The Urbana Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met Monday, Feb. 20, at 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Urbana First Presbyterian Church.
Vice Regent Kim Snyder welcomed members and guests and then led everyone in the opening ritual, which includes the Pledge of Allegiance, The American’s Creed and the singing of the national anthem. Following the ritual she asked for a motion to suspend the business meeting for the awards ceremony.
The February meeting is an awards ceremony for students 5th through 8th grades who participate in the DAR American History essay and also the selection of Good Citizens from the senior class of each participating county school.
This year’s essay theme centered on the nation’s national parks. The student was to have visited a park and then write an essay. DAR member Peg Neiswander introduced the participating essay winners. Fifth grade: Matthew Westfall, 1st place; Bailey Stapleton, 2nd place. Both are from Mechanicsburg. Seventh grade: Kylie Burgel, 1st place; Grace Winters, 2nd place, who was unable to attend. Both are from West Liberty-Salem. First place winners received a medal, a certificate, flag and an apple. Second place winners received a certificate, flag and an apple.
Good Citizen recipients were Jacob Debuty, Mechanicsburg; Bridgit Ofori, Urbana; Katie Hartsel, West Liberty–Salem; and Nathan Zavada, Graham, who was unable to attend. These students were elected by their classmates. Each student received $50 and a certificate. Jacob Debuty’s essay was sent on to the Southwest District for judging. If his would be selected it would go to National for judging.
Following the awards ceremony everyone enjoyed refreshments.
The business meeting resumed with reports of the President General, National Defense and Chaplain.
Secretary’s Minutes from the January meeting were reviewed and approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report – Judy Brooks gave the treasurer’s report. The report will be filed for audit.
The Christian Waldschmidt Barn was passed around for “loose change.”
Historian/Community Service Awards – Janet Ebert reported about the event honoring Ohio Governor Vance. This event is tentatively scheduled for September 30th with an alternate date of October 14. She also reported that at our Saturday, March 18th meeting the Community Service Awards will be presented to Sue Markley and Mike Melvin. We expect a large turnout
for this event. The public is invited.
Registrar’s Report – Dona Tullis reported 86 members, 10 associate members and 5 prospective candidates.
Librarian – Lana Seeberg related information concerning the ancestry data base available at the DAR National Library.
Vice Regent – Kim Snyder reported that our chapter received 388 points from the January Master Questionnaire report. Way to go chapter!!!! “Project Patriot” – A challenge has been set for Ohio chapters to send 6000 “thank you for your service” cards to our military personnel for the 4th of July. Members are encouraged to write thank you cards. You can write a bunch and bring them to the next meeting and they will then be sent to the Project Patriot chairperson. Kim brought two finished birdhouses that will be used as centerpieces for the OSDAR Conference in March. One had quilts painted on it and the other one represented the Waldschmidt House and had little window boxes with artificial flowers and artificial flowers around the bottom of the birdhouse. (Cute ideas). Kim mentioned that we are in NEED of two offices to be filled. An officer is not allowed to hold two positions. Currently treasurer Judy Brooks is serving as secretary. We also need a Second Vice Regent. Please step up and volunteer!!!
American History/DAR Good Citizen – Peg Neiswander, Amy Marsh, Michelle Gier and Janet Evans will serve as co-chairs for this committee.
American Indians – Carol Tong told us that the Iroquois word for Canada is “Canata” which means village or settlement.
C.A.R. – Kim Snyder reported they collected 3 lbs. of pull tabs and took them to the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus. Please continue to save your pull tabs.
Conversation – Gayle Petty quizzed members about our National Parks.
Constitution Week – Susan Fornof-Lippencott read the Preamble. Vice Regent Snyder informed Susan that she reserved the big conference room at the county building for our meeting on Monday, Sept. 18.
DAR Service for Veterans – Mary Pollock thanked everyone again for the VA items brought to the November meeting.
Service to America – Our chapter had 4,417 volunteer hours in 2016. Remember to put your hours in each month.
Volunteer Information Specialist – Kim Snyder reported that she had been asked to serve on the State VIS Committee.
Women’s Issues – Jeanne Evans told us that February is “Heart Health Month.” She told us that managing stress is an important issue concerning your heart. She showed us a simple way that might help in alleviating stress.
Old Business – Credentials have been sent in for the OSDAR State Conference, March 24-26. C.A.R. member Megan Snyder will be a Junior Page and Rachel Ebert may also be a page.
New Business – A motion was made to approve Jeanne Evans and Janet Evans as new delegate alternates for Continental Congress. Regent Pat Detwiler and Vice Regent Kim Snyder will be attending an anniversary for the DAR Chapter in Maineville, OH. Margaret Denzer stated she would also like to attend.
Remember to bring items for Caring Kitchen to the March meeting. Check on page 45 in your program book for items needed.
Hostesses for the meeting were Judy Brooks, Janet Blanton, and Ina Mae Wagner.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
