February 2017 website: www.SaramanaSar.org

Thank you for your Service!

The Quill & Bugle

Saramana SAR Chapter Newsletter

National Society Sons of the American Revolution

Editor Chuck Sweeney

Saramana SAR 2017 Leadership

President Steve Fields

Vice President Doug Erb

Secretary Chuck Sweeney

Assistant Secretary Rick Garsnett

Treasurer Preston Adams

Registrar/Genealogist Ken Aubrey

Historian Charles Riegle

Chaplain John H. Hartley

Immediate Past Pres. Dick Mahaffey

Quill & Bugle Editor Chuck Sweeney

Assistant Editor Mills Edwards

Governor Ted Hornback

Governor Tommy Thompson

Governor Chuck Reeves

Governor Bill Battles

Great leaders become great through conscious

effort and commitment…. George Washington

President Steve Fields’ Message

On 20 January 2017 thirty-eight Compatriots,

spouses, guests and contestants gathered for

a Saramana SAR Chapter luncheon meeting.

Our purpose was to celebrate and honor the

Arthur M. and Berdena King Eagle Scout

Scholarship Contest, the George S. & Stella

M. Knight Essay Contest, and the Sons of the

American Revolution American History Teacher Contest winners.

For more information and pictures concerning the contest

winners, please view pages 5 through 8. Further, our purpose was

to conduct an Induction Ceremony for Incoming Compatriots

Mills Edwards and Thomas Sidney Mann. See page 9.

On 17 February 2017 the Saramana SAR Chapter will celebrate

the 286th George Washington Birthday. Luncheon menu and RSVP

reservation form are on page 12.

Fraternally

Steven S. Fields, President

Please turn to page 2

We want you to join the Saramana SAR Chapter 2017 Leadership Team and serve the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Contact… Steve Fields

sarasotasteve@hotmail.com

Chapter News in this Quill & Bugle

1. President’s Message—p1.

2. Upcoming Events —p2.

3. George Washington Birthday Facts—p2.

4. Saramana SAR Chapter 2017 Leadership—p3

5. Active Past Chapter Presidents—p4.

6. Chain of Command & Oath of Office—p4.

7. Eagle Scout Award Contest—p5.

8. Knight Essay Contest—p6

9. American History Teacher Award—p8.

10. Induction of incoming Compatriots—p9.

11. Minutes—p10.

12. February Luncheon Menu & RSVP Form—p12.

Upcoming Events

04 Feb 2017--Florida SAR Board of Management,

Saturday 10:00 AM. Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake

Buena Vista So., 4955 Kyngs Heath Road.

09 Feb 2017—PG & First Lady Tomme guest of honor at

Naples Chapter SAR Luncheon. We are invited to attend.

RSVP here: (239) 455-7295.

15 Feb 2017—BOG Meeting Church of the Redeemer,

1:30 PM.

17 Feb 2017—Saramana Chapter Luncheon Meeting at the

Sara Bay Country Club, Cordials 11:30 AM; Noon

Program—Celebrating George Washington Birthday.

2-5 Mar 2017—SAR Leadership Conference, Brown

Hotel, Louisville, KY. For details and reservations go

https://sar.org/leadership-meeting.

Thinking Ahead for the 127 Annual SAR Congress click here: https://sar.org/annual-sar-congress

George Washington Birthday Facts edited by Chuck Sweeney from Wikipedia

George Washington was officially born on February 11, 1731 (Old Style). At the time, the entire British Empire,

including its North American possessions, were on the Julian calendar; the Empire, not being bound to the Catholic

Church, had not yet adopted the modern Gregorian calendar that Catholic countries had adopted in 1582. Consequently,

by the 1730s, the Julian calendar used by Britain and the Colonies was eleven days behind the Gregorian, due to leap

year differences. Furthermore, the British civil year began on 25 March rather than 1 January, so that dates in February

(such as this one) 'belonged' to the preceding year. (See Dual dating). In 1752, The British Empire switched to the

Gregorian calendar; since then, Americans born prior to 1752, including Washington, have typically had their birthdays

recognized under what their birthday would have been under the Gregorian calendar (“New Style” dates). Since, during

the 1700s, February 11 under the Julian calendar would fall as February 22 on the Gregorian, Washington's birthday has

been generally recognized as February 22.

The federal holiday honoring Washington was originally implemented by an Act of Congress in 1879 for government

offices in Washington (20 Stat. 277) and expanded in 1885 to include all federal offices (23 Stat. 516). As the first

federal holiday to honor an American president, the holiday was celebrated on Washington's actual birthday, February

22. On January 1, 1971, the federal holiday was shifted to the third Monday in February by the Uniform Monday Holiday

Act. This date places it between February 15 and 21, which makes the name "Washington's Birthday" in some sense a

misnomer, since it never occurs on Washington's actual birthday, February 22.

This year the nation will celebrate the 286th birthday of George Washington and the birthdays of all presidents on the

Federal Holiday known as President’s Day, which occurs on Monday, 20 February. The Saramana SAR Chapter will

celebrate the birthday of George Washington at our 18 February 2017 Luncheon Meeting. Turn to page 12 for

the February Luncheon Menu and RSVP Form.

Please turn to page 3

Saramana SAR Chapter 2017 Leadership

Steve Fields Doug Erb Chuck Sweeney

President Vice President Secretary

Preston Adams Ken Aubrey Charles Riegle

Treasurer Genealogist/Registrar Historian

Rev John Hartley Dick Mahaffey Ted Hornback

Chaplain Immediate Past President Governor

Tom Thompson Chuck Reeves Bill Battles

Governor Governor Governor

Active Past Presidents

32nd Pres Hodalski 37th Pres Williams

38th Pres Tarpley 39th Pres Crapo

40th Pres Riegle 41st Pres Sweeney

42nd Pres McMurry 43rd Pres Mahaffey

Chain of Command

Oath of Office

I do solemnly swear that I will loyally support the Constitution and Bylaws of the Sons of the American Revolution; that I shall faithfully discharge my responsibilities and fiduciary duties to the best of my ability; that I will promote the principles of liberty and justice, and that I shall bear true allegiance to the Constitution and Laws of the United States, and thereby so honor the sacrifices of our patriot ancestors of the American Revolution through my fidelity to their noble cause, SO HELP ME GOD.

National Society Sons of

the American Revolution

President General

J. Michael Tomme, Sr.

South Atlantic District

Vice President General Lawrence G. Fehrenbaker,

Sr., MD

Florida SAR

President Ray Wess

Saramana SAR Chapter

President Steve Fields

The Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Award Contest .

The Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Award Contest is open to all Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active

unit and have not reached their nineteenth birthday during the year of application. While the preliminary rounds of the contest

begin at the local level, Scouts may eventually advance to the state or national levels, eventually held in June during the annual

SAR Congress, and awarded up to $10,000.

On 20 Jan 2017 at their Luncheon Chapter Meeting, the Saramana SAR honored three Eagle Scouts. Photo and details are below.

L-R. Eagle Dylan Opitz (3rd Place); Eagle Matthew King (2nd Place); Eagle Compatriot and Eagle Scout Award Contest

Committee Chairman Blair A. McVety; and Eagle Roberto Gonzalez (1st Place). Part of the application rules require each

competing Eagle Scout to complete a Four Generation Ancestor Chart and a Patriot Theme. Eagle Roberto Gonzalez’s theme

is presented below.

Winning Thomas Paine SAR Essay by Eagle Roberto Gonzales

Thomas Paine is an important figure in American history. Thomas Paine was an immigrant from England who moved to the

American colonies in 1774. He is best known for his pamphlet, Common Sense, which told the colonists why they should revolt

against the British monarchy. Paine also helped shape what America’s government would be today.

Common Sense was a pamphlet published January 10, 1776, purposed to tell all the citizens of the colonies why they should

revolt against the British monarchy. Paine vouched against a kingship by writing “For all men being originally equals, no one by

birth could have the right to set up his own family in perpetual preference to all others forever, and though himself might deserve

some decent degree of honors of his contemporaries, yet his descendants might be far too unworthy to inherit them”. He is saying

that although the original king of England was justified of ruling, their descendants shouldn’t just be handed the ultimate seat of

power purely due to the fact that they were related, and that a ruler should earn power and respect. The pamphlet was widely read Continued on page 6

throughout the colonies, and roughly 100,000 copies went into circulation. After reading Common Sense, any colonist who was

unsure about fighting, made up their mind and decided to join the Revolution because they were so influenced by the writings

of Paine. A quote that reinforced this idea was “Give me liberty, or give me death”. Paine meant that freedom and liberty were

of the upmost priority for the colonists, because under the British monarchy, the colonists had no liberty or say in their public

lives. Although gaining following from many colonists, some groups, such as the Quakers, didn’t agree with Paine and his call

for independence since it required conflict. The pamphlet led to many discussions among colonists on how America should be

governed for future generations.

Several ideals that Paine proposed have been put into action in our current government today. “Close to and in the hands of

the people.” This has become one the foundations of American government that citizens have the right to choose who governs

them, and advocated that people didn’t need kings to rule for them. Paine advocated for a strong democratic society where it

isn’t a “mob rule system” and that every person’s voice is heard no matter how many other people agreed. “Arms discourage

and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property... Horrid mischief would ensue

were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them.” This quote from Thomas Paine helped inspire the most important

amendment to the Constitution because it protects all other amendments. If the government ever oversteps its boundaries that

have been set up, the people have the right to form militias and own guns to fight back against the tyranny that is government.

Another important addition Paine brought was to the Declaration of Independence. Paine painted King George in England as

the main source of their problems, not parliament, since it was easier to blame an individual than it was a body of

government.

Ultimately, Thomas Paine played a large part in contributing crucial ideals that have made the Revolution successful and the

American democracy experiment flourish.

Eagle Scout Contestants with Family Members…

Eagle Roberto Gonzalez with mom. Eagle Matthew King with dad Eagle Dylan Opitz with dad.

Mihajlo Dosen Wins the Knight Essay Contest

Continued on page 7

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school

students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in the

George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. The contest is open to all students attending home

schools, public, parochial, or private high schools in that same grade range.

To participate, students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event,

person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of

Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay will be

judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and

documentation.

George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest Continued…

Knight Essay Contest winner Mihajlo Dosen receives the first place George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Medallion

from Saramana SAR Chapter President Steve Fields.

L-R. Mr. Dosen, Mihajlo Dosen, and President Fields. L-R Mr. Dosen, Mihajlo Dosen, and President Fields.

Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award

The American History Teacher Award is open to all teachers at the middle or high school levels at a recognized public,

private, or parochial institution. The award recognizes educators who distinguish themselves in the addressing the

history of the American Revolution. Teacher candidates interested in entering the local SAR Chapter contest must

complete the required application and submit a written essay of not less than 500 words discussing the importance of

teaching the American Revolutionary era. The essay may also describe any extraordinary teaching techniques or

innovative projects utilized by the teacher to teach the American Revolution. The contest is aimed at identifying a

teacher who is still actively teaching.

Past Saramana SAR Chapter President and Chairman of the American History Teacher Award Committee, Charles W. Riegle

announced that Ms. Sharon Ness is the 2016 winner. Ms. Ness teaches eighth grade American history at the Imagine Charter

Middle School in North Port, Florida. Among other duties. Ms. Ness has taught government, geography, world and American

history at both the high school and middle school levels. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Massachusetts College

of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA and her Masters Degree in History from Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA.

She has also completed many advanced educational courses including study abroad at Schiller International University in

Heidelberg, Germany.

Induction Ceremony on incoming Compatriots. On 20 January 2017, Saramana SAR Chapter

inducted Mills Edwards and Thomas Sidney Mann into the National Society Sons of the American Revolution.

Below from left to right are Compatriot Mills Edwards, President Steve Fields, and Compatriot Thomas Sidney Mann

Pinning of the SAR Rosett and Presentation of the Inducation Certificates.

Saramana SAR Chapter Board of Governors (BOG) Minutes

1. Secretary: Charles T. Sweeney

2. Meeting: 18 January 2017, Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota, FL.

3. Meeting Type: (Regular) (Special) (BOG) (Chapter) (Luncheon)

4. Meeting Notice: (1) Published via B&Q. (2) Email (3) Phone

5. Attendance

a. Elected Officers. 1. Steve Fields (President); 2. Dour Erb (VP); 3. Chuck Sweeney (Secretary);

4. Preston Adams (Treasurer); 5. Ken Aubrey (Registrar/Genealogist); 6. Charles Riegle (Historian);

7. John Hartley (Chaplain); 8. TBD (Sergeant-at-Arms).

b. Governors: 1. Ted Hornback (2016); 2. Chuck Reeves (2017); 3. Tom Thompson (2016); 4. Bill

Battles (2017).

c. All other Past Presidents in attendance: (full voting rights; NOT required to attend, and shall NOT count toward quorum).

1. Frank Hodaski (32nd); 2. John Williams (37th); 3. Phillip Tarpley (38th); 4. Chuck Sweeney (41st); 5. Vic McMurry(42nd); 6.

Dick Mahaffey (43rd)

d. Number of Compatriots Present. Elected Officers __5__ Governors __3__ Past Presidents _3_ = 11.

e. Appointed Parliamentarian. TBD

6. Quorum. BOG meetings require Seven; today’s # is _10__. Luncheon meetings require 15; today’s # is 10.

7. Guests. NONE

8. Departure and Re-Entries of Voting Compatriots (List names and times).

9. Board Action/Notes

a. Call to Order made at __1:31_ PM, which was followed by Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, SAR Pledge, Quorum

Verification and Introductions.

b. Mandatory Consent Agenda Pulled for January 2017. Eagle Scout Scholarship Contest; American History Teacher;

Knight Essay Contest.

c. On Deck Mandatory Consent Agenda—for February 2017: George Washington Birthday Celebration with DAR;

Enhanced JROTC Essay Contest; and for March 2017: Fire Safety and Emergency Medical Services Awards.

d. Other Consent Agenda Items Pulled for Briefing.

e. Elected Officers and Governors Reports. (1) Past BOG Minutes as posted in Q&B Passed. (2) Treasurer Report

passed, with discussion concerning the true bottom line of funds on-hand. Point of concern pertained on the manner in which

obligated funds were reported, i.e., outstanding debt is not reflected as being obligated but retained in the on-hand balance.

President’s report given, to include a focus on the paper attached to the meeting’s agenda—A Resolution of Good Will and

Respect. A similar point of focus will be introduced by Florida SAR President Ray Wess at the 4 Feb 2017 BOM, for further

discussion and adoption at the Spring BOM/Annual Meeting 19-21 May 2017.

f. Consent Agenda Reports Submitted. Twenty out of 47 committees reported (58% of the Committees did not submit

a report.) Committees that submitted a report included Americanism & Chapter Challenge; Americanism History Teacher

Award; CAR/DAR; Color Guard—Info and Events; Eagle Scout Contest; Flag Awards; History Fairs; JROTC Enhanced

Program; Medals and Awards Inventory; New Members to be Inducted; Patriot Ancestor Biography; Publicity; Rumbaugh

Orations; Social Media; Speaker’s Bureau; Wreaths Across America; Webmaster; and Yearbook (aka Membership

Directory).

g. Mandatory Consent Agenda Pulled for Briefings, with Key Points. (1) Past President and Chairman of the

Americanism History Teacher Award Committee Charles Riegle reported Ms. Sharon Ness of North Port is 8th grade

American History at the Imagine Charter Middle School. Further details will be forthcoming in the February 2017 Quill &

Bugle. (2) Eagle Scout Contest Committee report/brief announced the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship

winners as Eagle Roberto Gonzalez (1st Place); Eagle Matthew King (2nd Place); and Eagle Dylan Opitz (3rd Place). These

Eagle Scouts will be honored at the 20 January 2017 Luncheon Meeting. (3) Knight Essay Contest winner of the George S.

and Stella M. Knight Essay Scholarship is Mihajlo Dosen. He’ll be recognized and will read his winning essay.

