Master, Dan Keeley, opened Maplewood Grange #662, on the above date,  with the "Opening the Grange" Ritual at 4:40pm.   Don Sether, Overseer and Ken Fessler, Steward filled the roll.
 
Members acting Pro-Tem:  Sandy Shew, Gatekeeper; and Betty Chipps, Chaplain (due to Laura Ellis' early departure).
 
The following Guest(s) present:  JoAnn Keeley                                            Visitation:  None
 
Roll Call (Secretary):  ”*” indicates NOT in attendance. 
               
                Master:      Dan Keeley                                                       Overseer:  Don Sether  
Steward:    Ken Fessler                                                        Executive Committee #1:  (vacant)
Asst. Steward:   Mike Ellis  *                                             Chaplain:   Laura Ellis  
Lady Asst. Steward:  (vacant)                                           Gatekeeper:   (vacant)
Secretary:  Betty Chipps                                                    Pomona:  Sandy Shew  
Treasurer:  Kathie Femrite                                                 Ceres:      Judi Aus   *                                         Lecturer:   Sandy Shew                                                          Flora:       (vacant)
Member:  Vicki Pounds     
=========================================================================
*****    Members present:  8,  Guests:  1,  Youth:  0 ******                  (Mandatory – Quorum  “7”)
___________________________________________________________________________________

PROPOSALS for MEMBERSHIP:    Laura Ellis (& Mike) were welcomed today. 
Dan Keeley introduced his wife, JoAnn Keeley, and welcomed her interest in joining the Grange.  All members, knowing JoAnn, voted in favor of her membership giving the "voting sign of the order"(hand palm up).
 
Master, Dan Keeley, gave the following Grange introductions to JoAnn, as new member:

• Grange Salutation (with hand motions)
• Annual meeting password:  VISIONARY  (Gatekeeper may require for entrance).
• Master has no vote in meetings - exception:  can vote to break a tie.
• Granges are less formal today (i.e. member personal beliefs can trump Grange ritual), however, the BIBLE stays as the Grange book of faith.

 
 
MINUTES:  (Secretary) January 22, 1017 meeting minutes were emailed.  Dan Keeley asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Vicki Pounds motioned to accept the minutes, Ken Fessler seconded - all in favor, motion passed.
 
COMMUNICATION:  (Secretary)
Clackamas Pomona #1

• Clackamas/Pomona Newsletter of January 26, 2017 was circulated...special mentions:

1.  2016 GRANGE BUILDER PROGRAM Report Form due by March 1st to Pomona Master, Ed Luttrell.
2.  "GOOD DAY," the National Grange 2017 quarterly publication is available to members for $14.
3.  Beavercreek Grange Dinner/Meeting is March 18, 2017... Flyer circulated.
4.  APRIL is "Grange Month".
5.  CLACKAMAS COUNTY FAIR is August 15-19, 2017 - theme "Always in August".
6.  Resolutions due by APRIL to POMONA to be timely for STATE SESSION June 19, 2017 meeting.
         Note:  OREGON STATE GRANGE CONVENTION is JUNE 24-29 in Florence, Oregon.
 
 Oregon State Grange (OSG)

• Dan Keeley:  2017 Oregon State Grange Roster 2/28/17 letter from OSG Master, Susan Noah

- placed  in Maplewood Grange's locked storage cabinet.

• Don Sether:  Oregon State Grange hosting 151st National Grange Convention in Spokane - November 7th-11th, 2017 in Spokane, Washington.

1.  Election of Officers
2.  National 6th Degree ceremony
3.  2017 celebrating 150th Anniversary of National Grange (is December 4th):   
National Membership Drive/Promotion is this year's purpose. 
-   "GRANGE-UP '17...Engage, Connect, Celebrate" promotional pins were handed out.
-   State Grange will Award the Granges leading in percentage of "new" memberships:
    1st Place - Grand Prize:        $750
    2nd Place:                              500
    3rd Place:                             $250
    DISTRICT's with one/more new members will be served an Ice Cream Social by State Grange.
      
 TREASURER Report: (Kathie Femrite) 
Kathie indicated she is over-extended in her family life and wishes to resign.  Kathie suggested Vicki Pounds be nominated to the Treasurer position.  Don Sether motioned we elect Vicki Pounds as Treasurer of Maplewood Grange, Ken Fessler seconded - motion passed by unanimous consent.
 
Currently Dan Keeley and Kathy Femrite are check signers.  Don Sether motioned we elect Dan Keeley and Vicki Pounds as checking account signers, Ken Fessler seconded - motion passed.
 
 
SECRETARY Report:  (Betty Chipps)  - no additional communication or reports.
 
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS
 
Agriculture (Ken Fessler): 
Don Sether:  In Clackamas County WASPS were introduced into "Brown Marmorated Stink-Bug" population and are controlling the reproduction by eating their eggs. 
 
Don Sether:  Requested Dan Keeley enter the "Agriculturalist of the Year" as Maplewood's Award nominee.
 
Dan Keeley:  April 29-30, 2017 is AG  FEST at Oregon State Fairgrounds - volunteers needed.
 
Education (Dan Keeley):  Dan reported (from publication dated 2/1/17): 
Oregon City High School raised graduation rate from low 70's to approx. 95% by:

• Program where teachers show interest in students.
• Students behind are assigned a Mentor - kids get attention and help.

 
Grange Workers Activities (vacant):
 
 
Lecturer (Sandy Shew):  Remember "Rosie the Rivoter"   
 
Legislative (Dan Keeley):   OSG Legislative Day at Salem, State Capital, is April 18th.
 
Don Sether reported:  State Grange needs people to attend Legislature session(s) to report on Grange policies ... Dan Keeley is interested.
 
Dan Keeley reports: 
Lobbying can be good...re:  legislation requiring 20-yr old cars to smog control was dropped.

1. Measure 97 - Tax on Net Revenue, NOT on Profits measure was voted down.
2. State is in Session:  possible tare (weight measure) rate hike in near future.
3. Legislature wants to get rid of Measure 50 Law and add approximately $3,000 to each property tax holder.
4. Road Taxation from Gas Tax to Mile Tax is proposed.

 
 
Membership (Betty Chipps):  no report
 
Rental  (Dan Keeley):  Rentals are down this winter, Dan Keeley suggests perhaps rates are too high.  Perhaps we need to advertise more that Grange rentals are available.
 
Veterans (Sandy Shew):  no report
Youth (Don Sether):  no report
 
 
OLD BUSINESS  (Dan Keeley)

• LEAD TEST:  Passes (with only trace particles found).   Dan will mail Laura Ellis these results to satisfy Food Handler requirements.

 
 
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
 

• ENTRANCE SIGNAGE (Dan Keeley):

OSG Signage Reimbursement Program offers $300+ to improve Grange signage.  Existing street sign is NOT square to the road.  Dan suggests we slant/rotate the framing to increase visibility to Canby-side of roadway.  Application submission due 5/31/17.
Don Sether moved to replace/move outside signage & framing and apply for Grant, Kathie Femrite seconded - motion passed.
 

• Roof Repair-North Side (in need of longer screws):  placed on hold per 1/22/17 Meeting with Don Sether presiding.

 
UNFINISHED BUSINESS  (continued)
 

• Exhaust Hoods for over Stoves:  Per Don Sether, "Request for Grant" due by 05/01/2017.

Grant gives up to 50% or a maximum of $5,000.
 
Cleaning Day ... to be scheduled.
 
 
NEW BUSINESS
 
Visitations:

• Saturday, March 18th:  Beavercreek Grange - St. Patricks Day Dinner 5:00 - 7:00pm
• Thursday, March 23rd:  Salem Capital AG Luncheon

Don Sether:  help Bud Dumolt, POMONA - Legislature & Lobbyists invited - come get acquainted.

• Tuesday, April 18th:  Legislative Day comes to Grange Meeting at State Capitol.
• SAT/SUN, April 29-30:  AG  FEST - Grange booth at State Fairgrounds, planters needed
• SAT, July 15th:  HOP Festival in Hubbard:

-  Dan Keeley suggests the Grange participate with the Chaps & Petticoats Square Dance Club in this local event:  Parade (advertising the Grange), also Food Booth.
 
Treasurer - Bill/Receipts (Dan Keeley):

• $200  received from last Renter
• $200  received from Valley River Dancers for New Years 2017
• $  20 Membership (cash donation) was given to Treasurer.

 

• Expense reimbursement to Dan Keeley for $269.65:

(includes:  $71 roof screws, $50 Water Test, $49 Website renewal, $27.83 Parr Lumber (bulbs), $20 lightbulbs, $12 men's toilet hinges, $15.94 and more)
Betty Chipps motioned to approve expense reimbursement to Dan Keeley of $269.65, Don Sether seconded, motion passed with unanimous consent.
 

• Fire and General Liability Insurance renews through Country Financial for $1,893.

Don Sether moved to approve Fire and General Liability through Country Financial, Betty Chipps seconded, motion passed with unanimous consent.
 

• Dan Keeley inquired on Fiduciary Liability Insurance  (aka: Errors and Omissions Bond) through Country Financial, premium was approx. $200.  Don Sether indicated same insurance is offered through Oregon State Grange for approx. $50. 

Betty Chipps motioned to obtain Fiduciary Bond through Oregon State Grange (fee $99), Don Sether seconded, motion passed with unanimous consent.
 
 
Maintenance  (Dan Keeley): 
Dan has research Siding repair project for (south)West side of Grange as current siding is Pine, which does not hold paint (due to pitch).   Contractor cost is $1,100 to reside, "hardy" plank and materials are $1,500 + paint. 
Don moved to apply for Grant Application to replace siding on "West" side of Grange, with "hardy plank," and including insulation and rollout; Kathie Femrite seconded. 
- Approval "pending."
 
Grange Banner (advertisement that hangs on West-side of Grange) is weathered and fading.  Dan indicated cost to replace would be $120.  Don Sether suggested we check on a "metal" Grange sign - probably just an additional $20.  Another suggestion was to move the Grange Banner to the front of the Grange (now that the church signage no longer occupies the space).
Dan will check on "metal" Grange signage cost(s).
 
OTHER BUSINESS:   future dates for MAPLEWOOD GRANGE CALENDAR include:

• 4th Sunday,   9/24/17 - Maplewood hosts "Degree Day" for new members
• 4th Sunday, 10/22/17 - Maplewood hosts "POMONA" Grange Meeting.

 
 
Meeting Adjourned:  at 5:50pm with the "Closing of the Grange" reading.
 
Next Meeting:  March 26, 2017
 
 
                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted,
 
 
                                                                                    Betty B. Chipps,
                                                                                    Secretary

The Grange opened, on the above date, at 3:30pm and potluck was served.  Don Sether, Overseer, began the meeting at 4:37pm with "Opening of the Grange" reading.
 
Roll Call (Secretary):  ”*” indicates NOT in attendance. 
               
Master:      Dan Keeley        *                                              Overseer:  Don Sether  
Steward:    Ken Fessler                                                        Executive Committee #1:  (vacant)
Asst. Steward:   Mike Ellis  *                                             Chaplain:   Laura Ellis   *
Lady Asst. Steward:  (vacant)                                             Gatekeeper:   (vacant)
Secretary:  Betty Chipps                                                     Pomona:  Sandy Shew  
Treasurer:  Kathie Femrite                                                  Ceres:      Judi Aus   *                                        Lecturer:   Sandy Shew                                                          Flora:       (vacant)
Member:  Vicki Pounds      
==================================================================================
*****    Members present:  6,  Guests:  0,  Youth:  0  ******                  (Mandatory – Quorum  “7”)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Members acting Pro-Tem:  Ken Fessler, Gatekeeper; and Betty Chipps, Chaplain.
 
PROPOSALS for MEMBERSHIP:    Last meeting Dan Keeley expressed, wife, JoAnn Keeley may be interested in joining the Grange.
 
Minutes:  (Secretary) October and November meeting minutes were emailed.  November 27th Minutes were tentatively approved, pending Master, Dan Keeley's input, which would make a quorum.
 
 COMMUNICATION:  (Secretary)
Oregon State Grange (OSG) letter from Susan Noah dated 12/20/16, with enclosures, was circulated:

• Quarterly Report
• Audit Procedures
• Calendar Order Form
• "New" Membership Recognition Forms (for 25, 50+ year recognition)
• "New" Supply Order Form
• In Memoriam Form Bulletin (needed in-addition to reporting the death of a member on the Quarterly Report)

 
Clackamas Pomona #1

• Betty noted the 2017 Clackamas Pomona Roster submission deadline (due 12/20/16) was missed.  Don Sether noted Celia Luttrell could still take the information as she was actively compiling the Roster for print. 
• Roster for Grangers with Businesses is due.

 
 
TREASURER Report: (Kathie Femrite)  Current account balance is $8,144.08. 

• Treasurer Report, covering the quarter, to be presented next meeting. 
• Betty motioned we reimburse for Dan's expenses, approximately $80 as of last meeting.  Motion seconded by Ken Fessler, and carried with all six in attendance at the meeting.

 
 
SECRETARY Report:  (Betty Chipps) 

• 4th Quarter Report was given: two meeting in 4th Qtr and presently 16 members.  Pending a check for $180 and Master's signature, the report can be submitted timely. 

The Goal for 2017 will be to work with OSG's Membership Drive.   Don Sether noted, with just one new member Maplewood could possibly win the award for greatest percentage of new enrollment.
 
 
OLD BUSINESS:  (Betty Chipps)

• Election of Officers 2017 (and Committee Chairs) - ALL Nominees were elected.
• OSG Subordinate/Community Grange Roster was submitted 12/7/16.
• Report on Lifetime and Memorial Lifetime Membership:  The membership enrollment fee(s) are paid only once and invested into the OSG membership pool.  Annual rate of return to Maplewood is dependent on participation in the pool and on current rate of interest.  Don Sether noted that current rate of interest is on its way up.

 
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
 
Agriculture (Ken Fessler):  370,000 plants arrived this week at Fessler Nursery.
Don Sether reported Legislative Director Burton Eller represented the National Grange
at an invitation-only listening session by President Trump's Ag Team (regarding new Farm Bill). 
 
Education (Dan Keeley):  (none):
Grange Workers Activities (vacant):
Lecturer (Sandy Shew):  No report
 
Legislative (Dan Keeley):   Betty reported the Legislature is in-session next month, in Salem. 
Don Sether reported volunteer(s) are needed to report to/from legislature on Grange activities as
Ed Luttrell, our last Lobbyist, is no longer available. Prior Lobbyist Jim Welch, a cattleman,
was Grange Lobbyist many years.  State Grange hoping volunteers will work for now.
 
Membership (Betty Chipps):  Don Sether:  In celebration of the National Grange's 150th year, prizes for new membership will be awarded for participation in the National Membership Drive:  $750 - 1st place, $500 - 2nd, $250 - 3rd.  Districts with one/more new members will be served an Ice Cream social by State Grange.
 
Rental (Dan Keeley):  (none)
 
Veterans (Sandy Shew):  Don Sether reported Governor signed off on awarding Veterans
1-1/2% versus the former 2-1/2% of Lottery Funds.  Grange members should email the Legislature and protest the decline in distribution.
 
Youth (Don Sether):  Don Sether reported FFA youth are encouraged to practice Lecture skills at local their local Grange - either Canby or Warner Grange will host next month's FFA.
 
  
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

• East-side Crawl Space Door - has been attached.
• Water LEAD Test:  Complete.  Test results well within safe limits.
• Entrance Signage:  (no report)
• Roof Repair - North Side (in need of longer screws):  Per Don Sether, less wind on the North side, thus roof will likely hold, for now.
• Exhaust Hoods for over Stoves:  Per Don Sether, "Request for Grant" due by 05/01/2017.

Grant gives up to 50% or a maximum of $5,000.
 
Cleaning Day ... to be scheduled.
 
 
NEW BUSINESS: 
 
Betty searched the Clackamas Pomona Calendar and found Maplewood Grange Meeting Date reflects 4th Tuesdays each Month.  Don Sether reported filing our Pomona Roster will correct the calendar.
 
 
 
OTHER BUSINESS:   Future dates for MAPLEWOOD GRANGE CALENDAR include:

• 4th Sunday,   9/24/17 - Maplewood hosts "Degree Day" for new members
• 4th Sunday, 10/22/17 - Maplewood hosts "POMONA" Grange Meeting.

 
 
Meeting Adjourned:  at 5:15pm with the "Closing of the Grange" reading.
 
Next Meeting:  February 26, 2017