MONTHLY MEETING
EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8
September 15, 2018
The meeting was called to order in ritualistic fashion by Commander Mark
Zurinski.
Other members in attendance were:
| Hal Myers | Bob Shaffer | Joe Long | Jim Jones | Jerry Skotleski |
| Dale Keklock | Jerry O'Malley |
Officers Excused: Jim Kobeski
The minutes for the June meeting were read. A motion was made to accept minutes
as read by Hal Myers and seconded by Jerry Skotleski. All were in favor.
The financial report was read by Joe Long.
A motion was made to accept minutes as read by Dale Keklock and seconded by Jim
Jones. All were in favor.
SICK MEMBER:
Dale Keklock reported that Bob Gregory was in the hospital. Commander Zurinski volunteered to send a card. Joe Long made a motion to send $100 to Bob from the Help Members Fund. Seconded by Hal Myers and all were in favor.
APPLICATIONS:
Michael William Passero. Commander Zurinski appointed a Committee of Jerry Skotleski, Jerry O'Malley and Joe Long to review the application. All were in favor.
EAGLE SCOUT COORDINATOR:
Jim Jones reported no Awards during the summer. Activities should pick up and ROTC activity wills tart after the first of the year. He has also contacted the units reminding them of our program.
CORRESPONDENCES:
DO #2 Seven Shay's Camp reinstated; DO #1 Thank You from Commander Carty; DO #9 Col. Jacob M. Campbell Camp #14 reinstated; GO #4 Suspension lifted for Dept. of Columbia; GO #3 Passing of Marion Eggert Combs; GO #2 Suspension lifted for Dept. of connecticut; GO #1 Message from new CinC Donald Shaw; CinC Message #5 from Mark Day; GO #36 Meritorious Service Award Brother Robert Rogers; GO #35 Meritorious Service Award Bruce Frail; GO #34 Passing of Real Daughter Patricia Albertson; GO #33 Proposed change to SUVCW Constitution; GO #32 Non-filing of Annual Reports Dept. of Columbia and Dept. of Connecticut.
NEW BUSINESS:
Hal Myers spoke on the Messahe from CinC about membership, growth and retention of members. Jerry O'Malley also commented on suggested public awareness and more recognition and hope for the Camps. There was no further discussion by Camp members.
Jim Jones reported he attended both Encampments and pointed out that a survey from the National Organization was sent to randomly selected members. The concern was the way the Organization was functionaing as a whole.
Hal Myers presented a Certificate for the Camp for its participation in the annual Railfest. He also reported that he and Jerry O'Malley visited the Green Ridge Senior Center and presented a talk. They were invited back on Tuesday, September 18th to give a presentation on John Wilkes Booth. Dale Keklock offered to video the event and post on the Facebook page. He also volunteered to video the whole Museum to have a video record of contents.
Jim Jones spoke of how the Boy Scouts can better their awareness to others. He suggested that a patch from the National Organization also be presented with the Eagle Scout Awards.
Hal Myers talked on the problem of our lease and in the same instance, he was notified by Commander Zurinski about a newly renovated room in the Scranton Library. He talked with Jessica, a library worker, and she informed him that this room would be available to us if needed. Jerry O'Malley said that they would also put us on their calendar of events.
Commander Zurinski touched on the subject of organic activities. He suggested that we have a recruiting banner made to display at the Dunmore Cemetery and other activities. The picnic was a big success, attended by over 20 individuals and $306 was raised for Sister Shirley Reap. Commander Zurinski and Giovan Lisi carried the Flags at the 4th of July Ceremony at Nay Aug Park. We now have a coffee service (Kuerig) available in the Meeting Room. Julie esty's Play at the Scranton Library was a big success and many people were turned away. Joe Long commented that Ladies Department President Susan Mertz does a great program on Mary Todd Lincoln.
Hal Myers said we need to get more interest in the Camp. Dale Keklock suggested having Brian Keator as a guest speaker. Hal also suggested we reward emmbers for what they do, even if they do not attend all the meetings.
Next Executive Meeting will be held on October 6th at 12noon.
Next Camp Activity is the upcoming Dunmore Cemetery Tours to be held on October 7th and 14th, 2018. We will have the Flags, applications and other information available. Ladies President Alana Zurinski is planning another fundraiser at Friendly's in Dunmore.
Jerry O'Malley handed out the Mission Statement for the Camp and Museum & Library. He also suggested adding another portion to this that we cover our future goals.
Hal Myers suggested that we solicit sponsors for our Camp activities.
Commander Zurisnki reminded members about Nomination of Officers in October. He will not be continuing as Camp Commander.
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
The meeting was then suspended and the Ladies were asked to join us for the presentation of awards. Secretary Shaffer was given the Joseph Long Jr. Award for his continual dedication and support as Secretary of Camp #8 for the past 29 years. Jim Jones was given a Certificate of Appreciation for his continued diligence as the Eagle Scout Coordinator.
PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR:
PI Jerry O’Malley gave a talk on the state of the War in August and September 1863. (see complete talk listed below)
With no further business, the camp was closed by Commander Zurinski in
ritualistic manner.