General Edward Hand Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, met Jan. 12 in the City Hall conference room. The meeting opened with a spiritual moment by Chaplain Harma McKenzie, followed by the DAR ritual led by Regent Elaine Oakleaf, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Freda Keithan, and the American’s Creed and Constitution Preamble recited by all present. Jane Taul was a guest.

The National Society (NSDAR) newsletter included the president general’s message, read by Betty Wittmeyer, and an article (with picture) about the chapter’s visit to Haskell University, read by Lorene Christin.

Bettie Ore, national defense chairman, presented resolutions for the coming year and information on religious and patriotic holidays, the National Guard participation in the Inaugural parade, the troops’ departure from Afghanistan, and a Kansas City Star article on a Real Daughter (one whose parent actually participated in the American Revolution). Bettie also gave a report on the country’s first president, George Washington.

Correspondence included a thank you note from the CAR family who attended the December meeting; an invitation from Delaware Crossing SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) to a luncheon in honor of George Washington Feb. 23 in Overland Park; and a tentative schedule for the state conference April 25-28 in Topeka.

December minutes were read by Recording Secretary Lorene Christin and approved with one correction. Treasurer Barbara Dew gave the January report, which was approved.

Chapter Committee Reports included Phyllis Krebs’ description of her work with the NSDAR Genealogy Preservation Committee, which is indexing more than 6 million documents to preserve the DAR’s genealogy records. Barbara Dew has applied to the president general’s special projects for a grant to the Franklin County Historical Society for funds to improve the Dietrich Cabin. Dee Ellen Kruzel reported that her granddaughter, Sarah Tah, a Haskell student, has applied for an NSDAR Scholarship.

The nominating committee (Emily Kirkpatrick, Betty Wittmeyer and Harma McKenzie) presented the candidates for chapter offices: Lorene Christin, recording secretary; Bettie Ore, corresponding secretary; Clarice Knight, registrar; Emily Kirkpatrick, historian; and Nancy Machnicki, librarian. Barbara Netherland moved to accept the slate unanimously, Phyllis Krebs seconded and the motion passed. Installation of officers will be at the June meeting.

A vote was taken on prospective members, including JoEllen Arnold, Kathy Reed, Linda Reed, Leitha Farwell and Elizabeth Joe. Edith Rader reported the voter result was a unanimous approval.

The program featured “Tamassee: The Place of the Sunlight of God,” a video describing the Tamassee DAR School, South Carolina, a boarding school for children ages 5 through 18. The school was founded in 1919 with the purpose of serving children and families in need and is supported by the DAR. Dee Ellen and John Kruzel visited the school in November 2012 and returned with an impressive report and personal pictures. The NSDAR school committee is offering balloon pins for $25 in support of the school.

Refreshments were provided by Dee Ellen Kruzel and Barbara Dew. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9 at the visitor’s center.



— Submitted by

Lorene Christin,

recording secretary