Dorothy Q Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, was held at 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Elston Memorial Home, with Regent Rita Kirkpatrick presiding with members and guests, in addition to members from the Estabrook Chapter of Rockville attending.
Kirkpatrick opened the meeting with introductions and a warm welcome. Kirkpatrick began with the call to order. Chaplain Sharon Southern led us in prayer. The opening ritual, led by Kirkpatrick, included the Pledge of Allegiance and the American’s Creed. We sang the National Anthem and recited the preamble to the Constitution. Rachel Brown led us singing our American Heritage patriotic song “America the Beautiful.” Gloria White read the President General’s message on recognizing our Founding, as we appreciate those serving as DAR Officers and or Leadership Rolls. Erica Caldwell read the National Defender Report on US Navy’s Birthday — Oct. 13, 1775, as this military force began during the Revolutionary War.
A special DAR program, Quilts for Veterans, was announced as Rita introduced Madonna Babyak of the Estrabrook DAR Chapter, Rockville bringing with her a few these special quilts and told the story, how she started making Patriotic Quilts as gifts for veterans who have served in our military forces.
In 2010, a veteran returning home to Rockville (he had been injured during the Iraqi war). Babyak’s thought was to create a handmade quilt of red, white and blue as an everlasting gift of appreciation for his service. It was so well received that, she had a mission; to honor the surviving veterans who fought for this country who live in Parke and surrounding counties, interest grew from the community. So, Babyak and her friends formed a non-for-profit organization called “Old Glory Quilters.” Members have different tasks in creating these quilts from, cutting material, piecing material, sewing material and quilting. When a quilt has been completed, it is then presented to a veteran during a special ceremony. The “Old Glory Quilters” have presented many quilts in special ceremonies at American Legion, homes, churches and even parking lots, as a way of showing their gratitude. So far this group has made over 1,200 large lap size quilts. Babyak said the veterans she has met and the stories they share are her reward. One time she went to a funeral home to pay her respects, the deceased, was draped with the patriotic quilt given to him sometime past, by Babyak in honor of his military service, how emotional and humbling it felt to see it was special to him and his family. Another event, a veteran was hospitalized with head trauma and in a deep coma, at that time he was given the Purple Heart, the quilt they made him was laying over him and-to everyone’s astonishment, he saluted. This story went on national news, and now the “Old Glory Quilters” have new members from different areas of the United States, all who were looking for a way to contribute something special to our veterans.
The “Old Glory Quilters” are active in making these patriotic quilts. They have a long list of names given to them and these ladies are working fiercely to create, finish and present to the honored soldiers. If there is an interest to participate and join “Old Glory Quilters,” Babyak said, they are always welcoming new members, we even have members that have never sewn, and there is always a need for help.
Michele Borden gave a brief report honoring “Veterans Day” in reflecting on how she belongs to what she calls a “Family of Hereos.” Military service runs deep: Her uncle was killed in action during World War II; her step-father was a Pearl Harbor survivor with a 25-year military career, being involved in three wars, World War II, Korean Conflict and Vietnam, as well as her two brothers that were both in the Army. They were my inspiration to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The great feeling of honor and pride I have for those family members who fought for this great country. And finding family ancestors that served in the Revolutionary War is incredible, as I have discovered amazing stories of my “Family of Hero’s.” DAR is a lineage-based membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the U.S. effort for independence. DAR promotes historic preservation, education and patriotism.
Borden read the minutes from September meeting as recorded by Brown. They were approved as read. Brown read the treasure’s report, which was then filed for audit. Paying of bills, the motion was made by Susan Fisher and Barb Taylor second, motion carried. Committee Reports: Kirkpatrick relays that the DAR website is a great place to reference detailed information of these committees.
Before proceeding to the Committee Reports, Kirkpatrick read a “thank you” letter received from Gail Pebworth, League of Women’s Voters, for inviting her to our September meeting, as we enjoyed her presentation of the History of Women’s Suffrage movement and the 19th amendment.
Community Service: Terri Fyffe suggests we establish from the Chapter a Community Service Award in recognition for outstanding contribution to the community service performed and present each year to a non-for-profit group in our local area. We must provide documentation to the state as why this chosen group deserves an award, and then it goes to National for approval. A motion was made by Brown and Southern second. A committee will be formed between now and next meeting in November.
Conservation chair Southern reported how we must be aware of the climate change and our land use and how it can endanger species of wildlife create large the amounts of plastics in our oceans and problems of illegal fishing in our waters.
Indian Chair, Linda Busenbark gave a report; “Indiana Names in Indiana,” the early settlers applied Indian names to a place because they liked the unique sound. The Indians had no written alphabet but used phonetically sounds, example, Wabash River was referred to as Wah-bah-shik-ki meaning, water flowing over white stones — referring to the white Niagara limestone bed in upper course of the river. Linda also donated two books for the DAR Library, The Conquest (about the Revolutionary War) and Tecumseh (Famous Indian Chief).
DAR Schools, Brown reminding everyone to go to the app store and download the app for scanning “Box Tops” for education, also don’t forget to join the Amazon Smile and choose a DAR school to receive a percentage of purchase. Brown relayed sad news of the closing of one of our DAR schools (unrelated to the Virus), the Tamassee DAR School, located in Tamassee, South Carolina, founded in 1919 by the DAR to serve the under privileged children of Appalachia. The 100-year-old school is only closing the residential part of the school for good, as the school will no longer accept children for residential purpose.
Service for Veterans is our November Tradition, donating items to veterans. It was brought forth by Fyffe and Fisher; the Montgomery County Service Officer advised they are restricting donated items for veterans in local nursing homes due to the pandemic. Fisher spoke with Tom Smith of the Indiana Veterans Home in Lafayette sending her a wish list for donations, the list was handed out.
Additional Service for Veterans: Fyffe indicates at Christmas time other chapters participate in decorating Revolutionary War Veterans buried in their counties by placing a wreath on their grave in honor of their service. Erica Caldwell made a motion to purchase 15 artificial wreaths, bows and holders, for the 15 Revolutionary War Veterans buried in Montgomery County, and Judy Fifer second, motion passed as approved. Fyffe is researching DAR yearbooks listings of Revolutionary war veterans and real daughters in this area.
Membership: Fisher and Taylor are working on three new sisters to join, papers have been received from National, still waiting on signatures plus two supplemental. Erica Caldwell gave a brief report, The Flag, the 23rd President from Indiana, Benjamin Harrison, did more than any other president- up to that time, to increase the respect for the United States Flag, by his order, the Flag be waved above the White House and other Government buildings and Schools.
New Business: Fyffe brings the discussion of Introducing the new DAR America 250 Patriots Marker as a bronze plaque to be placed on the house porch. “This marker commemorates the men & women who achieved American Independence believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation”. The chapter must submit a 1 1/2 page application. Caldwell made the motion to proceed to apply for the plaque, and Fisher second the motion, motion carried.
Kirkpatrick reminds everyone of Fall Forum on Oct. 23-24 at the Willows in Indianapolis. The 129th Continental Congress was virtual only, in 1945 during WWII, there were restrictions on civilian activities, and this was the only time it has ever been cancelled. Kirkpatrick read a letter received from Bonnie O’Neill Meyer of Florida thanking the chapter for information on locating and finding her descendants, James and Nancy Miller buried in the Harrison Cemetery near Ladoga, relaying the day was a fun filled and delightful journey. Kirkpatrick reminds everyone of our meeting next month, Nov. 21, at 1 p.m. at the Elston Memorial Home, then off to the Lew Wallace Study.
Kirkpatrick adjourned the meeting to refreshments served in a pre-package treats (virus safe) with a beautiful decorated Fall/Halloween fashion table setting — Hostesses: Brown, Brianna Young, Linda Keith, Caldwell and Gloria White. Brown brought the 250-year anniversary book “The Legend of Sleepy Hallow” to share.
