Club News: James Wood Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution | News, Sports, Jobs

The James Wood Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met Feb. 13 at Stout Memorial United Methodist Church.

Members present were Jane Richards, Betty Boot, Julia Hoffman, Louise Wince, Susan Nutter, Heather Campbell, and Anita Scott, Carolyn Kesterson, Josephine Silman, Sharon Herridge, Katie Brown, Ruth Callihan, Beverly LaRocque, Dina Braniff and Cynthia Buskirk.

Richards called the meeting to order and led daughters in the DAR Ritual. Boot led the prayer. Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance. The American’s Creed was led by LaRocque. The preamble to the Constitution was led by Pebble Freeland. The assembly sang the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

The president general’s report was read by Richards. Denise Doring Van Buren asked daughters to make 2022 a year of passionate purpose and outstanding accomplishments.

The National Defense Report was prepared by Betsy Jefferson and read by Richards. Celebrations of President’s Day began in 1880 to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. It became a federal holiday, was changed to the third Monday in February for the purpose of a three-day holiday in 1971. President’s Day now celebrates the birthdays of all U.S. presidents.

The minutes and treasurer’s reports were approved.

The Regent’s Report was given by Richards, who reported the chapter lost two members, Roxie Martin and Elaine Cook. The chapter held a Christmas party on Dec. 4 and Pat Casper from Anne Royall Chapter gave a demonstration on colonial Christmas decorations.

Jack Mathers with Friends of Vienna spoke on project Trek Vienna. A structure is being built at 36th Street and Grand Central Avenue which will house the history of Vienna. Vienna and Pt. Pleasant were the earliest cities along the Ohio River. This interactive project already has nine trails laid out, GPS exercises, Smart Phone links and books for children already at the printer.

Another project is a festival on July 2-3 celebrating July 4, Independence Day!

Herridge reported that the winner of the DAR Good Citizens Award from the James Wood Chapter was Allison Marks from Parkersburg South High School, she has already won local, state and is being sent to regional.

A binder was made to hold information compiled by the chapter on the Patriot Grave Marking Project. Hoffman talked about Peter Anderson, an indian scout who was buried in Fort Belleville Cemetery.

Barbara Smith submitted the Conservation Minute on feeding wild birds in the winter. A winter storm with deep snow or ice cover cuts off many birds from their natural food supplies and can cause them to starve.

Anita Scott reported that four students were awarded Ellen Scott Stewart Memorial Scholarships. They were Ben Vierheller, Ethan Rutherford, Gabriel Ray, and Hannah Kinzer.

Anyone who knows a graduating senior meeting scholarship criteria can apply. Contact Richards, [email protected] or Scott 304 863-3612 for application information.

Richards reported that DAR State Conference will be on April 1-3 and will be virtual. Delegates elected were Richards, Hoffman, Brown, Jefferson, Braniff, Callihan, Boot, Susan Nutter and Louise Wince. Heather Campbell will serve as alternate delegate.

Cynthia Buskirk reported that she had been contacted by the Veterans Group who wants to provide a Memorial Day picnic at the Park. Plans in support of this will be determined in a future meeting.

Dina Braniff reported on an effort to erect a life size statue of Governor Arthur I. Boreman in Wheeling. She asked that the budget committee consider a donation as Boreman was the 1st governor of WV and from Parkersburg.

Gift Bag winner Anita Scott. Proceeds from gift bag raffle were $95 and will be donated to the PHS Cares Closet.

Next meeting will be held at the Stout Memorial Church on March 5th, 2022 and Anna Border will present a program on The History of Dolls at 11:00 am.