MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

     June 21, 2007

     The meeting was called to order by Commander Robert Baker in ritualistic manner followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a Roll Call of Officers.

     Other members in attendance were:          

     Minutes for the May meeting were read and approved.

FINANCIAL REPORT

     Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:                    

         Members Help Fund at $176.50.

         Fay Carlisle won the April 50/50.

         End balance of $2,752.98 in the checking account.

     A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made and passed.

OLD BUSINESS

Scranton Mayor’s July 4^th Ceremony

     Bob Baker, Ray and Bob Sulger will carry flags at the annual ceremonies.

Armed Forces Day

     Delaney-Delacy Guard participated in the Armed Forces parade and had a good turnout.

     Francis Tyson, head of the county Veteran’s Association would like the SVR to take over the responsibilities for future Armed Forces Parades. Joe Long said this should be a topic for future meetings. Commander Baker asked that this suggestion be recorded in the minutes.

Memorial Day Ceremonies

     The Memorial Day Ceremonies were a great success despite the obstacles we faced this year. All the participants did well. Scott Teeters noted we need a better PA system. The previous system may have belonged to John Hart. Mike Grayson noted that Lt. Al Sweeny gave a very good address and prayer at the Forest Hill GAR cemetery plot.

     On Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend the SVR had our museum open.

Flag Day Ceremonies

     Flag Day Ceremonies at Gino Merli Center were attended by Joe Long and Bob Baker.

Camp Commander

     Joe Long reported he will invite the Department Commander to attend our October meeting. We can take him to dinner before the meeting. Joe Long suggested Smith’s Restaurant.

Meeting Presentations

     Howard Wolfe again discussed the possibility of a member doing historical presentations starting with the September meetings. The Camp agreed to allow Mike Grayson to do a 10-minute presentation.

NEW BUSINESS

Harford Fair

     On August 22^nd there will be a parade at the 150^th anniversary of the Harford Fair and our organization has been invited to participate. 

Department of PA Encampment

     Joe Long would like permission to take our camp bible to the Pennsylvania Department Encampment set to take place in Bethlehem. A vote was taken and the motion carried.

Museum Flags Preservation

     Mike Grayson would like our camp to contact Roberta Peters, head of the Lackawanna Department of Art and Culture to see if we could get grant money to preserve our museum flags. He also wants to contact the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority.  Commander Baker said the first step would be an evaluation of what should be done. Scott Teeters felt it was important to stop the present deterioration of the flags.

New Member

     Our latest member, Steven Edward Thompson of Gouldsboro was introduced. He moved to our area from Burlington, WI.

Memorial Association

     The Memorial Association announced rent has gone from $125 to $200. What the future rate may be is unknown. Russ Jones asked if the camp could help with rent fees.

     Joe Long had two suggestions. The camp could make a $50 donation or return $700 it once borrowed from the Memorial Association.

Russ Jones also said the liability insurance yearly expenses are over $3,000.

     Howard Wolfe said we’re bonded together by history and we’d like to continue that association.

     A motion was made and approved stating that upon official request from the Memorial Association the treasurer is authorized to release up $700 to help with rent expenses.

     Russ Jones said the Memorial Association has applied for tax exempt status and it looks positive at this time.

     With no further business a motion to adjourn was made and the meeting was closed in ritualistic manner.

 Respectfully Submitted,

Corporal Richard M. Ryczak

Secretary