Overseer Leroy Watson called the meeting to order via telephone at 9:05 a.m.  Also present via telephone was Executive Committee member Cheri Watson.  Present in the 10^th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC were Ceres Beverly Mitchell, Treasurer Amber Bell, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Steward Amanda Brozana, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Secretary Richard Weiss, Austin Miller and Grange Volunteer Victoria Whitehead.

Minutes of the April 16, 2013 meeting were approved as read.

Treasurers Report

As of April 30, 2013 the Operating Fund balance at BB&T bank was                     $247.62

As of April 30 2013 the Kile Fund balance at PNC bank was                              $33,989.70

There are outstanding bills of $350.00 for preparation and filing of 2012 IRS Form 990 and $300.00 for the preparation and filing of 2011 IRS Form 990. It was moved, seconded and passed that these bills be paid from the Kile Fund.

There are some dues payments that will show up in the May report.

Old Business

The following resolution regarding the Grange Youth Programs was presented for consideration.  The purpose of the resolution is to create outside funding possibilities for the youth programs and to create separate missions for the Youth and Young Adult programs.

1.                                                                (PG)
2.                                                      Youth Program
4. WHEREAS, the ages for the Grange Youth Program is not clearly defined and;
6. WHEREAS, the Grange Youth and Young Adult Department seeks funding for
7. their programs from grant sources that often require specific ages be served and;
9. WHEREAS, the National Grange Youth Director uses their discretion to
10. determine the age for Youth and Young Adults included in their program;
11. therefore be it
13. RESOLVED that the age for the Grange Youth Program and the Young Adult
14. Program are defined as Youth age 14-24 and Yound Adult age 25-35, and be it
15. further
17. RESOLVED that the Grange Youth and Young Adult Programs have separate
18. missions and programming.

It was moved, seconded and passed to adopt the resolution for presentation at the November National Convention.

The trip to the Mason-Dixon dairy farm near Gettysburg was cancelled because of a conflict with graduations.  It was decided to put the trip off to the fall.

New Business

It was suggested that it may be time for a fund raiser.  It was decided to make that an agenda item for the next meeting.

Stephanie Wilkins explained how to get to the new location of the Potomac Grange website.  She made a note that Google is still sending people to the old location which says the site is not active.

Junior Grange

Overseer Watson read Junior Granger Rachael Watson’s essay entitled “Why I Love New Hampshire.”  (Rachael had already left for school.)  The reading was well received by all.

There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday June 18, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss

Secretary, Potomac Grange #1

Meeting was called to order at 8:40am by Master Joan Smith. In attendance Overseer, Leroy Watson and Cheri Watson by phone; Treasurer, Amber Bell; Lecturer, Samantha Johnson; Steward, Amanda Brozana (late to meeting); Ceres, Beverly Mitchell; Pomona, Grace Boatright; Lady Assistant Steward, Jessie Cope; Assistant Steward Austin Miller; and special guest Lance Waynewright National Grange intern.

Minutes from November 27^th 2012 meeting were read and a correction that it should 990s instead of 90s was made. The minutes were approved as corrected. Also, minutes from January’s meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

As of January 31^st, the BB&T operating account has $316.62 and the PNC account for the Kyle Fund $29,848.60.

Also, the Market Value of the trust as of December 31^st, 2012 is $293,656.12.

There was a motion to change from our current CPA, Bill Badoff, to Eric Bolin. The motion was passed to ask Eric who handles the National Grange accounts to see if he would be willing to take Potomac Grange on as a client. Amber will make the request.

Old Business

Discussion on the ongoing progress of the potential new Junior Grange at Kimball Elementary until Amanda Brozana could be present.

Lecturer Samantha Johnson continues to look into finding a local quilt guild to help with the quilting project at Kimball.

Samantha also received an update from the Washington Youth Garden on their 2012 year and what was coming up for 2013.

New Business

Lance spoke to us about his family dairy farm and Joan made the inquiry if it would be possible for Potomac Grange members to take a tour of the farm. We will be looking for a day for us to go.

We discussed developing a focus and/or mission for the upcoming year. We would like to pick something we could work on all year not with just money but our time. Several topics were discussed such as Community Gardening, Ag Education, and focusing on kids.

A motion was made that Potomac Grange 2013 support would be focusing on Agriculture and community gardening in DC with hours, volunteerism, and money. It was move to amend that it be DC area. The motion was approved as amended.

Grace spoke to us about the upcoming National Grange Fly-In. The Fly-In is set for June 2-4, 2013. She also informed us she will be having a special luncheon at the National Press Club to honor Dodge as a “friend of the farmer”.

A proposed motion was made to donate $2,500 as a scholarship for the National Grange Fly-In. A proposed amendment was made to change the amount to $3,000 and for it to be used for general purposes. It was then amended to say $3,000 for at least one scholarship for Youth and the rest for general purposes. This was final amendment was approved. $3,000 will be donated from the Kyle Fund to the National Grange Fly-In for scholarship and general purposes.

A proposal to reimburse National Grange for our annual holiday party (dinner and supplies) from the Kyle Fund was approved. Also, the expense of the thank you gift for our speaker, which was a Yankee Candle, was approved to be paid from the Kyle Fund.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

Next Meeting

Next meeting is set for March 19, 2013 at 9am.

Respectfully submitted,

Samantha Johnson, Temporary Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

Overseer Leroy Watson called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. in the 10^th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington DC.  Also present were Flora Stephanie Wilkinson, Treasurer Amber Bell, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Steward Amanda Brozana, Assistant Lady Steward Jessie Cope, Austin Miller and Junior Granger Rachael Watson.

The minutes of the October 23, 2012 meeting were approved as corrected to reflect that Lecturer Samantha Johnson was present at the meeting.

Treasurer’s Reports

Treasurer Amber Bell reported that:

As of October 31, 2012 the Operating Fund balance at BB&T Bank was $304.62
As of October 31, 2012 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $27,442.62

Treasurer Bell further reported that our tax consultant William Batdorf filed the 2011 1099 electronically and will send hard copies for signature.  The filling was within the extension date granted by the IRS.

Old Business

A thank you letter was received from the Capital Area Food Bank in response to the Potomac Grange $50.00 contribution in memory of Samantha Johnson’s grandfather.

Amanda Brozana reported that at its meeting during the 146 Annual Convention November 13 through 17, 2012 in Boise, Idaho the Grange Law Committee came to consensus that a Subordinate Grange may have multiple Junior Granges under it.  Amanda raised this question with the committee as Potomac Grange #1 wants to eventually have more than one Junior Grange in Washington, DC.

Amanda and Samantha will again meet with representatives of the Early Stage Learning Centers regarding start-up of a Junior Grange at Kimball Elementary School in Northeast Washington.  They are currently searching for a meeting place.

Overseer Watson recommended that start-up costs and budget for Kimball’s Junior Grange be discussed at the next meeting with Early Stage Learning Centers.

Early Stage Learning Centers has suggested a food quilt as a project for the Kimball students.  Samantha Johnson will look into the Quilt Guild for help in teaching the children how to make quilts.

The date of January 15, 2013 was confirmed for the Potomac Grange #1 holiday party.  Consensus is to have the party catered in the Goss Conference room of the Grange Building.  It was decided to set dinner time at 6:00 p.m. with a speaker to follow after dinner.  Dick Weiss and Samantha Johnson will look into potential speakers.

New Business

Jessie Cope led discussion about the Kile Fund and its purpose.  Currently we are using the Kile Fund on a somewhat random, first come first served basis and simply writing checks in support of various causes.  Potomac Grange #1 should adopt a specific cause or causes, such as community gardening, for a year or more at a time and focus not just Kile Fund funds but member time and effort to said causes.  Perhaps a Kile Fund mission statement is needed to help identify appropriate causes.  It was agreed to discuss this topic in coming meetings and make some decisions regarding the Kile Fund’s purpose and use.

By unanimous vote Austin Miller was elected Assistant Steward replacing Nicole Palya Wood who has left the Grange for another position.

It was confirmed that Potomac Grange #1 elections are scheduled for June of 2013.

Junior Grange

Junior Granger Rachael Watson gave a demonstration of one of her Tae Kwan Do routines.  Rachael has been participating in Tae Kwan Do for five years and is currently working toward various Black Belt Degree levels.

