Cautious or Suspicious?

By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

Unfortunately, a certain amount of both is in order when using the Internet. Of course, it’s not just limited to the Internet, although the Internet makes other scams and schemes possible. In the most recent Communication Short, I mentioned receiving some inquiries regarding a letter members are receiving that appears to be coming from National Grange. Since then, I have received it and dug a little deeper.

First, congratulations to those who were suspicious and cautious. If you’ve been wondering why Dave keeps calling about your car warranty, it’s because some people fall for it–enough to make it worthwhile.

One of the first questions about the letter I was asked was, “Did it really come from National Grange?” Now that I’ve received it and looked it over carefully, I can answer that question accurately. A precise answer is, “no.” It was postmarked from Texas. Everyone knows National Grange is located in Washington, D.C. It seems more likely that it was mailed by the Insurance Company making the “free” insurance offer. (American Home Life Insurance Company-AHLIC is located in Texas.)

The next logical question was, “Is it legitimate?” In order to answer that question, I visited the National Grange Website Member Benefits Section. There is no mention of AHLIC there. (I should note that any offer described as “free” puts me on alert because I know that’s not the whole story.) Personally, I’d be done with the offer at this point, but I went one step further so I could share it with members.

I did a quick check of the company on Investopedia. AHLIC (under several different names) is a “legitimate” company. They’ve actually been around for 75 years. There is, however, some big BUTS. The Better Business Bureau assigns them a one-star rating (five being the best). And a quick read of the reviews on Trusted Choice was enough to send me running.

My point is to use caution and suspicion–I am not reviewing the company on your behalf. Before you accept any “free offer,” you should do a little research and your own thinking. In the business world, we call it “due diligence.” I honestly don’t know how this letter came about. I’m sure this insurance company is legitimate, but their products and business model aren’t for me. Obviously, they are for some or they wouldn’t be in business.

With all National Grange Staff at the National Convention, it wouldn’t be easy to quickly confirm validity of the letter. It may, in fact, have been “authorized” by someone at National Grange, although I seem to remember an agreement that National Grange would not share member contact information with other companies and organizations. That might be a different issue.

The point this allows me to make is that we do well to view all communication with some degree of caution and suspicion. Many of you will recall some email and text messages that appeared to come from MSG Master Sherry.

We can wish the world was a safer place, but it isn’t. Caution and suspicion don’t have to become paranoia. Caution and suspicion are tools. We need not live in fear.

One fellow who decided to “take on” a fraudster shared his experience. If you’d like ten minutes of entertainment on this topic, I have embedded a video for you to watch. It just might prove that spammers are not always terribly bright. In fact, our hero uses caution and suspicion in a funny turnabout!

I couldn’t resist putting this post in the “Family Health and Hearing” category. Safety is an important aspect of health!

Communication Shorts 11-15-2023

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!

November Bulletin Reminder

The November Bulletin is finished! Remember, you can always find recent issues of the Bulletin on the Program Books and Information Page.

Is It Suspicion or Caution?

We’ve had reports of members receiving a letter that appears to be from National Grange offering free life insurance from a company called “American Income Life Insurance Company.” This is a “legitimate” company, but the letter is suspect. With nearly everyone from National Grange at the National Convention, it may be difficult to confirm my suspicion, but I would be very cautious about responding to this letter. A little research shows that this insurance company receives nearly double the number of complaints as similar-sized companies.

Don’t forget to submit the details for a website post and event calendar listing!

Don’t Forget!

You may submit the names of new members so they can be recognized in Good Day! by emailing Philip Vonado or by calling (814) 404-7985.

Fox 22 Covers Valley Grange Dictionary Project

For a summary, check this link.

ODD (Officers, Deputies, Directors)

We believe all updates are completed! The correct information is listed in the online directory, the print directory (a copy will be mailed with the Bulletin), on the Bulletin, and on the Program Books and Information Page! Phew! Please let us know if you encounter any errors!

Ideas for Granges

If you read “View from the Farm” this month, Phil makes several interesting points. One is about individuals supporting CSA programs… for Granges with local farms in the area, there might be several opportunities here. Put your creative thinking hat on! Could your Grange sponsor a CSA or two? Could you offer your local farmers “advertising?”

Thought for You…

“Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.”

George Bernard Shaw

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, of course, 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!

Subscribe to the Maine State Grange Website

Lecturer’s Column – November 2023

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

Adult Photo Contest Winners

Category: Animals
1st place: Paula Roberts – Willow Grange #366
2nd place: Terry LaCombe – Hudson Grange #457
3rd place: Kathy Gowen – Highland Lake Grange #87

Category: Gardens
1st place: Kathy Gowen – Highland Lake Grange #87
2nd place: Laurie McBurnie – Willow Grange #366
3rd place: Marilyn Stinson – Enterprise Grange #48

Category: Water
1st place: Kathy Gowen – Highland Lake Grange #87
2nd place: Laurie McBurnie – Willow Grange #366
3rd place: Norma Meserve – Danville Jct. Grange #65

Category: Winter
1st place: Norma Meserve – Danville Jct. #65
2nd place: Laurie McBurnie – Willow Grange #366
3rd place: Terry LaCombe – Hudson Grange #457

Best in Show: Paula Roberts – Willow Grange # 366
People’s Choice: Terry LaCombe – Hudson Grange #457

Adult Coloring Winners

1st place: Terry Wilson – Bangor Grange #372
2nd place: Tim Wilson – Bangor Grange #372

Junior Art

Age Group 5-7: 
1st place: Laura Coffin

Age Group 8 – 10 
1st place: John Coffin
2nd place: Mary Coffin

Age Group 11 – 14
1st place Edith Coffin

Important Stuff!

-> Do your Holiday Shopping at a Grange Holiday Craft Fair. Here’s a list of the ones we’ve heard about!

Degree Days & Information/Instruction Meetings
  • April 27, 2025, Degree Day at MSG Headquarters. (First Four Degrees)
  • October 24-25, 151st Maine State Grange Convention in Orono.

If your Grange is distributing dictionaries to schools or may be interested in doing so, please see this post and fill out the form!

Exploring Traditions – November 2023

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

Changing the Grange…

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

I have written previously challenging members to realize that the Grange was created to create change. In fact, it could be said that the Grange has a history and tradition of causing change.

But what about changing the Grange itself?

We tend to see a bit of a disconnect here. For an organization that was formed to cause change, we tend to resist changing the organization itself. That wasn’t always the case. During the Grange’s growth years, many changes were made. So how is it that these years, when growth is the exception, we seem to be more focused on preservation? Could there be a correlation?

For starters, in order for change to take place, someone has to decide it’s their responsibility to worry about whether or not the change is necessary and potentially positive. One of the changes to consider is whether or not we’ve been too protective of the status quo and keeping things the way they’ve always been. No, I’m not suggesting change for the sake of change, but I am suggesting that it might be time for an organization with success in growth and permanence based in large part on change to consider how we’ve ended up with so much resistance to change.

While this article isn’t about change management, a basic premise is that change requires leadership. As noted, “someone has to decide it’s their responsibility.” We tend to think that the Grange was founded “all it once” when, in fact, many changes were made by the founders and early leaders during those formative years.

What if those leaders resisted making the necessary changes to create the explosive growth of the earliest Grange? We might, for example, still have separate degrees for men and women. It would also be very difficult for those associated with the business of alcohol to become part of the Grange. There would be no “National Grange,” the official “Patrons of Husbandry” would apply (technically, it still does) and the term “Grange” would more accurately apply to local halls.

There were undoubtedly some thorny debates many years ago. One was about adopting the term “Granger” to apply to members. Many argued against it. “The Grange is a place, not a person!” I suspect it would have been extremely interesting to sit in Grange meetings and listen to some of those discussions.

One problem with a fraternal organization is that it’s easy to become a bystander and simply enjoy the fraternity. It’s harder to become a leader who sees and acts on other priorities, such as keeping the organization relevant and exciting. A fraternity without clear purpose and relevance is ultimately doomed to non-existence.

It won’t be a debate, but this might be a great time of year for a lecturer’s program that includes a discussion of how much a family’s holiday traditions have changed over the years. Then, contrast that with how much your local Grange’s traditions have changed over the years. Or perhaps more appropriately, how much your local Grange’s traditions need to change.

When I was a young adult, everyone gathered at “Mom’s” house for at least part of the holiday. Mom made sure there was a filled stocking hanging on the wall for everyone–even the occasional girlfriends of the unmarried. (Sometimes, names on the stockings had to be switched at the last minute.) As the family grew, it became increasingly difficult to find room to hang them. She held out as long as she could but eventually admitted it was time to rethink that tradition. Truthfully, I think she was ready for a couple of years, but it took a while for her to work up the courage to announce the change. She’d been dropping some hints, and no doubt would have been thrilled if someone else had suggested it. It’s easier to be a bystander than a leader.

It’s easy to leave things as they are, but things rarely stay the way they are, especially when left alone. Other forces are at work. Mom’s Christmas budget was certainly a factor. It was a fun tradition, but I think she enjoyed it the most.

We survived the change. The family wasn’t destroyed, and no one suffered permanent psychological damage from not finding a stocking. Most importantly, we almost unconsciously realized that the stocking tradition was ultimately about inclusion. We didn’t need stockings to make everyone feel welcome to the holiday celebrations.

Sometimes, we lose sight of what we are actually trying to keep.

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-sixth edition of the 2013 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

View from the Farm – November 2023

Webmaster’s note: The format of this column has changed a bit, with all of the Quill’s Endians participating at various times and in various ways! Phil writes this month’s column.

Generosity of Spirit

While Heather and I were in our food access talk at the MOFGA farmer-to-farmer conference, one of our fellow presenters uttered a phrase that I think is not often uttered.  They missed 2020.  Specifically, they missed the mutual aid and feelings of togetherness that the pandemic fostered. 

The statement has steeped for a week: they missed 2020.  It reminded me of the eight months that were March through November 2020.  You might recall that Quill’s End had some fortuitous “coincidences” that allowed us to step up our production and pivot quickly to meet a rapid increase in demand at the farm.  We had four heifers calve in early April, and our piglet producer had some hogs from the previous fall that we acquired that did not require six months to finish.  This allowed us to have a more stable and plentiful supply for community members who remembered we existed, and our farm store became a convenient way to shop in an era of extreme caution and increased attention to health.  

That was a transition year for the other farmer as well, as they decided to offer a vegetable CSA as a response to the pandemic.  Once the seeds were in the ground, they had someone volunteer to pay for two shares.  One for them, one to give away.  They publicized the free share and had five more donated.  The work then was to find the need.  There were more donors than willing recipients. 

Despite the tension, guarded nature, and anxiety that COVID-19 produced, it also engendered mutual aid and community care. Our farming colleague shared that they miss the concern, heightened awareness of others, and generosity that came with that shared experience.  Times of difficulty bring out the best in our humanity.  Times of fear bring us to our neighbors.  Times of visible need produce generosity.  

More “normal” times have mostly returned us to convenience, and now they must put in more time to raise money for the CSA shares that go to those in need or lose farm income to provide for the increasing needs themselves.  

At Quill’s End, we saw people in 2020 and 2021 that we don’t see at the farm anymore.  Farm shopping isn’t as convenient as town shopping.  Life has returned us to our busy selves, and somehow, without the six-foot distancing, we see each other and converse less.

The pandemic certainly was awful and has left an imprint on our society that will take time to overcome, but we can move forward still with the same concern for others, principles of mutual aid, and the generosity of spirit that came with it.  Isn’t it great that now we can do it with a hug?

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. Heather is Vice President of Halcyon Grange #345 and writes a newsletter for their farm’s buying club of farmers in her area and has generously permitted us to share some of their columns with Grangers. Visit the Quill’s End Farm Facebook Page for more information.

Valley Grange Gets Mail!

Valley Grange is located in Guilford Maine

We recently received thank-you notes from our third-graders in Brownville. Most include hand-drawn pictures–unfortunately, with the colored construction paper, they don’t scan well, but here are a few summarized.

“Thank you for everything. I had a lot of fun. You make me laf!”

“Thank you for the Dictionary. My favorite part was the word game.”

“Thank you for everything. You are so nuns. We love you!” [I think “nuns” was supposed to be “fun.”]

“Mr. Boomsma Thank you. I love love when we try to find the word even though I didn’t win I still tried.”

“My favorite part was the sticks.” [We talk about the staves or staffs–farmers’ tools.]

“Thank you for everything you [?] for keeping our cugrey [community?] safe.“

“Thank you for the dictionary. Now I know lots about the periodic table of the elements. You are the best.” [No, I did not make this one up. It’s in the dictionary!]

“Dear Mr. Boomsma, You are a kind man. Thank you for letting us play the dictionary game of finding the words in the dictionary. Good job. You’re working hard.”

“Thank you for the dictionary and showing us the farmers’ tools.”

“Ok the longest word is hard. I can’t read the word.” [According to the dictionary, the longest word has 1909 letters in it!]

“Thank you for showing us the dictionary and farmer tools. The dictionary was amazing! The tools were great! I hope you come back to our school!”

I think one class had a little help with this one:

If you come to our Musical Celebration of Rural Life on Friday, November 17, 2023, you’ll get a chance to read some of these for yourself!

Membership Moments – November 2023

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

It was great seeing many of my Grange family at the State Session. I always look to meet new delegates at the State Session. If you have never been to the State Grange Session, then you have missed a wonderful opportunity to mingle with others across this great State of Maine. You do not have to be a Sixth Degree member to attend. Hopefully, we will see you there next year.

The State Membership Committee wishes to expand, so we will need your help. If anyone is interested, please contact me. Or, if you just want to be an informer, that would be fine. Don’t run away until I explain. Membership needs more attention everywhere. I am looking for people who will spread information to others at their Community and Pomona Grange meetings.  The rules are simple.

First, the primary duty would be to read my columns at your meetings. Each month, a different topic will be mentioned for you to share. That way, everyone will pick up some ideas and hopefully offer their own suggestions. Educating and communicating is the key. The columns can be found on the Maine State Grange website or with your secretary, who will have a copy of the bulletin.

Second, encourage membership in your Grange.

Third, you are not required to attend meetings, conferences, or events. No travel other than attending your meetings is required. No reports need to be written. All that will be asked of you will be to share the methods of gaining and maintaining membership as provided by the columns.

Easy, yes! Do it for the Good of the Order. Do it for your Grange. Make a game out of the request. Challenge your members to see who can bring in the most members during a time period. Everyone has a competitive streak, so keep score and award the winner at the end of the period.  Encourage your Lecturer to have a Membership program. If you really want to get involved more, then form a Membership committee at your Grange and compete with other Granges in your Pomona.

So please join me in bringing new membership to life. Remember, it only takes a spark. My contact information is included when the column is put on the website. I am hoping you hear for you to help bring our Grange membership swinging in an upward direction. I cannot do it myself; we need each and every one of us to work together. After all, we are family!!!

Off to National Grange in Niagara Falls next week. Any membership info I can find from the National Director will be passed on in future columns. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Junior Report – November 2023

By Betty Young
Terry LaCombe
MSG Junior Co-Directors

We are excited to share current Junior Director news with all. Terry LaCombe will be added as the Co Junior Director for the 2023/24 Grange Year. Marilyn Stinson has agreed to stay on our committee but is very active with her local Grange. We have parents who will continue as members and two longtime
members of Grange who will help when they can. Co-Director Betty Young and Terry are inviting Grange Members (who must be willing and able to pass a background check) who would like to work with our children. Please let us know. Junior Grangers live around Maine and may be unable to attend all meetings, and we are willing to visit you and your Grange. This is an excellent opportunity for grandparents to give parents a break or for parents to join other parents. Your “Plus One” Junior Grangers deserve a day at your
Grange that is just for them. Let us know if you are interested in joining us. A reminder that Junior Grangers(Plus Ones) are also invited to participate in many State and National Grange Contests.

If you haven’t received your Junior Grange Program Book by January 1st and you have Plus One Grangers, PLEASE contact Terry at terryllacombe@gmail.com or call/ text me at 207 356 2492. Betty can be reached but does not “hang out” with her phone or iPad, although she appears to be using them more.

We look forward to “Growing Junior Grange” this year and preserving Grange for years to come. Do your part as “Many hands make light work,“ apparently. Youth will find time to help with a specific task if you ask, and it doesn’t take all day, so engage your youth family as well. Please do what you can and let us know if we can help in any way.

Our next meeting is December 16th in Danville at 11 am and is a Christmas Craft. Call or email for more information or to share your Junior’s Holiday Craft if you cannot attend.

.

Community Service/FHH – November 2023

By Brenda Dyer, MSG Community Service/FHH Director
(207) 608-9193

I am excited to be the Community Service Director. My name is Brenda Dyer. I have been in Grange since I was a Junior Granger. I have been involved at all levels and presently serving as Master of Saco Grange #53, Lecturer of York Pomona #14, and Community Service Director at Maine State Grange. With the participation of Granges, members, and the community, we can help our communities in many ways.  

Congratulations to the winners of the Community Service Notebook

  1. Highland Lake Grange #87
  2. Maple Grove Grange #148
  3. Jonesboro Grange #357
  4. Valley Grange #144 and Saco Grange #53 (tied)

Congratulations to the Family, Health & Hearing winner–Highland Lake Grange #87

November and December are great community service months. Election Day – driving voters to the polls and or to the town hall to absentee vote, helping candidates to pick up signs after election day; Veterans Day – honor the veterans in the community, veterans’ luncheon, thank veterans for their service; Thanksgiving – spend time with family, friends, and neighbors; make a list of things to be thankful for and share it with others. The possibilities are endless. 

Family Health and Hearing Contest

  • November 2, National Men Make Dinner Day
  • November 4, National Candy Day
  • November 19, International Men’s Health Da.

November is also Diabetes Awareness Month. What is your A1C?

December is a Grange Holiday Season – display what it is to be in Grange not only during the holidays but all year round.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas