Monthly Meeting

Ezra S. Griffin Camp # 8

April 20, 2024

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

Members in attendance:

Excused Officers: Junior Vice Commander Bill Burns and Chaplain Paul Rogan

Minutes from the March meeting were read by Secretary Bill Dixon.  A motion was made by Bob Shaffer to accept the minutes and seconded by Hal Myers. All were in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Treasurer Wolfe reported our camp balance.  A motion to accept the Treasurer's Report was made by Bob Shaffer and seconded by Hal Myers.  All were in favor.

ILLNESS/DISTRESS:

Hal Myers advised us that Jerry O'Malley has been sick. 

Jim Jones thanked the members for their thoughts and prayers after he and his wife were involved in an accident last year.

EAGLE SCOUT COMMITTEE:

Jim Jones provided an update on his work as the Eagle Scout Coordinator.

CORRESPONDENCE:

All General and Department Orders have been emailed to members.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

There are updates from Bill Dixon regarding the following:

     He has been working with Dale Keklock on the Facebook Group

     Flags have been orderd from the County for Memorial Day

     We officially awarded Emeritus to Bob Shaffer for his years of service as Secretary; this is on hold until Bill Fischer receives confirmation of the Department By-Laws change

     Gary McCutcheon and Jim Straub paid their dues; Bill Dixon is filling out Camp Annual Report as they have been reinstated to full membership status

NEW BUSINESS:

Bill Dixon received a correspondence from the Armes Forces Parade Committee about the Camp marching in the upcoming parade.  A short discussion followed, and the decision was made that we woul be unable to gather enough men.

Hal Myers brought up that last year during a meeting, it was discussed that the Camp would assist the GAR in paying the electric bill.  Bill Dixon inquired as to the amount of last month's bill in which Hal stated was roughtly $119.  A discussion was held on the finances of the Camp with Howard Wolfe giving his input.  A motion to make a one-time donation of $2000 to the GAR Museum was made by Tim Chase and seconded by Hal Myers.  An all-in-favor vote was called by Rich Ryczak, with a majority voting yes and Jerry Skotleski voting no.

Memorial Day Ceremony planning has begun.  The tentaive program is listed below with assigned people so far.

     Posting of the Colors - Giovan Lisi, Patriotic Instructor

     Master of Ceremonies - Rich Ryczak, Commander

     Pledge of Allegiance - All

     Opening Prayer - Paul Rogan, Chaplain 

     Greetings - Ladies Auxiliary #10

     Remarks - Rich Ryczak, Commander

     Music - Mark Myers

     Logan's Orders - Ladies Auxiliary #10

     Guest Speaker - Mark Music on 'Music of the Civil War'

     Wreath Laying (Rich Ryzcak will reach out to Craig Kelly about the flowers and wreath donations)

     Gettysburg Address - Jerry Skotleski

     Battle Hymn of the Republic - Mark Myers

     Rifle Salute - Possible Tim Chase

     Taps (Jerry Skotleski will reach out to his contact who played in pevious years)

     Benediction - Paul Rogan, Chaplain

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTION:

Giovan Lisi read from the National Patriotic Instruction received this month.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Hal Myers addressed the members in attendance on the work he and Bob Shaffer have been doing in the Museum.

Hal Myers approached the members about creating a new award for the Camp named for Lt. Ezra S. Griffin.  This award would be the highest honor awarded by our Camp.  A discussion was held by the members on the merits of the award, along with other awards currently available for recognition.  Rich Ryczak tabled the discussion and asked Hal to write up the award and what would constitute it being given to someone and presnt it at the next meeting.

A brief reminder was given by Bob Shaffer that at the May meeting, the Annual Departed Brothers Ceremony will be held.

Flag Detail will be held on Saturday, Mayth will a rain date of Saturday, May 11th.  No time was decided yet.

Bill Dixon spoke of how he would like any members with Civil War ancestors to provide a brief sypnosis of their service and send it to him for posting on the Camp Facebook page.  He informed the members preset that our presence contimues to increase with networking of other camps, but he is running out of things to post and would appeciate any stories or history of the Camp and associated GAR posts.

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, May 18th at 10am.

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

Respectfully submitted,

William J. Dixon

Secretary