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.

Present for the meeting was Master, Joan Smith, Lecturer, Samantha Johnson; Lady Assistant Steward, Jessie Cope; Steward, Amanda Brozana; Treasurer, Bobbi Rencevicz; Assistant Steward, Austin Miller; Flora, Stephanie Wilkins; and Chaplain Grace Boatright. On the phone we were joined by Overseer Leroy Watson; and Executive Board Member Cheryl Watson.

Old Business:

A motion was made and approved to change minutes from January 28^th meeting. The correct amount paid to the National Grange for the Potomac Grange Holiday dinner was $942.30. Also, it should be 9 PM Friday, April 4^th for the Sign a Song and Public Speaking Contests for the Eastern Regional Youth Conference.

Treasurer Report:

Kyle Fund as of January 31, 2013 has $37,395.55

We had no update on our operating account.

Also, Treasure Rencevicz has not spoken to Eric our accountant about our IRS Filings for the 2013.

We did receive 3 dues checks, totaling $180 which will be deposited in our operating account at BB&T.

Junior Grange Committee Report:

Cheryl and Leroy Watson said they had 5 Juniors come to the Fox Valley Good Earth Grange #776 meeting in January. They are looking to bring several Granges together in WI to brainstorm about them bringing together their juniors. Rachel Watson will be added to Grange Radio as a speaker.

The meeting was temporarily suspended for 5 minutes for the National Grange Staff Meeting. We reopened at 10:07am.

New Business:

Confirming details for the Eastern Regional Conference that Potomac Grange will be sponsoring, also the National Grange Fly-In will be incorporated into this event.

Jessie Cope was able to get 2 hotels to block rooms for us: The Hilton Arlington for $149.00 plus tax. These rooms can be single/double/quadruple. Breakfast is not included but it is 1 block from the Metro. The room block at the Hilton: 15 rooms for Friday, 15 for Saturday, 10 for Sunday, and 8 for Monday. The Hilton will create a personalized webpage.

The Comfort Inn at Ballston will also give us a block rooms for $99/night + 13% tax for single to quad occupancy. This hotel includes breakfast and free parking but is a bit further from the metro.

All meals, Ford’s Theater entrance price, and $15 Smart Trip Cards will be provided to attendees. The registration price is $30 for 14 and up and $15 for 14 and under.

We are on waiting list for Martha’s Table as a Community Service Project. It has been suggested we look at working with the Humane Society to do a pet adoption as the community service project. President Smith will continue to look for a Community Service Project.

Jessie Cope and Amanda Brozana worked on getting the information and the forms ready for the Registration process. Lecturer Johnson will process registration information. Deadline for Registration has been set for March 28, 2014. Registration will be e-mailed to State Masters and State Youth Directors immediately and put on the National Grange Youth website.

Lecturer Johnson has made the reservations for Ford’s Theater on April 5^th at 2pm.

It was suggested that we use Fran Vitt as one of our judges for the Public Speaking Contest, Lecturer Johnson will contact him. Also, we are trying to confirm one to two judges from Gallaudet University for the Sign a Song Contest.

We are encouraging attendees to bring gently used shoes for the Soles to Souls donation Box.

Grange Advocacy has offered to donate $1,000 worth of Grange Store items to Potomac Grange for sales at the Youth Conference.

Meeting concluded at 11:00 am.

Next meeting scheduled for March 18, 2014.

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order at 9:20 a.m. in the 10^th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC. Also present were Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Chaplain Grace Boatright, Treasurer Bobbie Rencevicz, Assistant Steward Austin Miller, Flora Stephanie Wilkins, Steward Amanda Brozana and Secretary Richard Weiss.

Minutes from the December 10, 2013 holiday meeting were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report

As of December 31, 2013 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was                         $37,395.55

A payment of $2,569.95 was received from the trust in December 2013.

The Operating Fund balance at BB&T Bank was not available. It was surmised that the bank is still emailing statements to Amber and not Bobbi. Amber’s email has been deactivated.

Samantha Johnson advised the meeting that Potomac Grange holds a U.S. Savings Bond which is currently worth $340.24 and could be cashed now. It was decided to wait until the maturity date of June 20, 2014 as the bond is paying 4% and the Operating Fund is sound.

Bills to be paid:

• $395.88 to Richard Weiss for 2013 convention expenses. To be paid from the Kile Fund
• $867.50 to National Grange for the Potomac Grange holiday dinner. To be paid from the Kile Fund
• $72.00 to the National Grange for 4^th quarter 2013 dues. To be paid from the Operating Account.
• $136.00 to the National Grange for bonding insurance. To be paid from the Operating Account.
• An estimated $325.00 to the National Grange for materials and postage for the World War II Patriots Program. This will be finalized when exact postage is determined and will be paid from the Kile Fund.

PR/Communications Committee – Amanda Brozana

• Amanda will work with Stephanie on updating the Potomac Grange web site.
• The Grange Connect photo CD program at the 2013 convention received mild attention.
  

IT Committee – Stephanie Wilkins

Stephanie and Dick Weiss have cleaned up the members list by eliminating many no pays and feel the list is now accurate. Weiss stated that the number of Golden Sheafs was reduced from eight to four, as we could really only identify four.

Program Committee – Samantha Johnson

Samantha and Austin Miller are starting work on the Korean War Patriots Program. They will try to get interviews with Korean War veterans.

Junior Report – Joan Smith and others.

• Jodi Salley will do Grange Radio interviews about her three children who are 10, 7 and 5.
• There was discussion about the new Junior Grange rule which allows juniors to affiliate with a state Grange, not necessarily a Subordinate. This might allow Potomac Grange to create a “virtual” Junior Grange with juniors from outside DC.
  

Membership – Joan Smith

•  Leroy Watson picked up regalia from Potomac Grange for his Wisconsin Junior Grange.

• Tennessee continues work on opening a new Grange in that State.

 Old Business

Potomac Grange #1 will host the 2014 Eastern Regional Youth Conference on April 4 and 5. It has been decided to couple this with the annual Legislative Fly-in on April 7 and 8.

Anticipated Expenses to be paid from the Kile Fund and Registration Fees:

• 50 Metro Smart Cards at $17.00 each ($2.00 for the card. $15.00 in fare.) – $850.00
• Meals Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch for those staying over for the Fly-in. – $1,000.00
• Ford’s Theater Tour – $200.00
• Lodging – It was decided not to use the 4H facility due to minimums and expensive requirements such as mandatory breakfast purchase from 4H. After discussion, it was decided to block rooms in a few hotels, but let the youth groups do their own bookings.
• Registration fees. 14 years and up – $30.00, Under 14 – $15.00.

Tentative Schedule

Friday, April 4 at National Grange Building, Goss Conference Room

Early evening – Grange Jeopardy while youth arrive.

9:00 p.m. Sign a Song and Public Speaking Contests. (Samantha Johnson to contact Gallaudet for judges.)

Saturday, April 5:

9:00 – Work shop at Grange Building

Lunch- Community Service serving at Martha’s Table. Having lunch there.

2:00 p.m. – Ford’s Theater Tour

6:00 p.m. – Drill teams in Lafayette Park followed by dinner in the Grange Building. Grange Radio interviews in the evening.

Sunday, April 5

a.m. – Breakfast and Korean War speaker and certificate presentation.

p.m. – Work on Grange historical documents in sub-basement.

Monday, April 6

a.m., – Possible Pentagon tour.

p.m. – Fly-in.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,

Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

December 10, 2013 was the Potomac Grange #1 annual holiday meeting and dinner.  Present for the 6:00 p.m. gathering in the Goss Conference Room of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC were President Joan Smith, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Steward Amanda Brozana, Secretary Richard Weiss, Chaplain Grace Boatright, Assistant Steward Austin Miller, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, Gatekeeper Fran Vitt, and National Grange intern Hayley Tonner.  Before dinning the following business was conducted.

• It was moved, seconded and passed to pay Richard Weiss and Joan Smith’s incidental National Convention expenses from the Kile Fund as convention participation is educational and benefits all Granges.  After brief discussion, President Smith decided to submit her expenses to the New Jersey State Grange for which she was a second delegate.
• It was moved, seconded and passed to pay this meeting’s expenses from the Kile Fund as the meeting has an educational segment.
•  Steward Amanda Brozana stated that Potomac Grange #1 will play a significant role in the April 4-7, 2014 Regional Youth Conference.  Attendees will be housed in the 4H facility in the District. Amanda knows the 4H people and can closely coordinate events.  Expected attendance is between 50 and 70 youth and adult supervisors.  Joan Smith will look into arranging a tour of the Pentagon.

Chaplain Boatright said grace and thanks to the efforts of Jessie Cope, a sumptuous feast was had by all.

Due to the inclement weather the scheduled speaker on Ag in the Classroom was unable to attend the meeting.  Instead, Lecturer Johnson did an informative and educational laptop presentation on the National Grange Patriot Program WW II.  This program, designed to recognize and honor WW II veterans and chronicle the roles of local Granges in support of our troops, supplied local Granges with certificates of recognition and a series of free Power Point presentations that local Granges can use as part of their recognition ceremonies. The Power Points were produced in house by Austin Miller. The first Power Point CD highlights the extensive and heretofore not recognized roles played by women in this conflict.  The second CD deals with the use of propaganda by both the allies and the Germans.  The third shows the WW II Memorial on the Mall in Washington, DC and recounts Grange activities in support of the war effort.  The Connecticut State Grange actually help fund a bomber, which was christened “The Granger.”

The Patriot Program WW II has been extremely successful with over 300 certificates presented throughout the country.  Plans call for a Korean War recognition program in 2014.

The gathering broke up at approximately 8:30 p.m.  A good and informative time was had by all.

Respectfully submitted,
Richard B. Weiss
Secretary, Potomac Grange #1

Meeting was called to order at 9:05 AM by Overseer Leroy Watson by phone. Also on phone was Executive Member Cheri Watson. In attendance Lecturer, Samantha Johnson; Steward, Amanda Brozana; Flora, Stephanie Wilkins; Ceres, Beverly Mitchell; Pomona, Grace Boatright; Lady Assistant, Jessie Cope; and new National Grange Comptroller Bobbi Rencevicz and intern Bryan Marchefsky.

Approved minutes from June 2013 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report:

PNC- $32,909.65 as of July 31st, 2013. 1st Quarters dues have been paid.

Old Business:

Old Business: Potomac Grange set the date for the used book sale as September 11th and 12. The flyer for the sale was done by Austin Miller. Jessie Cope is helping set up the book sale by organizing the books coming in. Unsold books will be donated to a local library.

We are still trying to organize a farm trip to PA and e-mail to Lance will be going out to ask him if September 21st would work.

New Business:

Elections were set for our September 17th meeting, also our honorary delegate will be chosen.

We will be handling resolutions on a rolling base. A proposed resolution from Amanda was discussed. It is for the “Quarterly Magazine National Grange”, and there was much discussion and was proposed it be reworked and present the new version at the September meeting.

Amanda also proposed a donation for GrangeCONNNECT at the National Grange Convention. She asked for money for more supplies, a sleekbook, buttons, and cd for photos. Amanda seeks a onetime grant from the Kile Fund of $650. Potomac Grange will be listed as a sponsor of the booth in each of the 5 daily newsletters will be given recognition. The proposal was discussed and passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Minutes of the May 26, 2013 meeting were approved as read.

Next Meeting:

Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1

President Joan Smith called the meeting to order via telephone at 9:02 a.m. from New Jersey, where she is looking after grandchildren.  Participating initially via telephone and later live was Steward Amanda Brozana.  Present in the 10^th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange Building in Washington, DC were Ceres Beverly Mitchell, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Treasurer Amber Bell, Secretary Richard Weiss, Austin Miller and intern from China Rachael.

Minutes of the May 26, 2013 meeting were approved as read.

Treasurers Report

As of May 31, 2013 the Operating Fund balance at BB&T Bank was                      $570.60

As of May 31, 2013 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was                              $30,339.70

Potomac Grange’s first quarter 2013 dues are slightly overdue.  Payment will be made the week of June 24 when the latest membership list is available from vacationing Stephanie Wilkins.

Old Business

Construction of the kiosk at the National Arboretum, to which the Potomac Grange has contributed, is still on hold.  An open invitation to visit the Arboretum stands for the Potomac Grange.

Amanda will follow up with Kimball Elementary School regarding the quilt project to determine when it wants to do the project, if it is to be part of the After School Program and what type of quilt is desired.  Potomac Grange will pay for the materials from the Kile Fund.  Once the type of quilt is determined, Samantha will get cost estimates.

The National Grange Fly-in was very successful and the three youths who received Potomac Grange scholarships to the Fly-in got good coverage in their local media.

The invitation to visit the Mason-Dixon Farm near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania still stands.  It was decided to try to visit a Saturday in September, perhaps the 21^st.  Austin will coordinate with the farm.

As a fund raiser it was decided to have a used book sale along with some baked goods.  It was decided to have the book/bake sale after Labor Day.  Amanda will head up organizing the event.

New Business

Steward Amanda Brozana and Overseer Leroy Watson have discussed the possibility of Potomac Grange conducting a study on real estate investment trusts as a possible means of setting up community Grange hall ownership.  Leroy will work on a proposal.

The Department of Labor has recently issued six criteria that must be met in order for non-profits to have unpaid interns.  Should the National Grange not meet all six and be required to pay interns, it was proposed that the Potomac Grange might finance future interns. Brief discussion showed some opposition to this idea and it was decided to table it until it is determined whether or not National qualifies for unpaid interns.

Communications Committee

Amanda and Samantha produced a very attractive and effective fact sheet to accompany the 2013 dues notice.  It is credited for better than expected dues payments.

There was no further business.  The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2013 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

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 9:05am by Master Joan Smith. In attendance Overseer, Leroy Watson and Cheri Watson by phone; Treasurer, Amber Bell; Lecturer, Samantha Johnson; Ceres, Beverly Mitchell; Flora, Stephanie Wilkins; Lady Assistant Steward, Jessie Cope; Assistant Steward Austin Miller.

Minutes from February 19, 2013 meeting were read and corrected. “Was tabled” was added into the minutes under Old Business after Kimball Elementary. Once the correction was made minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

As of March 1^st, the BB&T operating account has $314.62 and the PNC account for the Kyle Fund $29,040.75.

Amber did speak with Eric Bolin and he has agreed to take on Potomac Grange and the Kyle Fund as a client. He will do our 2012 tax forms.

Also, Amber informed us that our 4^th Quarter dues need to be paid.

Old Business

Samantha also received an update from the Washington Youth Garden concerning Potomac Grange’s donation in 2012. Samantha received an e-mail from Charla Wilson at the Washington Youth Garden letting us know that the National Arboretum has asked for alternate plans concerning the kiosk project. She wanted to inform me of this and let me know that they are waiting for final approval on the new plans and wanted to know if we would like to move our donation to another project. We discussed this and decided to keep going forward with the kiosk donation. I e-mailed Ms. Wilson to let her know.

Samantha also got in contact with the DC Modern Quilt Guild about helping at Kimball Elementary School on their quilt project. She is waiting on a response from the guild which meets on April 17^th.

Picked April 20^th as our first choice for visiting Lance’s farm in PA. If that is not possible we have the alternative date of May 18^th. Austin will e-mail Lance to find out if these dates work for our visit.

New Business

Discussed the National Grange Fly-In and some of the problems with the on-line form, which Jessie has since corrected.

Proposed writing a resolution to change the age for the Grange Youth Program and discussed the merits of having Youth and Young Adults programs. We discussed how this change would help with outside fundraising if the Youth was split up. A resolution will be written for our next meeting about segmenting the program.

We discussed the Junior Grange program and kicking off the 125^th Birthday of the Junior Grange at the National Grange session in New Hampshire. Also, a new member joined South Greenville Grange and with them came two new members for their Junior Grange.

We discussed the Patriot’s Program and the distribution of the Women and World War II CD. We spoke about Grange Month.

We have two fraternal concerns, Mark Miller and Sandor Szima.

The last discussion on was whether we should bulk up the operating account. A decision was made to reuse some of our former delegate gifts and regift them at this year’s convention.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

Next meeting

Next meeting is set for April 16, 2013 at 9am.

Respectfully submitted,

Samantha Johnson, Temporary 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