MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

November 16, 2019  

 

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

 

Other members in attendance were:

Bob Shaffer Mike Passero Dale Keklock Time Chase
Jerry Skotleski Jerry O'Malley Howard Wolfe

Officers Excused: JVC George Gyuriska

Guest: PDC Chris Carty

 

The minutes for the October meeting were read. A motion was made to accept minutes as read by Jerry Skotleski and seconded by Mike Passero. All were in favor.

 

There was no financial report.  Joe Long contacted Secretary Shaffer to convey the thought of moving all our Bank Accounts from the Fidelity Bank to our previous Bank, the Wayne Bank.  This is all because Fidelity is not charging a service charge of $12.00 a month ($120.00 a year) for us to do our transactions (checking and CDs).  He also asked that Commander Jones write a letter to this affect to cover this move.  The motion was made by Dale Keklock and seconded by Jerry Skotleski.  All were in favor.  Commander Jones will compose a letter for Joe.

SICK MEMBERS:  

Joe Long was hospitalized for a breathing problem.  He is now home and doing well.

 

Commander Jones suspended the meeting to present Jerry Skotleski with his Membership Certificate and to also initiate Tim Chase into the Camp.  Crag Kelly through Commander jones did the Initiation Ceremony.

 

EAGLE SCOUT COORDINATOR: 

Eagle Scout Coordinator Jim Jones reported that there would be no action until after January 1, 2020.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

GO #8 Acquisition of Real Estate

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Craig Kelly reported that he and Dorothy had received the Marker for the grave of Violet Fahrenholt.  He also asked that we hold a Ceremony in the spring to comemorate the occassion.

Jerry O'Malley reported that the Book Project in the Library is complete and he has put the listing in a binder for Camp use.

Dale Keklock brought some beef sticks with him for the Camp to sample.  A decision can be made to purchase these for $0.55 each and to sell for $1.00 to help with Camp funds.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Craig Kelly asked that we consider following a Department Directive to acknowledge the last Civil War veteran in the County.  He also found through newspaper articles that Comrade Joseph L. Chapmen is said veteran.  A picture of the gravestone was taken by Mark Zurinski awhile ago.  Secretary Shaffer also showed some information he had on him and that he was a member of #433 of Post #139 (No photo available).  PDC Carty reported that this is an on-going project of the National Order.  He also stated there is a Camp producing Markers for either a grave or mausoleum.

 

Commander Jones than suspended the meeting for the Election and Installation of next years' Officers.  A call was made three times for other nominations with no response.  The Camp approved the slate by unanimous vote.  PDC Howard Wolfe was then asked to install the new Officers.  They are as follows:

     Commander - Jerry Skotleski

     SVC - Jim Jones

     JVC - Mike Passero

     Secretary - Bob Shaffer

     Treasurer - Joe Long 

 

The gavel was then transferred to the new Commander Skotleski.  He talked about his aspirations for the upcoming year and also thanked those who voted him to this position.  He also stated we should again interest Boy Scout troops to the Museum.

 

Howard Wolfe also stated that there should be a line or son in the Initiation Ceremony which reflects the offers to help and support of Previous Officers and Camp Members.

 

Craig Kelly reported on the Lincoln Ceremony held before the meeting.  All went well and we will hopefully have our annual Ceremony in April.  The reason for April is that it is the Anniversary of the Assasination of President Lincoln.

 

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

PCC Jim Jones asked about a meeting in December.  Commander Skotleski stated that we would not have a meeting in December this year, but would take under advisement for next year. He also stated that the next meeting would be held on January 18, 2020.  Jim Jones asked if Secretary Shaffer should draft a letter of Congratulations to newly elected Mayor Paige Cognetti.  He would also include information on the Camp.

 

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR:

PI Jerry O'Malley gave a follow-up on the Ceremony which also reflected the Dedication of the Cemetery in Gettysburg.  The news for this day in November 1864, started with the Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg being won and Atlanta being captured.  The Election of a New President rather than the War was on everyone's minds.  He also reported on the happenings through the month of November and the Election of President Lincoln on November 8.

 

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

 

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary