Ann Crooker St. Clair Chapter NSDAR

Community

NSDAR National Day of Service
Our theme for the Day of Service this year was “Celebrating Stars & Stripes Forever Through Service and Friendship”. We collected medical supplies for Mission Outreach as well as toys and books for the Locker Blessings held at Enduring Freedom, a local food and clothing pantry. We also collected Christmas, birthday , and thanks you cards as well as stamps for our Cards for Veterans program. Members signed 499 Christmas cards, as well as 70 birthday cards. Forty nine Honor Flight thank you notes were also written. Snacks and laughter were shared as members worked together for others.

Education

The chapter supports local education with both American History Essay contests as well as the DAR Good Citizen program. Information is sent out yearly regarding the essay contest to 16 schools and several homeschooling groups for participation. Each years the chapter honors the winners of the essay contest at a meeting. They receive a pin, certificate, and “goodie bag” as well as are presented to the membership with a short bio about them. Their essays are printed in our chapter newsletter. The presentation is highlighted in local newspaper and radio websites. The DAR Good Citizen information is sent to nine area high schools assigned to our chapter. Those winners are honored at a brunch presented by the chapter. They are presented to the membership with a short bio about their High School careers and receive pins and certificates. This presentation is also highlighted in local newspapers and radio websites. We are proud to honor these young people. The chapter presents the Dorothy Coslet History Scholarship yearly to an Effingham County 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. The chapter namesake as well as our founding Regent are buried there along with at least twenty nine veterans from six wars. Boy Scout Troop 335 helps with our service cleaning the cemetery and stones, placing flags at the veteran’s graves, and presenting colors the day of service. Community members as well as chapter members participate.

Honoring Community Service Winners

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, stores, as well as place posters in business windows in Newton, Dieterich, Teutopolis, Effingham, Altamont, Beecher City, Stewardson and Strasberg. Information is placed in local newspapers, radio stations and many church bulletins.The committee receives proclamations from mayors in Effingham and surrounding towns as well as sends Constitution activity packs to local schools and nursing facilities. The chapter participates in a chapter Bell Ringing each year.

Chapter Activities

Party Like It is 1776
Several years ago we started having a summer party/social as we do not meet during June thru August. This event is usually centered around the Fourth of July, Patriotism, and fun!! This year we brought “brown bag” lunches and then enjoyed a beautiful cake served with ice cream and punch. Entertainment was provided by On High- Chapter 2 who sang an array of patriotic songs. The day revolved around games, prizes, laughing, and eating while celebrating the Stars and Stripes and our DAR friendships.

120th Chapter Anniversary
In December 2022, the chapter celebrated their 120th anniversary with a chapter anniversary party. In late November, the celebration kicked off with a Wreath Laying at the graves of our founding Regent (Mary Crooker Lloyd) and our chapter namesake (Ann Crooker St. Clair). The Effingham mayor issued the chapter a Proclamation making that December Ann Crooker St. Clair Chapter, NSDAR Month. At the chapter party, the membership was entertained with seasonal music by the Sweet & Salty Quartet. There was a display of chapter memorabilia and Patriot Wall complete with frames so members could have a photo made. Special visitors at the party included Mary Crooker Lloyd and her cousin Carrie! A ceremonial cake cutting was held prior to refreshments and social time. We had a great time!

DAR Days participation

Sparkle Certificate for Membership

District Director visit

Virtual Honor Flight Parade

Veteran’s Reception

50 Year Certificate