MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

January 20, 2018  

The meeting was called to order in ritualistic fashion by Commander Mark Zurinski.

Other members in attendance were:

Absent: JVC Jerry Skotleski and Chaplain Jim Kobeski

The minutes for the November meeting were read.  A motion was made to accept the minutes by Craig Kelly and seconded by Hal Myers.  All were in favor.

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

          Help member Fund $205.00

          December Ticket Winner #878 Norman Waschick

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

CORRESPONDENCE:

GO #7 Request to use Skype to allow the initiation of Disabled Brother living in the United Kingdom; GO #8 Request from Brother James Crane to step down as the Chairman of the National Site Selection Committee; GO #9 Visitation Schedule for the Commander in Chief; GO #10 Eliminate possibility of failing to properly recognize dignitaries of the Allied Orders or other organizations; GO #11 Complaint of Harassment; GO #12 Request from Brother Gene Turner to Step down as Chairman of the National Scholarship Committee; GO #13 Passing of Real Daughter Maggie Devane;   Passing of Marilyn Demmy, wife of National Executive Director Dave Demmy; Correspondence from the Department Secretary concerning annual report dates; Christmas Greetings from the Department Secretary.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Eagle Scout Coordinator Jim Jones reported that he has received Eagle Scout Commendation Applications from three Scouts from Dickson City.  The Court of Honor will be held on February 4, 8:30 am at St. Mary’s Visitation Church in Dickson City.  Commander Zurinski will be subbing for Jim Jones.  Anyone else interested is welcome to attend.  He has also sent letters to 5 local Colleges (East Stroudsburg, Kings, Marywood, Wilkes and the University of Scranton) concerning the ROTC Award Program.  He is waiting for responses.  

NEW BUSINESS: 

Hal Myers reported that Mr. Kenneth Serfass (portraying General Grant) will be speaking at the Museum on March 24, 2018.  His topic will be the Campaign of Vicksburg.  Dale Keklock volunteered to film the event.

Contact has been made with Jessica at the Scranton Library for another talk by Hal Myers and Jerry O’Malley on Saturday, April 28, 2018. 

Craig Kelly will contact the City for permission to hold another Program and wreath laving at Nay Aug Park.  It was also suggested we ask the Boy Scouts to attend.

Hal Myers has set up a GAR Museum and Library site on Facebook.  Site has been doing well.

Jerry O’Malley reminded the Camp that a group of Boy Scouts would be at the Museum at 1:00 pm.

Craig Kelly reported that the Lincoln Luncheon would be held in Easton on February 10, 2018 sponsored by Bangor Camp #273 and Auxiliary #10 from Scranton.  Let me know if you should need all the information.

Alana Zurinski is organizing an Easter candy sale which would benefit the Auxiliary.  All are urged to participate.

By a show of hands, it was decided that our next Meeting and Open House will be held on February 17, 2018 at 10:30 and 12:30 respectively.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

The meeting was then suspended and the Ladies were asked to join us.      

Patriotic Instructor Jerry O’Malley spoke briefly about January 1863 and President Lincoln introducing the Emancipation Proclamation, the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Murphreesboro, TN.  

Commander Zurinski and Hal Myers then presented awards to the following:

Commanders Award to Joseph Long Jr.

1^st Annual Joseph Long Jr. Award to Jerry O’Malley

Certification of Commendation for Harry Mertz, presented to his wife, Susan Mertz.

The Ladies were then excused and the Camp proceeded to close.

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

                          Respectfully submitted,

               Robert C. Shaffer

    Secretary