The Urbana Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met Monday, Oct. 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the Champaign County Historical Museum.
Members present: Janet Ebert, Connie Flanly, Alta Kay Holmes, Theisa Dohner, Dona Tullis, Rev. Carol Tong, Lana Seeberg, Jeanne Evans, Margaret Denzer, Judi Henson, Betty Driever, Mary Pollock, Alexie Pollock, Gayle Petty, Kim Snyder, Pat Detilwer and Judy Brooks.
Members enjoyed refreshments before the meeting. Hostesses were Betty Driever, Janet Ebert, Judi Henson and Carol Tong.
Regent Pat Detwiler greeted members and welcomed back member Connie Johnson Flanly.
Regent Detwiler began the opening ritual, which includes The Pledge of Allegiance, The national anthem and The American’s Creed. She related that Ohio had a national park called Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The information was featured in the DAR magazine “The American Spirit.”
President General’s Report – Vice Regent Kim Snyder reported that DAR members from various chapters will be taking a bus tour to visit DAR supported schools in September 2017. If anyone is interested in going on the tour to let her know.
National Defense – Margaret Denzer told us about Helen Evans, a 68 year member of DAR and her association with the Women’s Army Corps during WWII.
Chaplain’s Report – Rev. Carol Tong read a list of member birthdays that were occurring in October. She also stated that there is a controversy in regard to the exclusion of mentioning Jesus Christ’s name in the DAR Missal Book. This book contains prayers and invocations and is used by chapter chaplains during meetings and other events.
The meeting was suspended for the program with a motion from Judi Henson and seconded by Jeanne Evans.
Member Theisa Dohner presented a video program about Tamassee DAR School in Tamassee, South Carolina. Started in 1919, the school was to serve the under-privileged children of Appalachia. Tamassee means “The Place of the Sunlight of God.” The school, a residential child care organization, is situated on 800 acres and includes residence housing, school buildings and other buildings for their use. Children who are experiencing a fragmented home life or are taken from their homes from crisis situations can come to Tamassee and receive a more stable environment. This is for children who may be in crisis not just in South Carolina, but throughout the U.S.
Business meeting resumed.
Secretary’s Report – The minutes of September 16, 2016 were read and approved with no corrections.
Treasurer’s Report – Judy Brooks gave the treasurer’s report and it will be filed for audit. She reported that 23 members still owed dues. She also reported that she did the annual IRS filing. Two bills were presented and a unanimous vote was passed to pay them.
Registrar’s Report – Dona Tullis reported 86 members, 12 associate members and 6 prospective members.
Historian Report – Janet Ebert reported that she was still identifying DAR and revolutionary war soldier’s graves.
Regent’s Report – Pat Detwiler stated that she and Judi Henson attended the meeting of the Lagonda Chapter in Springfield and that our own Janet Ebert was guest speaker. She reminded us that we have been invited to attend the 75th Anniversary of The Pennsylvania House in Springfield on Saturday, November 5. Please notify Pat if you want to attend. We are also invited to the Caroline Scott Chapter DAR in Oxford on Saturday, Oct. 22 for their 100th Anniversary. Vice Regent Kim Snyder and her daughter Meghan (C.A.R.) will be attending. She reported that talented Ohio Daughters are encouraged to enter the American Heritage Contest. The theme is “Celebrating the Arts from the Time of Our Founding Daughters to the Present.” The contests include Art & Sculptures, Crafts, Fiber Arts, Literature, Drama and Music. More information is available on the Ohio DAR website.
Vice Regent Report – Kim Snyder reported the Southwest District (which includes our chapter) will be in charge of decorations for the OSDAR spring meeting. Birdhouses will be built and painted.
American Indians – Carol Tong talked about the Michigan Indians from the “Peoples of the Three Rivers.”
C.A.R. – Kim Snyder reported that some new members have been identified and will get documented. She expressed thanks to Camille Brinnon, C.A.R. member, for helping with Constitution Day in September and for participating in the Hoopla Parade by riding in the DAR truck.
Conservation – Gayle Petty told us it was time to prepare our homes now that winter is just around the corner. Check your furnace, and batteries for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
DAR Service for Vets – Mary Pollock shared with the group a thank you letter for items we have given to the Dayton VA Hospital veterans. She also reminded us that there are women veterans and to also bring items for them. Veterans’ items are to be brought in for the November meeting. Check the back of your program book for a list of items.
Service to America – Judi Henson reminded members to put in their volunteer hours. We are down quite a bit from last year. She quoted from one of our founders Eugenia Washington who said “We want a society founded on service.”
Volunteer Information Specialist – Kim Snyder reported the website is functioning and the members only Facebook page has received a lot of feedback from members.
DAR website: urbanadar.weebly.com
Women’s Issues – Jeanne Evans reminded us that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Self-examination should be done often and if something feels different, get it checked out by your doctor. She stated that better screening and early detection have improved treatment options.
Insignia – Margaret Denzer reported there are new pins available. Let her know if you are interested.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:53 p.m.
