Highlights from the April 11th DAR Meeting

L to R: Phyllis Wilson, Stephanie Joisd, Diana Fotinatos, Martha Koletar, Susan Zimmerman, Harriett Bode and Donna Agopsowics

Recently, members of the Brunswick Town Chapter, NS-DAR presented a skit, World War I Diary – From the Diaries of Private Urban Christians.  Pvt. Christians expressed his loneliness and the day-to-day horrific hardships our troops endured during the war. His faith in God and love of country never waned. Six DAR members, each wearing a camouflage scarf, read diary entries. The person reading wore a WWI helmet. Graphic details of the war ran in a slide presentation while the members read.

PR and Media Chair Martha Koletar produced the program and introduced it by citing how the war began and the terrible consequences of war where winners and losers alike suffered so terribly. It is hard to believe the countries of the world would ever take up arms again.  

The horrors of war caused great suffering, and members of the DAR helped to ease the pain and bear the burden. The United States entered the war in April 1917 and established a War Relief Service Commission.  Members helped in so many ways from jelly making to knitting garments and volunteered their assistance and unique skills to the Red Cross. Women filled the void in the workplace. A short video, Women of Resilience – DAR service during World War I was shown. It captured in pictures the vital role members played in providing comfort and support. They were united in their resolve to provide service in any way they could. This role of service continues today.

Diana Fotinatos, Chair Constitution Moment reminded us in a prior Constitution Moment Shay’s Rebellion was mentioned and the great controversy during the time resulted in that historic event.  It was within a year, on February 21, 1787, the Continental Congress resolved that… “the second Monday in May a Convention of delegates who shall have been appointed by the several States be held at Philadelphia for the sole express purpose of revision the Articles of Confederation…”  The original states, with the exception of one, collectively appointed 70 delegates, but only 55 could attend and only 39 actually signed.  Diana asked, “Which state did not attend the Constitutional Convention?”  Mary Sands answered Rhode Island correctly.

Lisa Pomeranz, District VII Director encourages chapter members to register for the District VII meeting in July.

District VII Meeting will be held July 24, 2018.  There are reservation forms available. Contact Carol Jutte.   The meeting is being hosted by the Major General Robert Howe Chapter at Lake Waccamaw United Methodist Church, Lake Waccamaw, NC.  Registration is at 9:00a.m.  The meeting starts at 10:00a.m.  The cost is $15.50 and includes breakfast assortment and lunch consisting of pasta salad, chicken salad, fruit salad, roll, dessert and tea.  Lisa Pomeranz told us there is no Fall Forum this year making the District VII meeting very important to attend.  At this meeting there will be breakout sessions lead by State Officers and or Committee Chairs.  Sessions will include topics such as protocol, chapter finances and leadership forming.

Pat Gooding, Vice Regent gave the President General, Ann T. Dillon’s message.

Ms. Dillon is eager to welcome members to 1776 D Street NW for the 127^th Continental Congress.  The tentative Congress schedule is now published and the Congress App can be downloaded or refreshed if you used previously.  More information will continue to be shared online.  On May 1^st we will join the New York State Officers Club, Jennifer Minus, President, at West Point to rededicate the Margaret Corbin Monument and celebrate Margaret’s legacy and valor. The DAR Museum Gallery is near completion and will be ready to welcome guest this summer. The new gallery and study area will provide more flexible exhibit spaces and provide new ways of engaging with the DAR Museum collections. Does our chapter know of a classroom that could benefit from a $500 grant? Go to https://blog.dar.org/junior-membership-classroom-grants to learn more and help a teacher apply.  Last year, fifty-one $500 grants were awarded to classroom teachers. Ms. Dillon reminds members to stay connected with the National Society by subscribing to Today’s DAR Blog, sent via email, subscribing to the American Spirit Magazine and Daughter’s newsletter and by frequenting the Member’s Section of the National DAR website.

Brooke Triplett, Membership Chair told members there are two New Member Orientations scheduled.  The first is Thursday, May 3^rd and the second is Thursday, June 7^th. Both will be held at her home, 418 30^th St, Sunset Beach and will start at 10:00a.m.  All new members and those with applications pending are invited to attend.  Please let Brooke know if you are coming and to which meeting.  Her email is mermaid3333@gmail.com and her phone number is 910-579-3339.