Ann Crooker St. Clair Chapter NSDAR

Community

NSDAR National Day of Service
The chapter held two Day of Service events this year. We spent an evening volunteering at the Enduring Freedom Food Pantry on October 7th. On October 11th, we held a Collection/Chapter Project Day doing the following: collecting yarn for "the blanket lady", collecting teenage gifts for Enduring Freedom's Locker Blessing program, placing American 250! stickers in 55 Patriot Coloring books for the Locker Blessing program, mading 50 Christmas ornaments for veterans receptions this December, making 50 tags for our chapter Patriot Tree, signing 72 Thanksgiving cards and 204 Christmas cards for veterans,collecting and labeling items for the VA Clinic basket we fill twice a month.

Education

The chapter supports local education with both the American History Essay contests as well as the DAR Good Citizen program.The DAR Good Citizen information is sent to nine area high schools assigned to our chapter. Information is sent out regarding the American History essay contest to 16 schools and several homeschooling groups for participation.All winners and their parents are honored at a brunch given by the chapter. They are presented to the membership with a short bio about each student and receive pins and certificates. This presentation is highlighted in local newspapers and radio websites as well as the chapter newsletter. We are proud to honor these young people. The chapter presents the Dorothy Coslet History Scholarship yearly to a supported school student who is furthering their education in the history field. This scholarship was made possible by a bequeath from a former member and presented each year there is a qualifying applicant.

Patriotism

Celebrating America 250!
Our chapter has been busy since the first of the year planning and carrying out events to celebrate our country's 250th birthday. Some of projects have included donating America 250! flags to the City of Effingham, Effingham County, EPD, and EFD to fly at their respective office buildings. A flag was donated to the City of Altamont and flies on the triangle there. We "planted" a Patriot Garden that was displayed on the old courthouse lawn in Effingham, the Beecher City Library lawn, and the Altamont Triangle. We decorated windows, libraries, and nursing homes for the celebration. We had media boards promoting our country's anniversary. We worked with our local library on events for both children and adults including an essay contest, hands on activities, handing out bookmarks, flags, and giving adult programs. The library displays our chapter Patriot banner at this time. Happy Birthday USA!

Constitution Week
Constitution Week Committee members work to promote the Constitution during the week of September 17-23. Members set up displays in local banks, libraries, and businesses as well as place posters in business windows in Newton, Dieterich,Teutopolis, Effingham, Altamont, Beecher City, Stewardson, Strasburg and St. Elmo. Constitution Week information is put in local newspapers, on Facebook pages, and broadcast on radio stations. The committee receives proclamations from mayors in Effingham and surrounding towns as well as sends out activity packets to local schools, nursing facilities, and libraries. Media boards are used to spread Constitution awareness.

Quilts of Valor Presentation
Our chapter presented quilts to deserving veterans at our November meeting. Shown are Bill Shelton and Gale Nelson wrapped in their quilts. Our chapter is very active with the Quilts of Valor (QOV) program.

Chapter Activities

Summer Party!!
Several years ago we began having a summer party/social as we do not meet June through August. This event is centers around celebrating the USA, Patriotism, and fun! After the opening words our Chaplain gave the blessing and we had a carry-in lunch. After the delicious meal, the "DAR Roadshow" began. Guests were asked to bring an item special to them and tell others about it. After the roadshow, members and guests "signed" the Declaration of Independence. Another fun day in the archives!

Chapter Happenings

Sponsored by our chapter, Donnie Dorn was the recipient of the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer.

Bill Wendling: Community Service Award winner and WWII veteran

September meeting guests: Barbara Buchana, District VI Director, Honorary State Regent Gloria Flotham, and State Regent Marria Blinn with chapter Regent Susan Oliver