The Dorothy Q Chapter, NSDAR, met at 1 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Elston Memorial Home. Regent Rita Kirkpatrick opened the meeting with a welcome to our new chapter year and a reminder of our mission of promoting education, historic preservation and patriotism. The opening ritual, led by Kirkpatrick, included singing the Star Spangled Banner and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, American’s Creed and the Preamble to the Constitution. The American Heritage committee’s patriotic song of the month, “My Country Tis of Thee,” was led by committee chair, Rachel Brown. Gloria White read the President General’s message and Kirkpatrick read the National Defender’s report for Ericia Caldwell, celebrating Uncle Sam’s Day, Sept. 13.
Our program was presented by Gail Pebworth from the League of Women Voters.
She gave us a history of the women’s suffrage movement and the 19th amendment, reminding us that local doctor Mary Holloway Wilhite was an early leader of the movement. The commemorative plaque marking the location of her home, which Dorothy Q was pleased to help sponsor, has been erected on the corner of Wabash and Grant. We enjoyed her presentation and her 1900’s suffragette costume.
Minutes from our last meeting, June 20, were read for Recording Secretary Michele Borden by Brown. They were approved as read. Brown read the treasurer’s report which was then filed for audit. The paying of bills from Susan Fisher for chapter supplies and Brown for treasurer supplies was approved.
The question was brought by Kirkpatrick of buying a Past-Regent pin for outgoing Regent Fisher. Discussion followed. Terri Fyffe moved and Gay Eagleston seconded to approve the purchase of a pin of her choosing under $100. Motion passed.
The state conference report included a gold ribbon award to Dorothy Q for our yearbook with the suggestion that the picture of Elston Memorial Home be moved to the back of the yearbook, an award for our hours for Service To America, and a certificate to Barb Taylor, Registrar, for bringing in three new members.
Eagleston, Corresponding Secretary, read a thank you note from Sugar Creek Players for our donation to the Vanity Theater in memory of Helen Milligan. Also, she read a note from Anna Dixon explaining that she and Lela Lofland, residents of Whitlock Place, are unable to attend this month’s meeting, and possibly next month’s, because they are still quarantined. Sharon Southern, Chaplain, will send them notes.
Kirkpatrick reminded us that today is the last day to make reservations for fall forum with the information from state organizers that if not enough members sign up, the meeting will be canceled this year. She also announced that the Blue Star Mothers are collecting items for care packages being sent to deployed service members. A list of suggested items was passed out. If members wish to donate, collection boxes are at all Hoosier Heartland State Bank locations.
Kirkpatrick informed us that she has canceled the luncheon part of next month’s meeting due to member concerns. She also went through several changes of addresses, emails and phone numbers for our yearbook.
Service to America forms are available from Rita. Sign-up for next summer’s Continental Congress Indiana bus has started. The date for Congress is June 28-July 4, 2021. This is a memorable experience that is recommended to each member, at least once.
Committee Reports:
Conservation Chair Sharon Southern reported on what we can do to help reduce greenhouse gases. Indian Chairman, Rita Kirkpatrick related the interesting history of Squanto and how, because of it, he could help the early English settlers. Rachel, DAR Schools Chair, passed out the updated product list for Box Tops For Education and discussed how to download the app for scanning. She also reminded us to join Amazon Smile, if we haven’t done so already, and choose a DAR school to receive a percentage of our purchases. As an example, Tamassee DAR School has, to date, received $4,813.14 from this program.
Rita challenged each of us to prepare a two-minute report on our Patriot to bring to each meeting. If our scheduled program is ever canceled, we will share these reports.
INDAR would like us to send in information about Patriots buried in our area. We have a list of known Patriots on a plaque on our porch. Also, Ericia is sending information to State about our new flagpole and our restoration of the beautiful stained glass doors of the Elston Home.
Last year’s Good Citizen Chair, Melody Davis, introduced our chapter winner, Connor McVay from Southmont. This presentation was delayed from March due to COVID-19. She also announced that McVay was the state winner. He read his winning essay and was presented with a pin, certificate and monetary award. We were pleased to have McVay’s parents in attendance.
Chaplain Sharon Southern ended our meeting at 4 p.m. with a benediction. We adjourned to enjoy a Covid safe, fall themed refreshment and social time, provided by the committee of Sharon, Chair, Gay and Barb.
Our next meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 17 when a program about quilts to be presented by Madonna Babyak, Regent of the Estabrook Chapter. Visitors welcome.
