Category: Family Health & Hearing

Family Health and Hearing Committee and Information

National Bullying Prevention Month

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

The National Center for Bullying Prevention initiated National Bullying Prevention Month. The campaign is designed to unite communities nationwide through education and awareness. Much attention is rightly given to preventing bullying among kids, but adults can be victims as well.

Uniy Day Icon

This year, October 16 has been declared Unity Day. Wearing orange will increase awareness and encourage kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. That sure sounds like something the Grange does! We don’t stop with wearing orange–“we help build community throughout the year.”

In a simple sense, bullying is about power and communication. Our words and actions are important, and words can be powerful, both in a negative and positive way.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt

I believe that an important aspect of preventing bullying is building resilience and strength in potential victims. “Where you fly makes a difference.” We can start with ourselves, certainly. But a question worthy of discussion is “What is our Grange doing to promote kindness in our Grange and our Community?”

    (Family Health And Hearing Committees take note! Can you provide some resources for members? Maybe include some thoughts in your next report?)

    Some Resources:

    StopBullying.gov: A comprehensive resource from the U.S. government that provides information on recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying.

    PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: Offers resources for students, parents, and educators, including toolkits and educational materials.

    The Trevor Project: Focuses on LGBTQ+ youth, providing support and resources to prevent bullying and promote mental health.

    National Bullying Prevention Month: An annual campaign in October that raises awareness and encourages communities to take action against bullying.

    Stomp Out Bullying: Provides resources, support, and information for students and parents to address bullying and cyberbullying.

    There are also some mental health resources on my website.

    Community Service/FHH – September 2024

    By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
    (207) 608-9193

    As autumn approaches and a new Grange year begins, I would like to thank the Granges that submitted Community Service Books, Community Service Reports, Family Health & Hearing Reports, Police, Firefighter/EMT and Educator of the Year, and Maine State Grange Community Service Granger of the Year. Winners will be announced at the State Grange Session in October.

    The Community Service and Family, Health & Hearing Program will be available at the Maine State Grange Session at the Community Service Table. 

    The Family, Health & Hearing suggested topics for September and October are:

    September 2024
    Classical Music Month
    Chicken Month
    Baby Safety Month
    Self-Improvement Month

    October 2024
    Breast Cancer Awareness Month
    Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
    National Diabetes Month
    Domestic Violence Month

    Start your new books, reports, etc. for the upcoming year. 

    Keep up the good work! 

    Thank you to all for the phone calls, cards, texts, food, and thoughtfulness to me and my family. Gloria (Mom) loved the Grange and what it stands for. Thank you! 

    Getting Grounded

    Guest Article by Walter Boomsma

    September is Suicide Prevention Prevention Month. As many know, I am a big promoter of preventing suicide.1 Our approach to preventing suicide seems to be one of waiting until a crisis develops. I have long suspected that suicidal tendencies develop pretty early on, and we would be better served to take preventative steps before we reach the crisis point.

    Thanks to the media, we’re not only becoming more aware of the issue of suicide-we are also being confronted with examples of mental health issues. COVID certainly contributed. We are easily overwhelmed by the complexity and intensity. In February 2021, 37.5% of adults in Maine reported symptoms of anxiety and depression2.

    Since I do not intend to add to the complexity and intensity, I’d like to propose a simple exercise in Emotional Hygiene. In 17 minutes, Guy Winch provides a good foundation in an entertaining and non-clinical way that will also have you laughing.

    At one of the mental health workshops I attended some years ago, the instructor asked us to share how we “centered” or grounded ourselves. It was interesting that he gave us some time to think before answering, suggesting that we may not be immediately aware of it. Being grounded generally refers to achieving a state of being emotionally and mentally stable and having a sense of connection to reality. In non-clinical terms, some refer to it as “going to my happy place.”

    Life can easily throw us off balance. If we catch our balance soon enough, we can avoid unintentionally going somewhere (mentally and emotionally) that isn’t helpful. That somewhere may involve depression or anxiety. In simple, non-clinical terms, mental hygiene prevents mental health issues that can lead to suicide. But it’s not just about preventing suicide. It’s about living fully and happily.

    “Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside awakens.”

    Carl Jung

    1. I am a Certified NAMI Mental Health First Aid Responder, a teacher of Suicide Prevention Workshops, and an instructor in Beal University’s Addiction Counseling Program. Additional mental health resources are available on my Brain Leaks and Musings website. ↩︎
    2. State of Maine Mental Health Factsheet. ↩︎

    National Suicide Prevention Month

    September is being observed as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This observance is designed to reach out to those affected by suicide, raising awareness and connecting individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. We can all help individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention.

    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 who offer free, confidential support for anyone. Specialists can also respond by chat at 988lifeline.org. Information for the deaf and hard of hearing is available here.

