MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

March 19, 2009  

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

Other members in attendance were:

The minutes from the January and February meeting were read.  A motion to accept the January minutes was made by Mike Grayson and seconded by Joe Ferrara.  All were in favor.  A motion to accept the February minutes was made by Mike Grayson and seconded by Dale Keklock.  All were in favor.

FINANCIAL REPORT: 

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:                    

     End Balance as of March  $4,346.11

     Help Money - $147.00

     No ticket winner for March – ticket #169

A motion to accept this report was made by Bob Shaffer and seconded by Mike Grayson.  All were in favor.

COMMITTEES:

Bylaws - Howard Wolfe reported that the changes to the By-Laws have been made and this is the second reading.  Howard also commented on the following:

     A. Junior Associates, no decision, to be revisited at the Encampment in New Oxford

     B. Dues were $30 per year, now will read $31.00 per year and will be used as Administrative Expenses to run the Camp.  Any other expenses will be paid for from other activities sponsored by the Camp.

Joe Long reported that postage is becoming a problem.  As of now, 20 members have not paid their dues.  He stated at this rate, at least 15 of these members will be dropped by the end of March.  We should not have to contact many times to get dues paid.  Commander Sulger added that there is a deadline, April 30^th, to get all this paperwork accomplished and sent to the Department.

The Commander then suspended the meeting in order to swear in our newest Junior member, David Teeters.  Commander Sulger started the ceremony and David was sworn in by his father, Brother Scott Teeters.

OLD BUSINESS:

There will be another Open House on March 21, 2009.  Commander Sulger suggested that we organize a committee to get a speaker or organize some type of event for our planned Open Houses.  Members to be present on Saturday will be: bob Gregory, Commander Sulger, Joe Long and possibly Scott Teeters.  Joe added that you may be in uniform or just a neat attire and should wear your badge.

Memorial Day: Dale Keklock reported that Dominic Azzarelli, Historian, will be the Guest Speaker.  The Pledge of Allegiance is taken care of.  Opening and Closing Prayer and Gettysburg Address in progress.  John Hart usually got the chairs from the Antique Car Club.  If this is the case, we need a pickup and 2 members to help (includes pickup the chairs, set them up at the site and then return to the club).  Commander Sulger reported that a ceremony will be held earlier at Forest Hills Cemetery, so non SVR members are requested for chair duty.  The Ladies will present the wreath.  The President of the Daughters will be contacted to speak.  Dunmore High School Band will be contacted to play procession as well as entertain at the service.  John Hart will be contacted about playing Taps as well as someone for the echo.  If John is not available, the person playing echo will play Taps.  John Hart also secured the tent.  Commander Sulger will contact vendors as a backup.  The Spanish American War, World War I and II, re-enactors will be contacted to participate.  Commander Sulger suggested that we include their names on the Program.

Brother Kowalski was asked to invite the Ladies Auxiliary into our meeting to discuss Memorial Day and their participation.  Commander Sulger stated that we should have everyone involved now, which had not happened in past.

Howard Wolfe reported on the Public Address system.  He found one on-line for $99.00, that included the portable amp, hand-held wireless microphone, speaker and case.  If we wanted the speaker stand and tripod this would be extra.  The total of everything was $299.00.  A motion to purchase the complete package was made by Joe Long and seconded by Bob Shaffer.  All were in favor.  Howard also added that we can use the system at special occasions at the Museum and at the upcoming Encampment to be held in Scranton.

Joe Ferrara reported that the SVR marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  Mike Grayson reported that the 109^th Living History Group also marched.  Captain Hart asked if the Delaney-DeLacy Guard could fall in with them.  There were 7 members of the SVR in the parade, with a total of 11,000 participants.

NEW BUSINESS:

Frost Decker reported that he had 2 new membership applications for the Camp:  Justin Swan and Homer Butler.  Homer was present at the meeting and was acknowledged for his impressive information pertaining to Horace Butler, Company D, 179^th Pennsylvania Volunteers, his ancestor.  Commander Sulger appointed Howard Wolfe, Mike Grayson and Joe Ferrara to review the application.  It was approved unanimously.

Joe Long reported that the 2009 Department Encampment will be held at New Oxford, near Gettysburg, PA.  Either the 2011 or 2012 Encampment will be held in Scranton.  He added that not many people attend the Encampments, caused mostly by money problems.  A suggestion was made that if members were interested in attending, even only for one day, that carpools be formed and fuel costs can be split.  As many members as possible should be present on Saturday to be eligible to vote for upcoming Officers.  If you plan to attend, contact Secretary Shaffer for your Credential Cards.

Mike Grayson reported that the American Legion was contacted and was told a hat could be on or off while saluting the flag.  When in uniform, do not remove hat.  He also stated that the Armed Forces Day Parade will be held on May 16^th and this is the more important parade in which to participate.

Commander Sulger stated that in previous years the Camp took out a full page ad in the Department Ad Book.  A motion to take out a full page ad was made by Bob Shaffer and seconded by Joe Ferrara.  All were in favor.  With that, Commander Sulger emphasized that you should express your opinions and, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Rich Ryczak brought in a replica confederate Sword his wife won at the Civil War Ball at Gettysburg.

Joe Ferrara reported that applications for the Spanish American War Camp are being accepted.  There has been no activity of this nature since the early 1980’s.  Throughout the country there are only 400 members total.  A meeting will be held in May.  More information forthcoming.

With no further business, questions or discussion, a motion to adjourn was made by Mike Grayson and seconded by Dale Keklock, all were in favor.  The meeting was closed in ritualistic manner.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary