The meeting was called to order at 8:01 AM at Crown Plaza Suites - Dallas Park Central (7800 Alpha Road Dallas, Texas) by presiding Chapter President, Jack Carney, who welcomed the 38 attending members and 9 guests to our new monthly meeting location.

Chaplain, Frank Pounders, reported that Compatriot Charles Bowling, Jr. is in Baylor Hospital, new member Billy E. Wolfe has started chemo treatments; and that along with our prayers for them, we should include one for Jim Templin's wife, Helen, who recently had surgery. Prior to the Invocation, Chaplain Pounders also asked that we remember former member LTC. Thomas E. Tappan who passed away on April 30th.

Pledges of Allegiance to the United States Flag, Salute to the Texas Flag & Salute to the SAR Flag were respectively led by Compatriots: Richard Arnold, Mark Hansen and Bob Coker. Tracy Pounders once again got us off on the right note for singing America, followed by the "Call to Breakfast"(1) at the direction of Sgt.-at-Arms, William Richardson.

At 8:37AM the regular business meeting resumed with the introduction of the morning's greeters by Danny Wilson. President Carney invited members to acknowledge their guests (Jeanette Prasifka, Bill Warnkeys, Mark Pacheco & his wife Nancy, Sarah Carney, Barbara Baker, James Fairlawn, Al Sloan, Louis Dorfman and special guest Marci Pounders).

The Secretary's Minutes of the previous meeting (as posted and distributed) were approved by voice vote upon a motion by Tracy Pounders and second by Mark Hansen. Tom Smith, Treasurer, reported that the cash/checking account balance was $4,010.44 and the Endowment Fund remained at $34,923.90. He also appealed to everyone to return their "breakfast tickets" for use next meeting since the hotel neglected to collect them as we went through the line. Compatriot Pounders made a motion to accept the report, and it was so approved by voice vote. Tom Whitelock, on behalf of Historian Ballard, announced that Graham Martin had donated a signed personal copy of Captured on Corregidor-Diary of an American POW in WWII(authored by former SAR -Dallas member, John M. Wright, Jr.) to our memorabilia archieves.

Compatriot Art Ingalls was once again called upon to share with us one of his humorous stories which this time had a heavenly Texas flavor.

The Americanism program for the month was presented by Hank Voegle who spoke on activities of the Ladies Association of Philadelpha during the American Revolution. He also reported on the Chapter's current JROTC awards presentations at various high schools. President Carney thanked those members who have thus far volunteered to go out and make the presentations.

DAR member, Jeanette Prasifka spoke briefly about and solicited support for volunteers to speak on patriotic themes at the State Fair this year. Charles Baker informed the membership that the Chapter's Color Guard has been invited to participate in the upcoming National Polka Festival in Ennis, Texas (May 24, 2003); and that with nearly 50,000 people in attendance, the mere appearance of our group during the parade might very well lead to new members. Charles also reminded everyone of the Memorial Day Services at Restland Memorial Park on May 26 and the special Flag Day Activities on June 14 at Valley View Mall. Jim Templin mentioned that he had brought maps of how to get to the Festival for anyone wishing to go.

Registrar, Mel McCoy, reported that we were now at 294 Active Members. Six memberships are in the mill, and we have five new members. Inducted today were Louis Dorfman Jr.(2) and Mark Alison Pacheco. In addition, new members Mark Dorfman, Sidney Ray Gunther and Scott Richard Pitts will receive membership packets. FCP Ralph McDowell helped in the "pinning of the SAR Rosette" on the newest members and then stayed at the podium to announce the final results of his research and 100 page documentation of our Chapter's Endowment Funds. He also stated that copies of a three-page summary were available for members to take with them today.

Tom Whitelock and Ralph re-emphasized the need for members to participate in the Kroger/Tom Thumb/Albertsons Rebate Programs, along with the Schoolpop Visa Card special rebate plan.

1stVP Tracy Pounders then introduced our guest speaker for the day, Marci Pounders, who presented a very informative and entertaining narrative on A Day in the Life of a Colonial Housewife. After her presentation, she was presented an Original 13 Colonies Coin Album, the traditional Speaker's Appreciation Certificate and a special "Mother's Day" gift from her husband. In addition, the Chapter awarded her the Martha Washington Medal.

There being no further old business nor new business to bring before the membership, the President called on Compatriot Smith to hold the "Door Prize" drawing (won by Paul Cooper).

Tom Whitelock led the attendees in the SAR Closing, and Chaplain Pounders closed the meeting at 9:43 AM with the Benediction.

Respectfully submitted,

Tom M. Whitelock

Secretary, Dallas Chapter

(1) It should be noted that you can get your breakfast eggs any way you desire; also that waiters are on duty at our new meeting facility to pour coffee and bus the tables.

(2) Louis was initiated early on by being "volunteered" to carry our flags into the meeting.