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Thomas Walters Chapter National Daughters of the American Revolution Meet

Pictured, left to right: Ted, Hannah and Shar Neuendorf and Angie, Bryan and David Ragle. Hannah was chosen DAR at Lewistown and Bryan at VIT.

NSDAR seeks to promote knowledge of American history and citizenship. Members met Feb. 18 at Lewistown Presbyterian Church with Regent Ellie Toomer leading the DAR Ritual and meeting. Chaplain Joann Bull read words of scripture. Judi Howe, chairman of the flag of the United States of America, led the pledge. The American’s Creed and Preamble to the Constitution were led by Joan Johnson-Blackwell who also served as secretary pro-temp in the absence of Georgia Wilcoxen.

Toomer read President General’s message about NSDAR headquarters in Washington, DC, DAR projects for education and patriotism and DAR awards. Roberta McCormick, Good Citizen chairperson, announced 2010 winners and presented to them award certificates and pins. Hannah Neuendorf, daughter of Ted and Shar Neuendorf, was chosen as Lewistown Community High School Good Citizen; Bryan Ragle, son of David and Angie Ragle, won the award for VIT High School. They and their parents were present. Daniel Schultz, son of Jill and Gary Schultz, was chosen Astoria High School Good Citizen. The Schultz family was not able to attend. A winner for Cuba High School has not yet been chosen. Hannah and Bryan wrote essays on the topic “Our American and Our Responsibility” that have been submitted for Illinois DAR Good Citizen’s scholarship.

Thelma Orwig, National Defense chairman, read “Assaults at Ft. Hood and Aspects of Security in the USA”. Howe gave a flag moment on care of the flag. Anita Mann, American Indians chairman, gave an Indian moment on the meanings of Indians’ sundances.

Chapter minutes were read and two corrections were made and approved. New member Patricia Croimmett of Lewistown was introduced and welcomed. Chaplain Bull sent birthday and get-well cards as needed for December, January and February. American History Chairman McCormick and Historian Johnson-Blackwell explained the window display for American History Month at Mid-America Bank in Lewistown.

Betty Gibboney, Toomer, Howe, Bull, McCormick and Johnson-Blackwell loaned antiques and collectibles, posters, books and signage for this display. Thanks to Mid America Bank.

In the absence of DAR Schools chairman Karen Stutes, Toomer explained a project to send 2010 birthday cards to the girls of Tamassee DAR School. Members turned in Campbell labels for DAR Schools.

Thomas Walters Chapter will celebrate its 90th birthday this fall. Plans may be made for a September dinner meeting and honors with decisions at the April DAR meeting. Chapter Historian has written the history of Thomas Walters DAR Chapter for the Illinois DAR history book to be published this year.

Toomer also explained the Lincoln Voices Fundraiser held through April. Reservations for Illinois DAR 114th Conference should be called to Toomer by April 6. She then adjourned the meeting.

The program for the evening was “Highlights of the History of Illinois and Fulton County’s Early Settlers”. Johnson-Blackwell shared stories from Harvey Lee Ross’ 1899 book, “Early Pioneers and Pioneer Events” and stories about Abraham Lincoln from Edgar Lee Masters’ biography, “Abraham Lincoln”.

The next meeting of Thomas Walters Chapter will be held April 15 at Lewistown Presbyterian Church. Members should bring scrapbooks and memorabilia for the chapter.