Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
The Maine State Grange Office is located at
36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330
The office is open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm
The email address is mainestategrange@gmail.com.
For website matters, email webmaster@mainestategrange.org.
Articles in this edition include:
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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.
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.
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 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
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here!
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.
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!
By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director
This is an intense election year. That’s one thing we can be sure of! The political phone calls and texts seem endless.
As the day approaches, it seems appropriate to offer some resources to help us manage through these difficult times. The resources listed below come from the JED Foundation, which has existed for 25 years and has a well-documented track record. I originally developed an interest in JED because it specializes in protecting the emotional health and preventing suicide of teens and young adults. They offer excellent programs and materials in partnership with schools, colleges, and parents. In short, I am comfortable and confident in recommending these resources.
Using mental health resources is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, accessing tools and information indicates strength and builds it. One of the things to like about the JED Website is that it is engaging and extremely easy to navigate. Most of these resources are equally applicable and valuable to older folk!
- Election Stress: Tips to Manage Anxious Feelings About Politics
- How to Have Tough Family Conversations
- How to Use Activism as Self-Care
- How to Stop Feeling Hopeless
- How to Cope With Cyberbullying
- Check in With Yourself
- Stick to Your Boundaries
- Enter Debates With an Open Mind
- Remember the Value of Your Relationships
- Take Care of Yourself
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.
Lisa Olivera
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!