Tag: Grange Events

Enterprise Grange Happenings

by Marilyn Stinson, Enterprise Grange Lecturer

Enterprise Grange is located in Richmond, Maine

Enterprise Grange meets on the third Tuesday monthly with a potluck supper at 6:00 and a meeting at 7:00. We often have guests and friends at our suppers and usually have our Family Health and Hearing reports and discussions while gathered around our tables.

Did you know that if you have hearing loss and need aids if you have an Apple iPad, you can get earbuds and listen through your phone? The background noises are minimized, and there is less discomfort for older people struggling with something new.

Cliff demonstrated his new hearing aids with their tiny antenna. What a blessing. We’ve also discussed diabetes emergencies and problems after tick bites. Guests join in the discussions. This is after we’ve eaten, so no problems with queasy stomachs during the meal.

March is MS Awareness month, and we will have a guest sharing her story of her life with the disease on March 18, 2025. We love to have other Grangers join us!

We are at 15 Alexander Reed Road in Richmond. If you use a GPS, please enter 14 Alexander Reed because 15 will direct you to an empty field about 1/4 mile away. We are in town, the street across from the fire station. For more information, ontact Marilyn Stinson at 207.737-2611 and leave a message on her landline, please.

Membership Moments – February 2025

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

We will talk this month about helping gain membership from within, not just within our Granges but within ourselves. I become inspired at times when I hear something on television or something that someone said. I was wondering what I was going to write about this month until I watched a segment on getting rid of negativity and being good to your enemies. Then it hit me; there is much most of us can do to change our thoughts to not only make us feel good but mainly also others so that we can emit those positive energies to others to bring forth positive, happy results. How often have we known a brother or sister who churns up bad feelings and energies by being selfish, vindictive, and threatening to quit if they don’t get their own way or cannot get along with others? Over the years, we all have seen this, and it destroys our goals. Outsiders (potential members) notice this, and they remember.

Who wants to be a member of any organization where negativity thrives or is constant? I have, in the past, transferred to other Granges for that reason because I did not want to be a part of this negativity, and it was affecting me because I allowed it to consume me. I then began feeling down. Leaving was the only solution, as those Granges did not survive (those Granges are not around today).

Every once in a while, I get a feeling of “Why do I write these columns since I rarely get a response or feel that nobody is reading them.” This is a negative feeling that is quickly discarded. But then, I think it is my duty as a membership director to write these columns for the Good of the Order. It isn’t about me. It’s about the Grange and my brothers and sisters. It makes me feel good to be able to share helpful information with others and to see it work. I am contributing to the growth of the organization that has done so much for me and my growth and that is always a great feeling. If nobody reads the columns or answers my requests, I still feel positive feelings because there is potential, and I am happy to contribute positive thoughts, suggestions, and actions. To be an active participant in the growth of the Grange makes me feel rewarded and good, and it is my duty to pass these feelings on to others and to guide them.

The road is long but is filled with good lessons and results. Stop and smell the roses; don’t trample on them. Enjoy the walk down that long road; take in the beauty and learn about yourself as well as others. You and the Grange will reap many rewards once you reach your destinations. Imagine if we were all on the same page. Wow!!!

It isn’t difficult to get rid of these negative feelings if we remain in control and really think. We all want to be happy and we can be by following a few simple steps. First, don’t hang on to negativity. Don’t worry if someone doesn’t like us. Don’t worry about anything at all. Find a solution. Ignore the hurtful comments of others; they are hurting themselves, so don’t let it hurt you. It will make you stronger and more confident. Don’t think of getting back at them or trying to hurt them because nothing is gained, and much is lost. There is no winner here. Treat your “enemies” with kindness; They will soon get tired of harassing you because you aren’t playing their game. As the saying goes, “Kill them with kindness.” Listen to others. Instead of a negative response or action, tell them, “I didn’t think of it that way,” or respond in a manner that won’t cause hurt feelings. If you don’t agree, then ask, “Did you ever think of doing it this way?” or give them something to think about. Don’t call them stupid or laugh at their idea or respond negatively.

Second, don’t try to dominate or pout or threaten to quit if you don’t get your own way. You aren’t doing anyone or the Grange any good by acting this way. You might as well not be a member because you are doing much more harm than good. Work on the suggestions of others. Try to absorb what they are saying and be a part of it. “That won’t work” or “That’s a dumb idea” should never be said. How do you know it won’t work? Because it wasn’t your idea? Because you have had conflicts with the person in the past and want revenge? Do a turnaround in a positive light, show excitement and encouragement and support. Even if the project doesn’t work out to your expectations, then dwell on what went right and make improvements. Work together for the Good of the Order. I have seen this great turnabout happen in my own Grange. We listen to each other, we respect each other, we support each other, we work together. In a few short years, we have gained so much: a new well and septic, acceptance and being noticed in the community, and a great core of friends. It is a pleasure to go to meetings and everyone is excited about our next projects. We plan ahead and everyone’s say is welcome and incorporated into the plans. It is a great pleasure to see more community members, the school and the town officers support our projects. Do they also feel the positive vibes we emit when we talk Grange or when we are in their midst?

Third, the two most powerful words are THANK YOU. Always thank others for their help, whether it be members or the community. Be grateful for what you have and what you all have done. Make others feel good by sharing your good feelings. If you have a productive Grange meeting, thank others for the great meeting. Whether you are the leader or not, still say thank you to your brothers and sisters for being a part of that Grange, for their friendship and devotion, for the reasons you are feeling good. Share your good thoughts with them and make it a “win/win” situation every time. You and your Grange cannot fail from this. Remember, the more positive we think, the more positive energy we attract, then the results will be positive. The same goes for the opposite. Just stop and think. You know which of the above you want, so work toward it and make the world a better place. It will take some work, but it can be done.

Communications Column – February 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Facebook and Social Media for Granges

“Not everyone uses Facebook!” Yes, I hear that cry. In fact, most of the Grangers I know personally do not. However, National Grange is becoming increasingly enamored of it, and we do have some Granges in Maine with Facebook Pages and Groups. Therefore, I’m devoting just one column to some essential things you should know. Just this week, I had an inquiry about a message from a Grange received accusing them of a trademark violation. It was a scam. The general consensus is that scams are increasing on Facebook and in general.

One prevalent one on Facebook concerns methods for you to “protect” what you post and limit what Facebook can do with it. In short, it doesn’t work. Since, as a writer, I frequently deal with copyright and intellectual property, I try to explain to people that if you post something on Facebook, you have given up all control of it. The minute you use FB, you’ve agreed to their TOS (terms of service), which no one ever reads. That means you’ve agreed they can use anything you post pretty much in any way FB sees fit. The TOS is effectively a contract between you and them.

Because of this, If I write something that I want to keep the rights to, I only post it on the website I own. I may post a link to the article on Facebook, but not the article itself. That doesn’t stop someone else from posting it. Now, if they do post the article, THEY (the person who posted my article) have violated MY copyright. Facebook is not guilty or responsible. Remember, Facebook has the right to anything posted, and you can’t change that agreement! (One reason they are claiming not to fact-check is liability reduction.)

If this happens, I could sue the person who posted it, but Facebook is pretty much off the hook. The point here is to understand the media you are using and use it responsibly. Simply put, you do not have the right to distribute someone else’s property without their permission. Think twice before posting something you don’t “own” on Facebook or other social media. The simple workaround is to post a link to the original material and not the material itself. Contrary to popular opinion, Facebook is not your friend. They don’t exist just so you can stay in touch with friends. In fact, the more “friends” you have, the better it is for them—even if those friends aren’t who you think they are.

That leads us to a second important point. You really should consider hiding your friend list on Facebook. When you are hacked or cloned (there is a difference), the person doing it is not after you; they are after your friends. When you leave your friend list available to the public, you only make Facebook happy while exposing your friends to more scams. It’s like saying, “These people are my friends—if you pretend to be me, you might be able to take advantage of them!

I’ll admit that I am not a huge fan of social media, but it can serve some great purposes. But it should be used cautiously and consciously. That’s not always easy, and it’s important to remember that Facebook’s and your interests do not always align.

One of the attractions of Facebook is how easy it is to use. I know someone who almost everyday posts, “Does anybody know what the weather will be like today?” I’m always tempted to answer, “Yes! I checked the NOAA forecast!” Easy doesn’t mean safe or smart. You have been warned! (By the way, most scams are easy to fall into; that’s why they work!)

Note the Maine State Grange Communications Handbook includes the National Grange Social Media Code of Conduct and a number of resources and communication ideas.

► FACT: Did you know that the MSG Communications Handbook includes a list of daily and weekly newspapers in Maine with contact information?

Grange Month Supplies

What do you need to celebrate Grange Month during April? It’s not that far away!

To help with any confusion, there are at least three distinctly different Grange “Stores” or sources of Grange-related products.

While not an actual “store,” MSG Headquarters offers a number of items (mostly supplies, forms, etc.). Email Secretary Sharon to inquire. Some are also available for download from the Program Books and Information Page.

National Grange operates the Grange Supply Store.

The Monroe Grange Store offers regalia, jewelry, promotional items, awards and wearables for Grange members. 

There is some overlap of products offered, so you can “shop ’til you drop!”

Highland Lake 150th Anniversary

Highland Lake Grange No. 87 marked its 150th anniversary this month! To celebrate, eleven members enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Rustlers Steakhouse in Windham. The Grange is planning a public event for its 150th later in 2025. Details will be announced at a later date.

Keeping ME Warm!

by Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

Our state is in for some bitterly cold temperatures early next week. In some areas, wind chill factors will reach 20 – 30 degrees below zero. Stay safe!

If your Grange plans to open your hall as a warming center, PLEASE let us know. You can use the submit information tab on the website or send me an email. I will get the information posted quickly in a “Facebook Friendly” way that will make it easy for the information to be shared.

At a minimum, include your Grange’s name, location (street address and/or directions), and any details such as the hours open, etc.

Thanks!

Communications Column – January 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

New Developments

You’re probably aware of our new resource page(s) for the Words for Thirds Program. We’ll officially release on January 18, 2025, but it is a work in progress. Some resources, such as label templates and sample press releases, have already been accessed and used. There are still a few things “coming soon,” including an interview with Mary French, Director of the Dictionary Project. In addition to making life easier for Granges participating in Words for Thirds, we are determined to get more Granges in-terested in the program. As most know, I have been directing Valley Grange’s program for close to twenty years and I’m excited and happy to work with and assist Granges who are interested!

I’ve recently been working with the AARP Fraud Watch Network to add another resource to the MSG Website. We’ll post a weekly Fraud Watch Alert on specific types of fraud and scams. These will serve a dual purpose. First, Grangers will have access to concise information for their use. Second, the information can be used in lecturer’s programs and as FHH reports. As a bonus, these posts will have buttons at the bottom, making it easy to share them on social media or by email. Links are also provided, giving access to an AARP speakers’ bureau.

(Speaking of scams, stay suspicious! I’ve personally been getting hit with a lot of phony emails that look like they are from companies like United Health Care, Bitdefender Support, PayPal, Delta Airlines, FedEx, etc. They often are identified as “FW” (forwarded) in the subject line. Most have an attachment (which I do not open) and an offer of something free. When in doubt, don’t!)

The underlying development for the Words for Thirds Resources and AARP Fraud Watch Alerts is a more structured editorial plan for the website. We want the site to be resource-rich, engaging, and useful. As a reminder, every member is a reporter and potential contributor. Submit your news and events, but don’t hesitate to go beyond that. If you’re a lecturer, consider submitting your program ideas and tips. Tell us about your Community Service activities or how your Grange is improving Family Health and Hearing. Thanks to several “reporters,” we’re now working on some information regarding Grange Hall insurance that will be shared soon. I can’t do these things alone. That’s one reason I’ve adopted the slogan, “We’re Grangers. We help each other.”

► FACT: In the past week, the most visited posts and pages were the Grange Directory, Program Books and Information, Words for Thirds Resource Page, and Grange Scholarships.

Tell us why you love the Grange
Submit an Event or News
Find the button representing how and where you want to share a post.

Membership Moments – January 2025

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

Have you made plans for the New Year for your Grange? Membership should be a top priority in achieving your goals for the year. Without members, we have no Grange. New ideas, new discussions, and new members are always needed. So, here is a list you and your Grange must consider:

BE ACTIVE. Plan events accordingly and remind members and nonmembers of your meeting times. Committees should be set up and working.
REACH OUT. Let the Community and town know what you are doing and request help from them to plan community events. Keep the community up-to-date with projects and offer assistance.
COMMUNICATION. Keep your members informed and practice your floorwork so that visitors will know that you are solid in tradition and rituals. Make a good impression. All members should know what is happening in your Grange. Maybe create a town newsletter or join a community newspaper.
LISTEN. Hear what your members and the Community have to say. Improvements are always needed from within or from outside of Grange. Write down their thoughts.
BE POSITIVE. Always make your meetings productive and inspirational to create enthusiasm. Talk highly of your Grange to nonmembers. Encourage them to join by being upbeat, positive, and enthusiastic.
NEW MEMBERSHIP. Create a membership committee or encourage all members to bring in new members. Make a contest to see who can bring in (and keep) the most new members during a period of time. Have fun in your quest for new members.

Make a plan to set goals for the upcoming year, incorporating the above references. Keep up the good work!

Please have a member read these columns at a regular or Pomona meeting so that ALL members will be informed. Reading these columns will spark some ideas to help with your membership drive.

Communications Column – December 2024

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Making it Work

How providential that I recently received this email from Larry Bailey, Master of Ocean View Grange:

FYI – The dictionaries for the Ocean View Grange “WORDS FOR THIRDS” project have been ordered. There are two third-grade classes to whom we will distribute the books. The students have always seemed excited and grateful for getting the dictionaries. I was very surprised to see that response when we first gave out the dictionaries given that we live in an electronics and internet-based world.

Larry’s email was sent to members—I was copied. Communication creates involvement and allows people to feel engaged even if they are not directly participating. As another example, we recently completed Valley Grange’s “Dictionary Day” Words for Thirds Program. One of those days received front-page coverage in a weekly newspaper. As a direct result, a woman located some distance away sought out and called our secretary, explaining how much a dictionary meant to her as a child. She also mailed a $100 donation to us to support the program. She wanted to be part of what we were doing.

Words for Thirds is a program with a huge potential impact, particularly when we think about the communication aspect. What child doesn’t enjoy a gift? One reason I strongly urge an in-school presentation is that we are delivering more than dictionaries. We are delivering interest and care for our kids. Our organization and its members care about our third graders and their learning opportunities. I love telling the story of a high school student who saw and recognized me. She approached me to share that. I admitted she had an advantage because I did not recognize her. She explained, “I just want you to know that I still have the dictionary you and the Grange gave me when I was in third grade.”

Gifts are a form of communication. The impacts of the gift and the things we do (and don’t do) are yet another form of communication. It’s trite but true that sometimes what we do shouts so loud people can’t hear what we say. One of the things to love about Words for Thirds is it shouts and does a lot of good things loudly!

► FACT: We currently have sixteen Granges here in Maine participating in or interested in Words for Thirds!

Find the button representing how and where you want to share a post.
Tell us why you love the Grange
Submit an Event or News

Membership Moments – December 2024

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

As a Membership Committee Director, it seems fitting that all of us should be “talking membership.” Columns relating to membership are presented each month. These columns are also intended to answer any membership questions you may have, so please send your questions to me at ricti@aol.com so your answers will appear in these columns. Let’s all cooperate and share what makes your Grange successful in recruiting new members, maintaining them and what your Grange does that attracts them. I will be referring to my own Grange at times to inform you what we have been doing that has been successful.

Membership does not just pertain to getting new members but is much more than that for sure. As an introduction, answer the following questions and make your own assumptions. Is your Grange prepared to accept new members? This means having an active grange, getting along with your brothers and sisters and if the community knows you exist. What does your Grange have to offer a new member? Why would they want to join? Can you explain to a prospective member about Grange and it’s history? Does your Master conduct the meeting smoothly and without incident or confusion? Do your members know the rituals and traditions that you can pass on to new members? Do you regularly meeting in one location (your hall or other place if you do not have a hall)? These are just a few questions to consider. To be prepared is a major step and should not be taken lightly.

Whether your Grange is a large group or a small one, it doesn’t matter. Membership should always be a priority in order to be able to operate efficiently.

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!