MONTHLY MEETING

EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

September 20, 2024

The meeting was called to order in a ritualistic manner by Senior Vice Commander Tim Chase.

Members in attendance:

Officers Excused: Commander Ryczak, Junior Vice Commander Bill Burns, Council Craig Kelly and Chaplain Paul Rogan

Minutes from the June Meeting were received by digital copy twice prior to the meeting.  A motion to accept the June Minutes was made by Bob Shaffer and seconded by Jim Jones.  All were in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

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

ILLNESS/DISTRESS:

Bill Penwell and Bob Shaffer gave updates to the members in attendance on Paul Rogan and Jerry O’Malley.  Due to Paul’s long recovery from heart surgery, the members in attendance voted to send him a gift of $100.  A voice vote was called by SVC Tim Chase.  All were in favor.

EAGLE SCOUT COMMITTEE:

Jim Jones gave an update on the Eagle Scout awards presented.

CORRESPONDENCE:

All General and Department Orders have been emailed to members.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

SVC Tim Chase and Secretary Bill Dixon gave an update on their search for the Last Veterans in the surrounding counties.

Time Chase gave an update on the Camp possibly participating in the Wyoming Monument Ceremony in 2025.

Bill Penwell brought up that the museum continues to be short staffed especially while Paul

Rogan recuperates from his heart surgery. All members are asked to reach out to him or JVC Bill Burns if they can help cover.

NEW BUSINESS:

A motion was made by Hal Myers to appoint Bill Penwell to the board of the GAR Memorial Association. It was seconded by Bob Shaffer. All were in favor.

Bill Fischer gave the members in attendance and update on Department activities since he assumed the role of Department Commander. He also gave an update on what occurred at the National Encampment.

Hal Myers made a motion to create the “Lt. Ezra S. Griffin Award.” This award would be the camp’s highest honor. A discussion was had prior to the motion receiving a second by Bill Fischer. During the discussion it was decided that Commander Ryczak or the new Commander for the upcoming year will appoint a committee of three members that will define the award and how it will be given. A voice vote was called after Fischer’s second with all in favor.

A discussion was had on the Presidential Volunteerism Award.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Bob Shaffer discussed his work on Wyoming County Veterans and GAR posts.

Hal spoke of his work on find-a-grave.com.

Bill Dixon let the members know that National Archive requests can now be received digitally at a flat of $30.00.

The next monthly meeting will be held on October 19, 2024 at 10am.

With no further business or discussion, the meeting was closed in ritualistic fashion by SVC

Tim Chase.

Respectfully submitted,

William J. Dixon

Secretary