DAR Fort Steuben Chapter begins meeting year with new members

STEUBENVILLE -- The Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held its luncheon meeting Sept. 10 at Historic Fort Steuben, Steubenville.

Regent Mary Ann Jesse gave the call to order; Chaplain Roberta Fedoush, the invocation and singing of the national anthem; Barbara Starkey, flag chairman, led in the Pledge of Allegiance; and the American's Creed was led by Sue Davidson, second vice regent,

Vickie Joseph, chapter secretary, introduced Jerry Barilla, Steubenville mayor and Historic Fort Steuben manager, to whom the chapter presented a certificate and medal for "Excellence in Historic Preservation" to Historic Fort Steuben.

The meeting speaker was Judy Bratton, assistant manager for Historic Fort Steuben, whose topic was Baron Von Steuben. Members were updated on plans for a commemorative marker or monument for Baron Von Steuben.

During the business meeting, two guests were introduced -- Susan Beamer, potential new member, and Paula Creona.

Roberta Fedoush conducted the initiation of two new chapter members, Kim VanDiver and Griselda Taylor.

Minutes of the May 14 meeting/gala were read by the secretary and approved. The treasurer's report was given by Treasurer Patti D'Aurora.

Janet Rymer, women's issues chairman, gave the committee report, assisted by her daughter and new member, Kim VanDiver who talked about being the first female police officer in her Tri-County Area in South Carolina.

The final report of the 100th anniversary committee was given by Vickie Joseph.

Nancy Valles gave a report on the 129th NSDAR Continental Congress held in Washington, D.C.

Tammy Kotyk gave a report on the OSDAR Fall Fun Fair held in Columbus.

Under the heading America 250 Project, there was discussion about making and later voting to have the Baron Von Steuben memorial as a chapter project. Members will be asked to donate at least $2 per meeting to go to the general fund. Francine Hauldren will look into how to apply for a $500 NSDAR grant toward the memorial.

American Indians Chairman Carolyn Mizok presented her report, explaining that American Indians have dual citizenship in the United States and in the Indian Nation and that the U.S. Constitution is based, in part, on the American Indian's constitution.

Discussion of a potential first vice regent was postponed until the October meeting.

Volunteers are needed to fill committee chairman positions. New member Grizelda Taylor volunteered to chair the American Heritage committee. Junior American Citizenship needs a chair.

The president general's message was read.

It was decided that this year's meetings in September, February, April and May will be held at Fort Steuben, while the October, November, December and March meetings will be held at Giovanni's in Weirton.

Members were reminded about days to fly the flag, including Columbus Day on Oct. 10.

The next meeting is Saturday at Giovanni's at noon. Carolyn Mizok gave the benediction.