MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

February 16, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Commander Bob Baker in ritualistic manner followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call of officers.

Other members in attendance were:

The minutes from the January meeting were read.  A motion to accept the minutes was made by Howard Wolfe and seconded by Ray Sulger.  All were in favor.

Commander Bob Baker then asked if anyone knew of a Brother in distress.  Joe Long said that Camp Secretary Bob Shaffer isn’t feeling well.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information.

     End Balance - $3,268.20

     118 Members have paid their dues

     Help Fund - $144.50

     Ticket Winner (January) – No Winner

     Ticket Winner (February) – Russ Jones

A motion to accept the financial report was made by John Hart.  All were in favor and the report was referred to the audit Committee.

OLD BUSINESS

Commander Bob Baker mentioned the topic of Tax Exemption for Camp #8.  A discussion followed on the tax exempt status of the Camp.  Participating in the discussion were Alan Sweeney, John Hart, Russ Jones, Joe Long, Ray Sulger, Howard Wolfe, Mike Grayson and Scott Teeters.  John Hart recommended that the matter be referred to Attorney David E. Heisler for further study.  All were in favor.

Joe Long discussed letters that were donated to the Camp.  Joe estimated that the letters were worth about $20,000. 

Joe Long also said that the flags and markers were ordered for Memorial Day.  Cost - $75.00.

Commander Baker mentioned that it would be nice to invite Dr. Paul Kerr to come to a Camp meeting and talk about his book on “Civil War Surgeon – James Langstaff Dunn, M.D.”

John Hart suggested it would be nice to have some meeting on the road.  Howard Wolfe and Mike Grayson said it might be best just to have the meetings at the Museum.

John Hart reported that the SVR was unable to attend the Lincoln Day Ceremonies in Philadelphia because of the weather.

Joe Long reported that the Lincoln Day Luncheon this year will be hosted by Joel Searfoss Camp #273.  The Luncheon was changed to Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 1 P.M.

John Hart and Alan Sweeney reported on the many arrangements being made for “Scranton Civil War Day” Saturday April 22, 2006.

A.    The location of the Ecumenical Service will be at the Elm Park United Methodist Church.

B.     Tickets to sell for the Benefit Concert at Scranton High School will be available to all members after the meeting.

C.     Posters will be available.

A suggestion was made to have the “Appomattox Day Luncheon” held in Scranton every year.

John Hart reported that again this year the SVR will participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Scranton.

NEW BUSINESS

Commander Bob Baker appointed John Hart and Scott Teeters to the Memorial Board Association: to serve a two year term.  All were in favor.

Commander Baker also appointed Dale Keklock as the new Graves Registration officer.

Commander Baker reported on the new date for the Dedication of the Civil War Monument in Montrose.  The ceremony will be on Sunday, May 7, 2006 (back up day is Sunday, May 14, 2006).  Camp #8 and the SVR have been invited to participate by Betty Smith of the Susquehanna Historical Society.  John Hart reported that the SVR will participate in the ceremony in Montrose.

Commander Baker reported that he will be attending the “Friends of Scouting Dinner” Thursday, March 16, 2006 at the Genetti Hotel and Convention Center in Wilkes-Barre.  Commander Baker also said that he would like to see Camp #8 take a more active part in the Boy Scout programs in the area.

Joe Long suggested that the Camp should help Commander Baker with the cost of attending the Scout Dinner.

Howard Wolfe made a comment that to support Scouting programs in the area would require a serious commitment on the part of Camp #8.

Alan Sweeney reported that the building we are now in is in the process of being sold.  More information on that will be available as it becomes available to him.

With no further business, questions or discussions, a motion to adjourn was made by Joe Long and seconded by Howard Wolfe.  The meeting was then closed in ritualistic manner.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary