MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

November 20, 2014  

The meeting was called to order in ritualistic fashion by Commander Frost Decker in the Meeting Room of the Lackawanna County Historical Society.

Other members in attendance were:

Guest:  Chris Carty

The minutes for the October meeting were read.  A motion was made to accept the minutes by Hal Myers and seconded by Dale Keklock.  All were in favor.

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:

     Help member fund $290.50

    October Ticket Winner - Mary Mazzacaro

A motion to accept was made by Craig Kelly and seconded by Mark Myers.  All were in favor.

SICK MEMBER:

Craig Kelly reported that Hal Myers' wife Maggie is ill.  He also stated that Secretary Shaffer had lost a close family member this week.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Department Orders #6, #7 and #8.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Joe Long reported that the Meeting Room is almost empty.  The maintenance man will call him when complete.  Joe and Howard are awaiting a meeting with the Mayor to see where we stand on continuing to stay in City Hall.  There are 3 years left on our lease and want to see if there is a chance to renew.  Justin Swan said there are rumors of us getting kicked out because the city rents offices all over Scranton and could use the space for some of these offices.  Craig Kelly said he had read that there is Grant money through the Commissioner's for cases like ours.  Commander Frost Decker appointed a committee of Craig Kelly and Hal Myers to look into this matter.  Howard Wolfe said that space in City Hall is designated by the Mayor and he has the final say.  He also said we should look into higher education societies to see if space would be available at one of their institutions: such as Marywood, Penn State, Lackawanna College.  There would be a lot of negotiations so a committee would have to be appointed to handle this matter.  Craig Kelly said that Marywood has just started a Veterans Outreach Project where Veterans can go to interact with others.

The Meeting was then suspended to ask the Ladies in to discuss the Christmas Party.  After a discussion, it was decided to CANCEL the party in lieu of a Welcome Back to Museum Party when we are finally back at City Hall.  More information forthcoming. 

Susan Mertz reported that the 150th Anniversary of the Assassination of President Lincoln is on April 14, 2015.  She suggested that we have a Ceremony at his Monument in Scranton to recognize this date.  She will make replica memorial ribbons for the occasion.  Craig Kelly also asked Joe Long if we could purchase a wreath to present on this day.

NEW BUSINESS:   

Installation of Officers was led by PDC Howard Wolfe.

COMMANDER: Dale E. Keklock

SR. VICE COMMANDER: Craig J. Kelly

VICE COMMANDER: David Teeters

SECRETARY: Robert C. Shaffer

TREASURER: Joseph Long Jr.

CHAPLAIN: Scott Teeters

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR: Harold E. Myers

Commander Dale Keklock thanked everyone for his nomination.  He remarked that members of the Jermyn and Archbald Historical Societies would have been there, but was short notice.  He said he would set up a date for them to tour the Museum.  He also reported that the presentation by Joe and Scott went well and was very informative, especially with all the artifacts.  He said we should consider publicizing when we will have speakers and invite the public to attend and possibly gain membership.

Our next meeting will be held on January 15, 2015 and Open House on January 17, 2015.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

Mark Myers spoke of his Ancestors, Sylvester, Milo and Anthony Myers.  He gave a brief history of their involvement in the Civil War.  Sylvester and Milo were with the 52nd PA Volunteers and Anthony was with the 17th PA Cavalry on the front lines at Gettysburg.  Anthony is buried in the Scott Valley Cemetery and Mark and his family are planning to erect a Monument there in his honor.  He has asked the Camp, Camp Color Guard and Justin Swan's Re-Enactors to participate.  He will have more information at a later date.  Chaplain Teeters then asked for a moment of silence for these brave veterans.

Giovan Lisi reported that he had a good time at Remembrance Day in Gettysburg.  He and Chris Carty marched in the parade and he also got to meet President Lincoln, portrayed by James Getty.  Craig Kelly asked everyone to thank those who represented us on that day.

Hal Myers reported that the Bible used in our Opening ceremony was owned by the son of Milo Myers.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary