MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

June 17, 2023

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

Other members in attendance were:

Minutes from the May meeting were read.  A motion to accept the minutes as read was made by Bob Shaffer and seconded by Rich Ryczak, all were in favor. 

TREASURER'S REPORT:  

Howard Wolfe reported on our treasury.  Two payments were paid to the National and Pennsylvania Department for the Per Capita and the third to the Memorial Day speaker honorarium.  A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Bill Burns and seconded by Jim Jones, all were in favor.

ILLNESS/DISTRESS:

Mark Myer's wife remains in a skilled care facility.  Continued prayers.

EAGLE SCOUT COMMITTEE: 

Jim Jones continues his efforts; nothing new to report.  He finds that Spring and Fall are peak periods for scouts completing their requirements and having final boards of review.  Jim stated that many still do not know about the SUVCW award, and info is not as easily acessed o the new SUVCW website.

CORRESPONDENCE: 

All General and Department Orders have been emailed to members. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

Members continued discussion from last month of changing the monthly camp meeting time to 9:30am instead of 10:30am.  Decision was agreed to change start to 9:30am.

Bill Fischer reminded members that if they plan to attend the Department ERncampment in Altoona next week, that they need a signed credential card.

Commander Skotleski noted that he received much positive praise from those who attended our annual Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29th.  A few items were also discussed for future ceremonies:

• Mark Myers has agreed to give the keynote address on the importance of Civil War music at the 2024 Ceremony.

• It's becoming difficult to get early commitment from the Dunmore High School Band.  We may have to consider other options in the future.

• A short discussion was made in the need for traffic cones to block off the road from the cemetery during the ceremony.  We also need signs explaining why the road is temporarily closed.  Costs will be looked into in the coming months.

The May 20th Camp by-law changes were forwarded to the Pennsylvania Department Commander for final review and his signature; they were signed and are in effect.

NEW BUSINESS:

After a discussion between Camp Secretary Bill Fischer and the Pennsylvania Department Commander, offered a camp by-laws amendment to bring our by-laws change procedure into line with Robert's Rules of Orders.  Article XVI, Section 1 - third sentence is considered for change.  "A simple voting majority of members in attendance following the second reading shall be sufficient to make amendments, alterations or deletions a part of the by-laws."  This would then be changed to: "A 2/3 vote of members in attendence following the second reading shall be sufficient to make amendments, alterations or deletion s a part of the by-laws.  Camp members agreed to use this practice and move it for a second reading, either at the September Camp Meeting or at a special meeting over the summer.

Commander Skotleski received a call from someone who made donations to the GAR Memorial Museum concerned about how some of those donations were being displayed.  This is a GAR Memorial Association issue and Hal Myers, GAR Board President, said that this was not a Camp issue and any further calls received should be referred to him.

Jerry O'Malley stated his concern about the Camp and the GAR Memorial Association relating to Museum operations.  He suggested that we look into how other camps that work with Museums, such as Anna M. Ross Camp #1 and the GAR Civil War Museum and Archives in Philadelphia conduct their work.  The Camp anf the GAR Memorial Association are se[erate entities with unique by-laws for each organization.  Annual dues collected by the Camp are strictyl for the National, Department and Camp usage.  The GAR Memorial Association has their own membership.  Jerry would like to increase communication between the two entities and have more involvement by younger/Newer members.  This issue will be a primary focus of discussion at the September meeting.  The GAR Association Board must decide its path and have open discussion with the Camp this Fall.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Bill Fischer mentioned that his former AFJROTC unit from Westland High School in Cetral Ohio recently spent a week in Gettysburg.  Bill joined the cadets/cadre one day and hiked portions (about five miles) of the second anfd third-day battles, along with the National Cemetery, providing historical context to the cadets.  That evening he presented on the U.S. Colored Troops.

The next Camp meeting will be Saturday, September 16th at 9:30am.

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

Respectfully submitted,

William E. Fischer Jr., PCC

Secretary