AT CONFERENCE — Members of the Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution attended the 124th OSDAR state conference held March 24-26 in Columbus. Members attended the officer’s club meeting, business sessions and several educational workshops. At the awards luncheon, chapter member, Kimberly Van Diver was awarded first place in the women’s issues essay contest career division. Her essay, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Law Enforcement” went on to win the DAR East Central Division and has been sent for judging at the national level. Those attending were chapter Regent Mary Ann Jesse, Secretary Vickie Joseph, Nancy Valles and prospective member Cheryl Hendrix. From left are Joseph, Valles, NSDAR Organizing Secretary General Nancy Schirm Wright and Jesse. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met March 11 at Giovanni’s Restaurant in Weirton with Regent Mary Ann Jesse presiding.

Chaplain Roberta Fedoush gave the invocation and blessing with opening ceremonies including the Pledge of Allegiance led by Registrar Tracey Dysert, the American’s Creed led by Nancy Valles and the national anthem led by Fedoush.

Jesse read the president general’s message.

Treasurer Patti D’Aurora introduced program speakers Mary Zwierzchowski, co-author of “Secrets in the Mist: The History of Brown’s Island, Weirton, WV,” and Pam Makricosta, literacy coordinator at the Mary H. Weir Public Library.

Makricosta invited the chapter to meet at the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center at 3149 Main St. and asked the chapter to do an exhibit at the library for Constitution Week.

Nancy Valles, left, and Vickie Joseph stand by a sign noting the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s independence to be marked July 4, 2026. -- Contributed

During the business meeting, the minutes of the last meeting were read by Secretary Vickie Joseph and approved. D’Aurora gave the treasurer’s report, noting she and Tammy Kotyk completed an audit of the chapter’s accounts with everything found to be in order.

Under committee reports, Women’s Issues Chairman Janet Rymer gave a report on founding member Mary Donaldson and her journal article about Abraham Lincoln’s visit to the area.

America 250 Chairman Francine Hauldren is working on a $500 grant for books to donate to local schools. If approved, the books will be donated on or near Dec. 13, the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.

National Defense Chairman Karen Blanc informed the members that March 29 is Vietnam Veteran’s day. She also gave other March dates of interest — Yellowstone was created in 1872, the “Star-Spangled Banner” was made the national anthem in 1931; in 1801 George Washington was inaugurated; and in 1789 the U.S. Post Office began.

Valles spoke to the chapter about the Wreaths Across America program at the Florence, Pa., cemetery, which has 30 Revolutionary War soldiers buried there. It is in desperate need of attention and cleanup, Valles noted, suggesting that chapter assist with cemetery cleanup as a Service to America project. Valles will get more information and share it at the next meeting.

Under old business, it was announced that three members would attend the OSDAR Conference March 23-26. Jesse, Valles and Joseph will be delegates for the conference with prospective member Cheryl Hendrix also attending.

Jesse reminded members to record their Service to America hours. Ohio members exceeded the 2022 goal by performing more than 200,000 hours of community service.

Under new business, Dysert’s request for $75 for registrar’s training was approved, and Jesse’s request for $120 to replace the armed services flags at Union Cemetery was approved.

The chapter was invited to the Mahoning Chapter’ 130th anniversary celebration on April 18.

The registration for delegates for Continental Congress is due by April 15. Members were encouraged to complete DAR members training courses. Information is on the NSDAR website.

A sunshine report was given. Joseph was congratulated for her W.Va. Catholic Charities Community in Action Award. Members were reminded about days to fly the flag for special observances.

The next meeting is Saturday at Historic Fort Steuben.

Fedoush gave the benediction.