DAR discusses Quilts of Valor program

STEUBENVILLE -- The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at the Schiappa Branch of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County Dec. 9. The call to order was conducted by Regent Mary Ann Jesse.

Chaplain Roberta Fedoush provided the invocation and blessing.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jeanne Vega, first vice regent.

Nancy Valles led the American's Creed and the singing of the national anthem was led by Tammy Kotyk.

Unvaccinated members were reminded to wear masks except when eating or addressing the group and to maintain social distancing. 

Members were asked to wear their name tags during each meeting. 

Jesse read the president general's message to those in attendance.

Following the luncheon, Secretary Vickie Joseph introduced the meeting's guest speaker, Ohio State Regent Susan Leininger. 

Leininger brought greetings to the chapter from the OSDAR and presented a program entitled, "Something Old, Something New."

Officials stated it was "a very interesting presentation about wedding dresses and customs through the centuries." 

During the business portion of the meeting, Joseph read the minutes from the previous meeting. 

Karen Blanc made a motion and Vega seconded the motion to approve the minutes, as corrected. The motion passed.

Treasurer Patti D'Aurora gave her report, citing there is $1,254 in the general fund, $201 in the Von Steuben account and $1,162 in the scholarship fund.  Kotyk made a motion to accept the report as presented and Tracey Dysert seconded the motion, which passed.

Under committee reports, Janet Rymer reported on America 250, in which the group presented books to the Mary H. Weir and Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County libraries. 

JAC Chairman Nancy Valles reported the chapter members served as judges in a contest in which 51 students submitted to OSDAR, entries in 34 categories for state-level judging. The topic was on George Washington and the many historical dates commemorated in December. Judges included Susan Welch, Denise White, Francine Hauldren, Joseph and Valles. Blanc, who serves as national defense chairman, reported the contest on the NSDAR web site.  

Rymer, chairman on womens' issues, reported on the origin of the "Quilts of Valor" program. She explained the mother of an Iraqi veteran started the program to honor her son. Blanc's husband, Richard, a Vietnam veteran, received two Bronze stars during his time in the Army. 

Rymer noted he received a Quilt of Valor in which to honor his service. She suggested members make and donate quilt squares toward the project.

Under old business, members were reminded to record their Service to America hours.

It was announced anyone knowing 1of a student interested in receiving a DAR scholarship should look at the NSDAR website's scholarship committee page.

Officials stated the process has been simplified. There is one application to be completed, with eligible candidates being considered for any and all matching scholarships. The application window is open until Jan. 31.

In new business, members were asked to shop items from the OSDAR's state regent's sale in order to support an updated records project. They were asked to support the chapter's Christmas sale, as well, with the proceeds going to the chapter's scholarship fund.

Dysert suggested instead of a flea market-type sale, the chapter should hold an auction with items donated by members. It was her hope that in selling tickets for the auction items, the chapter would raise more money toward the scholarship fund. The discussion was tabled until January's meeting.

A change in the chapter's meeting location was to be discussed at this month's meeting, after being tabled at the December meeting. 

Members were asked to vote on a slate of delegates for the 125th OSDAR state conference. The conference is scheduled to be held March 21-24 in Columbus.  The slate of delegates includes, Jesse, Joseph, Valles, Kotyk, Dysert and Griselda Taylor. 

Blanc made a motion to accept the slate of delegates, with the motion being seconded by Carol Skerbetz, after which the motion passed. 

D'Aurora commented she will send the members' credentials to OSDAR.

During the sunshine report, prayers were said for the following individuals: Jesse, Jo Ann Morrison, Tom and Margaret Kotyk, Donnie Vega and Kotyk for health issues. Condolences were given to the Meador family on the loss of their father, Joseph Meador. 

Members were asked to either send a card or to call those listed in the report. Officials noted the next meeting will take place at noon Feb. 10.