10. Saramana SAR Chapter BOG Meeting of 18 January 2017 ended at 3:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted Charles T. Sweeney

Saramana SAR Chapter Luncheon Meeting Minutes

1. Secretary: Charles T. Sweeney

2. Meeting: 20 January 2017, Sara Bay Country Club, Sarasota, FL.

3. Meeting Type: (Regular) (Special) (BOG) (Chapter) (Luncheon)

4. Meeting Notice: (1) Published via B&Q. (2) Email (3) Phone

5. Attendance

a. Elected Officers. 1. Steve Fields (President); 2. Dour Erb (VP); 3. Chuck Sweeney (Secretary);

4. Preston Adams (Treasurer); 5. Ken Aubrey (Registrar/Genealogist); 6. Charles Riegle (Historian);

7. John Hartley (Chaplain); 8. TBD (Sergeant-at-Arms).

b. Governors: 1. Ted Hornback (2016); 2. Chuck Reeves (2017); 3. Tom Thompson (2016); 4. Bill

Battles (2017).

c. All other Past Presidents in attendance: (full voting rights; NOT required to attend, and shall NOT count toward quorum).

1. Frank Hodaski (32nd); 2. John Williams (37th); 3. Phillip Tarpley (38th); 4. Chuck Sweeney (41st); 5. Vic McMurry(42nd); 6.

Dick Mahaffey (43rd)

d. Number of Compatriots Present. Elected Officers _6_ Governors _2_ Past Presidents _3_ Members _10_.

6. Quorum. Luncheon meetings require 15; today’s # is _21_

7. Guests. The names and number of guests are a matter of recorded held by the chapter treasurer.

8. Executive Summary. On 20 January 2017 thirty-eight Compatriots, spouses, guests and contestants gathered for a Saramana

SAR Chapter luncheon meeting. The purpose was to celebrate and honor the Arthur M. and Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship,

the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay, and the Sons of the American Revolution American History Teacher Contests winners.

Further, the purpose of our luncheon meeting was to conduct an Induction Ceremony for Incoming Compatriots Mills Edwards

and Thomas Sidney Mann. Details and pictures concerning the events of 20 January 2017 will be presented in the forthcoming

February 2017 Quill & Bugle.

Respectfully submitted Charles T. Sweeney

17 February 2017 Luncheon Reservation/Menu

Where: Sara Bay Country Club, 7011 Willow St; Sarasota, FL.—Willow Room When: 17 Feb 2017, 11:30 AM Cordials; Noon Start—George Washington Birthday Program Attire: Class A Uniform or Coat and Tie. For more information concerning attire go to our website at http://saramanasar.org/attire.hmtl.

Menu Choice of Two Entrees:

1. Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, Yukon Mushed Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables—this choice starts with house salad.

2. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders on Mixed Greens with Spiced Pecans, Fresh Vegetables and Bleu Cheese Crumbles, Balsamic Dressing—this choice starts with Chef’s choice soup ju jour.

Accompaniments: Rolls and Butter. Refreshments: Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaf or Tea. Dessert: Cherry Pie in honor of George Washington.

RSVP by TUESDAY 14 February 2017 Make Payment to Saramana SAR Chapter

Send Reservation & Payment c/o S. Preston Adams, Treasurer P.O. Box 51055; Sarasota, FL 34232-0329

Email: SaramanaSAR@gmail.com.

Luncheon(s) at $23.00 as selected below:

1. Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

2. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders on Mixed Greens with Spiced Pecans

3. Special Order: ____Gluten Free ___Vegetarian ___Fruit Cup (desert Substitute)

Your Name (Print) _______________________________________________

Guest Name (Print) ______________________________________________

Applicable DAR Chapter (Print) ___________________________________