Francine Camp Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2017
A productive meeting of the Camp was held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 with 18 Brothers present. A number of items was brought up for the Camp’s consideration.
Minutes approved.
Treasurer’s report $1,537.42 checking, $166.11 benevolent fund.
Brother is distress: Joe Cloyd, PCC Wayne Johnson and SVC Frank Tomasello. It was great to see SVC Tomasello at the meeting, and he is doing well in his battle with cancer. Please keep these Brothers in your thoughts and prayers.
We received two applications one for Paul Tucci who is a lineal member based on the service of his Great-great-great grandfather 1st Lt Christopher Lestrange, Company F, 24 Pa Infantry, and Tennyson Lader who is a Junior lineal member based of the service of his Great-great-great-Uncle, Private Benjamin Propert, Company I, 114th PA Infantry. Welcome to our Camp!
Communications
Brother Joe Cloyd sent a donation of $740.50 to the Camp. Brother Joe we thank you so much for that kind donation.
There was two communications from the Commander-in–Chief regarding the roll of the Patriotic Instructor and By-laws regarding Junior members. Looking into our By-laws we did not have a section regarding membership. The following addition to the by-laws will be voted on at the next meeting.
ARTICLE III.
Eligibility to Membership All male descendants, whether through lineal or collateral line of ages specified in Article VII of this Constitution who are blood relatives of soldiers, sailors, marines or members of the Revenue Cutter Service, who were regularly mustered and served honorably in, were honorably discharged from, or died in the service of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Revenue Cutter Service of the United States of America or such State regiments as were called into active service and were subject to orders of United States general officers, during the War of the Rebellion between April 12, 1861 and April 9, 1865; who have never been convicted of any infamous or heinous crime; and who have, or whose ancestors through whom membership is claimed have, never voluntarily borne arms against the Government of the United States of America shall have eligibility to membership.
ARTICLE VII. Membership Section 1. Membership classes. There shall be four (4) classes of membership. (a) Members. Males at least fourteen (14) years of age who meet the qualifications stipulated in Article III of this Constitution and Section 5 of the Articles of Incorporation. Members enjoy all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of membership.
(b) Life Members. Members who have paid the requisite Life Membership fee as established by the National Organization. Life Members are exempt from the National per capita dues and otherwise, enjoy all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of membership.
(c) Honorary Members. The Commander-in-Chief, upon recommendation from a Camp, Department, or the National Council of Administration and with the approval of the National Council of Administration, may grant honorary memberships to persons of acknowledged eminence who are especially distinguished for conspicuous and consistent loyalty to the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and who have been active and eminent in maintaining the supremacy of the same and are known not to be eligible for membership in our Order. The National Organization, Departments, and Camps shall not impose the per capita dues, fees, dues, or any other monetary assessment on Honorary Members. Honorary Members are entitled to a free subscription to the Banner
(d)Junior Members. Males less than fourteen (14) years of age who meet the qualifications stipulated in Article III of this Constitution and Section 5 of the Articles of Incorporation. Section 2. *
Associates. There shall be two classes of Associates.
(a) Associates are males at least fourteen (14) years of age who do not meet the qualifications stipulated in Article III of this Constitution and Section 5 of the Articles of Incorporation but otherwise meet the requirements for membership established by the National Organization.
(b) Junior Associates are males less than fourteen (14) years of age who do not meet the qualifications stipulated in Article III of this Constitution and Section 5 of the Articles of Incorporation but otherwise meet the requirements for membership established by the National Organization*
* If said Junior/Junior associate member wishes to attend any Camp meeting or any Camp function he must have either a legal male parent or legal male guardian present.
Old Business:
We are going to place an order for shirts. I’ve attached an order form. Tee shirts are $10.00 and polo shirts are $15.00. All orders must be in by April 1st.
The camp 25th anniversary medals are in and will be distributed at Camp meetings and functions.
We still have some Brothers that owe dues from last year. If these Brothers are not paid in full by April 1st they will be dropped from the Camp. Just a reminder that dues are due now. You can mail your check for $30.00 made payable to the Col Francine Camp and send it to Shawn Kenny PCC, 5800 Fulton Avenue. Ventnor, NJ 08406
Bills:
Camp Secretary Hann presented a receipt for $23.00. This was for postage.
New Business:
The camp need to fill two positions, Camp Patriotic Instructor and Civil War memorials Officer. Brother Charlie Morgan is the new Patriotic Instructor and PCC Paul Lader is the new Civil War Memorials Officer. Thank you Brothers.
Remembrance Day in Gettysburg is slated for November 18, 2017. The Headquarters has been switched from the Wyndham Hotel back to the Eisenhower hotel. I would suggest if you wish to make reservations make them now. Your stay will include a free breakfast and dinner buffet. Those wishing to stay at the Eisenhower II it is now known as the Aspire. When making your reservations use the code SVR and you should get the special rate. The annual Civil War Ball will be held there as well. The number for the Hotel is 717-334-8121. As most of you know the 14 annual luminaries were rained out and our SVR unit did not stand guard. We have been invited back for the same time slot next year.
I was able to pick up a supply of the new tri-fold brochure available from National. These new brochures are beautiful. I will have a supply with me at Camp functions.
There are a couple of events that were brought up for the Camp’s consideration. They are both in June. The first in possibly June 6 or 7, for the opening of the new Atlantic County Veteran’s Museum, and Saturday June 17, the Blessing of the Mullica River on the site of the old St. Mary’s Catholic Church. It is right near Batsto and we would need an Honor Guard. This could be a good recruiting possibility.
The new Civil War Memorials Officer had brought up that there was nothing in the area, except our camp, named in honor of Colonel Francine. Colonel Francine was the highest ranking New Jersey Officer killed at Gettysburg and there is nothing named after him. We are going to look to see if we can get a street named in his honor.
The Camp is looking into is the possibility of creating a “YouTube” channel and the possibly creating a recruiting DVD. This would be a great recruiting tool to bring in new Brothers.
Good of the Order:
It was great to see SVC Tomasello at the meeting. He thanked everyone for their prayers, cards, and words of support. During Remembrance Day we had a picture taken by Victorian Studios in Gettysburg and they were able to add Frank into the photo. We presented a copy of the photo to Frank at the meeting.
Department Commander Fred Mossbrucker presented a beautiful framed picture of Colonel Francine to the Camp in honor of the Camp’s 25th anniversary.
SVR Frank Tomasello spoke about his ancestor Color Sgt. John Pedrick of Company A, 3rd New Jersey Infantry. His ancestor gave his life for the Union as he was killed at Marye’s Heights Fredericksburg, VA. May 3, 1863. Thank you Brother Frank for sharing your ancestor’s story with us.
Patriotic Instructor Report:
Our new Patriotic Instructor gave us a great report reminding us that February 13 is a legal holiday in New Jersey in celebration of President Lincoln’s birthday. Another topic that he brought up was on February 4, 1861 in Montgomery, Alabama, delegates from South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana convene to establish the Confederate States of America.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned with the next meeting slated for April 1, 2017.
Yours in F, C, & L,
David K. Hann PDC
Camp Secretary
Camp Events for the Year 2017
Events are subject to change
The following list is events for the Camp. Please check back as we will be updating it throughout the year. Please refer to it and as always if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Saturday, April 1, 2017: Camp Meeting at 10:00 AM, at the Atlantic County Library West, located at 451 South Egg Harbor Road in Hammonton. The library is right next to St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church. We will meet in the all- purpose room. We will be collecting Dues for 2017 at this meeting.
Monday May 29, 2017: Memorial Day Parade Hammonton, NJ
Tuesday May 30 Traditional Memorial Service Greenmount Cemetery Hammonton.
Saturday June 10, 2017: New Jersey Department Encampment Toms River
Saturday June 17, 2017: Blessing of the River 4332 Pleasant Mills Road, Pleasant Mills, NJ
Saturday, August 5, 2017: Camp Meeting at 10:00 AM, at the Atlantic County Library West, located at 451 South Egg Harbor Road in Hammonton. The library is right next to St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church. We will meet in the all- purpose room. This meeting will start our Annual Commander's Challenge.
Saturday, November 4, 2017: Camp Meeting at 10:00 AM, at the Atlantic County Library West, located at 451 South Egg Harbor Road in Hammonton. The library is right next to St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church. We will meet in the all- purpose room. This meeting will end our Annual Commander's Challenge
Francine Camp Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2017
A productive meeting of the Camp was held on Saturday, August 15 with 8 Brothers and one guest present. A number of items was brought up for the Camp’s consideration.
Minutes approved.
Treasurer’s report $1,784.42 checking, $166.11 benevolent fund.
Brother is distress: Please keep Brother Duane Conant PCC, Wayne Johnson PCC and George Gumpper in your prayers.
Old Business: The Francine Camp shirts are in. They turned out great!! Our Thanks to Shawn Kenny PCC. For are of the work involved. Those that pre-ordered shirts can pick them up at the next meeting. We will have shirts available for sale at the meetings.
New Business:
Motion to purchase 1,000 Francine Camp wooden nickels. Motion was approved. Fred Mossbrucker PCC, will order them.
This meeting starts the annual “Commander’s Challenge.”. The Commander's Annual Challenge" is a chance to sponsor a luminary in honor of the members of the 7th that were killed at the Battle of Gettysburg. The luminaries are $18.63 each and the money helps to defray the cost of the luminaries placed in the Gettysburg National Cemetery during Remembrance Day weekend. Of course you can sponsor these in the name of a loved one or you own Civil War ancestor. If you are interested you can mail your check made payable to the Francine Camp to our Camp Secretary. If you wish to sponsor someone from the 7th, the list is on our website.
Nomination for election will be held at the November meeting. You must be present at the meeting for nomination. Elections will be held at the first meeting in the New Year and you will need to be present as well. We will need a new Camp Treasurer as Brother Kenny does not want to run for reelection.
The Camp is going to look into setting up at the Batsto Glass and Bottle show on September 24. As always the Camp will be at the Batsto Country Living Fair on October 15.
We has a guest with us today Brian Sigmund, who along with his father is submitting an application to the Camp. Welcome and thank you for your interest!
Good of the Order: Secretary Hann, spoke briefly about a distant ancestor Pvt. Isaac Covington who served with the 1st Maryland Eastern Shore Infantry.
Department Commander Fred Mossbrucker spoke about the Department Encampment and the resolutions the Department will present at the National Encampment in Lansing Michigan.
The camp will start collecting dues at the November meeting.
Patriotic Instructor’s report: Brother Charlie Morgan spoke about the GAR Posts in Atlantic County. The first GAR Post was chartered in Atlantic County in Hammonton, known as Post 13, established in 1868, but soon went under. Other GAR Posts were General Hickman # 20, in Elwood chartered in 1871, General Joe Hooker #32 in Atlantic City in 1879, General Stahel #62, Egg Harbor City, in 1881 General D.A. Russell # 68 Hammonton, in 1884, General Willian Sewell Post # 47, Mays Landing in 1903. Atlantic County had one “Colored Post” Major Martin Delany Post #53, in Atlantic City, chartered in 1903. While other GAR Posts in Atlantic County had Black Civil War veterans as members, it seems the segregation was in effect in Atlantic City. This information came courtesy of the Lyon Camp # 10 website.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 11:45, with the next meeting slated for Saturday, November 4, 2017, at 10:00 AM, at the Atlantic County Library West, located at 451 South Egg Harbor Road in Hammonton.
Francine Camp Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2017
A productive meeting of the Camp was held on Saturday, November 4 with 15 Brothers and 6 guests present. A number of items was brought up for the Camp’s consideration.
Minutes approved.
Treasurer’s report $1,574.42 checking, $176.20 benevolent fund.
It is our sad duty to report that Past Camp Commander Wayne Johnson passed away on October 19. It is also our sad duty to report that Frank Tomasello the father of SVC Frank Tomasello passed away on November 2. A moment of silence was held to honor their memory.
Brother is distress: Please keep Brother Duane Conant PCC, and George Gumpper in your prayers as they are winning their battles with cancer.
Old Business:
The Francine Camp shirts are in. They turned out great!! Our Thanks to Shawn Kenny PCC, for all of the work involved. Those that pre-ordered shirts can pick them up at the next meeting. We will have shirts available for sale at the meetings.
Motion to purchase 1,000 Francine Camp wooden nickels. Motion was approved. Fred Mossbrucker PCC, will order them.
This meeting ended annual “Commander’s Challenge.”. The Commander's Annual Challenge" raised $260.80, to help defray the cost of the luminaries placed in the Gettysburg National Cemetery during Remembrance Day weekend. Well done Francine Camp!
New Business:
The Camp received five new application for membership. We will initiate these new Brothers at our February meeting. Please welcome to our Camp: Robert Evans, Adam Sigmund, Bryan Sigmund, Gary Sigmund and Robert Wittman
The following Officers were nominated and elected. They will be installed at the February meeting.
Frank Tomasello Commander
Wayne Grant Senior Vice Commander
Charlie Morgan Junior Vice Commander
Scott Hann Treasurer
David Hann PDC Secretary
The camp approved expenditure for two luminaries during the Remembrance Day weekend. One in honor of Colonel Francine, and the other in memory of PCC Wayne Johnson.
Approved a donation of $100.00 to Division of Senior Services Serv-A-Tray program in PCC Wayne Johnson’s memory
The Camp will make up three flower bouquets for Remembrance Day. One in honor of Colonel Francine, one for soldiers buried in the New Jersey section of the National Cemetery and one for Elizabeth Thorn. Brothers Scott Hann will make up cards to go along with the bouquets. We will place these on Friday following our ceremony at the 7 New Jersey Monument.
The camp will started collecting dues for 2018. Just a reminder that your dues must be paid by April 7, 2018 or you will be dropped from the Camp.
Good of the order:
Discussion was held about Remembrance Day which is a little less than 2 weeks away. Brothers were reminded of the dress for Remembrance Day and the Honor Guard at the National Cemetery later that evening. I will be sending out more e-mails with updates as we get closer.
The following dates have been set for Camp meetings for 2018. They are February 3, April 7, August 4, and November 3. All meetings will take place at 10:00 AM, at the Atlantic County Library West, located at 451 South Egg Harbor Road in Hammonton.
The Camp will look into getting a flag and flag pole for the meeting room at the Library.
SVR Frank Tomasello spoke about the unveiling of the Civil War flags in Trenton. These flags from the collection are rotated throughout the year. SVC Tomasello unveiled that flag of the Third New Jersey Infantry for display. For those that don’t know, Frank’s ancestor was Color Bearer for the Third New Jersey and was killed at Fredericksburg on May 3, 1863.
Department Commander Fred Mossbrucker and PDC Dave Hann spoke about the National Encampment. PDC Hann presented Commander Mossbrucker with the “Under 40” award that the Department won at the National Encampment.
Brothers were also reminded about the ceremony at the Woolson monument during Remembrance Day weekend. The ceremony takes place on Saturday November 18, and 11:00 AM
Patriotic Instructors Report:
Patriotic Instructor Morgan spoke about the Gettysburg address and about the five copies that are in existence. He also reminded us about the solemnness of the address and Remembrance Day weekend.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 12:00, with the next meeting slated for Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 10:00 AM, at the Atlantic County Library West, located at 451 South Egg Harbor Road in Hammonton. Since we will be initiating new Brothers and installing new Officers, wives and family members are welcomed to attend. We will also have refreshments at this meeting.
Submitted in F, C & L,
Dave Hann PDC
Camp Secretary