ROLL CALL

President Mark Gibbons called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:10 EST. Participating were Lecturer Amanda Brozana Rios, Treasurer Jessica Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Lecturer Burton Eller, National Grange President Christine Hamp, Loreta Washington, and new member Lori Freeman.

Mark led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and gave an opening prayer.

MINUTES

There were no additions or corrections to the October 11, 2023 minutes. Burton Eller moved for approval. Loretta Washington seconded. The motion passed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

Legislative 

• A bill currently in the House would allow whole and flavored milk back in the school lunch program. It is likely to pass the House but not the Senate which has some nutrition conscious members.
• There will be many health care issues in 2024, including drug pricing and new attention to obesity issues.
• Funding for Ukraine is being tied to border security.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current Operating Fund balance at the Truist Bank                           $3,251.15

Current Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank                                           $85,634.26

OLD BUSINESS

No business.

NEW BUSINESS

Mark welcomed Chris Hamp to the meeting and assured her of Potomac’s future support. Chris spoke of the importance of finding value in Grange membership and that it will be a “team sport” to continue our growth.  Everybody needs to get involved.

Mark recapped the National Convention at which Potomac Grange was awarded for its increase in membership. Amanda announced that our membership is up by ten this year.

Chris Hamp assured Mark that Potomac Grange should be represented at the upcoming leadership conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The conference will focus on goal setting and long-range planning. Amanda recommended that Mark and Jessie Patrick attend. Jessie because of her knowledge of Potomac Grange finances and the various demands on the Kile Fund. Jessie was not sure of her availability for the conference.  As there was not a quorum online, a vote was deferred to the next meeting on January 10, at which time there will be specifics on availability and costs.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

The Shipmates Program is moving on dealing with membership issues.

A quote from the Heirloom Program is “The welfare of each is bond up in the good of all.” Amanda called on Jessie Patrick to describe her program “serving the good of all.”  Jessie is Montgomery County; Maryland Chapter President of a program called the “Period Project.”  This program supplies tampons and wipes to homeless shelters in the county. The program is currently serving six homeless shelters and stocking two food pantries.  She has enlisted high schoolers who have helped with distributing over ten-thousand pads.  A local comedy club will help her raise funds by donating half of its admission income from a Saturday night show.

There was no further business and President Gibbons adjourned the meeting at 12:40 p.m.

NEXT MEETING

Next meeting will be January 10 at 12:00 PM. EDT.