The Dorothy Q Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, met at 1 p.m. March 19 in the Elston Memorial Home, with Regent Rita Kirkpatrick presiding as she welcomed 14 members and six guests.
Regent Kirkpatrick opened the meeting beginning with the call to order and leading us in reciting, The Pledge of Allegiance, American’s Creed, Preamble to the Constitution, followed by singing the National Anthem. Rachel Brown led us in singing our American Heritage song of the month, “This Land is Your Land.” Chaplain Sharon Southern led prayer before the installation of new member, Pam Allen into Dorothy Q Chapter.
Gloria White read the Presidents General’s Message; As we head into March and April, hope for many activities spring forth as daffodils “All things are possible to carry-on important work; The National Defender Report; read by Regent Kirkpatrick regarding the month of “March went to the dogs,” as March 13 is National K9 Veterans Day, this was formed in 1942. Dogs of war are valued as important members of the military units. During World War I a German Shepard pup was rescued in a battlefield by an American soldier Lee Duncan who trained the pup he named Rinty. The pup stared in the silent movie, The man from Hell’s River. Have you ever hear of, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin?
Before the business meeting began, a special program was presented by Good Citizen chair, Michele Borden, in recognizing and honoring three area high school seniors for demonstrating their outstanding qualities of being this year’s Dorothy Q Chapter’s Good Citizen Award Winners; they are from Benjamin Pietsch from North Montgomery, Justine Troutman from Southmont and Laine Schlicher from Crawfordsville.
Chaplain Sharon Southern reads a Patriot Story on William Freeman (1759-1838). Story was submitted by her granddaughter, Alexandria Southern: Freeman was a Scout for General George Washington. He had enlisted in Bertie County NC as a private in 1776. Years later Freeman and his family moved to Green County Missouri and settled on 160 acres, where today is the vicinity of where Cherry and Glenstone Streets meet in Springfield, Missouri. Originally Freeman was buried on his farm, but in 1912, his remains were moved to the Springfield National Cemetery.
Following the program everyone adjourned into the dining room to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day theme table scape with stunning glass dinnerware for an elegant table setting. A specially decorated patriotic cake “Congrats to Good Citizen’s” was served with an assortment of nuts and mints. A gracious thank you was given to the hostess who provided refreshments; Susan Fisher, Terri Fyffe and Gay Eagleston. After refreshments, members returned to the meeting room to resume regular business.
Michele Borden’s February minutes had been read and were approved. Rachel Brown’s approved treasurer report was filed for audit.
Standing Committee Reports: American Indians: Rita shares a story regarding Charles George (1932 to 1952); a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who served during the Korean Conflict and received the Medal of Honor for his selfless actions. During battle, George threw himself upon a grenade and smothered it with his body; he sacrificed his own life, but saved the lives of his comrades. The VA Medical Center in Ashville, North Carolina is named in his honor — Charles George VA Medical Center. Commemorative Events: Michele Borden stated that March 17 is celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day which commemorates the patron Saint of Ireland, also March 17, 1776, early in the American Revolutionary War, the British completed their evacuation of Boston following a successful siege conducted by the Patriots. The event is still commemorated in Boston, and is called Evacuation Day. Another March Commemorative event — March 23, 1775 — Patrick Henry ignited the American Revolution in Richmond, stating “I know not what course others may take; as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.” DAR Magazine: In renewing membership, you might receive a beautiful silk DAR scarf. To submit for a subscription, mailing cards are available. DAR Schools: Rachel Brown reminds everyone to go to the app store download on your phone (app is free and will walk you through how to help support DAR Schools. DAR Project Patriot: Regent Kirkpatrick relays that she had mailed 1,229 coupons to a military base; these coupons were collected from our members last month. Book Club: Rachel Brown has books displayed on a table that are available to read, “The Pioneers of Ohio,” “Indian World of George Washington” and “The British are Coming.” Don’t forget to use the sign out sheet, more books are on order. Membership: Jr Member application for Claire Kedvesh was verified. We have a prospective member, Linda Miller and Laura Moffat’s application has been submitted. Service to America: Regent Kirkpatrick advises for members to keep your hours updated. Flag: Flying the American Flag reminds us to uphold these core values; Pride, Freedom, Sacrifice, Opportunity, Hope and Strength. Women Issues: Activity guidelines for women of all ages, benefit from a moderate physical activity daily, could be a brisk walk or sweeping the floor. Cares and Concerns; Sharon Southern reported that two cards sent out for get well wishes. Gay Eagleston read a thank you card received from Richmond Chapter Regent, Cheryl Amos, for supporting their chapter in the purchase of Madonna of the Trail ornaments.
Regent Kirkpatrick reads her Patriot Story on Lt. Benjamin Opdycke, (1721-1807) who performed patriotic service in New Jersey during the Revolutionary war, he did carting for the Continental Army and furnished supplies. He became a farmer in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He was the fourth and youngest son and executor of his father’s will. In selecting his future home Benjamin went northward and chose the crest of the first mountain of the Blue Ridge on the northern edge of Hunterdon County. There he lived there for 50 years and there he died in his 86th year.
New Business: A question was brought up by Susan Fisher regarding reimbursement of postage and acid free paper that is required for all submittals of prospective member applications to NSDAR. Terri Fyffe made a motion to reimburse the Registrar for the cost of purchasing acid free paper and postage each time a new member’s application is submitted, Rachel Brown second, motion carried. Regent Kirkpatrick reminds everyone of the 121st Indiana DAR State Conference will be held on May 13-15 at the Indianapolis Marriot East. Delegates attending will be Terri Fyffe and Michele Borden. Also, the 131st Continental Congress in Washington D.C. is scheduled for June 26 through July 4. Registration this year is online. Regent Kirkpatrick adds she has submitted the yearly chapter report to state. A discussion was led by Michele Borden, regarding next year’s chapter yearbooks, there has been a rise in printing costs, and it may be a good idea to raise chapter dues to off-set the price increase. Susan Fisher made a motion to increase chapter dues to cover the printing costs, Terri Fyffe second, Regent Kirkpatrick asked, if there were any discussion? And puts the question, all in favor? A unanimous vote, the yeas have it, motion carried to increase chapter dues to cover the printing cost of the yearbooks.
In closing, Regent Kirkpatrick would like to recognize committees and chairs for a job well done! Project Patriot — Don’t forget bring in your short story to share of your ancestor who served in the Revolutionary War.
Next month’s meeting will be at 2 p.m. April 16 with a special program presented by Gayle Sosbe of Blue Star Mothers. Hostess committee for April is Rachel Brown, Barb Taylor, Michele Borden and Rita Kirkpatrick. Chaplain Sharon Southern gave the benediction, meeting was adjourned.
