August 10, 2022 Meeting Minutes

President Joan Smith called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. Participating were Vice President Leroy Watson, Board Chairperson Cheri Watson, Secretary Richard Weiss, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Chaplin Mark Gibbons, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, and Legislative Director Burton Eller.

The July 13, 2022 minutes were approved as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT

No report. 

OFFICER INSTALLATION

President-Mark Gibbons, Vice-President/Overseer-Leroy Watson, Steward-Burton Eller, Assistant Steward and Lady Assistant Steward-Loretta Washington, Chaplin -Stephanie Wilkins, Secretary-Richard Weiss, Ceres-Loretta Washington, Flora-Stephanie Wilkins, Pomona-Cheri Watson, Executive Committee Chairperson-Cheri Watson, Executive Committee members-Joan Smith, and Richard Weiss. Additional officers will be installed during future meetings.

Mark assumed management of the meeting. His theme for the coming year will be “fund raising and membership.” He already has membership prospects.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

World Food Forum – Dick Weiss will be seeing a friend from Italy who works for the United Nations on agricultural issues. The UN is involved with the World Food Forum. He will find out what she may know about the program.

Building Sale – Burton Eller reported that new prospects have come to see the building.

Dictionaries for DC Schools – Joan Smith has purchased a case of twenty-four dictionaries for $96.00. She has contacted a DC school official who will guide distribution in the fall.

NEW BUSINESS

Delegate to National Session, Nov 13-20, Sparks, NV – Burton Eller moved that newly elected president Mark Gibbons be Potomac Grange #1’s delegate to the 2022 National Session. Dick Weiss seconded the motion. Mark confirmed that he will be available. The motion passed. Joan explained that the Potomac delegate is non-voting.

National Grow Club Request – The National Grow Club raises funds through a silent auction during National Session. This year it is also reaching out directly to Granges for financial support. Leroy Watson is a member. He clarified that the Grow Club uses the funds as educational scholarships for Grange members and that any contribution from Potomac would be direct not part of the auction. Asked about a proper amount, he indicated anywhere from $100.00 up.

Dick Weiss moved Potomac Grange contribute $500.00 directly to the Grow Club with funds coming from the Kile Fund.  Mark Gibbons seconded. Cheri Watson moved to amend to motion by designating the contribution be for scholarships only. Mark Gibbons seconded, and the amended motion passed.

JUNIOR GRANGE

Mark’s one week old grandson will soon join the Grange.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Thoughts go to Nancy Flinn who is dealing with cancer.

OTHER BUSINESS

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 12:53 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

July 13, 2022 Meeting Minutes

President Joan Smith called the Zoom meeting together at 12:05 p.m. Participating were Board Chairperson Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Chaplin Mark Gibbons, Steward Amanda Brozana Rios, Flora Stephanie Wilkins and Legislative Director Burton Eller.

TREASURER’S REPORT

As of this date the Operating Fund balance at Truist Bank is                        $3,075.53
$196.38 in dues dollars will move from Pay-Pal to the Operating account.

As of this date the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank is                                   $71,727.06

The $2,500 check supporting the Junior and Youth programs has been sent to National.

Jessie Patrick moved $50.00 be paid from the Operating Fund for two $25.00 Amazon gift cards as Telethon prizes. Mark Gibbons seconded, and the motion passed.

REPORT OF COMMITTEES

IRS/DC Tax Project – Leroy Watson-Nothing to report at this time.

Legislative – Burton Eller

The Invest in American Railroads Act will apply new infrastructure dollars to upgrade U.S. railroads and making them safer and more environmentally efficient. National’s efforts aim at assuring railroads, which are vital to agriculture, get their fair share of infrastructure dollars.

Reconciliation package – There are several components including Medicare authority to negotiate drug prices, changes in the tax code and more. What passes and how implemented can impact agriculture positively or negatively.

Clean Water for Rural America Act – This act will give technical assistance grants to rural municipalities for maintenance or improvement of their water systems.

Continued efforts and broad band implementation and early look at 2023 Farm Bill

ELECTION OF OFFICERS 

President – Mark Gibbons
Vice-President – Leroy Watson
Lady Assistant Steward – Loretta Washington
Chaplin – Stephanie Wilkins
Treasurer – Jessie Patrick
Secretary – Richard Weiss
Flora – Stephanie Wilkins
Executive Committee Chair – Cheri Watson.

No candidates for the remaining offices received majority votes and there will be a revote for those positions

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

World Food Forum – Dick Weiss will review podcasts of meetings on food consumption and disposal and other food processing and distribution topics and give updates.

Grange Building Sale – The sale has fallen through. The building is back on the market. Potomac’s materials have been reviewed and boxed up but not yet scanned.

NAITC Conference – Our Partnership in Agricultural Literacy Award for 2022 went to New Mexico agriculture education instructor Shae Davis and her Valencia FFA chapter

NEW BUSINESS

Dictionary Distribution to DC Schools – Still targeted for the fall. Details to be worked out.

Telethon – The July 9 event was a success raising $23,000 for the National Grange Junior and Youth programs.

Potomac Material – The Potomac Grange material that is worth saving from the National Grange basement has been reviewed and boxed up. The issue now is where to put it before the building sells and how to get it scanned.

Anacostia Museum Project – At a recent visit to the DC’s Anacostia Museum Amanda Brozana viewed an exhibit depicting how food gets to the plates of Anacostia residents. While aimed at this notable DC neighborhood, several of the display pieces depicting food distribution from farm to table, food waste and other related subjects are generic enough to have impact anywhere. When this exhibit ends September 17, some pieces will be discarded. Amanda’s idea is to take them and arrange them into a shippable size exhibit that can be sent to Lecturers for use with their Granges and communities. She encouraged us to see the exhibit and discuss the idea in our September meeting.

Wonderama – This is an upcoming information booth event in Times Square. We decided to table this until there is more information.

OTHER BUSINESS

We need to estimate the cost of sending a representative to the National Convention. National no longer covers travel costs.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 12:13 p.m. The next Zoom meeting will be August 10 at noon. Resolutions can be considered at this meeting

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

June 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order at 12 Noon. Participating were Vice President Leroy Watson, Executive Committee member Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Chaplin Mark Gibbons, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, and National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller.

The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The May 11, 2022 minutes were approved as presented..

TREASURER’S REPORT

As of today’s date, the Kile Fund balance at the PNC Bank is        $70,838.06

Treasurer Patrick will cut a $2,500 check to the Grange Foundation as Potomac’s contribution to the July 9th Youth and Junior Telethon.

As of today’s date, the Operating Fund at the Truist Bank is            $3,075.53

A $52.50 dues payment was added since last report.

REPORT OF COMMITTEES

LEGISLATIVE – Burton Eller – Congress has only five and a half weeks of actual work before September 1st and it is likely not much will get done as focus will be on mid-term elections.

National Grange is pushing for action on the Ocean Shipping Competition Reform Act which would enable US shippers to use foreign craft which have been returning to their home ports empty due to union rules allowing only the use of U.S. crafts to ship U.S. goods.

National is also monitoring the application of broad band funds and will soon prepare for the 2023 Farm Bill.

IRS/DC TAX PROJECT – Leroy Watson – The project continues and has not changed since the May 11 report.

JUNIOR & YOUTH – Cheri Watson – Rachael Watson is home for the summer working two jobs. She again made the college’s Dean’s List.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

WORLD FOOD FORUM – Dick Weiss – Nothing to report.

GRANGE BUILDING SALE – Leroy Watson – Contract negotiations continue with details such as building identification to be worked out. Once both parties settle on a contract, the Grange will have one year to clear the building of tenants. Meantime

NEW BUSINESS

DICTIONARY DISTRIBUTION TO DC SCHOOLS – Joan Smith – No action yet. Planned for Fall 2022.

VIRTUAL TELETHON (Saturday, July 9) – Jessie Patrick will soon send $2,500 check from the Kile Fund to the Grange Foundation. President Smith asked Dick Weiss, Leroy Watson, and Stephanie Wilkins to prepare testimonials for presentation during the Telethon.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Stephanie Wilkins will prepare a document for nominations with the target of having nominations back in by June 22. Meantime, Dick Weiss will contact people who are listed as officers but are not dues current to see if they would rejoin.

There was no further business. President Smith read the latest Summer Good of The Order and the meeting adjourned at 12:55p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

May 11, 2022 Meeting Minutes

President Joan C, Smith called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Participating were Vice President Leroy Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Chaplain Mark Gibbons and joining later Executive Committee member Cheri Watson.

Secretary Weiss read the April 13, 2022 meeting minutes. Amanda Rios stated the word “dues” should be “assessment” in the sentence referring to Potomac’s 2022 annual meeting resolution. Dues changes take two years bylaws to approve whereas assessments are immediate.  The minutes were approved as corrected.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Operating Account current balance at Truist Bank                                  $3,128.03

Additional $100,000 in bonding coverage payment                                 $112.00

(2023 bonding payment will be due in December 2022)

One outstanding check at meeting time-1st quarter dues                       $52.50

Kile Fund current balance at PNC Bank                                                  $70,840.06

REPORT OF COMMITTEES

IRS/DC Tax Project – Leroy Watson is examining the possibility of reorganizing as a 501-C10, which would combine Potomac Grange and the Kile Fund into a single entity rather than two separate 501-C3s. It is necessary to check that this is all right with Bank of America. Hopefully so, as C10 reporting is easier than C3 reporting.  Joan noted that DC has already rescinded our tax exemption status as they will follow the IRS rules.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

World Food Forum – Richard Weiss will continue to monitor and recommends no action at this time.

Grange Building Sale Status – Leroy Watson reported a firm agreement on the building’s sale. The closing is a year away. There is concern that as tenants leave during the year, the reduction in rent cash flow will hurt operating cost and Grange program coverage.

Joan Smith has reduced Potomac Grange storage to five boxes. Nothing has been scanned and there may not  be space for our boxes in the new headquarters. Stephanie Wilkins created a protocol for organizing scanned files. Joan will pursue scanning options. Leroy has reduced the legislative files down to a couple file folders. Loretta Washington noted that Potomac Grange also has ritual materials stored in a closet.  Amanda Rios suggested we might display it in the new conference room.

NEW BUSINESS

TELETHON – On Saturday July 9, 2022, National Grange will hold an all-day telethon to raise funds for the Youth and Junior programs.  Individual and grange contributions levels ranged up to $5,000.00, which is the amount Potomac contributed last year. During discussion, Amanda Rios stated her preference for contributing to specific programs that contribute to our community, not just general contributions.  Accordingly, Sheri Watson moved that Potomac’s contribution to this year’s TELETHON be $2,50.00. Jessie Patrick seconded, and the motion passed five in favor and two opposed.

Amanda then moved to increase Potomac’s two Grass Roots Activism scholarships from $400.00 each to $500.00 each not to exceed a total of $1,000.00. Loretta Washington seconded the motion and the motion passed.

NAITC Annual Conference June 26 to July 1 in Saratoga, NY – Because of the estimated $2,255.00 cost for Joan to attend this conference, she asked Steve Coye, President of the New York State Grange, or someone from a Grange near Saratoga,  to make our five-minute Partnership in Agriculture Literacy award.  Waiting for a reply

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Under Lesson A3 of the “Heirloom Program,” Amanda Rios led us in discussion of what we had learned at home.

NEXT MEETING

 June 8,2022 via Zoom at 12 noon. This meeting will be election of officers.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

April 13, 2022 Meeting Minutes

President Joan Smith called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Participating were Treasure Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, Loretta Washington, and Mark Gibbons.

TREASURER’S REPORT

4/12 Operating Fund balance at Truist Bank                              $3,272.93

4/12 Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank                                        $71,674.41

A March deposit of $3,391.00 was made to the Kile Fund account,

March checks on the Kile Fund were:

  • DC Experience participants travel expenses
  • DC Experience trolley tour
  • Joan’s DC Experience expenses
  • Grange Youth scholars’ travel expenses.
  • Bonding
  • Zoom operating system renewal

Jessie showed a review of Kile Fund spending for the last four years.  She feels there are ample funds to cover similar future commitments.

2023 GRANGE GRASSROOTS ACTIVISM SCHOLARSHIPS

The National Grange Junior and Youth departments have requested two $400.00 Grassroots Activism scholarships from Potomac Grange. The funds would go towards Washington DC Experience travel expenses. While there was consensus to grant the scholarships, there is concern over the youth programs’ dependence on and expectation of Potomac Grange financial support, especially after the 2021 Grange convention delegates’ dismissal of Potomac’s resolution asking for a one-dollar dues increase to help finance Youth and Junior programs.

After discussion, we decided to have youths receiving our financial support submit written reports or in person via our Zoom meetings.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

World Food Forum – Dick Weiss is on the Forum’s mailing list. An upcoming forum will promote “healthy eating” to reduce air pollution by lessening animal farming.  Weiss stated that this may be contrary to Grange position on animal farming. Accordingly, he recommended we not get involved with this organization at this time. He will get input from Burton Eller.

NEW BUSINESS

Dictionary Distribution to DC Schools – In the Fall Potomac Grange will deliver free dictionaries to DC 3rd graders. We soon need a quantity estimate so Joan can order in time for Fall delivery.

Telethon – Saturday, July 9th is the telethon to raise money for the Youth and Junior programs. At our next meeting, we must decide Potomac’s contribution amount.

NAITC Annual Conference – Ag in The Classroom will hold its annual conference in Saratoga, NY June 26 to July1. Joan estimates the cost for her to attend would be $2,255. Alternatives would be to participate via Zoom if available or have a representative from a New York or Maine Grange present our annual award. Joan will investigate these alternatives.

OTHER

Jessie expressed concern about the lack of participation in our Zoom meetings and feels Grange staff should participate more often.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

March 9, 2022 Meeting Minutes

President Joan C. Smith lead the Zoom meeting from the National Grange Headquarters. Also in attendance were Amanda Brozana Rios, Loretta Washington, Mark Gibbons, Burton Eller, Stephanie Wilkins, and Jessie Patrick.

The group was led in prayer by Chaplain Stephanie Wilkins.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Balance as of 3/9/2022 of Kile Fund at PNC Bank                $70,035.46

Current balance of Operating Fund at Truist Bank                  $3,389.93.

The PayPal balance was $138.96. These funds will be transferred to the Operating account.

Bonding insurance coverage for 2022 was discussed. A motion was made by Jessie and seconded by Mark to purchase bonding coverage. An amendment to set the coverage amount to $100K was made by Jessie and seconded by Mark. The motion passed. Checks are due by March 31st. Amanda reminded the group that bonding coverage for 2023 will be due at the end of December 2022.

UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS

Washington DC Experience – Joan Smith will be conducting 4 workshops during the event, including a lunch and learning opportunity with a lesson on agriculture related to pizza ingredients, one on wheat, a workshop on fiber (wool with a bracelet) and a fiber activity on cotton. Jefferson Grange will provide up to $100 worth of supplies including beverages. Funds will still be needed for ingredients. Mark Gibbons made a motion to support supply costs for the Ag in the Classroom workshops and Jessie Patrick seconded. Motion passed to reimburse up to $200 from the Kile Fund.

Sale of Grange Building – the building sale was discussed. The sale is not on the open market yet. Current offers include dates to vacate the building in August or November. Joan has been cleaning and organizing at the building. Scanning of historical records is also underway.

Presidents’ Conference – Joan reported the event was well attended and a great time was had. The tour was informative and centered on Saunders. There was an hour-long session on the IRS and taxes. Discussed was the need to have the order of business for all meetings feature Grange ritual, regalia and follow the official order of the meeting. Also discussed were the differences between 501c-3, -5, -8, and -10 statuses involving options like labor, horticulture, fraternal, lodge system.

Potomac Grange tax documents/ Form 990 has not been filed since 2012 although Bank of America files documents with the IRS for the Kile Fund. Leroy is working to determine with legal guidance what our next steps are.

NAITC Leaders’ Conference – March 28-30, Kansas City, MO – Joan to attend at the WDC Contact with reimbursement of expenses up to $500 for travel, meals, lodging.

NEW BUSINESS

  • The Grange Foundation TELETHON sponsorship was briefly discussed, related to whether or not past programs supported by Potomac Grange throughout the All members were asked to provide a testimony of Grange memories, provide a personal donation/sponsorship.
  • Discussion was held on financial support and desire to plan ahead and determine where we should expect funding requests from or what annual appeals are received. Jessie will review expenditures from the Kile Fund and put together a plan for supporting future projects. April was identified as an ideal month to field funding requests as it would be prior to when the Youth and Junior programs publish their annual programs and contests, including sponsorships.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

  • Amanda will present a lesson from the Heirloom Program. “History proves that where agriculture has been fostered, that nation has prospered and reached a high degree of perfection, but where it has been neglected, degeneracy began” A discussion was held about the merits of this statement.

There was no further business. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jessie Patrick, Treasurer
Potomac Grange #1

February 9, 2022 Meeting Minutes

Vice-President Leroy Watson called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Also participating were Executive Committee member Cheryl Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Secretary Richard Weiss, new member David Moshier and later Lecturer Mark Gibbons.

The January 12, 2022 minutes were approved as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current balance of Operating Fund at Trust Bank                             $3,435.43

This total reflects an additional dues deposit of $30.00 in the last month. Despite direct outreach by Joan Smith and a general 2022 dues request mailing by Dick Weiss in early January, no additional dues have come in. Leroy recommended that we let potential renewals know they can participate in Potomac meetings virtually.  This may appeal to those who cannot attend live meetings at noon.

Current balance of Kile Fund at PNC Bank                                       $70, 441.16

OLD BUSINESS

  • World Food Forum- Dick Weiss will monitor the organization through its mailing list.
  • IRS Tax Status- The circumstances leading to a Washington State Grange’s loss of tax-free status will be on the Presidents Meeting agenda for discussion as to how they may relate to Potomac and other Granges.

NEW BUSINESS

  • Joan will attend the Presidents Conference February 17-20 in Myrtle Beach, SC.
  • Burton Eller will be tracking and working on the Postal Services Reform Bill which just passed the House on a bipartisan vote. He will push for it in the Senate.
  • A Words for Thirds dictionary distribution is planned for April, Grange Month. Twenty-four dictionaries cost $99.00. Amanda suggested we consider a distribution at the start of school in the Fall.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

  • Welcome to our new member Rev. David Moshier.
  • Amanda will present Lesson A1of the new five-year Heirloom Program. It will be about overcoming difficulties.

There were no members in distress. Leroy recommended that we include upcoming events at the end of future agendas. 

There was no further business. The meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

January 12, 2022 Meeting Minutes

President Joan Smith called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:10 p.m. Also participating were Vice President Leroy Watson, Executive Committee member Cheryl Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Community Service Director Loretta Washington, Lecturer/Chaplin Mark Gibbons and Secretary Richard Weiss.

After a prayer by Mark, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

DECEMBER 8, 2021 MINUTES

Joan asked that the Words for Thirds $96.00 be clarified as for only twenty-four dictionaries not the cost of the entire program

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current balance of Operating Fund at Trust Bank                             $3,405.43
Current balance of Kile Fund at PNC Bank                                       $70,843.16
Deposits to Kile Fund this quarter                                                      $1,610.00 & $3,135,75

OLD BUSINESS

  • World Food Forum – Dick Weiss has been studying the sponsor organization Global Youth. He has not been able to clarify the organization’s position on issues such as GMOs and recommends he just continues to monitor through their mailing list.
  • Grange Month – It was decided not to set an April date for a tenants’ breakfast given the uptick in Corona virus and the building’s sale status. Leroy reiterated that as Potomac Grange we should not communicate information on the building’s sale status. It was noted, the purpose is to publicize the Grange. Betsy will be invited to attend and answer any questions that arise.
  • IRS Status – Leroy continues to work on this with outside council and will keep us up to date.
  • Roster/Member Update – Joan is working with Dick, Jessie and Stephanie on updating Potomac’s roster of officers as well as our membership list. Activities Director position is still open, and several candidates are being considered. Mark has been appointed Chaplain.
  • WDC Experience Review – We have been informed that in addition to the $1,600.00 Potomac Grange volunteered to pay for the Educational Trolley Ride at this event, an additional commitment has been made to pay for two $800.00 scholarships. A check of past meeting minutes shows no such commitment. Given that the scholarship commitment had been published in material about the WDC Experience, a multi-amended motion passed to cover the scholarships with the caveat that this is a one-time payment for 2022 only.

NEW BUSINESS

  • PA Farm Show – Joan passed on volunteering to work in the milk shake booth due to the recent spike in Covid.
  • Presidents Conference – Joan will attend February 17-20 in Myrtle Beach, SC.
  • Ag In The Classroom Conference – None of us has volunteered to attend this March event in Chicago due to Covid. Jessie, who attended in the past, said it is a worthwhile event and will hopefully include virtual participation. Joan will attend either in person or virtual.
  • Words for Thirds – We will distribute dictionaries to DC schools’ third graders during April Grange Month.

There was no further business, no Good of the Order issues, no members sick or in distress and so the meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

December 8, 2021 Meeting Minutes

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order at 12:05 P.M. Also online were Overseer Leroy Watson, Executive Committee member Cheri Watson, Treasurer Jessie Patrick, Secretary Richard Weiss, National Grange Sales and Benefits Director Loretta Washington and RetireSafe CEO Mark Gibbons.

After an opening Pledge of Allegiances and prayer, the October 13 minutes passed as corrected to reflect the $599.43 Revival expense paid through the Kile fund was for Revival events, not Joan’s expenses

TREASURER’S REPORT

Operating fund current balance at Trust Bank                                   $3,405.43
Kile Fund current balance at PNC Band                                            $68,766.40
Latest receipt from the trust                                                               $1,610.00    
Pending payment to Jefferson Grange for Special Olympics             $100.00

OLD BUSINESS

  • Our resolutions adding a Youth to the Executive Committee and adding $1.00 to dues to fund Youth and Juniors’ Activities were defeated in committee. The Membership Director will develop a plan for the proposed expansion of Junior membership to 0 to 4 years old.
  • World Food Forum-Weiss reported that the Chicago World Food Forum next June is the Wall Street Journal forum, not the Global Youth Forum. He will pursue the possibility of a Grange member participating in the WSJ program and assess the value of joining the Global Youth organization.
  • Grange Month tenants’ event-We decided to wait on setting a date and format for the tenants’ event until more is known about the building sale.
  • The 501c3 status of both Potomac Grange #1 and the Kile Fund has expired. Potomac Grange received a notice from the DC government stating that we a delinquent filing our Sales and Use Tax” report for some years. Jessie said we can just file stating “no taxable income.” Meanwhile Leroy is looking into options of putting both entities under one 501c3 and reincorporating outside DC.

NEW BUSINESS

  • Presidents Conference-Weiss moved we allot approximately $500.00 from the Kile Fund to cover travel, food, and lodging expenses for this February 17-20 Myrtle Beach event.
  • Mid-Atlantic Leaders’ Conference will combine with the Southern States conference and move to June. National Grange staff will participate in each region.
  • AITC-Jane has obtained names of DC teachers and will contact them directly regarding Ag In The Classroom programs. She may need approximately $1,000.00 from the Kile Fund for AITC materials.
  • Words for Thirds-Potomac Grange will distribute twenty-four dictionaries to students in two NE and SE DC schools. Estimated cost for twenty-four dictionaries is $96.00.  This is not the total donation to the program.
  • Joan, Stephanie Wilkins, and Dick Weiss will update the Potomac Grange roster and membership list for submittal to the National Grange.

There were no items for the Good of the Order and no members sick or in distress. The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

October 13, 2021 Meeting Minutes

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m. Initially on the line were Treasurer Jessie Cope, Executive Committee member Cheri Watson, and Secretary Richard Weiss. Stephanie Wilkins and Amanda Brozana joined later.
 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Current Operating Fund at Truist Bank $3,453.43
Current Kile Fund at PNC Bank $67,260.40
Recent Deposit $3,135.75
Recent check for Joan’s Survival expenses $599.43
Pending payment $100.00

OLD BUSINESS

  • Joan called for a decision whether to resubmit two Potomac Grange resolutions that did not pass at last year’s annual meeting. One called for adding a Youth member to the Executive committee and the other to implement a $1.00 addition to member dues to fund Youth activities. Cheri Watson agreed to resubmit provided there is no change in the wording. There is no change. There was consensus to resubmit.
  • Kile Fund 2020 annual report: The fund received $2,958 a quarter plus an extra $6,000 payment in November for total 2020 receipt to $17,832.

NEW BUSINESS

  • World Food Forum. It was suggested that Potomac consider supporting a National Grange youth’s participation in next year’s World Food Forum. Sheri opined that if we do so that person would need to follow up their participation with presentations to at least national and regional meetings communicating what they learned and how it benefits the Grange. (In a subsequent conference call Betsy, Joan and Dick decided Dick will find out more about the World Food Forum and subsequently recommend how to proceed.)
  • Amanda recommended that Potomac submit to the Annual Convention a resolution adding 0to4 year olds to the count of Family memberships. We will vote by email.

OTHER

  • No meeting in November.
  • We will plan to resume our tenants’ party in April 2022 with our April meeting to follow the party.

There was no further business and Joan adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1