Category: Resources for Granges and Grangers

Communications Column – November 2023

Now It’s Your Turn! It’s Directory Day!

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

We’ve made lots of changes to some of your online resources. Now it’s your turn to help!

The online ODD (Officers, Deputies and Directors) Directory has been updated! These online directories can make life simple because they are sortable and searchable. I’ve asked ODDs to verify the accuracy of their contact information and have created a one-page printable directory. A copy is available online for download and printing and a printed copy will be sent to Grange Secretaries with the November Bulletin.

The Online Directory of Granges contains a sortable and searchable list of community Granges in Maine with an address and person to contact for more information. It is one of our most frequently visited pages! This proves that people are looking for Granges near them for many different reasons. Again, the accuracy of this resource is extremely important. I’m asking local members to check your listing and ensure it is accurate. The most recent update did not include email addresses–these are important in today’s society. If you find errors or can add an email address, please send the information to webmaster@mainestategrange.org.

The Program Books and Information Page has been updated and reviewed. It’s tempting to say, “If it’s not there, I don’t have it!” Actually, that would be true! Annual Reports, Program Books, etc., have been posted–if there’s something missing or you would like to see available, let me know!

It’s worth the most when it’s the most difficult to find.

Seth Godin

I just completed a round of dictionary day presentations at schools in our area. On the upside, it’s great to see the kids become engaged and excited about the words and facts that are in the dictionary. On the downside, some become very frustrated when they can’t find an assigned word. Most need to learn and practice dictionary skills such as the use of the guide words. Occasionally, a student will ask if every word is in the dictionary. I like to think we trigger some curiosity and hunger. I tell the kids that they are not only getting a dictionary, they are getting “all the words that are in it.”

But what makes the program truly powerful is that it’s one dictionary to one kid. Like the farmers’ tools we demonstrate, it’s a resource and a tool.

So maybe I will declare a “directory day.” Our directories are resources and tools. Farmers take good care of their tools. The last word we look up together during dictionary day is “steward” — one who watches over things. I often tell the kids the true story of a high school senior meeting me on the street. She recognized me and wanted to tell me she still has and uses her dictionary. Valley Grange has been distributing dictionaries for twenty years. Maybe we should have a contest to find the oldest one still in use!

Being a good steward of the website means helping to keep it accurate and timely. Please report missing, incomplete, or inaccurate information. Submit your events and news for posting. Tell us why you love the Grange! Tools that are used frequently are usually the best maintained. They don’t get a chance to rust out!

We promote the fact that we are a fraternal organization and are actively seeking members and supporters. Can we get as excited about the tools we have as the kids do about their dictionaries? We have program books and information! We have directories and a place to list Grange Events around the state. Not only do you have the website, you have everything that’s on it!

► FACT: During the month of October 2023, the MSG website was visited over 2,100 times by nearly 850 people.

Download and print your copy!

Subscribe to The Maine State Grange Website!

Free Mental Health Program Available

Lecturers, FHH Committees, Community Service Directors…

There’s a mental health crisis in rural America: Suicide rates are 64% to 68% higher for people living in rural areas than people living in big cities. And although people who live in rural areas have higher suicide and depression rates compared to city residents, they are less likely to access mental healthcare services.

There’s a new free program to help improve mental health in rural communities – the Rural Mental Health Resilience Program. Developed by Rural Minds and the National Grange, the Rural Mental Health Resilience Program is a collection of free, potentially life-saving mental health information and resources that can help provide support to those who are struggling with mental health.

To learn more about the Rural Mental Health Resilience Program and to access, download, and print the free program materials, click here: http://www.ruralminds.org/resilience.

Communication Shorts 11-1-2023

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!

November Bulletin Reminder

Columns and Posts for the November Bulletin are due on or before November 14, 2023. Remember, you can always find recent issues of the Bulletin on the Program Books and Information Page.

Planning a Holiday Event?

Are you planning a holiday event such as a Craft Fair or Party? Don’t forget to submit the details for a website post and event calendar listing!

Honored Members

According to the most recent issue of Good Day! Magazine, we have three members who recently reached 75 years of continuous membship:

  • Nancy Gowen, Highland Lake #87
  • Shirley Hatch, Danville Junction #65
  • Donald Proctor, Danville Junction #65

And two members who recently reached 50 years of continuous membership:

  • Sally Jo Kinney, St George #421
  • Elizabeth Vanidestine, Bangor #372

Honoring New Members

You may submit the names of new members so they can be recognized in Good Day! by emailing Philip Vonado or by calling (814) 404-7985.

Ideas for Granges

Here’s a link to a short Seth Godin Post. Lecturers may find it particularly useful–it’s a short activity that demonstrates “We get much further together!”

Thought for You…

“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.”

Erma Bombeck

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, of course, 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!

Subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website

Valley Grange and Local Schools Celebrate Dictionary Day

Valley Grange is located in Guilford, Maine.

Guilford–A team of Valley Granger members led by Walter Boomsma is delivering over 200 dictionaries to local area schools during the next several weeks. “We have a lot to celebrate,” he noted, “despite some of the troubling news, third graders in the area will have a Dictionary Day that focuses on tools, words, and the importance of learning.”

The Grange began its “Words for Thirds” Program in 2004 by giving a dictionary to every third-grader at the then Guilford Primary School. Over the years, the program has expanded to include Piscataquis Community, SeDoMoCha, Brownville, Harmony, and Ridgeview Elementary Schools. Boomsma estimates the Grange has distributed nearly 4,000 dictionaries since. “But it’s really not about the numbers. One kid, one dictionary. The stories are many, but each one is personal. A dictionary can make a big difference in a child’s life.”

Grangers visit schools to make the gift personal and emphasize the importance of people helping each other. Jim Annis, president of the local Grange, rarely misses a presentation. “I love how excited the kids get. These dictionaries are truly empowering and the program has become a rite of passage. We’re glad we can continue the tradition.”

Boomsma noted that these sorts of links and cooperation within the community are exactly what the Grange hopes to facilitate. “We’re all about Community Service,” he said. “We’re also looking for people who share that passion, whether it’s working with the schools and children or seniors or other community organizations.” He cites the Grange’s Blistered Finger Knitters as an example. “As a result of their efforts, we distribute some knitted hats and mittens along with the dictionaries. Last year, we also did a “sock it me” drive so we could include socks. These are usually given to the school nurse for kids who need a little help staying warm.”

An added feature this year is a “Musical Celebration of Rural Living” in the form of a concert on November 17, 2023, featuring Katherine Rhoda. Program Director Boomsma notes, “Katherine will be playing some unique instruments and featuring Grange Music from over the years. It’s truly a celebration but also a fundraiser to support our programs.” Admission is $15, kids under 12 are free. Additional information is available on the Valley Grange Website (http:valleygrange.com) and Facebook Page.

The Dictionary Project is based in North Carolina, making low-cost dictionaries available to organizations like the Grange to aid third-grade teachers in their goal to see all their students leave at the end of the year as good writers, active readers, and creative thinkers. Extra dictionaries are always available for new or home-schooled students or students transferring in during the school year. Parents of home-schooled third-graders are urged to call their local school for additional information. For information about the Grange and its many opportunities, call Walter Boomsma at 343-1842 or Mary Annis at 564-0820 or visit the Valley Grange Website (http://valleygrange.com) or Facebook Page.

Webmaster’s Note: Granges that sponsor a Words for Thirds Project are encouraged to use this press release as a model or template. Additional information including a sample letter to parents is available on the Valley Grange Website. Learn more about promoting your program in the MSG Communications Handbook.

Mental Health Support Resources

Reprinted in part with permission from an e-newsletter published by Senator Stacy Guerin

Anyone affected by the violence in Lewiston is encouraged to reach out and connect with behavioral health support. Incidents of mass violence can lead to a range of emotional reactions, including anxiety, fear, anger, despair and a sense of helplessness that may begin immediately or in the days or weeks following the event.

Seek help immediately if you or someone you know is talking about suicide, feelings of hopelessness or unbearable pain, or about being a burden to others.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

For those in need of immediate support:

Call or text 988: This suicide and behavioral health crisis hotline is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained crisis specialists offering free, confidential support for anyone. Specialists also can respond by chat at 988lifeline.org. (Veterans and their families can press “1” for specific assistance.) Information for the deaf and hard of hearing is available here.

Teens and young adults can text (207) 515-8398: The National Alliance on Mental Illness Teen Text Line connects youth with other youth to help them manage their challenges every day from noon to 10 p.m. (Note this is NOT a crisis line. If the situation is critical, use the Crisis Line. Simply text “home” or “hello” to 741 741.)

Clinicians, educators and first responders can call (800) 769-9819: The FrontLine WarmLine offers free support services to help these professionals manage the stress of responding to disasters from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

If you’re unsure, contact 211. It provides general information, including how to access behavioral health and social service resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information can also be found at 211maine.org.

All of these resources provide free, confidential support.

The State of Maine has created a dedicated webpage with these and other resources, including online support and resources for children and families.

Important Note!

Communications Director’s Note: *As many of you know, I teach in the Addiction Counseling Program at Beal University, offer Suicide Prevention Workshops, and am a NAMI certified mental health first aid responder. I am not familiar with the “National Alliance on Mental Illness Teen Text Line, but would strongly recommend The Crisis Text Line. Simply text “home” to 741741. (Actually any word will do!) It is data-driven and has an excellent track record. Please share this post freely–especially on Social Media, Grange Pages and Websites! The links below make it quite easy. If I can be of assistance, please contact me!

Officers Elected, 2023-24

The delegate body elected the following officers during the 150th Maine State Grange Convention.

Master, Sherry Harriman
Overseer, Mike Griffin
Lecturer, Missy Baldwin
Steward, Ben Edgerly
Assistant Steward, Rick Grotton
Lady Assistant Steward, Roberta Meserve
Chaplain, Christine Hebert
Treasurer, Laurie McBurnie
Secretary, Sharon Morton
Gatekeeper, Peter Ivers
Ceres, Betty Huff
Pomona, Kathy Gowen
Flora, Deborah Ivers
Executive Committee, James Meserve – 4-year term

Directors and Committee Chairs will be announced upon receipt of information. If you have been elected or appointed, please be certain that we have your contact information by checking the online officer directory.

Email the MSG Webmaster
Subscribe to the Website

State Session News

A complete summary of the State Session will come in several forms over some period of time. Of course, the official is the Journal of Proceedings, which will be posted when received.

A first priority is the Master’s Address, in part because it’s easy to do! In fact, it’s done! Click this link to download and print a copy of the Master’s Address!

Second are the results of the election. It may, however, be a while before directories are updated with complete contact information. Gathering that information tends to be the biggest challenge. If you were elected or appointed to an office, it will speed things up if you send me your email address and phone number!

Third are the “missing” annual reports. (Some are not available until the state session. You can check the program books and information page. I should have all reports that I’ve received uploaded within a day or two of this post.)

Fourth are the results of the three resolutions considered by the delegates.

Fifth will be some things I’ve requested from people. One example is the MSG history facts prepared by Margaret Morse as “filler” during the elections while counts were being done. Some were very interesting!

Things may not appear in exactly the order given, but my goal is to have at least one through four completed before the end of this week (October 28, 2023).

If you subscribe to the site, you’ll get an email when new posts are made! Thanks to the delegate who told me he loves how easy it is to get information from the site, especially the emails!

Lastly, please continue to submit your events! When I have multiple submissions, I prioritize local Grange events and news first. You matter! Use the submit tab, or send an email!

Email the MSG Webmaster
Subscribe to the Website

Winter Heating Guide and Tips

blur close up coffee coffee cup
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

FHH Committees: You could this part of your Family Health and Heating Report! (Read carefully!)

Maine’s Energy Office has prepared a Winter Heating Guide to help Maine people stay warm this winter and know where to find assistance if needed. This includes steps to receive emergency fuel if necessary, sign up for automatic fuel delivery, or find support for energy bills or to help insulate your homes. If you need to order heating fuel, we advise contacting your supplier before your tank falls below one-third full, to give busy fuel delivery companies time to schedule your delivery.

Extended periods of low temperatures can result in frozen water pipes.

To prevent water pipes from freezing, try these methods:

  • Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sink is on an exterior wall. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals from the open cabinets.)
  • Let the cold water drip from the faucet of the exposed pipes. Running water through the pipes, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. A cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
  • If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set to a temperature no lower than 55 F.
  • For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. To prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates where the house rests on its foundation.

If your pipes do freeze, you can safely thaw them with the following actions:

  • Turn on the faucet. Running water through the pipe, as cold as it is, will help melt ice in the pipe.
  • Apply heat to the section of the pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials). Do not use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame as high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.
  • Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to see whether you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
  • Call a licensed plumber if you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe.

Communication Shorts 10-15-2023

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!

October Bulletin Reminder

The October Bulletin is complete and available for downloading and printing. However, with the State Convention happening this week, there may be some delay with the actual mailing. Remember, you can always find recent issues of the Bulletin on the Program Books and Information Page.

Planning a Holiday Event?

Are you planning a holiday event such as a Craft Fair or Party? Don’t forget to submit the details for a website post and event calendar listing!

Need an Absentee Ballot?

You can request a Maine Absentee Ballot online. Election Day is November 7, 2023.

Ideas for Granges

Rory Feek of Plain Values Magazine recently wrote an article on gardening and included a photo of his daughter’s “rolling garden.” It’s a child-sized “box” on wheels with child-sized “tools” kept on a port or deck. What a great idea! A Grange could make some as a fundraiser… provide a version for senior citizens… put your thinking caps on!

Thought for You…

Between what I think, what I want to say, what I believe I say, what I say, what you want to hear, what you believe to hear, what you hear, what you want to understand, what you think you understand, what you understand…They are ten possibilities that we might have some problem communicating. But let’s try anyway…

Bernard Werber

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, of course, 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!

Subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website