Trending
WEIRTON -- The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at Giovanni's restaurant in Weirton Oct. 14. The call to order was given by Regent Mary Ann Jesse, followed by the invocation and blessing by Chaplain Roberta Fedoush.
Chairman Barbara Starkey led in the Pledge of Allegiance. The American's Creed was led by Nancy Valles. Tammy Kotyk led in the singing of the national anthem prior to the announcements.
It was noted the NSDAR founding day was Oct. 11. Members were asked to wear name tags at every meeting.
Registrar Tracey Dysert introduced prospective member Connie Rohal, followed by Regent Jesse introducing her new husband, Paul.
Following lunch and the afternoon's program, Dysert introduced Flora VerStraten-Merrin and Rohal, who spoke with members about the Jefferson County Genealogical Society. The society's new office is located in Stratton and open from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays. On the first Thursday of each month, it is open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. as well. There are original records and maps from as far back as 1797, VerStraten-Merrin told the members.
Secretary Vickie Joseph read the previous minutes during the business portion of the meeting. Dysert made a motion to approve the minutes as read, with Nicole Balakos seconding the motion. The motion passed.
Treasurer Patti D'Aurora presented her report, reminding those in attendance she will be paying national dues from the general fund and everyone should pay their dues as soon as possible.
Joseph read thank-you notes from Northeast Director Cynthia Kettler and from Ralph Speer at the Paris Cemetery.
Womens' Issues Chairman Janet Rymer provided a committee report about October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
As part of the Fort Steuben Chapter's service project, members Dee Ann Greene and Francine Hauldren, along with HODAR Lou Valles, donated items for the First Christian Church's support bags for cancer patients.
Denise White made a motion for the chapter to bring items to be send to service members stationed in Korea. Dysert seconded the motion and all members supported the project. The social committee will remind members when they are called about meeting reservations, it was noted.
Valles offered DAR schools magazines to members, followed by a reminder for members to record their Service to America hours.
Under old business, a motion passed for the chapter to donate four wreaths to Union Cemetery.
Under new business, members were asked to choose a topic for the chapter's 2023-24 scholarship contest. The new topic will be, "Why is the study of genealogy and our ancestors important today?"
Nicole Balakos suggested members dispense with reading the minutes and instead e-mail the minutes to members prior to the meeting. If a member has a correction or comment, they can bring it up at the next meeting. This discussion was tabled until the November meeting.
Greene asked if a gluten-free option could be offered during the group's luncheons.
During the sunshine report, prayers were sent for the following individuals: Margaret and Tom Kotyk, Millie Koos, Kim Reddinger, Jo Ann Morrison and Vega's husband, Donnie. Members were asked to send cards or call those on the sunshine report.
The benediction was given by Fedoush.