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STEUBENVILLE -- The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at the Historic Fort Steuben Sept. 9. The call to order was given by Regent Mary Ann Jesse, followed by the invocation and blessing by Tammy Kotyk. The pledge was led by Flag Chairman Barbara Starkey and the American's Creed by Second Vice Regent Sue Davidson. Starkey led in the national anthem.
Members congratulated Jesse on her upcoming marriage, after which Secretary Vickie Joseph conducted the remainder of the meeting due to Jesse having complications stemming from recent COVID. Due to the increase in COVID cases, members were asked to wear a mask if they have not been vaccinated or to stay home if they have symptoms.
Janet Rymer, chairman on women's issues, introduced the first speaker, her daughter, Kim VanDiver. VanDiver is the first member of the chapter to win first place on the district level of the NSDAR Women's Issues essay contest. She read her winning entry, with the topic being her trailblazing efforts as a female law enforcement officer. Vice Regent Jeanne Vega introduced Cynthia Kettler, OSDAR Northeast district director. Kettler thanked the chapter for its donation toward table decorations at the spring conference. She reminded members of upcoming OSDAR events and shared information about her DAR background. A motion was made by Tammy Kotyk and seconded by Jeanne Vega during the business meeting, to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the last meeting. The motion passed. Treasurer Patti D'Aurora gave her report and announced two scholarships were awarded to contest winners. She noted she and Kotyk completed an audit of the books and has notified members of the decision by the board to raise chapter dues by $5 per year. Under committee reports, Joseph reported the topic for the JAC contest this year is, "Sparkling in the stars with the 50th anniversary of the NASA space shuttle program." Nancy Valles has sent the information to the local schools. Members were reminded to record their Service to America hours.
Old business included reminding members there are three courses in training: A committee leader's course, members course and new horizons course. There is one year to complete each course. Information is available on the OSDAR website. Joseph reported Ralph Spear of the Paris cemetery has requested the chapter purchase wreaths for the Wreaths Across America program in December. Kotyk made a motion, which was seconded by Dee Ann Greene, the chapter purchase four wreaths at the cost of $68. The motion passed unanimously. Members were asked for their input about the program to be presented in December by the OSDAR state regent, Susan Leinenger. Several available topics were discussed and members decided they would like to hear a program on "Something Old, Something New," an overview of wedding customs and traditions.
Member Nicole Balacos, a Blue Star Mother, suggested members may want to send cards, letters, snacks and other needed items to her son's Army outfit currently stationed in Korea. Members were asked to bring items to the October meeting. This activity would serve as the chapter's Day of Service. Prayers and condolences were said for the following: Carol Cramer and her family, on her husband, Walter's, death April 24; Jo Ann Morrison, Lori Massaro, Stacey Reid, Nancy Valles and Joseph, on the passing of David Morrison; Carolyn Mizok and Roberta Fedoush, on the passing of Robert Mizok; and the family of chapter member Opal Kleineke, who died at age of 92. Prayers were said for Griselda Taylor's sister, Dolores Morgan; Nancy and Lou Valles, due to COVID; Shiels and Shealy families, after a family tragedy; and for safe travels for the Redinger family. Members were asked to send cards or call those on the sunshine report list. The next meeting will be held at noon on Oct. 14 at Gio's restaurant.