Planning for the new year…

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

NOVEMBER 2005 -- Now that State Session is over and National Grange is starting on the 14th of November, we should have started planning our years’ activities. In your plans you should include your advertising campaign for the year. This should include getting your meeting announcement in the local newspapers as well as spreading the word to all your friends and neighbors.

Posters are very helpful in advertising the Granges special programs. The posters can be placed in the windows of your local stores or supermarkets. One of the best places to put them is near the store’s entrance or exit. Those members that have access to a computer can use them to make their posters. If you need assistance in getting started making these posters, just contact me. Just call or send me a note.

Plan Early…

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

OCTOBER 2005 -- It is very important to plan early. No matter what program or project your Grange is planning, it is important to establish your course of action early and inform the public at every step. Use publicity to advance the interest of the Grange. Make your articles precise, being sure to include the time, place and points of interest about your project.

By starting early and keeping the public informed on your project you will give them the opportunity to plan their calendars well in advance to include your event. Don’t forget to use follow-ups. After the program has taken place, report all the details. This is what keeps members and the public interested in your Grange programs and projects.

Deadlines Near …

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

SEPTEMBER 2005 -- September is the month in which we submit our reports to the State Grange and get a chance to express our accomplishments for the past year. In looking at the Blue Book we find that our Community Service Reports were due on September 1st to Bob and Marge Sendewicz. On this same date the Subordinate CWA Committees are to submit their reports to their Pomona Chairmen as well a the State Director. On September 15th the Pomona Committees are to submit their reports to the State Director.

The deadline for Junior Grange reports is September 29th. This includes their Creative Writing Contest, Community Service Reports, Honor Grange Reports and Junior Granger of the Year entries. These reports and entries are to be submitted to the Junior Grange Director.

On October 1st, the Honor Grange Report is to be submitted to the State Master. The Subordinate and Pomona Youth Committee Reports are to be submitted to the State Youth Committee Director. And don't forget to send in your Publicity Scrapbook no later than October 5th. They are to be sent to Carl H. Bernhardt; 424 Cedar Lane; Cheshire, CT 06410.

Good luck with all of your entries and reports.

See You At The Fair!

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

JULY/AUGUST 2005 -- As this is written, we’re just past the danger of frost, but in nooks and crannies Grangers have already felt the urge of Spring. Crafters have spent their time putting the finishing touches on their hobbies. The “Green Thumbs” have seedlings started in their kitchens. The raffle tickets have been distributed. In the meadows birthing is enduring a new supply of animal displays.

Now is the time to burst out to the sunshine and let our friends and neighbors know that the fairs are just around the corner. The season starts with North Stonington, July 7th and lasts until Riverton in October. Each of the fairs require not only entries and attendance but also willing hands.

Not the least of these is our own Connecticut Agricultural Fair, July 29-31! Do you need more raffle tickets? Have you volunteered to lend a hand in one of the booths, Departments or the parking lots, during those three days? Bob Sendewicz and Jim Lamoureux are always looking for additional hands.

To use the vernacular of auto racing, we’ve been revving our engines, now is the time to get the Green Flag, and head for the finish line! Success to fairs all over the state.

Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

JUNE 2005 -- We hope that your Grange has succeeded in getting their programs and news articles in the local newspapers. You must continue to send out your news releases on your coming events. One important piece of advice, many of our local citizens do not know where your Grange Hall is located. Grangers can always check the State Directory or your Pomona Handbook for this address, but, to the non-member this information is not available.

One way of getting this information out to the general public is to advertise. By this, I do not mean that you should purchase an advertisement in the local papers. The National Grange has available metal Town Marker signs. These are the seven sided signs that several of the Granges in the state have purchased and installed along the highways coming into their town. There is an Information Panel also available.

To order these items, contact The National Grange, 1616 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, or go to the National Grange's website, www.nationalgrange.org and click on Grange Store.

The Town Marker, Item 332, costs $25.00 while the Information Panel, Item 333, costs $5.00.

On one dark and stormy night, Marge and I were glad that the Grange we were visiting had placed the Town Marker sign at the end of the street to their hall. We would have missed that turn.

Have your messages gone out?

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

MAY 2005 -- I hope that over the past few months you have saturated the news media in your area with your Grange’s Coming Events. Have these “seeds” you have sown in the Springtime nurtured and grown? We hope that your publicity efforts have produced candidates for your degrees. We must continue using publicity to cultivate the minds of our friends and neighbors in the hope of increasing our Grange membership.

During the months of May and June, many of the Granges will be presenting Community Service awards. Now is the time to publicize these events. We recommend that these meetings be open to the general public. Have your local newspapers print an article about the recipient before the presentation is made. Send out special invitations to the friends and colleagues of the recipient. We hope that in so doing, your Grange will be recognized by those present as a civic-minded, community service organization.

Your Upcoming Event . . .

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

APRIL 2005 -- When writing an article about an upcoming event or program it is important to get the information into the newspaper early. To make your Grange event successful, people in your community need to know when it is happening, try to state this in your headline or in the first sentence. I can't tell you how many times I have learned about an event the day on which it was scheduled, but was unable to attend because other plans had already been made. In today's busy world, extra time to make plans would certainly be helpful.

Once your article has been printed in the newspaper, do not think your job is done. Placing an additional article in the following edition could be to your advantage, by reminding the readers and possibly catching the eye of someone that missed the first article.

Along with your reporting of current events at your Grange, include information on future events or programs. People may be interested in your current program, but are unable to attend. Knowing the upcoming schedule will allow readers to make plans to attend in the future.

Extend an invitation in your article, along with the calendar date, the day of the week and the time. It is also a good idea to include a phone number for answering questions or to give directions.

Contact your local newspapers periodically for possible changes in deadline requirements, and to whom your materials should be directed. If the materials are somehow sent to the wrong department, your article may not make it into the next edition.

By reporting regularly on the activities of your Grange, the public will see just how active your Grange is working with and for the community.

The Call of Spring . . .

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

MARCH 2005 -- Now is the time to think of Degrees and obtaining new members. Grange Membership Committees face one of the hardest tasks of all. Our Publicity Committees should be there paving the way for them. By making the people in your community aware of all the good the Grange does for others, you help pave the way for the membership committee to get those new members we all so desperately need. No one wants to join an organization on the decline. We have to emphasize our good points. Be enthusiastic. Think Positive. Let others know what you are doing. If you don’t tell others — no one will.

When Degree Night comes — don’t complain. Be glad you have candidates to confer the degrees on. Be enthusiastic in your work. You are making a first impression on these new members and we want this enthusiasm to be contagious. These new members will play a vital part in our Publicity/Information projects. Remember, word of mouth is still the cheapest, fastest and most effective form of publicity. These new members will talk to their friends and neighbors. What happens the night of degrees will make a lasting impression.

While you are listening to the Degree Work listen for the First Degree Master to talk to you about the humble grass. Apply these principles to our Grange Work. Let’s spring to life. Let’s bring the ideals and objectives of the Grange back with us.

Planning Ahead . . .

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

FEBRUARY 2005 -- While we are snowbound in our homes, we should begin our plans for the spring and summer season. Now is the time to plan your garden. The seed catalogs should be available, and this may be the best time to prepare just what you are going to grow.

At this time you could plan your visitations to your neighboring Granges. We always enjoy having a hall full of members and friends. Remember too, to call your members who have not attended a recent meeting. Ask them if they need a ride.

During this period you could begin to prepare for the Connecticut Agricultural Fair. The end of July may seem to be a long ways away, but now is the time to begin making those items that you would like to exhibit. Have you made a craft item or needlework during the winter time? These items can be exhibited. Of course, you should keep in mind that the flowers or vegetables you have grown can also be exhibited at the Fair.

When your friends ask what you are doing, just Spread the Word by telling them that you are planning to exhibit at the Fair. You should also urge them to exhibit. One of the best methods of publicity is word of mouth. Remember that by increasing the number of exhibits at the Fair you indirectly increase the attendance as well as the income of the Fair. In turn you too can receive monetary rewards by entering.

Publicity Comes in Many Forms . . .

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

JANUARY 2005 -- Most people can only think of a few ways to spread publicity on the Grange's activities. They primarily think of the printed word (newspapers) and the use of posters. Others may include the electronic media (radio and TV) but this may be too expensive for most Granges. For those who have access to cable TV, you could use the Cable Access Channel for you publicity. One of the simplest and least expensive way of Spreading the Word is the oldest form of communication -- speaking to your friends and neighbors.

The use of Word of Mouth Communications can readily supplement the printed word. When you speak to your friends and neighbors on your Grange's coming events you can always bring to their attention that additional information is contained in the local newspaper. This method of communications also allows you to ask if those you are speaking to have any questions on the Grange and/or Grange Activities. This method can be used as a membership development tool.

Spreading the word . . .

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

DECEMBER 2004 -- The goal of your State Grange Information Committee is SPREADING THE WORD. By this we mean that each Subordinate and Pomona Grange as well as your State Committee shall spread the activities of their respective Granges through your local newspaper or other public media in your area. prizes will be awarded. To achieve this goal, your State Committee is preparing a mailing of timely information and helpful hints for each of the Grange's Information Committees. This mailing will be sent in late January.

We had numerous entries in the Information/Publicity Scrapbook Contest. The Committee judged the entries on the Sunday before State Session. We had a difficult time determining the winning Grange, so we awarded three Honorable Mentions.

The winning Scrapbooks for the Subordinate Granges are:

1st - Ekonk Community Grange #89; 2nd - Totoket Grange #83; 3rd - Lyme Grange #147; Honorable Mentions were given to: Granby Grange #5, Metichewan Grange #190 and Marlborough Grange #205.
The winning Scrapbook for the Junior Granges is: Ekonk Community Junior Grange #101

This years winner in the "Honor Your Newspaper Reporter/Correspondent Contest" is Emily M. Olson of the New Milford Times. This is the second time that she has received this award. Her name was submitted by Metichewan Grange.

During the coming year we will be reminding all of the Granges of our contests and we hope to have many more entries. We hope to see you around the State as we make our visitations.

Where has the time gone?

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

NOVEMBER 2004 -- Now that State Session is over, we should continue planning our Grange Year. Are you planning a special program, speakers or an awards night? You should remember to get your publicity out to the General Public if you hope to have a large turn-out for the event.

E-mail, send or hand-deliver your press releases to the various newspapers that serve your area.

Are you having trouble getting into the papers? Keep trying. Sometimes it’s best to make person to person contact with your local reporter or editor. The Grange has a lot to offer. Ours is a way of life to be proud of. But, we have to tell others about it. We have to convince them that we have something for them. Look to the future and most importantly don’t give up. There is an old saying, “Into each life some rain must fall.” It is up to us to look for the sunshine behind the clouds. Don’t let the rain dampen your spirits. Spread the word. Tell the whole world what we have to offer.

Preparing for State Session

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

OCTOBER 2004 -- We hope that each of the Subordinate Granges have submitted their Scrapbooks for judging. The deadline is October 5th. Have you also nominated a newspaper reporter/correspondent for the fine reporting they have done to promote the Grange?

Now is the time for all Grangers to show their many talents. Publicity Scrapbooks are only one of the many reports that Grangers and committees submit at this time of year to prepare for State Session. We hope for many resolutions, as they are an important part of Grange proceedings.

I want to thank all Grangers for their efforts in using publicity to advance the interest of the Grange. This is what keeps the members and the general public interest in Grange projects and programs, and helps us grow in membership. Good publicity means action! Enjoy State Session.

Where has the summer gone?

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

SEPTEMBER 2004 -- Here it is September 1st! Where has the summer gone? It seems that the Fair was only last week. but now is the time that we should be compiling our Publicity Contest material for the State Publicity Committee.

We hope that you have been collecting your Grange articles, press releases and other material for the scrapbook. Don’t forget to submit the name of your local Reporter/Correspondent that have helped promote the Grange. For additional information on these contests, please read the rules on Page 14 in the State Grange Program booklet (The Blue Book). Just remember to send in your scrapbook and the name of your nominee in the Reporter/Correspondent Awards Contest to the Director: Carl H. Bernhardt, 424 Cedar Lane, Cheshire, CT 06410 no later than October 5th.

Why Not Publicity?

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

JUNE 2004 -- Why indeed! If no one knows who you are or what you are doing they certainly are not going to be interested in you.

One of the first words a child utters after Mommy or Daddy is, “Why?” Publicity is free advertising. We must make every effort to put ourselves before the public in a positive way every chance we get. We cannot hope to increase our membership if no one knows anything about us. Word of mouth is still the best medium of promoting Grange. However, pictures and articles in local papers tell others what we are doing and what a great organization we have.

Each advertisement of a car shown on T.V. promotes special positive features of the particular brand. Why not promote the special positive features of your particular Grange. Tell everyone about it. Why do you like it? What do you do there? Be a “big mouth”! Brag about it!

Why not call another Grange member and ask him or her to come to your next meeting? Why haven’t they been coming on a regular basis? Tell them what a good time you had. If the next meeting is going to be something special get on the phone and call several members to be sure they plan to attend. It takes just a little interest from the active members to get the inactive ones to come back.

Edith Schoell recently presented Robert and Doris Links of Good Will Grange with their Golden Sheaf certificates.

Working with the Press

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

MAY 2004 -- First of all, pay attention to the kind of news that gets into your local newspaper. Be familiar with the person who handles your local news whether it be the local once-a-week newspaper or the larger city newspapers.

Make contact and set up an appointment. Be on time. Have written information about what messages you want to get across. Don’t guess if the reporter asks questions. Secure the answers and get back to them. Be exact. Don’t say next Thursday, or tomorrow. State a date, time and place.

Check on deadlines. Get your news to them on time. Make sure the proper information is sent before the event you want covered. Check the spelling of person’s names.

If you are using a computer to compose your news article, remember to run the document through a spell checker and then proofread the article, otherwise strange wording may appear in your article.

I has a spelling checker,
It comes with my PC.
It plainly marks for my revue,
Mistakes I cannot sea.
I’ve ran this poem threw it,
I’m sure your please too no,
Its letter perfect in its weigh,
My checker tolled me so.

Remember to send thank you notes - especially for special events and photos.

Know your news reporter

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

APRIL 2004 -- The Information Chairman in each of the Subordinate Granges should get to know the local newspaper reporter or correspondent that serves their area. This will help in getting your newsworthy articles published. It will also give you the opportunity to learn of the newspaper’s deadline as well as any special requirements that the paper needs.

Most newspapers publish about fifty percent of the unsolicited articles they receive. By working directly with a staff member of the newspaper, the probability of being published goes up dramatically. It will also give the Information Chairman the opportunity to spread the Grange’s message and programs to the media staff. If this is done properly, the newspaper may become a strong supporter of your Grange’s projects and perhaps several of the staff members may join your Grange.

Time to Join The Electronic Age!

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

MARCH 2004 -- The new Connecticut State Grange website is now in operation. There are many new features on this site. There will be monthly updates and articles by our State Officers as well as general information on the Grange and a Coming Events Column.

Perhaps you are looking for information on one of the many contests sponsored by the State Grange. This information is also posted on the website.

In the near future, each of the Subordinate Granges will have their own page. This will give each of the Granges the opportunity to advertise their programs and special events. For further information on how to add your personal information, please contact:

Todd A. Gelineau, Facilitator
170 Scoville St., #14, Torrington, CT 06790
Tel./Fax (860) 626-0326;
Email: bluelinegraphic@optonline.net.

Put On A Happy Face

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

FEBRUARY 2004 -- It is snowing out, with freezing rain mixed in? Did your meeting get canceled tonight?

Take advantage of those extra hours with nothing to do. Why not write some articles for your local newspaper. Plan ahead... write one about your Community Citizen Award, write another about an open house or booster night, write one on Membership and another on your local fair or the Connecticut Agricultural Fair.

What a great way to spend your time. These articles can now be sent to your local papers at regular intervals as they become appropriate. Why not write them all the way up to your next Installation of Officers. Just leave the names blank to be filled in later. Then, when those lazy, crazy days of summer arrive with the temperature soaring to the high 90s you can relax by a pool or at your favorite fishing hole without worrying about your next article.

Your Connecticut Granger articles can be written in the same manner. Just plan ahead.

Goals of Information

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

JANUARY 2004 -- In keeping with the State Grange’s Mission Statement, the Information Committee has set its goals for the coming year. They are:

1- To increase the number of articles, photos and other information distributed to the general public via the media (newspapers, magazines, radio and television) and on the internet of Grange activities at all levels.

2- To educate the membership on how to promote themselves and their Granges.

3- To educate the general public on the goals and programs of the Grange.

To help meet these goals, the State Committee will be distributing to the Pomona and Subordinate Information/Publicity Chairmen, a brochure on how to achieve these goals. We are planning to mail the brochure during the month of January.

The State President and Executive Committee are working to revamp the State Grange website. The people working on the new site are making space available for all Subordinate and Pomona Granges to post news and information about their individual Granges. More information will be available soon.

by Carl H. Bernhardt, State Publicity Director

DECEMBER 2003 -- The Information Committee has added a new contest this year. Each Subordinate Grange is requested to start a scrapbook of all Grange news items that appear in their local newspapers. The scrapbooks will be judged at State Session and cash prizes will be awarded.

The rules for the two Information Committee contests are as follows:

INFO./ PUBLICITY SCRAPBOOK CONTEST:

Each Subordinate Grange should prepare a scrapbook of all Grange news items that appear in their local newspapers or magazines. They should also include copies of all press releases the Grange submitted to the public media. Photographs and posters of your activities should also be included.

The completed scrapbook should be submitted for judging no later than October 5, 2004 to the Director, Carl Bernhardt: 424 Cedar Lane, Cheshire, CT 06410. Cash prizes will be awarded at the State Grange Session.

HONOR YOUR NEWSPAPER REPORTER/CORRESPONDENT:

Submit the name of the Reporter/Correspondent from any of the public media (newspapers, magazines, radio or tv) in your area that have helped to promote the Grange. Tell us why you think they should be honored. A copy of one of their articles or a tape of their report would help the judges make their final decisions. Submit your entry to the Director, Carl H. Bernhardt, 424 Cedar Lane, Cheshire, CT 06410 no later than October 5, 2004. All nominees will receive a certificate and the finalist will be announced at the State Session. (Remember, do not submit Connecticut Granger correspondents).

This information may also be found in the State Grange Program Book (the Blue Book) as well as on this website.