President Joan Smith called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. in the Goss Conference Room of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC.  The meeting was held in conjunction with the Potomac Grange #1 annual holiday party.

Also present were National Grange president Betsy Huber, National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller, Steward Amanda Brozana, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Program Director Loretta Washington, Secretary Richard Weiss, and Intern Kim Stefanick.

Treasure’s Report

• We have no record of filing 9090s for 2013, 2014, 2015 and, as yet, 2016. Weiss will do a search of past minutes of any filing evidence.
• The 2015 Kile Fund trust report has been completed, signed by Joan Smith and Leroy Watson and submitted to the bank in December 2016.
• National convention costs are still being reconciled.
• The Kile Fund will compensate Joan Smith up to $400.00 to cover costs of today’s event which had educational content. (See “Speakers)
• There was some question as to whether or not third quarter dues have been paid from the operating account. Weiss will check to see if the third quarter report was submitted.

Old Business

• There is overall satisfaction with how things went with the National Convention.
• President Huber was pleased with the President’s reception especially that it remained in the original Hospitality room and the soups and sandwiches were a big success.
• The Hospitality room was a big success with soups, chili and hot dogs, homemade desserts and the beverage station was always perfect..
• The Arlington Cemetery Tomb of the Unknown wreath laying was very emotional as we have four Grange Veterans who participated. James Foster, WVA; Chip Narval, DE; Peg Johnson, PG#1; Scott Baldwin, IA.
• The Host, Delegate, Youth and Junior tours were a success in spite of a bus breakdown.
• Jessie Cope is going to put together a book of “lessons learned” from hosting a national convention perspective. It will be available to future Host Regions.

New Business

• Bee care course – In order for the Grange to have a bee hive on its roof, four members must train and qualify in bee care. Accordingly, a course in bee care is offered at the University of District of Columbia. The course covers care procedures for the four seasons of the year.  Course starting January 31, the course runs thru 28 March one night a week from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Cost is $90.00.  The Kile Fund will cover the cost based on its educational nature.  Those attending are:  Joan C. Smith, Allison Archebault; Amanda Brozana, Kim Stefanick.
• The 2017 Masters Conference will be held in Norwich Connecticut. The Connecticut State Grange will provide meals and airport transportation, leaving only to and from travel expenses, hotel costs, some meals, parking and a $20.00 registration fee to be covered by participants. It was moved, seconded and passed to allocate up to $600.00 from the Kile Fund to cover President Smith’s expenses to attend the Masters Conference.
• The 2017 Congressional Fly-In will be held April 24^th to April 27^th. In accordance with an earlier vote, Potomac Grange issued a $3,000.00 check to National Grange to cover two Fly-In scholarships up to $800.00 each and purchase of Congressional guide books.

Speakers

Dave Streid and Kathy Streid of The Transcendental Meditation Program gave a very informative and educational presentations on the benefits of transcendental meditation. Those benefits range from reduced stress and anxiety to better focus and brain function.  The process is easy to learn and, once learned, is simply practiced twice a day for about twenty minutes each session.  The speakers explained the steps to enroll in their classes.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.  Next meeting will be a noon-time conference call on February 21^st.  Stephanie will send out a notice with call numbers.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

• Junior Grange tee shirts with the sash design will not be produced due to lack of time.
• Present in the office for the Monday evening tour will be Grace Boatright, Samantha Johnson, Jessie Cope, Stephanie Wilkins and Dick Weiss.
• While Stephanie Wilkins will be in the office Tuesday and Wednesday of convention week, it was recommended that Dick Weiss be there also in case buses show up for a tour of the building.
• Discussion of 7th Degree logistics focused on transportation from the hotel to the theater in Alexandria. Jessie pointed out that there will be six buses available. The set-up crew will be transported by van.
• Potomac Grange will manage the President’s Reception on Sunday night. Joan proposed that wraps, chips, salsa and a sheet cake with the Grange logo be purchased from a nearby Costco as we will not have access to equipment or time to prepare snacks ourselves. Betsy concurred with the recommendation.
• There will be display space for the Shoes for Souls.
• 725 pairs of socks will be on display as part of the national community service project.

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order via telephone at 12:05 p.m. EDT. Also online were Executive Committee member Cheri Watson, Overseer Leroy Watson, Secretary Richard Weiss, Steward Amanda Brozana, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, National Grange President Betsy Huber, Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller and Grange Program Director Loretta Washington.

