Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Dallas Chapter
TXSSAR Sons of the American Revolution
February 12, 2005
Chapter President Tom Whitelock called the meeting to order at 8:00 am in the Bistro Room at the Crowne Plaza Suites, 7800 Alpha Road, Dallas, Texas. The President asked members in attendance to please help judge the various elementary school posters displayed in the room for this year's Americanism contest.
Chaplain Frank Pounders reported no Compatriot on sick call but asked that we all keep FCP Harry Post in our thoughts during the days ahead. He proceeded to give the Invocation for the day.
Compatriots John Morton, Glenn Toal and FCP Dick Arnold respectively led pledges of Allegiance to the United States Flag, the Texas Flag and salute to the SAR Flag. FCP Dr. Gary Sisson was in strong voice as he led us in the singing of "America". President Whitelock then called for all to remember to let the guests and ladies be first as we headed to the breakfast line.
Prior to reconvening the business meeting at 8:30 am, the President played a patriotic musical interlude. Head Greeter Rick Fawkes thanked John Morton for assisting in the morning's "welcome line," and President Whitelock noted that John has also agreed to chair the 2005 Chapter Poster Contest. FCP Mark Hansen has volunteered to chair the 2005 Knight Essay Contest. Special guests Peter Rowley and Mike Ratcliff of the Plano Chapter were introduced. In addition, a total of 14 guests (spouses included) were acknowledged. Chapter Humorist FCP Art Ingalls educated everyone on the finer points of "voir dire" examination.
By motion from the floor and a second, the minutes of the previous meeting (as posted on the website) were approved by voice vote. Registrar Mel McCoy announced that the current membership had dropped to 264 because of members having not paid their 2005 dues. On a brighter note, he presented a certificate to Compatriot William Barnard for the approval of his supplemental ancestor William Statum.
Treasurer Allen Christian reported that 36 members were in attendance and that the checking account was at $628.07, the Minuteman Fund had $8,290.62, and the Richie Fund balance is $27,054,87. Voice vote approval of the report was made after Mike McKinney's motion and John Morton's second to do so. The President emphasized that each member needs to assist in our rebate programs (Tom Thumb, Krogers, Albertsons & School Pop Visa) in order to gain additional revenue for the Chapter's many scholarship and funding needs. Ralph McDowell also pointed out how this added revenue helped pay for buying medals for youth programs.
DAR Liaison FCP Jack Carney mentioned that he intended to attend the various "Washington Birthday Teas" as representative for the Chapter. President Whitelock noted that FCP Tracy Pounders has agreed to serve as 2005 Chapter Liason to the C.A.R. and that we hope to schedule at least a joint meeting with both groups this year. Whitelock is in hopes of reinstating the former traditions of a fall "Ladies Night" for members and their loves.
Historian Alan Pickens requested assistance in securing photos for placing in the yearbook. The President commended former Historian James Templin on the great job he did constructing the 2004 Yearbook that will be entered in the TXSSAR contest in March.
2nd VP Charles Baker announced that volunteers are needed for Color Guard duties at the Plano Symphony on March 3 & 4. He then requested assistance in the upcoming spring awards ceremonies at the various junior & high schools. Compatriot Baker next surprised Tom & Montye Whitelock with a presentation of the annual "Sisson Golden Sledgehammer" Award for their combined effort on the newsletter (5 yrs) and the 75th Anniversary Party.
The Knight Essay Contest Chairman Williiam Welch introduced the 2004 winner, Elizabeth Schwall. Ms Schwall read her work titled "The Poet of the Revolution" to the membership. She was presented a Certific:ate and a first place check for $300. President Whitelock thanked her for the fine Americanism program and then noted that our Chapter Oration winner, Erica Lastufka, was recently selected to represent Region 4 at the TXSSAR competition in New Braunfels, Texas. He concluded the awards segment by presenting a special Presidential Chapter Service Medal and certificate to Dr. Gary (aka Patrick Henry) Sisson for his many years of devoted service and having performed over 84 presentations.
1st Vice President Tom Smith next introduced our Guest Speaker Jean-Michael Roy, the Consul General of Canada for Texas. He spoke on the common ties and history of the United States and Canada. Compatriot Smith presented Mr. Roy a Certificate of Appreciation and our traditional miniature Liberty Bell.
Door prizes went to Dick Arnold (Historical Book from Eastfield College), Charles Baker (autographed videotape of Patrick Henry speech) and Rick Fawkes (TMW Valentine Basket).
The SAR closing was led by FCP Jack Carney, followed by the Benediction from Chaplain Pounders. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Clark, Secretary-Dallas Chapter