November 8, 2003

Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Dallas Chapter, TXSSAR

SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

The meeting was called to order at 8:02 AM in the Warwick Room at Crown Plaza Suites-Dallas Park Central (7800 Alpha Road Dallas, Texas) by Chapter President, Jack Carney. Chaplain Frank Pounders reported that no active member is currently on the "sick-call" list. He then proceeded to give the Invocation for the day.

Pledges of Allegiance to the United States Flag, the Texas State Flag and salute to the SAR Flag were respectively led by Compatriots: D.A. Sharpe, Alan Pickens and Robert Spence; FCP Art Ingalls led the attendees in singing America. John Warterfield filled in for the delayed Sergeant-at Arms, William Richardson, and announced breakfast was now being served.

The regular business meeting resumed at 8:30 AM when Head Greeter Glenn Toal was acknowledged by the President. Seven guests were next introduced (including visiting Compatriots from the East Fork Trinity Chapter: Charles Windham & duel-member Gordon Riter).

Compatriot Ingalls next performed his "resident humorist" duties by the numbers in relating a few "pregnant" thoughts.

Today's Americanism program was presented by Chaplain Pounders. He reminded everyone that we not only celebrate Veteran's Day in November, but that we should be thankful for the "seeds of Democracy" that were planted by our pilgram forefathers when they signed the Mayflower Compact on November 11, 1620.

Registrar Mel McCoy reported that we have 298 active members (inc. 1 new duel member) and 7 new applicants. He then announced the approved memberships of Timothy Christopher Head (John Stovall, Patriot), James Martin Head (John Head, Patriot) and Michael David Peterson (Philip Peck, Patriot) to be inducted into the Chapter in the near future. President Carney commented on the fact that 20 new member-prospects were acquired from this month's efforts of our Chapter members at the State Fair (SAR table) at the Jane Douglas DAR House. He asked 1st VP Tracy Pounders to assist him in presenting Certificates of Appreciation to the 17 member volunteers. He also mentioned that Secretary, Tom Whitelock would be attending the Jane Douglas Chapter's DAR Ancestral Luncheon later today in order to present them with a framed Certificate of Appreciation and $100 contribution from our Chapter.

Compatriot Baker emphasized that we had three events coming up that the Color Guard and other members will participate in: Dallas Veteran's Day Parade 11/11, Special Flags Program at El Centro JC 11/21 & Honoring Pearl Harbor Day 12/7 at Laurel Land Cemetery.

The Secretary's Minutes of the previous meeting (having been distributed and posted on the web site) were approved by voice vote as was the Treasurer's report (given by Pres. Carney) detailing $ 2625.14 was in the checking account, Richie Fund contained $27,052.42 and $ 8195.32 was the amount now in the Minuteman Fund. The President also mentioned that we had 27 Chapter members attending the meeting today.

2nd VP Hank Voegtle and DAR Liaison John Warterfield both stated that they had no reports to be made for the month. Acting Historian Whitelock noted that since Compatriot Ballard would be unable to continue in that capacity, he needed the members to forward to him any photos and/or records to be used in the yearbook. Also that he appreciated the assistance of Compatriot Spence in helping distribute the Poster Contest Letter to Elementary Schools. Whitelock concluded his report by reminding the members to fill out the point sheets for the State and National SAR competition

Speaker for the day, Charles Baker, was introduced by Program Chairmen & 1st VP Tracy Pounders with an up-front thank you for stepping in when the regular guest speaker had to bow out at the last minute. Professor Baker received highest marks for a first-class presentation on The Battle of Trenton -the turning point of the Revolutionary War. In addition to being very informative (only one shot was fired by the Americans) and entertaining, his program was enhanced with a video presentation of The Crossing showing what the battle was like. Afterwards, he was presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a miniature Liberty Bell. D.A. Sharpe commended Charles on the fine program but felt it was important to point out that the same issue & question that faced Gen. Washington in crossing the river back then - is the same issue of our times: "ROWe vs WADE" (many boos ensued).

President Carney's final comments were that: 1.Compatriot James Kerr will serve as Chairman of this year's Oration contest and will need committee assistance. 2.A proposal for amending the Chapter By-Laws (Aligning our Officer Service Terms to that of the TXSSAR-Jan thru Dec) will be published in the next newsletter and voted on in January 2004. 3.A Resolution for the nomination (and consideration by the TXSSAR President) of Tom Whitelock for the position of State Historian-2004, received unanimous approval by Chapter members.

The lucky "Door Prize" tickets for the day were held by Sarah Carney (she's now tied with Art Ingalls), James Fairbairn ( taking a chance on the mystery gift) and Elvin Brown .

FCP Danny Wilson led the membership in the SAR Closing prior to the meeting's adjournment at 9:45 AM.

The Benediction was delivered by Chaplain Pounders.

Respectfully submitted,

Tom M. Whitelock

Secretary, Dallas Chapter