ROLL CALL

President Mark Gibbons called the meeting to order ar 12:05 P.M. EDT. Participating were Lecturer Amanda Brozana Rios, Treasurer Jessica Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss,  Lecturer Burton Eller, Chaplin/Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Lady Assistant Steward Lorreta Washington, Board member Joan Smith, members Rebecca Jones and Theresa Kane.

Chaplin Wikins gave an opening prayer and President Gibbons led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

MINUTES

There were no old minutes as the last meeting did not have a quorum.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

Legislative 

• Currently there is more politicking than legislating as several office retirements are pending, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy Rodgers. Mark Gibbons informed us that in his RetireSafe role, he is calling on potential candidates.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current Operating Fund balance at the Truist Bank                          $3.152.79

Current Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank                                          $79,260.40

There are outstanding bills.

• National Grange 2023-2024 $20.00 convention fee as an Unaffiliated Grange.  Joan Smith moved that we pay the $20.00.  Richard Weiss seconded. The motion passed.
• National Grange 2022 Convention fee of $17.00 as an Unaffiliated Grange. Mark Gibbons moved we pay the $17.00. Amanda Brozana seconded. The motion passed.

Joan Smith moved that Potomac Grange grant National Grange $9,225.00 from the Kile Fund and through the Gange Foundation to cover Shipmates’ convention expenses such as hotel, meals, and supplies. Marsk Gibbons seconded the motion. Discussion focused on when the Shipmates program might become self-sustainable. “Not until there is state support” remarketed Amanda Brozana. President Gibbons noted that Shipmates is National Grange program and at evntually, should be supported by National.  The motion passed

OLD BUSINESS

Leadership Conference – Mark Gibbons-The conference supplied useful information and was well attended.  Joan Smith, who also attended, stated that there were eighty-six attendees and 5 Zoom participants and that speakers provided valuable material to fill leaders’ “Tool Kits” for growth.

AITC Status – President Gibbons will attend the annual conference March 25 to 27 in Dallas, Texas. He will look for ways to reenergize the program in our area and get material in local classrooms.

NEW BUSINESS

Potomac Grange Pins – Mark Gibbons-Amanda Brozana paid $220.52 out of pocket for one hundred Grange lapel pins.  It was thought that that cost had been covered by the Shipmates contribution.  It was not and so technically it was not an “authorized” expenditure. Mark Gibbons expressed that the pins can be of value to Potomac Grange, and he has no problem with reimbursing Amanda but will leave that decision up to the members.  Richard Weiss moved that Potomac Grange reimburse Amanda Brozana. Joan Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed.  Lorreta Washington pointed out that only those attending the convention received pins.  So, we will make sure there are thirty pins set aside for Potomac Grange members.  Treasurer Patrick advised that since the pins are not educational, the $220.52 must come out of the Operating Fund, not the Kile Fund.  Given the over $3,000.00 in the Operating Fund, it was agreed to pay from that fund.

 Regarding membership recruiting, President Gibbons asked if Potomac had ever tried a booth at farmers’ markets.  Joan Smith said we had never tried it,  but it is a good idea. Mark noted that the farmers’ market near the Ag Department is “huge” and runs from April to October.  No vote needed at this time. Just something to think about.

Membership and Dues- Mark Gibbons-Amanda Brozana and Stephanie Wilkins will compare their lists and produce a coordinated, consolidated one for future use.  Amanda will take over the follow-ups with those who are almost due to renew.   She can use a form that has membership categories broken down with dues amounts, PayPal access, and where to send checks.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Heirloom  Program – Amanda Brozana-This lesson is based on the Grange Declaration of Purposes which recognizes the importance of women in society. Women were voting members from the beginning and today hold key offices in the Grange including Chairperson and the CEO.

Lecturer Program – Amanda played a 122 second video she has produced for people interested in Grange membership.  This excellent video not only shows the benefits of Grange membership but also tits responsibilities, especially to one’s community.

There was no further business and President Gibbons adjourned the meeting at 1:04 p.m

NEXT MEETING

Next meeting: April 10, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. via Zoom