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.