MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

March 19, 2015

The meeting was called to order in ritualistic fashion by Commander Dale Keklock.

Other members in attendance were:

Guest:  Chris Carty, Pennsylvania Department Jr. Vice Commander

The minutes for the January meeting were read (no meeting held in February die to inclement weather).  A motion was made to accept the minutes by Hal Myers and seconded by Frost Decker.  All were in favor.

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:

     Help member fund $290.50

    January Ticket Winner - Mary Frank Mercer

    February Ticket Winner - Russ Jones

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

SICK MEMBER:

Commander Keklock reported the death of a family member and would have to leave the meeting early.

APPLICATIONS:

Zachary David Zellhart and Mark Frank Zurinski

CORRESPONDENCE:

Department Order #11: By-Laws to National and Department Order #15: Records Preservation.  General Order #15: By-Laws Requirement

Scott Teeters talked about how Department Commander Doug McMillin was concerned about the preservation of the records of the GAR.  Howard Wolfe made a motion that we form a Committee to follow up on these records whereabouts and the condition they are in.  The following members volunteered to undertake these tasks, they are: Dale Keklock, Scott Teeters and Darren Pitts.

OLD BUSINESS: 

A motion was made by Craig Kelly to hold a Memorial Ceremony at Nay Aug Park near the Abraham Lincoln Monument on April 18, 2015 at 11:30am.  Susan Mertz will make replica Lincoln Badges to be worn at the event.  Bob Gregory seconded and all were in favor.

Memorial Day - Joe Long will check with the Bandmaster at Dunmore High School about the band.  Scott Teeters said he could get a sound system with operator, but it runs on AC and would require the use of a generator.  Justin Swan said he has a generator if needed.  Seating changes were also discussed; having the chairs in the road and the podium on the hill.  Joe Long will check with cemetery about closing off the road.

Commander Keklock then suspended the meeting to ask the Ladies to join us and he could bring them up to date on Nay Aug Park and Memorial Day.  Susan Mertz asked an approximate number of badges that would be needed.

The Ladies then were excused and the meeting continued.

NEW BUSINESS:   

Craig Kelly reported that he has the application for the Armed Forces Day Parade.  It is scheduled for May 16, 2015 at 11:30am.  The Color Guard will march along with Justin Swan's 143rd re-enactors and the Ladies Auxiliary.  Anyone from the Camp is also welcome to join them.  Craig then made a motion to forward the application to the coordinator.  Hal Myers seconded and all were in favor.

It was then decided to change the meeting date for May to May 14, 2015.

Scott Teeters then brought up the question of placing flags on the Veterans graves at Dunmore, Forest Hill and Cathedral Cemeteries.  It was decided that we would set the date for May 2, 2015 with a rain date of May 9th.  We will meet at the Museum at 11:00am.

Craig Kelly reported that the Flag at the Monument at Nay Aug is in disarray.  He asked if we should donate a Flag and lanyard so it will be in good shape for the Ceremony.  He also reported that the Appomattox Luncheon will be held at Genetti's in Williamsport on April 25, 2015.  Make your reservations soon.

New member Mark Zurinski was then introduced and he gave a brief history on himself and his ancestor.

Scott Teeters then reported that in an old Department Order, Commander McMillin asked Camps to donate to the restoration of the Soldier and Sailor's Monument in the middle of Gettysburg National Cemetery.  Joe Long made a motion to donate $150.00 from the Camp and at the next three meetings pass the hat and raise another $50.00 to make a total of a $200.00 donation.  Justin Swan seconded and all were in favor.

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

Hal Myers reported that his cousin Mark Myers has set the date of Saturday, May 30, 2015, at 11:00am for the Dedication of his family Monument at the Scott Valley Cemetery in Montdale, PA.

Howard Wolfe wanted to recognize Jr. Vice Commander Dave Teeters on his successful High School Archery season.  Dave also gave a brief talk on the season.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary