MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

April 27, 2019  

The meeting was called to order in ritualistic fashion by Commander James Jones.

Other members in attendance were:

Officers Excused: JVC George Gyuriska and Chaplain Hal Myers

Guest and Future Member: Travis Andes

The minutes for the March meeting were read. A motion was made to accept minutes as read by Jerry Skotleski and seconded by Dale Keklock. All were in favor.

The financial report was read by Joe Long.  Help Member Fund $185.00.  A motion was made to accept minutes as read by Jerry Skotleski and seconded by Dale Keklock. All were in favor.

SICK MEMBERS:  

Secretary Shaffer's daughter Mallory is home recuperating after surgery.

Commander Jones thanked everyone for their thoughtsd and prayers for his wife.

APPLICATIONS:

Travis Austin Andes

CORRESPONDENCE:

DO #3 - Passing of Sister Mary Jane Bannon

OLD BUSINESS:

Commander Jones thanked JVC Jerry Skotleski for filling in for him in his absence and for presenting an Eagle Scout Award.  Jerry O'Malley and Joe Long also reported that the ceremony they attended went very well, but was very long.  Commander Jones also reported that he presented 3 ROTC Awards at the University of Scranton.  Outstanding Cadet Ceremonies are also another way of getting our information out to the public.  Bill Fischer reported that a JROTC propgram is coming to Monroe County.

Joe Long reported that the pipes in our room will be replaced in the near future.

Commander Jones read a communication from Craig Kelly about the upcoming Armed Forces Day Parade.  The application is due back to the Committee by May 10th if we decide to march.  The Ladies Auxiliary are interested.  It was decided that the Camp would not participate, but if any member would like to fall in behind the Ladies, this would be appreciated.

MEMORIAL DAY:

Joe Long reported that we need a Chaplain.  He will also contact the Dunmore High School about the band and bugler.  We also need to know what Ladies will be presenting the Wreaths.  The parents of children also need to be asked if they would like their children to participate in distributing flower petals.  Joe also requested help with the Flags, pedestals and podium.  Susan Mertz will recite the Gettysburg Address.

NEW BUSINESS:

Flag Detail is left open.  If needed, we will schedule for May 4th with a rain date of May 11th.  The Dunmore Cemetery was reported to have new flags already.  If we need a detail, Secretary Shaffer will contact members by email.

Commander Jones reported that there will be a Civil War Re-Enactment in Milford on May 4th from 10am to 4pm.  He also reported that the Department Encampment will be held in King of Prussia, PA on June 27th to 30th, 2019 and the National Encampment will be held on August 8th to 11th, 2019 in Independence, OH.

Dale Keklock stated that Hal Myers will be presenting a Civil War program at the Forest City Historical Society.

Commander Jones requested that a member cosider taking the position of Chaplain.  Hal Myers has stepped doen and we need a replacement.  If interested, contact Commander Jones.

Bill Fischer asked for thoughts and prayers for his daughter and son-in-law who have been deployed overseas.  His daughter has since returned, but his son-in-law is still deployed.

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR:

Commander Jones read a report from PI Jerry O'Malley for actions that occurred during the period of 1863 - 1864 in Louisiana, Arkansas and Virgina.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: 

Secretary Shaffer reported that his grand-daughter and Ladies Auxiliary member, Larissa Ellsworth performed in the play "Annie" at the Western Wayne High school.  She had a few different roles in the production.

Bill Fischer, Department Graves Registration Officer, reported in the death of an 18-year-old soldier (name unknown) of the 151st Pevvsylvania Infantry that was killed in action at Cold Harbor.

A question arose about Citizenship Awards and programs in schools by the Camp.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary