INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION – During the annual Weirton Independence Day Parade, members of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution rode on a decorated float and handed out candy and patriotic bracelets to the crowd at the sidelines. Members included Nancy Valles, Roberta Fedoush, Carolyn Mizok and Robin Bland’s granddaughter Harmony Jones. HODAR member Jason Dysert, husband of Tracey Dysert, drove. Organizers included Project 250 Chairwoman Francine Hauldren and Dysert, who portrayed Betsy Ross on the float. DAR members celebrating the holiday were (from left) Brandi Jones, Robin Bland, Tammy Kotyk, Harmony Jones, Dysert, Hauldren, Dee Ann Greene, Vickie Joseph and Mary Ann Jesse. – Contributed by
STEUBENVILLE – The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met at historic Fort Steuben on May 11 and was called to the opening by Regent Mary Ann Jesse.
Chaplain Roberta Fedoush recited the prayer and blessing, Tammy Kotyk led the recitation of the pledge, the American Creed was recited by Second Vice Regent Sue Davidson, and Fedoush sang the national anthem.
Unvaccinated members were asked to wear a mask at meetings, except during meals or speeches. Members were also asked to wear name tags.
Secretary Vickie Joseph read the President General’s message and Kotyk introduced prospective member Kathy Marotta.
After lunch, Joseph introduced author Kathleen M. Waldvogel, author of “Spies, soldiers, couriers and saboteurs, women of the American Revolution.” The book was introduced to members in a video from the Boston Museum.
During the business session, Joseph read the minutes, which were approved, and Jesse gave the treasurer’s report. During the committee reports, America 250 Chair Francine Hauldren reported that she was working with history instructor Sandra Czernek of West Liberty University to develop a program for history instructors in local middle and high schools.
The proposal calls for the chapter to provide schools with interesting historical facts every month for the next two years, leading up to America’s 250th birthday.
Hauldren noted that once the group gets approval, she will look into getting permission from the schools. She then talked about the chapter’s participation in the Independence Day parade in Weirton, where Tracey Dysert provided her pickup truck and cart and members decorated them and used them in the event. Members also handed out patriotic bracelets to the crowd.
Davidson led a discussion on possible meeting locations for the 2024-25 year. Several were presented, with Nancy Valles making a motion to return to Giovanni’s Restaurant. Kotyk agreed and seconded the motion, which was passed on the condition of satisfactory answers to the questions.
The scholarship recipients were announced. Students Ella Maragos from Catholic Central High School and Chelsie Daugherty from Toronto High School received a scholarship from the chapter.
During the Sunshine report, prayers were said for Dee Ann Greene, Jo Ann Morrison, Denise White, McCall Leamer, and Jeannie and Donnie Vega.
Our condolences go out to the family of chapter member Becky Hersko, who passed away on April 29. Members have been asked to send cards or call those affected.
The next chapter meeting will be on September 14th at 12:00 noon at historic Fort Steuben.
