Opening by Vice-President Leroy Watson at 12:05pm followed by the roll call. 9 members were present for the conducting of business: Leroy, Cheri, Jessie, Joan, Burton, Amanda, Theresa Kennedy. George Spies and Dave Roberts. President Mark was unable to attend due to business commitments.

MINUTES

No minutes from the March, April or May meetings were taken as the Secretary was on business and personal travel and unable to attend via unavailable internet.

TREASURER’S REPORT

All bills have been paid to include 3rd and 4th Quarter 2024 Dues, total of $250 and the 1st Quarter 2025. The 3&4thQ 2024 dues were overpaid so we have a credit in our account which will be adjusted in the future. All three Quarterly online reports have been filed. Our 2024 ($20) and 2025 ($37) NG Convention Assessments have been paid.

• Operating Fund = $ 3,014.23 at Truist Bank
• Kyle Fund = $ 81,530.31 at PNC Bank $3,084.60 was received the EOM

March from our Trust holders at Bank of America.

Kyle Fund Annual Report form for 2024 has been filed.

Signatures on our Truist Bank (Operating Fund) and PNC accounts. Dick Weiss is still on the accounts and must be removed. The other two signatories are Jessie Patrick and Mark Gibbons. Currently two (2) signatures are required on all checks transactions.

MOTION – Remove Dick Weiss as a signatory on both accounts, motion by Joan, second by Cheri. Approved

MOTION – Add Stephanie Wilkins to both Truist and PNC banks as a signatory – Motion made by Joan, seconded by Cheri – Approved

MOTION – Made by Joan, seconded by George to change both the Truist and PNC accounts that only one (1) signature is required on account checks and other transactions. – Approved

Jessie will make arrangements with Mark and Stephanie to visit these two banks and take the necessary actions to implement these approved motions.

Bonding – we are currently Bonded up to $100,000 which covers both our Operating and Kyle accounts.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

• Budget Reconciliation Bill – House GOP has passed the Bill, the Senate and House are currently in negotiations
• Farm Bill – has been separated out into many pieces
• Medicaid cuts are in the $850B range. Rural hospitals and clinics are in real trouble
• Health care industry – new R&D research is in question at NIH
• FCC is rewriting the rural broadband to include the cheapest/fastest way to go Broadband for rural

OLD BUSINESS

1. Agriculture-in-the-Classroom – DC AITC – we have requested that Potomac Grange be relieved of the role of Program Leader for the WDC area. We have paid the 2025 $300 Dues to remain as a member of the NAITC. No report was filed for the year 2024.
2. 2025 National Convention Cruise– Eastern Region is the Host
   1. The conference is to be held on the Carnival Horizon Cruise ship leaving from Miami, 8-16 Nov. Four (4) days at sea plus Aruba, Bonnaire and Curacao. Region (includes Potomac Grange) is working with Carnival on details. 2025 is election of NG full slate of officers
   2. Mark Gibbons is the PG#1 representation and is providing an estimate for his expenses. The NG will be providing $750 to Delegates to defray costs
3. 80th Anniversary of UN Association of USA – report David Roberts
   1. Focus of UN Council is on Women. June 23-24 is a meeting of the UN Council to which David will attend, more in July
   2. Non-profits not to be involved in any actions
   3. Can do an education program – reference, Connecticut Grange is doing a seminar on Eleanor Roosevelt
4. PG#1 IRS and DC tax Status – no actions

NEW BUSINESS

1. 1. PG#1 Summer Meetings
   1. July – yes, via ZOOM
   2. August – yes, via ZOOM
2. Quarterly Reports/Dues
   1. Amanda stated to continue to use the old forms as the new software is still be reviewed
   2. New software will be used to manage membership, reports, dues, etc.
3. Resolutions
   1. Relook at 2023 & 2024 submits
   2. Mark to provide to membership prior to July ZOOM ACTION for MARK

LECTURER’S PROGRAM

At March meeting, all PG#1 members to think about and chat about “Why do you Grange”

GOOD OF THE ORDER

1. 2 new National Grange interns at Hqs in WDC
2. 7th Degree video is almost complete
3. The National Grange program, Reaching Rural Surgical Seniors documentary video is now running on PBS in the Rocky Mountain arena
4. The Youth Grange Academy is coming along nicely
5. PG#1 is sponsoring the WIFI for Youth at 2025 Convention on cruise
6. Amanda to look into PG#1 providing a lanyard or zip-button to all Grangers

Motion by Joan, second by Theresa to adjourn at 1:03

Meeting was closed by the Worthy Vice-President

NEXT MEETING

The next Zoom meeting will be Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 12 PM. 

Opening by President Mark Gibbons at 12:03pm followed by the Flag Salute and Prayer by Chaplain, Stephanie Wilkins. 9 members were present for the conducting of business. Mark, Leroy, Cheri, Jessie, Joan, Stephanie, Burton, Theresa Kennedy and Dave Roberts.

Worthy President Gibbons was attending via his vehicle as he was returning home from is hospital time caring for his granddaughter, now 2 months old, who had a brain bleed. The Grangers offered prayers for the family.

MINUTES

MINUTES – January 8 minutes were approved as presented. Motion by Joan and second by Leroy Watson

TREASURER’S REPORT

All bills have been paid to include President Gibbons National Grange Convention attendance invoice. 3rd and 4th Quarter dues were paid at $250. The reports still need to be filed by our Secretary.

• Operating Fund = $ 2,973.03 at Truist Bank
• Kyle Fund = $ 79,950.85 at PNC Bank

The Kyle Fund Annual Report form has been received for the year 2024. Jessie will complete and submit.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

• Grange is meeting with Pharma companies on many topics
• The Continuing Resolution expires on 14 March 2025
• Federal Government buy-out in progress to be followed by a Reduction-In-Force (RIP) under the Trump administration Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
• Some cuts may affect Grange Grants and Contracts

OLD BUSINESS

1. The PG#1 Executive Committee, via e-vote, approved the $1,700 estimate of expenses for President Mark to attend the NG Leader’s Conference to be held 14-17 February in Sacramento, Calif.
2. 2025 National Convention Cruise– Eastern Region is the Host
   1. Joan hosted the 2025 Convention Booth in the Showroom a couple of days selling mugs, towels and explaining the cruise
   2. Convention to be held on the Carnival Horizon Cruise ship leaving from Miami
   3. November 8-16, 4 days at sea and Aruba, Bonnaire and Curacao
   4. Region (includes Potomac Grange) is working with Carnival on details
   5. 2025 is Election of NG full slate of officers

NEW BUSINESS

1. 3 NG Boards Retreat (Executive, Advocacy, Foundation) This was held in Maryland, and Pres. Gibbons attended as well as Leroy, Burton, Stephanie, Loretta
   1. Group identified strengths/weaknesses of each board and their relationships
   2. “Why”/mission statement, slogan, motto – reviewed
   3. Next meeting will be virtually
   4. Goal is for all three Boards to think as a cohesive group, to work together better and to define the scope of each board
   5. Juniors and Youth to be invited to next session
   6. Shared ideas, goals and need input from the members
2. 2025 National Grange Convention
   1. Based on personal responsibilities, our President Gibbons may not be able to attend and asked who was attending. The NG will be providing $750 to Delegates to defray costs. This is a heads-up.

LECTURER’S PROGRAM

At March meeting, all PG#1 members to think about and chat about “Why do you Grange”

GOOD OF THE ORDER

1. Dave is tasked to look at the 80th anniversary of the UN Report – he continues work and will provide a report in March
2. 30th Anniversary of Women as part of the UN Council
3. A Celebration of Life event for our past Secretary and President, Dick Weiss, will be held15 March in a facility near the White House Mark continues to speak with Nancy regularly.
4. Joan stated that she would not be attending the meetings in March-May as on a cruise each month and requested that a pro-temp take the minutes.

Motion by Joan, second by Leroy to adjourn at 1240

Meeting was closed by the Worthy President reading the 4th Degree manual Presidents closing charge.

NEXT MEETING

The next Zoom meeting will be Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 12 PM. 

Due to the absence of President Mark Gibbons, the January 8, 2025 meeting was called to order by Vice President Leroy Watson who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES

Due to absence of Secretary Joan Smith, roll call and reading of last meeting minutes postponed until next meeting. Sister Cheri Watson served as Secretary pro tem.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurers report by Jesse:

• Truist bank operating account-$3223.03         
• PNC bank Kile Fund account- $81030.23
• Last distribution check from Bank of America for the Kile fund was received and deposited in December, 2024 for $2893.50

Sister Jesse moved that Richard Weiss be removed as a signatory for the Truist account and the PNC account. Second by Sister Cheri. Motion carried.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Brother Burton gave the legislative report. The Federal government is funded until 3/14. The new congress was sworn in. The new administration is preparing to take office on 1/20. Burton also reported that no resolutions adopted by National Grange in November affect the operations of Potomac Grange.

OLD BUSINESS

Brother Dave reported on the United Nations 80th Anniversary in 2025. Brother Dave is a member of the United Nations non governmental organizations advisory board and represents National Grange on this board. Brother Dave will research what plans other non-governmental organizations have developed to celebrate the UN 80th Anniversary and will get back to us on ideas for possible celebration events.

NEW BUSINESS

Brother Leroy reported that the Potomac Grange Executive committee reviewed the travel budget request for Worthy Master Mark gibbons to attend the National Grange 2025 Leaders conference in California on February 14-16. The executive committee approved, by email vote, a budget of $1700 for Brother Mark to attend the conference, funds coming from the Kile Fund for educational purposes of the conference.

Brother Burton moved and Sister Cheri seconded the motion for Potomac Grange to affirm the Executive Committee approval of the travel budget submitted by Brother Gibbons. Motion carried.

Sister Stephanie reported that Potomac Grange was in arrears for 2024 3rd quarter dues to the National Grange. In addition, 2024 4th quarter dues were now due to National Grange. Efforts will be made to pay the 2024 3rd and 4th quarter dues in a timely manner.

LECTURER’S PROGRAM

None.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Sister Stephanie offered a closing prayer. Members sick or in distress were Brother Mark, whose new granddaughter is in the hospital with serious medical complications.

Meeting Adjourned 12:46pm

NEXT MEETING

The next Zoom meeting will be Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 12 PM. 

ROLL CALL

Opening by President Mark Gibbons at 12:01pm followed by the Flag Salute and Prayer. 7 members were present for the conducting of business. A shout out was given to the upcoming Army-Navy Game on Saturday and a thanks to all those who serve today and to our veterans. May they all stay safe.

Words of pray were given for Dick Weiss, our beloved member who served many roles in the Grange and WDC area. He served as a PG#1 past president, and faithful secretary for many years. He was the Executive Director of the National Grange WDC for 7 years. Brother Gibbons sees Nancy regularly and walks their dog and assures that Nancy is cared for. Thank you, Mark.

MINUTES

October 9 – Minutes were approved as presented. Motion by Joan and second by George Spies.

TREASURER’S REPORT

All bills have been paid to include our donations for Hurricane relief. $500 to North Carolina State Grange and $250 to Virginia State Grange. Both states suffered greatly from Helene and Milton back-to-back storms.

Operating Fund = $ 3,199.39
Kyle Fund = $ 78,136.73.

OLD BUSINESS

2024 National Grange Convention – Review by President Mark Gibbons as our PG#1 Representative to Mid-West hosted Convention in Bettendorf, Iowa

1. PG#1 had great attendance representation, 10
2. Resolution Status
   1. Yes – Counting Granges w/fewer than 13 members, can have a vote at their state convention
   2. No – Wearing regalia/pin at a meeting
   3. No – Streamlining dues collection by them going directly to the National Grange
   4. No – Youth member added to Executive Committee
3. Leroy Watson was thanked for his years of Service on the NG Executive Committee and presented with a plaque
4. Joan C. Smith was thanked for her 10 years’ service on the Grange Foundation, 8 years as Chair and provided a Past Foundation pin.
5. New Grange Foundation Advisory members are our very own Mark Gibbons and Joe Stefenoni.

