Minutes

Our meeting was call to order by President Elliott.

• Chaplain Overby led the invocation.

• We recited the American Flag Salute & SAR Pledge.

• Treasurer Newcomb read the April Minutes.

• Officer Reports: Treasurer Newcomb shared about our balance and gave an update on the forms filed for our chapter’s compliance with the state. Gary Overby shared an update about high school awards presented.

• President Elliott gave a recap of information from the state society meeting.

  • The SAR Library has 11,000 books online. For $1000 SAR members can get a Life Library Membership. President Elliott was asked to check and see if membership is required to view books online.

  • At the state meeting Treasurer General John Dodd said that as a non-profit our money is the people’s money, and we are meant to use it on awards, plaques, and advertising which advances our cause.

  • The NSSAR has hired a full time publicist to help get the word out about the SAR in conjunction with America’s 250th.

  • President Elliott gave a recap of the youth programs: Poster Contest, Brochure Contest 8th Grade, and Oration Contest.

  • President Elliott proposed for our chapter to present an American Flag Certificate to a couple of local businesses who proudly display impressive American flags. He will check in with Car Pretty at the intersection of McHenry and Pelandale in Modesto as well as Ashley furniture off of the freeway south of the Lathrop exit. We will make arrangements to present awards to them.

  • The chapter approved the purchase of America 250 challenge coins for members to pass out and bring awareness to the program.

  • AB1600 is now on Consent Calendar which will set up an America 250 commission in California which includes a representative from the DAR and SAR.

  • Grants through the George Washington Endowment Fund are available if we come up with a project which our chapter can fund in part through our own funds. Examples include a Revolutionary War Memorial or park bench.

  • Members were encouraged to register their ancestors or family member who are veterans for the American Village (americanvillage.org).

  • We have been given an invitation to the Fresno Veterans Day Parade from the Yosemite chapter who participates.

  • A new fee schedule has been issued for CA/Chapter Life Membership. You must first be a life member for National and then the state.

• Other New Business

  • Mel suggested that we present a certificate of appreciation to Cafe Platano for hosting our monthly meetings. We will arrange a date for this.

• Mel read our SAR 250 Minutes about the Gaspee Affair. It was a fascinating story.

• We said the SAR Recessional.

• Chaplain Overby led the Benediction