Fort Steuben DAR Chapter hears program on Fort Pitt blockhouse
WEIRTON -- The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met Oct. 8 at Giovanni's Restaurant in Weirton where Regent Mary Ann Jesse presided at the business meeting,
Becky Braun, a guest from the Fort McIntosh Chapter, Beaver, Pa., gave the invocation, and Secretary Vickie Joseph led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The American's Creed by Nancy Valles followed, then the singing by all of the national anthem.
After the luncheon, Treasurer Patti D'Aurora introduced the speaker, Susan Matlack, past regent, Fort Pitt Chapter, NSDAR, who gave a presentation on the history of the Fort Pitt Blockhouse. The current blockhouse is the last of five originally built in 1764 as the first line of defense for Fort Pitt. It is owned by the Fort Pitt chapter and is open for tours Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The business meeting began with minutes from the last meeting read by Joseph and approved. D'Aurora gave the treasurer's report. Information was presented on re-investing matured CDs. The group voted to invest proceeds from two CDs into an account earning 1.75 percent interest, reserving a specific amount to go to the scholarship fund and another amount to go to the checking account.
Karen Blanc gave the national defense report.
Denise White presented new information for the Cameo Society.
For women's issues, Joseph informed members about an online scam involving Facebook Marketplace.
Valles asked for photography assistance for JAC projects.
Jeannie Vega distributed stars for veterans and commemorative postcards.
Members were reminded to record their service hours. There was a discussion about earning service hours for maintaining the Burgett cemetery in Burgettstown.
Jesse reported that Jeanne Vega has agreed to serve as first vice regent for the 2022-25 term. It was approved by the group and noted that Roberta Fedoush will install Vega at the next meeting.
Under new business, it was announced that a chapter member anonymously made "a very generous donation to help Hindman Settlement school rebuild after a devastating flood."
Chapter anniversaries for several members were acknowledged.
Mindy Valko is now an associate member of the Fort Steuben Chapter. She is the daughter of the late Anna Crim, who had been a member.
Denise White reported on a visit to the Marietta Chapter.
Joseph read the president general's report.
Several prayer requests were heard.
Becky Braun, Pennsylvania state chairman for the Madonna of the Trail, had commemorative calendars for sale.
Members were reminded to fly the flag on Columbus Day and Veterans Day, Nov. 11.