Tag: Artificial Intelligence

Creating Flyers that Communicate

Microsoft users have probably heard that the desktop program Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 13, 2026. Actually, it would be more accurate to state clearly that it will no longer work. Any files created with the program will no longer open. This creates serious challenges for many.

National Grange addressed this to some extent in the July 10 issue of Grange Today! If you have been using Microsoft Publisher, you may want to read Phil Vonada’s article.

There’s a strong consensus that Canva is a good replacement, and the free version may suffice. I have also found that with some additional learning, other programs in Microsoft Office such as Word and PowerPoint can be adapted.

But this also raises the larger question of how volunteers can easily produce event flyers at no cost. I’ve not vetted all of the options that follow, but they do seem worthy of exploration. Bear in mind, free options have limitations. The goal of offering them is to encourage users to upgrade to a paid version.

• Canva: The free version is viable. I used it for a while, but found it necessary to upgrade. One downside is that its popularity means you’ll see similarities among flyers created by other organizations.
• Venngage: Looks similar to Canva, but you’re limited to working online. The upside is that online-based apps can offer more features.
• Flyerwiz is now Designwiz: Claims to offer the first mobile app for flyer creation.
• Pktochart: Claims to offer “drag and drop” editing.
• DesignCap: Emphasizes simplicity. Basic use doesn’t require creating an account.

Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds — it’s easy to get caught in the trap of trying to keep up. Years ago, it was estimated that most users used only about 20% of a program’s (now called an app, although there is a difference) capabilities. I would hazard a guess that number is even lower today. When “shopping” for an app, keep in mind that you may not need most of what’s offered, unless you’re going to become a digital creator.

A simple flyer containing all the relevant information beats a glitzy one that doesn’t. I’m always impressed by social media ads that omit the location of the store or restaurant.

For the non-digital crowd, one option is to find a digital creator to create a flyer in exchange for promotion. (A credit on the flyer with the creator’s contact information.) While it requires some advance event planning, another option is a contest for kids.

If you’ve found a good resource for creating flyers, let me know so we can share it with other Granges. We’re Grangers. We help each other!

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For heavy users, the Microsoft Support Publisher Guide will help with preparing for its discontinuance.

FACT: During a recent seven-day period, the Manchester Grange News Post was the most viewed–over sixty times!

Summertime Communications and Thinking

That it’s summertime affects communication in both positive and negative ways. longer days and vacations promote casual, authentic connections, extreme heat often reduces language complexity and lowers frustration tolerance, which can quickly lead to irritability and conflict. As is often the case, we have some “good news, bad news.”

Summer may encourage a shift from rigid, formal routines and habits. In non-professional (work) environments, productivity may decrease as people are inclined to take extended breaks or at least become more focused on time off. It’s simply more challenging to get things done, particularly where collaboration is necessary. Just scheduling meetings can become challenging.

On a personal level, communication may become more relaxed and personal. I admit that I’d much rather be writing about my fall travel plans than work topics or Grange business.

A secondary point is how the environment influences communication. When I was working in organizational design and development, one CEO required executives to keep a pair of fuzzy bunny slippers and pajamas at the office. The dress code for many meetings required wearing them. He suggested, “It’ll be difficult to take ourselves too seriously if we’re all dressed like that.” He thought it would help them take the agenda seriously. He wasn’t as crazy as he sounded at first.

The summer weather is certainly part of the environment. Studies show that prolonged exposure to heat and dehydration causes physical discomfort, which lowers frustration thresholds and increases the likelihood of anger or miscommunication. Bear that in mind when you’re meeting on the second floor of your unairconditioned Grange hall.

Maybe we should move the meeting to a picnic table at the local ice cream stand. A change of environment not only improves communication, but it also changes thinking and experience. Perhaps instead of fixing the broken pencil sharpener, we might ignore it and look for a different way to sharpen a pencil

Don’t be threatened by the idea of questioning assumptions, breaking conventions, and exploring unconventional perspectives to solve problems. While the fraternal and ritualistic aspects of our Order have huge, almost immeasurable value, even the founders saw the value of breaking out of traditional thought patterns. If we look at the major accomplishments of the early Grange, they reflect creative thinking for their time. If we remember the lessons of the first four degrees, they align with the seasons. The common thread  is change and growth. The farmer’s life adapts to the seasons.

Our thinking, communication, and activity are deeply intertwined. We can’t always control the change of environment (whether it’s the season or something else). Someone wisely said, “The best thing to do when it rains is to let it.” By being aware of the changes happening around us, we can make life more interesting and enjoyable.

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FACT: In the past twelve months, there have been over 20,000 views of the MSG Website.

Website Update

“The only way to escape hardship is to keep moving forward.” Some will recognize this as a “family-friendly” paraphrasing of a quote attributed to Winston Churchill. Over the last month or so, I’ve found it necessary to keep reminding myself, “This too shall pass.”

We’re not quite out of the woods, but the clearing is in sight! (I seem to be full of metaphors and pithy sayings this morning.) There are probably some important lessons to be learned from the entire experience.

After nearly two decades of using the same host server, it became clear that things weren’t working. Well, it became clear to me. The host server folks didn’t see it that way!

I could probably make your eyes glaze over if I told the whole story and shared the many frustrations and roadblocks. The site is now fully migrated to a new server. Yay!

We can breathe easier, but we need to keep moving. It appears the major remaining difficulty is that a number of images disappeared during the move. Fortunately, I’m a bit of a packrat, so all is not lost. I will continue to replace them as I find them. If you experience any difficulties with the site, please let me know!

Forward momentum also demands that we continue to develop the site with news and resources. Thanks to the Granges who share news of events and accomplishments. Our future largely depends on what we do, not on what we say. If you can stand another pithy saying, society would tell us, “What you’re doing shouts so loudly we can’t hear what you’re saying.” Tell us what you’re doing! If local Granges don’t share their news, it’s the same as announcing that you’re not doing anything.

One thing I really like about the new server is that it is focused on WordPress, the platform we use to develop and maintain the site. This promises some great future developments and efficiency.

As a bit of an aside, I confess that A.I. (artificial intelligence) caused some frustration during the migration. But it was also profoundly helpful at times. So much of life is about stewardship and making good use of the tools we have available and the opportunities they create. Is there really such a thing as a “bad” tool?

The website itself is a tool. One way to use the site efficiently is to subscribe so you receive a weekly summary of posts. While site visits declined during the critical period of outages, the number of subscribers did not. In fact, our subscriber count continues to increase. Slow and steady wins the race. (Are you counting the pithy sayings?)

To so many, thanks for your support and patience! If you have ideas or needs, communicate them. Together we can do great things!

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FACT: It didn’t take long to receive an email from the new server that we’d passed 500 site visits!

Grangers Helping Grangers

The idea of “Grangers helping Grangers” can take many forms. We often see it within our Granges. For example, a member of Valley Grange recently needed some work completed on their home. It was quite natural for them to ask other members for suggestions. A slightly different version happens in Granges like Ocean View #463 in Port Clyde. They accomplish many of their projects by helping each other with ideas, resources, and expertise. These sorts of things happen both formally and informally, and all it takes is a little communication.

In recent weeks, I’ve had the privilege of seeing examples of it with Grangers helping Grangers in other Granges. For example, a Grange considering a Book Exchange Program (Little Free Library) wants to connect with other Granges that have one. Once again, all it takes is a little communication to make that connection! The odds are pretty good that if a Grange is considering something, another Grange (or someone in it) has at least tried it—and more likely done it.

What we are describing here is the primary focus of the Communications Department and website—supporting local community Granges. The odds are pretty good that if a Grange is considering doing something, another Grange (or someone in it) has at least tried it—and more likely done it. All we have to do is find that resource and connect!

That’s where you come in. It sometimes feels like local Granges are among the best-kept secrets! Tell the world (including the Grange World) what you’re doing!

A recent Rapid Resource on fundraising (included as a bonus article in this issue) challenges the use of the word “donation” in fundraising. Instead of asking for a donation, we can think of ourselves as giving others an opportunity. A similar mindset applies to recruiting members. Instead of asking people to join, give them an opportunity to be part of something.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” is an idiom that suggests all who participate in improvements benefit. In a simpler sense, Granges can rise together, especially when we realize that collectively we have much to offer. In practical terms, that includes the events we hold and the projects we undertake. Humility is often overvalued. Bragging can be a very effective leadership tool. Of course we must earn the right to brag. We can help each other do that. You’ll probably be amazed at what happens as a result.

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FACT: In the past twelve months, nearly 9,000 people have visited the MSG website, an 11% increase over the previous year.

Where Are You?

The name and number of a Grange should be on the building or on the sign at the road AND should include the day and time of the meetings.  This way someone passing by or visiting the area will know when you meet.

Master Sherry

One of my earliest attempts to visit a Grange had a somewhat humorous result. It was over two decades ago. I was relatively new to the Grange, and technology was still young. I drove to Lincoln, thinking that the Grange wouldn’t be too hard to find. I stopped for directions (more than once), and no one could help. In fact, no one had ever heard of a Grange Hall. It took a few phone calls to learn that Lincoln Pomona Granges were several hours away.

In more recent adventures, I’ve learned that some Granges appear to have multiple locations. It goes with the territory of rural life. There are countless examples where someone unfamiliar with the area could become mightily confused.

I’ve been guilty myself of giving directions like “turn left where the schoolhouse used to be.” When my sister and family from North Carolina first visited us, I talked them in and, without thinking, actually said that. After a short silence, my brother-in-law reminded me that this was their first visit to Maine and asked how they would know where the schoolhouse used to be.

Under the heading, “Nothing’s perfect…” I’ve also learned that travelers coming from a certain direction to our home need to ignore their GPS at one suggested turn. But the simple truth is, we need to make it easy for people to find us, and “us” includes our Grange Halls.

One way to do that is to know and use your hall’s street address. Street addresses in Maine are assigned by local municipalities (usually the code enforcement officer or town clerk), plantations, or county commissioners (for unorganized territories), adhering to E-911 standards. The E-911 system requires that each structure be linked to a unique physical address that clearly identifies the caller’s location (e.g., 35 Pine Road). Remember that dispatchers are often far away from the communities they serve.

The additional benefit of standards for street addresses make it possible for anyone to locate a building. Once you have your hall’s street address, please use it. I recommend placing the street number outside the building or on a post. It also wouldn’t hurt to have it posted inside the hall. There are additional steps you can take online, including locating your hall on Google Maps.

As an aside, the National Grange’s “Find a Grange” program does not include Maine; you should not rely on it. Our Maine State Grange online directory is based on the published roster. We’ll update it soon, when the roster is issued, but we can also make changes at any time.

Making your hall visible and easy to find is another great spring project!

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FACT: During a recent seven-day period, more than fifty people visited the website from Facebook.

Some Changes and Reminders

As we begin a new calendar year, I’ll share some changes we are making and offer a few reminders that should be helpful. And I probably won’t resist including some accomplishments!

There will always be some challenges with the relationship between the Bulletin and the website. They are two very different media. (Think about the difference between reading a newspaper and getting news online.) One minor change we are working on involves the use of photos, particularly with monthly columns. While photos work well on the site, they simply do not reproduce well in the printed Bulletin. Therefore, we’ll either eliminate photos from the Bulletin or replace them with line art.

Speaking of that difference in media, we will continue the content shift we started several years ago. The website will continue to emphasize news, events, and the interests of local (subordinate) Granges. The Bulletin will be driven primarily by monthly columns and reports—still appropriate for local Granges, but not as time-sensitive.

We’ll continue to encourage subscriptions to the website. The number of people subscribing to the site has been steadily increasing. We have at least 10% more subscribers than we did a year ago, and that number continues to grow! Let’s continue that trend. As many have said, with a monthly Bulletin and monthly meetings, the site is one way to stay connected to the Grange on a regular basis. We work at keeping posts relevant and timely—no spam and no complicated algorithms deciding what you should see! Your subscription is confidential. We don’t share your contact information with others. Subscribing (and unsubscribing) is easy-peasy.

Technology advancements often help us, but they can also create more challenges. The use of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) is currently near the top of the list! As a reminder, we should all use AI very deliberately. It doesn’t always get things correct or complete. Bear in mind, you may be using it unknowingly. If, for example, you search the Internet, the results are generated by automation. One of the major concerns with AI is diminished critical thinking among users. Don’t let this happen to you. As a quick example, I have used spell and grammar checking for a long time, but I always review suggested changes to make sure AI has not changed the meaning of what was written. In short, keep your brain active. Don’t let AI do your thinking for you!

We will continue purging the site of posts and columns that are over 2 years old. This may result in some broken links, but it will keep the site up to date and manageable. It also reduces server space. If you experience any problems, please let me know!

Note that our policy regarding Fraternal Concerns has not changed. “We will not, therefore, post Fraternal Concerns regarding sickness and death. Exceptions may be made when concern involves a current or past state officer or other person well-known throughout the state. This policy also avoids potential privacy issues.” The entire policy is available on the website on the Program Books and Information Page. Please submit any fraternal concerns, but understand the need to limit publication.

I’ll continue to report changes and reminders. While this is not a paid position, I truly believe that I work for you, Grange Members in Maine. If you have concerns, questions, or ideas, please let me know. Remember to submit your Grange’s events and news!

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FACT: In 2025, over 250 columns and posts were added to the website! 10,000 emails were sent to subscribers and ODDs using our automated system!