The Pine Bluff Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met recently at Pine Bluff Country Club.
Helen Campbell, chapter program chairman, introduced Desha County Judge Marc McElroy as the keynote speaker.
“Let’s Conserve Instead of Destroy” was the topic of his program. Through McElroy’s leadership, the courthouse, opera house and original school have been restored at Arkansas City. A museum, library, and an area for meetings, weddings, and other special events are housed in the facility. McElroy warmly welcomed the all groups and individuals to tour and visit the conservation project at Arkansas City in Desha County.
The very coveted Frances Loyd-Jane Chesshir Arkansas State DAR Scholarship recipient is Madeline Lowrey, a student at Sheridan High School. The scholarship was established as a memorial in 1990 to financially assist deserving young men and women in acquiring a higher education with a view to becoming better prepared for life and citizenship. The scholarship is for $500 and will be presented to Madeline at the State Conference at the Doubletree in Little Rock in March. Madeline’s mother, Jennifer Lowrey, is a member of the Pine Bluff DAR Chapter.
Kar Lynn Roberts, chapter chaplain, included a moment of silence for Edna Taylor, a recently deceased member of the Pine Bluff chapter. Roberts gave the President’s Message report. The National Defense report was given by Claire Holmes. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mary Dotson, the American’s Creed by MarJo Dill, the Salute to the Arkansas Flag by Ruth Henry, and the National Anthem was led by Teri Bethege.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Veterans, Conservation and Project Patriot committee activities were reported by Sandra Poore and Mary Dotson. The financial report, given by Donna Davis, was approved. Bethege, a member of the nominating committee, gave the slate for DAR officers for 2012-13, stating that they will be voted on in the March meeting.
Elected delegates for the Daughters of the Revolution State Conference are Betty Coles, Roberts, Bethge, Dill, Norma Caldwell, Marjorie Zuber, Poore, Melissa Poe, Campbell and Sue Smith.
Smith announced that the Wataseka District, of which the Pine Bluff Chapter is a member, will host the 104th State conference at the Double Tree Hotel in Little Rock on March 22-24. The theme of the conference will be “Stars and Stripes Forever”. A large patriotic wreath and 35 red/white/blue “thread” vases have been made by Bethege for the event.
Hostesses and members were thanked for their service and attendance. The meeting was adjourned and dessert was served.