November 27, 2012

Overseer Leroy Watson called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. in the 10th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington DC.  Also present were Flora Stephanie Wilkinson, Treasurer Amber Bell, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Steward Amanda Brozana, Assistant Lady Steward Jessie Cope, Austin Miller and Junior Granger Rachael Watson.

The minutes of the October 23, 2012 meeting were approved as corrected to reflect that Lecturer Samantha Johnson was present at the meeting.

Treasurer’s Reports

Treasurer Amber Bell reported that:

As of October 31, 2012 the Operating Fund balance at BB&T Bank was $304.62
As of October 31, 2012 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $27,442.62

Treasurer Bell further reported that our tax consultant William Batdorf filed the 2011 1099 electronically and will send hard copies for signature.  The filling was within the extension date granted by the IRS.

Old Business

A thank you letter was received from the Capital Area Food Bank in response to the Potomac Grange $50.00 contribution in memory of Samantha Johnson’s grandfather.

Amanda Brozana reported that at its meeting during the 146 Annual Convention November 13 through 17, 2012 in Boise, Idaho the Grange Law Committee came to consensus that a Subordinate Grange may have multiple Junior Granges under it.  Amanda raised this question with the committee as Potomac Grange #1 wants to eventually have more than one Junior Grange in Washington, DC.

Amanda and Samantha will again meet with representatives of the Early Stage Learning Centers regarding start-up of a Junior Grange at Kimball Elementary School in Northeast Washington.  They are currently searching for a meeting place.

Overseer Watson recommended that start-up costs and budget for Kimball’s Junior Grange be discussed at the next meeting with Early Stage Learning Centers.

Early Stage Learning Centers has suggested a food quilt as a project for the Kimball students.  Samantha Johnson will look into the Quilt Guild for help in teaching the children how to make quilts.

The date of January 15, 2013 was confirmed for the Potomac Grange #1 holiday party.  Consensus is to have the party catered in the Goss Conference room of the Grange Building.  It was decided to set dinner time at 6:00 p.m. with a speaker to follow after dinner.  Dick Weiss and Samantha Johnson will look into potential speakers.

New Business

Jessie Cope led discussion about the Kile Fund and its purpose.  Currently we are using the Kile Fund on a somewhat random, first come first served basis and simply writing checks in support of various causes.  Potomac Grange #1 should adopt a specific cause or causes, such as community gardening, for a year or more at a time and focus not just Kile Fund funds but member time and effort to said causes.  Perhaps a Kile Fund mission statement is needed to help identify appropriate causes.  It was agreed to discuss this topic in coming meetings and make some decisions regarding the Kile Fund’s purpose and use.

By unanimous vote Austin Miller was elected Assistant Steward replacing Nicole Palya Wood who has left the Grange for another position.

It was confirmed that Potomac Grange #1 elections are scheduled for June of 2013.

Junior Grange

Junior Granger Rachael Watson gave a demonstration of one of her Tae Kwan Do routines.  Rachael has been participating in Tae Kwan Do for five years and is currently working toward various Black Belt Degree levels.

There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be the holiday dinner on January 15, 2013.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1