“ASDAR Shines a Light on Women Veterans”

Honoring Women Veterans and Heroes Throughout America’s History

Volume 30, Issue 5 August 2019

“God has given each of you some special abilities, be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.”

1 Peter 4:10

Dear Arkansas Daughters, Summer is upon us, although it is not as hot as years past. It has been a mixed bag of weather concerns for several months and trust those affected by floods or other storms are recovering. I have attended the Wataseka and Osage District Meetings since I returned from Congress and have the Quapaw District on my calendar. I look forward to more chapter visits over the next few months. Continental Congress was great with the evening events again taking top billing with wonderful award recipients be-ing honored, hearing from George Washington himself, and so much more. The election brought changes with the VanBuren Administration and the passing of the DAR Insignia Sales proposal. In a nutshell, the change of admin-istration brings with it many changes, some of which I have shared via email and district meetings. All bylaw pro-posals were adopted resulting in a dues increase. By now, the NIP is online and reflects those changes. New com-mittee initiatives were being posted almost before Congress ended. One thing lacking with Congress this year was the BUS! Being able to leave the building, hop on the bus and be gone is much better than standing in the taxi or shuttle line! And just the comradery of having more Arkansas Daughters around to share the events. One other thing we did not have was rain! I attended several lovely teas and luncheons this year. The Congress Herald on the Congress website and the video presentations are available to all to catch up with Congress events and business and I hope you will take advantage of that. The August Board of Management Meeting is being planned for August 24 and then most chapters begin your year of meetings and programs. Ideas for chapter meetings abound on the national website, and don’t forget our state librarian’s resources. Anniversaries of the 19

th Amendment, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Santa Fe Trail and more

(see Commemorative Events Committee) are being celebrated. We, also, continue to commemorate the 50th Anni-

versary of the Vietnam War through 2024. Thank you for your continued support of women veterans. A new grant opportunity through the Women’s Issues Committee is assisting shelters for homeless women veterans. If you have knowledge of one in your community, please share that with me. Arkansas Daughters, your support has been uplifting and so very greatly appreciated. I am amazed at the incredible work you do in supporting your communities. May we continue to RISE AND SHINE FOR AMERICA as we enter this next year. In DAR Friendship, Junelle Mongno ASDAR State Regent

August 24 -- BOM

September 7 - Independence County Chapter

September 21 - Quapaw District Meeting

October 12 - NBOM

October 19 - Robert Crittenden Chapter

October 31 - Arizona DAR Fall Meeting

November 9 - Frederick Van Patten Chapter

November 19 - Pine Bluff-John McAlmont Chapter

December 1 - Old State House Christmas Open House

December 3 - Fort Smith Chapter

December 7 - Harrison Colony Chapter

December 12 - Abendschone Chapter

*********************************

January 16, 2020 - Ozark Mountain Chapter

February 1 - NBOM

February 8 - Major Jacob Gray Chapter 40th Anniv.

March 14 - Little Red River Chapter

March 18 - Executive Board Meeting

March 19 - 21 - ASDAR State Conference

April 16 - Benjamin Culp, John Cain, Mine Creek-Paraclifta, Texarkana Chapters

April 18 - Harrison Colony Chapter

April 23 - 26 - North Carolina State Conference

May 9 - Hot Springs of Arkansas Chapter

May 9 - Little Rock Centennial Chapter

May 16 - Prudence Hall Chapter

May 28 - Gilbert Marshall Chapter

June 22- NBOM

June 24 - 28, 2020 - Continental Congress

State Regent’s Calendar for August 2019 — June 2020

American Heritage Masterful Collaboration and Dedicated Service – Literature and Drama – Gretchen Magee National Vice Chair Americanism Third Place Most U.S. Flags Distributed in 2018, South Central Division, Arkansas Society Third Place Most Members that Participated in Naturalization Ceremonies or Receptions, South Central Division – Arkansas Society Outstanding Support of NSDAR Americanism Committee Objectives, South Central Division – Arkansas Society Outstanding Service as State Chair of the Americanism Committee, South Central Division – Carolyn Atkinson America 250! Membership Task Force Outstanding Service to DAR – Marilyn Sickel, Jo Kilduff, Vicki Golden, Cheri Coley American Indians Outstanding State Project, South Central Division – Jody Gladden Chapter Achievement Award 2018 Chapter Achievement Awards 100% Participation – Arkansas State Society Commemorative Events First Place, Best Single Chapter Event – 50th Anniversary Vietnam War, South Central Division – Little Red River Community Classroom Strawberry River Outstanding Success Story Martha Koon State Chair – Outstanding State Report Constitution Week State with a Proclamation from a State Governor – Arkansas Society State with Excellence in Constitution Week Leadership – Arkansas Society Outstanding Contribution to Constitution Week Promotion – Kathy Hinkle, Akansa Chapter; Kimberly Jones, Cadron Post Chapter Chapter with a Proclamation from a City Mayor – Abendschone, Akansa, Benjamin Culp, Dardanelle Rock, Harrison Colony, Major Jacob Gray, Marion, Pine Bluff-John McAlmont, Prudence Hall Chapter with a Proclamation from a County Judge – Captain Nathan Watkins, Strawberry River, Tates Bluff State with Excellence in Constitution Week Leadership – Arkansas Society Excellence in Constitution Week Leadership-Chapter & Community – Abendschone, Akansa, Arkadelphia, Benjamin Culp, Cadron Post, Captain Nathan Watkins, Charlevoix, Chicot Trace, Dardanelle Rock, Frederick Van Patten, General William Lewis, Gilbert Marshall, Grand Prairie, Harrison Colony, Hot Springs of Arkansas, Independence County, James Bright, James K. Polk, John Perci-full, Jonesboro, Little Red River, Lovely Purchase, Major Jacob Gray, Maria Van Buren, Marion, Mine Creek-Paraclifta, Ozark Moun-tains, Pine Bluff-John McAlmont, Provincia de La Sal, Prudence Hall, Robert Crittenden, Strawberry River, Tates Bluff, Texarkana Constitution Week Leadership – Chapter – Arkansas Post, Colonel David Love, Fort Smith, John Cain, Little Rock-Centennial Community Service Outstanding Service, State Chair – Irene Gray DAR Genealogy Preservation Outstanding Service for Descendants Project Volunteer – Ruth Ashcraft Outstanding Service for Supporting Documentation Volunteer – Lyn Hicks, Alma Diemer, Joan Lovell Davis, Jessie Johnson DAR Good Citizen Contacting 10 or more schools – Marion Contacting 20 or more schools – Jonesboro Outstanding Support – Contributing $500 or more to the DAR Good Citizen Award Recipient – Texarkana, General William Lewis, Hot Springs of Arkansas, John Percifull, Akansa DAR Magazine The state in each of the membership divisions with the highest ad revenue including chapter and commercial ads. Category 2,001-3000 members – 2018 Junelle Mongno The state with 100% chapter participation for advertising – 2018 Junelle Mongno DAR Museum Outreach Correspondent Docent Status Achievement – Gretchen Magee DAR Museum Outreach State Chair – Mindy Winston DAR Project Patriot Outstanding Service as Division Vice Chair – Junelle Mongno Outstanding State Support – Arkansas Outstanding Chapter Support – Strawberry River DAR Schools Outstanding Service as State Chairman – Carol Ann Hunter DAR Service for Veterans Most Volunteer Hours, South Central Division – Texarkana

2019 Continental Congress Award Certificates

Continued

Historic Preservation State Chair – Jane Thompson Rededication of Penny Pine Forest sign – Akansa Participation in Cemetery Restoration – Abendschone Cleaning Revolutionary War Soldier’s headstone – Benjamin Culp Raising funds for the Bradley County Veterans Museum – Capt. Robert Abernethy Maintenance of Three Historic Buildings – Chicot Trace Church and Tax Records to the State Archives – Harrison Colony Presenting an American Heritage Medal – Hot Springs of Arkansas Bringing history to life at the Parker Pioneer Homestead – Jonesboro Cleaning and Restoration of Washington County Cemeteries – Marion Restoration Project at the Thomas Cemetery in Levy – Provencia De La Sal Cleaning of the Historical Markers at the Courthouse – Tates Bluff Junior American Citizen 1st Place, National Winner, Art Banner Second Grade – Will Sullivan, Wyatt Sullivan, Jamier Piggee, Charlevoix Outstanding Service as State Chair – Laurie Cowling Junior Membership 3rd place, States with 21-50 Chapters, Largest Total Contribution to the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund Arkansas Adventurer – Overall for State’s Honor Roll for Outstanding Support – Arkansas Membership 2018 Trekker Level Chapter – Cadron Post, James K. Polk, Little Rock-Centennial, Strawberry River 2016-2019 Trailblazer Chapter – Cadron Post, Captain Robert Abernethy, Colonel David Love, Harrison Colony, James K. Polk, Little Rock-Centennial Chapter 2nd Place for 2018 Most New Members Course Participants – Arkansas 1st Place, South Central Division, for 2018 Most New Members Course Participants – Arkansas 2nd Place, South Central Division, for 2018 Most New Horizons Course Participants – Arkansas Kudos for SAVE OUR MEMBERS – Smallest % Members Dropped – Arkansas Page Committee Certificate of Appreciation for Bringing 1 Page to the 128th Continental Congress – Arkansas Patriot Records Project Outstanding Service as a Volunteer – Nancy Bartlett, Jill Drushall Service To America Outstanding Service as State Chairman – Betsy Barnes The Flag of the USA Outstanding Service for Flag Minutes/Best Report, South Central Division – Akansa Outstanding Service for Most Youth Involved, South Central Division – John Percifull Outstanding Service for Most Flag Events, South Central Division – Texarkana Outstanding Service for Most Flags Distributed, Most Braille Flags – Little Red River Third Place South Central Division, Outstanding Service – Arkansas Society Volunteer Information Specialists Outstanding Service VIS State Chair – Jo Ann Cooper State VIS of the Year – Colleen Cook Excellent Service VIS Website of the Month Judge – Cheri Coley State VIS of the Year (2017) – Peggy Cara Volunteer Genealogist Outstanding Service, South Central Division – Cheri Coley CHAPTER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Level 1 – Akansa, Arkansas Post, Cadron Post, Captain Nathan Watkins, Captain Robert Abernethy, Dardanelle Rock, Fort Smith, Frederick Van Patten, Gilbert Marshall, Grand Prairie, Harrison Colony, James Bright, James K. Polk, John Percifull, Jonesboro, Little Red River, Little Rock- Centennial, Lovely Purchase, Major Jacob Gray, Marion, Ozark Mountains, Pine Bluff-John McAlmont, Provincia de La Sal, Prudence Hall, Strawberry River, Tates Bluff, Texarkana. Level 2 – Abendschone, Arkadelphia, Benjamin Culp, Charlevoix, Chicot Trace, Colonel David Love, Enoch Ashley, General William Lewis, Hot Springs of Arkansas, Independence County, John Cain, Maria Van Buren, Mine Creek-Paraclifta, Robert Crittenden.

2019 Continental Congress Award Certificates

2020 State Scholarship Applications Due January 15

Arkansas DAR Scholarships are due to the state chairman, Mara Cawein, by January 15. Please send

scholarship information to high school counselors early enough so they can assist students with the application process. In addi-

tion, give them a deadline that allows the chapter chairman to add a letter of recommendation before sending it to the state chair-

man for consideration. Five scholarships are available for a total of $4000 in financial aid. Forms are on the Arkansas members-

only website.

Also, we have not gotten many applications for students going into nursing in past years. Students can apply for the nursing

scholarship on the same form as all state scholarships. In addition, there are 27 different national scholarships available, including

4 specifically for nursing. Let’s shine the light on nursing scholarships this year.

National DAR scholarships are due February 15. Information and application forms are on the public website, www.dar.org , See

https://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships . Chapter letters are not required. The NSDAR awards multiple scholarships to

students in diverse areas of study including history, economics, law, political science, medicine, nursing, occupational and physi-

cal therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science and English.

New for 2019! NSDAR Now Has an Online Submission Process. All students applying for scholarships offered by the DAR

Scholarship Committee must submit their applications using an online application process. Emailed or mailed applications will no

longer be accepted.

Please inform students in your community through the high school counselors or local news of these opportunities for higher edu-

cation support.

Thank you for promoting education in Arkansas. For more information email mjcawein@gmail.com

Mara Cawein, Arkansas DAR Scholarship Chairman

Arkansas State Scrapbook

State Regent Junelle Mongno’s Digital Scrapbook should contain photographs that capture her activities with the Arkansas Chapters. The images are submitted by YOU, the ASDAR membership. I depend on you, the members of the ASDAR, to send photos as Junelle visits your chapters or districts. She may be installing officers, speaking to your chapter, or just visiting and enjoying the fellowship. I know someone always has a camera handy, so snap a few shots of our busy State Re-gent and send them along for her scrapbook. Junelle will be reminded of her service and fond memories of travel and activi-ties during her term as State Regent. Thank you to the two chapters that have sent photos this past year and it’s not too late to forward any photos you might have to hotexans@suddenlink.net. Let’s make Junelle’s term a memorable one.

Sylvia L. Matthews, Chair

The August BOM Registration Form was sent as VIS message and is posted at http://arkansas-dar.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BOM-Aug-2019-1WRITEABLE.pdf.

State Registrar’s Report

ASDAR Registrar Carol Rolf

August 1, 2019

AKANSA

Judy Gordon TI

AKANSAS POST

Sandra Gillcoatt

Nancy Lovett

CADRON POST

Barbara Andrews

Helen Brasuell

Joyce Latham

Donna Mattingly

Lynn Tanguay

Catherine Thompson JR

CHICOT TRACE

Donna Massey

GILBERT MARSHALL

Caroline Burns JR

Cynthia Glucksman TI

Elizabeth House

Tiffany Thomas

HARRISON COLONY

Shirley Kilburn

Catherine Marshall JR

HOT SPRINGS OF ARKANSAS

Bobbette Elia

Charity Merritt

INDEPENDENCE COUNTY

Martha Wilson

JAMES K. POLK

Deborah Copher REIN

JAMES BRIGHT

Rita Clem

Elizabeth Faust JR

Janice Moody

Nancy Wood TI

LITTLE ROCK-CENTENNIAL

Rachel Matthys, REIN

MAJOR JACOB GRAY

Stephanie Stephens

MARION

Alison Demorotski JR

Diane Gaston REIN

Jenna Johnston

Linda Lee REIN

OZARK MOUNTAINS

Theresa Harrell

Julie Jones REIN

Provincia De La Sal

Belinda Jones, TI

STRAWBERRY RIVER

Stephanie Hutson JR

TEXARKANA

Virginia Haltom REIN

ASDAR welcomes 25 new members by application who were approved at the May, June and July 2019 National Board of Management meetings. We had six reinstatements and four transfers from other states. We had nine deceased, and three to leave Arkansas. (Codes: JR, Junior; REIN, reinstated; TI, Transfer In from another state.)

Current state membership is 2,292 members in 42 chapters. Colonel Frances Vivian Brooking Chapter disbanded.

Please keep up the good work and let me know if I can help. I am here to help you, and ASDAR, grow. Don’t hesitate to contact me; by phone, 501-327-0482 and leave a message or by email, carol.rolf@conwaycorp.net; or by text, 501-269-2293.

AKANSA

Brenda MacKay

Jimmie Snowden (TI)

BENJAMIN CULP

Ashley Ratliff

CADRON POST

Judith Corcoran

Andrea Rolf

Meredith Rolf

Kimberly Rolf

CAPTAIN NATHAN WATKINS

Julia Luke (TI)

COLONEL DAVID LOVE

Kathy Swilley

DARDANELLE ROCK

Sabrina Gray

FORT SMITH

Marianne Drushal (JR)

Judith Newman

Rebecca Southern (REIN)

FREDERICK VAN PATTEN

Janice Schmitton

Peggy Yancey

GILBERT MARSHALL

Megan Campbell (JR)

Kristin Shults (JR)

Monica Shults

Rachel Sowell (JR)

Ashley Suffridge (JR)

Mary Smith (REIN)

GRAND PRAIRIE

Mary Baldwin

Gilda Henry

HARRISON COLONY

Tonya Bardin

Cynthia Jones

Lindsey Jones (JR)

JAMES BRIGHT

Anita Doney

Karen Carson (REIN)

Harriet Faust (REIN)

Lois Yount (REIN)

JOHN PERCIFULL

Angela Lesher

Sarah Riley

Sara Johnson (REIN)

JONESBORO

Kathy Loyd (REIN)

Patsy Johnson (TI)

LITTLE ROCK CENTENNIAL

Paula Slater

LOVELY PURCHASE

Faith Davis (JR)

Myrna Fulton

Donna Swift

MAJOR JACOB GRAY

Sarah Culp (JR)

Dorothy Foster

Brenda Lawson

Susan Whanger

Audrey Wright

MARION

Priscilla Walker (REIN)

Pattye Lester (TI)

Sharon McBeth (TI)

Katherine Young (TI)

OZARK MOUNTAINS

Glenda Downing

Sue Little

PINE BLUFF-JOHN McALMONT

Amy Hester

PROVINCIA DE LA SAL

Carolyn Moory

STRAWBERRY RIVER

Shirley Blankenship

Norma Tumlin (REIN)

State Registrar Report

May 1, 2019 CORRECTED

By Carol Rolf

ASDAR welcomes 39 new members by application who were approved at the February, March and April 2019 National Board of Management meetings. We had nine reinstatements, six transfers from other states and four transfers in state. We had nine deceased, 56 dropped and six to leave Arkansas.

Chaplain’s neCrology report

Sue Lynn Hanson, Chaplain

May 1—July 31, 2019

John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live;

and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

Colonel David Love Chapter

Zula Verle Methvin LaFarra

#906155 – June 8, 2019

Frederick Van Patten Chapter

Janie Lou Gipson Quarles

#865158 – May 11, 2019

Frederick Van Patten Chapter

Merrell Laraine Walker

#909911 – July 19, 2019

Gilbert Marshall Chapter

Nancy Drury McCullough Clark

#982426 – June 10, 2019

Harrison Colony Chapter

Deone Duncan Penquite

#680195 – June 15, 2019

Little Rock-Centennial Chapter

Mary Agnes Powell Maier

#468202 – June 29, 2019

Marion Chapter

Bettie O’Neil Moore Stuart

#927190 – May 21, 2019

Pine Bluff-John McAlmont Chapter

Margaret Jo Thornton Dill

#755578 – April 3, 2019

Tates Bluff Chapter

Betsy Lynn Avant Jordan

#914477 – July 8, 2019

Texarkana Chapter

Betty Olema Bowman Brandenburg

#973226 – April 11, 2019

Hot Springs of Arkansas

Jane Ann Kinnaird Crone

#835058 - July 23, 2019

I had the pleasure of speaking with our new Chaplain General, Pamela Petersen Bork on the phone this week. (NIP 2019)

“Chapter Chaplains set the example of loving kindness as they extend themselves to contact those in need of comfort; celebrate in times of

joy; and welcome new members”. Chaplain Bork’s selected scripture for the 2019-2022 administration is: Matthew 5:16. “Let your light

shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. “May this scripture guide us as we do the work

of our Society and Rise and Shine for America”.

One of the many ways we can Rise and Shine for America, is reaching out through personal contact. Of our 42 Chapters, 30 Chapters have

responded with their 89+ members information. Since August this has resulted in 69 Birthday Greeting Cards to their members, from the

State Chaplain and Executive Board. 15 of these ladies were reaching their 90th Birthday. ASDAR Chaplains will not be hiding our light un-

der a bushel basket!

Sue Lynn Hanson, ASDAR State Chaplain

ASDAR Honorariums and Memorials

May through August 2019

Junelle Mongno, State Regent’s Project

Honorarium to Junelle Mongno from Captain Nathan Watkins Chapter

Honorarium to Junelle Mongno from James Bright Chapter

Memorial to John Heenan from Mrs Bonnie Heenan, Captain Nathan Wathins Chapter

Honorarium to Frankie Oshner from Carol Hunter, John Percifull Chapter

Honorarium to Junelle Mongno from John Percifull Chapter

Honorarium to Junelle Mongno from Captain Nathan Watkins Chapter

Honorarium to Junelle Mongno from Major Jacob Gray Chapter

Honorarium to Junelle Mongno from Shawnee District Chapter

Honorarium to Junelle Mongno from Caddo District Chapter

Honorarium to Kathryn Murphy from Mary, Ford Major Jacob Gray Chapter

Honorarium to Betsy Barnes from Mary Ford, Major Jacob Gray Chapter

ASDAR DAR Room

Memorial to Charlotte Huntley from Major Jacob Gray Chapter

Memorial to MarJo Dill from Jean Pollard, Arkansas Post Chapter

Memorial to Charlotte Huntley from Jean Pollard, Arkansas Post Chapter

Honorarium to Jo and Duff Kilduff from Jean Pollard, Arkansas Post Chapter

Lecture Series for 2019

The Series called “Research Around the States” which focuses on the history, repositories and research strategies specific to the

states in question continues on September 10 with a brief overview of the history of New Your and will focus on the genealogical

resources available in the Empire State. A lecture on Rhode Island will occur on November 9 and New Jersey on December 3. Other

states will be covered in future years.

You can take advantage of the Lectures Series recording at the Library Website at www.dar.org/OnlineLectures

Giving to the DAR Library

Please remember you can give to the Library by purchasing items on the DAR Library “Wish List” on the NSDAR website. New items

are periodically added so check this website frequently.

New Forms

Several forms have been updated. All these can be downloaded from the Forms & Publications section under the NSDAR website

under Executive Officers – Librarian General.

Caroline Kraft Carroll — State Librarian

DAR Library News

VAVS Fourth Quarterly Meeting

July 17, 2019

Eugene Towbin Healthcare Center, Fort Roots, NLR, AR.

Both the North Little Rock and the Little Rock Veterans Affairs campuses will become smoke-free October 1, 2019.

The Gold Star Family Monument dedication will be September 28, 2019 on the State Capitol grounds. The ceremony will begin at 11:00. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. To learn more about donating to the Gold Star Family Memorial, please contact Dwight Witcher, Marine Corps League, Sidney S. McMath Detachment 532, e-mail—epssys@aol.com. You may also email monument@hwwmohf.org.

Forty more flags are needed to complete the Avenue of Flags at Towbin Healthcare Center. Cost for an individual flag is ap-proximately $20.00. Seeing all the flags fly along 1st Street to Towbin Healthcare Center is a most impressive sight, and makes one feel extremely proud of our country and our veterans.

Central Arkansas Healthcare Systems (CAVHS) and Rolling Thunder team up as Thunder Across the River to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action. The event will happen on September 21, 2019 on the State Capitol Grounds. Please attend to honor those who were imprisoned during wars, never returned or are unaccounted.

The final design for the Walk of Honor Coin is being approved. Approximately 500 coins are to be ordered. The Walk of Honor program at CAVHS honors and respects a veteran’s life and service to our country at their time of death. The veteran’s family, CAVHS staff, and volunteers are involved in the Walk of Honor ceremony. The coins are presented to the family of the veteran as a token and symbol of the Walk of Honor and their loved ones dedicated military service to our country.

Towbin Healthcare Center are seeking volunteers to adopt one of the four units at the hospital. Adopting a unit would allow for the volunteers and patients to establish a closer and more personal relationship. Possible activities with the veterans at the units might be playing board games, completing wood crafts, painting with watercolors, participating in patio activities/games, and 1:1 visits. There is also a program called Meal Mates where volunteers sit and visit with veterans during meals. Certified therapy dogs are welcomed at any time. Musical activities are always popular. Saturday activities are especially needed. Fresh fruit and snacks are always a wonderful treat.

The Little Rock-Centennial Chapter, Publishing Concepts, Inc (PCI) and CAVHS are sponsoring the 2019 Veterans Shoe Box Drive 2019. Shoe boxes are filled with personal items, small holiday gifts, snacks and other items; those boxes are then wrapped in holiday paper and delivered to Voluntary Services at Towbin Healthcare Center. We deliver the boxes in mid-December to the patients at both McClellan Memorial Hospital and Towbin Healthcare Center, as well as to other facilities that serve veterans.

The Veterans Shoe Box Drive is a community activity, not solely DAR. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Please share this information with churches, school groups, civic organizations, professional organizations, etc. For more information and a list of possible items to include in the shoe boxes, please contact Susan at PCI 501.221.9986 ext. 108 or Kathy Balkman with the Little Rock-Centennial Chapter at 501.517.1382

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fort Roots and Voluntary Services, CAVHS, will soon be finalized. Registered volunteers with Voluntary Services will then be able to volunteer with the Arkansas State Veterans Home.

ASDAR will sponsor the Towbin Healthcare CLC Monthly Birthday Party February 27, 2020. Chapters are encouraged to have members attend and help our veterans celebrate their February birthdays. More information about this event will be shared in later months.

For additional information on any of the above actions and events, please contact Chief Michael Dobbs, Voluntary Services at 501.257.3288.

The VAVS Representative and both Deputy Representatives attended this meeting.

Respectfully Submitted, Kathy Balkman, VAVS Representative

The U. S. Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to begin planning for 2026. The DAR will celebrate the 250th anniversary of all events associated with our nation’s quest for independence which began with the Boston Tea Party of 1773 (e.g., 2023) through the Treaty of Paris in 1783 (e.g., 2033).

Start Your Celebration to Rise and Shine for America 250!

What can you do to help DAR Rise and Shine?

Honor Our Patriots Spotlight your patriotic heroes of the American Revolution!

Revolutionary Flashbacks **Examples are posted on the America 250! Committee page.

**Check this website for American Revolutionary Flashbacks http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.html

**With assistance from your registrar, look at your member’s applications and see in which battles their patriots participated and spotlight those events.

How can you Honor Our Patriots and share Revolutionary Flashbacks?

Does your chapter have a public Facebook page or website established? If not, check out what to do. You could list your Chapter Patriots and Revolutionary Flashbacks on these sites.

Contact your local newspaper and establish a monthly article about DAR and patriotic tidbits. A patriotic highlight template is available on the America 250! Committee page.

Create a flyer or brochure and list your Chapter Patriots and their state of service; this could be an easy handout for prospective members.

For special calendar days, record radio spots in advance to highlight “Our Patriots” or a “Revolutionary Flash-back” event so they can be ready for air time.

-Monthly Meeting Date -July 4 -Flag Day -Constitution Week -Veterans Day -Other special dates of significance

Highlight a patriot at your monthly meetings with a one minute salute. Establish a chapter newsletter and include information about your Chapter Patriots and Revolutionary Flash-

backs.

Please Note: It is very important that the chapter registrar reviews and approves the content of the Patriot information before it is published by the chapter. Under no circumstances shall DAR national numbers or Genea-logical Research System information be shared with the public. This is NSDAR proprietary information.

For further information about America 250! Committee, follow this link and see what you can do to Rise and Shine in preparation for America 250! https://www.dar.org/members/committees/special-committees/america-250/ Jan Lusk, Chairman American 250! Committee luskjan5476@gmail.com

New Members Course and New Horizons Course Update

ASDAR currently has 13 enrolled in New Horizons course and 91 enrolled in New Members Course. Hurrah! Interesting facts: Arkansas currently has 43 chapters. 22 Arkansas chapters have a graduate from one of these courses! Nine other Ar-kansas Chapters have someone enrolled in the courses. When they graduate that will mean 31 Arkansas chapters will have at least one graduate from one of these courses. That will give us 72% exposure within the chapters of at least one person trained from these courses. We hope the following chapters will have members enrolled in these courses soon:

Our State Regent, Junelle Mongno, is our biggest cheerleader for these courses. She has taken the New Horizons Course, so she knows all about these classes. During 2019 ASDAR State Conference, we graduated 31 New Members and 7 New Horizons members. That was lots of exposure for the courses and helped several decide to enroll. I think it would be cool to reach 100%-chapter involvement, so we could say that at least one member in each ASDAR chapter was a graduate of one of the courses! The next administration will be developing contests to help achieve this. They are also changing the name of the New Members course to Members Course. There will be sev-eral other changes also posted later. Chapters, I hope that you like the addition of all our graduates to the chapter reports section on e-membership. That will make it eas-ier to see who has had the trainings when choosing committee chairs. I have continued to invite all new BOM members within 3 weeks of them receiving their DAR Number. Out of the 59 new members we have gained this year (all who had an email listed received an invitation), 13 have asked to be enrolled in the New Members Course. I am hoping that all Chapter Regents will continue to encourage their new members to enroll and to remind them of this wonderful opportunity to learn more about NSDAR through chapter meeting announcements.

Barbara Lewis, State Leadership Training Coordinator

Benjamin Culp

Charlevoix

Col. Francis Brookings

Diamond

Enoch Ashley

General William Lewis

Independence County

John Cain

Little Red River

Maria Van Buren

Mine Creek/Paraclifta

Robert Crittenden

Serving Our Much Deserved Veterans

The Cadron Post is my DAR Chapter. I am new to this Chapter as well as to the DAR, just joining effective May 5, 2019, but I am already enjoying all that I am learning, as well as attending with my sister who encouraged me to join. Our Regent is

Kimberly Jones, who does an outstanding job following the required protocol and making sure everyone feels welcome and an

important part of the meeting and purpose. I feel very blessed to be a part of this wonderful chapter.

Since I have not been a member very long, I researched with Carol Rolf, our Registrar, as I knew this Chapter would have

devoted their time to such important purposes. Carol was more than happy to share recent events by our group where our

Chapter members served our veterans. Our Chapter reads a National Defense Minute/Report at every meeting. The Chapter National Defense Chairman gave a report on presenting two ROTC medals - a Gold Medal to a graduating ROTC cadet at the

University of Central Arkansas and a Bronze Medal to a Junior ROTC cadet at Conway High School. Our Chapter also had a

service project for veterans most recently (February 2019) where refreshments were served at the local VA clinic in Con-

way, Arkansas, in observance of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week 2019.

It probably happens more often than with most, but I get chills when something really special and/or emotional happens in

my life. Certain songs, special observances, and anything patriotic! I cannot remember the last time I stood with my hand on

my chest, in a formal environment anyway, to say The Pledge of Allegiance. Oh, don’t get me wrong—I have to place my “hand on heart” any time I witness the Pledge being said, I can’t help myself. And I always (yes, always!) automatically stand and

sing along with the National Anthem while I pretend to hit the high notes, “hand on heart” here, too, of course. However, not

fully knowing what to expect at my first DAR meeting, I was more than pleasantly surprised when we all stood and faced the

flag, many hands on many hearts, reciting The Pledge of Allegiance. The chills were instantaneous.

Donna Mattingly— Cadron Post Chapter

It’s official! Delegates to the 128th Continental Congress approved the establishment of an internal DAR Insignia Operation, with its proceeds allocated to supporting the purpose-driven work of our National Society. It was a bold and visionary vote in favor of a sound business decision to further our mission.

With this approval, voters have now afforded the National Society the ability to; realize greater net income to help fund external gifts consistent with our mission; control insignia quality and vendor performance; ensure consistency with our public image/branding; and leverage internal knowledge to increase the growth potential of insignia sales.

Thanks to the work of an Insignia Task Force appointed more than a year ago that has been working behind the scenes ever since, preparation for the launch of our DAR Insignia Operation is well underway.

Please note, however, that the current process of ordering through our third-party provider, Hamilton Insignia, will remain in the months ahead, as we work to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the contract expiration on February 29, 2020. The projected start date for NSDAR to sell insignia directly to our members is next Continental Congress. While no DAR insignia or ribbons will be sold February through Congress, 2020, as the process of transferring inventory and finalizing systems takes place, I assure you that we will be ready to launch this operation by next year’s annual conference.

Once established, our new Insignia Operation will complement the current DAR Store and will allow Daughters one-stop shop-ping for all of their DAR retail needs. Both operations will fall under the Office of the Corresponding Secretary General; the pin approval process, however, will remain with the Office of the Organizing Secretary General.

It is my distinct pleasure to announce that the first new items to be produced for DAR Insignia will be this administration ’s Rise and Shine for America President General’s Project benefactor and donor pins. Therefore, not only will your donations to this administration’s project support the continued restoration of DAR Constitution Hall, but your purchase of the associated DAR pins will also directly support the Society’s mission-related work. You will soon be able to take pride in knowing that enhancing your personal insignia collection will help to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism -- not benefit a third party.

Our DAR founders acted boldly when they established a nationwide service organization and then conceived and constructed the buildings we have the privilege to today call our “House Beautiful.” Today’s Daughters have shown that same indomitable spirit in approving the creation of our own internal DAR Insignia Operation. The profits from this endeavor will allow us to pro-vide increased mission support, which will raise public awareness of our organization through its funding of external philan-thropic projects. Thank you, Daughters, for your support of this exciting new undertaking. Let us show that we can, indeed, Rise and Shine.

DAR Insignia

Becca Smith

State Chair Insignia

RSVPsmith8@aol.com

Within our chapters

Tate’s Bluff Chapter in Camden

Little Rock Centennial Chapter in Little Rock

Mount Holly Cemetery is a historic landmark, and it was an honor for the Little Rock-Centennial Chapter to participate in this Memorial Day event. There were 23 participants which included members, HODARS, and friends of members.

We were assigned two sections of the cemetery, and we were given flags and a map with the names of the veterans in each section.

Mount Holly has about 500 veterans from all American wars from the Revolutionary War to the first Iraqi war. The flags placed on the Sunday before Memorial Day will remain in place until after July 4th to honor all men and women veterans buried at Mount Holly. We look forward to Memorial Day 2020 so we can again Honor Veterans.

In memory of Octavia Taylor, Tate's Bluff DAR members and Boy Scouts Troop 6 and Venturers Crew, Ouachita County Historical Soci-ety and Ouachita County Judge Robert McAdoo dedicated the Flag Box at the Ouachita County Court House July 24, 2019. Octavia and Kathy Boyette worked on this project last year and the box was com-pleted last month. Octavia's son Donnel Taylor and family members attended the ceremony. Regent, Annie Mae Stafford presented the key to the flag box to Troop 6 who will check the box monthly.

With heavy hearts the Tate's Bluff Chap-ter said goodby to our Chapter Treasur-er, Betsy Avant Jordan, who died sud-denly 8 Jul 2019. Betsy was a very ac-tive member in our community as well as DAR and we will miss her greatly.

Akansa Chapter in Hot Springs Village

Akansa Chapter in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, hosted a First Ladies tea party on April 9, 2019 with over 120 guests assembled to connect with women in America’s history. Fifteen chapter members assumed the roles of some of our nation’s First La-dies, from Martha Washington to Melania Trump. Each relayed an interesting story or two from their terms, with presenter Kay Cantrell providing the overall history and chro-nology of First Ladies to date.

As a light lunch of sandwiches, tea cakes and beverages were served, guests were treated to unique and historic facts about First Ladies through the years. Martha Washington and Abigail Adams (the first and second First Ladies, respectively) had no predecessors to define their roles and, therefore, developed a style that did not reflect the royal trappings of Europe, but rather was more suitable for the new republic.

Among the tea party guests were George Washington and Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by local SAR members), bearing witness to the value of the First Ladies’ contributions to every administration and the citizens it served.

Within our Chapters

Strawberry River Chapter in Horseshoe Bend

Abendschone Chapter in Eureka Springs

On May 17, Abendschone Chapter, NSDAR of Eureka Springs, Arkansas held an event at the historic Eureka Springs Cemetery to mark the graves of past chapter members. Markers with the NSDAR logos were placed next to the 34 known graves that go back to the organizing members (1951) of the chapter. GPS coor-dinates were also recorded for each member's gravesite so that the chapter can honor them at future events. This year the markers remained at the gravesites through Memorial Day. Pictured at the cemetery are chapter members next to the latest grave which is of Stella Bucknam, whose grandmother was the chapter’s first regent. Chapter members have also been participating in a year-long project of cleaning gravestones in this cemetery funded by an Arkansas historic preserva-tion grant awarded to the Eureka Springs Cemetery Commission.

At the June 14th Flag Day ceremony at the local Holiday Island Elks Lodge, members of the Abendschone Chapter, NSDAR of Eureka Springs participated, in costume, as flag bearers. Pictured in front of the flag display, representing several historic American flags ranging from pre-Revolution to the current 50 star version, are those members attending the ceremony.

Strawberry River Chapter members continue to promote historic preservation, education, and

patriotism through their varied projects. Thirteen members attended the Shawnee District Meet-

ing in Jonesboro in May. At our June meeting, new member Shirley Blankenship was installed;

we also had a white elephant sale and raised money for our education scholarship which is

awarded each spring to a graduating senior.

Three members volunteered June 14 at the Northeast Arkansas Archives Volunteer Day in Powhatan; we helped unfold, index, and

organize historical documents. Some of these files from the Lawrence County Courts dating from the 1880s through 1914 were

quite interesting. Preserving historical documents for the future is so important; these records are being indexed and will eventually

be available to the public.

Several Strawberry River members participated in the Horseshoe Bend July 4 Parade and celebrated our country ’s founding. We

proudly saluted our Patriots on our Facebook page in honor of America’s 243 birthday.

ASDAR Jr. Membership Chair Deena Reynolds notified us that Lana Rodgers, third grade Cherokee Elemen-

tary teacher and a chapter member, would receive one of the three $500 Helen Pouch Memorial Fund Class-

room Grants awarded in Arkansas. Deena visited our chapter July 12 and toured the Nature Trail which Lana

has established for the students of CES and the community. This grant will fund a classroom set of binoculars

for students to use to strengthen their observation of birds and wildlife; they can then enhance their reading,

writing, and comprehension skills as they reflect on the Nature Trail studies.

Within our Chapters

Cadron Post Chapter in Conway

Remembering Our Veterans

Cadron Post Chapter participated in Memorial Day ceremonies May 31 at the Faulkner County Courthouse in Conway. Gathered with Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker to remember veterans are Debby Martin, from left, with her 2-year-old great-granddaughter Kinlee Kennedy, Pat Christensen, Kathey Farley, Judy McKnight, Kimberly Jones, Judy Corcoran, Suzann Waggoner and Carol Rolf.

Cadron Post Chapter Regent Kimberly Jones, sec-ond from left, assisted by Chapter Chaplain Nancy Thompson, left, installs Judy Corcoran at the April meeting in the home of Suzann Waggoner.

Cadron Post Chapter installed four new members at the May meeting at College Square in Conway. This installation ceremony included installing one member via Facetime. Posing after the installation are Chapter Reg-istrar Carol Rolf, from left; Chapter Regent Kimberly Jones; and new members Meredith Rolf of Little Rock, showing the Facetime video of An-drea Rolf, who lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Kimberly Rolf of Fayetteville; and Lynn Tanguay of Conway.

Cadron Post Installs New Members

Cadron Post Chapter honored two Re-serve Officers’ Training Corps cadets in April. Chapter Registrar Carol Rolf pre-sented medals and certificates to JROTC Cadet Sabrina Moreno of Con-way, a senior at Conway High School, and ROTC Cadet Mercedes Bass of Wilmot, a senior at the University of Central Arkansas.

Cadron Post honors ROTC Cadets

Harrison Colony Chapter in Harrison

Within our Chapters

Pictured left to right: Cathy Carter, Ruby Kate Chitsey, Sandra Hillier

Ruby Kate Chitsey has been honored with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Youth Citizenship Award. The certificate and medal were presented on behalf of Harrison Colony Chapter by Sandra Hillier, Past Chapter Regent, and Cathy Carter, Senior C. A. R. Leader, on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Harrison Middle School.

This award is presented to girls or boys in grades five through eleven who fulfill the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism. The educa-tion of our youth about American citizenship is a mission of DAR and most im-portant to foster among schoolchildren a greater appreciation of the qualities of citizenship needed by our country if it is to retain sovereignty and independ-ence. She was also given a Constitution Packet and a flag bracelet. “3 Wishes for Ruby’s Residents” has made a difference in the lives of local nursing home residents and is expanding to neighboring cities and states. The endeavor has shined a spotlight on Harrison and its citizens not only in the United States but all over the world. Ruby Kate has met the challenge of funding her project and been featured in several news presentations. Through imagination and deter-mination, one person can make a difference.

Prudence Hall Chapter in North Little Rock

In September, four Prudence Hall members—Betty Harp, Honorary State Regent; Teresa Clark; Jacque Armstrong; and Lisa Winkleman—will complete their first year as founding members of the Thomas Cemetery Advisory Board established by North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith in September 2018. The cemetery was in a state of great disrepair and neglect. Others’ attempts to improve and preserve the cemetery were unsuccessful.

However, during its first year, the Board has established the Thomas Cemetery Association, a 501C(3) non-profit organization; adopted a logo; established a website (www.thomascemeteryassociation.org); set up an active Facebook page (Thomas Cemetery Association); and created an email account. Teresa had previously compiled and published a beautiful book about the more than 750 individuals buried in Thomas Cemetery in the Levy area of North Little Rock. All proceeds from sale of the $25.00 book go to support the cemetery’s restoration.

Although three other members attended a recent Naturalization Ceremony as a show of respect and encouragement to all fifty new citizens, Prudence Hall member Bonnie Clough and her husband, Dick, attended in honor of Raul Valdez. As Bonnie explained, “Raul Valdez and his wife Sandra are friendly folks who are a joy to be around”. Raul is from Mexico.

Photo: Bonnie and Dick Clough with Raul Valdez, in middle, after the ceremony.

Juli Atkinson, After School Tutoring and Literacy Camp Facilitator for STEP Ministries, who spoke to Prudence Hall Chapter in May, is shown ex-plaining a literacy concept to Regent Elizabeth Hill in preparation for STEP Ministries’ Literacy Camp in North Little Rock. Elizabeth served as a tutor each morning, July 29–August 3.

Frederick Van Patten Chapter in Searcy

Frederick Van Patten Chapter doesn’t meet during the summer but our Board does and we have been shipping boxes overseas to our deployed soldiers and taking coffee and snacks to our local Veterans Clinic.

Within our chapters

Independence County Chapter in Batesville

Little Red River Chapter in Heber Springs

Independence County Chapter members met May 25, 2019, at

the gazebo in Oaklawn Cemetery, Batesville, to hold the bienni-

al Memorial Service to remember deceased chapter member

buried there. Of course, we have deceased chapter members

buried in other cemeteries, too.

Chapter Regent Eleanor Royer and Chapter Chaplain Cecilia

Baker led the Ritual, and Chapter Registrar Mary Miller read the

list of deceased members being honored.

The deceased served DAR as officers and committee chairmen

at both chapter and state levels. We are thankful for their contri-

butions to the success of our chapter.

Pictured left to right: Cecilia Baker, Ruth Ashcraft, Kristie Pope Kennedy and daughter, Eleanor Royer, Kayla Pope Lock and son, Kathy Altom, and Mary Miller.

In May, Chapter Regent Kim Walker present-ed Service Dogs of Distinction co-founder, Don Gardner, with a check for $1,000 toward providing a service dog for a Veteran.

In June at the Makers Market in Heber Springs, Christi-na McGaughey Chapter Vice Regent set up a booth and sold hats and fascinators that she created. The money raised goes to the “Service Dogs of Distinction” project.

Major Jacob Gray Chapter in Jacksonville

June 14 was Flay Day and the Major Jacob Gray Chapter members visited Jacksonville

Mayor Bob Johnson’s office for the signing of the Proclamation. Then we took a short

drive to the Cabot Mayor’s office for another Flay Day Proclamation to be signed by

Mayor Ken Kincade.

Pictured from left Tammy

Roberts, Sharon Bode,

Mayor Ken Kincade,

Chapter Regent Lyn Hicks

and Jessie Johnson.

Pictured from left Tammy Roberts, Jessie

Johnson, Mayor Johnson, Sharon Bode and

Chapter Regent Lyn Hicks.

Within our chapters

Hot Springs of Arkansas Chapter in Hot Springs

Hot Springs of Arkansas DAR Chapter honored area Vietnam veterans and their families at an indoor picnic on May 11, at the Melting Pot Genealogical Society’s meeting room.

That Saturday was another rainy day in Hot Springs, Arkansas. All efforts to have a spring picnic honoring Vietnam veterans and Vietnam era military personnel were interrupted as the Hot Springs of Arkansas DAR strove to honor them for their service. However, the de-termined DAR women had set out to honor the vets, and honor them they did!

The picnic and all accouterments were moved indoors to the Melting Pot Genealogical meeting room. Although the crowd was notably smaller than expected for the picnic, all at-tendees seemed to enjoy being together for another chance to tell their stories and visit with others who participated in the war effort. David Buck shared his photos and other Vietnam memorabilia for all the attendees to see.

All told, there were five Vietnam war and era veterans who attended the meeting: David Buck, J.C. Marks, Gordon Smith, Jim Carden and Ken Spielvogle along with their spouses, one sister, one niece and seven DAR members met for a great meal and lots of conversa-tion.

In keeping with our State Regent's theme, Lovely Purchase Chapter has undertaken a project of identifying women veter-ans in our community and presenting them with a certificate of appreciation. We presented the first certificate to State Regent Junelle Mongno in June.

Lovely Purchase Chapter in Bella Vista

Regent Jean Justice presenting a Certificate of

Appreciation to State Regent Junelle Mongno

(Shining a Light on Women Veterans)

Twenty-four members and guests attended

luncheon at The River Grille in Bentonville.

Maria Van Buren Chapter in Clinton

On Memorial Day 2019, Maria Van Buren Chapter of Daughters' of American Revolution placed wreaths and flags at Clinton's Memorial wall in honor of Veterans.

Members are pictured left to right. Virginia Kelley, Joyce Tudor, Alice George, and Lucinda Rolen.

Within our chapters

Captain Nathan Watkins Chapter in Mountain Home

Members of the Captain Nathan Watkins Chapter recently pledged almost $300 for

the purchase of books to be given to a local Little Free Library, one of over 80,000

worldwide. In doing so, the chapter fulfills one of ASDAR's Opportunities for Involve-

ment by promoting literacy in both children and adults. Although this particular Little

Free Library in Mountain Home caters almost exclusively to younger readers, par-

ents and adults become involved by reading to their children. It has been shown that

children who are read to three to four times a week at home have a substantial ad-

vantage upon entering kindergarten, and this success rate continues through a

child's school years.

The initial 35 titles were presented during National Family Literacy Month in November. Ultimately, it is hoped that as

many as 100 books will be donated. The first selections focused on the Revolution, our founding fathers and mothers;

and national documents and symbols, such as the Declaration of Independence and Flag. Future choices will be ex-

panded to include topics such as genealogy, citizenship, patriotism, military heroes, cultural history, etc. Each book is

identified with a DAR bookplate. The Little Free Library has designated these books as its Americana Collection and

special displays are planned on or near national holidays and patriotic occasions.

Our May 13, 2019 chapter meeting was very exciting as our

State Regent, Junelle Mongno, installed our new officers.

Pictured L to R: Junelle Mongno, State Regent; Kathy Bau-

wens, Treasurer; Caroline Carroll, Registrar; April Baily,

Regent; Susan Allen, Chaplain; and Nancy Osmon, Re-

cording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary

During our meeting, Registrar Caroline Carroll and Vice Regent Jan Paul honored women veterans by thanking those in attendance

for their devotion to our country. Each veteran was presented with a medallion, “Freedom is Not Free” with this message:

“Throughout the history of America, scores of men and women have courageously defended our freedoms at the cost of many lives

lost. Never forget: Freedom is not Free.”

Pictured L to R: Registrar Caroline Carroll; State Regent

Junelle Mongno who served in the U.S. Air Force from

1971-1977; Katy Yarbrough who served in the U. S. Air

Force; Kathy Johnson who served in the U.S. Army; and

Vice Regent Jan Paul

Within our chapters

Grand Prairie Chapter in Stuttgart

Grand Prairie Chapter DAR is unique in that our membership is varied and comprised of members from several Arkansas coun-ties: Pulaski, Phillips, Prairie, Arkansas, and Monroe to name a few; therefore, meeting venues are varied.

March found our members and guests in Clarendon where we enjoyed lunch at Bendi’s Diner. The Clarendon Welcome Center, housed in the 1921 Merchants and Planters Bank Building, was the meeting site. The group then toured the Monroe County Court-house which was built in 1911. Both buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The chapter collected and donated

new sheets, towels, and other household items to the Women’s Shelter in Stuttgart.

Several members attended the Arkansas State DAR Con-ference. Member Nonnie Dyer Carroll received gold cords signifying completion of both the New Member and New Horizons courses. Chapter Regent Allison Denman Hol-land presented the history of Marie Louise Catherine Mes-sager Racine, the Patriot for whom the Pathway of the Patriots Arkansas tree is named. Members collected “Baby Shower “ gifts to be donated at Conference.

Front: Ashli Ahrens, Claudia Ahrens, Allison Holland, Nonnie Carroll Back: Raeann Braithwaite, Glennda Fread, Jeannie Nash Not pictured: Judi Johnson, Joanne McMickle

In April our members and guests enjoyed lunch at Craigs Bar-B-Q in DeValls Bluff followed by our meeting at the Prairie County Museum. A highlight was the installation of two new members, Rebecca Warnock Baldwin of Claren-don and Gilda Gray Henry of Roe and Stuttgart. After the meeting and installation Debbie Cook, Prairie County His-torical Museum Curator, presented a historical program about Fort Lincoln, a Union fort, located on the White Riv-er at DeValls Bluff during the Civil War. She then led us on a tour of the Museum. Chapter members collected clothing, magazines, and personal items that were deliv-ered to the VA Hospital.

Pictured left to right: Allison Holland, new members Becky Baldwin and Gilda Henry, Gail Norman

We welcomed eight guests as we returned to our roots in May and held our meeting and Guest Day luncheon at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie in Stuttgart. A patriotic Memorial Day program was presented by Glennda Fread, pictured left, and a WW II memorabilia display table was created by Claudia Ahrens, right.

Chapter Member Glennda Fread volunteers to create the window dis-play at the Stuttgart Library. She always chooses patriotic and historical themes. The following was the Memorial Day presentation. We thank Glennda for her dedication to this project.

Within our chapters

James K. Polk Chapter in Mena

Many of the James K. Polk members signed up for a summer cemetery project, "Proper Cleaning of Headstones." The Polk County Genealogical Society joined with them in a group effort for the training.

First, they met in the Polk County Library with local historian and genealogist, Shirley Manning, for a lecture and power point presenta-tion of how to properly clean tombstones. The Biological Solution D/2 was discussed and examples of how it works were shown during the presentation.

Next, the group drove to the White Oak Cemetery which is the Mena Cemetery chosen by the JKP DAR Chapter to use for a demon-stration on “How to Properly Clean Headstones." Shirley Manning chose 3 headstones of the Brenda Cunningham Family that were identical for the demonstration. First, she cleaned one with only distilled water. The second one she cleaned with distilled water first and then sprayed with the D/2 Biological Solution. The third headstone she just sprayed with the D/2 Biological Solution. As the cleaning solution worked on the headstones, the group walked to the eight Union Soldiers Headstones that Shirley had previously sprayed. The one that she had sprayed a second time weeks before was almost completely clean. The D/2 Biological Solution was available to everyone, and each DAR member found one veteran's headstone to spray, writing down the location and name. In No-vember the DAR ladies plan to return to White Oak Cemetery to check the veterans headstones and place USA Flags on veterans graves.

This chapter's next event is an end of summer "Rise and Shine for America" to welcome back all members, prospective members, and friends of DAR. There will also be an announcement in three different local newspapers in two counties and on the Mena radio station inviting anyone wanting to know more about the JKP Chapter or membership to come to the Daisey Room in Mena from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on August 9.

Front - Historian & Genealogist, Shirley Manning with DAR Regent, Cortez Copher. Back - Ann Garrett, Brenda Cunning-ham, Leighanna Guillet, Shelly Collins, & Era Looney.

Within Our District

Wataseka District Chapters - Camden, DeWitt, Fordyce, Hamburg, Monticello, Pine Bluff, Stuttgart, Warren

Wataseka District met at First Methodist Church Family Life Center in Monticello, AR on Saturday, July 22 for it's annual meeting. Pictured is State Regent Junelle Mongno with District Director Ashli Ahrens. Approximately 36 members were in attendance and State Regent Mongno was the guest speaker. She shared upcoming changes in DAR with the membership. A delicious salad lunch plate with croissants and chocolate cake were on the luncheon menu. Business was conducted by District Director Ahrens.