MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

September 16, 2023

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

Other members in attendance were:

Candidtate for Membership: Bill Dixon

Minutes from the June meeting were read.  A motion to accept the minutes as read was made by Tim Chase and seconded by Jim Jones, all were in favor. 

Minutes from the August Special Meeting by Zoom were read.  A motion to accept the minutes was made by Rich Ryczak and seconded by Bill Burns, all were in favor.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  

Howard Wolfe reported on our treasury.  A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Craig Kelly and seconded by Bill Burns, all were in favor.

ILLNESS/DISTRESS:

Continued prayers for Mark Myer's wife whose residing in a skilled carte facility.

Bob Shaffer had his second knee replacement and is doing well with his recovery.

Past Camp Commander John M. Hart Jr. passed away on August 23, 2023.  He was an SUVCW Life Member, recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal and twice recipient of the Benjamin Stephenson Award as the top SUVCW recruitor.  Commander Skotleski spoke to his son and offered the condolences of the Camp.  His obit can be found at: https://www.brennanfuneralhomes.com/obituary/John-HartJr

MEMBERSHIP:

There are two memberships: William J. Dixon and Kadin D. Thompson.  Secretary Fischer has previously reviewed their applications and found them in order.

EAGLE SCOUT COMMITTEE: 

With the close of summer, Jim Jones has reached out to Scout leaders with info about the SUVCW Award.  He finds that spring and fall are peak periods for scouts completing their Eagle requirements and having final boards of review.  Jom states that many still do not know about the SUVCW award, and info is not as easily acessed on the new SUVCW website.  There's no problem issuing the SUVCW award to girls earning Eagle Scout.

CORRESPONDENCE: 

All General and Department Orders have been emailed to members. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

Commander Skotleski mentioned that the camp can inexpensively purchase small orange "traffic" cones at Dollar Tree for use during the Memorial Day Rememberance at the Dunmore Cemetery.

The Camp By-Laws amendment to bring our By-Laws into line with the Robert's Rules of Order.  The Camp approved this change during a Special Camp Meeting via Zoom on August 9, 2023.  The Camp By-Laws were updated, signed and forwarded to the Pennsylvania Department Commander, who approved them on August 10, 2023.

The Camp and GAR Memorial Association (which runs the Museum where the Camp meets) needs to finalize the appropriate amount for the Camp to contribute toward utility costs for the Museum's space.  Monthly utilities run about $100 a month.  Visitation over the summer was low but appears to be increasing as the public becomes aware of our new locatoion and hours of operation.  There has also been a decent amount of donations during the same period.  More time is needed to establish what the "norms" might be in the future.  The Museum Board continues to look for ways to "advertise" the Museum, and may consider changing lighting to LED to reduce utility costs.  After some discussion, Commander Skotleski offered a motion to establish a joint committee made up of three members of the Camp and three members of the GAR Memorial Association to come to an agreement on the utility costs.  The motion was seconded by Hal Myers and all were in favor.

NEW BUSINESS:

Info on the PA Department Special Encampment (Special Department Order #1) to deal with the proposed SUVCW Constitution change for Member Qualifications which requires ratification by more than 50% of Departments.  The Encampment will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg at 10:30am.  If you plan to attend, you must obtain a credential card from Secretary Fischer.  The Mid-Year Meeting will follow the Special Encampment.

Commander Skotleski provided a flyer for the PA Department Commader DiFebo's Testimonial Dinner on October 14, 2023.

The Memorial University has been updated and can be found on the National SUVCW website.  For more info: https://www.suvcwmu.org

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Hal Myers requested that the Camp move the October meeting time to 10a, which was agreed to by members in attendance.

Camp Nominations will occur at the October meeting, with Elections at the November meeting. 

Next Camp Meeting will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10am.

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

Respectfully submitted,

William E. Fischer Jr., PCC

Secretary