Nancy Zwetsch, New York State Regent Empire State DAR...

Empire State DAR News

New York State OrganizationDaughters of the American Revolution

Nancy Zwetsch, New York State Regent

VOL. 71 NO. 5 APRIL 2017“Members are the buttons which hold us together”

In late March, I attended the New York State Society Children of the American Revolution Conference in Syracuse. It is always a pleasure to be with our future leaders and observe them practicing parliamentary procedure and being kind and caring of one another ranging in age from infancy to “aging out” at 21 and to hear of completed projects over the past year. After a State Board of Management Meeting on April 1, I was off to Yorktown and the American Revolution Museum there for New York’s Opening Event on April 2. A big thanks to Patrice Birner, our State Historian, for creating an exhibit and traveling with her husband to the Grand Opening early, ahead of my arrival.

March 1 arrived and as I dreaded, New York State “dropped” 155 members. In my last greeting, I spoke of a “Membership Consortium” gathering held in Binghamton in early January. District Directors are busy developing plans to hold meetings near you before State Conference. The focus of these meetings is to help with dilemmas which delay the submission of applications, more importantly to help those members in your chapters working with applicants gain confidence in the application process. The application process has not changed but the attention to detail and diligence to detail seem ever more important as the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution strives to develop genealogical resources of a high caliber. At the National Board of Management Meeting in February, we learned about the “America 250! Membership Task Force.” The DAR has a long-term plan to commemorate America’s 250th birthday by having a membership of 250,000 members by 2033. The DAR will be celebrating events from the Boston Tea Party (2023) to the Treaty of Paris (2033). This Membership Task Force will be staffing an application help desk, building a network for chapter registrars as well as increasing awareness of the Lineage Research Committee and the Volunteer Genealogists. Another announcement at the February Board Meeting related to the approval as volunteer service, those hours chapter members devote to chapter activities (more than attending meetings). (...con’t next page)

Empire State DAR News • April 2017

New York State Regent’s Message

Dear New York Daughters,

Since my last greetings to you my travels have continued. The Susquehanna River never did freeze over as I observed traveling to a Conference Planning Meeting in Tarrytown in March. All parts of the Mohawk, Hudson and the Erie Canal also remained open waters this winter. I will confess, as I am traveling alone with my classical music station keeping me company, I think of how these waterways may have appeared when our ancestors were sustaining themselves on these waters or beside them, forging a new nation for us.

By the time you read this newsletter, I will have traveled to the states of Alabama (Nancy Folk, State Regent) and Ohio (Nancy Wright, State Regent) for their State Conferences. In Alabama, it was warm, the camellias were blooming, I saw mistletoe growing naturally in the trees, became acquainted with some southern phrases and in the State Archives saw some beautiful quilts as well as a Presidential Medal presented to an Indian Chief of the Cherokee Tribe. The medal in the Alabama Archives bears the face of George Washington, which must be similar to one held by the Historical Society in Canandaigua, NY. In Ohio, the grass was green and the daffodils were blooming. I went early to deliver some family letters to the Wright State Library in Dayton, Ohio, where a collection of my family’s papers are archived. I was able to visit with two of my brothers before heading to Columbus. It is such an honor to be able to represent the New York State DAR and visit other states. After visiting two states whose State Regent’s first name was “Nancy,” this State Regent with the first name, “Nancy,” came home.

Winter Travels & Spring Membership Drives!

Nancy W. Zwetsch

Empire State DAR News

New York State RegentNancy W. Zwetsch

378 Rt 54 East Lake RdPenn Yan, NY 14527

Editor Elizabeth Sears 10 Southern Dr

Latham, NY 12110-5211 PH: (518) 785-6998

Email: [email protected]

COPY DEADLINESJUNE - May 10

AUGUST - July 10The Empire State DAR News is published

by The New York State Organization, Daughters of the American Revolution, 10 Southern Drive, Latham, NY 12110-5211.

Issued six times a year (February, April, June, August, October and December).

The Empire State DAR News is free to all New York State Members at:

www.nydar.org/services

2

(...from page 1)

Empire State DAR News • April 2017

...with Ohio State Regent Nancy Schrim Wright

...by General Richard Mont-gomery's picture at Mont-gomery City Hall, Alabama

I hope that many of you have made plans to attend Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., June 28 - July 2, 2017. There are many activities special for New York Daughters. Our Open House at the New York Room is June 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Thursday, June 29, we will be returning to the Willard Hotel Ballroom for Lunch. The Lunch being planned by Suzanne Bellinger and her Committee will be paying tribute to WWI. On Friday morning, June 30, the North East Division Breakfast (7 - 8:30) will be at the Grand Hyatt and I hope to see all New York Daughters there.

Spring is here. The days are longer and with the sunshine, we are energized just like the flowers, which are beginning to show their beautiful foliage. As DAR members, it is a time to show our communities the many ways we serve our communities through pictures and articles of our activities in our local newspapers. All chapters are performing acts of kindness; please show and share these acts with your communities.

YOU, “Members are the buttons which hold us together!” “Moving Forward in Service to America!”

Fondly,

Nancy W. ZwetschNew York State Regent

...at Alabama State Conference

...receiving the key to the city from Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange

...with President General Dillon

April 20Schenectada Chapter

Rexford, NY

April 22Capital District Roundtable

Albany, NY

April 23Hudson River Patriots

Scarsdale, NY

April 29District IX Workshop

Ronkonkoma, NY

May 2Margaret Corbin Day

West Point, NY

May 4Knickerbocker Chapter

Morris Jumel Museum, NYC

May 6Polly Gillet Hull Chapter

South Buffalo, NY

May 10Hillside Awards DayMarlborough, MA

May 13Crown Point

Lake Champlain, NY

Your New York State Regent’s Travels...

121st State Conference Hostess Chapter Meeting

Planning for the 121st New York State Conference

Hostess Districts I,II, & XII; IX; X & XI SATURDAY June 17, 2017, from 1- 3 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel455 South Broadway, Tarrytown NY 10591

Hotel ReservationsReservation Procedure - If you need to arrive on Friday, June 16, your reservation must be received no later than Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Reservations will be made by Individual Call to 914-524-6418. The Group Code is “DAG” (this is not a typo - DAG is the group code). Please use that code when making your reservation.

The nightly rate for this event will be $109. Check-in time is 3 pm. Check-out time is 12 noon. Cancellation notice must be received 24 hours prior to arrival date.

For more information contact: Robbie Dreeson, State Conference Chairman

[email protected]@wegmans.com

585-752-0107

The New York daughters again have a blo

ck of

rooms at the State Plaza Hotel in Washington

DC.

Because of renovations the rates have gone

up to

$219 plus the 14.5% DC tax. There is a $

20 up

charge for additional adults staying in the sam

e room

with existing bedding (cots extra).

You may make your reservations toll Free a

t

1-800-424-2859 and refer to Group # DA

R

NY 2017.

Make your reservations soon as there are

only five rooms this year. Cut-off date is

May 28, 2017.

Congress Rooms

Empire State DAR News • April 2017 3

Teachers can ignite a love of learning and enrich the lives of their students. We need your help to find exceptional full-time teach-ers of American History (and related fields such as social studies, government and citizenship education) to be nominated for the Outstanding Teacher of American History Contest.

All entries for the state level of competition must be postmarked by June 30, 2017, to be considered for this year’s contest. Complete instructions may be found under the Historian General’s forms in the members’ section of the national DAR website. The winner of this prestigious award will be recognized during the 121st New York State Conference and will advance to the national competition.

Please mail your candidate’s dossier to:

Patrice Birner 2760 Johnson Creek Road

Middleport, NY 14105

Thank you for helping the New York State Organization to honor an Outstanding Teacher of American History.

Patrice Birner State Historian

[email protected]

To find exceptional

teachers!

I’m not sure about the cause of the problem, but I received a half dozen submissions (both text and graphics) for this issue that I could neither open in Works nor import into InDesign.

I will investigate, but in the meanwhile, please be sure all files are readable. Filenames should not contain multiple directory links. If in doubt, copy the text to an email.

Many thanks and Happy Spring!

Cookie SearsEditor

Editor’s Note...

News from State Committees


American HeritageAs New York State American Heritage Chair-man, I am honored to announce the first place winners at the state level of this year’s Fiber Arts Contest. The following state level winners have been entered into the National American Her-itage Contest.

First Place:Crochet, "Pineapple Four-Square" by Emily Travis of Increase Carpenter Chapter.

Other, "Needle Felted Wool Santa's" by Mee-gan Veeder-Shave of Mahwenawasigh Chapter.

Embroidery, "Crazy Quilt Tablemat" by Mee-gan Veeder-Shave of Mahwenawasigh Chapter.

Quilt-Machine Quilted, "Baby Set/Matching Bear" by Barbara Gavin of Mahwenawasigh Chapter.

Knitting, "July 4th Tablesetting" by Kim Mabee of Schenectada Chapter.

Wallhanging, "Pennyrug Garden" by Meegan Veeder-Shave of Mahwenawasigh Chapter.

Quilt-Hand Stitched, "Wolly Love" by Meegan Veeder-Shave of Mahwenawasigh Chapter.

Group: Other, "School Houses/Family Heir-loon Quiltblocks" by Tamaris and Patricia Dolton of Saratoga Chapter.

Other: Ribbon Art, "Country Fair Ribbons Pil-low" by Kim Mabee of Schenectada Chapter.

CONGRATULATIONS to our very talented New York State artists! The results of the Na-tional American Heritage Contest will be re-leased at a later date.

Sincerely,Beth Combs KeyserState Chairman

Annette KaicherVice Chairman

MembershipSetting goals helps us to focus. Setting a membership goal will help the chapter realize future growth. This will keep the chapter alive and you will become a growth star!

The 2016 Master Membership Report gave the membership goal for each of the 128 chapters in New York. Ninety-nine chapters reported a goal. Of those, 16 met their goal, 17 exceeded their goal, 46 gained members but fell short of their goal, and 20 had no gain. Four chapters made a gain without reporting a goal. Keep up the great work!

Fifteen chapters had no report. Twelve of those have a membership of 30 or less members. In terms of asking for help, 27 chapters asked for help from lineage re-search or volunteer genealogists and 15 asked for help from the Chapter Develop-ment and Revitalization Commission.

If you haven't set a goal for 2017, please select a realistic goal and work to reach it. Please ask for help. You will receive it.

Susan Thomas, National Membership Chairman, has just announced the Team Awe-some Trekker Level for our state's membership. The Growth and Retention Stars are Canandagua, Fort Greene, Henderson-General Nicholas Herkimer, Hudson River Patriots, Knickerbocker, Olean, Sa-Go-Ye-Wat-Ha, Schenectada, Swe-Kat-Si, and White Plains. Congratulations to you all.

Joan SondergaardState Chairman

Insignia I received IMPORTANT information on March 28, 2017, from our National Chairman, Karen Jarrard. It was immediately posted on VIS for distribution to all. The revised Document No. INS-1000, Placement of DAR Insignia and Pins on Official Ribbon, has been posted on the National Members’ website. The document’s second sentence has been revised to read, “Pins must be placed in the order listed below, beginning with the highest office at the top of the ribbon (nearest the arm if wearing more than one ribbon) and ending with the official insignia at the bottom of the ribbon over the heart. The current office pin is no longer placed at the top of the ribbon unless, of course, it is the highest office held.” Our goal is to educate every member about this change. There is great interest in pins and pride of ownership is evident. Daughters purchased over 40,000 Hamilton pins in 2016 and our job is to educate members about their proper display.

Please encourage Daughters to determine the disposition of their pins when they no longer have a need for them. There is a sample form on the Insignia page of the National Members’ website to assist in notification.

Please contact me if you have additional questions concerning your Insignia and please help to spread the word to all your chapter members.

“Members are the buttons which hold us together!”

Linda Combs AkinsState Chairman

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Constitution WeekTen Fast Facts on the Constitution

(1) The U.S. Constitution was written in the same Pennsylvania State House where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as Commander of the Continental Army. Now called Independence Hall, the building still stands today on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, directly across from the National Constitution Center.

(2) Written in 1787, the Constitution was signed on September 17. But it wasn’t until 1788 that it was ratified by the necessary nine states.

(3) The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors that were guarded by sentries.

(4) Some of the original framers and many delegates in the state ratifying conventions were very troubled that the original Constitution lacked a description of individual rights. In 1791, Americans added a list of rights to the Constitution. The first ten amendments became known as The Bill of Rights

(5) Of the fifty-five delegates attending the Constitutional Convention, thirty-nine signed and three delegates dissented. Two of America’s “founding fathers” didn’t sign the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson was representing his country in France and John Adams was doing the same in Great Britain.

(6) Established on November 26, 1789, the first national “Thanksgiving Day” was originally created by George Washington as a way of “giving thanks” for the Constitution.

(7) Of the written national constitutions, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest and shortest.

(8) At 81, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention and, at 26, Jonathon Dayton of New Jersey was the youngest.

(9) The original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it was moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping.

(10) More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress. Thirty-three have gone to the states to be ratified and twenty-seven have received the necessary approval from the states to actually become amendments to the Constitution.

If you are looking for a short Constitution moment to read at your next chapter meeting, perhaps these ten fast facts about the Constitution would be of interest to your members. Remember that Constitution Week is celebrated each year September 17-23. The goal of this committee is to emphasize the responsibility of protecting and defending the Constitution and preserving it for posterity. I would like to encourage your chapter to study and promote the historical events which occurred during September in 1787. Other goals for your chapter to consider would be to obtain a proclamation from your local Mayor, place public displays in libraries, or host a special program or luncheon to celebrate Constitution Week.

Carole Davis LeveringState Chairman

American History

The results of the DAR sponsored essay contests judged at the state level are in!

The winner of the Christopher Columbus Essay prize is Keriann Steingruebner from Wantagh High School. Keriann’s essay was submitted by Jerusalem Chapter.

The State American History Essay prizes are as follows:

Fifth grade: Michael Curtis, St. Rita School, Richmond Country Chapter, sponsor. Sixth grade: Ryan Torgerson, St. Rita School, Richmond Chapter, sponsor. Seventh grade: Jenna Rackley, Wantagh Middle School, Jerusalem Chapter, sponsor. Eighth grade: Moira Kennedy, St. Denis-St. Columba School, Melzingah Chapter, sponsor.

In addition, it has just been announced that the New York state entry in the sixth grade category, Ryan Torgerson, has been awarded first place in the NE Division competition. Congratulations to these excellent student essayists and their sponsoring chapters!

This chairman wishes to recognize the Niagara Falls Chapter for its 2017 nomination of Mrs. Isabel K Hobba, New York’s 39th State Regent, as a Woman in American History!

Thank you, American History Chair Melody Burrows and Regent Barbara Diebold for recognizing the accomplishments and service of Mrs. Hobba, a beloved New York Daughter.

Diane MillerState Chairman


Volunteer Genealogist Across New York State, chapters are working to strengthen and grow their leadership, membership and provide quality workshops by partnering with the Volunteer Genealogist Committee. DAR Registrar General, Mary Bannister Frisch, recently mentioned in her monthly message New York’s Brooklyn Chapter and its successful partnership with an assigned Field Genealogist as an example to be followed. Volunteer Field Genealogists are members just like you who have a desire to help chapters grow. Remember:

“Members are the buttons which hold us together!”

These daughters have completed specific educational programs provided by the DAR specific to application preparation, lineage research and workshop basics and stand ready to partner with your chapter. You may request the help of a Field Genealogist for workshops or for a more intense six-month partnership (Assigned Volunteer Field Genealogist) to support the function of your registrar.

The duties of an Assigned Volunteer Field Genealogist are to: mentor the designated chapter officers on the use of the Members’ website, including eMembership, the Prospective Member Database (PMD) and the Genealogical Research System (GRS); assist with the completion of ten verified applications; provide successful resolution of additional information requests (AIR) to qualify as a verified application; train at least one chapter member to prepare applications according to DAR standards.

We sincerely hope you will consider partnering with us to reach your goals and beyond!

Moving Forward in Service to America,

Susan LeightonState Chairman

To request help or information from the Volunteer Genealogist Committee please contact me at:[email protected] (585) 261-0318

New York State Outstanding Junior 2017

I am excited to announce the 2017 New York State Outstanding Ju-nior is Amanda Dickerman from the Katherine Pratt Horton Chapter in Buffalo.

Amanda joined DAR in 1999 as a C.A.R. member in good stand-ing. She served as a Page as a C.A.R. and DAR member, is a mem-ber of the state conference choir and has been a chapter delegate to state conference every year since joining except for two years. At the chapter level she serves as the Social Media chair, Recording Secretary and every year promotes Constitution Week through displays at the local library and local news TV. In her personal life she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Daemen Col-lege and a Master’s Degree in Special Education also from Daemen College. She is an early childhood educator and won Teacher of the Year through the Learning Care Group in 2016. In her spare time she is a co-teacher for a Sunday School class at Williamsville United Methodist Church since 2004, has volunteered as a Vacation Bible School teacher and is a published children’s book author. She will be honored throughout the year. Please join me in congratulating her on this prestigious award.

Do you know a DAR Junior member under the age of 36 who has been active in the Organization for several years? She might qualify for this award. For more information please contact Leslie Wickham at [email protected].

Is your chapter using social media to post pictures that include Junior members? Add #explorenyjuniors to your post. We want to see all the great things Juniors are getting involved in across the state!

Leslie WickhamState Chairman

Amanda Dickerman

Call to Prayer...A prayerful reminder to you and your chapters, May 4, 2017, is National Day of Prayer.Theresa Willemsen, State Chaplain


mailto:[email protected]

Historic PreservationDid you know that Historic Preservation Week is April 23 to 29? This presents a good opportunity for your chapter to look around your chapter holdings and community and see what you might do. One suggestion might be to consider combining a preservation project with the commemoration of World War I. Does the community have a monument that needs some attention? Do you have materials from your chapter activities during that period that could be taken out, displayed and then stored in appropriate archival containers? In my own chapter, two members will be involved in sharing letters from family members who were in France.

This is also a good time to be thinking about the various recognitions given by this committee. First is the Historic Preservation Recognition Award for an individual or group that has done a project at the community level. Examples include preserving a landmark, cemetery or document. The requirement is that “they have contributed to their community in an outstanding volunteer manner.” For the individual or group that has done an extensive job over a period of time, there is the Historic Preservation Medal. The requirement for this is that the project be at the state, regional and/or national level. Examples of projects include “establishing a historic district, preserving a local landmark, restoring or preserving objects of historic cultural significance.” From the Chapter Master Reports, it is evident that several New York chapters have conferred these awards.

For chapters, there is the Historic Preservation Project Contest. This project will be due next February, giving you time to plan and complete it. This contest seeks to recognize a chapter which has done an outstanding project in Historic Preservation. This year, Fort Plain completed a packet and that has gone on to the NE Division for further judging. We all wish them the very best of luck.

Thanks to all of the chapters who submitted reports to supplement their CMR. These help to make your work more ‘alive’ and this committee more interesting. Thanks for all that you do to preserve your chapter and community heritage.

Jeanne WestcottState Chairman

Good CitizensIt is an honor and a pleasure to announce the New York State and District winning scholarship entries for the 2017 DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Contest. Each student was chosen as a DAR Good Citizen for their high school and wrote an essay entitled “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It,” with the focus question, “How do the combined actions of many good citizens keep our nation moving forward?”

Non-DAR judges at local, district and state levels reviewed the student entries, which also included letters of reference, comments on school activities and service to communities, transcripts and future plans. The judges also considered how the applicant embodied the qualities of a DAR Good Citizen: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The New York State winning entry will advance to the NE Division for consideration at the next level.

DISTRICT WINNING ENTRIES:

District, I, II and XII: Stephanie Lechki, sponsored by Knickerbocker ChapterKaren Stewart, District Director

District III: Anna Marie Armstrong, sponsored by Wiltwyck ChapterJohanna Shogan, District Director

District IV: Gregory Wolosen, sponsored by Willard’s Mountain ChapterMargaret Scuderi, District Director

District V: Noah Sugden, sponsored by LeRay de Chaumont ChapterSara French, District Director

District VI: Abbi L. Miller, sponsored by Ag-Wron-Doug-Was-Cunahunta ChapterCasey Korchynsky, District Director

District VII: Divya Naidu, sponsored by Caleb Hopkins ChapterChristine Jackson-Sullivan, District Director

District VIII: Rachael Ferraloro, sponsored by Catherine Schuyler ChapterKay Green, District Director

District IX: Shauna McNamara, sponsored by Shatemuc ChapterJoan Steere, District Director

District X and XI: Dylan Berger, sponsored by North Riding ChapterAnn B. K. Otten, District Director

2017 NEW YORK STATE DAR GOOD CITIZEN:

Rachael Ferraloro, sponsored by Catherine Schuyler Chapter Kay Green, District VIII Director

Congratulations to all!

Meredith Chilson State Chairman

Empire State DAR News • April 2017 Empire State DAR News • April 2017 7

News from Chapters


Hudson River Patriots In February, author Margaret Oppenheimer presented a wonderful insight into the ambitions and determination of Eliza Jumel of the Morris-Jumel Mansion who was married to Aaron Burr for a short period of time. Eliza Jumel, also known as Eliza Burr, was born into poverty. Through her own ingenuity and an advantageous marriage to a wealthy merchant, she was by the time of her death one of the richest women in New York. At a fellowship meeting in March, Anne Hutchinson Chapter and Hudson River Patriots Chapter celebrated the Women’s Suffrage 100th Anniversary in New York State with New York State Regent Nancy Zwetsch. A program was presented by Nate Levin, author of a book on Carrie Chapman Catt.

(l. to r.) Hudson River Patriots Regent Philomena Dunn, New York State Regent Nancy Zwetsch, Jean MacIntosh, Terry Ann Marshall, Polly Edie.

The Hudson River Patriots ChapterNational Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Cordially Invites You to Attend OurSpring Fundraising Luncheon Buffet

Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 12 noon

The Scarsdale Golf ClubOne Clubway Drive

Hartsdale, New York 10530

Guest of Honor and Keynote SpeakerMrs. Nancy W. ZwetschNew York State Regent

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Members of DAR, HODAR, and their Guests are Welcome

$60 per personChecks payable to Hudson River Patriots Chapter, NSDAR

Please RSVP by April 18, 2017 to

Terry Ann Marshall289 S. Broadway, Apt C 914 524-9154Tarrytown, New York 10591-5340 [email protected]

CanadaiguaSeventeen Canandaigua Chapter members, prospective members and HODAR enjoyed the wonderful Loaf and Ladle luncheon put on annually by the Historic Granger Homestead House in Canandaigua. Attending the February luncheon is an annual event for the chapter, where good food and great fellowship is enjoyed by all.

Canadaigua members and guests at Loaf and Ladle luncheon

Anne HutchinsonSuffrage bonnets off to New York State Regent Nancy Zwetsch, who joined Anne Hutchinson, Hudson River Patriots, Mohegan and Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge chapters at a fellowship meeting celebrating Women’s History Month. Nate Levin, author of Carrie Chapman Catt, gave a talk for the anniversary of women’s suffrage between 2017, marking 100 years from when women won the right to vote in New York State, and 2020, a century after the 19th Amendment was ratified. New York State has led women’s rights since the movement’s inception in Seneca Falls in 1848.

At the chapter’s Women’s Issues Lunch, held before the main program, members reflected on the progress made and the importance of DAR to communities, including the chapter’s rising efforts by Adopting-A-Platoon over the year.

