DAR Chapter celebrates 30th birthday

Chapter members with State Regent Lynn Young: Back row L-R: Mildred Baur, Malia Weinberg, Linda Weinberg, Lynn Young, Rebecca Pickens. Front Row: Wanda Cooper, Faye Andrews, Janelle Young, Neva Jo Brooks, Jan Reeder, Shirley Bland, Regent Mae Bruce. Contributed photo On Thursday May 20, the Colonel George Dashiell Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, celebrated its thirtieth birthday with a number of awards and honors being bestowed. The Guest Speaker was Ms Lynn Young, Honorary State Regent, Texas Society DAR, member of Tejas Chapter in Houston, who paid tribute to the chapter’s achievements through the years. She spoke of the amount of works accomplished even though the number of active members is small. She also encouraged the members to organize a Children’s Society. Leon County does not currently have one, and it would be such an advantage to the children who would become members.

The program began with the welcome ceremony for new member Ms Mildred Holland Baur, of Palestine. Registrar Neva Jo Brooks and Treasurer Shirley Bland served as Chaplain for this ceremony. Baur is the mother of chapter member Jan Baur Reeder, of Buffalo.

Chapter Regent began the Celebration with a brief history of the chapter. She introduced the two remaining charter members, Rebecca Hardy Pickens and Wanda Williams Cooper, both of Buffalo.

The chapter wanted to use this occasion to express appreciation to those who have supported the activities of the chapter through the years. Beginning with elected county officials, the Regent recognized County Judge Byron Ryder and Commissioner Dean Player.

Through the years the schools have been wonderful supporters, and Carole Dickey, Assistant Superintendent Centerville ISD, and Gary Adams, Former Superintendent, Normangee ISD, were recognized and honored.

One of the privileges this chapter has is the support of all of the five county newspapers. They have always printed the articles covering the goals and achievements of this chapter. Each paper had a representative present: Emma Bass, Centerville News; Hank Hargrave, Normangee Star; Peggy Robinson Estep, Jewett Messenger, Donna Kubecka, Buffalo Express, and Mac Shadix, Buffalo Press.

The chapter has the annual pleasure to select a recipient of their Community Service Award. This honor went to Sydney Traylor, of Normangee. This service can not be part of their job, it shall be entirely volunteer. Traylor’s many services to the community of Normangee were described.

The Chapter Outstanding Junior Member was introduced: Malia Weinberg, San Francisco CA. Weinberg’s achievements as a Hospital Administrator include many innovative projects to support the improvement of hospital and nurse training in that city. She introduced her family who were present - Great- Aunt Faye Andrews. Mother Linda Weinberg (both chapter members), and cousin Lloyd Carter.

There were many guests and family members present for this special day. Several members of the Captain John McAdams Chapter in Madisonville were guests.

This event closed the current year. The next meeting will be September 16.