MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

June 15, 2019  

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

Other members in attendance were:

Officers Excused: JVC George Gyuriska

Guest: Gage Shatco, Forest City School District

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

The financial report was read by Joe Long.  Joe let the Camp know that the check for the Department Per Capita had cleared the bank.  A motion was made to accept Treasurer's Report was made by Travis Andes and seconded by Dale Keklock. All were in favor.

Commander Jones reported that he had sent out a letter, and long with Secretary Shaffer by e-mail, about the sale of tickets for the Camp.  He also said he was a little displeased as to the lack of feedback about the subject.  Jerry Skotleski suggested that members take so many tickets and sell to family and friends.  Commander Jonesd also stated we should discuss more ways to improve Monetary flow for the Camp.  Howard Wolfe suggested the raising of dues.  Joe Long suggested we raise dues to $39.00.  A lengthy discussion was held and a motion was made by Bill Fischer and seconded by Jerry Skotleski that we raise the dues for the upcoming year from $38.00 to $39.00.  All were in favor.  Howard also said we continue with a study on the financial stability of the Camp.  Joe handed out a proposed budget for the upcoming year 2019.

SICK MEMBERS:  

Secretary Shaffer reported that his daughter Mallory has started her treatments and is doing well.  Bill Fischer's wife had foot surgery and is doing well.  Commander Jones gave a little history on his daughter's accident and reported they are doing well.

The meeting was then suspended for the Departed Brothers Ceremony.  Those honored were:

We then had the Initiation Ceremony for our newest member Travis Andes which was overseen by Past Department Commander Howard Wolfe.

EAGLE SCOUT: 

Mark Myers reported that he had a good time at the Ceremony he attended which was filmed by Dale Keklock.  Commander Jones thanked Mark for doing the presentation.  Jerry O'Malley also stated that Dale did a great job filming.  Jerry O'Malley and Mary Myers will now do the presentation of another Award on June 30, 2019.

At this point, Jerry O'Malley gave a brief sypnosis of the workshop he and Mark Zurinski attended in Bradford County on management of Museum Archival methods.  They were both impressed with the seminar and are also looking into a grant for the Museum.  Commander Jones said this is an excellent opportunity for the Museum.

OLD BUSINESS:

Commander ones thanked all those who attended and participated in the Memorial Day Ceremony.  A great job was done by all and there was good feedback.  Jerry Skotleski also reported that State Representative for the 112th District Kyle Mullins was also present.  He also asked about the number of ceremonies we have had because the count was off.  They started in 1900, so our next one should be the 121st Anniversary.  Programs will be changed to reflect this.  Jerry was also given a bag of World War II letters and asked if we would like to have them.  A friend found them in a house he had purchased and did not want them to go in the trash.  Joe Long will take them and put them in sleeves and binders.  Dale Keklock volunteered to scan if needed.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Commander Jones will be meeting with members of the Camp Council to discuss ways of raising money for the Camp.  Joe asked that those marching at Nay Aug Park on July 4th meet there by 9:45am.  The procession steps off at 11am.

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR:

PI Jerry O'Malley chronicled the events of General Grant's strategies which focused on manpower.  The Battle of Spotsylvnia Court House was a disaster.  He then went on to introducing the month of June which started toward Richmond and other sites in Virginia.  The Battle of Cold Harbor began.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary