MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

March 17, 2005

The meeting was called to order in ritualistic fashion by Commander Howard Wolfe after which he asked for a roll call of Officers.

Other members in attendance were:

At this time, Commander Wolfe gave John Hart permission to give his report due to his having another function to attend.  John first reported on the applications for 4 new Associate Members; James C. Munley, Brian Calabrese, Robert P. Casey Jr. and William King.  John vouched that all applicants were upstanding members of the local community.  A motion to accept the applications was made by Joe Long and seconded by Ray Sulger.  All were in favor.  John then reported that William Cisco would be the guest speaker for the dedication ceremony and the Parade Marshall would be Brig. General Martin of the Base Re-alignment and Closure Commission.  All participants in the parade will form at the GAR Hall between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. on April 2.  The parade will go from Penn Avenue to Spruce Street to the Sheridan Monument on Courthouse Square.  The 28^th Regimental Band, along with the Delaney-DeLacy Fife and Drum Corps will lead the parade.  Many units from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York will march in the parade.  John has acquired the use of tables and chairs from the Antique Car Club of which he is a member.  The Scranton Fire Bureau Building will be the site for the reception following the parade.  Refreshments for participants provided by the Radisson Hotel consisting of punch and cookies.  John suggested that the Camp pay for them at a cost of approximately $100.  John also reported that Mayor Dougherty of Scranton has made it known that the City has pledged $50,000 toward the restoration of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

The minutes from the February meeting were read and approved by a motion made by Bob Baker and seconded by Mike Grayson.  All were in favor.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:

     120 members have paid their dues

     End Balance - $5,085.73

A motion was made to accept report by Bob Shaffer and seconded by Mike Grayson.  All were in favor.

DISTRESSED MEMBER:

Secretary Shaffer reported the death of Brother Don Cahoon, long time friend and member of the Camp and Memorial Association.  Don’s presence will surely be missed by all.  Joe Long made a motion that the Camp to donate $100 to Don’s Church.  Russ P. Jones suggested we canvas the attending Members for donations.  It was then decided that we write a check from the Help Members fund to cover the donation and other donations from Members at this meeting and next.

NEW BUSINESS:

Joe Long reported the Appomattox Day Luncheon will be held at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport, PA on April 9, 2005.  Information is in the Department Newsletter.  Joe also announced that he had Pre-Registration Forms for the Department Encampment.  If filled out before, registration is $7.00, but will go up to $10.00 at the door of the Encampment.  He also added that anyone wishing to take out an ad in the Encampment to do so and to also get ads from businesses and other individuals from around the area.  Anyone that puts an ad in the book can request a copy just by annotating on the form.

A brief discussion was held on Memorial Day, but no decisions made as of yet.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Secretary Shaffer reported on the receipt of a Card of Appreciation from Auxiliary Member Judy Wolfe on the death of her Mother.  Commander Wolfe also conveyed his gratitude.

With no further business, questions or comments, the Camp was closed in ritualistic fashion at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary