ROLL CALL
President Mark Gibbons called the meeting to order at 12:06 p.m. Participating via Zoom were Pomona/Board member Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Lecturer Amanda Brozana, Steward Burton Eller, Lady Assistant Steward Loretta Washington, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, members Theresa Kenny and Lorri Freeman.
Chaplain Stephanie Wilkins gave an opening prayer and President Mark Gibbons led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES
Minutes from the June 12, 2024 meeting were approved as written.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES
There is not much legislating happening as the Democrats struggle over who should be their Presidential candidate.
The Medicare Multi-Cancer Screening bill passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee and has a good chance of passing the Senate after the August recess and, if not then, during the Lame Duck session.
The Farm Bill and all health care related bills simply are not moving. Burton does not see the Farm Bill even passing in the Lame Duck session.
The Commerce Commission did a strong report on the Pharmacy Benefit Managers system and action is likely by the end of the year.
Broad Band and Tele-Communications are in oversight mode. There are permitting issues, and some companies are turning their bids back in because it is not profitable. Companies will keep their Affordable Connectivity Customers until year end to wait and see what Congress does.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Current Operating Fund balance at Truist Bank $2,972.11
This is the same as last month. There has been no action on this account since last month.
Jessie was unable to access the Kile Fund account at PNC Bank.
OLD BUSINESS
Elections – Sixteen members voted.
Results:
| President – Mark Gibbons Vice-President – Leroy Watson Lecturer – Amanda Brozana Steward – Burton Eller Asst. Steward – MUST REVOTE Lady Asst. Steward – Loretta Washington Chaplain – Stephanie Wilkins Treasurer – Jessie Patrick |
Secretary – Joan Smith Gatekeeper – David Watson Ceres – Loretta Washington Pomona – Cheri Watson Flora – MUST REVOTE Exe. Comm. Chair – Cheri Watson Exe. Comm. Memb. – Joan Smith Exe. Comm. Memb. – Richard Weiss |
NEW BUSINESS
Eastern Region Conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Mark has been receiving emails asking if he could attend July 26,27 to discuss next year’s Annual Convention. After discussion, Burton Eller moved we send President Gibbons to the conference. Loretta Washington seconded the motion. The motion passed. Amanda Brozana moved to amend the motion by adding a $500.00 cap on expense. Burton Eller seconded the amendment. The amended motion passed. Mark expressed concern about the expense of an Annual Meeting cruise and its impact on attendance.
Annual Convention – Amanda Brozana moved we send President Gibbons to this year’s annual convention in Bettendorf, Iowa. Loretta Washington seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Mark will bring estimated costs to our next meeting so a budget can be set.
GOOD OF THE ORDER
Heirloom – Is from the Second Degree by Ceres “Changes and transformations are constantly passing before us.”
Amanda then told us a little about Grangeville, Idaho which will be featured in the next Good Day magazine. It has the world’s largest rodeo and an “egg” toss where participants pass an egg back and forth as they back up.
Amanda informed us of the loss of Quess’s cousin and suggested Potomac Grange send flowers when there is a service. Burton Eller so moved. Amanda seconded. The motion passed. Amanda will manage the details.
There was no further business and President Gibbons adjourned the meeting at 12:44 p.m.
NEXT MEETING
The next Zoom meeting will be August 14 at 12PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1