WEIRTON — The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at Giovanni’s Restaurant in Weirton on Oct. 14. The call to order was given by Regent Mary Ann Jesse, followed by the invocation and blessing of Chaplain Roberta Fedoush.
President Barbara Starkey led the Pledge of Allegiance. American’s Creed was directed by Nancy Valles. Tammy Kotyk sang the national anthem before the announcements.
It was noted that the founding day of the NSDAR was October 11. Members were asked to wear a name tag at each meeting.
Registrar Tracey Dysert introduced prospective member Connie Rohal, followed by Regent Jesse introducing her new husband, Paul.
Following lunch and the afternoon program, Dysert introduced Flora VerStraten-Merrin and Rohal, who spoke with members of the Jefferson County Genealogical Society. The company’s new office is located in Stratton and is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The first Thursday of each month it is also open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There are original documents and maps dating as far back as 1797, VerStraten-Merrin told members.
Secretary Vickie Joseph read the previous minutes during the business portion of the meeting. Dysert moved to approve the minutes as read, with Nicole Balakos seconding the motion. The motion was adopted.
Treasurer Patti D’Aurora presented her report, reminding those present that she will pay national dues from the general fund and that everyone should pay their dues as soon as possible.
Joseph read thank you notes from Northeast Director Cynthia Kettler and Ralph Speer at the Paris Cemetery.
Janet Rymer, President of Womens’ Issues, presented a committee report on 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 First Christian Church’s support bags for cancer patients .
Denise White suggested that the chapter bring items to send to service members stationed in Korea. Dysert seconded the motion and all members supported the project. The social committee will remind members when called about meeting reservations, it was noted.
Valles offered members magazines from DAR schools, followed by a reminder to members to log their service hours in America.
As part of ancient business, a motion was 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 2023-2024 scholarship competition. The new topic will be, “Why is the study of genealogy and our ancestors important today?
Nicole Balakos suggests that members do not read the minutes and instead send the minutes to members before the meeting. If a member has a correction or comment, they can bring it up at the next meeting. This discussion was postponed until the November meeting.
Greene asks if a gluten-free option could be offered at group lunches.
During the sunny report, prayers were sent for the following: 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 listed on the Sunshine report.
The blessing was given by Fedoush.
