The Urbana Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 12:15 p.m. at the Urbana Country Club for the annual Colonial Christmas Luncheon meeting. In attendance were 32 members, one associate member and two guests. Regent Judi Henson opened the meeting by recognizing significant dates in December and the Rev. Carol Tong led the blessing in song. All present enjoyed a delicious “Colonial” luncheon.
After the DAR opening ritual, Regent Henson, Chaplain Lana Seeberg and Registrar Betty Driever conducted the ritual of installation for new member Kathy Detwiler. A rose was presented to Kathy by her mother Pat Detwiler and Margaret Denzer presented Kathy with her DAR folder.
The President General’s Message recognizing the restoration of the lobby and reception room at Constitution Hall was given by Pat Detwiler. The success of our National Day of Service was also noted.
National Defense Chairman Margaret Denzer presented a moving version of “The Night Before Christmas” recognizing a “lone soldier’s” interaction with Santa.
Seven members were awarded Years of Membership Certificates. Regent Henson stated that these 7 members have a total of 165 years of dedicated service. Present to receive their certificates were Lana Seeberg, Jan Forsbach, and Jane Boucher. Those not present who will also receive their certificates are: Catherine Brinnon, Jeanette Enyart, Alta Kay Holmes, and Marjorie Kelch.
Chaplain Lana Seeberg gave the Chaplain’s report.
Registrar Betty Driever reported that as of Dec. 11, the Urbana Chapter has 84 members, 11 associate members and six prospective members.
Historian Janet Ebert reported on the Heritage Project.
Regent Judi Henson stated that the Nov. 14 program honoring all veterans, especially the Vietnam veterans, was special and appreciated by them. She thanked all who helped to make the day a success. Nancy Schirm Wright, our State Vice Regent, was in attendance and sent an email noting the event.
Members were reminded to check the websites www.dar.org/members and www.members.ohiodar.org where you will find monthly newsletters and other important information.
American History/DAR Good Citizen/Scholarship – Pat Detwiler would like to have an interested member serve as an understudy to her and learn what needs to be done in the fall with essays and awards.
American Indians – Carol Tong reported on reservations as sovereign land.
C.A.R. – Janet Ebert stated she will be resigning as chairman of the C.A.R. as of Dec. 31 and that Kim Snyder will be her replacement with Suzanne Selvaggio serving as vice president.
Celebrate America – Members were urged to count up their volunteer hours for the calendar year 2015 and to either enter them on the Celebrate America! website or give them to Pat or Judi.
DAR Schools – Theisa Dohner gave a report on the Tamassee School. Members were reminded to save soup labels, box top labels and empty ink cartridges.
Historical Preservation – Cheryl Walter read a letter regarding the grave site/tombstone of Ohio’s 13th governor, Joseph Vance. Historian Janet Ebert reported that the letter has been given to the Champaign County Historical Society. Also, Boy Scouts should be available for cleanup of the site in the spring.
Public Relations & Media – Becky Shultz provided an updated scrapbook and a report on articles sent to the newspaper.
Unfinished Business – Members are asked to complete their Chapter Master Report forms prior to the January meeting. The Chapter Master Report forms are used by the State and National chairmen for committee awards and official reports. This also will determine the health of the Urbana Chapter. All members are encouraged to attend the January 11, 2016, meeting at 1:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church.
Delegates to attend the NSDAR Continental Congress June 15-19 in Washington, D.C. are Judi Henson and Pat Detwiler. Delegates to attend the OSDAR Conference March 31-April 3, 2016 in Columbus are Janet Ebert, Becky Shultz, Pat Detwiler, Margaret Denzer, Kim Snyder, Dolly Wisma, Judi Henson, and Theisa Dohner.
A nominating committee was elected to present a slate of officers for the term 2016-2018 at the April meeting. This slate will also be voted on at the April meeting. The following people have agreed to serve on the nominating committee: Janice Coates, Lana Seeberg, and Cheryl Walter.
Announcements – A birthday celebration for Freda Roesser will be held on Dec. 27 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rosewood Church. Freda will celebrate her 90th birthday on December 26.
Our next meeting will be Monday, Jan. 11, at the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana at 1 p.m. All members are invited to attend.
