Ocean View Grange Bean Suppah
Grange History Revealed Locally
Dave and Kathy Gowen of Highland Lake Grange offer a synopsis of how the Grange carries out its mission.
In March, the Cumberland Historical Society invited Kathy and Dave Gowen to share the Grange’s history with members and guests. The Town of Cumberland’s YouTube channel hosts the recorded presentation. Kathy and Dave covered the National Grange’s origins and some basic Grange concepts, then used the history of Highland Lake Grange as the basis for the rest of the presentation. Towards the end of the presentation, viewers will learn about some of the many community connections Highland Lake Grange maintains.
Dave and Kathy are rightfully proud of this opportunity and the resulting presentation. The presentation could serve as a template for other Granges to use in their own efforts to reach out to local historical societies and other groups.
Suicide Prevention Month #4
Suicide prevention is not one moment or one person’s job. It lives in the relationships we build, the support we offer, and the communities we create together.
Week 4: Supporting Recovery, Families, and Communities
- People come through crisis. They survive loss. They find their way back. Healing is possible.
- Those who have lived through suicidal crisis or a suicide loss carry something that matters — insight, resilience, and stories that make prevention more human and more hopeful.
- Being there for someone after a loss or an attempt isn’t just an act of kindness. It is a form of prevention.
- Real change starts with real voices. Peer support, and connection with others who have been through something similar, is part of how recovery happens.
- Schools, workplaces, and communities with a plan in place after a suicide loss can respond with care, support healing, and help prevent further harm.
- Dignity starts with being heard. When people feel respected and valued, they are more likely to seek help and stay connected to care.
- September is one month. The commitment to connection, support, and healing is for all year long.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here!
Androscoggin Grange Christmas Craft Fair
Androscoggin Grange Hunters’ Breakfast
Fraud Watch- Deep Fakes and AI Scams
The AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline (877-908-3360) has seen a spike in fake endorsement scams. Criminals will use images, edited videos, and stolen likenesses of famous celebrities to build credibility. They place these deceptive ads on social media to build quick trust with viewers. Today’s technology allows video and audio to be easily altered, making public figures appear to say things they never actually said.
Be cautious of offers or giveaways backed by famous personalities. Don’t buy a product based solely on a celebrity endorsement. If you’re unsure, look up news coverage or check official links to ensure the celebrity’s endorsement is real. Know it’s a scam if you’re being encouraged to send money in some form to claim a ‘free’ prize or special deal.
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.
Election Day Information
Maine’s Department of the Secretary of State recently released information regarding the upcoming election on Nov. 3, 2026. The announcement provided details on voter registration and absentee balloting procedures.
Uniformed and overseas voters began receiving ballots on Sept. 19 in accordance with federal law that requires these ballots be sent at least 45 days prior to Election Day. Qualifying voters include spouses and dependents away from their Maine voting residence by reason of active duty or service of the member, and U.S. citizens currently living outside the U.S. and whose residence before leaving the U.S. was located within Maine.
Anyone who recently deployed or may otherwise qualify to receive an early ballot and didn’t request to receive one can do so here.
Maine allows same-day voter registration, meaning Mainers may register to vote and cast their ballot on Election Day. However, anyone who wishes to use the state’s online voter registration service must do so before Oct. 13. Automatic voter registration during Bureau of Motor Vehicle transactions is available through Oct. 27. After those deadlines, registrations must be made in person at the voter’s municipality.
The Department said in-person absentee voting begins in towns and cities around the state on Oct. 4. Absentee ballots to be filled out at home and sent back may also be requested by contacting local town or city clerks or via the state’s online portal. Absentee voting ends the Thursday before Election Day, which for this year is Oct. 29. For more information about this year’s elections, visit the Department of the Secretary of State’s upcoming elections page.
Suicide Prevention Month #3
Suicide prevention is not one moment or one person’s job. It lives in the relationships we build, the support we offer, and the communities we create together.
Week 3: Building Communities of Care Through Connection
- Treatment works. People who receive timely, compassionate care for suicidal thoughts or behaviors can and do heal.
- A safety plan gives people something to hold onto in their hardest moments: warning signs to watch for, coping strategies, people to call, and 988.
- Suicide prevention should be part of everyday health care, not only a crisis response. Screening, planning, and follow-ups belong in routine care.
- The days after someone leaves a hospital or emergency room are among the most difficult. Follow-up care and a call within 72 hours can change everything. Suicide prevention is possible.
- Getting care early, before a crisis escalates, is one of the most powerful things health care can do for someone who is struggling.
- Connection, planning, and follow-up care make a real difference. When these pieces work together, they save lives.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here!
Fraud Watch- Party Invites
Fake party invitations are a newer tactic perpetrators use to capture personal details. They send digital invitations, commonly through email, inviting you to a fake gathering. Typically, the email comes from someone you know whose account has been hacked.
The message asks you to click a link to RSVP, confirm your guest information, or buy tickets. Clicking the link can download harmful software onto your device or send you to a fake website designed to steal your financial and personal information.
If you receive an unexpected invitation, contact the host directly to confirm they sent it.
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.
Webmaster Email Delays Resolved
The webmaster@mainestategrange.org issue is resolved! It may be used again! Sorry for the inconvenience.
In an unrelated matter, fraudulent emails continue to arrive that appear to be from Master Sherry. They are not and you should not respond to them in any way. Below is an example of how to identify them. We can’t control this; we must rely on you to pay attention.
Below is the original email announcing the problem with the MSG webmaster email
In the latest version of “It’s not over until it’s over,” email to webmaster@mainestategrange.org has not been delivered or received since yesterday (9/13). We have a small but complex glitch resulting from the recent transition to a new server. We’re working on a fix, but it may take a day or two.
In the interim, use Walter’s personal email. If you sent something recently, please forward it to this address and use it to submit columns, news, and events.
This does not apply to the Maine State Grange’s Gmail address.
Sorry for the inconvenience. I hope to have this situation resolved very soon. Thanks for your patience!