Valley Grange to Make Fabric Hugs
Category: Community Service
Community Service Committee and information
Fraud Watch- Free Trials that Aren’t
The AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline (877-908-3360) is hearing from more people about misleading “free trial” offers. These schemes make cancellation difficult, if not impossible.
In many cases, someone signs up for what appears to be a free trial and then cancels before having to pay for the subscription. However, the charges continue to appear each month, and the companies make it hard to cancel them. Before you sign up for a free trial offer, review all the terms and conditions to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to, how and when to cancel, and what happens if you don’t.
Also, review your bank and credit card statements carefully and watch for recurring charges you didn’t authorize—even after you’ve canceled.
Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight back—one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.
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.
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Valley Grange to Celebrate Community
Guilford—Valley Grange has announced its annual Celebration of Community, to be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Guilford Grange Hall. The event includes honoring the local organization’s Community Citizen(s) of the Year. This year, the Grange will honor the Recovery Wellness Center based in Sangerville. The event celebrates the strength of rural communities with a community potluck supper at 5:30 pm, followed by a program featuring a presentation of certificates of recognition at 7:00 pm. The program includes an opportunity for guests to share testimonials and appreciation.
Program Director Walter Boomsma noted in announcing the celebration, “We always try to honor people or organizations who have their boots on the ground and give of themselves to strengthen and build our communities. These too often unsung heroes are a lifeline for our communities. The event itself brings neighbors and friends together. Even the meal demonstrates the strength and value of our communities, as the communities prepare the potluck supper by bringing dishes to share.”
The Recovery Wellness Community Center in Sangerville, Maine, located at 20 Douty Hill Road, is a community-driven, non-profit center founded in 2024 to support individuals affected by addiction. It provides a safe, sober space offering free services including peer support, All Recovery meetings, Narcan training, and career exploration.
“The Center provides many sources and resources,” Boomsma notes. “But it also proves a supportive community place for those dealing with substance abuse and addiction recovery in both traditional and non-traditional ways.”
Community Service Chair Mary Annis adds, “This is always such a great evening as we enjoy the chance to connect with each other, share a great meal, and celebrate our rural lives. So many people benefit from the Recovery Wellness Center’s work. The center is peer-led and focused on community-driven support. This is a chance to thank the organization and its people in person and maybe shake hands and give a hug.”
Additional information about the event is available at http://valleygrange.com and on the Valley Grange Facebook page.
Fraud Watch- Social Security Notice?
Take an active pause!
You receive an unexpected communication from the Social Security Administration (SSA). It might warn that your Social Security number has been linked to criminal activity and suspended, or it could offer good news, such as a supposed benefit increase. Regardless of the story, the goal is the same: to steal sensitive information or money.
Most scams come to us with three common red flags: a contact from out of the blue that heightens our emotions and contains urgency. When you notice these three red flags together, take what AARP calls an “active pause.” Take an intentional step back and reflect on what you might know about the scenario – “Does this make sense? Have I heard something about this before?” This pause gives you time to apply logic—something the criminal playbook is written to avoid—and protect yourself and your assets.
If someone contacts you saying they represent the SSA, call the agency directly at 800‑772‑1213 or visit ssa.gov/myaccount instead of responding directly to the communication. If you shared your Social Security number and believe it was part of a scam, go to IDtheft.gov for step-by-step guidance.
Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight back—one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.
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.
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Seeds of Service Community Recognition Dinner
Webmaster’s Note: This event is taking place in Manson, CA! Since it was submitted to the Maine State Grange website, we’re posting it for two reasons. First, to show our support, and second, as a great example of community connection! Special thanks to Debbie Conwell of Manson Grange #796!
The Grange continues to stand as a testament to the enduring values of service, character, and community.
As part of this commitment, our Grange will be hosting a “Seeds of Service” Community Recognition Dinner to honor distinguished members, community partners, and those who have contributed to the success of our recent renovation and program growth.
Over the past year, our efforts have included both facility improvements and expanded community engagement through events such as educational programs, social gatherings, and local partnerships.