There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be the holiday dinner on January 15, 2013.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

 Overseer Leroy Watson called the meeting to order via telephone at 8:35 a.m.  Also present via telephone was Executive Committee member Cheri Watson.  Present in the tenth floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, D.C. were Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Ceres Beverly Mitchell, Treasurer Amber Bell, Steward Amanda Brozana, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Pomona Grace Boatright, Secretary Richard Weiss, Austin Miller and guests Chonda Moore and Cozette Thomas of the Early Stages Learning Center.

Minutes of the September 18, 2012 meeting were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Reports

As of 9/30/2012 the Operating Fund Balance at BB&T Bank was $306.62
As of 9/30 2012 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $27,779.36

Old Business

Jessie Cope reported that the Hilton Dulles Airport Hotel has been secured for the 2016 150^th Annual Convention.

Amanda Brozana informed the group that $286.74 had been spent from the Kile Fund to purchase a table cloth for the Social Media booth at this year’s convention.  Potomac Grange #1 is sponsoring the booth, which will be named “Grange Connect.”  The booth will have a “graffiti wall” where messages and announcements can be posted with sticky tabs.  There will also be a laptop in the booth for members to use in establishing social accounts.

Austin Miller was recently obligated in the 5^th and 6^th degrees.

A $50.00 contribution will be made to the Capital Area Food Bank in memory of Samantha Johnson’s grandfather.

New Business

It was moved, seconded and passed to do a resolution for the upcoming convention encouraging the National Grange to continue to assess Junior Grange structure and guidelines. (It is felt that for Potomac Grange to establish Junior Granges in urban DC some changes or exceptions will be needed.)

Overseer Watson explained that a draft resolution should be presented to the Potomac Grange Executive Committee for review and approval.  The Executive Committee is Cheri Watson, Jennifer Wolff, and Jodi Salley.  Master Joan Smith and Overseer Leroy Watson will also be involved in the review.

The group viewed options for the National Convention photo contest and arrived at a consensus that a cherry blossom photo best represents Potomac Grange #1.

It was moved, seconded and passed to make a $50.00 contribution from the Kile Fund in memory of Amanda Brozana’s grandmother.  Amanda chose to wait and see if a new Southeast Washington Junior Grange might become the recipient.

Junior Grange

Amanda Brozana and Samantha Johnson are working with Early Stages Learning to establish a Junior Grange at Kimball Elementary School in Southeast Washington, DC.  Chonda Moore explained that Early Stages Learning creates supplemental before and after school programs and that they are attending the Potomac Grange meeting to learn more about the Grange and how a Junior Grange might be adapted at Kimball.  She explained that supplemental programs in the DC school system are based on grade level, not age as are Junior Granges.  Amanda Brozana stated that some flexibility on the Grange’s part may be needed in adapting to the school guidelines and teaching needs.  Amanda will supply Chonda and Cozette with the 2013 Junior Grange Guide.  The two groups will meet again in late November.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.

Next Meeting

The next Potomac Grange #1 meeting will be November 27, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

Overseer Leroy Watson called the meeting to order via telephone at 8:38 a.m.  Also present by telephone were Executive Committee member Cheri Watson and Junior Granger Rachael Watson.  Present in the Saunders Library of the National Grange building in Washington, DC were Ceres Beverly Mitchell, Treasurer Amber Bell, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Steward Amanda Brozana, Pomona Grace Boatright, Secretary Richard Weiss and National Grange Program Assistant Austin Miller.

Minutes from the July 17, 2012 meeting were approved as read.

President Joan Smith then joined the meeting via telephone.

Treasurer’s Reports

As of 8/31/2012 the operating fund balance at BB&T Bank was $625.84
There is an outstanding check to National Grange for convention gifts of $317.22
Leaving a balance of $308.62
As of 8/31/2012 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $25,373.38

The $3,500.00 check to Friends of the National Arboretum has cleared.  The new account for Kile Fund asset distributions has not yet opened.  Our accountant still has not filed the 2011 Form 990.  IRS has given us an extension to November 15, 2012.  Treasurer Bell will follow up with the accountant to make sure we make that deadline.

Old Business

President Smith is registered and has all her materials for the National Convention.  The measuring spoon gifts are in and ready to be shipped to Idaho.  Potomac Grange #1 will submit 1 resolution to the National Convention (See July 17, 2012 minutes.).

There will be a social media educational area at the convention.  It was moved, seconded and passed to allocate up to $500.00 from the Kile Fund to pay for signage and a possible screen and projector.  The signage will read “Sponsored by Potomac Grange #1.”

Jessie Cope reported that the 2016, 150^th National Convention will be held at a hotel near Dulles Airport.  A search is on for a 7^th Degree venue.

Samantha Johnson and Amanda Brozana met with officials of Kimball Elementary School, recipient of Grange dictionaries, to discuss formation of a Junior Grange at the school. They will meet again in October.   Amanda reported that Winston Elementary School and a high school may also be interested in forming Junior and Subordinate Granges.  It was pointed out that Potomac Grange #1 can only sponsor one Junior Grange.  Cheri Watson suggested a plan that would create geographical divisions such as NE and NW of an umbrella Junior Grange.  The consensus was that this is a good, workable idea.

Potomac Grange #1 continues to collect can tabs and soup labels to contribute to educational and hunger programs.

New Business

It was decided to have the Potomac Grange holiday party on January 15 in the evening with a dinner.  The agenda will include Community Recognition Awards.

Austin Miller’s Obligation Ceremony will be held at the October 23 meeting.

It was moved, seconded and passed to make a $50.00 contribution to any charity designated by Samantha Johnson’s family.  Samantha’s grandfather recently passed on.

Junior Grange

Junior Granger Rachael Watson recently ran a 3.5 miler.  She also attended a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game.  She passed her test for a second star in tae kwon do.  She will take the test for a third star in December.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

Next Meeting

The next Potomac Grange #1 meeting will be October 23, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

 Meeting was called to order at 8:30am by Overseer Leroy Watson. In attendance Lecturer, Samantha Johnson; Steward, Amanda Brozana; Flora, Stephanie Wilkins; Ceres, Beverly Mitchell; Pomona, Grace Boatright; Lady Assistant, Jessie Cope; and special guest Eric Johnson from the National Association of Counties (NAC).

Treasurer’s Reports

Received letter from the IRS that they have received our letter about the Kyle Fund and they will be in touch.

Old Business

On June 6^th, Samantha Johnson, Lecturer, and Amanda Brozana visited Kimball Elementary School in Washington, DC, to drop off dictionaries. While there Samantha and Amanda met with some of the kids and Sheil’a E. West-Miller, principal. They not only gave out dictionaries, they also included the Grange comic book, 50 were donated by Samantha. Per Ms. Miller’s request we mailed another 100 Grange comic books. Amanda and Samantha also have a meeting with Ms. Miller and her staff to discuss starting a Junior Grange. No date has been set but they will meet with her before the next meeting.

So far Potomac Grange has collected 16 bras for Bras for the Cause. Samantha will be mailing this bunch to the Maryland State Grange Sectary Donna Wiles in the next week. If you still haven’t gotten them to Samantha she will be collecting them through our September meeting.

Samantha also read the Thank You letter from the National Arboretum that was sent for our donation of $3500 for the Solar Kiosk.

Also, the Grange Foundation did match the $1,500 donated by Potomac Grange #1 for the Ag in the Classroom.

The 4 certificates of appreciation for the WWII Vets will be sent to Phyllis Wilson in OR to be presented to the Vets. They were unable to stop by the Grange Building while in DC due to their trip taking place over a weekend.

Amanda spoke with National Grange Lecturer about Potomac Grange’s resolution to present certificates to WWII vets in 2013 and he was excited over this new program. Amanda also spoke to him about doing a DVD for local Lecturers to use in their programming for 2013. Friend of the Grange or Honored Friend are two of the suggestions for the Certificates.

New Business

Discussion on Delegate Gift for the 2012 Convention, it was noted we would like to stay with the Kitchen them. With that in mind Jessie Cope presented various options and it was decided to look into the multi-use measuring spoon. It comes in various colors and is dishwasher safe and is $0.74 a piece. Minimum order is 350 and it was suggested we give away any extras at Convention if a Grange Cookbooks was purchased from the Grange Store in Boise. We will make final decision on gift at next meeting.

Also, Amanda and Samantha have put together several new donation programs and they include: Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonalad, Pushpin ConAgra Foods, Labels for Education, and Box Tops for Education. If you would like to help please send the items to Samantha Johnson at 1616 H St., NW, Washington, DC 20006. Also, if you would like more information, contact Samantha at [email protected].

Jessie informed us that the Registration forms for Delegates are complete and will be ready for members in the coming week.

Jessie brought up the fact that the 150^th Session will occur in Washington, DC in 2016 and as part of the Host Committee we should be thinking of anything we might like to do for the event.

Ideas were discussed on things we could do such as: reception on the Hill in the Ag Room in the Longworth Building. The National Master appears to want the tour to include the Cemeteries where four of our Founders are buried, along with a visit to the Birth Place Marker. Samantha suggested adding the Botanical Gardens to the tour, due to its connection with William Saunders. Grace talked about not having a Fly-In that year, instead doing a Hill day during National Convention.

Samantha announced the National Lecturers Photo Contest will be ongoing again this year at Convention and would like Potomac Grange to participate again. The theme for Potomac Grange photos would be images of Washington, DC, what do you think of as representing our home. Rules that must be followed it can be no smaller than a 4×6 and no bigger than 11×14 (includes matting if used); it can be in color or black and white; film or digital; no frame; Grange members only and no professional photographers. Please have entries to Samantha by Potomac Grange’s September meeting.

Eric Johnson our special guest from the National Association of Counties (NAC) spoke with us about the background of his organization and what they do to help rural America. One of their programs included educating youth in civic engagement by using a video game to help them learn all about what counties do. The National Grange hopes to work with NAC in developing programs for our Junior and Youth members. Eric also discussed the Affordable Care Act and its effect on rural healthcare and counties.

Leroy discussed with us the “Free for All” sponsored by Shakespeare and Company, August 23-September 5^th, 2012. This year’s play will be All’s Well that Ends Well” and will be at Harmon Hall free of charge. He asked us to consider a donation of anywhere between $500-$2000 to Shakespeare and Company to help them put on the “Free for All” in return Potomac Grange would be listed as a sponsor and we would receive tickets. A motion was raised and passed that Potomac Grange #1 donates $500 to Shakespeare and Company from the Kyle Fund. Also, discussed that we look at Shakespeare and Company to see if they would be able to put on or help with the 7^th Degree during the 150^th Session.

The meeting was adjourned at 10 a.m.

Next Meeting

The next Potomac Grange #1 meeting will be July 17, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order via telephone at 8:33 a.m.  Also present via telephone were Overseer Leroy Watson and Executive Committee member Cheri Watson.  Present in the Saunders Library of the National Grange building in Washington, DC were Ceres Beverly Mitchell, Steward Amanda Brozana, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Pomona Grace Boatright, Treasurer Amber Bell, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Secretary Richard Weiss and intern, Mark Schuessler.

After it was pointed out to Secretary Weiss that he was reading the draft minutes of the April 17, 2012 meeting, not the final minutes, the final minutes were then approved as read.

Treasurer’s Reports

As of April 30, 2012 the operating fund at BB&T Bank stood at  $597.84
As of April 30, 2012 the Kile Fund at PNC Bank stood at $31, 494.40

Two checks totaling $6,000.00 should clear the Kile Fund in May.  After April, there will no longer be a bank fee on the Kile Fund.  Our accountant has filed an extension for the Kile Fund 990.

The IRS now requires separate Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) for Potomac Grange and for the Kile Fund.  These are corporate registrations with the District of Colombia.  Treasurer Bell paid DC $50.00 to expedite the process only to learn it would take six weeks before anybody in the DC Government can get to the matter.

Old Business

Grace Boatright reported that the Legislative Fly-in was well attended with Grangers from 13 states.  Recipients of the Potomac Grange scholarships were Chris and Lisa Bauer of Washington State, Joe Stefenoni of California and Nathan Stouter of Kansas.

Beverly Mitchell sold 30 votive candles raising $22.50 for the operating fund.

Potomac Grange #1 has collected three bras towards the Maryland State Grange breast cancer fund raiser.

There is no news on the Junior Grange restructuring program.  The final plan will be presented at the annual convention.

Potomac Grange #1 will contribute dictionaries to third graders at Kimball Elementary school in Southeast Washington.  Lecturer Samantha Johnson will contact to school to set a date for the presentation.

New Business

Potomac Grange #1 first quarter dues to National were paid at this meeting.  Total was $45.00.  It was noted that some members are in arrears on their dues.

Ag in the Classroom has requested $3,000.00 from National Grange to cover travel and expenses for their award winners.  National requested assistance from Potomac Grange.  It was moved seconded and passed to contribute $1,500.00 to Ag in the Classroom from the Kile Fund and leave the rest up to National.

Samantha Johnson reported that four Grangers from Oregon who are high-school buddies and World War II veterans will be coming to Washington and plan to visit the Grange building.  She plans to award them with certificates of recognition for their service.  It was moved, seconded and passed to also purchase Grange paper weights for them.  Cost is $16.00.

It was discussed and decided to recommend to the National Lecturer that he make 2013 a year of recognition of World War II veterans, both Grangers and community citizens.  Potomac Grange #1 will help out with the production of certificates.

Junior Grange

Rachael Watson will be going for the first degree toward a Black Belt in tae kwon do.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

Next Meeting

The next Potomac Grange #1 meeting will be June 19, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

 Overseer Leroy Watson called the meeting to order via telephone at 8:40 a.m.  Present with him in Wisconsin was Executive Committee member Cheri Watson.  Present in the 10^th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC were Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Treasurer Amber Bell, Ceres Beverly Mitchell and Secretary Richard Weiss.

The minutes of the March 20, 2012 meeting were approved as read.

At 8:45 a.m. President Joan Smith joined the meeting via telephone and assumed the chairmanship.

Treasurer’s Reports

As of March 31, 2012 the Operating Fund balance at BB&T Bank was $642.84
As of March 31, 2012 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $31,513.63

The $2,500.00 check to the National Grange for fly-in scholarships and the $3,500.00 check to The Washington Youth Garden for a kiosk to house a solar demonstration had not cleared the Kile Fund at the time of the Treasurers report.

President Smith will work with Treasurer Bell in filling out the IRS questionnaire regarding the Kile Fund.  Treasurer Bell has documentation showing the separation of the Kile Fund from Potomac Grange #1.  The IRS approved the Kile Fund tax free status in 1995.

The National Grange will be making a decision at the May Board of Directors meeting in regards to obtaining a group exemption letter where the Potomac Grange #1 may operate under the National blanket  tax exempt status.   If they decide against the group exemption, The Potomac Grange will then have to file for and individual tax exempt status.

Treasurer Bell has opened a separate money market account to carry any Kile Fund principal payments from Bank of America.  Signature cards will be circulated to the signees.

2011 statements have been sent to our accountant for 990 preparation.

Old Business

Votives of the new Yankee Candle scents are in.  They will be available on a loan basis.  Fliers and order forms were distributed to members to get a new fund raising campaign started.

The Washington Youth Garden check has been sent.  The kiosk will open in 2013.  It will carry a plaque recognize Potomac Grange’s contribution and Potomac Grange members will be invited to the opening ceremony.

New Business

The Maryland State Grange is participating in “Bras for the Cause.”  New and “gently used” bras are collected and given to Jess Wright of Frederick radio station WFRE.  A local business then contributes $1.00 or $2.00 to Breast Cancer Research for each bra collected.  The bras are then donated to a local women’s shelter.  Potomac Grange members are invited to participate.  Samantha Johnson is the coordinator.

In response to a Junior Grange appeal letter, it was moved, seconded and passed to contribute $250.00 to the National Junior Grange from the Kile Fund.  At this fall’s national session, an advisory committee will report on recommended changes to Junior Grange.

It was moved, seconded and passed to contribute $250.00 to the National Youth Program from the Kile Fund.

Junior Grange

Rachael Watson opened her school’s talent show singing the Star Spangled Banner.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

Next Meeting

The next Potomac Grange #1 meeting will be May 22, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

Overseer Leroy Watson called the meeting to order via telephone at 8:35 a.m.  Also present via telephone was Executive Committee member Cheri Watson.  Present in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, D.C. were Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Treasurer Amber Bell, Flora Stephanie Wilkins and Secretary Richard Weiss.

Minutes of the February 28, 2012 meeting were approved as written and read by Lecturer Samantha Johnson.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Amber Bell reported the following:

As of February 29, 2012, the Operating Fund Balance at BB&T Bank was $748.84
As of February 29, 2012, the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $27,206.88

Treasurer Bell will meet with PNC Bank officials to set up a new account for deposit of Kile Fund principal payments from Bank of America (See January 17, 2012 minutes.) and to discuss elimination of fees on the Kile Fund account.

The Kile Fund 990 is due to the IRS by May 15, 2012.  Bell will work with our outside accountant to meet this date.

Old Business

Washington Youth Garden – Lecturer Samantha Johnson met with Kaifa Anderson-Hall and Dana Faulkner of the Washington Youth Garden to discuss a possible donation by Potomac Grange #1 to the Youth Garden.  Johnson was present with a “wish list” of specific donations ranging from $250.00 to $5,000.00.  After review and discussion of the list it was moved, seconded and passed to contribute $3,500.00 to install a Solar Demonstration Kiosk on the Youth Garden site.  Working solar panels to demonstrate solar energy principals and applications will be contributed by Alfred University of Alfred, New York.  Potomac Grange will contribute the “garden shed” style kiosk to house the learning site.  The contribution is contingent on some form of recognition on the kiosk itself.  Samantha will relay this to the Youth Garden people.

Yankee Candle Fund Raiser – Lecturer Johnson informed the group that the Yankee Candle spring scents are available and that Amanda Brozana is preparing promotional fliers.  It was agreed that starting April 1, Potomac Grange #1 will undertake a fund raiser featuring the Yankee Candles, which Potomac will purchase through National.  The fliers will be used to promote the candles to building tenants, friends and families.  Progress will be assessed at the April meeting to determine if the campaign should continue.

Fly-in Scholarships – Information about the Potomac Grange scholarships for the National Grange Fly-in has gone out and two applications have been received.

New Business

Bonding – It was moved and seconded to purchase $25,000 worth of officer bonding insurance for $99.00.  After some discussion, the motion was amended to purchase $30,000 worth for $106.00.  The amendment and amended motion both passed.

Junior Grange

Rachael Watson will sign the Star Spangled Banner at her school Talent Day.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

 Present for the meeting was Lecturer, Samantha Johnson; Lady Assistant Steward, Jessie Cope; Steward, Amanda Brozana; Treasurer, Amber Bell; Ceres, Beverly Mitchell; Flora, Stephanie Wilkins; and Pomona Grace Boatright. On the phone we were joined by Master Joan Smith; Overseer Leroy Watson; and Executive Board Member Cheryl Watson.

Treasurer’s Reports

Kyle Fund as of January 31, 2012 has $27,226.38
Operating Fund as of January 31, 2012 has $638.84

IRS filing is in the process for 2011

Old Business

We discussed the Washington Youth Garden and our possible donation. We tabled the discussion until the next meeting when Samantha Johnson will have more information on the specific projects for the Washington Youth Garden.

New Business

2012 Masters Conference summary was given by Jessie Cope and Amanda Brozana.

Grace Boatright on behalf of the Legislative Depart of the National Grange presented a proposal to Potomac Grange requesting a donation of $2,500 to the Fly-In 2012 as an unrestricted grant for 2 scholarships. Scholarship will be based on essay on how attending the 2012 Fly-In will help their local Grange. There was a discussion about the donation by members. The final decision was made that Potomac Grange donate $2,500 to the National Grange Legislative Fly-In to be used only for scholarship and that the scholarship is named the Potomac Grange #1 Fly-In Scholarship. It was also moved and approved that a certificate be presented to the recipients.

It was also discussed that Potomac Grange participates in the Yankee Candle Fundraiser that the National Grange has organize.

Junior Grange

Rachel Watson was off to school and Master Smith discussed with Cheryl Watson donating Regalia from Farmingdale Grange in NJ to their new Junior Grange in Wisconsin.

Meeting concluded at 9:27am.

Next Meeting

The next Potomac Grange #1 meeting will be March 20, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1