Monthly Meeting

Ezra S. Griffin Camp # 8

December 9, 2023

The meeting was called to order in ritualistic manner by Commander Rich Ryczak.

Members in attendance:

Excused Officers: Mark Myers, Howard Wolfe and Jim Jones

Guest: Kadin Thompson

Minutes from the November meeting were read.

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

TREASURER’S REPORT:

A camp balance was given but no official report as the Treasurer was absent.  18 members have paid their dues for 2024.

ILLNESS/DISTRESS:

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

Bill Burns let us know that Hal Myers is having some medical issues and is at home resting.

MEMBERSHIP:

Kadin Thompson was brought up for membership.  A motion to accept Kadin was made by Tim Chase and seconded by Tim Pierce.  All were in favor.  Kadin was sworn in by Commander Ryczak.

CORRESPONDENCE:

All General and Department Orders have been emailed to members.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Jerry Skotleski brought up the continued posting of spam messages on the current Facebook group.  Dale Keklock is not in attendance at the meeting this month.  If he is at next month’s meeting, Bill Dixon and Jerry Skotleski will work with him to get the page deleted.  Bill Dixon brought up emails that he had come across from the Department to Bill Fischer during his tenure as Secretary.  The emails state that the Department of Pennsylvania is aware of the group and the issues that keep occurring.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bill Dixon brought up to the members attention that Mark Myers had contacted him earlier in the week and advised him that due to a change in his work schedule he is uncertain if he would be able to make the monthly meetings and fulfill his duties of his position.  He regretfully declines the SVC officer’s position.  After a short discussion, it was decided that Tim Chase would be moved to Sr. Vice Commander and Bill Burns would take over as Jr. Vice Commander.  A voice vote was taken with no opposition.

Appointed positions were discussed and a decision to keep all positions the same except for Chaplain which was vacated when Tim Chase became Jr. Vice Commander.  Paul Rogan volunteered to take the position with everyone in favor.

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTION:

Giovan Lisi gave a presentation on Brigadier General Roy Stone.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

The January 2024 meeting will be held on January 20^th at 10am, weather pending.  If the meeting is cancelled due to winter weather, Bill Dixon will let everyone know.

Bill Burns inquired why the Camp does not make donations to sick brothers or their families or to other non-profit groups.  Jerry Skotleski informed him that it had stopped a few years ago due to the Camp being in poor financial shape (no longer an issue).  Currently, the Camp only send to brothers in need if it is a serious medical illness.  It was brought up that there is a Sick Brothers fund that has $185 in it.  The discussion will continue when Howard Wolfe is in attendance to give a more concrete number of what’s in the account.

Paul Rogan brought up the possibly attending more local events to bring more attention to the Camp with the hopes of attracting new members.  A good discussion was had, and the members are currently discussing the possibility of marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Jerry O’Malley asked Bill Dixon to email the newly elected officers and appointed positions their job descriptions and any material that National may have.  He also asked that the link to the Memorial University be sent to all members.  Bill Dixon brought up the open-book nature of the tests on the memorial University page and how beneficial it is for members to take the course.  It was also brought up that upon completion of the course a certificate and pin are sent to each member on behalf of the National Patriotic Instructor.

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

Respectfully submitted,

William J. Dixon

Secretary