Kile Fund

President Smith informed us that she is working on tracking 2015 Kile Fund contributions.  Burton Eller confirmed that National Grange received a $3,000.00 contribution from the Kile Fund for the 2015 Fly In.  It could be that the check was issued in 2014.  Joan will check the 2014 disbursements.

Minutes

The June 21, 2016 Potomac Grange meeting minutes were approved as read.

Youth and Fellows Programs

Amanda Brozana reported that she is working on a youth t-shirt design featuring a sash printed on the front with words “Future Leader.”  The plan would be for Potomac Grange to pay for the production and give the first 25 free to the youth drill team. The remainder would be sold as fundraisers.  There were some questions about suppliers and quality levels. As most of the meeting participants had not seen the design, it was decided to table a decision at this time.  Amanda will email the design to us.

Regarding the Fellows polos, Amanda has found other sources of funding and does not need help from the Kile Fund. Also, the Fellows pay their own travel expenses, so there is no request for travel funding from the Kile Fund.

150th Convention

President Smith informed us that Potomac Grange delegate Grace Boatright has been named chairman of the Transportation Committee.

Dick Weiss will help out with the Monday night tour and has volunteered to cover the office during the week.  He pointed out that he has been asked to go to the hotel on Wednesday.  Plans to cover Thursday need to be worked out.

President Smith notified us that New Jersey will again present a resolution granting voting power on resolutions but not on candidates to Potomac Grange. She also said that there has been discussion of an idea to appoint a “delegate at large” to represent Potomac Grange and states that have not yet qualified for full voting privileges. Following discussion raised questions as to how the delegate would be chosen and how differing opinions among the states would be resolved.  Consensus was that Potomac’s case is unique and we would be best off going it on our own and that NJ should continue to submit their Potomac Grange Voting Rights Resolution.

Joan noted that the National Grange President’s reception will be held in the hospitality suite. About 120 attendees are expected and the space can accommodate that many.  As the hotel’s cooking equipment cannot be used, the plan is to serve pre-prepared items such as wraps.  Jessie Cope and Joan have checked out Costco and plan to stock up from there.  Full sheet cake will also be served for dessert with our Host Region Logo.  It was decided to serve the dessert before attendees leave for the evening budget presentation. Potomac will also offer snacks at the building tour on Monday.

Joan noted the need for crock pots in the hospitality suite as some states plan to serve soup, chili.

She also reminded that Monday’s changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery will be at 4:00 p.m. and the laying of the wreath at 4:15.

Other Business

Betsy Huber notified us of the completion of the Grange PBS video.  She has been using it at state sessions. It will start running on 300 PBS stations in a couple weeks.

Joan alerted us that Potomac’s 2015 tax return has yet to be filed.  This stems from the fact that Potomac has been without a Treasurer for almost two years and right now National Grange Treasurer Stuart Hughes cannot fill that role.  Joan asked if someone can help out.

Dick Weiss noted that second quarter dues have yet to be paid and promised immediate attention.

Granger in Need

Stephanie Tiler’s mother has been hospitalized with heart problems.  Stephanie and her mother are in our thoughts and we offer out support during this trying time.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Weiss
Secretary, Potomac Grange #1

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order via telephone at 12:05 p.m. Also online were Executive Committee member Cheri Watson, Overseer Leroy Watson, Secretary Richard Weiss, Steward Amanda Brozana, Chaplin Grace Boatright, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, and Flora Stephanie Wilkins.

There were no minutes from the April 20 party meeting.

150^th Annual Meeting

President Smith reiterated that Grace Boatright is the Potomac Grange #1 delegate to the convention and that Cheri Watson is the Alternate Delegate.  Cheri pointed out that she may be unavailable one afternoon due to work commitments.

Potomac Grange will be in charge of the hospitality suite on Sunday.  National Grange has requested that the President’s Reception be held in the suite from about 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. As the room’s grills and stoves cannot be used, there was discussion on what to offer for food and whether to do it ourselves, have it brought in, or catered by the hotel.  It is estimated that approximately 120 people will be served.

President Smith asked if the meal can be funded out of the Kile Fund.  Leroy Watson determined that as Stephanie Wilkins will be demonstrating the new membership database, the function can be considered educational and therefore qualifies for funding from the Kile Fund.

President Smith has asked that someone volunteer to take over responsibility for the Sunday hospitality suite.

It appears that some individual states, including Illinois and New Jersey, plan to make bus stops to view the Grange Building apart from the official tour day and there is a concern about having someone at the building to accommodate them.

Patriotic Program

The Vietnam CD is scheduled for release in July.  Austin Miller will soon be shooting footage of the Vietnam Memorial wall.

Dues

At the request by those online, Stephanie notified individuals who are overdue on 2016 dues.  She pointed out that all dues now go from January through March.

Secretary Weiss informed the group that Potomac’s second quarter dues payment is not due until the end of July and that he and Stephanie Wilkins will work out the amount due to National.

Fly-In

Potomac will reimburse in 2017 for two Fly-in scholarship recipients up to a combined total of $1,500.00.  Any funds not utilized will be returned to PG#1.

Junior Grange

Rachel Watson recently received her third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.  As there is no official Junior Grange in New Hampshire, Rachel will participate on the individual basis until she turns 14 years old.

Grangers in need

Potomac Grangers are asked to keep Jessie Cope’s mother in their thoughts as she goes through physical rehabilitation.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

President Joan Smith called the meeting at 9:30 a.m.  Present for the meeting was Master, Joan Smith, Lecturer, Samantha Johnson; Lady Assistant Steward, Jessie Cope; Steward, Amanda Brozana; Treasurer, Andy Sampson; Assistant Steward, Austin Miller; Flora, Stephanie Wilkins; and Chaplain Grace Boatright. We were also joined by new member David Conrath.

Treasurer’s Report

Andy Sampson and Samantha Johnson were both approved to be on the BB&T Account, but we still have been unable to get approval for the banking online. Andy and Master Smith will be going to BB&T after the meeting to clear up this matter.

Andy also discussed his conversation with Overseer Watson about moving the Kile Fund into an interest baring account. It was decided that although we could do it, it would complicate our filings with the IRS and wasn’t worth it.

Eric confirmed that Potomac Grange #1 and the Kile Fund were both approved for their extensions in filing IRS paperwork. The extension is to November 15, 2014 and Eric expects to have all matters settled.

Andy brought up the possibility of updating our accounting software from Excel to Quickbooks. If the National Grange acquires Quickbooks at the end of the year, then we can add Potomac Grange as a company and would discuss paying a portion of $36 a month for the software.

Old Business

A motion was made and approved to change minutes from September 2014 meeting. The correction was in the beginning we have “old” and should be “new” business.

A discussion was brought forward by Jessie Cope and Master Joan Smith about Grace as our 2^nd Delegate. Per National Master, Ed Luttrell’s conversation with Jessie and Dick Weiss to write a letter about requesting Dick’s early leaving at Convention and Grace as the delegate for the rest of session. It was suggested by Austin that Dick just come as the 2016 Coordinator and shadow the 2014 & 2015 Coordinators to help him prepare for Hosting in 2016. This would allow Grace Boatright to be our Honorary Delegate and end the conflicting problems with having 2 Delegates. This was approved.

New Business

Dave Conrath was introduced as a new member and talked about his background and what brought him to Potomac Grange.

We voted to pay 3^rd Quarter Dues and the 2014 National Grange Assessment on Friday, October 24^th, when Master Smith and Secretary Weiss will be at the National Grange Office.

The National Arboretum was discussed. Originally, Potomac Grange #1 donated $3,500 to help build a kiosk. As per Lecturer Johnson’s discussions with the Arboretum this project has been indefinitely shelved and they have offered us an alternative: a Bicycle-Powered Blender. The cost is roughly the same, only a difference of $3.32. We would still get recognition on a license plate. Lecturer Johnson was asked to speak with here contact and ask where the bike will be placed and if they are selling rights to other companies.

The Holiday Event was confirmed for January 13, 2015 at 6pm in the National Grange Building. The speaker will be from One Country Connect and if all 5 new members are there we will do an obligation ceremony as well.

Steward Brozana has uploaded the t-shirt design for the “I’ll be Delighted” Campaign. She will activate the link night and leave it open for the 2 minimum days required and then buy a total of 50 shirts to cover the Youth Drill Team, Youth Ambassadors, and Potomac Grange members. We will reopen the link, November 1^st, for the month to raise money for the Youth in Wib Justi’s memory. We will have 2 sample t-shirts available for members to view at National Grange Session and the GrangeConnect will help members purchase their shirts. Master Smith will be paying for the initial 50 and will be reimbursed by the Kile Fund.

