Category: Resources for Granges and Grangers

Valley Grange Dictionary Day Schedule

Valley Grange #144 of Guilford recently announced the schedule for its 2025 Words for Thirds Dictionary Project. The local Grange’s program is in its 21st year and has provided over 4,000 dictionaries to third-grade students in four area school districts. The presentations include some Grange history and an introduction to some basic dictionary skills.

Valley Grange Program Director Walter Boomsma notes, “In this age of technology, it’s inspiring to see the kids’ enthusiasm when getting their very own paper dictionary.” He also noted that a recent newsletter from the Dictionary Project reported that Sweden has shifted its emphasis from electronics back to “real” books, after seeing its fourth-grade reading scores tank.

“We’ve always said that third grade marks a critical difference. In earlier grades, students are learning to read. In third grade, they start reading to learn.”

Grange teams will be visiting SeDoMoCha Elementary in Dover Foxcroft on November 3rd, Ridgeview Elementary on November 5th, Brownville Elementary on November 10th, Harmony Elementary on November 12th, and Piscataquis Community Elementary on November 13th.

Boomsma notes that he particularly enjoys introducing the students to the word “steward” because it emphasizes the importance of making good use of resources, as well as the title of an officer in every Grange. “We challenge them to make good use of their new dictionaries and love hearing their ideas for how they will do that.”

Valley Grange President Jim Annis says, “For many kids, getting their dictionary is a rite of passage.” He loves telling the story of meeting two third graders who explained to him that this is the year they get their dictionaries. Last year, a student at Ridgeview expressed surprise that he was receiving a gift, even though it wasn’t his birthday.

Happy Dictionary Day!

Fraud Watch- Aspenm Institute Fraud Task Force

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

Fraud today is largely run by sophisticated, large-scale operations led by transnational crime groups, stealing an estimated $158 billion from Americans in a single year. This is not just a consumer education issue — it’s a national security threat that demands urgent attention.

That’s why AARP has joined the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention. Alongside more than 80 organizations — including financial institutions, technology companies, law enforcement, federal agencies and consumer advocates — we helped launch a proposal for the first ever national fraud strategy that lays out a blueprint for stronger, coordinated action to combat fraud.

This strategy marks a shift from fragmented efforts to a coordinated defense and is a critical step forward with clear pathways for government and industry to work together to establish a whole-of-society response to the fraud threat.

AARP is proud to be part of this effort, and we look forward to working with partners and policymakers to improve collaboration, modernize information sharing and reporting, and enhance law enforcement capabilities in the fight against fraud that harm millions of Americans.

More Topic Resources

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

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.

Grange Libraries Take Different Forms

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

Did you know that for many years, Granges often maintained a library of books available to members? I suspect some still do! Well, here are some ideas that will drive traffic to your Grange Hall and, more importantly, make your Grange more relevant to your community.

Little Fee Libraries (LFL)

The first is inspired by Caroline Heck, Junior Granger from Mill Stream Grange #574. Caroline is working on her Girl Scout Silver Award to raise awareness of the importance of childhood literacy. Her project includes building and placing a Little Fee Library™ (LFL) at the Grange and informing the community of the importance of access to books in early childhood. Master Jill Sampson is her Project Advisor. She has already collected 203 books, a mix of board books, picture books, early chapter books, and middle-grade novels, all donated by the local community. She’s scouted a location at the hall for placement: out front at the edge of the flower bed where it meets the parking lot, so it will be safe from the plow but always accessible.

Book Exchange Boxes (BEB)

Ocean View Grange’s “Book Exchange Box” is ready for action.

Ocean View Grange in Port Clyde went from an idea to completion quickly. The idea came from someone who has a bit of a hobby of filling area libraries, and she suggested the Grange would make a great location! The idea truly took on a life of its own. Interestingly, much of the work that went into the project was completed by folks who are not Grange members. Yet. The entire project was accomplished from start to finish in a matter of weeks!

(Just to clarify, an outside library cannot be considered an LFL until registered and assigned someone–a steward–to monitor and maintain the box.)

Granges in Maine Book Exchange Program

Several other Granges have different programs and approaches, and the MSG Communications Department wants to help! We’re pleased to announce that we’ve created a BEB Resource Section on the website for Granges who are interested in or operating a Book Exchange Program.

The section includes more information on creating a Little Fee Library™ or Book Exchange Box, a comprehensive list of potential sources of free books, document templates… it will always be under construction, so please share your ideas and experiences. And let us know how we can help!

Communication Shorts 10-15-2025

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!

October Bulletin

Yes, there is an October Bulletin, although with the State Session, the mailing of the physical copy may be delayed a bit. The digital copy is available on the site. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

National Grange Website Links

Some recent changes to the National Grange Website have resulted in some links not working. If you encounter broken links on the Maine State Grange website, please report them to Walter. If you encounter them on the National Grange website, report them to National Grange.

In case you missed it!

A comment made on the post about the recent degree day: “The Maine State Granges are evolving in amazing ways these days. Wonderful! Sharing ideas, working together to make friends, and getting to know each other is a joyful experience and an engaging way to connect with our communities. Thank you for the access and information about what being a friend or member means. All are welcome!

Annual Purge Continues

We’re removing dated information from the website. This includes documents, posts, and photos. While some things are considered timeless, a general policy is to remove items that are more than two years old. One of the significant challenges this time of year is updating online directories. Please make sure we have your current information!

Think About This!

“Being annoyed is the price you pay for community. It means having guests when you’d rather be alone. It means letting someone live with you even when they get on your nerves. It means showing up for events that you’d rather not go to. It means turning the other cheek.”

Divya Venn

An Idea for Your Grange

Your Grange Hall could include benches outside for resting, a bike rack, a bicycle repair station with essential tools and an air pump, an electronics charging station, outdoor restrooms, and an information board for local events and points of interest. Oh! Did we mention a Book Exchange Box?

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

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

Fraud Watch- Cybersecurity Awareness Month

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

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month – a great time to remind ourselves just how much of our lives take place online and the potential threats that exist in the digital world. Any device that stores information or connects to the internet could become a target for cybercriminals seeking to steal your data. Here are four important ways to help stay safe online.

First, always use strong, unique passwords for each online account you own. Even better, investigate options for getting a free or low-cost password manager such as Bitwarden, Dashlane, LastPass, and others. Newer to the marketplace are passkeys that offer hope that we can move beyond passwords. They verify a user with a biometric (like facial or fingerprint recognition) tied to the device being used to gain access. You can read more about them at aarp.org/personal-technology/passkeys-future.

Second, set up multi-factor authentication when available as added security that goes beyond your username and password to verify that it’s you using your account or device.

Third, turn on automatic software updates to keep your devices up-to-date and secure.

And finally, know that it’s no longer safe to click on links from emails, texts, and online ads. Instead, type web addresses into your browser to ensure you aren’t sent to a copycat site and stick to sites you know and trust.

More Topic Resources

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

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.

Citizens’ Guide to November Referendum

Reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.

On Nov 4, 2025, voters will have the opportunity to decide on local candidates seeking public office and the fate of two questions appearing on this year’s ballot

For each referendum election, the Department of the Secretary of State (SOS) publishes a voter guide with the full text of the laws proposed in the referenda.

The full citizens’ guide can be found here.

Elections will be held for various city, town and school board officials. Ballots in some municipalities may also have questions regarding county or local initiatives. Absentee voting across the state began on Monday, Oct.6. To obtain an absentee ballot or for more information about early voting, you can contact your local town office or request an absentee ballot online. If you need information regarding Maine Election Law or have election-related questions, please visit the Secretary of State’s website or contact them by phone at 207-624-7736. 

What’s Your Sign?

Where’s your sign? What condition is it in? So many possible questions! Signs are a form of communication that we often overlook or fail to notice. Here’s one situation where that’s not the case!

Trenton Grange #550 is seeking quotes for a new sign. Since Grangers help each other, they are seeking recommendations and leads to signmakers who might be interested. You can comment on this post or contact Emily at Trenton Grange for further details or your suggestions. Or, better yet, if you’re in the area, Trenton Grange meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 pm. The hall is located at 1136 Bar Harbor Road.

National Fire Prevention Week

October 5-11, 2025

Fire departments are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, take a look around your home — it’s essential to identify which devices are powered by them. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.”

Buy only listed products.

  • When purchasing a product that utilizes a lithium-ion battery, take the time to research it thoroughly. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
  • Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

  • Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
  • If you need a new charger, purchase one from the manufacturer or one that has been approved by the manufacturer.
  • Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
  • Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when the device is fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly.

  • Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
  • Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

To find out more about FPW programs and activities in your town/city, please get in touch with your town/city Fire Department. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

Annual Report Status

The State Convention Page and Program Books and Information Pages have been updated to reflect documents recently received.

Fraud Watch- Medicare Open Enrollment Scams

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

October marks the start of Medicare open enrollment, and unfortunately, the peak season for Medicare fraud. From October 15 to December 7, eligible beneficiaries can review options and make changes to their Medicare health and Part D prescription drug plans. But not every offer is what it seems.

Each year, criminals take advantage of open enrollment season by posing as insurance providers. They may call, email or show up offering free gifts or limited-time offers, all designed to steal your money, Medicare information, or even your identity.

At the same time, advances in modern medical technology create new opportunities for fraud criminals. Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of devices advertised as medical monitors or promoted for uses they weren’t designed for. To stay safe, rely only on equipment prescribed by your doctor.

To protect yourself from Medicare schemes, avoid sharing personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about Medicare. Legitimate plans can only reach out if you’ve requested information or already have an existing relationship with them. Beneficiaries can safely compare legitimate plans and change enrollment by going to medicare.gov or by calling 800-633-4227.

More Topic Resources

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

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.