January 9, 2019 Meeting Minutes

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order via telephone at 112:08 p.m. EST.  Also participating in the meeting were Treasure Jessie Cope, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Membership Director Stephanie Wilkins, Family Activities Director Stephanie Tiller, Communications Director Amanda Rios, Legislative Director Burton Eller, Overseer and Youth Activities Director, Leroy Watson, Treasurer Richard Weiss and guest Peg Landry.

MINUTES

Secretary Weiss read the December 11, 2018 minutes.  They were passed as amended to include the phrase “We continue to search for two teachers to attend.”

TREASURER’S REPORT

A sum of $2,500 was granted to Foster Our Future from the Kile Fund. There is an outstanding bill of $300.00 for annual dues to National Ag in the Classroom (NAIC).  Jessie Cope moved and Loretta Washington seconded to pay the bill from the Kile Fund.  The motion passed.

Discussion followed regarding future NAIC expenses to attend its April 15 to 17 conference in Saratoga Springs, New York. NAIC pays travel and lodging and some meal expenses. Travel expenses include 50 cents mile travel by car.  Registration fee is $50.00 for the first representative and $65.00 for the second. Joan explained that the conference will have speakers, show materials for the classroom and foster good ideas in general. She also pointed out that Potomac is being mentored by the state of Maine NAIC and in the future, she will get more involved in NAIC and the Grange Foundation, as she plans to retire soon.

Jessie Cope moved that Potomac send a second person to the conference and pay the extra expense from the Kile Fund.  There will not be extra travel expense, as they will drive to Saratoga Springs. The motion passed.

COMMITTEE REPORT

Legislative Committee chairman Burton Eller reported that the government shut down will impact Farm Services programs, SNAP programs, school lunch and child nutrition programs.

There were no other committee reports.

OLD BUSINESS

Loretta Washington and Charlene Espenshade will attend the February 5 Foundation for Food and Agriculture “Foster Our Future” event at the Ronald Reagan Building in the afternoon and Joan, Amanda Loretta and Burton will attend in the evening.

The Potomac Grange “Spring Fling” will be held Wednesday, March 6 in the Goss Conference Room from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS

It was moved that the Kile Fund supply $2,000 for the 2019 Fly In.  Burton will use $1,600 for two scholarships and the remainder for miscellaneous expenses such as Congressional Guide books. The motion passed. All Potomac Grange members are invited to the Monday,

April 29 orientation session.

There is good possibility that NJ Granger will be a 2019 intern while a student at American University.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 12:59 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1