a dictionary meant to her as a child. She also mailed a $100 donation to us to support the program. She wanted to be part of what we were doing.

Words for Thirds is a program with a huge potential impact, particularly when we think about the communication aspect. What child doesn’t enjoy a gift? One reason I strongly urge an in-school presentation is that we are delivering more than dictionaries. We are delivering interest and care for our kids. Our organization and its members care about our third graders and their learning opportunities. I love telling the story of a high school student who saw and recognized me. She approached me to share that. I admitted she had an advantage because I did not recognize her. She explained, “I just want you to know that I still have the dictionary you and the Grange gave me when I was in third grade.”

Gifts are a form of communication. The impacts of the gift and the things we do (and don’t do) are yet another form of communication. It’s trite but true that sometimes what we do shouts so loud people can’t hear what we say. One of the things to love about Words for Thirds is it shouts and does a lot of good things loudly!

► FACT: We currently have sixteen Granges here in Maine participating in or interested in Words for Thirds!

Find the button representing how and where you want to share a post.
Tell us why you love the Grange
Submit an Event or News

Communication Shorts 11-29-2024

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 Coming Soon

The deadline for the December Bulletin is the fourteenth. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

Printable ODD Directory Available

ODD Directory provides a printable list of state officers, directors, and deputies with basic contact information. It can also be found on the Program Books and Information Page.

Scam Season

Grangers are no exception as targets! We’ve seen a few scam emails recently–remember to be a little suspicious, especially during the holidays!

Words for Thirds Resources

Coming soon! We hope to release what we have so far in the first week of December. You can read our first newsletter here!

Hollis Grange Presents Dictionaries

Hollis Grange delivered dictionaries to two third-grade classes in two different schools this past week. Words for Thirds strikes again!

Consider this Idea!

When having a meeting in the winter, make the hall look inviting! That includes some outside lighting. Remember, solar versions are available that do not require a wired connection!

Songbooks for Singing!

Ellie Collins has some Grange Songbooks that are looking for a good home! If you’re interested, contact her or let us know!

Think about this!

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

Laozi

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • 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 consult these directories often.