MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

March 15, 2007

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

Other members in attendance were:

Minutes of the January meeting was read and a motion to approve was made by Robert Shaffer and seconded by Ray Sulger.

 FINANCIAL REPORT: 

     Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:                    

     Members Help Fund at $157.50.

     Bill Osbourne was the February winner of the 50/50.

     End balance of $5,188.68 in the checking account.

     $15 from sale of magnet ribbons was deposited.

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made, seconded and passed unanimously.

 OLD BUSINESS:

Commander Baker mentioned February’s meeting was cancelled due to bad weather.

Appomattox Luncheon - Joe Long said the annual Appomattox luncheon will be held on April 21, 2007 at 1 p.m. at Genetti Hotel, Williamsport, PA. Further details are available in the Battle Cry magazine. This is also the date of Scranton Civil War Day events.

Carbondale Flagpole Dedication - Al Sweeney said the Church service in Carbondale will take place on April 21^st at 1 p.m., not 10 a.m. as originally announced, providing the flagpoles are in place.

Camp Bible - Our Camp Bible was sent out for repairs but has not yet come back from the Lackawanna Historical Society

GAR Museum - Joe Long said our present location is secure until at least June. There are no other developments.

NEW BUSINESS:

Memorial Day - Joe Long said we will need a young person to read the Pledge of Allegiance and someone to read the Gettysburg address. He also mentioned that Rev. McLaughlin will not be available to sing the Lord’s Prayer. He would like to some different individuals involved rather that the same persons every year.  Ray Sulger suggested members should think about family members who might help out and discuss it at next month’s meeting. Dale Keklock was asked to read Logan’s Orders at the event and agreed. Joe Long said we need more programs than last year. He suggested we buy 125 programs and said he will find out about the cost. John Hart said he will secure chairs, tents, the bands and a PA address system. The Delany-DeLacy Guard Ceremonies will take place at Forest Hill and Dunmore Cemeteries and we will also attend the Nay Aug Park Ceremonies.

Department Commander - Joe Long suggested we should invite the Department Commander and his wife for a visit. He said such visits usually consist of asking him to attend our meeting and taking the couple out for dinner. A hotel room will also have to be provided. We would have to find out what dates he is available and his schedule is usually very busy until after the National Encampment.

Pennsylvania Department Encampment - The Pennsylvania 127^th Annual Department Encampment will take place at the Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel and Conference Center, Bethlehem, PA on June 29 – July 30, 2007. Joe Long requested our Camp take out a full-page advertisement in support.

Armed Forces Day Parade - Mike Grayson said he thinks our organization should be represented in the Armed Forces Day Parade in Scranton on Saturday, May 19. Commander Baker endorsed the idea.

Court House Monument - Joe Long read that money for restoring the Civil War Monument in Courthouse Square is available. He expressed concern about a rumor that some cannons that are part of the monument may be moved to another area of the square. Al Sweeny said he did not know if there was any truth to the story.

Veterans Council - Joe Long said the Veterans Council sent a letter inviting us to join. The group meets once a month and membership is $15. He will find out when the next meeting takes place.

Applications - William Edward Doughton of Edwardsville filled out a membership application. He is the Great-great Grandson of General Meade. A committee of John Hart, Ray Sulger and Mike Grayson was appointed to review the application.

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

Respectfully Submitted,

Corporal Richard M. Ryczak

Secretary