MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

October 19, 2006

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

Other members in attendance were:

The reading of the Minutes of the September meeting were dispensed by motion and general approval of the membership.

 FINANCIAL REPORT: 

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:                    

     Winner of the October 14 50/50 drawing was  Margo Pricthark

     Members Help Fund at $177.50

     End balance of $3,315 in the checking account.

The Camp’s books were audited and everything was in order, as noted by Ray Sulger.

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Bob Sulger and seconded by Mike Grayson.  All were in favor.

COMMITTEES

Our annual Christmas party sponsored by Camp #8 and Auxiliary #10 will take place on Thursday, December 7, 6:30 p.m. at Tiffany’s Tap & Grill, 291 Main Street, Eynon, PA. Price is $21 per person. RSVP by Monday, Nov. 27^th. Contact Joe and Mary Jo Long for details.

 MEMBERS IN DISTRESS: 

Commander Baker noted that Member Jim Tunney’s brother died of cancer and it was suggested the Camp send a sympathy card.

OLD BUSINESS:

Camp Bible - Ray Sulger opened a discussion to consider replacing or rebinding the Camp Bible. The general consensus was most members preferred to use the original Bible. Joe Long said the Memorial Association can have books rebound. If 20 books are rebound it costs $20 apiece, or a single book could be done for $80 - $100.  John Hart suggested the Bible could be rebound by the Lackawanna Historical Society through the intercession of Alan Sweeny.  A motion was then made to replace the Bible with a newer model so the original relic won’t be ruined by continued use.

Patty Lawler Video - Commander Baker asked for an update on the Patty Lawler video featuring our museum which was supposed to run on Public Access Television.  Joe Long said he was uncertain when the program would be aired. Mike Grayson said during Lawler’s last program segment she reported the video would be presented on the next show.

Nomination of Officers for 2007 - The following names were nominated for officers in 2007:

Commander: Bob Baker

Sr. Vice: John Hart

Jr. Vice: Ray Sulger

Treasurer: Joseph Long

Secretary: Richard Ryczak

Elections to take place next month.

NEW BUSINESS:

Appomattox Day - Commander Baker asked if there was any information about next year’s Appomattox Day Luncheon. Joe Long said more details are to follow.

Sharing Our Heritage - Commander Baker recommended that during future meetings members might share information about relatives who participated in the Civil War. Howard Wolfe said it was a good idea but there should be a set time limit.

Newsletter - John Hart said our newsletter is coming out and will include a notation about this year’s membership dues.

Applications for Membership - John Thomas Grady, Moscow, PA; John J. King, Gainesville, FL & Mark William Carlisle, Lewisburg, PA..  John Hart, Ray and Bob Sulger formed a committee to examine the applications.

SVR - John Hart reported the SVR now has 64 members. Some of the new members are from the southern tier of New York state.  This year they plan to erect 2 flagpoles at GAR plots in Dunmore and St. Rose Carbondale Cemeteries and also 5 tombstones. He hopes the organization can do one flagpole per year.  On October 28^th the SVR plans to drill in full dress at the R.J. Walker facility. The practice will be followed by a trip to Towanda area to dedicate two cemeteries.

Gettysburg - Lieutenants Sweeney and Heisler will be in charge of the unit at Gettysburg on November 18^th. Ceremonies this year will start at the Wilson Memorial at 11am.  New poles for the GAR and Camp flags will be used in the Gettysburg parade.

Scranton Civil War Ball - The Scranton Civil War Ball will take place in April, 2007, at the Scranton Club. Dinner at the Radisson will precede the ball. There will be no afternoon concert this year.  Howard Wolfe asked if the City or others would advertise the ball. John Hart replied that the ball is an immediate sellout and no advertising is necessary.

Museum Location - Bob Baker asked about the status of our museum and the present building’s owners. Joe Long reported there was no news at this time. John Hart said there would be a meeting with Mark Perry in early November.

Historical Donations - A book entitled “68^th Encampment of the Department of Pennsylvania GAR, 1938” was donated to the museum by Joe Long.

With no further business, questions or discussion, a motion to adjourn was made and the meeting was closed in ritualistic manner.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Ryczak for

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary