DAR MEETS VITO — Members of the Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution received a special visitor during their May 13 meeting. Regent Mary Ann Jesse, left, welcomed the meeting’s guest speaker, Jeanne Czernek and her parrot, Vito. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at Historic Fort Steuben, May 13. Regent Mary Ann Jesse called the meeting to order and Nancy Valles provided the Invocation and blessing. First Vice Regent, Jeanne Vega led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The American’s Creed was led by Second Vice Regent Sue Davidson; Tammy Kotyk led the national anthem; and Dee Ann Greene read the President General’s message. Jesse encouraged members who are not attending the 132nd Continental Congress to visit the site online. The trip will be held at NSDAR Constitution Hall June 28 through July 2. Members not vaccinated were told to wear a mask except when eating or addressing the group. 

Registrar Tracey Dysert introduced prospective member Connie Rohal. During the groups catered lunch, she and Flora Ver Stratten Merrin, director of the Ohio Genealogical Society’s Jefferson County Chapter, explained there is a need for volunteers to help digitize thousands of historical paper documents.

Vega introduced program speaker Jeanne Czernek, who talked about her parrot, Vito, also in attendance. He has had a lengthy career entertaining and appearing in various productions and commercials, Czernek stated.

During the meeting’s business portion, Secretary Vickie Joseph read the minutes from the previous meeting. Minutes were accepted by Davidson, seconded by Griselda Taylor and approved as read.

Joseph read the treasurer’s report, prepared by Treasurer, Patti D’Aurora, who requested membership discuss a $5 raise in annual dues. Members decided to defer the suggestion until it was discussed at the board meeting. 

Vega informed members the fountain at Fort Steuben is in need of repairs and made a motion the chapter donate $50 toward repair costs. Dysert seconded the motion and it passed. 

Under committee reports, America 250 Chairman, Francine Hauldren reported she has completed the request for a NSDAR grant to create displays in four libraries throughout Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The displays will commemorate the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.

Veteran’s Affairs Chairman Vega reported the chapter will be arranging for ceremonies to honor Vietnam War era veterans. Commemorative pins will be given to veterans and their wives, possibly at VFW or American Legion meetings. She reported she donated toward baby supplies for service member’s families and reminded everyone to continue distributing stars from retired flags to service members.

Women’s Issues chairman, Janet Rymer spoke about May being mental health month, reporting Kimberly Vandiver’s essay won first-place in the East-Central Division. Officials are still waiting for national results.  

Joseph reported the Fort Steuben chapter’s scholarship winners were William Matzorkis from Steubenville High School and Elena Mastrantoni from Weir High School.

It was noted the DAR member’s training has three courses: committee leader’s, members and new horizon’s courses. There is one year to complete each course. Information can be found online at the OSDAR website.  

New business included the new membership challenge, addressed by Jesse. She noted if the chapter adds four new members this year, they will be recognized at next year’s Continental Congress.  

Members were encouraged to attend the opening ceremony flag raising at Ohio Valley Frontier Days Saturday. The Fort Steuben Chapter will lead the Pledge of Allegiance at 10 a.m. Members are asked to arrive at 9:30 a.m. 

Jesse stated she will arrange a board meeting for sometime this summer.  

The sunshine report included prayers and condolences to Carol Cramer and her family on her husband, Walter’s passing April 24.

Members were asked to pray for health and healing for Barbara Starkey; Griselda Taylor; Lauren Joseph Caradonna; Dale White; Jo Ann and David Morrison; Kim Redinger; and Kim, Ruth Ann, Jason and Ethan Dysert. Prayers were offered for Alex Jesse who graduates from Air National Guard training in June.

Members were asked to send cards or call those on the sunshine report.

Members mentioned days to fly the flag are Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day.

The next meeting of the Fort Steuben chapter will be Sept. 9 at Fort Steuben. The meeting concluded with Valles giving the benediction.