Category: Resources for Granges and Grangers

Communication Shorts 04-30-2024

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!

May Bulletin Coming soon!

The deadline for the May Bulletin is Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Keep those cards and letters coming in! You can find recent issues of the Bulletin on the Program Books and Information Page.

This Might Be Ironic

A recent “Word of the Day” in The Dictionary Project Newsletter was hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia. No, it’s not a fear of hippotamus. It’s a fear of long words!

Katherine Rhoda Concerts

You may have received an offer from Katherine to perform a Grange-themed concert at your location. For those planning an anniversary celebration or open house, this could be a good fit! For more information, contact Katherine through her website.

Consider this Idea!

There appears to be a growing trend towards informal social events. For example, in Abbot a group of people meet weekly to play board and card games. There’s not a lot structure and work involved. Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest.

Under Consideration – Online Grange Directory

We are considering a change to the online Grange Directory. Instead of listing one contact, we may include two: the master and the secretary. This will double the odds of interested people reaching someone and getting a response. If you have any thoughts about this, let me know!

Submit News! Be “famous”

Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!

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!

Another Scam Alert!

I’m still working on this one… an email came through the website containing the following:

I am having my party in May, I want it to be held at your venue, with 50 guests invited. I’m flexible with the date. Before we proceed with our request, please
answer the following question below;

  1. Do you accept credit cards or check payment?
  2. Can you work with our official band performing for the event regarding payment to them?

Those with a dose of caution will immediately note several red flags:

  • No venue is given–where do they intend to have it?
  • No information is offered about the host or the nature of the party.
  • The only questions are regarding payment. No questions regarding the facilities?
  • While I didn’t include it, the end of the email suggested urgency due to the fast-approaching date.

Mostly out of curiosity, I replied to the email requesting more information, noting that the Grange does not assume financial responsibility for providers at events. I’ll be surprised if I hear from “Kirk” again.

I’ve shared this to alert Granges who are renting their halls to be cautious when making financial arrangements. Doing your diligence is the mark of a good steward!

Communication Shorts 04-16-2024

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!

April Bulletin Available

The April Bulletin is now available for downloading and printing! You can find recent issues of the Bulletin on the Program Books and Information Page.

Staying Safe

Just another reminder not to automatically respond to email or text messages that “don’t sound right.”

National 9-1-1 Education Month

April is being observed as National 9-1-1 Education Month, an observance designed to ensure that the public is ready to access help during emergencies.

NHTSA: National 911 Program and Know 911

This is also an excellent time to make sure you know the 911 address for your Grange Hall–it’s usually also the GPS address. Post in around the hall so if there’s an emergency, you can provide it to the dispatcher!

Consider this Idea!

Discussion Groups! We recently learned of a local Council on Aging sponsoring General Quarters!, a monthly roundtable discussion group focusing on military topics. What a great name! But almost any topic could work. It wouldn’t have to include a formalized program–just an opportunity for people to come together and discuss a mutually interesting topic. Gardening, cooking, reading… use your hall!

Fraternal Announcement

Since some may have participated in a card shower for Basil Clement, it is my sad duty to inform you that he passed away on Easter Sunday, just 21 days short of his 95th birthday. His niece and hospice nurse have both expressed much appreciation to the Grange for making his final days happy and for providing companionship.

Bangor Savings Bank Community Matters More 2024

Recipients of the Community Matters More Grants have been announced! See the list here!

Submit Events! Be “findable”

The MSG website is easy to find and gets a lot of use! In the last seven days, 132 people visited the site after searching on Google. It really does make sense to submit your events and make sure your information is correct in the online directory! We especially need working email addresses that are checked regularly!

Submit News! Be “famous”

Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!

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!

Communications Column – April 2024

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Remember “Booster Nights?” I’m not sure there ever was a clear definition or description, but it would probably be fair to describe it as a recruiting effort to “boost” membership with an open house-themed meeting or program.

I’m not aware of any data, but I suspect you won’t find too many people who joined the Grange after attending a Booster Night in recent years–for one thing, they’ve gone out of fashion. But remembering them raises a question. In our efforts to grow our Granges, what are we boosting?

People join the Grange and maintain their membership for various reasons, which can be very diverse and individualistic. I haven’t kept track, but the most common explanation I’ve heard for joining is family tradition—”my parents and grandparents were members.” In “my” Grange, we have a few members who pay their dues but aren’t involved, don’t attend meetings, but maintain their membership status. No criticism is implied. It’s just a fact.

Does that mean we should be contacting all of our current members’ relatives?

If we are promoting the Grange, maybe so. In a somewhat desperate sense, any reason for joining is acceptable, right?

But the more important question arises. What are we boosting? Or, in a larger way, what are we communicating?

Within the context, it might be time to think about what the Grange does in addition to what it is.

It’s probably time to dust off the “Why I love the Grange” survey. If you read some of the reasons, you won’t see many, “I love the Grange because it is an organization with a long history and agricultural roots…” Most of the answers reflect what the Grange does and how those current members actually benefit. Those answers tell us what we should be communicating if we want to attract new members. We should be looking for “like-minded” people.

Many members mention “family” in explaining why they love the Grange. So, a simple example of what that might mean is we should include “family-friendly” when promoting events. (And we’d better mean it. Valley Grange has an “activity tote” and “book tote” that visiting kids are encouraged to use—and they get to take one home. If they bring it back, they can trade it for another or just keep it.)

In addition to “family-friendly,” it might make sense to use the word “community” when promoting your Grange’s activity. While not always aware of it on a conscious level, many people are searching for a sense of belonging to something. Maybe your “public supper” should be a “community supper.” It sounds too simple and almost trite, but words can mean a lot. I once had someone admit they would be more likely to attend a “Grange Program” than a “Grange Meeting.” Meetings are for members. Programs are for everyone.

