Tag: Grange Communication

Communication Shorts 3-30-2025

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!

April Bulletin Coming Soon!

The April Bulletin deadline is April 14, 2025. Submit those posts and columns now! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Scholarships Are a Hot Item

Our scholarship page continues to get hit pretty hard! One reason might be that we’ve arranged for the Ag Scholarships to be listed on the FFA (Future Farmers Association) website!

990 Filing Scams

In the most recent issue of Grange Today! The Connecticut State Master alerted us to scams relative to filing 990s. This is most often handled by State Secretaries, and any questions and concerns should be addressed to MaineStateGrange@my fairpoint.net.

Degree Day, April 27, 2025

Have you made your arrangements? Don’t forget to work with Maynard Chapman (207) 312-5591 if you have questions or are bringing candidates.

State Convention, October 17-18, 2025

A very preliminary page of information is now available on the website….it includes location and general information. This page will grow as additional information becomes available!

Consider this Idea!

Are you thinking of spring cleaning? Would the community help with raking and landscaping? Make it a party! Don’t forget to make sure your 911 address number is visible. It’s also to list some emergency contact phone number, usually with a card in the window of the door.

Think about this!

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”

 Albert Einstein

Online Directories Available 24-7

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

Fraud Watch- How to help repeat fraud victims

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

All too often, victims of fraud are repeatedly deceived by the same criminals regarding the same scheme. Or, once victimized, some are that much more vulnerable to new scams.

If your loved one is experiencing this, gently ask thoughtful questions that may prompt them to reflect on the situation, helping them recognize inconsistencies and come to their own conclusion that it may be a scam. It’s also important to try to understand underlying issues like unmet emotional or financial needs and develop a plan to address them.

Importantly, have regular discussions about scams with family and friends. When you read or hear about some new scheme, talk about it. Put your concerns about protecting your loved ones in the context that fraud is everywhere but together we can help protect one another.

Lastly, and most importantly, avoid blaming the victim. Criminals are skilled manipulators who exploit our emotions. Victims need support, understanding and reassurance from their loved ones.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

More Topic Resources

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.

Reminder! Be cautious!

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

We’re again getting reports of people receiving an email that appears to be from Master Sherry. At first glance, this one appears to be legitimate and includes “I could really count on you to help with this important project. Maine State Grange need some gift cards for donate to Veterans in Hospice and care units. I will personally handle reimbursement.” [sic] (Grammar errors are also a clue.)

If you are thinking, “that doesn’t sound right,” you are correct. Here’s another important clue:

Your best practice is to ignore ANY email requesting gift cards. Do not click any links in it, and do not reply to it. If you are concerned about the request, contact the sender directly by some other method.

If you’ll forgive (or at least tolerate) an attempt at humor… “A patron places faith in God, nurtures hope, dispenses charity but is also cautious!”

Fraud Watch- Crooks want gold bars now

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

Understanding the ways criminals seek to steal money can help you stay a step ahead of scams.

While scams take many forms, scammers may seek payment through a few hard-to-trace methods with few or no protections, including gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps and, more recently, gold bars.

Criminals impersonating law enforcement or bank employees may convince targets to protect their bank accounts from an active hack by withdrawing their savings and purchasing gold bars as a way to keep their money safe. Then they send a courier to pick up the gold bars for ‘safekeeping.’ This scheme is happening across the country and victims are having their entire life savings stolen in this way. If your bank calls about an urgent matter, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be legitimate.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

More Topic Resources

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.

WABI-TV5 Explains Valley Grange Blanketeering Program

Check out the story here!

Communication Shorts 3-16-2025

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!

March Bulletin Available!

The March Bulletin deadline is now available. Submit those posts and columns now! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

National Grange Contest Updates

In a recent issue of Grange Today! (see page 8), National Grange announced a number of changes to contests, including some that are dropped altogether. Directors and Chairs in Maine will be reviewing these to see what impact there might be on Maine Contests.

Degree Day, April 27, 2025

It is possible that a few flyers/posters were distributed with an incorrect start time! The correct start time is 1:00 p.m. Sorry for any inconvenience!

State Convention, October 17-18, 2025

You should know that it became necessary to change the dates for MSG State Session due to conflicting events at UMaine. Make sure your calendars are correct!

Consider this Idea!

How about a “swap meet?” These are gaining popularity–in simplest form, they are topical with an opportunity for like-minded folks to exchange excess supplies. Use your imagination: craft and sewing supplies, gardening things, music and instruments…

Think about this!

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'”

 Robin Williams

Online Directories Available 24-7

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

Fraud Watch- Avoiding the cruise to nowhere

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

Winter is still here and many of us would do just about anything to find some warm weather. Enter the cruise scam. Many of these trips to nowhere literally pop up online as a “free” incentive or a can’t-miss deal. What they really are is an attempt to steal your information or your money.
Here are three tips for avoiding a cruise scam when shopping for your spring getaway.

  1. Beware of starting with a search engine: Scammers buy ads and use fake websites to appear at the top of results. Consider starting your search on trusted cruise line websites instead.
  2. Check the source: If you receive unsolicited cruise offers, investigate the company to verify its legitimacy, ask questions and study the fine print before booking.
  3. Pay with a credit card: If you’ve done your homework and are ready to make the investment, credit cards offer the strongest and most immediate fraud protection.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

More Topic Resources

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.

Fraud Watch- National Consumer Protection Week

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

It’s National Consumer Protection Week—and while AARP is focused on protecting consumers year-round—this is a good time to highlight some key consumer protection tips.

Make certain to use strong and unique passwords on all online accounts – look into password managers as an easier way to tackle this challenge. Where offered, use multi-factor authentication, where you receive a code by text, phone, or installed app, to add a layer of protection beyond your username and password. Rather than clicking links from texts and emails from your bank or from businesses you have accounts with, go to your app if you have one, or to a web browser and type the address in yourself—that way you know you are going to the legitimate site. Also, freeze your credit with the three main credit reporting agencies – TransUnion, Experian and Equifax – to block attempts to use any of your sensitive personal information that may have been exposed to open accounts in your name. Learn how at annualcreditreport.com/securityFreezeBasics.action.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

More Topic Resources

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.

President’s Perspective – March 2025

By Sherry Harriman,
Maine State Grange President/Master
207 490-1029

Non-members at Meetings

A question has been asked about non-members visiting or sitting in a meeting of the Grange. There are a couple of sections in The National Grange Digest of Laws 2025 edition that deal with this question.  

Chapter IV  BY-LAWS OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY

4.10.4 Authority of Masters 

The Masters of Subordinate and Pomona Granges are answerable to the Master of the State Grange having jurisdiction over said Subordinate or Pomona Granges. 

The right to make Rulings, as to Grange Laws and Usage, is vested solely in the Masters of the various Granges of the divisions of the Order.

Chapter XI  CODE OF RITUAL, DEGREES, AND REGALIA

Grange Meetings

11.8.11 Non-members may be allowed to observe the opening and closing ceremonies of the fourth degree and all aspects of a business meeting conducted in the fourth degree. Any member may object to the presence of non-members during balloting on candidates or balloting on accepting reinstatement or demits into Grange membership. 

State Master/President’s Comments: As a visitor, they would not be allowed to participate in discussions on motions or vote on any issues to come before the Grange. If they are there for a presentation or as a speaker, then that is a different situation.  An additional question along the same line is how many times may they visit without becoming a member? There is no specific timeframe outlined in the by-laws, however, as Master/President of the Maine State Grange, my opinion or ruling would be — not more than three (3) visits to check things out. They should not be allowed to visit indefinitely without membership.

Membership numbers. Each Grange is required by the By-Laws of the National Grange to maintain a minimum of 13 members to retain your Grange Charter. It is up to each Grange to keep that minimum, and it is up to you as members to ask others to join your Grange. The Maine State Grange cannot get you Grange members. 

A Degree Day with the first Four Degree Ceremonies being fully conferred, will be held on April 27, starting at 1:00 pm at the State Grange building at 146 State Street, Augusta.  You must have submitted an application to the local Grange you wish to join or you must have already been given the Official Obligation Ceremony or Official Welcome Ceremony to view the Degrees. The word Degree refers to the level of the Grange, the first Four Degrees are for the Subodinate/Community level with lessons based on Agriculture and the seasons of the year. If you are already a member, you are welcome to attend the degree. We hope to see a good group of candidates again this year and many members too. 

Communication Shorts 3-1-2025

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!

March Bulletin Available Coming Soon!

The March Bulletin deadline is March 14th! Submit those posts and columns now! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

National Grange Contest Updates

In the most recent issue of Grange Today! (see page 8), National Grange announced a number of changes to contests, including some that are dropped altogether. Directors and Chairs in Maine will be reviewing these to see what impact there might be on Maine Contests.

Grange Month!

Time’s a wastin’! As noted earlier, the National Grange did not release the traditional resources such as sample press releases. If I can help you and your Grange with publicity for the month, let me know! But don’t forget, every month can be Grange Month if we remember to celebrate!

A Favorite Poem

“The codfish lays ten thousand eggs.The homely hen lays one.
THe codfish never cackles to tell you what she's done.
And so we scorn the codfish, while the humble hen we prize, 
Which only goes to show you that it pays to advertise!"

Nikhil Sharda

Is your Grange a codfish for a hen? Can we hear some cackling? What’s your news! When’s your next event?

Words for Thirds

We continue to add to the resource pages. Most recently, we’ve added an article describing how to do a “Dictionary Race‘ with the kids when you hand out dictionaries. It’s fun! Everybody wins!

Consider this Idea!

Have you considered planning a spring spruce up for your hall? Make it a community event! Plan the activities so people can choose what to help with… and don’t forget to include a rain date! Make it a cabin fever reliever! Think big! Invite contractors! Take before and after photos!

Think about this!

“Fun is not an activity, it is a state of mind.”

 Bryant McGill

Online Directory of Granges

Our online directory of Granges has been updated based on the current roster. As time permits, we’ll be adding additional contact information. Our goal is to have at least two contacts available for every active Grange!

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! Visitors to the site consult these directories often.