Comment
Print
The Griffith Rutherford Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, held its final meeting of the year recently.
The chapter was organized in July 1950, said Alice Bradley, chapter registrar. In order to be a member, you must have a descendant who served, rendered aid or contributed to the Revolutionary War.
"The DAR national headquarters is in Washington, DC, and can trace back to see if your ancestor served or participated," Bradley explained. "You have to have the documentation to back it up."
The DAR provides community outreach, particularly with local schools - including the Junior American Citizen contest and Good Citizen Awards.
"We also have community outreach for veterans," Bradley continued. "We support the VA Center and support our local veterans here, sometimes with food and personal items."
During the chapter's last meeting before summer, a memorial services was held to remember those members who had passed away during the year. Remembered were Roberta Harris, Sara Johnston and Evelyn Watkins. Watkins was to receive a 50 year service certificate, but died before she did. Her daughter, Linda Freeman, attended and accepted the certificate on behalf of her mother.
DAR members were presented various awards for their participation in 2014-15. Receiving the Community Service Award were Edith Edwards and Catherine Washburn. This award was given for their outstanding contributions to their community, church and neighbors.
Each year the Williams Hampton Award is given to an outstanding member of the chapter for her dedication and contributions. The 2014-15 recipient was Mary Ellen Davis.
The Friends of the Schools pin was awarded to the chapter by the state treasurer. Other awards the chapter received during the state conference in Durham were:
North Carolina DAR School Excellent Report
Blue Level - State Chapter Achievement Award
Outstanding Chapter Report
Most participation Fourth of July Celebrations
Really Clever - Having a Constitution Week Balloon Made
Historic Preservation Work - Involved Mountain Men Crossing Mountains
State History Award - Recognition Mountain Men Breakfast/ Battle of Cowpens and Battle Kings Mountain. Feeding the Blue Ridge Mountain Men as they crossed mountains to fight the British.
Honorable Mention Scrapbook Contest
Reading to Classes & Donating Books
Recognition 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service
3rd Place State Award for outstanding us of "Today's DAR" Video
2nd Place State Award for Outstanding Print
Tri-color award for perfect Yearbook
The following members received awards for their years of service:
Ten years - Patsy Spratt Andrews, Ellen Shelton LoPresti and Ann James Deviney
Twenty years - Alice Walker Bradley, Janet Walker Grissom and Terri Walker Sams
Thirty years - Betty Carson Hutchins and Laura Carson Giles
Fifty years - Evelyn Wright Watkins (posthumously)
New officers were inducted at the end of the meeting. Prior to inducting them, outgoing regent Mary Ellen Davis was presented the past regent's pin and a flag fan. Officers are: Regent Patsy Willis; Vice Regent Leechie McDonald; Secretary Betty Taylor; Treasurer and Historian Jolene Porter; Chaplain Anne Deviney; Librarian Ellen LoPresti; and Registrar Alice Bradley.
