Fort Steuben Chapter of DAR swears in new officers

NEW DAR OFFICERS — The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met May 10 and swore in new officers to serve for a three-year term, expiring in 2028. Those who will be the officers of the chapter are, from left, front, Regent Janet Rymer; First Vice Regent Roberta Fedoush; Second Vice Regent Sue Davidson; Registrar Marsha Cable and Flag of the USA Karen Blanc; and back, Secretary Vickie Joseph; and Chaplain Griselda Taylor. Treasurer Patti D’Aurora and Historian Donna Dennis will also serve as officers. -- Contributed
STEUBENVILLE — The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met May 10 and were called to order by Regent Mary Ann Jesse.
The invocation and blessing were given by Chaplain Roberta Fedoush.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by America 250 Chairman Francine Hauldren.
The American’s Creed was led by Second Vice Regent Sue Davidson.
Prior to the group meeting for lunch, early announcements included unvaccinated members being reminded they are to wear masks to maintain social distancing, except when eating or addressing the group.
Members were asked to wear name tags during each meeting.
Once the meal was completed, First Vice Regent Jenne Vega showed the members the new, limited-edition stamps which depict battlefields of the American Revolution.
During the business portion of the meeting, Secretary Vickie Joseph read the minutes of the April meeting; Jesse provided the treasurer’s report.
The chapter discussed committee reports, with Jesse reporting on the scholarship contest. This year’s title was, “Why is the Study of Genealogy Important?”
The scholarship winners were Kathy Riley of Steubenville High School and Allison Rawson of Indian Creek High School. Each winner will receive $500 and a certificate.
Members thanked Melinda Young and Shana D’Aurora Wydra for conducting the contest.
Hauldren told members the May History Minute topic was, “We Know Who We Are, But Do You Know Who You Are?”
The presentation encouraged students to explore their ancestry. The school presentations will continue throughout the next school year.
Hauldren, serving in the capacity of conservation chairman, stated she is working on new America 250 activities, as well as conservation activities.
JAC Chairmen Nancy Valles said she delivered certificates and medals to winners of the contest.
Joseph presented Nicole Balakos’ information about the importance of mental health care for veterans and service members.
Women’s Issues Chairman Janet Rymer reported May is National Women’s Health Month.
Insignia Chairman Denise White complimented members on the proper placement of their pins and insignias.
White, serving in the capacity of Cameo Society chairman, reported on new members Mary Minor Evans, Mary Wood and Carol Cramer.
Under old business, members were reminded to record their Service to America hours.
Under new business, Jesse reported on the special board meeting held April 17.
After calling that meeting to order, Jesse discussed a letter she received regarding the estate of Golda Fulton.
Members passed a motion to form an investigative committee on the matter. Committee volunteers are Jesse, Vega, Marsha Cable and Tammy Kotyk, who will report new information at the next chapter meeting.
Valles, serving as parliamentarian, conducted the installation of officers for the 2025-28 term.
Those installed were: Janet Rymer, regent; Roberta Fedoush, first vice regent; Sue Davidson, second vice regent; Griselda Taylor, chaplain; Vickie Joseph, secretary; Marsha Cable, registrar; and Karen Blanc, flag of the United States.
Treasurer Patti D’Aurora and Historian Donna Dennis will be installed at a later date, as they were not present during the meeting.
Training for the new regents and vice regents took place Saturday at the Columbus Airport Marriott.
Jesse made a motion and Joseph seconded the motion for the chapter to cover the cost of the regent’s lunch. The motion passed.
Hauldren reported the Weirton Independence Day parade will be held at 4 p.m. July 5.
Joseph made a motion and Kotyk seconded the motion for the chapter to participate in the parade, wit the motion passing.
Hauldren will make the arrangements and contact members with information.
Fedoush asked members to e-mail her with any corrections for the new yearbook.
Rymer, as incoming regent, briefly addressed the group, thanking them for placing their trust in her. She asked all attendees to be thinking about ideas that will help benefit the chapter.
Rymer noted a meeting was held for new board members on Wednesday at the First Christian Church in Weirton.
During the sunshine report, the chapter said prayers for Jesse’s sister, Cheryl Hendricks, who is recovering from heart surgery; for Davidson’s husband, Larry, who has been in the hospital; for Dysert’s cousin, Maria Zediker, who had a stroke, for Vega’s sister, Jane, who is recovering from surgery; and for Kotyk’s husband, Greg, who is having knee surgery in June.
Condolences were noted for the Pappas family, following the death of their daughter, Marissa, and for the Nicksick family, following the death of Catherine Joyce.
Members were asked to send cards or call all those on the sunshine report.
It was announced the upcoming days in which to fly the flag are Independence Day, July 4; and Labor Day, Sept. 1.
The chapter’s next meeting will take place at noon on Sept. 13. The location will be announced at a later time.
The program topic will be, “An Afternoon with Alexander Hamilton.”
Taylor gave the benediction and the meeting adjourned.