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: National Suicide Prevention Month

    Suicide Prevention Resource Center

    The State of Maine has a dedicated webpage with many behavioral health resources including online support and resources for children and familiies.

    Community Service/FHH – August 2024

    By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
    (207) 608-9193

    As the Grange year ends, remember to send reports to the appropriate directors. A letter with the forms, dated June 7, 2024, was sent to every Grange. The forms are in the Community Service Packet and the Grange website.

    The Community Service meeting/workshop scheduled for August 24 following the CWA conference has been postponed. 

    I would like to thank Bauneg Beg Grange #382, Knox Station Grange #579, Ammadamast Grange #379, Kennebec Valley Grange #128, South Sangerville Grange#335, and York Pomona #14 for submitting the Community Service Report.

    I have received one entry form for Granger of the Year. There have not been any entries for police, firefighter/EMT, or educator of the year. These are important people in our community, so we should recognize them. 

    I have not received any Community Service Notebooks. Remember, the deadline for these is September 1. Please allow 7 to 10 days for USPS to deliver. 

    CORRECTION: 

    My address is 9 MARIAL Avenue, not MARIEL Avenue. This will delay me receiving your notebook and or mail.

    If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you. I look forward to more reports, entries for police, firefighter/EMT, educator of the year, Granger of the year, and Community Service Notebooks.

    Community Service/FHH – June 2024

    By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
    (207) 608-9193

    There has been some confusion and questions regarding our “Coups for Troops” Program. Some of this is because the official program was discontinued some time ago and we are now involved in the “TroopOns” program. We just haven’t changed the name until now!

    Troopons is a program in which the Grange participates to help the military and their families.

    • Coupons must be manufacturer coupons only.
    • Coupons that have expired up to six months ago can still be used. 
    • There are four categories: food, non-food, baby and pets.

    Group coupons in baggies and label on the outside of baggie:

    • Expired or unexpired
    • Category: food, non-food, baby, or pets
    • Number of coupons in the baggie
    • Dollar amount of coupons in the baggie
    • Please include an email address so troops/family can email thank you.

    Send to Community Service Committee:
    Brenda Dyer, Director
    9 Marial Avenue
    Biddeford, ME  04005

    The Community Service Committee verifies and documents the baggies, then forwards them to Troopons. Troopons distributes the coupons to commissaries.

    Learn more about Troopons here!

    PLEASE Keep track of community service hours for each member and non-member involved in each project.

    KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

    June is election of officers. Remember, “The office seeks the man and not the man the office.”

    Community Service/FHH – April 2024

    By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
    (207) 608-9193

    The unplanned community service activities are bountiful. Helping the community during the last few storms and power outages are endless. Congratulations!!!

    April is Grange Month. Have an open meeting, invite the community to participate, and discuss the advantages of being a member!

    May is Community Service Month. Choose a new community project. 

    April 

    • Grange Month – Follow the National Grange theme. Picture and advertisement needed as proof.

    May

    • Set up and complete a new project in May. Send in a write-up and pictures with the Family, Health, and Hearing Reports.

    Reminder:

    • Coups for Troops

    Happy Spring!

    Recycle Eclipse Glasses

    At least one company is collecting used but undamaged Eclipse Glasses. They will be sent to schools in Latin America so children can view the October 2024 Eclipse.

    Could your Grange start a collection program as a community service? (The answer is “yes.” All it takes is a box and commitment to ship what you collect by August 1, 2024.)

    Eclipse Glasses Give Back Program Info

    The shipping address is Eclipse Glasses USA, LLC, PO Box 50571, Provo, UT 84605, and the deadline for shipping is August 1, 2024.

    If your Grange decides to do this, please let us know! We’ll post a list of Granges that are “drop-off points.” (Leave a tote on your front porch. Keep it simple and easy!)

    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!

    Community Service/FHH – March 2024

    By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
    (207) 608-9193

    March is when Spring officially starts. We are on Daylight Savings Time, and the days have more daylight. Many have started seedlings for themselves, neighbors, or a community plant sale. Craft fairs are starting to spring up. EVERYONE is Irish for one day. The opportunities for community service are endless.

    There are many services that will overlap with other Grange committees. Please make sure to include these in your report ( ie. The CWA committee may make a quilt to be used for a community service event.) This should be reported in the Community Service report under the event and the CWA report. 

    I am receiving some Coupons for the Coups for Troops. Keep sending them! Thank you Valley Grange and Lakeside Grange. 

    Family Health and Hearing

    March  Women’s History Month
                 17th   ST. Patrick’s Day
                 30th   National Doctor’s Day

    April Grange Month

              Maine State Grange is 150 years old as well as several Subordinate Granges. 
              Have an open meeting and invite the community to learn about the Grange. CELEBRATE!
              Follow the National Grange Theme. Make sure to take pictures.

    If you email me, please text me to let me know so it won’t go to spam and/or get deleted. Thank you. Happy Spring!