(l. to r.) Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge Chaplain Carolyn Gallaher, New York State Regent Nancy Zwetsch, Chapter Treasurer Susan Bartlett, Chapter Vice Regent April Sandmeyer

OneidaOneida Chapter presented the Christopher Columbus Essay Award winner on Saturday, February 4, at the Kirkland Public Li-brary. This year’s winner is Tae Bo, an eleventh grade student from Proctor High School. He read his essay to the Chapter.

The winners receive a monetary award along with a certificate from the NSDAR. Kathy Lonero, Chair of the American History Com-mittee, presented Tae Bo his award.

The chapter hosted a President’s Day Luncheon at Hart’s Hill Inn on Monday February 20, 2017. Joining the celebration in were Nancy Zwetsch, New York State Regent; Martha Morris Crapser, Vice President General; and, Isabella Alba, a member of the Fort Schuyler Chapter Children of the American Revolution who per-formed the national anthem and a sing along.

Ms. Cheryl Pula was guest speaker. She presented a program on the “Similarities between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.”

(l. to r.) Kathy Lonero, Committee Chair; Christopher Columbus Essary Award winner Tae Bo; Nancy Langenegger, Oneida Chapter Regent

Fayetteville – Owahgena The ladies of the Fayetteville-Owahgena Chapter joined the Sons of the American Revolution Syracuse Chapter for the 113th Annual Heritage Luncheon to commemorate the 285th birthday of George Washington held on Saturday, February 18, at Drumlins Country Club in Syracuse.

After the meal, guest speaker Joshua Canale, Ph.D., presented an informative program entitled “What Was the Meaning of the Revolution for Common People.” His presentation specifically focused on two individuals who were quite involved during the Revolutionary War. The first was George Robert Twelves Hewes who was a participant in the political protests in Boston at the onset of the American Revolution and one of the last survivors of the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre. The other patriot Dr. Canale referenced was Enoch Crosby, who became an apprentice shoemaker and on his 21st birthday when the Revolutionary War began, he enlisted and became an American soldier and spy. The intelligence he provided was used both to capture loyalists and undermine local support for the British, useful to the Commander of the Continental Army, George Washington.

(l. to r., front row) Linda Willauer, George Ann Bock, Sandy Berardi (second row) Eleanor Green-Pulverenti, Donna Zientek, Betsy Shupe (third row) Betty Toreck, Diane Graner, Barbara Sleight ( Gail Gonsiewski, Amy Andrzejek and Marcella Becker

Colonel Benjamin TallmadgeColonel Benjamin Tallmadge Chapter had its inaugural celebration at Fraunces Tavern Museum’s Flag Room on Sunday, January 29, 2017. Greetings were brought by State Regent Nancy W. Zwetsch, and State Organizing Secretary Jennifer Gentry Malara. First Vice President General Denise Doring VanBuren presented Chapter Regent Jean Hayter with the chapter’s gavel. Alice Ridgway, Connecticut State Regent and former regent of sister chapter Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter, Litchfield, Connecticut, ‘pinned’ Chapter Regent Jean Hayter with a miniature of Mary Floyd, wife of Benjamin.

Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge Chapter is named for an unsung hero of the American Revolution. An American military officer, spymaster and politician, Tallmadge acted as leader of the Culper Spy Ring, a celebrated network of spies in British-occupied New York. Tallmadge’s regiment fought in the East Bronx at the Battle of Pell’s Point. Colonel Tallmadge was with General George Washington November 25, 1783, at the Van Cortlandt House/Bronx while they waited to hear the British were on their ships in New York Harbor. Once the British were off Manhattan a small select corps of American troops under General Henry Knox made their way down rural Manhattan. Washington and Governor George Clinton followed close behind, tailed by the army’s officers, including Tallmadge. Later that night, Governor Clinton threw a dinner at Fraunces Tavern.

(l. to r.) Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge (CBT) Treasurer Linda Zeccola, CBT Vice Regent Joan Barnes, State Regent Nancy W. Zwetsch, CBT Regent Jean Hayter, State Organizing Secretary Jennifer Gentry Malara, First Vice President General Denise Doring VanBuren, CBT Registrar Wendy Johnson Politano


Fort GreeneThe Fort Greene chapter organized December 3, 1896. The chapter, named in honor of General Nathaniel Greene, had two objectives: to raise funds for the erection of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument and to build Memorial Continental Hall. The chapter continues to promote the Martyrs Monument by participating in the annual commemorative ceremonies and continues its pledge to the Memorial Continental Hall with a three year pledge to the Guardian Trust.

The organizing regent, Eliza Matilda Chandler White, donated $1000 for the marble stairs in the hallway rear of the library to be built at the NSDAR building. The historic marker placed above the stairs reads, “In Memory of Mrs. S. V. White, Fort Greene Chapter of Brooklyn N.Y. has given this stairway to commemorate her loyal services to the daughters of the American Revolution (Prison Ship Martyrs).”

