MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

June 15, 2024

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

Other members in attendance were:

Officer Excused: Bill Burns, Jim Jones, Craig Kelly and Hal Myers

All members received a digital copy of the Minutes twice prior to the meeting. A motion to accept the May Minutes was made by Jerry Skotleski and seconded by Tim Chase.  All were in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Howard Wolfe gave the Treasurer’s Report.  There were no expenses for the month.  A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Bob Shaffer and seconded by Giovan Lisi.  All were in favor.

ILLNESS/DISTRESS:  

Paul Rogan advised the members that Hal Myers was dealing with a medical issue.  He is at home resting.

Bob Shaffer advised the group that his daughter Danielle’s surgery had been postponed and they are awaiting it to be rescheduled.

Bill Fischer brought up the passing of Past Commander Gene Mortorff.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT:

Jerry Skotleski provided an update on his investigation into the discrepancies between the webpage and the official Minutes provided by Bill Dixon.  Jerry commended Danielle or webmaster for answering the questions he provided to them via email.  The final finding was that a typo was made in the Minutes and once it was brought to her attention it was immediately corrected.  Jerry recommends that no further investigation needs to be carried out and the matter is resolved.  Moving forward, if a discrepancy is found all members are asked to reach out to Danielle or Bob Shaffer.

EAGLE SCOUT REPORT:

Seven awards were presented to a Troop in Dunmore.

ROTC AWARDS:

Bill Fischer advised the Camp that members of the Civil Air Patrol are also eligible to receive the ROTC award.  Tim Chase stated that he would look into the local Civil Air Patrol unit.

APPLICATIONS:

Francis Walsh for Associate Membership.

CORRESPONDENCE:

All communication from the Department and National has been forwarded via email to all members.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Bill Dixon advised the members present on the completion of a Financial Audit of Camp Books.  No deficiencies were found, and all was in order.  The Audit was performed by Jim Jones and Hal Myers.

Bill Dixon reminded the members of the Upcoming Department Encampment.

·         Bill Fischer went over the proposed By-Law changes that will be voted on at the Encampment.

·         Jerry Skotleski congratulated Bill on his upcoming appointment to Department Commander.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bill Dixon informed the Camp about the damage to a GAR Monument in Watertown, New York.  It was brought to his attention via the Facebook Page of the Walter H. French Camp.  He asked the brothers about the possibility of sending a donation to assist with repairs.  Prior to a vote to send a donation, Bill Fischer advised the Camp of two other Camps looking for help with monument repairs:

·         General Thomas Camp #19 is also looking for help maintaining the General John Reynolds family plot in Lancaster.

·         Seven Shays Camp #7 is looking for assistance to maintain a GAR Monument in Lebanon County.

A discussion was held amongst the members present and a decision was made to send each Camp a donation of $100.  Jerry Skotleski made the motion to send a donation and Tim Chase seconded it.  A vote was called by Commander Ryczak with all in favor.

After the discussion, Howard Wolfe brought up looking into creating a policy or a Committee for future donation requests.  This would cover any donations made to other Camps and the GAR Museum.

Bill Dixon advised the Camp that he is in the early stages of planning a last Veteran Service for Joseph Chapman of Lackawanna County.  He is buried in the Fairlawn Cemetery in Dalton.  A short discussion was held with all members present receptive to the idea.

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTION:

Giovan Lisi presented a short history of Union Officer Rufus Dawes.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Bill Fischer informed the members that on a recent trip to the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, that he stopped at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery to visit long time member Joe Long’s gravesite.  He printed maps out to let everyone know where Joe is laid to rest for when members of the Camp may visit.

Jerry Skotleski commended the members of the Camp for the success of this year’s Memorial Day Service.

The next Monthly Meeting will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10am.

With no further business, the camp was closed in ritualistic manner by Commander Ryczak.

Respectfully submitted,

William J. Dixon

Camp #8 Secretary