Tag: Grange Events

Communications Column – August 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

How are you communicating?

A Grange “brother” recently reached out by email, and we had an interesting “conversation” with a series of back and forth. He admitted that he was not spending much time on Facebook as he was “tired of the rants and stuff and knowing that everything I wrote was data that Zuckerberg would sell.” We commiserated briefly.

Facebook is probably one of the least understood communication vehicles we have available. It, and social media in general, serve some useful purposes—one reason these platforms have been so readily adopted. Since this is about and for Grangers, I think it raises some important questions.

In  my not-scientific study, most Grangers I know who use social media do so to “stay in touch with family.” I might fall into this category. I try to ignore the “rants and stuff,” including the many ads, sponsored posts, and outright scam attempts. Given my role as MSG Communications Director and naturally curious nature, I wonder how many Grangers have social media accounts. Again, it’s not very scientific, but I know that most of Valley Grange’s members do not have a Facebook account. We (Valley Grange) do have a Facebook Page, but we do not rely on it to communicate. If we only communicated on Facebook, most of our members would be ignored.

My marketing mind would love objective demographic data, What percentage of Grangers are active on social media? A broader question would be, “What percentage of people likely to become members are active on social media?”

Given the rapid advances in technology, the data would almost immediately become somewhat obsolete. Nearly two years ago, Instagram introduced a feature called “threads” that allows users to create text-based conversations. This could make your eyes glaze over because Meta owns both Instagram and Facebook. Let’s not go there.

One important aspect of social media is that the platform tries to figure out your interests and decides what you should see. Equally important, you are the product, not the beneficiary. As my Grange brother noted, Zuckerberg is selling that data to advertisers and, more recently, using it in the runaway development of AI (artificial intelligence).

This is not an attack on social media. It is an attempt to encourage perspective among Granges and Grangers. I know posting events and information on Facebook is easy, and doing so can create a sense of accomplishment. But what have you truly accomplished?

Once a year, I “audit” any Facebook Pages or Groups I’m aware of or stumble upon. You might be surprised at how many of those are for Granges that no longer exist. You might also be surprised that, for some, where the Granges still exist, nothing has been posted for a year or two. The only action I can take is to eliminate any reference to the defunct page on the MSG Website. (I will advise the Grange involved.) I also occasionally discover inappropriate posts on individual pages and groups.

We could, and probably should, revisit the Grange’s social media policy. But for now, let’s get thinking about how we are communicating with members and potential members.

An important reality is that it is relatively easy to move information from the MSG Website to Social Media. Moving in the other direction is almost impossible. (And, remember, Facebook decides whether or not I get to see the information you have posted.) There are several methods for submitting your news and information to the site. More about that later. Once we have it on the site, you can share it on Facebook with a couple of mouse clicks.

A secondary reality is that when you submit events and news to the website, we offer a degree of quality control. I recently stumbled on a Grange Facebook post full of spelling and grammatical errors, not exactly an example of putting our best foot forward. Perhaps even more importantly, we check for missing information. In fact, if you submit using the website itself, you fill out a form that asks for the specific details. If time permits, I will also assist with flyers, etc. We’re Grangers. We help each other!

Enjoy social media, just keep it in perspective. When you’re planning an event (or have had one and want to share the news) make sure someone is assigned the task of submitting them to your MSG website!

► FACT: The Communications Department of one has a goal that email and voice mail will be replied to within 24-48 hours.

Membership Moments – August 2025

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

There are many active Granges doing many events, which are well-advertised and appealing to the public. What a great way to attract new members. I know of a few that have done so successfully. This is probably the easiest way to attract new members. Keep in mind that any public or community event is also a membership drive, not just a fundraising event. Take advantage of this opportunity.

When speaking to interested parties, be prepared to answer their questions. Subjects in which they are interested include the following:

  • The history of the Grange.
  • What is the Grange?
  • What does the Grange do?
  • Rituals and traditions.
  • What has the Grange done to affect our lives now and in the past?
  • Is the Grange just for farmers?
  • Is it family-friendly?
  • Meeting times and dues.
  • Why did you join?
  • Benefits (insurance, discounts (for example car rentals)

If you are unsure of the answer of any of these questions, we have literature that explains and covers these areas. Give them contact names and numbers,  and make sure they are not confused when you end your conversation.  The Grange is a great organization and an opportunity to change one’s life for the better. There are many people out there who are waiting for you to ask or invite them to become a member. Do your best to encourage them into membership. Open up a new world for them; one of knowledge, history, and helping fellow community members. Make this world a better place in your little corner of it. Get out there and recruit!

Communications Column – July 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Honest Communication

I know a health care provider who has an interesting recording that callers hear when a person doesn’t answer the phone. (That never happens.) The message includes a statement noting that “…we probably won’t call you back.”

That might qualify as brutal honesty. If we ignore the brutality, he gets credit for the honesty.

I suspect many Grangers would be surprised at the number of times I, as communications director, am contacted by frustrated folks who have tried to reach someone in our organization unsuccessfully. Usually, they have left multiple voicemails or sent emails that have gone unanswered. I’m pretty easy to find, and with the title “communications director,” I don’t blame them for thinking I can help.

Sometimes I can help if it’s a question of a general nature. Other times, I can verify whether they are using the correct contact information.

But occasionally, I admit that I can’t force people to reply to emails and return phone calls.

It seems ironic that, with all the communication technology developed over the past several decades, it’s debatable whether actual communication has improved. In the case of the healthcare provider, perhaps it has. He’s using technology to let people know he’s not interested in them.

So consider this. If you are a Granger holding a position of responsibility at any level of the organization, what are your communication priorities? More importantly, how do your priorities impact others and their opinion of our organization?

“A Patron places faith in God, nurtures hope, dispenses charity, is noted for fidelity, returns phone calls, and answers email.”

► FACT: The Communications Department of one has a goal that email and voice mail will be replied to within 24-48 hours.

Membership Moments – July 2025

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

Most of us have heard of a subliminal message and its purpose.  For a refresher, a subliminal message is one that is intended to be embedded in our subconscious mind without our conscious knowledge of what is happening. These messages are commonly used by television commercials and ads, which contain “trigger” words and continuous use of phrases undetectable to the conscious mind in order to influence us to buy their products. In this column, I will use the phrase “increase membership” at various times and embed the phrase in the topic we are discussing. Although it isn’t really the same as I described, it gives the reader a sense of what I am talking about.

We all know that our member numbers have decreased and at times (increase membership) many Granges do not have enough members present to hold a meeting. It disrupts the flow when a meeting is canceled (increase membership) and people begin to lose interest when this happens on a regular basis.  Even to the most dedicated Granger, this is quite annoying and sometimes makes us question why do we bother. Our love and dedication to the (increase membership) order keep us chugging along. We don’t give up easily and our high energies motivate all our members. However, how long (increase membership) can this last? Even the Sun will run out of energy at some time. To avoid burnout, we need to make membership a top priority at every meeting. All members of our Granges are responsible (increase membership) to bring in new members; not a select few or only the State Membership Committee. It is up to YOU (increase membership) to be a part of the membership drive!

Read this message over a few times and let me know how effective this subliminal message has been or even better, read this message often and let the hidden message do its work.

Communications Column – June 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Did I Lie or Miscommunicate?

Our Memorial Day Program here in Maine’s #1 Town (alphabetically) includes an opportunity to chat with friends and neighbors—one of the joys of rural living. After the small crowd had mainly disappeared, I noticed two of those friends chatting intensely—one I hadn’t seen for some time. As I approached, I said, “I don’t mean to interrupt, but I must say ‘Hi’ to…” Of course, I said more than that as we needed to briefly “catch up” on each other’s health and doings.

Later, as I strolled to my vehicle, it occurred to me that I had lied. I had, in fact, fully intended to interrupt their conversation. I know both well, so I felt comfortable interrupting. I also trusted both would honestly have said “This is not a good time…” if that were the case. So why did I lie, even if it was unintentional?

As I consider that question, I am reminded of the conversation between Caesar and Mark Antony in Act 1, Scene 2.

“Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men and such as sleep o’nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look, He thinks too much; such men are dangerous.”

While I’m not sure I am sleek-headed or have a lean and hungry look, I am occasionally accused of thinking too much. For Shakespeare Fans, we could think too much about the context of the quote. The digression is enticing, but to pursue it might make the point. “He thinks too much.”

Spontaneous communication means we are not thinking much. Had I been thinking more critically as I approached these friends, I might have said, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I must say ‘Hi’ to…” If a similar situation develops, that would be a more likely line now that I’ve had time to think about it. I’m not sure that’s overthinking.

While the characters in Julius Caesar are speaking, it’s important to remember that they are not speaking spontaneously. They are speaking words that were written carefully. A writer has an opportunity to think and edit what will be “said.” Thanks to technology, we now have AI that helps with the written word. Even as I’ve written this, a great deal of thought has been given and many changes have been made. I can even ask the computer to read it aloud and listen to how it sounds. This might be another digression.

All this thinking ultimately aims at the continuous improvement of our communication. It’s admittedly easier when communication is written, but the patterns are similar. Over forty years ago, I taught an interpersonal skills course that primarily focused on communication when speaking and listening. “When your initial response is to reject or ignore, clarify and confirm what the speaker is saying.” The idea behind it was to ensure you understood what the speaker was saying and why they were saying it. Students who “got it,” realized that it was equally important to understand that when they were speaking, they should be clear on what they were saying and why they were saying it.

Communication should be about understanding. During my days as a real estate instructor, I will never forget an instructor’s meeting during which a colleague said, “I want to be sure we are all saying (teaching) the same thing.” I couldn’t resist responding that I hoped our students would all hear the same thing, but doubted it. Let’s not forget that while we think words have meaning, ultimately, people give meaning to those words. It’s not an exact science and never will be.

Social media offers endless opportunities for miscommunication. A recent post reported the death of three children, allegedly at the hands of their father. One commenter wrote, in part, “I am angry at those poor babies who were murdered by their father…” If we think before reacting, we can conclude she probably wasn’t angry at the babies. She was probably angry at the situation. If she were a politician, there would soon be a news story announcing that she was angry at the murdered children, perhaps even speculating that they were somehow responsible for their own deaths. It wouldn’t take much effort to turn her miscommunication into a lie.

Speakers and writers should attempt to communicate accurately. Listeners and readers should attempt to hear and read accurately. That involves some discipline and thinking. Of course, skill helps, but the focus needs to move beyond communicating to understanding.

This article was initially posted on the Brain Leaks and Musings Site by Mr. Boomsma, educator and author.

► FACT: Your website was viewed nearly 1,400 times by over 500 people in the month of May!

Communications Column – May 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Doing is communicating…

As I worked on the program for Valley Grange’s Community Celebration, I was reminded of the old platitude that, “what you’re doing shouts so loud, I can’t hear what you’re saying.” Often attributed to kids when we think they’re not listening, it reminds us that perhaps they are listening to what we are doing and perhaps what we are doing (or not doing) is more telling than what we’re saying.

Like many Granges this time of year, we’ll honor a local “Citizen of the Year” for her “boots on the ground” efforts to build strength in our communities. As is often the case, I learned more about what she does after we’d selected her. I knew we’d made a good choice when people stopped me in the grocery store to ask about her honor and our Community Night Celebration.

Another aspect of that celebration is a short two-part presentation entitled “Just Five Minutes.” It looks at the value of volunteering with photo examples and some basic math showing the dollar value of those efforts. (Both will ultimately be available on the MSG website and YouTube Channel.)

As I worked on the photo examples portion, a light bulb went off. Historically, the photo examples have been from our Grange Programs like Words for Thirds, Blanketeering, and the Blistered Finger Knitters. These programs are well-known in our area because we say (publicize) them well. It is common for them to be covered by local television stations and newspapers. I like to think of it as a marriage between saying and doing. You might even hear me say, “It’s easier to make news than it is to write press releases.”

But there’s more, and I was inspired by the number of different things our Community Citizen is involved in and does. It started me thinking about individual Grangers and the possibility that we aren’t saying enough about their actions.

After a discussion with Valley Grange’s community service chair, we agreed that we aren’t “saying” enough about the individual members’ efforts that aren’t necessarily directly connected or part of a formal Grange program. Those efforts and that time count, and they do represent Grange values. Examples are endless—many times we don’t even know about them. One of our members has served as president of her community’s historical society for years. Another member supports her local volunteer fire department in several ways. I volunteer with 4-H and FFA and participate in a group cleaning headstones in our local cemetery. Valley Grange is anything but unique. I recently added an event to the MSG website calendar. Members of Ocean View Grange will be joining their local Legionnaires to help place flags on veterans’ graves. If you can stand another platitude, “You’re known by the company you keep.”

But someone who keeps an eye on a neighbor serves their community equally well. I live on a dead-end gravel road, and we joke that we have an informal road association that keeps us tuned into what is happening with each other. We never have meetings.

Community service is not just a program. And it goes beyond “doing” to a state of mind. We may not always make the connection consciously, but we often say a patron “has faith in God, nurtures hope, dispenses charity, and is noted for fidelity.” We’re about a lot more than ritual and meetings. The Grange is people. We shout it by the way we live. We come together to strengthen our efforts and find support for the things we do.

► FACT: Year to date, the Directory of Granges is the most viewed page on the website. People are looking for you!

Membership Moments – May 2025

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

I attended the recent Degree Day in Augusta in which 24 new members saw the first four degrees. A big thanks to the members of Androscoggin Pomona for organizing this yearly event. It was great to meet new Grangers and to see present Grange friends from all over the State of Maine. Congratulations to the new members. Hopefully, those who didn’t get a chance to see the degrees this year will attend the next one. There are still many obligated members who should be learning the lessons of the Grange first-hand. In the meantime, keep attracting those new members! 

June is coming, and with that month comes, yes, elections! Elections, believe it or not, are very important for the progress of your Grange. Please consider your new membership when electing officers (if they are interested) to keep them involved. Teach them the floorwork; we all could use a refresher course from time to time. Keep your Grange meetings running smoothly and listen to all ideas, especially from your new members. They do have their reasons for joining. 

Forming committees is also important to the well-being of your Grange. Too many times, there are no reports given on the selected committees or no active committees to report. A membership committee is recommended in each Grange. The membership committee can be a select few or the whole of your current membership. Please report on this committee at each meeting. Some discussions about membership planning and ideas should be shared at all meetings.  

Kudos to all Granges who have a full calendar of events this year. I wish them the best in their accomplishments, and may they continue to prosper and grow!  

Degree Day Celebration April 2025

Several dozen candidates completed the Four Degrees at MSG Headquarters. Candidates came from Vassalboro, Union Harvest, Manchester, Androscoggin, Victor, Danville Junction, Lamoine, Winthrop, and Huntoon Hill Granges. In addition, Excelsior, Hollis, Chelsea, Willow, East Madison, Valley, Alexander and Halcyon Granges were represented, more than doubling the total attendance!

Lots of new members! As you might suspect, the altar circle was a challenge! Welcome to our Order!
Photo by David Colby Young.
Serving as Degree Masters were Bridget McKeen, Roberta Meserve, and Lynne Pomerleau.
Photo by David Colby Young.

The day was organized by Maynard Chapman and members of Androscoggin Pomona with assistance from other Granges around the state. It was great to see so many Grangers in one place–and many young faces. Thanks go to the many people who made this day possible.

Harvest Marchers are ready to go!
Photo by David Colby Young.

Special thanks go to Norma Meserve and Steve Verrill for their assistance gathering information for this post!

Communications Column – April 2025

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Whazup?

Ironically, our Grange fiscal year starts in the fall but for many Granges, their program year starts in the spring! If you attend this year’s Degree Day, you’ll also discover that conferring the First Degree takes place on a farm in the springtime. April is traditionally celebrated as Grange Month. So maybe it does all start here.

One way we find out is by answering the question “Whazup?” For those uninitiated in contemporary contractions and lingo, the question facing us is “What’s up in your Grange?” We could further complicate it by creating a series of questions:

  • What has happened (projects, programs, celebrations) in your Grange recently?
  • What is going to happen (projects, programs, celebrations) in your Grange in the future?

“Inquiring minds want to know…” is a phrase attributed to the tabloid newspaper “The National Enquirer” in the 1970s. In its original form, it was spelled enquiring, making it a catchy slogan that reflects the value of a curious mind that wants to know as much as possible.

Some of you will remember when the Maine State Grange published a bit of a print tabloid newspaper. Most Granges had a correspondent who submitted a version of whazup in their Grange. Sometimes the results were a bit “gossipy” but generally included short summaries of recent meetings and activities. It worked because it was informal and simple. It worked because it kept members around the state feeling connected.

As we spring into a new year, it’s tempting to suggest every Grange needs a correspondent—someone who is at least informally interested in proactively answering those whazup questions. The MSG Website is committed to serving, sharing, and connecting local Granges. That also means local Granges need to connect with us! Inquiring minds DO want to know (including mine!). We don’t need to formalize a program, we just need a few people who are willing to share whazup in our Granges.

There are many ways to do this. You can, for example, submit basic information about your events using the submit tab on the website. The advantage of this route is that the form will ensure you provide all the required information. (How many times have I seen events listed on social media with no location given?) Submitting to the site accomplishes a lot of things! If the event is in the future, it gets listed on the MSG Events Calendar. We’ll also create a post for you. Those posts stay on the site, get emailed to our website subscribers, and are easily shared on social media by anyone who subscribes to or visits the site. If you have a flyer for your event, attach it to an email and send it to webmaster@mainestategrange.org. We’ll take it from there!

If you volunteer to do this for your Grange, you might find the MSG Communications Handbook helpful! That handbook includes information that will help you communicate, publicize, and advertise your Grange. There are tips submitted by Granges and lists of major and weekly newspapers. Lots of helpful information!

We still have close to one hundred Granges in Maine. There should be (and probably are) more events than those listed on the calendar. That’s a great place to start—easy peasy! At least send the basics! We don’t list “regular” meetings—with the exception of Pomona Meetings—but if your regular meeting includes a special program, that qualifies! When in doubt, share it! The more advanced notice you give, the more we can help.

Inquiring minds do want to know. When we recently promoted Valley Grange’s Blanketeering event, we had people come from miles away and produce a record number of blankets. It works. Help us prove it by sharing whazup at your Grange.

The News Is Where You Find It. If you wonder how the Amish (who tend to shun technology and the Internet) stay connected around the country, check out this article.

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

Membership Moments – April 2025

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

This is a busy month for all Granges. April is Grange month, so there will be many activities going on at various times throughout the State of Maine. Open houses, giving membership certificates for longevity and degree days are happening. As you may have heard, there will be a degree day at 1 pm on Sunday, April 27, at State Grange Headquarters in Augusta performed by Androscoggin Pomona. If you have any candidates (including those who have been obligated but have not viewed the degrees), please bring them. This may be the only degree day scheduled. Last year was a success, so let’s attend and meet seasoned and new friends. I am pleased to hear positive things concerning Granges having taken in new members recently. Is your Grange one of those?

I will remind all Granges to please read the membership columns at your meetings. Please assign or volunteer a member to do that task. It is important that the information contained in the columns reach all members so that all of us know what is happening. Pomona Masters/Presidents, since all of you are part of the State Membership Committee, I would like you to place a bigger emphasis on increasing membership for Subordinate/Community and Pomona Granges. The more we all emphasize increasing membership as a priority in our Granges, the more likely it is to happen. There are many who would join if we just asked or shared information with them. Members of all ages are
welcomed with younger members especially needed. Who is going to take over when we have passed? Do you have youth in your Grange? I am not talking about young at heart, seasoned members, but those who are 14 to 35 years old. Not many of us do, which is scary. However, we CAN attract members if we put our minds to it. I have proposed to my own Grange a membership competition, the winner to receive a cash prize. What are your ideas? Please share them!!! Let’s all work together to rebuild our membership base.