Fort William Bent Chapter of the DAR Holds Meeting

By Kathryn Nutt

April 30, 2004

The regular meeting of the Fort William Bent Chapter of the D.A.R. was held on Saturday, April 17th at the Blackwell Station in Lamar. The meeting was called to order by the Regent, Paula Deen and the invocation given by Faye Barber. Patriotic exercise and the flag moment were led by Kathryn Nutt in the absence of the flag chairmen, Betty June Walters. Lucille Davis gave the President's Message concerning the repairs of Constitution Hall, the National Headquarters of the NSDAR. It was reported that the alarm system, elevators, heating systems and several other things were in extreme need of repairs and updating. The cost of such repairs is very expensive causing the possibility of the dues being raised. Anita Bishop gave the defense message from Ann Hunter, starting with a statement we all know, "You can't please all the people all the time."

Susan Cochell read from the Constitution beginning with Article 2, Section I, concerning term of office and counting of votes for the President. The minutes were read by the Secretary, Bertha Ritter and were approved as read. The treasurer was not present but a brief report was given and bills were presented. Joyce Powell gave the registrar's report stating that we have two new members, Arvella VanMeter and Gerri Reeves of Wichita Kansas.

Reports were given from those who attended the State Conference beginning with Kathy Nutt, who attended for the first time, State officers, Joyce Powell, Anita Bishop, and our Regent, Paula Deen. As for me, Kathy, I had a great time and enjoyed the people who I met and the reports from other Colorado Chapters, as to what they had been involved with during the past year, and the ‘get acquainted’ dinner, followed by entertainment from the Artillery Brass Band. The members of the band were dressed in authentic Civil War uniforms and played old instruments that had been refurbished from many years ago. It was great!

Certificates were awarded to our Chapter for programs presented and activity involvement for the past year, being as follows: 1. Membership Promotion; 2. Constitution Week Events; 3. G.R.C. Indexing; 4. Community Service Award; 5. Many Faces of Old Glory (Flag Award); 6. Lineage Research; 7.0utstanding Public Relations.

Regent Paula Deen received the Award for 100% Participation in President Generals Project of Preserving the Family Tree.

The Board of Management will be held on our meeting day in September; therefore our September meeting date was changed to September 18th, allowing those who would like to attend the Board of Management meeting to do so, without missing our own meeting.

Kathy Nutt announced that she will be making and selling Sun Bonnet Sue, homemade stationary as a fund raiser for the Good Citizen Scholarship program this next year. There will be six cards and six envelopes for $10. All were sold that were brought to the meeting giving a good start on the Scholarship fund.

Anita Bishop gave a short program on the First Ladies of the White House. The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on May 8th, with lunch at the Bents Fort Inn at the edge of Las Animas followed by a tour of BoggsviIle, with Joyce Ming in charge.