2025 National Convention – Eastern Region is the Host

1. Joan hosted the 2025 Convention Booth in the Showroom a couple of days selling mugs, towels and explaining the cruise
2. Held on the Carnival Horizon Cruise ship leaving from Miami
3. November 8-16, 4 days at sea and Aruba, Bonnaire and Curauco
4. Region (includes Potomac Grange) is working with Carnival on details
5. 2025 is Election of NG full slate of officers

NEW BUSINESS

1. National Grange Leadership Conference to be held in Rohnert Park, California Feb 13-16, 2025 north of San Francisco.
   1. Motion made to send Mark by John and seconded by George, passed
   2. More info to follow. Mark to provide an estimate of cost at our next meeting
2. Synopsis of the Vaccination program provided by Joan. Program now completed with approximately 3500 shots being given at the Big-E held in September in Massachusetts.
3. Synopsis of the Senior Healthcare program “Reaching Rural Surgical Seniors given by Joan. 7 States and 21 Community Granges provided incentive reports so far for the $500 and $100 respectfully, incentive awards. Have exceeded the goal of 150,000 reached and currently at approximately 191.000. The program was invited to speak at the Capitol Hill Congressional Fair in October and at the PCORI Annual Meeting to explain our dissemination process. Rocky Mountain PBS has now picked up our long-promotional video (26 minutes) for programming. A real feature in our NG cap.

LECTURER’S PROGRAM

None.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Meeting was closed by the Worthy President reading the 4th Degree manual Presidents closing charge.

NEXT MEETING

The next Zoom meeting will be Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 12 PM. 

ROLL CALL

Opening by President Mark Gibbons at 12:02 following by the Flag Salute and Prayer by Chaplain, Stephanie Wilkins. 13 members were present for the conduct of business. Mark thanked the membership for the garden plant sent to his home as a remembrance on the death of his father.

MINUTES

August 7 Meeting – Minutes had no corrections or additions were made. Motion by Theresa Kenney and seconded by Lori Freeman to approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Discussion on our dues spreadsheet and membership was held. There are two lists (Stephanie & Amanda) and differ. A Zoom to be set-up by Joan for 19 Sept at noon to resolve issue.

UPDATE: 9/19/2024 – The list used by Amanda was not the latest list and therefore, no special ZOOM required.

OLD BUSINESS

2024 National Grange Convention – Our representative will be our President, Mark Gibbons. All of his arrangements have been finalized for an approximate cost of $775.03 plus meals.

2025 National Convention – Eastern Region is the Hose

1. Held on the Carnival Horizon Cruise ship leaving from Miami
2. November 8-16 from Miami
3. 35 Rooms have been booked so far
4. Region (includes Potomac Grange) is working with Carnival on details
5. Mark mentioned the following: cost of WIFI
   1. PG cover cost for the week for youth??
   2. PG cover cost for week for all attendees??
   3. No action taken – cruises usually come with some number of minutes in package, unknown at this time
   4. Jody Cameron, NGC Chair is investigating and will provide information on this subject
6. 2025 is Election of NG full slate of officers

NEW BUSINESS

2024 NGC Resolutions – Potomac Grange 2023 Resolutions were identified as a total of 6 provided, none of which were approved. 5 submitted to the Grange Law Committee and none were brought to the floor.

Sister Smith requests that the membership to revisit those resolutions and discuss as if should be resubmitted in 2024. Special Zoom to be held on to discuss. President Gibbons to provide resolutions to membership for review prior to our October meeting so discussions can be held at that time.

NG is conducting a ByLaw Review, Potomac Grange to provide ours to the Committee.

LECTURER’S PROGRAM

Do to latest, the program was skipped.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

The New England States are holding their “Big E” and the National Grange has its Vaccination test set=up. On opening day, 1,005 shots in arm were given.

Happy Birthday to Joan today

Lori Freeman – her father is under the weather.

Meeting was closed by the Worthy President reading the manual closing charge.

NEXT MEETING

The next Zoom meeting will be October 9 at 12PM.

ROLL CALL

Opening by President Mark Gibbons at 12:02 following by the Flag Salute and Prayer. 10 members were present for the conduct of business. Mark shared with us that his Father passed away last week and that services would be held next week in Texas.

MINUTES

July 10 Meeting – no corrections for additions were made. Motion by Joan C. Smith and seconded by Lorri Freeman to approved. A round of applause was given to Richard “Dick” Weiss for serving as our Secretary for many years.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Operating Account = $2,995.75
Kyle Fund Account = $74,074.31

OLD BUSINESS

1) Eastern Regional Conference was held near Harrisburg, PA and Mark attended. There were lots of youth there, full of energy and fun was had by all. There were good workshops and lots of learning from other states in attendance.

2) 2025 National Convention – Eastern Region is the Hose

1. Held on the Carnival Horizon Cruise ship leaving from Miami
2. November 8-16 from Miami
3. 35 Rooms have been booked so far
4. Region (includes Potomac Grange) is working with Carnival on details
5. Mark mentioned the following: cost of WIFI
   1. PG cover cost for the week for youth
   2. PG cover cost for week for all attendees.
   3. No action taken – cruises usually come with some number of minutes in package, unknown at this time
6. Election of NG full slate of officers

3) Election of Officers

1. Assistant Steward – Sean O’Neal
2. Flora – Nona Bear

NEW BUSINESS

1) 2024 National Grange Convention

1. PG Delegate
   1. Motion Joan, seconded by Dick to send our President Mark Gibbons as our Delegate, motion included that PG would cover $1,100 of expenses as estimated by Mark (registration/meals/flight/UBER) – Passed
   2. Health & Education Committee is already working on their Policy, Mark is the Chair

2) Request for support received from ________________high school in Maryland for funds to support their October Cancer support pink Jersey’s at a cost of $1100. Motion by Cheri Watson, second by Joan to send this request to Maryland State Grange President Richard Stonebreaker. Passed.

LECTURER’S PROGRAM

Discussion held about the Olympics in Paris followed by the Paralympics later this month. We all need to take the time to remember to care for each other and celebrate each Olympian as they perform at the highest level and wish them good luck and safety.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

A live dish garden will be sent to home of our Worth President Gibbons in memory of his Father’s passing.

Nancy is doing well.

The Master’s Ritual Closing Charge was provided to close the meeting.

NEXT MEETING

The next Zoom meeting will be September 18 at 12PM.

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:

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.

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.

ROLL CALL

President Mark Gibbons called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m.  Participating in the meeting were Vice-President Leroy Watson, Pomona and Board Member Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Lady Assistant Steward Lorreta Washington, Secretary Ricard Weiss, Board Member Joan Smith and members Theressa Kenney and Dave Roberts.

Leroy Watson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Dave Roberts gave the opening prayer.

Richard Weiss moved for adoption of the April 10, 2024 minutes. Jessie Patrick seconded the motion. The motion passed.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

Legislative – Burton Eller (written report)

• Lots of action on the Hill but not much productivity.

• House Ag Committee Chairman Thompson’s Farm Bill draft, which is headed for markup, is considerably different from Senate Ag Chair Stabenow’s.

• While Bird Flu has spread to dairy cows, there is no evidence of the virus in milk or meat from those animals.

• Health care and broadband issues lay dormant in Congress.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current Operating Fund balance at Truist Bank                                 $3,010.11

Current Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank                                            $72,287.94

There are no outstanding checks.

OLD BUSINESS

Membership dues – Under the new system there are three documents: a calculation of dues, a membership spread sheet from which the dues were calculated and an accompanying questionnaire on the submitting Grange’s status. Secretary Weiss filled out the dues calculation and the questionnaire with help from Treasurer Patrick. These two documents were to be signed by President Gibbons and sent to National Grange Membership Director Amanda Brozana Rios.

It is not clear if we have taken all the required steps. Mark will check.

Potomac Grange Tax Status – Burton Eller is setting up a meeting for Mark Gibbons to meet with a lawyer regarding Potomac’s tax status.

NEW BUSINESS

Upcoming Elections – Mark Gibbons-While we will vote for new officers in June, nominations should be submitted by June 1 via the email document we recently received. This will speed up the process.

AITC Annual Conference – Mark Gibbons-President Gibbons feels we should send a representative to at least the first day of the AITC Conference when all states are present, and we would not have to pay a registration fee. He estimates the cost of that option will be around $1,300 for travel and lodging. Regardless of who is President at the time of the June meeting, Joan Smith moved we send Mark Gibbons to attend the first day of the June 24-27 AITC conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Cheri Watson seconded the motion. The motion passed.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

All members reported good health for themselves and loved ones.

Lorreta Washington has been attending the Modern DayAg on the National Mall event which shows off the latest off-road farm equipment and has ag and food related booths.  It is attended by lots off out-of-towners who may be Grange prospects.  The politicians show up also.  For these reasons, she is seeking a partnership in a $5,000 booth for the 2026 event.

There was no further business and President Gibbons adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m.

NEXT MEETING

Next Zoon meeting is June 12, 2024 at Noon.

ROLL CALL

President Mark Gibbons called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m. Participating were Vice-President Leroy Watson, Pomona and Board Member Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Secretary Ricard Weiss, Board Member Joan Smith and members Theressa Kenney and Dave Roberts.

President Gibbons open the meeting with a prayer and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

Legislative 

• No Report

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current Operating Fund balance at Truist Bank                                 $2,952.92

Current Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank                                           $72,628.90

A $60.00 dues payment has been received from Nona Bear.

OLD BUSINESS

Leaders’ Conference – Mark recently attended the Grange Northeast Leaders’ Conference for state Grange officers. He found the conference to be informative and helpful in planning the focus and direction of our Grange.  A good idea from the conference is the use of a “consent calendar” which groups together  non-controversial issues in one place on the meeting agenda to be voted upon as a whole with little or no discussion.

National Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Dallas, Texas -This conference was very helpful in that Mark learned some approaches to dealing with urban schools from the New York City contingent attending the conference. There will be a major meeting at the end of June at which National Grange presents an award.  The Grange Foundation will determine who will attend and for how long. While Mark feels attending would be helpful, there are constraints on his time. Joan Smith suggested he attend the Monday, June 26, meeting of the State Contacts as that is the State Contacts Annual Meeting to elect officers, approve proposed budget, organizational/bylaw changes.  The Grange Foundation will decide/find a Grangers who is attending the Conference to present the “Partnership in Ag Literacy” award on Thursday.

NEW BUSINESS

The IRS tax IDs for both Potomac Grange and the Kile Fund expired some time ago and need to be retrieved or replaced.  Joan Smith moved that we explore hiring outside council to help Leroy resolve this problem. Cheri Watson seconded the motion. The motion passed.

President Gibbons directed that Stephanie Wilkins, Jessie Patrick and Richard Weiss get Potomac Grange’s dues payment system into compliance with new National Grange guide lines.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

National Grange has thanked Potomac Grange for its financial support of the second class of the Shipmates program.  President Gibbons stated the Kile Fund can fund Shipmates for one more year and then the program should become self-sufficient.  He suggested participating states as sources of funding.

Joan Smith informed us that National will have a podcast on estate planning at 8:30 this evening.

There was no further business and President Gibbons adjourned the meeting at 12:36 p.m.

NEXT MEETING

Next meeting: May 8, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. via Zoom