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!

View from the Farm – August 2025

Webmaster’s note: The format of this column includes all of the Quill’s Endians participating at various times and in various ways! Phil writes this month’s column.

Resources

The summer weather we have been receiving for the past couple of months is enough to make a northerner blush. We don’t know what to do with it. Some of us can just enjoy, others of us dread the ‘payment’ for sunny skies and 80 degree weather.

“Just you wait,” I can hear a part of my brain say.

The lack of moisture, of course, concerns a farmer more than most. After a wet, wet spring and just 3/4″ of rain since July 1st, the current trajectory is not a good one. Our stockpiled pasture will soon run out and we’ll have to start feeding hay months earlier than normal.

In years like this–3 of the last five–our thoughts turn to patterns and possibilities. Could we irrigate the pasture? What kind of infrastructure would that require? Where would we procure the water necessary? To reliably irrigate 25 acres of ground, one would need to be able to draw over 2,000,000 gallons of water for about 4″ of coverage. That would handle a seasonal drought only. We could have used that this year just since the middle of July alone to keep the pastures verdant and vigorous.

Aroostook County potato growers are in full irrigation mode. Potatoes planted in May add bulk to their tubers in August. Acquaintances of ours have spent untold thousands digging ponds and piping water underground to spigots that service their fields. They can now put an inch on an acre fairly quickly. That is over 27,000 gallons.

Alas, it is a pressing problem in the moment as the parched earth below our feet begs us for relief. For now, we can only watch and manage for the resources we do have.

In that vein, I’ve heard from some folks that humans are geo-engineering and can control the weather; if any of you know to whom I could address my concerns for immediate relief, I would appreciate that information.

Until then, I’ll try to turn this northerner’s anxious-for-rain brain to low and enjoy the gorgeous weather.

Heather and Phil Retberg and their three children run Quill’s End Farm, a 105-acre property in Penobscot that they bought in 2004. They use rotational grazing on their fifteen open acres and are renovating thirty more acres from woods to pasture to increase grazing for their pigs, grass-fed cattle, lambs, laying hens, and goats. Quill’s Endians are members of Halcyon Grange and publish a newsletter for their farm’s buying club of farmers in her area and generously permit us to share some of their columns with Grangers. Visit the Quill’s End Farm Facebook Page for more information.

Communication Short – Secretary’s Report

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!

Addition, Secretary’s Report

For some reason, (Grange Gremlins?) a portion of the August Secretary’s Report was missing from the post! It has been corrected and is included here.

Clear and timely communication with Grange members, officers, and committees is essential.  Sending out meeting notices, reminders, and reports ensures that everyone stays informed.

The secretary is responsible for preparing and submitting Quarterly reports to the State Grange on time. (September 30th, December 31st , March 31st and June 30th )  Your report will not be considered late if postmarked on or before the 15th of the month following the quarter it is due.  Remember that there is a $5.00 late fee to be included with such report if postmarked after the 15th.  It is extremely important that you keep the State Grange informed of any changes in membership, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

As your State Secretary I appreciate your dedication to being secretary in your Community/Subordinate and Pomona Granges. 

Have a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer season and will see you all soon.

Our apologies! You can also read the entire report here!

Secretary’s Corner – August, 2025

By Sharon Morton
MSG Secretary
207 485-6197

August is the beginning of our late summer months before our State Grange Convention in October.

I am reminding all Secretaries that resolutions to be considered at our Annual Convention must be received at the State Grange postmarked no later than August 15th. 

Delegate credentials and updated State Grange Banquet information will be arriving in August with a return date no later than October 1, 2025. The delegates who will be representing your Grange must be voted on at a regular Grange meeting. The delegate credential may be mailed (preferably) to me prior to the State Session or brought to the State Session in October. Remember that your September Quarterly dues must be in the office prior to October 15th for your Grange to have representation at State Session.

The Maine State Grange currently has 76 active Community/Subordinate Granges. I have received  64 June Quarterly reports, with two of the 64 not providing a quarterly report.  There are still 12 outstanding June Quarterly Reports which I will be notifying of the lateness of their reports. As you can see, it is very hard for me to give the National Grange an accurate number of members for the State of Maine when I don’t have that information.  My report must be at National Grange no later than August 31st.  

I also need the Pomona annual reports, of which I have received 8 out of the 12 remaining Pomonas. I will note that one Pomona just elected their secretary, and I have forwarded the report to the new secretary. I am also notifying the Pomona secretary that the annual report is now due.

You may also receive a notification from the IRS regarding the filing of your 990N. Please do not respond to this letter, as I am working on the filing of all 990Ns as quickly as I can. If you would like to know how to file your own, please contact me and I will gladly try to help you navigate the IRS filing system.

The role of a Grange Secretary is vital to the success of your Grange. As the keeper of records and administrative backbone, a secretary ensures that meetings run smoothly and that members remain informed.

A Grange Secretary is responsible for keeping precise minutes of meetings, recording membership details, and preserving historical documents.

Clear and timely communication with Grange members, officers, and committees is essential.  Sending out meeting notices, reminders, and reports ensures that everyone stays informed.

The secretary is responsible for preparing and submitting Quarterly reports to the State Grange on time. (September 30th, December 31st , March 31st and June 30th )  Your report will not be considered late if postmarked on or before the 15th of the month following the quarter it is due.  Remember that there is a $5.00 late fee to be included with such report if postmarked after the 15th.  It is extremely important that you keep the State Grange informed of any changes in membership, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

As your State Secretary I appreciate your dedication to being secretary in your Community/Subordinate and Pomona Granges. 

Have a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer season and will see you all soon.

Grange Heirloom — August 2025

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.

Use the icons below to share this Grange Heirloom on social media and help others understand what the Grange stands for! If this heirloom has a particular meaning for you, click the “leave a comment” link at the left and share your comment with us!

For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.

President’s Perspective – August 2025

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

Roster Information is now due.

Resolutions – The August 15 deadline has arrived for resolutions to be at the office. After the 15th, delegate registration forms, meal forms, and resolutions will be mailed to each Grange.  The delegate registration form will not be posted on the website. Other State Session items have been posted. By vote of each Subordinate and Pomona Grange, you are entitled to name two Delegates and two Alternates to represent your Grange at State Session.  You must be a member of that Grange to be a delegate for them. The Grange dues must be paid up to date, through the Sept 2025 quarter, to be qualified to have delegates. An individual may only represent ONE Subordinate Grange, and may also be a delegate for their Pomona, but again, they must be voted on by the Grange.

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.

Annual Audit

“It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee of each Subordinate Grange to see that the books of the Secretary and Treasurer and any other funds of the Grange are audited at the end of the fiscal year.“

Maine State Grange By-Laws:  Article XXI – Subordinate Officers and Their Duties   Section 8.1

You will need the  Secretary’s Records and Secretary’s Order Book, the Treasurer’s books, checkbook, bank statements, savings book, etc., and receipt book (for funds received from the Secretary).  You compare the Secretary’s minutes and Order Book with the Treasurer’s checkbook and statements for receipts and expenditures.  All items should match between the Secretary and the Treasurer.  All Committees of the Grange, that handle funds, should also keep written records to be audited at the end of the Grange year.

Grange Behavior – There is no place in the Grange for the use of foul language, no matter what you feel the circumstances are; it is not acceptable behavior. I must stress again your Obligation you took when you joined the Grange. It states in part…  “ I will not knowingly wrong or defraud a Brother or Sister of the Order or allow it to be done by another if within my power to prevent it…”  I have had more calls from members in different areas to complain about the use of profanity during meetings and public events. Whether in a meeting, around the kitchen, or at an event, you may feel it is just words, but it is offensive to others.  Maybe you normally talk that way, or you don’t think about the words you are using.  If you feel the need to talk like that, I would suggest you go to the bar or sporting event where you will fit right in. But even those places have rules and limits, and even those places, where that talk is common, you would be asked to leave! I am sorry if you are offended by this message but it needed to said. Sadly, those who do the cursing, won’t be the ones to heed the comment.  The Master/President of the Grange has the right to ask you to leave if you are being disruptive and offensive. They also can ask you not to return.    

Communication Shorts 8-3-2025

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!

August Bulletin

Information for the August Bulletin must be submitted by Thursday, August 14, 2025. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

2026 = 250

In 2026, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of our founding– also known as the Sesquicentennial. Will your Grange participate in some way? The Grange has certainly contributed to the growth and development of our country!

Dates and Deadlines

Fall is coming. Some might say it’s already here. With the start of another Grange Fiscal Year, essential dates and deadlines abound! Just one example is that roster information is now due!

Think About This!

“Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

An Idea for Your Grange

At one time, Granges often scheduled a “Booster Night” program in the fall with an emphasis on membership growth. While the term may be passe, the idea certainly isn’t. An “open house” program might be just the ticket. It could include tours of the hall and presentations about its history. Time it for October and call it “Ghosts of the Grange.”

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!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes! With the election of officers coming up, don’t forget!

  • 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 consult these directories often.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.

Words for Thirds-Screen or Paper?

Are you anticipating a Words for Thirds Dictionary Project this fall? If not, it’s a great community service project–or perhaps more accurately, a great kid service project.

According to a recent Dictionary Project Newsletter, “A study published in 2023 found that only about 67% of 3rd grade students in the US are reading at grade level. Children who don’t read proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate high school on time. One contributing factor to the fall in children’s literacy is the rise in screen time, which often replaces quiet reading or meaningful conversation. Limiting screen time can help children develop stronger attention spans and focus on building their reading skills.”

The same newsletter (July 20, 2025) “Sweden went all-in on tablets in the classroom, then saw 4th grade reading scores tank. Now they’re spending 60M Euros to bring back real books, because screens weren’t helping. And here in the U.S., only 30% of 8th graders read at grade level, with writing scores just as bleak. If one of the most tech-savvy nations is pulling the plug, maybe America should start asking if screen time is quietly dumbing down a whole generation.“

MSG Words for Thirds Resource Page

We have lots of resources… let us know how the Communications Department can help you help our kids and communities! We’re Grangers. We help each other!

Lecturer’s Column – July 2025

By Melissa Baldwin, Maine State Grange Lecturer
207 324-4661

Just a reminder to get all contest entries submitted by the September 1 deadline. Pictures are due Friday morning, before the start of state session, which starts at 11:00. Be sure to get them labeled and no frames, any arriving with frames, the frames will be asked to be removed from the frame or will NOT be allowed due to limited space and are too heavy to hang.

Hope to see everyone at the session. State Lecturers Conference with next year’s programs to be announced soon.