What is your Grange doing these days? Boost that because your Grange is what it does.

Tell us why you love the grange
Submit an Event or News

► FACT: The website currently has 862 posts and 20 pages! That’s a lot of information!

Promoting Maine Farm Products

Reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by UMaine Extension

Real Maine offers statewide promotions (print, radio, web, and news stories) to encourage visitors to meet participating members and support Maine agriculture year-round. There is no fee for farms to join Real Maine or the voluntary promotional opportunities. Members can refer to DACF’s agritourism resources to help their event planning. More information here.

Maine’s Open Farm Day happens, rain or shine, on the fourth Sunday in July. Save the date: The 35th event will occur on July 28, 2024.

Eclipse Day Update

Reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.

As we reported last month, millions of Americans will have an opportunity to see a total solar eclipse when the Moon’s shadow will sweep across the nation on April 8. The last time the U.S. saw a total solar eclipse was in 2017. However, this time the path of the eclipse will travel right through the heart of Maine.

Towns from Jackman and Greenville to Millinocket and Houlton are preparing for heavy traffic and thousands of tourists who will travel north to see the first total solar eclipse in Maine since July 1963. This year’s eclipse, or “path of totality,” will begin its North American journey in Mazatlan, Mexico, at 9:51 a.m. MST.

The first Maine town to see the partial eclipse will be Jackman beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT. It will leave the U.S. through Houlton at 4:41 p.m. EDT. The total eclipse begins roughly 70 minutes after the onset of the partial eclipse.

According to recent news reports, some of those towns are depending upon eclipse tourists to salvage what has otherwise been a dismal snowmobiling season. The expected event turnout has even led to changes in school schedules, as some districts will release students early to allow them to watch it and address traffic safety concerns.

Schools in towns like Houlton and Jackman will be closed entirely. Both are directly centered in this year’s path.

Aside from its path, the major difference this year compared with the eclipse in 2017 is the size of the path of totality and the duration of the eclipse itself. According to NASA, this year’s path will be much larger than in 2017, ranging 108 to 122 miles wide since the Moon is closer to Earth.

That means the duration will be longer at about 4.5 minutes at its peak. When the total eclipse rolls through Houlton, it should last 3 minutes, 21 seconds. Totality lasted only 60 seconds in 1963.

For more information about this year’s total solar eclipse, visit NASA’s website.

Do NOT look at the sun/eclipse without protective eyewear! Please remind children – several times – of this!

Grange Songbooks Exposed!

As most know, Grange Friend Katherine studies and performs vintage songs of the Grange. After completing exhaustive research, Katherine has published an extensive history of Grange Songbooks and Sheet Music on her website. Where available, links to digital copies are provided, as well as more in-depth information. Like so much of Grange History, there is much color and a few surprises! Did you know, for example, that The Grange Polka was written by Frank Howards and published in 1874 by John Church & Co.?

On the introductory page, Katherine reminds us of one song that proclaimed the motto of the the Patrons was “Plow Deep.”

Bold monopoly and faction we’ll ever keep at bay
“Plow deep’s” the motto of the Patrons!
And dishonesty shall tremble when farmers clear the way,
“Plow deep’s” the motto of the Patrons!

George Cooper

Like many of the lessons of the Grange, a motto proclaimed in our early history and still applicable today!

We are grateful to Katherine for “plowing deep” and providing this labor of love. Not only do we learn a lot about Grange music, but her complete history provides insights into how the Grange worked many years ago.

The detailed History of Grange Songbooks and Sheet Music

Contact Katherine
Katherine’s Website
Katherine’s Fac

ebook Page

Communication Shorts 03-24-2024

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!

Happy Anniversary to Whom?

We’ve had a request for information regarding any 150th Anniversary Celebrations being planned. If it’s your Grange’s Year, let us know!

Save This Idea!

It’s too late for this year, but the town of Falmouth, Maine, is sponsoring an April Stools Day event (that’s not a typo). Volunteers will clear the Falmouth Community Park trails for spring (with special attention to dog waste). Trash bags and gloves will be available for participants. The event will have a party atmosphere and fun prizes.

Grange Rideshare–New England Lecturers’ Conference

We have at least one person seeking a ride to the NELC in June who is willing to share expenses. The conference is June 21-23 in Norwich, CT. If you are going and have some room, let’s see if we can create some connections!

Submit Events! Be “findable”

The MSG website is easy to find and gets a lot of use! In the last seven days, 132 people visited the site after searching on Google. It really does make sense to submit your events and make sure your information is correct in the online directory! We especially need working email addresses that are checked regularly!

Submit News! Be “famous”

Submitting news can be as simple as a photo and “cutline.” A cutline is a brief description–longer than a caption–to accompany the photo. Let’s prove that the Grange is alive and well in Maine! (Photos should be submitted as an attachment to an email.) We get inquiries from people looking for active Granges!

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!

Communication Shorts 03-15-2024

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 Now Available

Get it here! Remember, the past few Bulletins are available for downloading and printing on the Program Books and Information Page. We also occasionally accept “guest posts” on topics of interest to Grangers. See the guidelines!

Starling Hall Auction

Have you placed your bids yet? (There’s a copy of Exploring Traditions available and it benefits a good cause!)

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.

Deering Grange Website

Check out the new Deering Grange Website! It’s great that another Grange now has an Internet presence.

Ideas for Granges

Is it time for some spring cleaning? Can your hall and grounds become a community effort? Is there a local garden club that might help with landscaping?

Thought for You…

“I find my greatest freedom on the farm. I can be a bad farmer or a lazy farmer and it’s my own business.”

Robert Frost

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!

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!