Discussion was brought forward about the Delegate Gift of chocolate. David told us about the human trafficking issues surrounding the harvesting of cocoa. Since, Hershey and Nestle are the worst offenders and there are very few Fair Trade Cocoa Companies, it was decided to use non-chocolate. We had 3 different versions of the message for the wrapper: “Vote for those who don’t have a voice”; “Vote for us we can’t”; and “Taxation without Representation, Washington, DC and Potomac Grange #1”. After much discussion the third message was approved along with the Grange logo mixed in as part of the stars on the DC flag. Jessie will buy the candy and labels. Amanda will come up with the design for the label.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.

Next Meeting

We will have no meeting in November or December 2014.

Next meeting scheduled for January 13, 2015.

Respectfully submitted,

Samantha Johnson, Lecturer
Potomac Grange #1

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order via telephone at 9:10 a.m. Also present via telephone were Steward Amanda Brozana and Assistant Steward Austin Miller. Present in the 10^th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC were Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Chaplain Grace Boatright, Secretary Richard Weiss, National Grange Controller Andrew Sampson and National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller.

The minutes from the July 17, 2014 meeting were read and approved as corrected to reflect that T-shirts for the Youth Drill Team will be given by June and Mary Justi, not to them.

Treasurer’s Report

While the current operating account balance is not available at this time, Andrew Sampson did report the following:

• $85.00 in new member dues has been deposited to the Operating Account.
• $87.00 for 2^nd quarter dues has been paid to the National Grange.
• $10.25 is owed to the National Grange store and will be paid the week of September 22.

As of 8/31/2014 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $40,388.91.

There seems to be some confusion regarding the Kile Fund 2013 990 as we have two letters from the IRS, the first stating that a filing extension has been granted and a later one denying it. Andrew will meet with our new CPA on September 24 to straighten things out.

Old Business

The National Arboretum has notified Samantha Johnson that an alternative naming opportunity exists for the $3,500.00 Potomac Grange contributed in 2012 for a “Solar Demonstration Kiosk” that the Arboretum later decided not to build. Potomac Grange has asked for suitable alternatives or the money back. This issue will be taken up at the next meeting when Samantha is back.

There still is no formal estimate for the Grange Building kitchen renovation. It was decided to defer this issue to February, as the status of the Grange Building is uncertain at this time.

New Business

Before moving to old business, there was discussion regarding Potomac Grange representation at the National Convention. There was consensus that Dick Weiss be the Potomac representative with Grace Boatright as a possible co-representative. Weiss expressed some concern about being cast into the role of 2016 convention coordinator. After some discussion, it was decided that Dick, Joan and Jessie will work together on the coordination task. Accordingly the following will take place:

• Jessie will figure out a time and place at the convention to hold the 2016 convention committee meeting.
• Weiss will notify the State Masters of the sponsoring states of the meeting and ask that they have representatives present.
• The three of us will meet to determine what tasks need to be performed and what each state might do.

We will check with Leroy to determine if the Potomac Grange Operating Account or the Kile Fund pays representatives expenses.

It was decided that Potomac Grange’s convention holiday gift would be a candy bar with a Potomac Grange message labeled on it, perhaps something about the 2016 convention. Amanda Brozana will be asked to work up a design.

Other New Business

There was consensus to hold the Potomac Grange holiday event on Tuesday, January 13, 2013 and have it catered in the Grange Building. President Smith will arrange an educational presentation by One Country Connected, an organization supporting the extension of broad band communication throughout rural America.

Jessie Cope informed us that the Maryland State Grange invited Potomac Grange members to join them on a tour of Gettysburg on Saturday, September 19.

The National Grange sent a letter to all Granges asking members to contribute $10.00 each to National to defray legal costs arising from trade mark issues and the California situation.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

The next meeting will be October 21, 2014.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

Secretary Richard Weiss called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. in the 10th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange building in Washington, DC. Also present were Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Steward Amanda Brozana, Assistant Steward Austin Miller, National Grange Controller Andrew Sampson and new member Allison Archambault. President Joan Smith joined the meeting at 9:15 a.m.

The minutes of the June 17, 2014 meeting were approved as read.

Treasurers Report

Lecturer Johnson presented the following financials.

Kile Fund – As of June 30, 2014 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $41,664.93. A transfer of $2,229.71 was made during June and several checks written in June have yet to clear.

Potomac Grange still owes National Grange $477.02 for costs relate to the World War ll Patriot Program. Kile Fund check number 1750 was cut at the end of the meeting.

There was no report on the Operating Account as the electronic data was not accessible at the time due to password problems.

