MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

May 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:

Bob Shaffer Joe Long Mike Grayson Scott Teeters Douglas Teeters
David Teeters Dale Keklock Joseph Ferrara Howard Wolfe Frost Decker
Chester Kowalski Bob Gregory Craig Kelly Bob Baker Bob Sulger
Homer Butler Steve Thompson      

 

The minutes from the April meeting were read.  A motion to accept the January minutes was made by Mike Grayson and seconded by Bob Sulger.  All were in favor. 

   

FINANCIAL REPORT: 

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:                    

     End Balance as of April  $1,349.69 after submitting per capita tax $3,120.00

     Help Money - $147.00

     Ticket winner for May – Craig Kelly, who donated $50 back to the Camp

Joe also mentioned that he had 4 outstanding checks to Department.  Secretary Shaffer said he had been in contact with Department Secretary McMillin and he was backed up and would not be able to get caught up until after Memorial Day.

                       

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

 

The Commander then suspended the meeting in order to swear in our newest member, Homer Butler.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

Secretary Shaffer read correspondence from Mrs. Barbara Frutchey, thanking Joe for his presentation to the students.  Secretary Shaffer also read a letter from Brother Dan Gershey, Captain, stationed in Iraq.  Secretary Shaffer also presented to the Camp, letters from Dennis Martin pertaining to Ebenezer Tyler Dennison, ancestor of James Turnbull, deceased member of the GAR Memorial Association.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Commander Sulger initiated a discussion on Junior Associates.  He wanted to the Camps’ feeling on the matter, which will be brought up for vote at the Department Encampment.  Many pros and cons were discussed, one notable being that of becoming “babysitters” for unattended Junior Associates at Camp meetings.  Bob Baker said that if someone that young wanted to join, it showed that he had a viable interest in the Civil War.  Joe Long responded that any member attending the Encampment should vote whichever way he sees fit.  The National Organization has already voted YES.

 

Joe Long reported that Spanish American War re-enactor Bob Mishak and World War I re-enactor Bill Burns will be attending on Memorial Day.

 

Joe Long reported that the 4th graders form Newton Ransom were split up between the Historical Society and the Museum, switching locations after completion of the tours.  He also stated that $250.00 was donated to the Museum and it was stated the program was very enjoyable.

 

Commander Sulger commented on the work accomplished to fix the lighting by the entrance door and display case in the meeting room.  Also, switches were replaced in the museum.

 

Memorial Day – Joe and Scott will have chairs to the cemetery by 10:00 am.  Dunmore High School Band will be there.  SVR to be at Dunmore by 9:45 am and afterwards to Forest Hill.  Wreaths to be placed by the Ladies and Relief Corps.  Doug Teeters will carry the Stars and Stripes; SVC Sulger the Camp Flag; and Andrew Xanthis will carry the Delaney-DeLacy Flag.  Craig Kelly will pick up the podium and sound system between 9:00 and 9:15 am.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Joe Ferrara reported that the monument to the 153rd PA Volunteers was vandalized at Gettysburg National Battlefield and has since been restored.  Joe also donated a 1956 picture of the Death Bed of Albert Woolson.

 

Bob Baker reported that he accompanied a group of 44 people to the Soldiers Orphan School near Harford, which was the only state to have such schools.  They totaled 44 in all.  He also stated that it is in need of some TLC.  He suggested that members help in painting and cleaning up the school.  A date will be set in the near future.  He also reported that a Strawberry Festival will be held on the same Saturday as our Department Encampment.  Members not attending the Encampment were urged to visit the school grounds.

 

July 4th – Nay Aug Park, Mayors Flag Ceremony.  Volunteers are needed to carry the Camp, GAR, Spanish American and Olyphant Post 414 Flags.  Commander Sulger volunteered to carry the Camp Flag.

 

Joe Long reported that he had 32 retirees from Sandvik at the Museum for lunch, meeting and a tour the museum.  He also added that if anyone knows of any other organizations wishing to take a tour, to contact him.

 

Another Open House will be held on June 20, 2009, between 12 and 3 pm.  If anyone wishes to help, please contact Joe.   

 

With no further business, questions or discussion, the meeting was closed in ritualistic manner.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary