Category: Communication

Grange Makes Front Page Headlines

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

Some may recall that Vicki Huff and I were invited to speak at the Waterboro Maine Historical Society–headquartered in a former Grange Hall. Coverage of the event made the front page of The Reporter— “Your Community Newspaper” in the Waterboro area. It is always fitting and appropriate to see the words “Grange” and “community” together.

When I talked with Cynthia Matthews, the reporter who wrote the story, it was also rewarding that she was familiar with Porter Gange and some of its activities. Too often, the local Grange is the best-kept secret in an area–not only from the media but also from the people who might be interested in joining or supporting it.

The media business has changed dramatically over the past decade or two. We no longer see local reporters showing up at events or chasing down stories. (In this case, Matthews didn’t attend, but asked a friend to take photos, and she subsequently did her interviews by telephone.) I know many people are intimidated by the idea of writing articles for the media, but it’s not that difficult to develop relationships with reporters and editors. We can help them with “tips” and simply let them know what’s going on at the Grange.

Don’t forget, there’s a Communications Handbook available for free on the MSG Website. It lists a number of daily and weekly newspapers throughout Maine and lots of tips and tactics for getting your news and events published. If you’re having an event, make sure you publicize it! Don’t have a party and forget to invite people!

Read the entire article in The Reporter

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

This article is reprinted with permission from the Brain Leaks and Musings Website.

On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) transitioned to an easy-to-remember, 3-digit number (988).

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

The original number will continue to work. 988 is built off of that 10-digit number. Using either number will get people to the same services. In the end, 988 is an easier-to-remember way to access a strengthened and expanded network of crisis call centers.

In Maine, calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline have been routed to the existing Maine Crisis Line since 2018. With Saturday’s launch of 988, the process remains the same — only the number is changing.

The Maine Crisis Line will continue to answer calls, texts and chats to the current 10-digit number (1-888-568-1112) and calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-TALK), as well as answering calls to the 988 Line. Texts and chats to 988 continue to be handled by the national Lifeline support center.  Regardless of which number individuals dial, calls are answered 24/7 with free, confidential help and support for non-English speaking and deaf or hard-of-hearing callers.

Resource Guide for Veterans

This article is reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by Paul Stearns, State Representative for District 119.

The Bureau’s Maine Veterans’ Benefits and Resource Guide documents a wealth of information regarding services and partner agencies throughout the state for Maine’s veterans and their families. This ever-evolving document strives to be a one-stop resource for all the veteran-centric programs and agencies in Maine that can be accessed both digitally and in print. The State of Maine provides nearly 20 different programs for veterans, including free education for dependents of 100% permanent and totally disabled veterans, property tax exemptions, state parks and museum passes, support for homeless veterans, and hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans. Throughout the state, over 400 organizations have established programs to assist veterans and service members wishing to continue their education, increase employment opportunities, access health care, or simply enjoy Maine’s great outdoors. Let this guide serve as a roadmap to the benefits and resources available whether you are a veteran, family member, active duty service member, an advocate, or are transitioning out of the military back into civilian life. The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services remains committed to meeting the individual needs of

Maine’s veterans and service members and hope that this guide will help you gain a full understanding of the benefits, services, and programs that are currently available. Maine has a long tradition of military service that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Established in 1947, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services strives to be informed advocates for Maine’s veterans’ community. Working with community partners, the Bureau has formed a united mission to serve and we thank those organizations for their continued support in business, education, and the social services sectors. In addition to this Resource Guide, we encourage you to visit our website (www. maine.gov/veterans) to learn more about the services and programs available. As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions.

View and Downlaod the Maine Veterans’ Benefit and Resource Guide

Merriconeag Grange Seeks Members

Merriconeag Grange is located in Harpswell, Maine

Check out this article written by freelancer Sam Lemonick for the Harpswell Anchor. The article not only explores some of the factors creating declining membership in fraternal and community organizations, it explores ideas and adaptations that can impact local Granges’ relevance and growth.

The Merriconeag Grange isn’t in immediate danger. Despite struggles to convene formal meetings, Sam Alexander says it is doing better than most Maine Granges, both financially and in terms of membership.

Check out the article to find out how they are doing it!

Happy Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July – also known as Independence Day or July 4th – has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolutionary War.

On July 2nd, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence allowed Congress to seek alliances with foreign countries, and the fledgling U.S. formed its most important alliance early in 1778 with France. Without France’s support, America might well have lost the Revolutionary War. The war waged by the American colonies against Britain, which began more than a year earlier in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord near Boston and ended at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781 when British forces surrendered, had far-reaching effects around the globe as other nations saw a small novel nation win its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

This article is reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by Paul Davis, State Senator for District 4.

Coming up in July…

  • July 9, 2022, Seaside Grange Rummage and Bake Sale, 9 am-noon. Email Seasidegrange@gmail.com for more information.
  • July 9, 2022, St George Grange Public Supper, 5 pm at St George Grange Wiley’s Corner. Call 372-8904 or 372-6768 for more information.
  • July 11, 2022, Piscataquis Pomona Fun and Fundraiser at 5 pm. Contact Pomona Overseer Walter Boomsma for further information.
  • July 14, 2022, MSG Bulletin Deadline — columns and posts are due.

This information is from the Conferences and Dates Page. We do our best to list conferences, regional events, state meetings, Pomona meetings, and local Grange events with dates and links to information! Please remember, we can’t post what we don’t know. 

We’re back!

Did you miss us? The site has been “restored” to its status on June 16, before a phishing attack from Turkey. I’ve not checked every function–if you find something not working, please send an email.

There was an issue with the “submit” tab–the submit form disappeared. I have some ideas for improvements to the form and process and will be working on them soon. For now, the easiest way to submit events and information is to send an email.

One priority at the moment is catching up on posts that have been submitted. Do keep those coming!

Also, I’ve purchased a service called “Prevention” that should go a long way towards keeping hackers at bay. We actually made it through nearly twelve years without a major problem–let’s hope we can at least match that record.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Thanks for your patience and support.

Communication Alert!

NOTE: The situation was resolved late last night! We are catching up!

For the past 24 hours, I’ve been unable to receive or send email. The problem is NOT resolved–it’s a Microsoft issue, and they are not being at all helpful. I’m working on it, but the end is not in sight. This also means I am not receiving site-related emails such as comments that need approval.

Please be patient. If you have a situation that requires attention, try this address or call or text me at 207 343-1842,

Thanks!

Get Counted!

MSG Comm Department Logo
This article is reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by UMaine Extension Service.

The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land – whether rural or urban – growing fruit, vegetables, or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, and expenditures. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity. June 30, 2022, is the last day to sign up for the 2022 Ag Census. If you have never received a census and are new to NASS surveys, sign up to be counted today. You do not need to sign up if you already receive NASS surveys.

Jonesboro Grange Does It!

Resources for Granges

produced by the
Maine State Grange Communications Department

Unfortunately, we experienced some audio issues during this interview, but they won’t keep you from experiencing the energy and enthusiasm that exists in Jonesboro Grange and, more importantly, their community! This Grange has grown in size and attributes much of its current success to the pandemic. Discover their win-win approach to activities and programs and how they partner with community organizations.

Visit the Jonesboro Grange Facebook Page

Check out:

  • More Resources for Granges — Program Information and Inspiration
  • Program Books and Information –Information arranged by committee and topic.