While this event is by invitation only, it reflects the broader mission of the Grange—to foster strong, connected communities through service and shared purpose.
Valley Grange Seeks Blanketeers
Volunteers will create blankets for children in need
Valley Grange of Guilford is sponsoring a blanket-making event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, and volunteers are needed! Organizer Pat Engstrom notes, “No sewing skills are needed. If you can measure, cut a straight line with scissors, or tie a simple knot, you can become a ‘blanketeer’ and help support Project Linus. We’ll show you how!”
Project Linus, a non-profit organization, provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Last year’s event resulted in more than 100 blankets being completed. Since the need isn’t decreasing, Engstrom hopes to see the number of blankets made increase again this year.
“We have a great time doing this, and truly just about anyone can help. We create quite a production line, and it sometimes gets quite competitive! It’s exciting to realize we’re providing love in the form of ‘blankies’ that represent security, warmth, and comfort for kids. We consider them fabric hugs.”
While supplies will be provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring scissors, rulers, and masking tape. Light refreshments will be served.
For additional information, contact Pat Enstrom at 564-8290 or visit the Valley Grange Website at http://valleygrange.com. Valley Grange is located at 172 Guilford Center Road, at the corner of Butter Street.
Fraud Watch- Product Recall Scams
The AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline (877-908-3360) has seen a spike in “recall scams.” In these schemes, perpetrators send a message claiming that a product you purchased has been recalled because of a safety issue.
The message looks official and urgent, often appearing to come from a trusted retailer like Amazon, Costco, or Walmart. It may include language such as, “To ensure your safety and process your full refund without delay, please sign in to your account through the official website and review your order below.” The link provided, however, is fake and designed to steal your personal information.
If you receive a message like this, don’t click. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website or app and check your account there. You can also confirm real recall information through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov/Recalls.
Most legitimate recalls advise consumers to stop using the product rather than asking them to take immediate action.
Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight back—one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.
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.
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Fraud Watch- Free Event!
Scams are everywhere today—from fake texts and emails to nonstop phone calls—and the damage is devastating. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost as much as $196 billion to financial fraud in 2024, with older adults losing as much as $81.5 billion.
This April, AARP is mounting a nationwide Fraud Prevention Month, through which volunteers across the country will host hundreds of free local events that offer practical ways to stay informed, safe, and connected. Many sites will also offer free, safe document shredding to help prevent identity theft.
You can also join us from the comfort of your home on April 15 for a special fraud prevention broadcast on RFD‑TV and online, or pick up the phone for a nationwide Tele‑Town Hall with AARP fraud experts on April 30. Learn more at aarp.org/fraudsafety.
Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight back—one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.
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.
Share this news!
Legislative Sentiments
Maine Legislative Sentiments are highly regarded, formal recognitions used by the Maine Legislature to honor significant individual, civic, or organizational accomplishments. These sentiments act as official, bipartisan commendations, often presented on the floor to highlight milestones, such as 30 years of educational leadership or exceptional community service, marking them as sincere expressions of appreciation. Often, these sentiments receive unanimous support, reflecting a moment of unity in a sometimes divided political landscape.
For those Granges who celebrate Community Citizens, consider contacting your local Senator or Representative and asking if they might sponsor a Legislative Sentiment for your honoree. Sometimes they will even attend your event to present it–if you invite them!
Sorting at Valley Grange
It’s knitting, crocheting, and quilting season at Valley Grange in Guilford! Mary Annis, Joyce Flanders, Pat Engstrom, and Janice Boomsma had fun sorting recent donations at our March Meeting, including a large bag from Linda Kain.
These handcrafted products are distributed through many different local outlets. Hats and mittens go to our local schools, including Piscataquis Elementary, SeDoMoCha, Brownville Elementary, Ridgeview Elementary, and Harmony Elementary. Lap robes are available to local nursing homes, and we supply the Hospice Program’s Operation Gratitude for Veterans.
Help is always needed and welcomed! If you are interested, contact Mary Annis (564-0820) or Pat Engstrom (564-8290).
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