Orlando A Somers Camp #1
Meeting Minutes—January 20, 2007—Richard’s Restaurant
Commander Matt Elkins opened
the meeting at 12:45 p.m. Chaplain Jon Ayers led the group in the opening
prayer. We recited the American’s Creed and the Pledge of Allegiance led by
Commander Elkins. Secretary Eikenberry reported that minutes had been mailed or
emailed to members and asked for any corrections or additions. Treasurer
McNally reported a balance of $2,949.41, of which $835.00 belongs to the Cannon
Fund. Cards will be sent to remind members who have not yet paid their dues for
2007. McNally's wife will put the Soldiers & Sailors Monument replica and
lithograph on Ebay to find buyers.
Members present were Allen Moore, Alan Teller, Ned Baker, Russ Kirchner, Seth Kirchner, Matt Elkin, Jacob Elkin, Tom Crawford, John Pormen, Larry Ebert, Jon Ayers, Randy McNally, and Gayle Eikenberry. Guests in attendance were Lee Ann Teller and Peggy Pormen.
Old Business:
It was reported that the base
has been poured for the building to house the cannon in Highland Park, but the
completion date of the building is unkown. The cannon
will be cleaned in February by Alan Teller and in March by Russ Kirchner.
Alan Teller reported that
five stones are on order and that Russ Kirchner will store them until they can
be placed. He also reminded us of the midwinter encampment at Huntington on
Saturday, January 27, at 9:00 a.m. at the courthouse.
Tom Crawford is working on
the wording for the plaque for the last Civil War soldier of Howard County. He
was not a well-know individual, and information is difficult to find. He spoke
with someone at Albright Cemetery who did not seem very generous and did not
like the idea of a plaque above ground.
Alan Teller stated that the
minutes of our meetings are also posted on the Camp website. (www.somerscamp.org)
Commander Elkin gave
information about Lincoln Death Day and reported that the committee had
requested our participation with the laying of a wreath. Ned Baker has our camp
wreath, which is in need of repair.
Commander Elkin polled the
group to learn if there were any objections to replacing the camp Bible. There
were no objections. He also indicated that our camp charter could use a new
frame.
Allen Moore announced that he
had bought a life membership for a grandson and put forth the idea that life
members not be required to pay camp dues. He explained his reasoning for this
and then made a motion to exempt life members from paying camp dues. Tom
Crawford questioned the idea, and after some discussion, the motion was tabled
for consideration at the next meeting.
Winners of the book raffle
were Seth Kirchner, Randy McNally, Jacob Elkin, and Larry Ebert.
Program
The program was given by Tom
Crawford who found rebels in his family tree and wanted to expose them. He
entertained us with an informative program and provided us handouts and a
folder to put them in.
Commander Elkin closed the
meeting at 2:15 p.m.
The closing prayer was
offered by Chaplain Jon Ayers.
The next meeting will be
February 24..
Gayle Eikenberry, Secretary