Lecturer’s Column – March 2024

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

I am pleased to update you on the upcoming 2024 North East Lecturers Association (NELA) Conference which will be held June 21-23 at the Holiday Inn in Norwich, CT. A North East Lecturers Association Conference has not been held in over five years, so this is an awesome opportunity right here in Connecticut for all Grangers and Want-to-be-Grangers to join together for some great food, fun, education, and relaxation. Our event is open to all and we hope you will consider registering today at https://sites.google.com/view/nelcgrange/home?authuser=2. As Connecticut is hosting this conference for the North East Region this year, we chose to host it at the Holiday Inn in Norwich; the same hotel as Connecticut State Grange Annual Convention. We negotiated the rate down to $139 per night, which is cheaper than if you contact this hotel directly and very reasonable for this shoreline destination right before the July 4th holiday weekend.

 Fun Night Friday – June 21, 2024

Registration for this conference is only $30 per person for which each registrant can attend all non-meal events, receive a Seven Strong tote bag loaded with gifts from all seven State Granges, and one complimentary Lecturers Program book. Additional Lecturer Program Books will be sold for $10 each. Our registration table will open at 4:00 PM on Friday, June 21st, and we will also be offering an impactful service project for you to support. Dinner is on your own and then we will have our Spirit Night Extravaganza starting at 7:00 PM in the Chelsearose II ballroom with all seven state Spirit Teams parading into the ballroom. There will be a special prize for the most spirited team! All Connecticut State Grange members are asked to wear the color ORANGE, which is our state Grange color for the welcoming ceremony. Following the opening activities, the rest of the evening is set aside for Game Night hosted by NELA President Matt Clark, Judy Doyle and myself. Each state Grange will offer a game to participate in and to win prizes. After the games, North East SHIPmate Kelly Riley will offer Kahoots to play for prizes. And if you still have energy, a complimentary shuttle bus will leave the hotel at 9:00 PM for Mohegan Sun Casino; but you must be back to our hotel on the 2:00 AMshuttle.

Satisfy your Yearning for Learning Saturday – June 22, 2024

You’ll wake up refreshed to start the day at 8:00 AM with a $10 buffet breakfast in Laurel/Rose room. State Grange Lecturers have chosen to subsidize both buffet breakfasts and our buffet pizza lunch so that our conference can be as economical for you as possible.

 At 9:00 AM, we will begin our conference Opening Session the Chelsearose II ballroom with a Call to Order by NELA President Matt Clark, a Roll Call of attendees by State, Pledge of Allegiance, and our keynote presentation by National Grange Foundation Board Chair Joan C. Smith. Following the keynote presentation, at 10:00 AM, Workshop #1 will by focused on “Membership” and hosted by Rhode Island State Grange Lecturer’s Department. At 11:00 AM, Workshop #2 hosted by Massachusetts State Grange Lecturer’s Department focused on “Harnessing AI to Our Advantage, Promoting the Grange in all Media”.

 From 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM, we will enjoy a Buffet Pizza Party in Chelsearose II for just $10 per person. Following lunch, at 1:00 PM., Workshop #3 hosted by New York State Grange Lecturer’s Department will focus on “How to Market Your Grange”. At 2:00 PM, Workshop #4 hosted by Maine State Grange Lecturer’s Department will be offered on “Community Service”.

 At 3:00 PM, for those who pre-registered, we will offer a complimentary tour of U.S. Coast Guard Academy. We will carpool about 20 minutes to the academy and the first stop is the gift shop. Following an opportunity to purchase souvenirs, we will then participate in a one-hour tour.

At 6:30 PM, we will head back to the Chelsearose II ballroom for our Celebratory Banquet and Entertainment. This banquet costs $45 and you will have three menu choices (pork, pasta or fish). We will hold a Gift Baskets drawing and an opportunity drawing after dinner and then have some fun entertainment. And if you still have energy, you can leave the hotel at 9:00 PM for an optional complimentary bus trip to Mohegan Sun Casino.

 “Send-off Sunday” – June 23, 2024

Today our final day together begins at 7:00 AM with our $10 Buffet breakfast in the Laurel/Rose room.  At 8:45 AM, we will offer an optional worship service by Charles Dimmick, Connecticut State Grange Chaplain. Our first workshop will be at 9:30 AM hosted by New Hampshire State Grange Lecturer’s Department on the “Heirloom Program”. At 10:30 AM, Workshop #6 hosted by Vermont State Grange Lecturer’s Department will be offered on “GRIT”.  At 11:30 AM, we will offer some closing remarks and then pass the gavel from Connecticut to the New York State Grange Lecturer, who will be hosting the 2026 NELA Conference in New York. We promise to have you out of the hotel and on your way by 12 noon.

Complete Conference Information

Kennebec Valley Public Take-Out Dinner

April 13, 2024

Kennebec Valley Grange will offer a public take-out dinner on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from noon until the food is gone. The menu includes ham w/raisin sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Cost is $12.00.

For additional information, contact Diane Pinkham (207 314-5135).

Kennebec Valley Grange is located at 560 Main Street in Madison, Maine.

Slam the Scam Day

The Social Security Administration has declared March 7, 2024 (and every day, really) as “Slam the Scam Day.” You can download or print their free scam alert sheet.

Scammers seem to be on the increase–and not just regarding Social Security. Fake invoices and calls claiming to be coming from Medicare… spoofed emails that are not from who they claim to be… friend requests on social media… you name it!

Report a Suspected Social Security Scam

Don’t be embarrassed to report if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. It is important to report the scam as quickly as possible. 

Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information, and follow SSA OIG on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest scam tactics. Repost #SlamtheScam information on social media to keep your friends and family safe.

Lecturers: This might be a great program–there’s plenty of information available on the subject. It could also fall under Family Health and Hearing or Community Service.

Watch Your Eyes!

Portions courtesy of Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands

For about three minutes on Monday, April 8, 2024, the sun will be blotted out by our celestial neighbor, the moon. While this solar eclipse will be total in a band stretching diagonally across the state from the Rangeley Lakes Region to Caribou, other parts of the state will experience a partial eclipse.

Protect your eyes. Do not view the sun at any time without wearing solar glasses. Be prepared for unpredictable weather. It could be winter-like. Please recognize that early April in the total eclipse band area is essentially still winter with frozen lakes and rivers, potentially deep snow, cold temperatures, and many unplowed roads and parking areas. Gravel roads that are clear may be very soft and muddy. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, and do not rely on GPS in rural locations.

There are a number of “tips and tricks” for viewing, but the protective glasses (sunglasses are NOT sufficient) are not cost-prohibitive–they can be found online for less than $2 per pair. In bulk packs of ten, the price is closer to $1 per pair. Do not wait until the last minute to order! Have them in hand so you can have them on your face on April 8th.

Please also have this conversation with children. They will likely be fascinated by this phenomenon. Aren’t we all? Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Make sure they understand the risks!

Family Health and Hearing Chairs–share this concern with your members!

Community Service Chairs–consider a “viewing event” if your hall is located in a good viewing area–refreshments and free glasses included!

Communication Shorts 03-01-2024

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Send us your ideas and thoughts!

March Bulletin Coming Soon!

Officers and directors are reminded that columns and posts for the March Bulletin are due March 14, 2024. Remember, the past few Bulletins are available for downloading and printing on the Program Books and Information Page. We also do occasionally accept “guest posts” on topics of interest to Grangers. See the guidelines!

Update on Subscription Feature

This isn’t going to be a quick fix! In the meantime, I’ve instituted a manual workaround and will be creating regular emails to subscribers. These won’t be daily and will be based on posting activity. Communication will not stop! It may be a little slower, though. Thanks for your patience.

Grange Month Resources Available

The traditional resources (proclamation, sample press release, posters, etc.) are now available on the National Grange Website.

Free Publicity

Do you have news to share about your Grange? A summary of a past event? Advertising of a future event? These are exciting and fun ways to attract new members. Submit the details for a website post and event calendar listing! This is not difficult, and you get lots of free publicity!

Ideas for Granges

This one comes from a local library that has set up a FIX-IT Cafe. I could see it being themed-the basic idea is bringing together hobbyists with repair skills and people who need things fixed. There are certainly some challenges, but it’s something to think about. One of the most popular posts in recent history was Mill Stream Grange’s “Tool Library.” Hmmm, makes me think…

Thought for You…

“The energy of the mind is the essence of life.”

Aristotle

Do You Love the Grange?

The world wants to hear about it! Fill out the simple I Love the Grange Form… it only takes a couple of minutes! Thanks to all who have shared so far!

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.
  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct!

Do You Have FOMO?

“FOMO” is a Fear Of Missing Out. One strongly recommended treatment is to subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website. We’ll send you a daily summary whenever news and columns are posted, and we won’t share your email address with anyone!

Notes from National – February 2024

  • March 18 – Join the National Grange Virtual Legislative Fly-In. Hear from Grange leaders, representatives from Congress, and issues partners about what the Grange is working on for all of rural America. Register at http://grange.biz/flyin2024
  • Please subscribe to the National Grange’s Good Day! magazine. Just $16 a year gets you access to our print or digital subscription. Learn more about the magazine at http://www.nationalgrange.org/goodday or the digital issue at http://www.issuu.com/grangegoodday. The April issue will be here before you know it, so now is a great time to subscribe or double-check your subscription.
  • Subscribe to the Patrons Chain and View from the Hill at http://www.nationalgrange.org/subscribe. These newsletters are released every Friday, containing information about National Grange programs, events, and more.
  • Do you have a local member with an interesting story in the Grange who might be willing to be on our upcoming podcast? Please reach out to Communications Director Philip Vonada!
  • Are there topics you would like to see covered in a future Zoom from a National Grange staff member, department, or officer? Please let us know! We’re always working to ensure our topics are in line with what our members want or need to hear from us.
  • The National Grange Social Media Calendar is available. This is intended to be a guide for State and Community Granges of topics/events that may be used to enhance social media. By no means is it a suggestion to post ALL of these things, but if you’re looking to get out of a rut or expand your social media reach. This could also be a great resource for Grange Lecturers/Program Directors who are looking for new programming ideas.
  • Many National Grange events have been recorded and archived – if there’s something you missed and would like to see, please visit the National Grange YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/nationalgrange. 
  • Follow National Grange on Social Media! We’re on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and more! By the end of March, the National Grange Lecturer, National Junior Grange, National Grange Chaplain, and National Grange Youth pages will all be merged into the National Grange Facebook page.

Notes from National are gleaned from an email provided by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director.

View from the Hill – February 2024

This monthly newsletter written by Burton Eller, National Grange Legislative Director, covers “what’s happening” in Washington on various topics of interest to Grangers.

View Updates

March Grange Events

  • March 1, 2024, Community Potluck Supper at Trenton Grange, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
  • March 2-3, 2024, Community Bazaar (crafts, farmers’ market, yard sale…) at Trenton Grange from 9 am until 2 pm both days. For more information, see this post or visit the Trenton Grange Website.
  • March 5, 2024, Open Mic Night at Trenton Grange. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the event is from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. $5 donation cover. Trenton Grange Website.
  • March 9, 2024 Benefit Dinner at Norway Grange at 5:00 pm. Door prizes, auction, 50/50 and more. See post for more information.
  • March 14, 2024, Deadline for the MSG Bulletin
  • March 16, 2024, Excelsior Grange Anniversary Celebration starts with lunch at 11 am. FMI see this post.
  • March 16, 2024, Junior Grange Meeting at Danville Grange. Contact Director Betty Young for more information.
  • March 18, 2024, National Grange Virtual Legislative Fly-In. Hear from Grange leaders, representatives from Congress, and issues partners about what the Grange is working on for all of rural America. Register at http://grange.biz/flyin2024.
  • March 18-22, 2024, Agricultural Literacy Week
  • March 19, 2024, Ag Day with the Maine Legislature. Donations of fudge are needed! Contact Roberta Meserve, Ag Director for more information.

Have you submitted yours?

Excelsior Grange Celebrates

150th Anniversary Celebration – March 16, 2024

150th Anniversary Meeting, March 16, 2024. The meeting starts at 11 am with a ham dinner at noon. Please RSVP for the meal by calling 207-998-2301 or email Steve Verrill. The program will start at 1 pm and will consist of a history of the Grange, a presentation of membership certificates, and music by Kathy Hammond, a local entertainer. Pictures and other memorabilia will be on display.

Excelsior Grange #5 is located at 446 Harris Hill Road, Poland ME