ROLL CALL

President Mark Gibbons called the meeting to order at 12:04 P.M. EDT. Participating in the meeting were Vice-President Leroy Watson, Pomona and Board member Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Lecturer Amanda Brozana, Secretary Richard Weiss, Lady Assistant Steward Lorreta Washington, Board member Joan Smith and members George Spies and Dave Roberts.

Dave Roberts led us in the Pledge of Allegiance Cheri Watson gave the opening prayer.

MINUTES

There were no additions or corrections to the May 8, 2024 meeting minutes. Amanda Brozana moved for adoption. Jessie Patrick seconded the motion. The motion passed.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS AND INTROS

We welcomed returning member George Spies who updated us on what he has been doing and his plans for retirement.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

In Burton Eller’s absence, President Gibbons gave the Legisative update.  Actual Hill legislating continues to drag and not much will happen until the lame-duck session.  Meantime we are making Hill visits to meet legislative staff and let them know our issues.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current Operating Fund balance at Truist Bank                                 $2,972.11
There was a new deposit of Fran Vitt’s dues.
Current Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank                                            $72,287.94

Jessie noted that is the exact same balance as the last report. PNC may have eliminated monthly fees when going from hard copy to electronic monthly reports.
Jessie will fill out a Bank of America form on our Kile Fund expenditures.

OLD BUSINESS

• Election of Officers – Stephanie Wilkins emailed ballots for voting on future Potomac Grange officers. To date, twelve ballots have been posted. Voting deadline is July 10. There was a question as to whether Associate Members could hold Potomac Grange office if they also held office in their home Grange.  Amanda informed us that they can and even duplicate offices except that of President.
• AITC Annual Conference – President Gibbons will attend for June 24 only. Given this short stay, AITC will refund the $450.00 convention fee. The $450.00 will go into the Kile Fund.

NEW BUSINESS

Who goes to the National Convention will be determined by the election outcome,

Nona Bear has suggested that Potomac Grange have a “Fall Banquet” fund raiser for potential donors. Jessie Patrick asked what money raised would be spent on.  There was consensus that a scholarship fund would be appropriate. Ammanda commented that the scholarships should include trade schools as well.  Joan noted that the National Grange Kaiser Fund includes trade and other non-college schools. In response to Leroy Watson’s question as whether Potomac could contribute to that fund the answer was “yes,” but applicants to the Kaiser fund must have a Grange background.

Cheri Watson pointed out that Fall is a busy time with preparation for the National Convention and another Fall event may be difficult to put together. 

Mark stated that it would not happen this year.  Lorreta Washington suggested we consider an event in the Spring, something simple like a cocktail party. Joan Smith suggested tying-in with the Fly-In.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Lecturer Programs – There are several programs to choose from for implementation at state and local levels.

SHIPmates – Two SHIPmates have become Convention delegates. There are five new applicants.  SHIPmates’ role is to help local Granges with leadership and membership. Amanda cited one area that should be able to support the program financially. There was a general feeling that we need all regions to financially support the SHIPmates program.

Heirloom – Amanda’s Heirloom reading was about “returning to the flock” i.e., coming back to the Grange.

There was no further business.   President Gibbons adjourned the meeting at 12:43 PM.

NEXT MEETING

The next Zoom meeting will be July 11 at 12PM.