MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

April 19, 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:       

Reading of  Minutes for the March meeting was wavered by group consent.

 FINANCIAL REPORT: 

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:                    

     Members Help Fund at $151.61.

     Ralph Leber won the March 50/50.

     $15 from sale of magnet ribbons was deposited.

     Three checks for a total of $660 were deposited.

     Per capita tax of $2,972 was paid.

     End balance of $2,446.41 in the checking account.

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

 OLD BUSINESS:

Lackawanna County Council of Veterans - Joe Long reported our organization paid a $15.00 membership to join the Council. Anyone who wishes to represent us can attend the monthly meeting held on the first Monday of each month.

Camp Commander - Joe Long reported the Department Commander may be available for a visit during the months of September and October. A room should be secured at the Clarion Hotel when arrangements are made for the visit.

Women’s Relief Corps - For the first time in their history, The Women’s Relief Corps will hold their Convention in the state of Pennsylvania. Meeting is scheduled for early August at the Clarion Hotel. More details to follow.

Carbondale Flagpole Dedication - The flagpole dedication ceremonies scheduled for April 21^st in Carbondale were cancelled because the flagpole is not in place at this time.

Camp Bible - Our Camp Bible is still being repaired by the Lackawanna Historical Society

Courthouse Civil War Monument - The memorial is taken apart and the process of refurbishing has begun.  John Hart expressed concern over stories that cannon which formed part of the memorial might be moved to another location on the courthouse square. He recommended that Attorney Dave Heisler send a letter to County Commissioners on behalf of our organization requesting their consideration in this matter. Commander Baker endorsed the idea.

Memorial Day - Plans for the Memorial Day ceremonies at Dunmore Cemetery are taking shape. Gary Roche will be the speaker. Howard Wolfe found a boy scout to recite the Gettysburg address. Doug Teeters will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Scott Teeters will act as chaplain and give the Invocation and Convocation.  Captain Hart said he needs two stands on either side of the podium for the National Colors and GAR flag. Joe Long reported the Ladies Auxiliary and Daughters will lay a wreath at the Dunmore Cemetery.

Armed Forces Day - A discussion was held if the Camp and Delaney-DeLacy Guard should march in this year’s Armed Forces Day parade. This may be the last year of the parade. It’s sponsor, the 55^th Regiment wants to turn it over to local veterans’ organizations but nobody wants the responsibility. Captain Hart said he wants at least eight members before committing the DDG to marching.

Membership application for William Doughton was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

GAR Museum - Commander Baker said the GAR Museum should open during the Memorial Day weekend. He suggested Saturday, May 16^th, from 10am. to 3pm.  Joe Long said students from the Lakeland School District will visit the museum next Friday at 12:30.

Civil War Cannon - The Memorial Association continues to pursue the case of cannon sold from the Forest Hill Cemetery without our permission. Joe long said the judgment lapsed and a new judgment must be reinstated. This requires papers served by a sheriff at a cost of $1500-$2000. We need to check if we can get a worthwhile compensation for the effort.

Hartford Fair - The 150^th anniversary of the Hartford Fair will take place this August. Commander Baker said our members would be welcome to march in the parade. More details to follow.

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

Respectfully Submitted,

Richard M. Ryczak

Secretary