Overseer Leroy Watson called the meeting to order via telephone at 8:40 a.m. Present with him in Wisconsin was Executive Committee member Cheri Watson. Present in the 10th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC were Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Treasurer Amber Bell, Ceres Beverly Mitchell and Secretary Richard Weiss.
The minutes of the March 20, 2012 meeting were approved as read.
At 8:45 a.m. President Joan Smith joined the meeting via telephone and assumed the chairmanship.
Treasurer’s Reports
As of March 31, 2012 the Operating Fund balance at BB&T Bank was $642.84
As of March 31, 2012 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $31,513.63
The $2,500.00 check to the National Grange for fly-in scholarships and the $3,500.00 check to The Washington Youth Garden for a kiosk to house a solar demonstration had not cleared the Kile Fund at the time of the Treasurers report.
President Smith will work with Treasurer Bell in filling out the IRS questionnaire regarding the Kile Fund. Treasurer Bell has documentation showing the separation of the Kile Fund from Potomac Grange #1. The IRS approved the Kile Fund tax free status in 1995.
The National Grange will be making a decision at the May Board of Directors meeting in regards to obtaining a group exemption letter where the Potomac Grange #1 may operate under the National blanket tax exempt status. If they decide against the group exemption, The Potomac Grange will then have to file for and individual tax exempt status.
Treasurer Bell has opened a separate money market account to carry any Kile Fund principal payments from Bank of America. Signature cards will be circulated to the signees.
2011 statements have been sent to our accountant for 990 preparation.
Old Business
Votives of the new Yankee Candle scents are in. They will be available on a loan basis. Fliers and order forms were distributed to members to get a new fund raising campaign started.
The Washington Youth Garden check has been sent. The kiosk will open in 2013. It will carry a plaque recognize Potomac Grange’s contribution and Potomac Grange members will be invited to the opening ceremony.
New Business
The Maryland State Grange is participating in “Bras for the Cause.” New and “gently used” bras are collected and given to Jess Wright of Frederick radio station WFRE. A local business then contributes $1.00 or $2.00 to Breast Cancer Research for each bra collected. The bras are then donated to a local women’s shelter. Potomac Grange members are invited to participate. Samantha Johnson is the coordinator.
In response to a Junior Grange appeal letter, it was moved, seconded and passed to contribute $250.00 to the National Junior Grange from the Kile Fund. At this fall’s national session, an advisory committee will report on recommended changes to Junior Grange.
It was moved, seconded and passed to contribute $250.00 to the National Youth Program from the Kile Fund.
Junior Grange
Rachael Watson opened her school’s talent show singing the Star Spangled Banner.
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.
Next Meeting
The next Potomac Grange #1 meeting will be May 22, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1