022021

MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

February 20, 2021

The Zoom meeting was called to order in ritualistic fashion by Commander Jerry Skotleski.

Other members in attendance were:

Bob Shaffer	Dave Sykes	Timothy Chase
Howard Wolfe	Craig Kelly	Jerry O’Malley
James Jones	Tyler Short

Officer Excused: JVC Mike Passero and Chaplain Hal Myers

Guests: Danielle Shaffer, Susan Mertz and Dorothy Kelly, Ladies Bannen-Long Auxiliary #10

The meeting was suspended so that the Lincoln Ceremony could be held. The program featured:

Opening Prayer by Dorothy Kelly
Opening Remarks by Jerry Skotleski, Commander
Lincoln Poem (Abraham Lincoln by Berton Bellis (1919) read by Danielle Shaffer
Speaker - Susan Mertz on Abraham Lincoln's Dedication at City Point on April 8, 1865
Gettysburg Address read by Timothy Chase
Presentation of Wreath done by cell phone by Jerry Skotleski, Commander
Song - Young Abe Lincoln by Johnny Horton
Closing was done by Jerry Skotleski, Commander

The meeting was then resumed.

The minutes for the January meeting were read. A motion was made to accept the minutes as read by Jim Jones and seconded by Timothy Chase. All were in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

A receipt for the changeover of our website was received.

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Timothy Chase and seconded by Bob Shaffer. All were in favor.

SICK MEMBERS:

None

APPLICATIONS:

Gary E. Snyder of West Pittston will be sending his application soon.

One (1) member was dropped but will be staying on. Bob Shaffer made a motion asking if the Camp would consider paying the $10 re-instatement fee. Commander Jerry Skotleski seconded and all were in favor.

As of today, 7 members have not paid their dues.

EAGLE SCOUT REPORT:

Jim Jones reported that his report is the same as last month. There will be a ceremony on Facebook at 8pm Sunday, February 21st and all female scouts will be inducted as a rank of Eagle. Jerry stated about sending an acknowledgement of their achievement even though we have not been able to attend any of their ceremonies. The girls are from Troop #1057 Mary Mother of God Parish in Scranton. 2 girls are from Scranton (Amy Kohler and Hannah Smith) and the 3rd is from Wayne County (Angelina Krug).

CORRESPONDENCE:

There were more General Orders and Department Orders and they have been emailed to members.

OLD BUSINESS:

Secretary Shaffer had asked Jerry about looking for someone to work on the picture project. This has been put on hold as the teacher is busy at the moment.

Jim's Handbook is good to go. Jerry thanked Jim for his hard work.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bill Fischer has put his hat in the ring for the JVC position for the Pennsylvania Department. Jim Jones voiced his support for Bill and said that he would like to see another member on the Department roster.

Department Encampment is slated for June and may be by Zoom, no decision as of yet. Bob Shaffer has talked to Rob Koenigsburg about it and registration will still have to be sent in for anyone to attend. Credential cards will be printed out for those who attend.

Craig Kelly asked about those who are at the Encampment by Zoom if they can vote and if they would be counted. Howard Wolfe said as long as those are registered, those votes will count. If every member from Camp #8 shows up and votes at the Encampment, Bill's chances are enough to be elected. Howard asked that all members attend if they can.

There was talk of May and the Memorial Day Presentation. Commander Skotleski asked that we think of a speaker for the program should it go on. Bob Shaffer said that he'll talk to Dale Keklock about a new member prospect from Jessup/Philadelphia area who hosts a YouTube channel on history and maybe he could be speaker.

Howard Wolfe spoke about flags for the cemeteries from County and Joe put Howard as contact. Our COunty contact at the VA has passed away and he doesn't know who to contact. Craig asked about the COunty donating $75 each year to us and we have been receiving those donations.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Our next meeting will be held by Zoom on March 20^th at 10:30am or unless changed by the Commander.

Craig Kelly asked about sending a thank you letter to Councilman Bill Gaughan for his help over the years.

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTION:

PI Jerry O’Malley finally joined us and did a brief lecture on the Anaconda Plan, basically a military strategy using a naval blockade.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary