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Potomac Grange #1 Distributes Dictionaries to Holy Cross Elementary School Students

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The Potomac Grange #1 visited Holy Cross Elementary School to distribute dictionaries to its third-grade students.

Potomac Grange President, Mark Gibbons, spoke briefly about Potomac Grange #1 before explaining how these dictionaries would help them increase their vocabulary, learn the spelling and meaning of so many words.

The children were extremely excited to receive their dictionaries and plan to use them at school and at home.

They were especially excited that the dictionaries also included information about:

  • the environment
  • land and water conditions in the countries of the world
  • animals that live in nine habitats on the seven continents
  • the earth and its atmosphere
  • the longest word in the English language
  • sign language (alphabets)
  • braille for beginners and more.

Potomac Grange #1 plans to donate additional dictionaries to Holy Cross if needed or another elementary school in the area.

March 8, 2023 Meeting Minutes

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President Mark Gibbons called the virtual meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. EST. Participating were Vice-President Leroy Watson. Lecturer Amanda-Brozana Rios, Secretary Richard Weiss, Chaplain Stephanie Wilkins, Executive Committee member Joan Smith, Ceres Lorretta Washington, and National Grange Legislative Assistant Sean O’Neil.

The meeting opened with Pledge Allegiance to the Flag led by President Gibbons and a prayer by Chaplain Wilkins.

 MINUTES

Joan Smith moved to adopt the February 8, 2023 minutes as written. Vice-President Watson seconded. The motion passed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

Legislative 

  • Sean and Burton Eller are visiting new members of Congress and presenting Grange’s position on issues and bills, including the upcoming Farm Bill.
  • We are working with Agri-Safe, an organization advocating for rural mental health aids such as hot-lines and stress relief programs.
  • Putting together a “Grange Caucus” on the Hill. A group of members recognizing the Grange and invited to Grange events.

Lecturer Program

Today is International Women’s Day. The John Deere Company is recognizing and highlighting women’s roles in agriculture and the construction industries. Today, only nine percent of U.S. farms are currently totally female owned and operated. Leroy added that many of these are poultry operations which have direct contracts with food processors. He feels there is definite industry and government encouragement for increased farm ownership by women.

Heirloom Program

Amanda quoted one of the Grange objectives: “To develop a better manhood and womanhood among ourselves.” She suggested we consider how Potomac Grange might use Kile Fund resources locally towards this objective, especially the “womanhood” part

TREASURER’S REPORT

No Report..

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

Dictionaries – Mark will deliver dictionaries to Holy Cross School in the next couple of weeks. Joan Smith read a “Certificate of Appreciation” from the school to Potomac Grange. Stephanie Wilkins will post it on our website.

NEW BUSINESS

  • 2023 Fellows Program membership and programs are progressing.
  • Mark briefed us on his participation in the “Presidents’ call” with Betsy Huber regarding the National Meeting format. He had suggestions on speeding up the meeting.
  • The Ag in the Classroom 2023 National Meeting will be in June in Florida. Joan will be able to drive to the meeting to make our annual award presentation.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Discussion as to whether Potomac Grange should continue to submit resolutions for voting rights led to the conclusion that we should. Suggestions included asking to vote only on resolutions not officers and to tie in with a state Grange.

Now that his recovery is coming along, Leroy will get back to work on the Potomac Grange tax status issue.

Joan will be undergoing surgery soon. She will be in our thoughts and prayers.

There was no further business. Amanda Rios moved to adjourn. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 12:51 p.m.

NEXT MEETING

Next Zoom meeting is on April 12 at Noon.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

February 8, 2023 Meeting Minutes

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President Mark Gibbons called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. EST. Participating were Vice-President Leroy Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Pomona/Executive Committee member Sheri Watson, Chaplin Stephanie Wilkins, Steward Burton Eller, and National Grange Legislative Assist Sean O’Neil.

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Chaplin Wilkins and the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Gibbons.

 MINUTES

It was determined that the latest minutes were September 14, 2022.  As Secretary Weiss had not yet downloaded them, it was decided to move on to other business.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

Legislative – Burton and Sean have been meeting with new Congress members. They have given the members contact information for their state Granges. Louisiana representatives specifically asked for their state’s Grange information. They also met with Natalie Roy of Agri Safe, an organization that established agriculture crisis hot lines in six states using Covid recovery money. That funding expires in the Fall. Burton and Sean gave her guidance on getting new funding. It includes a possible coalition of Ag organizations and efforts to get the funding included in the Farm Bill with a list of who to talk to on the Hill about it.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank                                           $79,466.11
Latest deposit from the trust                                                              $3,391.00
Current Operating Balance at Truist Bank                                         $2,952.41
1/31/2023 payment of National Grange dues                                    $52.50

One dues receipt is currently in Pay-Pal. It was decided not to transfer it out until more 2023 dues are received. Secretary Weiss will work with President Gibbons to get notices out ASAP.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

National Ag Day Contribution – President Gibbons reported that National Grange has requested a $1,500 contribution from Potomac Grange to cover travel costs of one Grange Youth’s participation in the March 19-22 Ag Days program. Secretary Weiss so moved. Before a second, discussion followed in which we decided that the contribution recipient be required to give us a written report on what they learned and how they plan to use that knowledge.

Vice-President Watson seconded the motion as amended. The motion passed.

Dictionaries – Stephanie Wilkins received a request for twenty-six dictionaries from a Maryland private Catholic school. The dictionaries would be for third graders. There was a question as to whether the contribution could be made to a Maryland school.  In discussion that followed we concluded that “Potomac” Grange can serve the entire DMV.  Cheri Watson moved Potomac Grange fill the Maryland school’s request.  The motion was seconded and passed.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Leroy Watson briefed us on his recent health issues. He made it through some tough moments and is on the mend.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m. 

NEXT MEETING

Next Zoom meeting is on March 8 at Noon.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

September 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes

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President Mark Gibbons called the Zoom meeting to order at l2:02 EST. Also participating were Vice-President Leroy Watson, Chairperson Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Lecturer Amanda Brozana, Secretary Richard Weiss, Chaplin Stephanie Wilkens, and Ceres Lorretta Washington.

Stephanie Wilkins led the Pledge of Allegiance and presented an opening prayer.

 MINUTES

As there were no additions or corrections, President Gibbons approved the August 10, 2022 minutes as presented.

INSTALLATION OF REMAINING OFFICERS

After reading their office responsibilities, Jessie Patrick was installed as Treasurer and Amanda Brozana was installed as Lecturer by President Gibbons.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

IRS/DC Tax Project – Following discussion, Amanda Brozana moved to reaffirm the authority previously given to Vice-President Watson to hire an attorney to help reinstate Potomac Grange and the Kile Fund’s 501(C-3) statuses. Loretta Washington seconded the motion. The motion passed. Treasurer Jessie Patrick confirmed that legal cost incurred for the Kile fund restoration can be paid from the fund. President Gibbons stressed the importance of resolving this problem soon.

No Legislative report

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank                   $71,223.06
Current Operating Fund balance at Truist Bank        $3,169.41
Last quarter dues payment recently cleared.

Joan Smith asked if we have received forms from Bank of America to fill out a required annual report on Kile Fund usage. Stephanie Wilkins has received the forms.

Amanda Rosana noted that the way our membership is presented on dues payment forms does not reflect that she and others are Affiliate members to Potomac Grange and full-time members elsewhere. It was determined that Leroy Watson an Amanda Brozana should be listed as Affiliate members. Such listings do not change dues levels. Leroy Watson suggested offering Associate memberships as a way for Grangers to have a relationship with “the Grange of the Founders.”

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

World Food Forum – Richard Weiss recommended dropping this project due to lack of a mission statement and clear positions on certain ag practices that the Grange supports. There was consensus to discontinue pursing this project.

Consolidation of Chapter Material – Joan Smith – The kitchen is done. There are five packed boxes in the basement. The kitchen closet has some old sashes and other paraphernalia. The question is “where is this all going to go?”

NEW BUSINESS

Mark Gibbons convention expenses – An amount of approximately $1,300.00 was approved to cover air fare, registration, meals and miscellaneous.

Dictionary Distribution to DC Schools – Not determined yet.

Anacostia Museum Project – Amanda Brozana suggested other Grange chapters my be interested in left over items after the exhibits ends. Mark will try to get over and see what is available.

Membership Drive – President Gibbons has challenged us each to recruit a new member. Loretta Washington has already recruited National Grange intern Sean O’Neil.

Resolution  This resolution submitted by Amanda Brozana and as amended passed unanimously.

“Resolved that National Grange charge $1 per year per Junior Grange or Junior Grange 1+ member starting as of January 1, 2024 and be it further

Resolved that money collected be deposited into the National Grange Junior Foundation annually.”

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Lecturer Program – Amanda Brozana paralleled the efforts of the District of Colombia to be recognized as a state with equal voting rights in Congress to Potomac Grange’ s efforts to be recognized as a legitimate Grange with full voting rights in National Grange affairs.

There was no further business. Leroy Watson moved to adjourn. Loretta Washington seconded the motion. The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

August 10, 2022 Meeting Minutes

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President Joan Smith called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. Participating were Vice President Leroy Watson, Board Chairperson Cheri Watson, Secretary Richard Weiss, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Chaplin Mark Gibbons, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, and Legislative Director Burton Eller.

The July 13, 2022 minutes were approved as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT

No report. 

OFFICER INSTALLATION

President-Mark Gibbons, Vice-President/Overseer-Leroy Watson, Steward-Burton Eller, Assistant Steward and Lady Assistant Steward-Loretta Washington, Chaplin -Stephanie Wilkins, Secretary-Richard Weiss, Ceres-Loretta Washington, Flora-Stephanie Wilkins, Pomona-Cheri Watson, Executive Committee Chairperson-Cheri Watson, Executive Committee members-Joan Smith, and Richard Weiss. Additional officers will be installed during future meetings.

Mark assumed management of the meeting. His theme for the coming year will be “fund raising and membership.” He already has membership prospects.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

World Food Forum – Dick Weiss will be seeing a friend from Italy who works for the United Nations on agricultural issues. The UN is involved with the World Food Forum. He will find out what she may know about the program.

Building Sale – Burton Eller reported that new prospects have come to see the building.

Dictionaries for DC Schools – Joan Smith has purchased a case of twenty-four dictionaries for $96.00. She has contacted a DC school official who will guide distribution in the fall.

NEW BUSINESS

Delegate to National Session, Nov 13-20, Sparks, NV – Burton Eller moved that newly elected president Mark Gibbons be Potomac Grange #1’s delegate to the 2022 National Session. Dick Weiss seconded the motion. Mark confirmed that he will be available. The motion passed. Joan explained that the Potomac delegate is non-voting.

National Grow Club Request – The National Grow Club raises funds through a silent auction during National Session. This year it is also reaching out directly to Granges for financial support. Leroy Watson is a member. He clarified that the Grow Club uses the funds as educational scholarships for Grange members and that any contribution from Potomac would be direct not part of the auction. Asked about a proper amount, he indicated anywhere from $100.00 up.

Dick Weiss moved Potomac Grange contribute $500.00 directly to the Grow Club with funds coming from the Kile Fund.  Mark Gibbons seconded. Cheri Watson moved to amend to motion by designating the contribution be for scholarships only. Mark Gibbons seconded, and the amended motion passed.

JUNIOR GRANGE

Mark’s one week old grandson will soon join the Grange.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Thoughts go to Nancy Flinn who is dealing with cancer.

OTHER BUSINESS

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 12:53 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

2022 Partnership in Agricultural Literacy Award 

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The National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) and National Grange Foundation have selected New Mexico agriculture education instructor Shae Devers, and her Valencia FFA Chapter, as the recipient of its 2022 Partnership in Agricultural Literacy (PAL) Award.

Devers and her Valencia FFA chapter won the award for their dedication and efforts in a collaborative project with New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom program. Valencia FFA members attended training sessions with New Mexico AITC program leaders and then scheduled programs in local elementary school classrooms to present agricultural literacy lessons based on the book “First Peas to the Table” using standards-based agriculture in the classroom lessons and sharing their own FFA experiences. The six-part project uses props the students bring to showcase their FFA opportunities and connections to local agriculture. In 2021 the chapter members presented to 32 classroom and more than 650 students.

By having Valencia FFA members share their passion, it sparks interest into those young minds and will encourage them to follow what intrigues them enough to explore all the many options FFA has to offer. Each of those elementary classes that they visit are feeder programs into two main high schools with active FFA programs. The likeliness of those students attending high school and signing up for an ag education program and joining FFA increases every subsequent visit the chapter makes. The Valencia FFA members leave lasting impressions about agriculture and supporting farmers and ranchers.

This year, Valencia FFA plans to increase their reach by visiting 80 classrooms with the new project, “Right This Very Minute”. In doing so, their total student impact is anticipated to exceed 2,000 students. In this project, students will learn more about where their food comes from on the farm, how its packaged and shipped, as well as learning about the basic concept and structure of the water cycle. 

 
 
 

July 13, 2022 Meeting Minutes

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President Joan Smith called the Zoom meeting together at 12:05 p.m. Participating were Board Chairperson Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Chaplin Mark Gibbons, Steward Amanda Brozana Rios, Flora Stephanie Wilkins and Legislative Director Burton Eller.

TREASURER’S REPORT

As of this date the Operating Fund balance at Truist Bank is                        $3,075.53
$196.38 in dues dollars will move from Pay-Pal to the Operating account.

As of this date the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank is                                   $71,727.06

The $2,500 check supporting the Junior and Youth programs has been sent to National.

Jessie Patrick moved $50.00 be paid from the Operating Fund for two $25.00 Amazon gift cards as Telethon prizes. Mark Gibbons seconded, and the motion passed.

REPORT OF COMMITTEES

IRS/DC Tax Project – Leroy Watson-Nothing to report at this time.

Legislative – Burton Eller

The Invest in American Railroads Act will apply new infrastructure dollars to upgrade U.S. railroads and making them safer and more environmentally efficient. National’s efforts aim at assuring railroads, which are vital to agriculture, get their fair share of infrastructure dollars.

Reconciliation package – There are several components including Medicare authority to negotiate drug prices, changes in the tax code and more. What passes and how implemented can impact agriculture positively or negatively.

Clean Water for Rural America Act – This act will give technical assistance grants to rural municipalities for maintenance or improvement of their water systems.

Continued efforts and broad band implementation and early look at 2023 Farm Bill

ELECTION OF OFFICERS 

President – Mark Gibbons
Vice-President – Leroy Watson
Lady Assistant Steward – Loretta Washington
Chaplin – Stephanie Wilkins		 Treasurer – Jessie Patrick
Secretary – Richard Weiss
Flora – Stephanie Wilkins
Executive Committee Chair – Cheri Watson.

No candidates for the remaining offices received majority votes and there will be a revote for those positions

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

World Food Forum – Dick Weiss will review podcasts of meetings on food consumption and disposal and other food processing and distribution topics and give updates.

Grange Building Sale – The sale has fallen through. The building is back on the market. Potomac’s materials have been reviewed and boxed up but not yet scanned.

NAITC Conference – Our Partnership in Agricultural Literacy Award for 2022 went to New Mexico agriculture education instructor Shae Davis and her Valencia FFA chapter

NEW BUSINESS

Dictionary Distribution to DC Schools – Still targeted for the fall. Details to be worked out.

Telethon – The July 9 event was a success raising $23,000 for the National Grange Junior and Youth programs.

Potomac Material – The Potomac Grange material that is worth saving from the National Grange basement has been reviewed and boxed up. The issue now is where to put it before the building sells and how to get it scanned.

Anacostia Museum Project – At a recent visit to the DC’s Anacostia Museum Amanda Brozana viewed an exhibit depicting how food gets to the plates of Anacostia residents. While aimed at this notable DC neighborhood, several of the display pieces depicting food distribution from farm to table, food waste and other related subjects are generic enough to have impact anywhere. When this exhibit ends September 17, some pieces will be discarded. Amanda’s idea is to take them and arrange them into a shippable size exhibit that can be sent to Lecturers for use with their Granges and communities. She encouraged us to see the exhibit and discuss the idea in our September meeting.

Wonderama – This is an upcoming information booth event in Times Square. We decided to table this until there is more information.

OTHER BUSINESS

We need to estimate the cost of sending a representative to the National Convention. National no longer covers travel costs.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 12:13 p.m. The next Zoom meeting will be August 10 at noon. Resolutions can be considered at this meeting

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

June 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes

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President Joan Smith called the meeting to order at 12 Noon. Participating were Vice President Leroy Watson, Executive Committee member Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Chaplin Mark Gibbons, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, and National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller.

The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The May 11, 2022 minutes were approved as presented..

TREASURER’S REPORT

As of today’s date, the Kile Fund balance at the PNC Bank is        $70,838.06

Treasurer Patrick will cut a $2,500 check to the Grange Foundation as Potomac’s contribution to the July 9th Youth and Junior Telethon.

As of today’s date, the Operating Fund at the Truist Bank is            $3,075.53

A $52.50 dues payment was added since last report.

REPORT OF COMMITTEES

LEGISLATIVE – Burton Eller – Congress has only five and a half weeks of actual work before September 1st and it is likely not much will get done as focus will be on mid-term elections.

National Grange is pushing for action on the Ocean Shipping Competition Reform Act which would enable US shippers to use foreign craft which have been returning to their home ports empty due to union rules allowing only the use of U.S. crafts to ship U.S. goods.

National is also monitoring the application of broad band funds and will soon prepare for the 2023 Farm Bill.

IRS/DC TAX PROJECT – Leroy Watson – The project continues and has not changed since the May 11 report.

JUNIOR & YOUTH – Cheri Watson – Rachael Watson is home for the summer working two jobs. She again made the college’s Dean’s List.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

WORLD FOOD FORUM – Dick Weiss – Nothing to report.

GRANGE BUILDING SALE – Leroy Watson – Contract negotiations continue with details such as building identification to be worked out. Once both parties settle on a contract, the Grange will have one year to clear the building of tenants. Meantime

NEW BUSINESS

DICTIONARY DISTRIBUTION TO DC SCHOOLS – Joan Smith – No action yet. Planned for Fall 2022.

VIRTUAL TELETHON (Saturday, July 9) – Jessie Patrick will soon send $2,500 check from the Kile Fund to the Grange Foundation. President Smith asked Dick Weiss, Leroy Watson, and Stephanie Wilkins to prepare testimonials for presentation during the Telethon.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Stephanie Wilkins will prepare a document for nominations with the target of having nominations back in by June 22. Meantime, Dick Weiss will contact people who are listed as officers but are not dues current to see if they would rejoin.

There was no further business. President Smith read the latest Summer Good of The Order and the meeting adjourned at 12:55p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

May 11, 2022 Meeting Minutes

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President Joan C, Smith called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Participating were Vice President Leroy Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Chaplain Mark Gibbons and joining later Executive Committee member Cheri Watson.

Secretary Weiss read the April 13, 2022 meeting minutes. Amanda Rios stated the word “dues” should be “assessment” in the sentence referring to Potomac’s 2022 annual meeting resolution. Dues changes take two years bylaws to approve whereas assessments are immediate.  The minutes were approved as corrected.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Operating Account current balance at Truist Bank                                  $3,128.03

Additional $100,000 in bonding coverage payment                                 $112.00

(2023 bonding payment will be due in December 2022)

One outstanding check at meeting time-1st quarter dues                       $52.50

Kile Fund current balance at PNC Bank                                                  $70,840.06

REPORT OF COMMITTEES

IRS/DC Tax Project – Leroy Watson is examining the possibility of reorganizing as a 501-C10, which would combine Potomac Grange and the Kile Fund into a single entity rather than two separate 501-C3s. It is necessary to check that this is all right with Bank of America. Hopefully so, as C10 reporting is easier than C3 reporting.  Joan noted that DC has already rescinded our tax exemption status as they will follow the IRS rules.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

World Food Forum – Richard Weiss will continue to monitor and recommends no action at this time.

Grange Building Sale Status – Leroy Watson reported a firm agreement on the building’s sale. The closing is a year away. There is concern that as tenants leave during the year, the reduction in rent cash flow will hurt operating cost and Grange program coverage.

Joan Smith has reduced Potomac Grange storage to five boxes. Nothing has been scanned and there may not  be space for our boxes in the new headquarters. Stephanie Wilkins created a protocol for organizing scanned files. Joan will pursue scanning options. Leroy has reduced the legislative files down to a couple file folders. Loretta Washington noted that Potomac Grange also has ritual materials stored in a closet.  Amanda Rios suggested we might display it in the new conference room.

NEW BUSINESS

TELETHON – On Saturday July 9, 2022, National Grange will hold an all-day telethon to raise funds for the Youth and Junior programs.  Individual and grange contributions levels ranged up to $5,000.00, which is the amount Potomac contributed last year. During discussion, Amanda Rios stated her preference for contributing to specific programs that contribute to our community, not just general contributions.  Accordingly, Sheri Watson moved that Potomac’s contribution to this year’s TELETHON be $2,50.00. Jessie Patrick seconded, and the motion passed five in favor and two opposed.

Amanda then moved to increase Potomac’s two Grass Roots Activism scholarships from $400.00 each to $500.00 each not to exceed a total of $1,000.00. Loretta Washington seconded the motion and the motion passed.

NAITC Annual Conference June 26 to July 1 in Saratoga, NY – Because of the estimated $2,255.00 cost for Joan to attend this conference, she asked Steve Coye, President of the New York State Grange, or someone from a Grange near Saratoga,  to make our five-minute Partnership in Agriculture Literacy award.  Waiting for a reply

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Under Lesson A3 of the “Heirloom Program,” Amanda Rios led us in discussion of what we had learned at home.

NEXT MEETING

 June 8,2022 via Zoom at 12 noon. This meeting will be election of officers.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

April 13, 2022 Meeting Minutes

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President Joan Smith called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Participating were Treasure Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Loretta Washington, and Mark Gibbons.

TREASURER’S REPORT

4/12 Operating Fund balance at Truist Bank                              $3,272.93

4/12 Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank                                        $71,674.41

A March deposit of $3,391.00 was made to the Kile Fund account,

March checks on the Kile Fund were:

  • DC Experience participants travel expenses
  • DC Experience trolley tour
  • Joan’s DC Experience expenses
  • Grange Youth scholars’ travel expenses.
  • Bonding
  • Zoom operating system renewal

Jessie showed a review of Kile Fund spending for the last four years.  She feels there are ample funds to cover similar future commitments.

2023 GRANGE GRASSROOTS ACTIVISM SCHOLARSHIPS

The National Grange Junior and Youth departments have requested two $400.00 Grassroots Activism scholarships from Potomac Grange. The funds would go towards Washington DC Experience travel expenses. While there was consensus to grant the scholarships, there is concern over the youth programs’ dependence on and expectation of Potomac Grange financial support, especially after the 2021 Grange convention delegates’ dismissal of Potomac’s resolution asking for a one-dollar dues increase to help finance Youth and Junior programs.

After discussion, we decided to have youths receiving our financial support submit written reports or in person via our Zoom meetings.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

World Food Forum – Dick Weiss is on the Forum’s mailing list. An upcoming forum will promote “healthy eating” to reduce air pollution by lessening animal farming.  Weiss stated that this may be contrary to Grange position on animal farming. Accordingly, he recommended we not get involved with this organization at this time. He will get input from Burton Eller.

NEW BUSINESS

Dictionary Distribution to DC Schools – In the Fall Potomac Grange will deliver free dictionaries to DC 3rd graders. We soon need a quantity estimate so Joan can order in time for Fall delivery.

Telethon – Saturday, July 9th is the telethon to raise money for the Youth and Junior programs. At our next meeting, we must decide Potomac’s contribution amount.

NAITC Annual Conference – Ag in The Classroom will hold its annual conference in Saratoga, NY June 26 to July1. Joan estimates the cost for her to attend would be $2,255. Alternatives would be to participate via Zoom if available or have a representative from a New York or Maine Grange present our annual award. Joan will investigate these alternatives.

OTHER

Jessie expressed concern about the lack of participation in our Zoom meetings and feels Grange staff should participate more often.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1