MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

October 23, 2021

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

Other members in attendance were:

Officers Excused: SVC Jim Jones, JVC Mike Passero and Treasurer Howard Wolfe

The minutes from the September meeting were read.  A motion was made to accept the minutes as read by Mark Myers and seconded by Giovan Lisi.  All were in favor.

Treasurer Howard Wolfe reported by email to Secretary Shaffer, ne expenditures.  A motion to accept the report was made by Giovan Lisi and seconded by Hal Myers.  All were in favor.

SICK MEMBERS:

Mark Myers reported that his wife was in the hospital.  Hal Myers asked that we keep his wife Maggie in our prayers as she is still under the weather.

INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE:

Jerry O'Malley reported he has tried to contact the Cathedral Cemetery, left messages, but no one has returned his calls.  He will stay on it and report later.

CORRESPONDENCE:

All General Orders and Department Orders were emailed to members.

OLD BUSINESS:

Commander Skotleski thanked Julie Esty for allowing us to be part of her Cemetery Tour.  There was a great turnout.  Rich Ryczak, Mark Myers and Giovan Lisi dressed in uniform and stood at the Mausoleum of Charles Scott.  Rich let everyone know about the Camp.

Dale Keklock reported new member Gage Sacco has purchased a uniform and is now ready to be part of our ceremonies.  He also stated he is still trying to find information on a Camp down south to see if they would like to memoralize the grave of PAtrick Curran.  We now have two radio stations that we can contact if we have any upcoming events, ceremonies, etc.

NEW BUSINESS:

Secretary Shaffer reported that former member Chester J. Kowalski passed away on September 25, 2021.

Hal Myers reported that he has talked to maintenance man Paul O'Hora and he has stated that we may have to get out of our area due to the upcoming renovations to the building.  He also suggested that we go back to ZOOM meetings due to the construction issues at City Hall.

Secretary Shaffer than made a motion to conduct our upcoming meetings via ZOOM, starting on November 20, 2021.  All were in favor.

Next meeting is via ZOOM on November 20, 2021 and continuing indefinitely.  Hal Myers added that we are now part of the Public Library System, and if need be, he can contact Jessica at the Scranton Library and we can use their large meeting room on the second floor of the Library.

Commander Skotleski then asked that we have the Nomination of Officers for the next year.

NOMINATION OF OFFICERS:

-Slate of nominees:

CAMP COMMANDER - Jerry Skotleski

SVC - Hal Myers

JVC - Rich Ryczak

SECRETARY - Bob Shaffer

TREASURER - Howard Wolfe

Council of Administration are, per tradition, the three immediate Past Camp Commanders.

There being no additions or opposition to the slate of nominees, the Camp voted to accept the nominees.  Installation will occur at the November meeting via ZOOM.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Hal Myers reported that on May 30, 2021, that he and Dale Keklock were contacted by Staff Writer Chris Kelly for information on Civil War soldiers buried in Mowry Cemetery in Meshoppen, PA.  Samantha Telesk, her son Matt and friend Angela Wilson, have taken on the task of cleaning the cemetery.

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTION:

Jerry O'Malley gave his report on General Ulysses S. Grant and continued on with the history of General George Gordon Meade.  He was an Engineer and known for being very cautious.

With no further business or discussion, the meeting was closed in ritualistic fashion by Commander Skotleski.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary