October minutes10/22/2023 Maplewood Grange #662 general meeting was called to order at 3:32 PM, by Master,/President, Dan Keeley, on Sunday, October 22, 2023 with the “Opening of the Grange” reading (downstairs). The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Visitation: (none) Guest: Sheri Chandra (Chinchilla Show contact) Members acting Pro-Temp: Betty Chipps, Gatekeeper; JoAnn Keeley, Chaplain ROLL CALL (Secretary): Members present: 6 + 1 (new) = 7 (Mandatory – Quorum “7”) Dan Keeley, JoAnn Keeley, Don Sether, Roberta Elders, Betty Chipps, Vicki Pounds, and Sheri Chandra (after membership approval). Welcome, Sheri! PROPOSALS for MEMBERSHIP (Dan Keeley) – Sheri Chandra met Grange members at our last meeting on October 1st and she desires membership. Dan asked for discussion before we vote, several of us already chatted with Sheri last meeting. . Members were asked to vote to accept Sheri as a new Maplewood Grange member - vote was unanimous, membership ‘approved’, VSO (voting sign of the order). MINUTES (Secretary): The October 1, 2023 Grange Meeting Minutes were not yet completed - two sets of minutes to be approved next meeting. . COMMUNICATIONS (Secretary, Betty Chipps) – two Flyers were presented from other Granges:
SECRETARY REPORT- (Betty Chipps): No report. COMMITTEE REPORTS HALL (Dan Keeley) – Four party rentals scheduled. Chaps, Gamers and Zumba still have long term contracts. Dan requests: Please observe on Tuesday’s are Trash bins still full? IF so, then please call Dan and report our bins were not emptied. Situation: PGE informed the electrical wires, on top of the roof, are cracked and must be corrected. Whiskey Hill Electrical has agreed to do the electrical wire repair albeit at a higher price ($2,500). – should be done in a couple weeks (after the Grange Harvest Fest.).. Dan asked does PGE charge for two meters? Yes, JoAnn reviewed the bill and noted one ‘basic’ charge of $20 is assessed for each meter. An additional misc. power of 4.49 ( total $24.49) was noted. Dan will inquire whether one (1) meter can be removed. Don Sether motioned and Roberta seconded to access the wires and submit a budget, motion carries, VSO. HALL PROJECTS - in priority order (Dan Keeley): Museum could use some refreshing next.. Repair electrical service wires Northeast side roof needs additional screws Kitchen counters need refinished Kitchen needs exhaust hood and fan Repainting under eaves of hall Kitchen and dining hall floors need refinished AGRICULTURE (Dan Keeley): Good News – Harvest pretty much over with and appears to have been a safe one. Hazelnuts will have a record high crop and prices are edging back up to maybe reasonable levels (and better than average). Oregon has selected a new director for the Department of Agriculture. Alexis Taylor has considerable experience in the Department of Agriculture and most AG groups are cheering the choice. Bad news is getting depressing – giving it a rest this month! COMMUNITY SERVICE (JoAnn Keeley):
EDUCATION (Dan Keeley) – Story from the Oregonian education newsletter by Terah Bennett Queer students at Catholic schools around the Portland area say they’ve felt the effects of guidance released by Portland Archbishop Alexander Sample earlier this year directing schools to use only pronouns assigned to students at birth among other things. At some schools, that feels subtle, with instances such as perceived administrative disapproval of LGBTQ+ icons on school posters. Other students say they’ve felt the blowback more directly, including being deadnamed by classmates. Gwendolyn McGarry, a student body co-president at St. Mary’s Academy, says the conflict echoes battles in the wider Catholic church. “I don’t know if there’s a way to support queer and Christian students at the same time,” she said. Youth Voices reporter Terah Bennett, herself a former St. Mary’s student, interviewed youth across the metro area to bring readers insights into how Sample’s controversial guidance is impacting students. Give her story a read (click at left to follow link)– and don’t forget to keep up on all the latest stories written by our teen writers at Oregonlive.com/youthvoices. LEGISLATIVE (Dan Keeley) – A group has formed to attempt to repeal Measure 110. As might be expected it is largely a Republican party effort at this point. So far I have heard no discussion of whether they want to return to the war on drugs or establish some other policy with regard to mind altering drugs. MEMBERSHIP REPORT (Betty Chipps) – No. Report POMONA REPORT (Dan Keeley) – No report. YOUTH REPORT (Mindy Ferriss) – absent TREASURER’S REPORT (Vicki Pounds) The Treasurer’s Report for the October 22nd Maplewood Grange meeting was emailed 10/19/2023. The opening balance, as of September 29 was $11,165.23 and the ending balance on October 19, 2023 was $11,560.86. Hearing no discussion, the report will be ‘filed for Audit.’ TABLED BUSINESS
Fidelity Bond coverage limits and rates have changed for 2024.. The Grange, in 2023, elected $12,500 of coverage and paid $72 in premium. Comparable coverage in 2024 provides $25,000 of coverage at a rate of $75. The next level of coverage would be $50,000 for $100 premium AND requires an Underwriting application be completed. Don Sether moved to purchase $25,000 of coverage for $75, JoAnn seconded, motion carries, VSO. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Dan Keeley):
- MENU
NEW BUSINESS
10/21/23 Mower Battery Cable 9.99 TOTAL $64.95 Don Sether moved and Betty Chipps seconded to pay the bills, motion carried. VSO
MEMBERS SICK or IN DISTRESS (Dan Keeley) – None reported. GOOD OF THE ORDER (Dan Keeley) – Opportunity is missed by many people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. (Thomas Edison) Guide Dogs for the Blind – Roberta asked if the Grange had an interest in this organization? The site in Boring gives guided tours each Wednesday at 10:00 AM. This organization runs a two-week live-in program: The owner and their potential dog live on site to create a pairing and become acclimated. Graduation is every other Saturday. HEIRLOOM PROGRAM – (picture: senior couple, sit on the sofa with photo album in hand). SPEAK GOOD OF OTHERS, RATHER THAN EVIL. GATHER UP MEMORIES OF OTHERS’ VIRTUES AND PASS BY THEIR FAULTS IN PITY. (Third Degree - Chaplain) NEXT MEETING – Combines November / December business on Sunday, DECEMBER 10th at 3:30 PM – Join us for the Welcome Ceremony for Sheri Chandra, NOTE: Per Dan Keeley November 4th email: The November/December Meeting date has been changed to NOVEMBER 26 at 3:30 PM, to accommodate a scheduling conflict expressed by some members. CLOSING – Meeting was adjourned, by Dan Keeley, at 4:42 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Betty Chipps Secretary September Minutes10/1/2023 Maplewood Grange #662 general meeting was called to order at 3:35 PM, by Master/President, Dan Keeley, on Sunday, October 1, 2023 with the “Opening of the Grange” ceremony (upstairs at stations). Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Visitation: (none) Guest: Sheri Chandra (Chinchilla Show contact) Members acting Pro-Temp: Don Sether, Asst. Steward; Betty Chippis, LAS; Roberta Elders, Ceres; JoAnn Keeley, Chaplain; Don Sether, Gatekeeper. ROLL CALL(Secretary): * indicates NOT in attendance. ** Absentee Members Master: Dan Keeley Steward: JoAnn Keeley Overseer: Don Sether Asst. Steward: Mike Ellis * Lecturer: Roberta Elders Lady Asst. Steward (LAS): Mindy Ferriss * Chaplain: Kathie Femrite * (deceased 9/24/23) Gatekeeper: Sandy Shew Secretary: Betty Chipps Pomona: (vacant) Treasurer: Vicki Pounds Ceres: Judi Aus * Member: Doug Femrite * (withdrew) Flora: (vacant) Member: Laura Ellis: * Member: Ken Fessler * Member: Troy Bayless Executive Committee Members: Jack and Priscilla Weaver (Canby) ** #1 Vicki Pounds Member: Stacie Bernert (OR City) ** #2 JoAnn Keeley Member: Joyce (Olivier) Urnaut (Sandy) ** #3 Sandy Shew ============================================================================================== ***** Members present: 8, Guests: 0, Youth: 0 ***** (Mandatory – Quorum “7 ” _____________________________________________________________________________________________ PROPOSALS for MEMBERSHIP (Dan Keeley) – Introducing Sheri Chandra, residing in Wilsonville, is with the Chinchilla Show rental, desires membership and is here today to meet our grange members. MINUTES (Secretary): The August 27, 2023 Grange Meeting Minutes were emailed 9/25/2023. JoAnn moved to approve the August Minutes, Troy seconded - motion carried, VSO. COMMUNICATIONS (Secretary, Betty Chipps) – See last page SECRETARY REPORT (Betty Chipps): The 2023 3rd Quarter (financial) Report ended SEPT. 30, 2023 with a payable to OSG of $213.75. The Q3-2023 Quarterly Dues report - status below:
Maplewood subordinate Grange Seal was affixed; Q3-2023 report was signed by Secretary and Master, Dan Keeley; and the 2024 Membership List was enclosed - mailed with Q3--2023 Report. Don Sether motioned and Roberta Elders seconded to approve 3rd Qtr Report and issue check for $213.75 to OSG, motion carries, VSO. DRAPING the CHARTER for: Kathie Femrite (Woodburn, OR), Member: July 1, 2015 - until deceased September 24, 2023. Betty Chipps shared Kathie was a friend and will be missed, both in the community and Grange. Kathie and Doug owned Femrite’s Nursery in Aurora, were (life) members of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, held office as Maplewood’s Chaplain and was one to volunteer when the hard work needed to be done. Don Sether had respect for Kathie who was kind and would sign up to volunteer. COMMITTEE REPORTS HALL (Dan Keeley) – Three party rentals scheduled - money pending. Chaps, Gamers and Zumba still have long term contracts. Ernst Electrical now says they have a truck broken down and can’t do our job until it gets fixed. I am exploring other alternatives. Bathroom repairs are almost complete and look great. Museum could use some work now! HALL PROJECTS - in priority order (Dan Keeley): Hall Projects (in priority order): Repair electrical service wires Northeast side roof needs additional screws Kitchen counters need refinished Kitchen needs exhaust hood and fan Repainting under eaves of hall Kitchen and dining hall floors need refinished AGRICULTURE (Dan Keeley) – Good news / Bad news.. Good News – average farm prices have edged up some. Grain prices up a lot should give central and eastern Oregon a boost. Hazelnut prices up only a bit but inventories down a lot gives hope for more good news this year. Also, drought conditions have eased with normal fall rains. Hopefully a good snow pack will follow. Bad news – The fight over water in the Klamath basin is still hot with tribes and fish advocates pushing to eliminate irrigated agriculture. Absent changes in the ESA it appears they will be successful in eliminating the farming. Bringing back abundant runs of salmon is another matter. EPA has “settled” the “mega suite”. A federal judge has approved a court settlement that commits the EPA to fundamentally changing how it regulates pesticides and to pursuing a “pilot project” that aims to eliminate even potential impacts to endangered species regardless of the economic impacts. In the Willamette valley one of the objectives is to favor the western checkerspot butterfly. To that end the regulations appear to make it impossible to apply most insecticides on much of the Willamette Valley. EPA is currently taking public comments on their new regulations at this link: Regulations.gov Sign on to a petition opposing the regulations here: EPA Herbicide Strategy Producer Petition Sign-On Form (google.com) Don Sether said it has been approximately 30 years since he was State AG Director - at Klamath Falls 250 people fought against this …K. Falls has been happening that long ago. Also Don commented he tried to finish plowing, it was very hard ground. Rain predicted tomorrow (3 inches would be nice). COMMUNITY SERVICE (JoAnn Keeley):
Troy would like Grange access Friday night (downstairs) to prepare foods and store in the refrigerator. Also asked if upstairs can be set-up on Saturday beginning 10:00 AM? Yes, Dan advised calendar is open. Troy will be assigned an access code for FFF.group. Hall will be ready to receive guests by 2:00 PM Saturday.
In addition to the estimated $300 groceries/supply costs, Troy asked the Grange if there was any interest to donate a portion of their net proceeds, i.e. 10% to the benefit cause? Given the outcome (attendance, full costs) is unknown, discussion was tabled till the next meeting. EDUCATION (Dan Keeley) – The Oregonian has been looking at and publishing Oregon Department of Education's release of state standardized test scores in reading, writing and math. Those results show there's been virtually no bounceback among Oregon students after two full years back in school buildings. Unlike in some states, such as Tennessee for example, Oregon has not implemented strategies that researchers have said are the most effective at helping students catch up, such as one-on-one or small group tutoring. Tennessee, which has implemented both of those strategies, reported in June that its students exceeded their pre-pandemic performance on the state’s English and social studies tests and made significant gains in math. Tutoring helps, who knew? Now we just need to convince districts they need the help and their lawyers that tutors from the community are not an excessive risk. Oh, and maybe keep teachers from quitting and/or going on strike in frustration. Piece of cake. LEGISLATIVE (Dan Keeley) – No report. MEMBERSHIP REPORT (Betty Chipps): A reminder that 2024 membership renewal is $50/person. 2023 Membership.Dues have been paid, in full, by all members. Kathie Femrite (deceased September 24, 2023) and husband, Doug, will be withdrawn as members effective October 1st. (NOTE: our membership total is only14 members.) POMONA REPORT (Dan Keeley) – No report. YOUTH REPORT (Mindy Ferriss) – absent TREASURER’S REPORT (Vicki Pounds) The Treasurer’s Report for the October 1st Maplewood Grange meeting was emailed 9/29/2023 (there was no September Grange meeting). The opening balance, as of August 25 was $10,583.83 and the September 28 ending balance was $11,165.23. The report will be ‘filed for Audit.’ UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Dan Keeley):
OLD BUSINESS: Betty asked: how did the POMONA 5th Degree go at Maplewood Grange held Saturday, SEPT 23rd. Dan reported 27 people attended and two people took the 5th Degree. NEW BUSINESS
09/28/23 Electric Wire for light $4.17 09/27/23 Wood Floor Cleaner $51.99 Total $86.63
MEMBERS SICK or IN DISTRESS (Dan Keeley):
GOOD OF THE ORDER (Dan Keeley) – The dignity of labor depends not on what you do, but how you do it. (National Grange Newsletter) HEIRLOOM PROGRAM – (picture: woman standing on a hill overlooking the ocean, horizon in the background, fingers forming a window.) CULTIVATE THE HABIT OF LOOKING FOR BETTER AND BRIGHTER DAYS, INSTEAD OF MOURNING OVER THE PAST. (Third Degree - Vice President) NEXT MEETING – Sunday, OCTOBER 22, 2023 at 3:30 PM. CLOSING – Meeting was adjourned, by Dan Keeley, at 4:42 PM. Respectfully Submitted, AuthorBetty Chipps, Secretary. Edited by Dan Keeley Categories |
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