Tag: Grange Communication

Grange Today! 7-24-2026

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • Raising the Flag, Honoring the Future: Sammamish Valley Grange celebrates America250 with Flag Day Event
  • NREA Partners with National Grange to Expand Collaboration Across Rural America
  • Is Your Grange Ready to Make a Difference?
  • Pave the “Route to the Future” at the 160th Annual National Grange Convention
  • Statement from National Grange Regarding Monroe Classic, Inc.
  • View from the Hill
  • The Countdown is On: One Year Until Grange Revival 2027!
  • Request Alzheimer’s materials for your local fairs
  • Reports and Contests Due Soon
  • Encouraging Creativity in the Age of AI
  • Recipes from the Heartland
  • Grange Member Benefit: Clouse Insurance
  • Grange Store: Good Day! July 2026

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!

Read the Current Issue

Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.

Fraud Watch- QR Code Scams

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

QR codes have become a convenient part of our daily lives, from viewing restaurant menus to paying for parking meters. However, scammers are increasingly taking advantage of this technology to steal your personal information and money through a tactic known as “squishing.” By physically pasting fraudulent stickers over legitimate ones, or sending fake codes via email or text, criminals can redirect you to malicious websites meant to mimic trusted businesses.

 In public settings, you might unknowingly scan a tampered code on a flyer or parking meter, sending your payment directly into a scammer’s account.

Protecting yourself requires extra caution. When scanning a physical QR code, ensure it’s not a sticker layered over the original. When in doubt, avoid the QR code entirely, and use your phone’s web browser and type in the official web address yourself.  Additionally, keeping your devices’ operating systems updated and using antivirus protection can offer an important second line of defense.

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.

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You’ll Miss Us!

a “webatorial” by MSG Communications Director
Walter Boomsma

Seth Godin wrote an interesting post suggesting that when people move away, cards and cake should read, “You’ll miss us” instead of “We’ll miss you.” He points out that the community remains.

One of the more powerful sentences in the short post was, “When a marketer serves a community, they create the conditions where they’d be missed–because the ideas or products or services they bring are important, not simply tolerated.“

With apologies to Seth, I changed a word or two. “When a Grange serves a community, they create the conditions where they’d be missed–because the ideas or services they bring are important, not simply tolerated.“

My revision raises a question for Granges. Would your communities miss you if you were gone? Would they even notice? Are you important or simply tolerated?

One of the challenges we face as an organization is relevance in communities that are loosely defined and increasingly diverse. If our vision is narrow and our goals are limited, we will be missed by an ever-diminishing number of people. For example, not everyone likes potluck suppers.

Seth’s short message is that marketers should see a worthwhile goal of creating ideas, products, or services that the community would miss.

Maybe it’s time for Granges to figure out what they can create and offer that their communities would miss.

Fraud Watch- Utility Scams

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

As rising summer temperatures cause energy demands to increase, criminals exploit fears of losing power and air conditioning by posing as local utility companies.

Scammers place threatening phone calls, phishing emails, or urgent text messages aimed at convincing consumers to supply personal data or to click on unverified links to resolve a past-due balance. Oftentimes these schemes are accompanied by a push to receive instant payment through unconventional payment methods like gift cards, or cryptocurrency.  

If you receive an unexpected threat to terminate your service, take an active pause and contact the utility company’s customer service department using the number from your physical bill or the company’s website (don’t search – go directly to the site) to check your account status. Chances are it’s a scam.

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.

Share this news!

Subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website

St George Grange Chair-ity Auction

Recycling at it’s best!

Members of the St. George Grange came up with the whimsical idea of having 17 local artists paint some of their vintage wooden chairs and chose Zero to School as the recipient of this CHAIR-ITY fundraiser auction.  These ONE-OF-A-KIND works of art represent both the talent and generosity of these artists.

Check out the amazing chairs and the auction, and learn more about Zero to School! Bidding closes on July 19, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.

Check ouT the Chairs!

Communications Column – July 2026

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

AI-generated image

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!

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

Microsoft support Publisher Guide

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

Grange Today! 7-10-2026

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • Calling All Granges: Help Give Rural Women a Voice in Health Research
  • Manson Grange Honors Seeds of Service
  • Grange Heirloom for July
  • Seeking Advocacy Wins
  • Publisher is going away… Now what?*
  • Opportunities at the 160th Annual National Grange Convention
  • Opinion: City Waste, Rural Soil: Discussing a Fair Share in Biosolids Planning
  • New President Elected in Oregon
  • Closing the Gap for Small Farm Labor
  • Hamp Watch: Where is our National Grange President?
  • Enter the “Best in Rural Writing” Contest
  • Recipes from the Heartland
  • Grange Store: Junior Grange Pins
  • Grange Member Benefit: Lands’ End

*This refers to Microsoft Publisher. I’ll be addressing in my next Communications Column as well.

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!

Read the Current Issue

Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.

Fraud Watch- Credit Card Skimming

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

With fuel pumps and ATM’s as frequent targets, a surge of skimming devices is threatening consumers. Criminals attach sophisticated skimmers directly over legitimate card slots or splice them into internal wiring to secretly record your financial data.

Many modern skimming devices closely resemble real hardware, making them difficult to detect at first glance. Vulnerable targets include standalone ATM’s, unattended retail checkout lines, and card terminals located in busy tourist areas.

The next time you fill your tank or use a card terminal, inspect the machine closely for loose, bent, crooked, or scratched components. Pull firmly on the card slot or wiggle the keypad before inserting your card. If anything feels loose or altered, do not use it and notify an employee immediately. To help stay safe, choose tap-to-pay options or digital wallets over physical insertion. Use credit cards for stronger fraud protections.

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.

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President’s Perspective – July 2026

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

Roster information is now due include: Grange Name & Number, physical address of your meeting hall, day(s) and time of meeting. Officer information for Master/President, Lecturer, Secretary, and CWA chair – Names, addresses, phone numbers and emails.

State Grange Session is again at the Black Bear Inn in Orono – October 30 & 31. Reservations can be made with the front desk  207-962-2708; mention State Grange. Most of those participating were in agreement to return here again, and liked having everything in one place. A very similar schedule as last year except it is not a full election year. After Aug 15th, delegate registration forms, meal forms, and all resolutions will be mailed to each Grange.  The delegate registration form will not be posted on the website. Other State Session items will be posted on the site and everything will be mailed in the middle of August. Barbara Foster, Pomona of the National Grange and the Master/President of West Virginia State Grange will be our honored guest again this year.

Here are some tentative highlights

Thursday, October 29
Set up

Friday October 30
10:00 am – Opening in the Sixth Degree, the lowered to the Fourth Degree,anyone may attend session, even if you are not a delegate for your Grange.
10:45 am – Master’s Annual Address
11:15 TBD
Noon Lunch
1:30 pm Memorial Service by Christine Hebert, State Chaplain
2:30 TBD
3:15 Resolutions – by Committee Reports
4:45 Close in the Fourth Degree
5:00 Social time downstairs before banquet
6:00 Banquet – tickets must be purchased in advance

Saturday October 31
8:30 am Opening in the Fourth Degree
9:30 Acceptance of 2026 – 2027 Budget
           Election & Installation of Officers
10:45 TBD
Noon Lunch
1:30 Called back to order & close in the Fourth Degree
2:00 Open and Conferral of the Sixth Degree

Delegates to State Grange Each Subordinate and Pomona Grange, is entitled to name 2 Delegates and 2 Alternates to represent your Grange at State Session.  You must be a member of that Grange to be a delegate for them and must be voted on by the Grange. The Grange dues must be paid up to date through the Sept 2026 quarter to qualify for voting delegates. An individual may represent only ONE Subordinate Grange, and may also be a delegate for their Pomona, but again they must be voted on by the Grange.  The delegate registration form will not be posted on the website. Other State Session items will be posted on the website. Everything will be mailed to the Secretary in the middle of August.

Resolutions for the 2026 State Grange Session are due in the office by August 15, standard mail and/or email. Resolutions must be voted on by the Subordinate or Pomona Grange presenting the resolution.

Installation of Officers. The Installation Ceremony may be handled by each Grange on their own. Granges are required to install their officers annually, usually in September.

General answers for a couple of questions not State Grange related:

Making Motions:  Business of the Grange, including motions, may only be conducted or carried out when the Grange is opened and working in full form with a quorum present. Any member of that Grange may make a motion and it MUST be seconded by a different member of your Grange. If the motion is not seconded, discussion cannot take place, and the motion is lost.  Opening in full form means following the prescribed manual format for either traditional or alternative opening. Both include opening the Bible, opening the implement case, giving the salutation (the hand signals) and salute to the flag.  Business cannot be conducted outside the meeting then announced to the rest of the membership. All must have the opportunity to discuss and vote on all issues. Simple majority carries or loses the motion. The Master may not make a motion; however, they may ask the membership if someone wants to make a motion.

Reimbursement Funds Grant Program dates are from Nov. 1, 2025 to Sept 31, 2026 for Community Service:  The 2026 Reimbursement Funds Grant Program for Community Service Program is to repay half (1/2) of the expenses you paid for materials up to $250, for Community Service work done by your Grange such as the Dictionary Project, Cemetery cleanup, or Christmas party for area families.  Program Projects and requests for reimbursement must be made during this time frame. You may request only one reimbursement during the program term. Materials must be purchased before the reimbursement request is made and you must provide receipts for items you purchased for reimbursement. No receipts, no reimbursement. No cash donations or contributions will be reimbursed. I would suggest buying gift cards to make a donation, thus you would have a receipt.

Your secretary received the paperwork for the reimbursement program back in January or you may contact the office for the form. This is not part of the Community Service Program & Notebook, just that it relates to the materials for community service projects.

The Maine State Grange does not give or provide funds or grants for building repairs, improvements, property upgrades, or paying bills, etc.

Secretary’s Corner – July 2026

By Sharon Morton, MSG Secretary

Insurance Information as received from local Granges.

Lakeside Grange #63, Gail Butterfield, Secretary
Hartford Casualty Insurance Company
One Hartford Plaza, Hartford CT  06155
Insurance Agent is Brown & Brown Ins., PHS; was received without address or phone number

Highland Lake Grange #87,  David Gowen, President
Agent:  Matthew Ellis
Cross Insurance – Augusta
116 Community Drive, Augusta ME  0-4330-8009
622-5000    matthew.ellis@crossagency.com

Waterford Grange #479  Linda Allen, Secretary
Infinger
2 Main Street, Norway ME
JENCAP Specialty Ins. Service
Worcester, MA        
508-755-6210
Infinger
800-734-3247

Valley Grange #144, Walter Boomsma, Program Director
Agent:  Varney Agency, Inc.
32 Oak Street, Bangor ME  04401
207-947-8637
Coverage is provided by Ohio Security Insurance Company
Coverage is General Liability, based in part on number of members