Minutes of the Meeting of the Dallas Chapter
TEXAS SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
May 13, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. in the Mesquite Room at the Embassy Suites, (13131 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas) by Chapter President, Tom Smith. Most members had previously processed through the breakfast line.
President Smith reported to the membership that Nathan White (SAR, Secretary General) and Jim Robertson (TXSSAR, Past President) were in attendance.
Chaplain Frank Pounders reported that Compatriot Judge Dee Brown Walker had passed away. He also reported that Henrietta Slagle will soon be released from the hospital, and a get well card for her was circulated for members to sign. Compatriot Ralph McDowell reported that Compatriot Hank Goldwire is still in the hospital. Chaplain Pounders then proceeded to give the Invocation for the day.
SAR Secretary General Nathan White, TXSSAR Past President Jim Robertson, and Compatriot Gerald Tyler respectively led the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States Flag, the Texas Flag, and the Pledge to the SAR. Past President Tracy Pounders led the members in the singing of "America."
Past President and Head Greeter Ralph McDowell introduced and thanked our Greeters, Compatriots Grady and James Fairbairn. Guests and prospective members attending the meeting were then introduced.
District VI Vice-President Tom Whitelock shared humorous methods of dealing with telephone solicitation with the chapter.
Compatriot Al Sloan gave an Americanism presentation to the membership. He talked about the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill where his ancestor, Captain John Sloan, was killed.
Compatriot John Morton, Poster Contest Chairman, reported that he visited William B. Travis School in McKinney to honor Sara Ludlow, winner of the Dallas Chapter’s Poster Contest and winner of the Best of State Poster Contest. He also honored Sara’s teacher.
SAR Secretary General, Nathan White, reported the importance of chapter participation by the membership during the upcoming SAR Congress. He stated that information regarding the upcoming SAR Congress could be found online at www.2006SARCongress.com. Compatriot White described gifts that would be presented to Congress attendees.
By motion from Past President Tracy Pounders and a second from Compatriot John Morton, the reading of the Minutes of the previous meeting (as posted by Chapter Secretary, Allen Christian, on the chapter’s website) was waived and approved by voice vote.
Treasurer Byron Christian reported that 32 members and 12 guests were in attendance. He also reported that the chapter’s checking account balance was $2,236.47, the Minuteman Fund had a balance of $8,169.77, and the Richie Fund balance was $27,192.03.
President Smith announced that he and Compatriot Historian D. A. Sharpe presented a Flag Certificate to Kim and Karl Klement in Decatur on May 2. The Klements display a 30 by 60 foot American Flag on their land adjacent to Highway 287, and it can be seen for miles around.
Second Vice-President Robert Clark presented a Silver ROTC Medal and Certificate to SMU Cadet Kristen Smith. Major Lathrop, Military Advisor at SMU, witnessed and aided in the presentation. Second Vice-President Robert Clark reported that the Dallas Chapter has awarded over thirty JROTC and Good Citizenship Medals to local Dallas area schools. Only eleven awards remain to be presented.
Registrar Jim Templin reported that the chapter currently has 293 members and has 14 pending applications for membership. The Chapter’s goal is to be over 300 members.
District VI Vice-President Tom Whitelock, supporting a colorful Texas vest, informed the Dallas Chapter members of opportunities to host the upcoming 2006 SAR Congress meeting to be held in Dallas. He specifically indicated the need for drivers to the barbeque on Saturday evening, July 8 and members to assist at the Welcoming Desk each day during the Congress at the hotel. He also described an opportunity for chapter members to enter a SAR Patriot Contest.
First Vice-President Charles Baker made the following announcements:
Ø One hundred Color Guard members will be needed during the 2006 Congress, which will be held in Dallas July 8-12, and he encouraged the members of the Dallas Chapter to participate. Uniforms can be purchased from Darlene Neuhaus of Fort Worth for a cost of $404.50. Second Vice-President Robert Clark, wearing a uniform produced by Ms.Neuhaus, described his uniform to chapter members and encouraged them to purchase one and participate in Color Guard activities.
Ø Future Color Guard events include:
· The annual Polka-Fest Parade in Ennis, Texas, on May 27, at 9:30 a.m.,
· A Memorial Day Program in Duncanville, Texas, on May 29, at 9:30 a.m.,
· The annual Memorial Day Ceremonies at Restland Memorial Park on May 29th, at 1 p.m.,
· Flag Day in Dallas at Valley View Mall on June 14, and
· Two Fourth of July Parades in Dallas: Lake Highlands and Park Cities.
First Vice-President Charles Baker introduced the speaker for the day, Professor Don Rainey, an Adjunct Professor at Richland College of the Dallas County Community College District. Professor. Rainey presented “Using Y-DNA Testing to Identify Your Ancestor.” Following his talk, First Vice President Charles Baker presented Professor Rainey a Certificate of Appreciation and a Liberty Bell.
Then Compatriot Bertrand Desthieux introduced his father who was visiting from France and was given a warm round of applause. Compatriot Desthieux is a dual member of the Dallas Chapter and the French SAR Society.
After Treasurer Byron Christian presided over the door prize drawings, the Benediction was given by Chaplain Frank Pounders, which was followed by the SAR Closing led by President Smith, who adjourned the meeting at 9:57 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Allen L. Christian
Secretary, Dallas Chapter-TXSSAR