MONTHLY
MEETING
June 17, 2010
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 | Craig Kelly | Scott Teeters | Douglas Teeters |
| David Teeters | Howard Wolfe | Frost Decker | Bob Sulger | Bob Baker |
| Mike Grayson | Chester Kowalski | Harold Bowers | Mark Kahn | Justin Swan |
The minutes from the May meeting were read and a motion to approve was made by
Bob Baker 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 June - $5,421.22
Help Money - $212.00
No Ticket Winner for June
COMMUNICATION:
Secretary Shaffer relayed an email from Joe Ferrara about a fund raising
event to be held at the Iron Furnaces on June 19th, form 6 to 9 pm to
celebrate the 170th Anniversary. There will also be a Coal Camp
for kids, ages 7 to 12, on July 13th and 16th, from 9 am
to 12:30 pm. Information about the vents can be obtained from the
Anthracite Heritage Museum, 570-963-4808.
OLD BUSINESS:
Memorial Day – Commander Sulger thanked everyone for their help in
getting things ready for the ceremony. A special thanks went out to the
Teeters family, especially the parents of Scotts’ wife, as well as the Dunmore
High School Band. Scott Teeters suggested that we encourage the Girl
Scouts to come in uniform the next time they attend the ceremony. Howard
Wolfe added that a lot of people do not understand the concept of Memorial Day.
He suggested that we print a brochure on attire and what is expected of those
participating. Commander Sulger suggested that we find a professional to
play Taps. A discussion followed and Joe Long said he would contact the
Band Director and iron out details for their next appearance.
NEW BUSINESS:
Joe Long reported that we will again this year participate in the Mayor’s Flag Ceremony on July the 4th at Nay Aug Park. Flag carriers should be there by 10:30. Craig Kelly will carry the GAR Flag; Bob Baker the Camp Flag; and possibly Bob Gregory will carry the Spanish American War Flag. Commander Sulger will sit with the dignitaries.
An Open House will be held on Saturday, June 19th from 12 to 3 pm. Joe Long, Ray Sulger and Scott Teeters and sons will be there. We will also hold Open Houses on July 17th and August 21st. Howard Wolfe stated that these months would be better because more people will be in the city.
Bob Baker reported that the Hartford Orphans School will be open of June 26th for those members not attending the Department Encampment. There will also be a Strawberry Festival and the Ireland Camp from New York will also be there.
Joe Long proposed that we have the Appomattox Luncheon at the Hilton in Scranton on April 9, 2011, which will coincide with the Department Encampment to be held here in June 2011. He also stated that this would give members attending a good look at the place where the Encampment will be held. Help would also be needed to get the information out to the Allied Orders, a Guest Speaker and having the Museum open for those who would want to take a tour. Bob Shaffer made a motion that we hold the Appomattox Luncheon in Scranton and Craig Kelly seconded. All were in favor. Commander Sulger requested we have a Color Guard in uniform for this event. Howard Wolfe asked if the SVR would be the Color Guard for the Department Commander? There would have to be at least 4 members in uniform for all events.
A discussion on the Christmas Party was tabled until the September meeting when the Ladies will be present.
Craig Kelly reported that the National Patriotic Instructor is out of the country for a month and no one was left in charge of the Memorial University. All emails have not been answered.
Commander Sulger reported that there will be a ceremony at the Taylor Memorial Cemetery on July 11th to honor Parley Hughes, a Revolutionary War veteran said to be a bodyguard for General Washington. The Taylor Historical Society will also be there.
Secretary Shaffer reported that there will be an Open House at the Sterling
Historical Building on June 26th for those members not attending the
Encampment.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:
Scott Teeters gave a stirring talk on the Civil War Monument at the Riverview Cemetery in Huntingdon, PA, his hometown.. It was donated by the citizens of the town and dedicated on May 31, 1931 to the soldiers of the GAR. Members of the George A. Simpson Post #44 were also present.
Mike Grayson read an article about a Medal of Honor recipient well over due for his Medal. 1st Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing was killed in action on July 3, 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg. A Facebook page was launched to help this man get the Medal he deserved. After 147 years, it finally happened.
Frost Decker updated the Camp on Stephanie Tomko, the photographer who was trying to raise funds to see her sons graduate from their Army schools at Ft. Benning and Ft. Knox. At the end of the ceremony at Benning, they invited 6 soldiers with no family to join them for dinner. At Knox, they invited 9 soldiers who had no one there. The story was picked up by the local Masonic Lodge and others followed. Now there is a National Program being set up called “Surrogate Moms for the Troops”. We at Camp 8, can say that we were a part of this because of our donation to the cause.
The 50/50 winner was Raymond Sulger.
With no further business, questions or discussion, a motion to adjourn
was made and the meeting was closed in ritualistic manner.
Respectfully Submitted,
Secretary