Orlando A Somers Camp #1
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Meeting Minutes—May 20, 2006—Richard’s Restaurant
Senior Vice Commander Matt Elkin opened the meeting at 12:50 p.m. Chaplain Jon Ayers led the group in the opening prayer. We then recited the American’s Creed and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Commander Matt Elkin. Secretary Gayle Eikenberry distributed the 2006 membership booklets to those members present who had not yet received one. [The booklet will be mailed to those who cannot attend the May meeting.] He also reminded everyone to advise him of email address changes. Matt Elkin introduced our guest.
Members present were Matt Elkin, Gayle Eikenberry, Allen Moore, Jeffery Alexander, Larry Myer, Russ Kirchner, Tom Crawford, Jon Ayers, Ned Baker, Dick Winger, Seth Kirchner, Timon Pike, and Larry Ebert. The only guest in attendance was our speaker, Steve Jackson.
Old Business
:Vice Commander Elkin brought up the new by-laws for the second vote. He distributed copies of them to those who had not read them yet and asked for a motion to accept them. He explained and summarized them to bring those who had not attended the April meeting up to date. Russ Kirchner made a comment that since some sections of the new by-laws refer to the national by-laws, the national by-laws should be available to members. Vice Commander Elkin proposed that a copy of the national by-laws be included with ours. Discussion of the issue continued, including what happens when the national by-laws are modified. Russ Kirchner made a motion to amend our by-laws by inserting a section titled Article 9 stating "Where so indicated, the by-laws of this camp refer to the National Constitution and Regulations currently in effect." Dick Winger seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Due to the amendment, we will have to take the second vote on our new by-laws at our September meeting.
Allen Moore encouraged us all to attend the dedication of the plaque for Private John C. Adams tomorrow afternoon in Marion.
There was a brief discussion of the booth at the Howard County Fair. Gayle Eikenberry asked for volunteers to help man the booth on July 15. Vice Commander Elkin stated he may be available later in the evening to help. Eikenberry also reported that his wife had agreed to be the storyteller. The story times will be at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30.
Jon Ayers conducted the book raffle, which brought in $15.00. Winners were:
Seth Kirchner, Matt Elkin, Larry Myer, Dick Winger, and Ned Baker.
Jon Ayers gave an update on plans for the Memorial Day Service in Marion and Gas City. Timon Pike will participate and wear his Boy Scout uniform. Jon still needs volunteers to read the Gettysburg Address and General Logan’s Memorial Day Orders.
Tom Crawford expressed his disappointment that many of us do not participate in the Memorial Day ceremonies at Crown Point Cemetery. He mentioned that Orlando A. Somers was instrumental in getting the monument erected in the cemetery and also told about the stones that have been replaced in the Soldiers’ Circle.
Tom Crawford also expressed his appreciation for the new membership booklet and offered a suggestion for mentoring new members in order to make them feel more welcome and to keep them interested in our organization.
We were reminded that the Annual Encampment will be on June 3 at Indiana University Kokomo.
New Business
The initiation ceremony was conducted by former National Commander Allen Moore and Chaplain Jon Ayers for Timon Pike. A brief recess was called in order to welcome Timon into our camp.
Tom Crawford, who serves on the scholarship committee, gave several suggestions for applicants to consider in making their application. He suggested that applicants choose those who write their recommendations carefully and also suggested what items to include in their resume that can make a difference in trying to narrow down the most deserving applicants.
Vice Commander Elkin introduced our speaker, Steve Jackson, who gave us much information and many statistics in his talk titled "Memories of the Blue and Gray."
Our next meeting will not be until September. Members will be notified of the date well ahead time.
Vice Commander Elkin closed the meeting at 2:17 p.m.
Gayle Eikenberry, Secretary