Communication – Page 12 – Maine State Grange

Communications Column – March 2024

Website Updates = Communication Hygiene

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

“Bad noise crowds out good signal.”
Seth Godin

I left the Seth Godin Quote from last month because, to a large extent, we’ll be continuing the theme of “Communications Hygiene” with some recent accomplishments and ongoing efforts.

I’ve finally completed the review of Subordinate/Pomona Websites, Facebook Pages, and Groups. This annual review aims to ensure we are putting our best face forward and abiding by Grange Policy. It is not one of the most fun things I do, but it is one of the more important.

Overall, the results were positive, but there were a few issues. One website simply wasn’t working. One Facebook Group contained almost entirely spam posts promoting at least questionable work-at-home schemes. I have attempted to contact those Granges with an “FYI” email. In a few cases, I deemed removing the link from the MSG website necessary.

As a reminder, whenever an online presence is created, at least two people should be capable of accessing it and committed to maintaining it. This is especially true of social media pages and groups.

Also, as a reminder, if your Grange does have a social media presence, you should still submit your news and information to the MSG website. Once it’s posted there (usually within 24 hours of receipt), sharing it on social media is easy. The buttons at the bottom of every post make it just a matter of a few mouse clicks or screen taps.

You are undoubtedly aware of the increased applications of AI (artificial intelligence). Part of keeping our best face forward has always been grammar-checking, spell-checking, and minor line editing. We’ve been relying on AI for help with this for some time and will continue to do so. You may find it reassuring that I sometimes win arguments with the AI.

I bet I could make your eyes glaze over if I went into detail about our subscription issue. I will continue to maintain the list and send occasional lists of posted items, but it may be a while before we can automate it again. Stay tuned!

In anticipation of needing to make significant changes to get the subscription feature back online, I continue to purge old information from the site. We’re down below 1,000 posts–at one time, there were over 4,000! As a general rule (there will be some exceptions), information will be limited to the last two years. The data shows that older information is rarely viewed, and a streamlined site will be more efficient and much easier to manage. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

► FACT: During the first weeks of March, our “scholarship information” page has moved to the third position as “most viewed.” It’s that time of year!

Subscribe to The Maine State Grange Website!

Don’t You Believe This!

Here we go again, with another warning! Yesterday, I received an email that looked like it was from a Granger I know. “She” asked if I shopped at Amazon. It didn’t sound like her, but I replied that I do.

This morning I received a reply:

Glad! I’ve been trying to purchase a $150 Amazon E-Gift card by email, but it says they are having issues charging my card. I contacted my bank and they told me it would take a couple of days to get it sorted. I intend to buy it for my Friend of mine who is diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma cancer, It’s her birthday today. Can you purchase it from your end for me, I am just trying to put a smile on her face in this trying times. I’ll send you a check regarding the refund later. Here is her email (XXXXXX@comcast.net )and have it ordered From Me. Please and the message space, write Happy birthday Dear Kathie, Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Eph. 6:10, Let me know once you order it and send me the confirmation once it’s done.

Both emails I received come from an email address that I identify as the Granger’s. The style of writing and the number of errors, particularly in the second email, aroused my suspicion. While I don’t know this Granger extremely well, from previous email correspondence, this is not at all like her. The other red flag is the urgency. If this were legitimate, I’d expect a phone call–not an email.

I will call the Granger at a more reasonable hour. In the interim, if you receive a similar email, you might consider doing the same. It’s likely that someone has hacked her email account. She did hold a state office in the past, and it’s likely that the person sending these emails has access to her contact list.

This is not my favorite part of being Communications Director. Unfortunately, the digital world is complex and filled with hazards. Don’t be discouraged. Just be careful.

The Patrons Chain 3-08-2024

Articles in this edition include:

Speak LIke a “CHAMP” by Christine Hamp
March Heirloom
Where can I find? by Philip Vonada
Register for the Virtual Legislative Fly-in
Opinion: Your Grange’s Position by Walter Bommsma
Grange Month materials are available
Save the Date: Rural Minds and National Grange to present webinar
Commentary: Who Benefits from Daylight Savings Time
Grange Supply Store: Seven-Sided Patches
Grange Member Benefit: Avis

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to the Patrons Chain!

Read THE Current Issue

Subscribe to Patrons Chain

Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. Occasionally, a weekly issue isn’t sent, so the fact that one hasn’t been posted on the MSG website doesn’t necessarily mean we skipped it! You can double-check using the link (Read the Current Issue) above. Effective 2024, we will only maintain one year of issues on the MSG website.

Slam the Scam Day

The Social Security Administration has declared March 7, 2024 (and every day, really) as “Slam the Scam Day.” You can download or print their free scam alert sheet.

Scammers seem to be on the increase–and not just regarding Social Security. Fake invoices and calls claiming to be coming from Medicare… spoofed emails that are not from who they claim to be… friend requests on social media… you name it!

Report a Suspected Social Security Scam

Don’t be embarrassed to report if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. It is important to report the scam as quickly as possible.

Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information, and follow SSA OIG on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest scam tactics. Repost #SlamtheScam information on social media to keep your friends and family safe.

Lecturers: This might be a great program–there’s plenty of information available on the subject. It could also fall under Family Health and Hearing or Community Service.

Watch Your Eyes!

Portions courtesy of Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands

For about three minutes on Monday, April 8, 2024, the sun will be blotted out by our celestial neighbor, the moon. While this solar eclipse will be total in a band stretching diagonally across the state from the Rangeley Lakes Region to Caribou, other parts of the state will experience a partial eclipse.

Protect your eyes. Do not view the sun at any time without wearing solar glasses. Be prepared for unpredictable weather. It could be winter-like. Please recognize that early April in the total eclipse band area is essentially still winter with frozen lakes and rivers, potentially deep snow, cold temperatures, and many unplowed roads and parking areas. Gravel roads that are clear may be very soft and muddy. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, and do not rely on GPS in rural locations.

There are a number of “tips and tricks” for viewing, but the protective glasses (sunglasses are NOT sufficient) are not cost-prohibitive–they can be found online for less than $2 per pair. In bulk packs of ten, the price is closer to $1 per pair. Do not wait until the last minute to order! Have them in hand so you can have them on your face on April 8th.

Please also have this conversation with children. They will likely be fascinated by this phenomenon. Aren’t we all? Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Make sure they understand the risks!

Family Health and Hearing Chairs–share this concern with your members!

Community Service Chairs–consider a “viewing event” if your hall is located in a good viewing area–refreshments and free glasses included!

Communication Shorts 03-01-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

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

March Bulletin Coming Soon!

Officers and directors are reminded that columns and posts for the March Bulletin are due March 14, 2024. Remember, the past few Bulletins are available for downloading and printing on the Program Books and Information Page. We also do occasionally accept “guest posts” on topics of interest to Grangers. See the guidelines!

Update on Subscription Feature

This isn’t going to be a quick fix! In the meantime, I’ve instituted a manual workaround and will be creating regular emails to subscribers. These won’t be daily and will be based on posting activity. Communication will not stop! It may be a little slower, though. Thanks for your patience.

Grange Month Resources Available

The traditional resources (proclamation, sample press release, posters, etc.) are now available on the National Grange Website.

Free Publicity

Do you have news to share about your Grange? A summary of a past event? Advertising of a future event? These are exciting and fun ways to attract new members. Submit the details for a website post and event calendar listing! This is not difficult, and you get lots of free publicity!

Ideas for Granges

This one comes from a local library that has set up a FIX-IT Cafe. I could see it being themed-the basic idea is bringing together hobbyists with repair skills and people who need things fixed. There are certainly some challenges, but it’s something to think about. One of the most popular posts in recent history was Mill Stream Grange’s “Tool Library.” Hmmm, makes me think…

Thought for You…

“The energy of the mind is the essence of life.”
Aristotle

Do You Love the Grange?

The world wants to hear about it! Fill out the simple I Love the Grange Form… it only takes a couple of minutes! Thanks to all who have shared so far!

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!

Do You Have FOMO?

“FOMO” is a Fear Of Missing Out. One strongly recommended treatment is to subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website. We’ll send you a daily summary whenever news and columns are posted, and we won’t share your email address with anyone!

View from the Hill – February 2024

This monthly newsletter written by Burton Eller, National Grange Legislative Director, covers “what’s happening” in Washington on various topics of interest to Grangers.

View Updates

Substance Abuse Education in Maine

Gleaned from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin, District 4.

There are currently three bills before the Maine Legislature on the topic of Substance Abuse Education. Two of the bills were sponsored by Sen. Brad Farrin, R-Somerset.

One of the bills, LD 2089, outlined new initiatives to increase education and prevention efforts across the state. It would provide 10 hours of instruction for grades 6-12 on the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs, as well as establish the third week in October as “Drug Poisoning Awareness Week.”

His other bill, LD 363, seeks a study to bring together best practices across the state in the treatment and recovery of those suffering from substance use disorder.

A third bill discussed during the briefing was LD 986, which sought to increase penalties for those trafficking in fentanyl – a synthetic opioid many in law enforcement call a poison more than a drug. That bill died last year in non-concurrence between the chambers.

It’s not too early to be thinking about resolutions! Should the Grange support any of these bills or substance abuse education in general?

The Patrons Chain 2-23-2024

Articles in this edition include:

National Grange adopts new Mission Statement
If we could do anything…
Final Day to Order – Grange Strong Fundraiser
Grange Foundation’s Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship
Register for the Virtual Legislative Fly-In
Grange Month materials available
Save the Date: Rural Minds and National Grange to present webinar
Grange Supply Store: Vintage Grange Hall Dedication Plaques
Grange Member Benefit: American Income Life Insurance

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to the Patrons Chain!

Read THE Current Issue

Subscribe to Patrons Chain

Communication Shorts 02-17-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

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

February Bulletin Now Available!

The February Bulletin is now available! Remember, the past few Bulletins are available for downloading and printing on the Program Books and Information Page. We also do occasionally accept “guest posts” on topics of interest to Grangers. See the guidelines!

USDA Assistance for Severe Weather

If your farm suffers losses in this severe winter weather, you might qualify for USDA’s disaster assistance programs. Also, a reminder: if you have crop insurance, contact your agency within 72 hours if you suffer losses in this severe winter weather. (Compliments of UMaine Extension)

National Grange Email Addresses

Please note there is no “general” email address for National Grange–you’ll need to decide who to address your concerns and questions to! There is a Directory of National Officers and a Directory of Paid Staff on the National Grange Website.

Don’t Forget This!

Online Directory of Granges

Yay! The online directory of Granges is updated! This round of updates was based on the most recent Roster. The contact person and information may be the master or the secretary. (It’s a long story.) Please check your Grange’s listing and email the webmaster if anything needs to be changed!