Monthly Meeting

Ezra S. Griffin Camp # 8

October 21, 2023

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

Members in attendance:

Excused Officers: Jim Jones, Howard Wolfe and Jerry O’Malley

Guests: Bob Naughton and Tim Pierce

Minutes from the September meeting were read.

A motion was made by Tim Chase to accept the minutes and seconded by Giovan Lisi. All were in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

A camp balance was given but no official report as the Treasurer was absent.

ILLNESS/DISTRESS:

Continued prayers for Mark Myer’s wife who resides in a skilled care facility.

Bob Shaffer was in attendance and is doing well with his knee.  His daughter, Danielle, has been dealing with thyroid cancer and will have additional procedures in the coming months.

Jerry O’Malley is home recovering from an infection.

Jim Jones and his wife were involved in a serious auto accident and are home recovering.

MEMBERSHIP:

There is a new membership: Timothy E. Pierce who was recommended by Bill Dixon.  Secretary Fischer stated that his application was in order.  Tim introduced himself and then exited the meeting for the members to vote on his membership, which was unanimous.  Tim was then initiated into the Camp and welcomed.  Tim is a local high school history teacher and is a Certified Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg.

Bob Naughton attended the meeting and is considering rejoining the Camp.  He is a descendent of Civil War soldier Michael Kelly.

CORRESPONDENCE:

All General and Department Orders have been emailed to members.

EAGLE SCOUT COMMITTEE:

Commander Skotleski had previously forwarded a letter to Jim for modification for helping spread the word about the SUVCW Eagle Scout Award.  Given Jim’s recent mishap, letter status is unknown but will be worked on when Jim is back up to speed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

The Camp and the GAR Memorial Association (which runs the Museum where the Camp meets) met on September 30^th to determine the appropriate amount for the Camp to contribute toward utility costs for the Museum’s Mall space.  Commander Skotleski, Mark Myers and Bill Dixon met with GAR President Hal Myers.  More time is needed to establish what the utility and Museum attendance “norms” might be in the future.  The decision was made to table the topic until the end of the year to determine the “norms” as well as find out exactly what the Mall owner expects for compensation for the Museum space in 2024.  The Camp and GAR Association committees will meet again on October 28^th to audit the current financial status of both Camp and GAR Association for a clearer understanding of each organization’s abilities.

Hal Myers went to Cathedral Cemetery to discuss the two decaying concrete cannon pedestals in the Gar section.  Unfortunately, the person he needed to speak with was not available and would not be in the near term.

Bill Fischer told the Camp about the proposed Member Qualifications change to the SUVCW Constitution, found in General Order #2 (Amendment) was discussed at the Pennsylvania Department Special Encampment at Harrisburg on October 7^th.  The Encampment voted down the proposed change.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bill Fischer reminded the Camp that we should have draped the Camp charter in honor of departed brother David Klinepeter, an 80-year-old member of the Organization, and the Pennsylvania Department’s longest serving member. 

The Camp agreed that the dues will not change for 2024 as it will remain $50 total.  Bill Fischer will send out notices, with renewal payments to be mailed to Howard Wolfe, Treasurer.

Commander Skotleski stated that porn was recently discovered on the Camp #8 Facebook page, which is an open page.  There have been previous issues with inappropriate posts, and discussion about whether to make a closed Camp Facebook page.  Hal Myers will speak with Dale Keklock, the site administrator to more closely monitor the Facebook posts.  After a discussion, Commander Skotleski made a motion to create a new Camp Facebook page in which only approved Camp moderators can approve posts before they appear online; this motion was seconded by Rich Ryczak and all approved.

Tim Chase and Bill Dixon agreed to create the new Camp Facebook page and serve as administrators; they will post a closeout notice on the existing Camp Facebook page; and then delete the old Facebook page at that date.

Camp Officer Nominations for 2024 were conducted and are as listed:

            Commander                            Rich Ryczak

            Sr. Vice Commander              Mark Myers

            Jr. Vice Commander               Tim Chase

            Secretary                                 Bill Dixon

            Treasurer                                 Howard Wolfe

            Council                                    Hal Myers, Jim Jones and Craig Kelly           

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Commander Skotleski shared information from the Scranton Civil War Roundtable about a General Phil Sheridan living historian who on October 28^th will lay a wreath at the Sheridan Monument on Courthouse Square, then present as Sheridan at 2pm at the Albright Library.

SUVCW Remembrance Day Ceremony and Parade in Gettysburg will be on November 18^th; several Camp members to attend.

Given that our next meeting conflicts with Remembrance Day, the members agreed to move the November meeting to November 11^th (Veterans’ Day) and will begin at 10am.

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

Respectfully submitted,

William E. Fischer, Jr., PCC

Secretary, Camp #8