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Fort Steuben Chapter DAR inducts new member, hears program on first ladies

WELCOME — Janet Rymer, center, was installed as a new member of the Fort Steuben Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, by Chaplain Bonny Slemmer, left, and chapter Regent Karen Blanc. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Fort Steuben Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution met Oct. 13 at Froehlich’s Classic Corner in Steubenville.

Chapter Regent Karen Blanc presided. Opening exercises involved DAR Schools Chairman Nancy Valles; Second Vice Regent Vickie Joseph; American History Chairman Wadeanne Nardo; and Chaplain Bonny Slemmer, who gave the invocation and blessing

Blanc read the message of the National DAR president general, which included information on the most recent Continental Congress. She also encouraged members to consider subscribing to the DAR magazine.

New DAR member Janet Rymer was inducted into the Fort Steuben Chapter by Blanc and Slemmer. Rymer’s daughter and grandson, Sharel and Aaron O’Connell, respectively, were welcomed as guests.

After lunch, Blanc introduced speaker Sharon Snowden, regent of the Catherine Richards Chapter, who gave a presentation on the eight First Ladies from Ohio. They included Anna Harrison, who had 10 children, the most for any First Lady; Lucy Web Hayes, who was the first one actually called “First Lady”; Lucretia Garfield; Caroline Scott Harrison, who was First Lady when the White House got electricity and who was a DAR president general; Ida McKinley; Helen Harrison Taft, who was responsible for bringing the famous cherry trees to the Washington, D.C., tidal basin; and Florence Harding, who was the first of the presidents’ wives to be able to vote for her husband. Julia Grant’s husband, President Ulysses Grant, was from Ohio, but she was actually from Missouri.

The business meeting followed with Registrar Susan Welch introducing prospective members Kim Ashton, Cara Mendel and Griselda Taylor and transfer member Sue Davidson.

It was voted to add Mary Ann Jesse to the nominating committee chaired by Valles, who encouraged members to seriously consider which office they might be suited to hold. She asked members to be more involved and to do all that they can to help the chapter thrive. She also reminded members to continue bringing their Boxtops for Education.

JAC Chairman Jo Ann Morrison told the members that information for the Junior American Citizens contest was sent to Harding Middle School and the Jefferson County Christian School. The topic of this year’s contest is “The 50th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing.” Morrison asked members to contact her if they know of any other local schools that might be interested in participating.

Under old business, Blanc showed the group the table centerpiece decorated by chapter Secretary DeeAnn Grenne. The decoration in the shape of the state of Ohio will be used for the 2019 fall conference. Members were reminded to bring in coupons for distribution to veterans and also linens for the St. Vincent de Paul bed ministry.

Under new business, members were asked to consider ideas for a community project. Ideas mentioned included bringing in stuffing mix for the Cancer Dietary Initiative and assisting the Friendship Room in Steubenville.

Members were encouraged to make a special effort to attend the Dec. 8 meeting where the speakers will be Ohio State Regent Nancy Schirm Wright and NE Director Reggie White.

Wreaths Across America is Dec 15, and Union Cemetery in Steubenville is now an official designated site for the event. The chapter donated $150 for 10 wreaths.

The next meeting will be Saturday at Froehlich’s Classic Corner. Scheduled greeters are Morrison and Beverly Livingston.

Slemmer gave the benediction.

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