The Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR began the new chapter year for 2018-19 with coffee, juice, and brunch snacks at 9:30 a.m. Vice Regent Carleen Willis treated members as they spent time getting to know new members and reconnecting with current members.
Regent Nancy McSwane (above left) called the meeting to order and Chaplain Marsha Black gave the invocation. Following the DAR ritual, Ann Gokey gave the National Defense Report and the minutes from the May meeting were read by the Recording Secretary Joan Marsh. Serving in her new capacity as chapter Treasurer, Diane Pullin gave the Treasurer’s report and presented the 2018-19 budget as a recommendation from chapter Executive Board. The membership approved the budget as presented. Registrar Billie Bournias gave the Registrar’s report on current chapter membership numbers and installed new member, Patti Posey Gauntt (above right).
Ten chapter members attended the recent Fall Forum in Austin, and two members, Diane Pullin and Patti Gauntt, shared their experiences. Information on the March 21-24, 2019 Spring Conference at the Downtown Hyatt Regency in Houston was given to all members present.
American Heritage Chairman Diana McDonald spoke about contest guidelines for participants and gave a report on Women’s Issues. Nancy Rula presented the American Indian Moment.
Glenda Buck, Conservation Chairman, spoke about the current hummingbird migration; and Carleen Willis reported on plans her committee has for the American History contest and Good Citizen award as well as the chapter scholarship. Service to America hours are 1,325,644 hours nationally as of today, and chapter hours stand at 1,049.
Vice Regent Aleece McBay reported on Constitution Week, September 17-23. Proclamations have been signed by local officials in both Freestone and Limestone counties and chapter members were present for those photo opportunities for local newspapers.
DAR Service for Veterans Chairman Marjorie Huckels reported her committee had met and begun planning for the Annual Veterans Christmas Luncheon. Initial ideas for this event were shared with the membership and the luncheon date is December 5. Any veteran who wishes to attend the luncheon in their honor should contact Nancy McSwane, 254-359-4620, or Kathleen McKee, 903-389-3150.
The opening program was presented by author, speaker and new chapter member, Sherrie Clark Wilson. In her program, entitled “Courageous Leadership, Distinctions of Powerful Leaders”, she shared her experiences as the first female firefighter-paramedic in the Dallas Fire Rescue Department and how she eventually became a successful leader and business owner in a field related to her 34-year career with DFRD. Her most recent book is “Faith on Fire.”
Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR will hold its next meeting October 10, 10:30 a.m., at the Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia.
Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible for membership.
For more information about joining the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR, please contact Regent Nancy McSwane, 254-359-4620 or Registrar Billie Bournias at 903-389-3592.