On October 8, 2016, the chapter placed a new DAR member grave marker and planted tulips at Greenewood Cemetery in Brooklyn. After a tour of the cemetery, members attended a lunch, paying homage to Eliza Matilda Chandler White (May 1, 1831 - June 2, 1907). The chapter also marked the grave of her daughter Jennie Chandler White Hopkins (March 10, 1860 - September 7, 1935) and

granddaughter, Elsie White Hopkins Thompson (March 21, 1884 - May 1957). Members cut trees, raked the premises, and cleaned graves for “250th Anniversary of DAR Day of Service.”

Under the newly formed Community Classroom Committee, Fort Greene donated $250 to a local fourth-grade class to purchase educational

reading materials for under-privileged children. The chapter also started a Genealogy Records Project of patriots who died on the Prison Ship Martyr’s Monument whose names are not listed on the British War Ship records. These names were documented in various books and input into a spreadsheet with resources to be submitted under the current President General upon completion.

Fort Greene also donated to the Junior Members state committee, Hillside School, the Old Stone House and Fraunces Tavern Museum.

(l. to r.) Linda Fleming, Ann-Marie Cook, Jeanie Prall Wing

Fort Stanwix In February, Fort Stanwix Chapter recognized the winners of the DAR American History Essay Contest. The topic for the 2016 essay contest reflected the nation’s celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the National Parks Service in its title: Celebrating a Century: America’s National Parks! Students were asked to choose a National Park or National Monument (of which Fort Stanwix is one) and write on its history, describe its characteristics and touch on why they thought it was viewed as a national treasure.

Fort Stanwix American History Chair, Judy Parker, organized the contest and oversaw the judging of the entries. Following the chapter’s business meeting, members welcomed the students, families and educators to a small reception at which each student read aloud from their essay and received the congratulations of everyone present. Each student received a certificate from the National Society, along with a bronze medal. In addition, Fort Stanwix Chapter presented the winners with a monetary award in recognition of their achievement.

(l. to r.) Anna Zumbrun, Oriskany Jr/Sr High School, seventh grade; Jennifer Evans, Fort Stanwix regent; Arnold Zumbrun, Oriskany Schools, grade five; Kaitlyn Jones, Staley Upper Elementary, grade six

SchenectadaSchenectada Chapter honored Vietnam War Veteran, retired Staff Sgt. James Hansen, on February 9, 2017. He received the 50th Anniversary pin and certificate in the community room of the Meadow View Apartments in Rexford.

Several members of the Schenectada Chapter also attended the commemoration of the Four Chaplains Memorial Service at the Stratton VA center on February 26, 2017. One of the four chaplains was S chenec tady minister Clark Poling of the First Reformed Church at 8 N. Church Street. This year the recipient of the Brotherhood Award was S chenec tady county resident Humera Khan.

(l to r.) Jane Alessandrini, chapter treasurer; Susan Jackson, chapter regent; James Hansen; Tara Mallozzi


https://www.facebook.com/linda.fleming.965?viewer_id=539686106https://www.facebook.com/pieter.prall?viewer_id=539686106https://www.facebook.com/pieter.prall?viewer_id=539686106

OleanThe mystery of 120 years of Olean Chapter history solved!

A Facebook post led the Olean Chapter to a treasure trove of scrapbooks from the chapter’s founding in 1897 right through to the late 1980’s. Newspaper articles that appeared the day after the chapter was formed at the home of Anna McIntosh Strong, letters written by Olean City historian and longtime regent, Maud Brooks, photographs of Thelma Brown as she served as chairman for National Pages at the DAR’s 1941 Continental Congress, and documentation from 1915 when the Chapter dedicated a bronze DAR marker on the grave of Daniel Frederick Bakeman, the last pensioner of the Revolutionary War, were meticulously maintained and neatly preserved in a series of scrapbooks that outlined the Chapter’s history.

When the Chapter disbanded, noted local historian Larry Kilmer was given the books - they were filled with Olean history and he couldn’t bear the thought of throwing them out. So they sat - safely stored in his barn.

In February, the Chapter invited Earl McElfresh to give a presentation on Francis Carpenter’s painting, “The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.” His wife, Olean chapter recording secretary, Michiko McElfresh, posted a photograph of Earl at the meeting on their company’s Facebook page and Larry Kilmer responded, “I have what’s left of the DAR scrapbooks - do you want them?”

The next morning the scrapbooks arrived - dusty, but intact and delightful. The chapter is so grateful to Larry Kilmer for saving these irreplaceable documents.

On March 8, 2017, Regent Diane Stigler, Treasurer Emily Woodhead, Historian and Registrar Cindy Keeley and Michiko McElfresh spent the day relishing the scrapbooks and appreciating the ladies who contributed to the Chapter’s 120-year history.

QuassaickOn March 7, Quassaick Chapter held its annual Student Award Ceremony at Winona Lake Fire Engine Company No.2. Local students, teachers and residents were recognized.

This year’s American History Essay Writing Contest was “Celebrating a Century: America’s National Parks.” After reading their essays to the audience, seventh grader O’Malley Hayes Murphy and eighth grader Matthew Cione, both from Valley Central Middle School, received recognition certificates and cash awards from Regent Doris Vahey and Vice Regent Tammy Nosek. District winners’ essays were forwarded to be judged at the State DAR level.

The DAR Good Citizen Award was presented to Emma Alitz from O’Neill High School. Emma serves as an ambassador for new students, is the treasurer of the National Honor Society and Secretary of the Spanish Club. She participates in Varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse.

Three DAR Quassaick Chapter level scholarship recipients received certificates and cash awards. The DAR Greater Newburgh Area New York State Scholarship Quassaick Chapter recipient was Christine Hurley of Cornwall High School. The Helen and Arnold Barben Scholarship recipient was Emily Young of Washingtonville High School and the Damaris Smith Desimone Scholarship was presented to Dillon Loftus from O’Neill High School. All District winners’ applications were forwarded to be judged at the State DAR level.

Eighth grade history teacher Mrs. Heather Martin and Seventh grade teacher Mr. Christopher Andte were both presented with certificates of appreciation and a gift for their continued dedication to American History.

Excellence in Community Service Award Certificates were presented to both Mr. Eric Kenny and Mr. Jon Moore (accepted by his wife, Jill Moore, as he was away with his reserve unit) for their contribution to the repairs made to the Woodhull Family Cemetery after two trees came down on the family plot of Captain Ebenezer Woodhull and his son, Captain Nathaniel Woodhull.

(l. to r., front row) Matthew Cione, O’Malley Hayes Murphy, Christine Hurley, Quassaick Chapter Regent Doris Vahey (back row) Emily Young, Emma Alitz, Dillon Loftus, Eric Kenny

(l. to r., front row) Olean Treasurer Emily Woodhead, Olean Regent Diane Stigler(back row) Olean Registrar and Historian Cindy Keeley, Olean Recording Secre-tary Michiko McElfresh


JerusalemMarch was Women’s History Month and the Jerusalem chapter met March 8 at the Wantagh Library. Sally Boggan, past regent of the Ruth Floyd Woodhull chapter in Freeport and past New York State District X & XI Director presented a program on “Women’s Issues.” Hostesses were Betty Beyer and Ruth Delisio.

The chapter also presented a wreath at the Four Chaplains Ceremony, held at the Wantagh American Legion Post 1273, on February 5, 2017. Jerusalem Chapter Regent Sandy Leonard

New York City The New York City chapter celebrated George and Martha Washington’s 258th wedding anniversary on Saturday, January 28, 2017. This annual luncheon is a banner event for the chapter and Regent Teresa Milner-Einhever was thrilled to welcome President General Ann Turner Dillion at the Colony Club. Close to 175 guests attended, including First Vice Regent Denise Doring VanBuren, New York State Regent Nancy Zwetsch, State Vice Regent Wilhelmena Rhodes Kelly, New York City Daughters, fellow Daughters from near and far, in addition to other genealogy societies.

President General Dillon gave an inspiring speech to all in attendance and the New York City chapter was delighted to present her with a contribution for the President General’s Project, and present State Regent Zwetsch with a contribution for the State Regent’s Project.

Colonel Josiah SmithThe Colonel Josiah Smith Regent Joan Nathan hosted a fireside chat at her home on February 16, 2017, with guest Honey Fulton Parker, representative for Women in Military Service for America Memorial (at Arlington National Park).

(l, to r.) Colonel Josiah Smith Regent Joan Nathan, Honey Fulton Parker

SaGoYeWatHaMembers of the SaGoYeWatHa Chapter presented four amazing local high schools seniors with their Good Citizens Award certificate, pin and a monetary prize.

The November 2016 winners were: Hannah Smith of Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls, Katelynne Shoots of Romulus Central School, McKenzie Finizio of South Seneca Central School and Tristan Folk of Waterloo Central School.

A reception followed to honor both students and their parents. The Chapter also participated for the first time in the Wreaths Across America Program and filled stockings for patients at the Canandaigua Veterans Hospital.

SoGoYeWatHa Chapter members fill stockings to give to VA patients for the Wreaths Across America Program


LeRay de ChaumontLeRay de Chaumont Chapter congratulates Noah D. Sugden, a senior at Belleville-Henderson school, for winning the District V Competition in the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Program. Noah has shown dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. His winning essay was perceptive and compassionate. .

The program is open to all high school se-niors enrolled in public and private accred-ited schools and participation is encouraged and appreciated. All entrants have shown maturity and leadership and Noah Sugden has honored the chapter by winning the District V portion of the national compe-tition. Noah D. Sugden

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