SPEAKER THANKED — Fort Steuben Chapter Regent Mary Ann Jesse of the Fort Steuben Chapter of DAR, left, thanked curator Debra Verannin of Fort Vance, for serving as guest speaker during the group’s March 8 meeting at Giovanni’s restaurant in Weirton. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — Members of the Fort Steuben Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met at Giovanni’s restaurant in Weirton March 8.

The call to order was given by Regent Mary Ann Jesse. The invocation and blessing were said by Chaplain Roberta Fedoush. Jesse led in the Pledge of Allegiance, Sue Davidson led the American’s Creed and Tammy Kotyk led the national anthem.

Following lunch, First Vice Regent Jenne Vega introduced guest speaker Debbie Verannin, who spoke on the history and recordkeeping at Fort Vance. She discussed the Manchester House and Phillis log house in Washington County, Pa., and explained the original Fort Vance was dismantled and made into barns and other structures.

Secretary Vickie Joseph read the minutes and gave the treasurer’s report in the absence of Treasurer Patti D’Aurora. America 250 Chairman Francine Hauldren read the March History Minute entitled “The Brits take Broadway While the Patriots Play Games,” about how Revolutionary troops entertained themselves during down time.

Hauldren, conservation chairman, and Vega spoke on the Patriot Tree Challenge. Seeds from an American Elm tree that once served as a meeting place for patriots planning the revolution, will be planted. The goal is to plant in all 50 states. A liberty tree pin is available to chapters participating in the project.

JAC chairman Valles reported all student entries received first or second place on the state level. On the district level, there were nine first-place finishes, five second-place finishes and three third-place finishes. On the national level, three first-place finishes, five second-place finishes, one third-place finish and one honorable mention. Valles noted she will take students’ award certificates, ribbons and medals to their respective schools.

The nominating committee of Fedoush, Joseph, Vega, Kotyk and Valles, proposed a slate of officers for the 2025-28 term, including: Janet Rymer, regent; Fedoush, first vice regent; Davidson, second vice regent; Griselda Taylor, chaplain; Joseph, recording secretary; D’Aurora, treasurer; Marsha Cable, registrar; Donna Dennis, historian; and Karen Blanc, flag of the U.S.

Members were encouraged to vote at the April meeting, with the installation to take place in May. Members were asked to accept a committee position for the upcoming term.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Karen Blanc, national defense chairman, spoke about Mary Walker, the first female recipient of the Army’s medal of honor. Women’s Issues Chairman Rymer spoke on International Women’s Day.

It was announced the Tri-State Genealogical and Historical Society held a free workshop at the Hancock County Senior Center in March.

The group’s next meeting will be held Saturday at Giovanni’s restaurant in Weirton. The speaker will be Diane Baughman, who will discuss her 911 quilt. DAR is a nonprofit, non-political, women’s volunteer service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.

Any woman 18 years of age or older can join the chapter by documenting her lineage to an ancestor — either male or female — who sided the cause of American independence through military, civil or patriotic service, officials stated. The Fort Steuben Chapter welcomes all interested women.

Fedoush provided the benediction.