Ann Crooker St. Clair Chapter NSDAR

Community

NSDAR National Day of Service
Our theme for the Day of Service this year was “Spreading Patriotism”. Our projects honored local heroes. We wrote thank you cards to local law enforcement departments, fire departments and EMS. We collected items and prepared "goodie bags" that were delivered to the departments. We prepared 35 "librarian thank you bags" that were delivered to staff at local libraries. Members worked to label items for the VA Clinic basket that the chapter delivers to twice monthly as well as make candy bags to use in the basket. Snacks and laughter were shared as members worked together for others.

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

Memorial Service
Our chapter holds an annual Memorial Day Service each May at Ewington Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in Effingham County. This started in 2019. The chapter namesake as well as our founding Regent are buried there along with thirty veterans from six wars. Boy Scout Troop 335 helps by cleaning and picking up cemetery, placing flags at the veteran’s graves and presenting colors the day of service. This year our chapter was joined by Ewington SAR, who presented the wreath prior to Roll Call.

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. The committee was joined by "Honorary Committee Members" this year with help for their displays, Altamont native Jeanne Wolfe and 2nd grade student Wyatt Ledbetter.

Quilts of Valor Presentation
Our chapter presented two quilts recently to deserving veterans who belong to our chapter. Shown are Lynn Ulmer and Marisa Schultz wrapped in their quilts. We are proud to call them DAR sisters.

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 centered 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 concluded,there were some breaking news announcements followed by drawings. Another fun day of DAR friendship sharing was in the books.