MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

June 16, 2018  

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

Other members in attendance were:

Officers Excused:  Jerry Skotleski and Jim Kobeski

The minutes for the May meeting were read. A motion was made to accept minutes as read by Jerry O’Malley and seconded by Jim Jones. All were in favor.

The financial report was read by Joe Long.

A motion was made to accept minutes as read by Bob Shaffer and seconded by Jerry O’Malley. All were in favor.

EAGLE SCOUT COORDINATOR: 

Jim Jones stated he met with the new officers of the Scouts and he encouraged them to have their Eagle Scouts apply for the Eagle Scout Awards.  The ROTC program is still going on.  Jim also informed the members that on January 19^th, the Boy Scouts of America was changed to Scouts BSA.  Upon this, a lengthy discussion was held on the role of women in the Military and Scouting organizations.  Jerry O’Malley said he talked with the Scouts after the Lincoln Ceremony at Nay Aug and told they were doing an excellent job.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: 

Commander Zurinski reported that Memorial Day went well even though changes had to be made to the program.  He also stated that improvements were needed on the speaker system.  The presentation of the Certificate of  Appreciation to Jessica from the Scranton Library would be held in September.  The Camp made a donation to the Towanda Camp.  The information on the cookout on August 26th, will be finalized and sent out by the end of June by Alana Zurinski.  It will be held at Pavilion #2 at McDade Park.  Non-perishable goods will be collected for a local charity.  Proceeds from the basket raffle and monetary donations will be presented to Sister Shirley Reap to help with her medical bills.  Remaining meetings of the Committee will be set at the September meeting.  Joe Long is looking for volunteers to carry Flags at the Flag Ceremony at Nay Aug Park on July 4^th.  On July 12^th, Brothers Hal Myers and Jerry O’Malley will be making a presentation about Abraham Lincoln at the Green Ridge Senior Center.

LIBRARY COMMITTEE: 

Jerry O’Malley reported that the labeling of books is 90% completed.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Commander Zurinski addressed the changes to the By-Laws.  The changes were read at the April and May meetings.  He also said that if we approved, it was still up to the Department to approve our changes.  He asked for a show of hands on the inclusion of the orders from the National Organization (General Order #18).  All were in favor.  On the question of the change of meeting day, 5 were in favor and 1 was not.  Motion carried and all changes will be made to be By-Laws.  They will be sent to Department after signatures are done.  

NEW BUSINESS: 

Secretary Shaffer asked that any members available come to an Open House at the Historians of Sterling Township on Saturday, June 23red from 1 to 4 pm.  It would be great if those who have uniforms could come dressed period fashion.  He also would like to know if the Color Guard would be able to make a Grave Re-Dedication at the Sterling Cemetery, most likely in August.  Further details will be forthcoming.  Any other members should try to make the ceremony.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:  

Ladies President Alana Zurinski will be sending out invitations to the upcoming cookout by the end of June.  Please RSVP as soon as possible.    She also reported that on July 6^th at 6:30 the Dearly Departed Players will be hosting an event written by Ladies Member Julie Esty at the Scranton Library, 2^nd floor, entitled “An Evening at Ford’s Theater.”

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR:   

PI Jerry O’Malley gave a talk on the strategic strong hold at the Vicksburg Fortress.  It was a well informed calendar of events for the time period.

With no further business, the camp was closed by Commander Zurinski in ritualistic manner.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary