Grange Communication – Page 7 – Maine State Grange

Fraud Watch- Celebrity Imposter Scams

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

Social media can make it feel like we’re closer than ever to our favorite celebrities. But if a musician, actor, or athlete you admire suddenly sends you a private message, don’t get starstruck—get skeptical. It’s almost certainly a scam.

That personal attention isn’t coming from the celebrity. It’s from a criminal impersonating them or someone close to them. These scammers build trust through private messages, tailoring their approach based on your responses, sometimes turning it into a romance scam or a charity scam. The story may change, but the goal is always the same – to steal money and personal information.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are making these scams even harder to spot. Criminals can now mimic voices, alter photos and craft polished messages without the spelling or grammar mistakes that once were red flags. Some even create fake ads or livestreams featuring celebrities who appear to endorse products or causes.

Enjoy following celebrities online, just remember that engaging with their posts can make you more visible to scammers. If an unexpected message sparks high emotion (like excitement) and involves urgency, let that be your signal to disengage because it’s likely a scam.

Report fake celebrity accounts or impostors directly to the social media platform. If you’re the victim of a scam, report it to law enforcement and insist on a record in case of possible future restitution.

More Topic Resources

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.

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- TikTok and Social Media Scams

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, more money is reported stolen through fraud originating on social media than by any other method of contact. Reports to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline show a rise in scams on TikTok. Many are recycled fraud tactics with a social media twist. Here are three ways to help protect yourself.

Check your privacy settings. Limit who can see your posts and which apps can access your information.

Be skeptical of direct messages. Scammers often pose as celebrities, influencers, or even friends to request money, solicit “donations,” or promote fake investments. Red flags should go up if a friendly conversation turns into mentorship or romance that offers “investment” advice involving cryptocurrency.

Shop carefully on social platforms. TikTok Shop, Facebook Marketplace, and similar sites can host scams where products are misrepresented, poor quality, or never delivered. Review seller ratings, be wary of prices that seem far below market value, and use a credit card for the best protection.

More Topic Resources

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.

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.

Communication Shorts 11-15-2025

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!

November Bulletin

The November Bulletin is available for download. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

New Words for Thirds Resource

We’ve added a sample press kit to the Words for Thirds Resources. A press kit is often provided to reporters who are attending or writing about a particular event. This one is based on five dictionary days, but is easily adaptable. Help reporters and journalists who are helping you.

Craft Shows

It’s that time of year! In case you missed it, we’ve created a Grange Craft Show Logo or Icon. It will be beneficial when we receive announcements of craft shows that do not include a photo or flyer and help create a sense of “branding” of Grange Craft shows. Feel free to use it! And remember to get your craft show listed on the website, where it will be seen across the state and beyond.

Website Subscribers Sought

See the last page of the November Bulletin! Be sure to share with members!

Don’t Shoot the Piano Player!

He’s playing as fast as he can! We’re still catching up with results and information from the State Session. A printable ODD Directory is now available! Get yours today! (A copy will be snail-mailed to secretaries with the Bulletin.) The online ODD Directory should also be correct.

Think About This!

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Melody Beattie

An Idea for Your Grange

With all the recent media attention to Food Insecurity, it could make sense to add some food items to your Book Exchange Box. If it’s outside, be aware of freezing!

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

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 frequently consult these directories.
The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated November 15, 2025.

Secretary’s Corner – November, 2025

By Sharon Morton, MSG Secretary
207 485-6197

The 151^st State Grange Session in Orono is behind us, and I am getting the office back in order. Wow, what a great session. Learning Row, Row, Row Your Boat in sign language with National LAS, Kathy Gibson, and the election of three new officers. I would like to wish them a great two years: Ceres, Judy Meserve of Chelsea Grange; Pomona, Tracey Small of Danville Jct. Grange and Executive Committee (4 yrs), Dale Holst, Alexander Grange.

Thank you for your outstanding dedication and hard work over the past year. As Secretary of your Grange, you carry a vital responsibility-maintaining accurate membership records, managing dues, documenting proceedings, and submitting reports to both Pomona and the State Grange. The Grange is stronger because of your efforts, we appreciate everything you do.

It is very important to get your Quarterly Dues in on time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via email at mainestategrange@myfairpoint.net or call me at 207.623.3421. I would be happy to help.

The Holiday season offers a meaningful opportunity to honor your Grange members for their years of dedicated service. Whether they served for 5 years or 85 years, recognize them for their commitment to the Grange. Please send these requests in a timely manner so that the processing of such requests will assure arrival when you need them.

Have a great Thanksgiving! Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!!!

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.

Fraud Watch- Protecting Veterans

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

Veterans Day, celebrated each year November 11, is a time to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. It’s also a reminder of the need to protect veterans beyond their time in uniform.

Earlier this year, AARP surveyed veterans and active-duty military service members to learn more about their experiences and concerns around fraud. The findings reveal that veterans face a higher risk of fraud and are often targeted with tactics related to their military background, benefits, or deep sense of trust.

Nearly four in ten veterans, representing more than 7.5 million people, say they’ve received solicitations from someone pretending to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs or another government agency. About 28%, an estimated 5.5 million veterans, believe their veteran status made them a target.

While many veterans are already taking steps to stay safe online, more than one in three say there aren’t enough resources available to help protect them. That’s where the AARP Veterans Fraud Center comes in. This online education and resource hub helps veterans, service members, and their families learn how to spot and avoid scams.

Learn more about this research and the work AARP is doing to support America’s veterans at aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter.

More Topic Resources

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.

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 – November 2025

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

We had a very busy schedule at our 151st State Grange Session, which went well. Thank you to the Officers, Delegates, Members, Deputies, Directors, and Committee members who attended. I appreciate your participation and input during the business and activities. Thank you to all those special helpers and workers for your assistance, whether a large part or a small piece of the work, I personally appreciate every one of you. I would like to hear your comments and/or suggestions about State Session – schedule, facilities, location, banquet or any other comment you care to make. Send to my email address.

We welcomed Kathy Gibson, Lady Assistant Steward of the National Grange, who gave us inspiring words of wisdom and also taught us “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in sign language, we all managed to get through the entire song in rounds. Some of our “boats” didn’t “row” as good as others. Kathy’s enthusiasm is definitely contagious. Brother Glenn Gibson, Executive Committee Member & Past Master of the Massachusetts State Grange and Amanda Gibson, Communications Dir of the MA State Grange both enjoyed being with us also.

A heartfelt Memorial Service was presented. Resolution work started and continued on Saturday with much discussion on each. A wonderful banquet was shared, and the various Committees presented many awards. We held a full election of officers with most of us being re-elected, thank you for your confidence in me. I am pleased to welcome our new officers, Judy Meserve as Ceres, Tracey Small as Pomona, and Dale Holst to the Executive Committee for a four-year term. I want to express my appreciation to our retiring officers Betty Huff, Ceres; Kathy Gowen, Pomona and Jim Owens from the Executive Committee for their dedication and years of service to the Manie State Grange. We welcomed five new State Grange members who received the 6th degree on Saturday afternoon. Vicki Huff installed our officers in an impressive manner. Thank you!

The new Department Program Books and Annual Reports were given to the Delegates for your Grange. If you did not have delegates at the session, you may download the programs and reports from the web under “Program Books,” or if you want a printed copy, email or call the office or me, and we will send them to you. You may request all or just select certain ones. Agricultural Scholarship, Educational Aid & Howes Nurses Scholarship requirements and applications can also be found on the website or requested from the office. We need to promote these scholarships and awards in our communities; each is a wonderful opportunity for our young folks. Grange Enterprise Award (formerly Farm Family) information with the application can be found on the web too or requested.

I hope to get the 2026 Roster done in the near future. Do I have your most current information? I know I have only about 2/3 of them. Welcome to our new Subordinate and Pomona Masters/Presidents, Lecturers, Secretaries and Committee people. There have been a few changes to Deputies and Committees. Several of our dedicated Deputies have retired after long years of service on behalf of the Maine State Grange. I want to THANK each of them, Maynard Chapman as Chief Deputy, David Gowen, Basil Mosher, Harriet Spencer, Holly & Burt Welch, and Phil Parsons. I know I keep repeating myself with the thank-yous. Still, it is well deserved, heartfelt and important especially to me to do so.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Hug your family and friends. Help someone every day.

Don’t Forget Your Clock!

Daylight Saving Time ends tomorrow morning. No, you really don’t have to stay awake and do it at 2:00 a.m. We could probably have a lot of fun with the question of whether it ends at 2:00 a.m. before or after you change it.

Some people change their clocks before retiring; some wait until the next morning. Some make the change to habits gradually, although that seems potentially confusing, and besides, it’s too late this time.

There’s at least one story suggesting that the idea for the twice-yearly time change came from someone who had a blanket that was too short, so he cut some off one end and sewed it onto the other.

It’s also a good time to check/change the batteries in your smoke detectors. You can do that during the extra hour you’re getting!

Fraud Watch- Stronger Protections for Older Adults

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

In August, AARP testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging to spotlight a growing threat to Americans: fraud carried out by transnational organized crime groups. Operating openly abroad, these networks are draining billions of dollars from victims, local communities and economies every year. Older adults are navigating a minefield of increasingly sophisticated scams that threaten not only their lifetime savings but even their homes, independence, and health. Money that was saved for retirement is instead supporting illicit activity around the world.

AARP is urging lawmakers to step up and strengthen fraud prevention through legislation. With AARP’s support, several states have taken action, drafting or passing laws that target real estate and romance scams, cryptocurrency kiosk fraud, suspicious financial transactions and gift card theft.

But it’s not just about changing laws – it’s about changing the culture around fraud. AARP continues its work to change how we talk about and think about fraud victims; see aarp.org/saythis. Across the country, our state offices and volunteers are leading or joining local efforts to create task forces bringing together law enforcement, attorneys general, regulatory agencies, bank tellers and nonprofits to work together on addressing fraud. If you’re interested in joining over 1,000 AARP fraud fighter volunteers engaged in these and other activities to fight fraud, email us at fwn@aarp.org.

More Topic Resources

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.

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.