The Urbana Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met Friday, Sept. 16, at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center to celebrate Constitution Week.
Members present: Pat Detwiler, Kim Snyder, Judy Brooks, Mary Pollock, Betty Driever, Dona Tullis, Janice Coates, Judi Henson, Margaret Denzer, Peg Neiswander, Jeanne Evans, Lana Seeberg, Carol Tong, Judith Kathary, Lisa Buirley, Janet Ebert, Becky Shultz, and Gayle Petty. Guests were Linda Katon and Glenna Kadel, associate members from the Lagonda Chapter; Arlene Hetzer, Dani Moffit and baby daughter from the Piqua chapter; Megan Snyder, CAR; Lori Compton and Michaela Silver.
Regent Pat Detwiler greeted members and guests and led everyone in the opening ritual, which included recitation of the Americans Creed, The Pledge of Allegiance and ended with the singing of the national anthem.
Chaplain Carol Tong installed two new members: Lisa Buirley and Judith Kathary. New member Kourtney Smith was unable to attend. New members were given a rose, name badge, program book, and membership card.
Regent Detwiler cited an article from the DAR “American Spirit” magazine, which dealt with the Annin Company, which has manufactured U.S. flags since 1848. This company also created the POW-MIA flag. The company refused to copyright this flag so that it could be reproduced freely.
First Vice Regent Kim Snyder gave the President General’s Message in which she related that the letters of support project to men and women in the service went very well. The goal was to set a record for the Guiness World Record Book. We did it! 100,000,904 setters was the grand total! The letters were written from chapters all over the U.S.
National Defense chairman Margaret Denzer reported that Sept. 16 was POW-MIA day, to honor missing in action and prisoners of war. She reported that there were still 73,000 persons missing from World War II alone.
Carol Tong, chaplain read to us a short article on the Constitution from “Handbook for Citizens and Public Officials.”
Regent Detwiler asked for and received a motion to suspend business in order to have the program. Judi Henson presented our program with a video showing the different areas of our DAR headquarters in Washington D.C. and the many different services that DAR members can participate in through national, state, and local levels.
The business meeting resumed with the Secretary’s Reports from June and August. Judy Brooks asked everyone to look over the budget for 2016-17. The budget was approved and the treasurer’s report was filed for audit. She also reported that dues should be paid by September 30.
Regent Detwiler told members about Continental Congress in June and reminded us that the Southwest district would be responsible for decorations for the state spring conference. We also received an invitation from Lagonda Chapter to help with the 75th Anniversary of the Pennsylvania House. It was also decided to participate in a Service to America project by taking a veteran to lunch on October 11. Details to follow.
1st Vice Regent, Kim Snyder reported on the following: Amazon rewards – similar to the Kroger rewards. She introduced the “New Member” course which can be beneficial for all members and can be accessed on line. In addition, the Facebook “member-only site” is up and running. Kim sent email instructions to those members who have email. She announced the Hoopla parade in Urbana coming up on the 25th and invited members to dress in red, white, and blue, and ride in Regent Detwiler’s truck representing the chapter.
Dona Tullis reported membership of 86 members, 12 associate members and is working on 6 prospective members.
Our historian, Janet Ebert mentioned several possible projects including honoring Frances Bailey for whom UU Bailey hall is named; continuing to locate Revolutionary War soldiers’ graves in Champaign County, and marking deceased members grave sites.
Librarian Lana Seeberg told us about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library which was her vision to foster a love of reading in her home community. The program has since spread over the world and has seen 60,000 books mailed to children everywhere.
Carol Tong and Gayle Petty each gave short reports regarding American Indians and Conservation respectively. Becky Shultz announced that the scrapbook was up to date and ready to be viewed. Judi Henson reported that program Celebrate America is now known as Service to America and encouraged us to continue tracking volunteer hours.
Regent Detwiler thanked the hostesses and adjourned the meeting to Freedom Grove for the annual Bell Ringing Celebration in honor of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1788. Next meeting is to be October 17th, 1:30 P.M. at the Champaign County Historical Society.
