MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

March 20, 2014  

The meeting was called to order in ritualistic fashion by Commander Frost Decker.

Other members in attendance were:

Absent: SVC Dale Keklock

Guest and upcoming new member: Darren P. Pitts

The minutes for the February meeting were read.  A motion was made to accept the minutes by Craig Kelly and seconded by Dave Teeters.  All were in favor.

The financial report was read by Joe Long with the following information:

     Help money was $270.00

A motion to accept was made by Doug Teeters and seconded by Hal Myers.  All were in favor.

SICK MEMBER: 

Scott Teeters reported that Brother Ronald Robbins has significant health issues and is struggling financially.  He contacted Joe about his situation.  Scott then made a motion that we pay his dues for this year from the help member’s fund.  Joe Long seconded and all were in favor.  Scott also made a motion that we send him a check for $50.00 to help defray his medical bills.  Howard Wolfe seconded and all were in favor. 

APPLICATIONS:  

Darren Ronald Pitts for Associate Membership

CORRESPONDENCE:  

Basket Raffle to be held at the Evergreen Elementary School, Hamlin, PA.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Memorial Day - Craig Kelly suggested that we contact the Dunmore HS Band and have them play the Battle Cry of Freedom on the march to the Civil War Plot.  Howard Wolfe will read General Logan’s Orders.  Justin Swan will have the 143^rd Re-enactors at the service.  A discussion on having ribbons made for the programs was held.  Joe suggested that we take donations to help defray cost.  The Spanish American War, World War I and II re-enactors will be there.

Joe Long reported that he has received many books back from the book binders.  Anyone interested in donating to help with the binding should contact Joe.  The cost is roughly $30.00 per book.  Any member can donate in memory of his relative, parents, grand-parents, etc.  A donation group of members would also be welcome.

There will be NO Open House on March 22, 2014, due to the problems in the Spanish American War room.  Members are asked to come to help out with a general clean-up, loading of boxes and moving things in general.  All help would be greatly appreciated.

Joe Long, President of the GAR Memorial Association would also like to have a meeting beginning at 9:30 at the Museum.  He will contact all the members of the Board.

Treasurer Long reported that we dues are coming in slowly and we have at least 34 members who have not yet paid their dues for this year.

A discussion was held on changing the Meeting and Open House dates in April.  It was decided to have the Meeting on April 24^th and the Open House on April 26^th.  

Meeting suspended while we had the Ladies join us to discuss the change in April.  There was no problem and the Ladies were excused and the Meeting resumed.

The meeting dates for May are as follows:  Meeting May 15^th and Open House, May 17^th, which falls on Armed Forces Day.

NEW BUSINESS:

A ballot was held on new Associate Member Darren Pitts.  All were in favor.

Craig Kelly reported that the Appomattox Luncheon will be held on April 1^st, Department Encampment on June 26th – 29^th, and Remembrance Day November 14^th and Parade on the 15^th.

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

Howard Wolfe discussed the GAR Monument information on the Department Website.  National has a set of criteria which conflicts with what Howard has on his photos.  He suggested that we spread the word and get as many photos and information as possible.

Patriotic Instructor Dave Teeters read an Article from a Pike County newspaper on the Spanish American War and the subsequent Medal of Honor winners.

50/50 winner was Craig Kelly.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary