Degree Day Scheduled
Tag: Grange Events
Communications Column – December 2025
By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
Simple Communication
And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it’s been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you.
Sometimes, simple is best. The holiday season invites us to consider that possibility as an opportunity. Sending a holiday card, to some extent, helps us answer the question, “How many ways can you say…” The card company makes its best attempts. For a small additional fee, we can imprint our name and eliminate the need for a signature. Simple.
It’s easy to argue that we lose something in simplicity. I think automation takes a toll. I did some shopping the other day. I didn’t keep track of how many times I was told to “Have a nice day.” I wasn’t annoyed by it, but neither was I deeply moved by it. Occasionally, I was tempted to ask for clarification. “And how would you suggest I go about doing that?”
The best communication isn’t automatic. The best communication is thoughtful and heartfelt. And that can be simple. One cashier placed her hand with my change into mine, but didn’t release it. This caught my attention, and I instinctively made eye contact. With her hand in mine, she smiled and wished me a nice day. I think her eyes twinkled a bit. We connected. I knew she meant it. Simple.
Communication should be about connection. Don’t let the words get in the way.
FACT: The two most popular categories of posts are Grange Activities and Grange News.
Membership Moments
By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915
With all the chaos in our country, the Grange needs to step up and help those in need. We need to work as one and become stronger. The Grange needs to keep its reputation as a safe place to go, with helping hands and friendly people. Our communities need us more than ever, so we need to be ever so vigilant. We need to let our communities know we are there for them. After all, isn’t that the Grange way?
Keep in contact with others, schedule events helpful to the people, such as a free clothing drive, craft fairs, dinners, lunches, card and game nights, and other social events. It only takes a smile to make someone’s day. Grangers are givers. Grangers are helpers. Grangers care.
To attract new members, we must always be on our “A” game. Be positive, smile, lend a helping hand, listen to others; their concerns and needs. Our communities need us more now than ever, so reach out! Remember why you joined the Grange and why you still belong. Having been a Grange member for 40 years, I am truly grateful for all the Grange has provided me with: love, lasting friendships, and the opportunity to make a difference. As has been said, you get out of something what you put in and much more. Tell your story.
As the new year approaches, what changes need to be made? Will the Grange strive to work easier (not always harder) to gain membership, to be a factor in our communities, a name that all will trust, and most of all, visible to others? YOU can make it happen. YOU can be a factor. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Happy Holidays to all.
Santa Is Coming to Vienna
Communications Column – November 2025
By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
Communication Changes and Challenges
We’re already in the second month of a new Grange Year! It may be appropriate to review some communication tactics and techniques with a brief update on some changes and challenges.
I could easily write an entire column and more on the role of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in communication. In terms of our website and Bulletin, I’m increasingly relying on AI, and it’s becoming more sophisticated. For some time now, all submissions have been spell and grammar-checked before release. But AI is not actually writing content, nor do I allow it to substantially change what’s been submitted. And it doesn’t always get things right. For example, the National Grange Communications Handbook insists the word “Grange” and derivations (Grangers, etc.) always be capitalized. AI doesn’t know that. Yet. That’s a minor point, but also a reminder that accuracy and consistency are important.
Communication is happening faster all the time. We can debate the value but not the fact. I mention this because we occasionally lose time due to omissions and errors. I occasionally feel compelled to remind people that the Communications Director’s job is, practically speaking, a volunteer job. I still try to maintain a 24–48 hour turnaround time. If, for example, you submit something for the website, you can expect it to be posted within that time frame. But that assumes you’ve included all the necessary information. If not, and I have to contact you, there’s a delay.
One idea I am pursuing to help with this challenge is creating a dedicated online form for submitting events, which will make all our jobs easier! Your thoughts and ideas are welcome! I might be bragging, but I do maintain some great software, and I am a pretty creative problem-solver. A few years ago, if someone submitted something written on a Mac or Apple computer, it was a nightmare. Today, no problem! Just recently, I received a link to a photo stored online. I was able to get it with a couple of clicks thanks to a screenshot program I maintain. My point is not to brag; it’s to bring the big challenge to the front. The big challenge is getting Grangers to submit the information. I can’t communicate what I don’t know. If you send me something, I can probably work with it!
Thanks in part to AI, I’ve “branded” our Words for Thirds programs, Book Exchange Boxes, and most recently Craft Fairs with logos or icons. Craft Fairs, in particular, seem to have exploded this year! We may be a bit behind the power curve, but we can certainly promote Grange Craft Fairs in Maine—if we know about them!
After the posts themselves, the more static pages of information get lots of “views.” The graph to the right reveals which pages were most frequently viewed over the last twelve months, and brings us to another challenge. Are you surprised? The most viewed page is the directory of Granges. The information will be updated when the new roster is released, and I am looking into making “Find a Grange in Maine” more user-friendly. But everything hinges on the accuracy of the information. To keep this page useful, it must remain accurate throughout the year. You can help!
One other area worthy of note is that we’ve increased the number of subscribers to the website by 10% this year. Look forward to some additional efforts in that area. We can do even better! We will do even better!
FACT: The two most popular categories of posts are Grange Activities and Grange News.
Hollis Grange Words for Thirds
Membership Moments
By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915
The holiday season is fast approaching, which means a busy time for many Granges. Giving is what Grangers do, and it is at its peak during this time. Craft fairs, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the community, helping those in need for food, heat, and Christmas presents for the children, donating hats, coats, and other outerwear to keep them warm; the list is endless. Recruit others to help with your projects, whether it’s baking, cooking, organizing, or serving dinner. People are in a generous spirit and are willing to help a good cause. Gaining members is at its highest point during this season. So what do we do as Grangers?
Start planning early. You can start putting together an outline for your event, which includes staffing. Ask others if they would like to help with the cooking and setting up. Make your event a joyous, successful time that everyone will remember.
Advertise and be visible. Organize a planning and publicity committee to take care of the needs. Do it early and often. Even if you are a small Grange, it doesn’t matter; it can be done. My Grange is small, but we have devoted, loyal members who enjoy each event.
Keep up the enthusiasm. Not everything goes as planned, but make the best of it. Keep calm and you will persevere. For those who are not yet 5th degree (Pomona) members, perseverance is one of the lessons of being a Grange member.
Give a hearty “thank you” to all who helped and explain why the Grange holds such events. Have applications handy!
Have a clothing, food, or toy giveaway day at your Grange. Invite the public using the suggestions mentioned above. We all have things we would be willing to donate to those in need. This is one event that needs time to be successful.
Membership is a big concern for all, but we can do it. It is the same issue as our predecessors had, and look at how long we have survived. Numerous wars and pandemics over the years have not stopped us. Do your part!
Pomona membership is a big problem. Only just over a quarter of our membership are Fifth and Sixth Degree members, which is alarming. Where are our future leaders? The State Membership Committee (which also includes all Pomona Masters) will address the problem. We need all Pomona Masters to address this problem with their Subordinate Grange members. We need insight from all members, and we will be devising a plan and maybe some workshops for all to attend.
The State Membership Committee wishes all a happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all. Be active and safe!
Northeast Grange Leaders’ Conference Information
Key dates:
- Deadline for Hotel Registration – December 1, 2025
- Deadline for Registration – December 15, 2025
- Conference Dates – January 9 – 11, 2026
Registration Form for the conference
This is the only information we’ve received. There is a contact listed on the registration form
Celebrate Veterans’ Day 11-11-2025
The artwork is by Larry Bailey, Master of the St George Grange.
“Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set. We are forever thankful for you.”
Grangers in Maine
World War I, known at the time as “The Great War,” officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles in France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice – or temporary cessation of hostilities – between Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926; but it wasn’t until May 1938 when an official act was passed establishing every Nov. 11 “Armistice Day” to honor veterans of World War I. A law in 1954 officially changed it to Veterans Day.
In 1968, the holiday was changed to the last Monday in October; but President Gerald Ford signed legislation that reestablished Veterans Day to Nov. 11 after backlash from the public. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to Nov. 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date but also helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
The above history is reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin, District 4.
Excelsior Grange Craft Show
November 29, 2025
Excelsior Grange is looking for crafters and vendors for our annual Christmas Fair to be held on November 29, 2025, from 9 am to 2 pm. The Grange will serve lunch and will be selling wreaths. To reserve an eight-foot table ($20) or for more info about the fair, please contact Excelsior Grange #5 on Facebook or by calling 998-2301.
Excelsior Grange is located at 446 Harris Hill Road in Poland, Maine.