Old Business

Lecturer Johnson received a response from the National Arboretum regarding construction status of a Solar Demonstration Kiosk towards which Potomac Grange contributed $3,500.00 in 2012. Apparently because any extra energy would not be returned to the grid due to the fact that the garden does not have electrical access, the US National Arboretum Partnership changed its mind on assisting in the installation of the solar panels.

Charla Wanta of the Arboretum asked if Potomac Grange would consider contributing the $3,500.00 towards youth programs. Lecturer Johnson will ask for more details on the youth programs and a decision will be made at the next meeting in September.

Andrew Sampson reported that he has received approval for extension of Potomac Grange’s 2013 form 990.

Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope has the estimate for upgrading the National Grange kitchen. She was absent due to illness in her family and the matter will be taken up at the next meeting.

Amanda Brozana presented two designs for the Youth Program T-shirts in honor of Wib Justi. Consensus was for a voice bubble containing Wib’s famous “I’d be delighted.” quote. It was decided that Potomac Grange will purchase an initial 20 T-shirts so that the supplier can go into full production. Thus shirts will be available for sale at the November convention. The 20 shirts will be given to the youth drill team by June and Mary Justi. The purchase will be made from the Kile Fund.

New Business

Allison Archambault suggested Potomac Grange consider planting a garden on the National Grange building roof or painting the roof white to save energy. We will look into that with building engineer Sandor Szima.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

The next meeting will be September 16, 2014.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. in the 10^th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC. Also present in the building were Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Steward Amanda Brozana, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Secretary Richard Weiss and potential new member guests Mar Kelly and Allison Archambault. Present via telephone was Overseer Leroy Watson.

The April 22, 2014 meeting minutes were approved as amended, the amendment being to note that the Youth Conference Sign a Song judges were from Gallaudet University.

Treasurers Report

In the absence of Treasurer Bobbi Rencevicz, Lecturer Johnson supplied the following financial information.

Kile Fund

Value of Bank of America trust as of 3/31/2014                           $316,360.00
PNC Checking Account balance as of 3/31/2014                            $34,836.08
Check #1746 to American Express                                                           – 923.37
Check # 1747 to National Grange                                                              – 621.93
Check # 1748 to Joan Smith                                                                          -27.56
Check #1749 to National Grange for Metro Cards and Store              -799.00
Deposit Registration money                                                                     + 780.00
Deposit Grange Store Sales                                                                      + 308.00

Balance as of 5/20/2014                                                                        $33,552.22

Operating Account

Balance at BB&T Bank as of 4/30/2014                                                     $941.62

Old Business

President Smith raised a question about the status of the Solar Demonstration Kiosk at the National Arboretum towards the construction of which Potomac Grange contributed $3,500.00 in 2012. Samantha Johnson will call the Arboretum and inquire as to the construction status. If there is no definitive date, it is felt Potomac Grange should ask for the return of its money.

The Eastern Regional Youth Conference hosted by Potomac Grange April 4through 6 went well with 45 attendees participating in several activities including a tour of Ford’s Theater and Museum. Workshops were held on communications, advocacy and other Grange functions. Competitions included public speaking, Sign-a-Song, and drills. For their community service project Grangers made dog toys and treats for the Washington Humane Society, for which a “thank you” letter was recently received.

Discussion turned to the possibility of Potomac Grange financing improvements to the Goss Conference room kitchen in the National Grange Building. After some discussion, it was determined that the improvements could be paid out of the Kile Fund as a contribution to the National Grange.

Building Engineer Sandor Szima joined the meeting and described what improvements could be made and the approximate cost, which came to $6,000.00. Sandor will do a formal cost estimate.

New Business

Amanda Brozana will look into a T-shirt program to raise funds for the Youth Foundation in memory of Wib Justi. She will work on a logo incorporating Wib’s famous “I’d be delighted.”

The Potomac Grange book and bake sale will be held June 18 and 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Goss Conference Room.

President Smith explained Grange structure and ritual to our visiting guests.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m. Next meeting will be Tuesday, July 15 at 9:00 a.m. in the 10^th floor 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, by phone, at 9:10 a.m. in the 10th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC. Also present present for the meeting was Lecturer, Samantha Johnson; Lady Assistant Steward, Jessie Cope; Steward, Amanda Brozana; Treasurer, Bobbi Rencevicz; Assistant Steward, Austin Miller; Flora, Stephanie Wilkins. Also on the phone, we were joined by Overseer Leroy Watson; and Executive Board Member Cheryl Watson.

Treasurer’s Report  

Kile Fund Investment Account as of March 31, 2014 is $316,360.00
Kile Fund in our PNC Checking Account as April 1, 2014 – $36,061.37

Four checks have been issued from the PNC Account:

$150.00 to the National Grange Foundation-Digitizing Grange Records
$50.00 for Christian Vasquez a judge for the Sign A Song at Eastern Youth Regional
$50.00 for Debbie Colbert a judge for the Sign A Song at Eastern Youth Regional
$105.00 Potomac Grange reimbursement to National Grange; $100 for Ford’s Theatre 50 tickets and $5.00 for Soles4Souls Collection Box.

There was a request from Treasurer Rencevicz to pay $923.37 American Express Bill which was for the food for Eastern Youth Regional Conference; $621.93 various items put on the National Grange credit card for items relating to Eastern Youth Regional; and $27.56 to Joan Smith for her purchase of ice.

Our Operating Account as of March 31, 2014 is $1,149.62. Two checks issued $72.00 for 4th Quarter Dues and $136.00 for Bonding. Ending balance of April 21, 2014 $941.62.

Registration Income from Eastern Youth Regional was $1,290.00 and it was decided to put in our operating account.

Old Business

We discussed the Eastern Youth Regional Conference. Everything went well. Jessie took care of all food and all meal functions went well. We did have left over food which was used for meals for the National Grange Executive Committee and a couple of lunches for the National Grange Staff.

Junior Grange Committee Report

Cheryl and Leroy Watson said that WI Junior Grangers will be joining WI State Junior Grange. They both spoke about Wib Justi’s passing and bringing back “I’ll be Delighted” either back to our Youth or the Grange in general for the National Grange Convention. Would like to have something for the Youth table. Wib was a 70 Year member of Potomac Grange and we discussed something we might do to honor Wib, example challenge coin, a pin, etc.

New Business

We discussed making improvements to the 1st Floor Kitchen at the National Grange Building. Peg, Joan, and Jessie cleaned and got the kitchen ready for use during the Eastern Youth Regional. The kitchen faucet need to be replaced, Joan would like to use money from the operating account to cover costs to replace it. Jessie would like to add a Garbage Disposal. We discussed if Potomac Grange should be responsible for making improvements to the National Grange Building. Talked about if we make changes Potomac Grange could get more use out of the kitchen. Leroy brought forth a motion to form a committee to decide on improvements for the kitchen. This was seconded and passed. Joan and Cheri will be on the committee.

We spoke about obtaining Joan’s Golden Sheaf Award. Amanda would like to do a special presentation. We also looked in to scheduling another book sale either for May or June. Also, we thought about having a lemonade stand outside to bring in people for the book sales.

Also, Joan told us that Dick Weiss has been very ill with pneumonia.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 10:45 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Samantha Johnson
Potomac Grange #1

Meeting start time: 9:36 a.m.

Present on the phone: Leroy Watson, Cherie Watson, Amanda Brozana

Present in the Saunders Library: Joan Smith, Austin Miller, Stephanie Wilkins, Bobbi Rencevicz, Jessie Cope

Minutes read and approved as corrected

Treasurers Report:

Kile Fund Feb. 28 Bal $37,003.67

Kile trust 12/31/13 bal $315,075.65

Operating account 3/18 $969.62

We need to pay 4^th quarter dues of $72. And bonding for $136.

We have a $50 gift certificate to the Grange Store to spend.

Expenditures made from Kile Fund: $100 Ford’s Theater, $5 Soles for Souls, $150 Grange Foundation for scanner

Old Business:

A question came up about the gazebo at the Arboretum. The Lecturer will check on the project.

Youth Conference

Jr. Ambassador Patrick Lanstrum will make a presentation during the conference.

Funds collected for the conference should offset costs.

Jessie will call all state youth directors to determine participation and encourage registrations.

It was decided the $50 Grange Store gift certificate should be used for door prizes for the conference.

Jessie will file for the permit to use the park for the drill competition and practice.

The menus were decided for the conference.

Jr. Grange:

Fox Valley Good Earth had 6 peole at the March meeting.

April 11-13 Wisconsin Great Lakes Leaders Conference will be attended by the Watsons. Jr. Grange bratwurst fundraiser is in development stages.

New Business:

Discussion about fundraising options held. It was decided not to pursue any new fundraisers until after the youth conference. It was decided to ask the youth to bring used books to the conference to contribute to our next used book sale.