Category: Communication

Communication Shorts 3-30-2025

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!

April Bulletin Coming Soon!

The April Bulletin deadline is April 14, 2025. 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.

Scholarships Are a Hot Item

Our scholarship page continues to get hit pretty hard! One reason might be that we’ve arranged for the Ag Scholarships to be listed on the FFA (Future Farmers Association) website!

990 Filing Scams

In the most recent issue of Grange Today! The Connecticut State Master alerted us to scams relative to filing 990s. This is most often handled by State Secretaries, and any questions and concerns should be addressed to MaineStateGrange@my fairpoint.net.

Degree Day, April 27, 2025

Have you made your arrangements? Don’t forget to work with Maynard Chapman (207) 312-5591 if you have questions or are bringing candidates.

State Convention, October 17-18, 2025

A very preliminary page of information is now available on the website….it includes location and general information. This page will grow as additional information becomes available!

Consider this Idea!

Are you thinking of spring cleaning? Would the community help with raking and landscaping? Make it a party! Don’t forget to make sure your 911 address number is visible. It’s also to list some emergency contact phone number, usually with a card in the window of the door.

Think about this!

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”

 Albert Einstein

Online Directories Available 24-7

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

Grange Today! 3-28-2025

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • President issues Grange Month Challenge
  • Grange Ambassadors shine on Capitol Hill
  • National Grange Appoints Director of Fun”
  • View from the Hill
  • Grange Advocacy Playbook
  • PA invites participation in legislative Zoom, virtual food drive
  • Grange Spirit Week Guide
  • Elevating Grange Month: A year-round focus through Community Service
  • 990 E-Postcard Scam Warning
  • Grange Store: Grange Socks
  • Presidents urged to take “Action” this Grange Month
  • Grange Member Benefit: Choice Hotels

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!

Read THE Current Issue
Subscribe to Grange Today!

Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.

Fraud Watch- How to help repeat fraud victims

MSG Communications Resources Logo
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

All too often, victims of fraud are repeatedly deceived by the same criminals regarding the same scheme. Or, once victimized, some are that much more vulnerable to new scams.

If your loved one is experiencing this, gently ask thoughtful questions that may prompt them to reflect on the situation, helping them recognize inconsistencies and come to their own conclusion that it may be a scam. It’s also important to try to understand underlying issues like unmet emotional or financial needs and develop a plan to address them.

Importantly, have regular discussions about scams with family and friends. When you read or hear about some new scheme, talk about it. Put your concerns about protecting your loved ones in the context that fraud is everywhere but together we can help protect one another.

Lastly, and most importantly, avoid blaming the victim. Criminals are skilled manipulators who exploit our emotions. Victims need support, understanding and reassurance from their loved ones.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

More Topic Resources

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out the AARP online form or email me@aarp.org.

Mill Stream Grange Supports Education

Mill Stream Grange members (back row l-r) Paula Hanley, Lisa Goucher, and Jill Sampson presented dictionaries to the two third-grade classes at Cape Cod Elementary School on March 7.  The students had fun learning about all the different ways to use the dictionary, and each spelled their name using the sign language chart.  The school is very supportive of Mill Stream’s effort and wholeheartedly welcomes us back every year. We’re honored to help support education in our area.

Reminder! Be cautious!

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

We’re again getting reports of people receiving an email that appears to be from Master Sherry. At first glance, this one appears to be legitimate and includes “I could really count on you to help with this important project. Maine State Grange need some gift cards for donate to Veterans in Hospice and care units. I will personally handle reimbursement.” [sic] (Grammar errors are also a clue.)

If you are thinking, “that doesn’t sound right,” you are correct. Here’s another important clue:

Your best practice is to ignore ANY email requesting gift cards. Do not click any links in it, and do not reply to it. If you are concerned about the request, contact the sender directly by some other method.

If you’ll forgive (or at least tolerate) an attempt at humor… “A patron places faith in God, nurtures hope, dispenses charity but is also cautious!”

Info Sought – Thorne’s Corner Grange #498

Drew writes:

Looking for any information regarding Thorne’s Corner Grange in Lewiston (Grange number 408 or 498?). It was torn down in the late 80’s/early 90’s. During demolition, my father was able to retrieve the stained glass window, and it is now in my possession. I would love to get more historical information.

Thank you.

We’ve replied:

Congratulations on having that window! Unfortunately, information regarding closed Granges can be a real challenge. We’ve found that local historical societies are sometimes a great source! A list of resources is available on the site. According to one resource, Thornes Corner was chartered on 9/19/1874 and closed in 1948. Some records may be available at the Fogler Library in Orono’s special collections.

If you have any information regarding this Grange, please contact Drew directly!

Fraud Watch- Crooks want gold bars now

MSG Communications Resources Logo
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

Understanding the ways criminals seek to steal money can help you stay a step ahead of scams.

While scams take many forms, scammers may seek payment through a few hard-to-trace methods with few or no protections, including gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps and, more recently, gold bars.

Criminals impersonating law enforcement or bank employees may convince targets to protect their bank accounts from an active hack by withdrawing their savings and purchasing gold bars as a way to keep their money safe. Then they send a courier to pick up the gold bars for ‘safekeeping.’ This scheme is happening across the country and victims are having their entire life savings stolen in this way. If your bank calls about an urgent matter, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be legitimate.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

More Topic Resources

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out the AARP online form or email me@aarp.org.

Janice loves the Grange!

A fellow Granger is never a stranger. There is an immediate bond between Grangers. We are part of a long and honorable tradition. Through Grange Programs, I can serve my community in ways I cannot do alone.

Janice, Valley Grange #144