“HAMILTON” VISITS DAR — Weirton actor Pete Fernbaugh portrayed Alexander Hamilton during a special presentation held for the Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution at its September meeting. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — Members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Fort Steuben Chapter were treated to a special presentation during the group’s first meeting of the 2025-26 year in September.

Alexander Hamilton, portrayed by Weirton resident and actor Pete Fernbaugh, entertained DAR members by reading the preamble of the Constitution and giving a presentation about the actions of patriots during the Revolutionary War.

Fernbaugh, who has been involved in local theater since 2007, is a part of the acting troupe, the Wayward Saints, and performs a monthly theatrical series entitled Cloak and Dagger on the Air at the West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, located on Three Springs Drive in Weirton.

Those in attendance were asked to ring a bell at 4 p.m. Sept. 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution.

Also during the meeting, the chapter recognized its first veteran of the month, Weirton resident Richard Blanc.

Parliamentarian Nancy Valles installed Treasurer Patti D’Aurora and Historian Donna Dennis.

First Vice Regent Roberta Fedoush administered the oath of membership to new members Kathleen Marotta and posthumously to Sheryl Hendricks.

Hendricks was represented by her sister, immediate Past Regent Mary Ann Jesse.

A memorial service was held for deceased chapter members Ornell Meador, Nancy Courtney, Jo Ann Morrison, Barbara Starkey and Hendricks.

To thank members for their support during Jesse’s term as regent, past First Vice Regent Jeannie Vega distributed gift bags to all members.

The bags were presented from herself and from her sister, Mary Ann.

Following the program, members held a business meeting with four reports by officers and 13 reports from committee chairmen.

Under new business, members were reminded of the NSDAR’s Day of Service, which took place Oct. 11.

This year’s chapter project was to collect pouches of tuna and monetary donations for the Cancer Dietary Initiative, located at the First Westminster Church in Steubenville.

The CDI assists approximately 70 to 90 cancer patients with dietary needs on the third Saturday of each month, members noted.

The chapter met for its October meeting Oct. 11 at Historic Fort Steuben.

Prior to the meeting, members planted a liberty elm tree outside the fort.

The day’s guest speaker was Melinda Young, who presented a program about the history of the fort.

Under the Sunshine report, members were asked to pray for those undergoing health issues, including Tammy Kotyk and Carol Skerbetz.

Membership in the NSDAR is open to women 18 and older who can prove lineal descent from a male or female patriot who aided the cause of the Revolutionary War.

For information, e-mail officials with the chapter at fortsteubenDAR@gmail.com.