MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

September 17, 2015

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

Other members in attendance were:

Guest:  Giovan Lisi's family, Dave Ingerson and Harry Mertz

The minutes for the June meeting were read.  A motion was made to accept the minutes by Hal Myers and seconded by Bob Gregory.  All were in favor.

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:

     Help member fund $330.00

     June and July Winners are not known

     August ticket winner - Mary Jo Long

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

APPLICATIONS:

Timothy E. Chase.  Committee of Hal Myers, Darren Pitts and Bob Gregory reviewed and reported all was in order.  Ballot cast and Brother Chase was unanimously approved.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Request for Eagle Scout Coordinator Information, G.O. #26 Display of Confederate Battle Flag, G.O. #29 Charters, Scholarships and Awards Issued, D.O. #22 Camp #504 re-instated, D.O. #23 Donations to the Soldiers National Monument, D.O. #24 Sections of D.O. #9 vacated, G.O. #1 Change of Command, G.O. #2 Allied Orders Leadership and G.O. #3 Last Real Sons

OLD BUSINESS: 

Commander Keklock asked for a volunteer for Eagle Scout Coordinator.  Joe Long gave a brief description of the duties.

Joe Long asked for 2 volunteers to help with the upkeep of the Spanish American War room.  They would need to check it out, straighten up and clean if needed.

Darren Pitts reported that the GAR Memorial Association Facebook page is up and running and has already had over 50 hits.

Commander Keklock then suspended the meeting and asked the Ladies to join us for a ceremony to honor our Camp Color Guard: Craig Kelly, Bob Gregory, Giovan Lisi, Mary Myers, Darren Pitts, Justin Swan, Dave Teeters and Doug Teeters.  Craig gave a brief summary of the events the Color Guard participated in and then read the names and Secretary Shaffer handed out the certificates.

NEW BUSINESS:   

Bob Gregory donated a set of books to the Museum: The Photographic History of the Civil War.

Joe Long suggested that Secretary Shaffer draft a letter to the Department Commander to ask for the return of the $200.00 the camp donated to the Monument Restoration Project.  He also asked for volunteers to help with Open House on Saturday, September 19th.

Craig Kelly reported that the Camp need to elect another member of the GAR Memorial Association.  Joe Long nominated Mark Myers, seconded by Bob Shaffer and all were in favor.

Craig also reported that Julie Esty of the Ladies would be holding tours at the Dunmore Cemetery on October 4th and 11th.  Volunteers needed to help Joe at a table for briochures, information, etc. and the Color Guard will be there as well. 

Lona B. Day, a Spanish American War veteran and Scranton Police Chief will be mentioned. 

Mayor Cortright is supposed to declare a Lona B. Day day. 

County Commissioners and Marine Corps League will be dedicating a Vietnam War Memorial on September 26th and Craig asked for members to attend to support the cause.  The time is 1pm, but everyone was asked to be there by 12noon.

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

Brother Hal Myers gave a report on the Battle of Antietam which occured on September 17, 1862.  Our meeting night corresponded with the 153rd Anniversary of the Battle.  Joe Long's ancestor and Colonel Frederick Hitchcock, Post Members, were at the Battle.  Colonel Hitchcock went on to be very successful in Scranton and wrote several books.

Secretary Shaffer made a motion to adjourn and was seconded by Joe Long.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary