At our September meeting we watched a presentation about the role of Spain in the American Revolution.
Members Present:
Scott Elliott (President), Charles Newcomb (Treasurer), Randy Haight (Secretary), David Beeskau, Keith Bickley, Mel Howell.
President Scott Elliott gaveled the meeting to order.
President Scott Elliott led the opening prayer.
Mel Howell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Randy “Doc” Haight led the SAR Pledge.
Officer’s Reports
President
President Elliott advised that he had received multiple inquiries about SAR Membership and one (1) new member, Alex Smayda) had completed the application process. President Elliott noted that our Chapter had received assistance from Owen Stiles (Registrar, Sacramento Chapter) in reviewing applications due to the absence of Delta Chapter’s Registrar, Ed Smith. Mel Howell offered to assist President Elliott in reviewing new applications.
The Delta Chapter needs a member to perform data entry for the record copy lineage and patriot record update for newly approved and newly available copies for our Chapter. Mel Howell volunteered for this project.
AB 1600, a Bill establish the California Commission on the United States Semiquincentennial in state government to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America did not pass. Reportedly this Bill will be reintroduced at a later date.
President Elliott advised that the California SAR will hold its Fall Meeting next month and asked that any members planning on attending notify him so that our Chapter can coordinate attendance.
The Yosemite Chapter of the SAR has invited the Chapter to participate in California’s largest Veteran’s Parade to be held in Fresno on November 11th, 2022.
At our November meeting the Chapter will have officer elections for the following year.
We will be joined at our November meeting by Dr. Matthew Bowdish who will give a presentation about the medical history of George Washington.
Treasurer
Treasurer Charles Newcomb reported the Chapter maintained about $9,000. balance in the Delta Chapter account. He advised the Chapter will expend $650. for our annual Liability Insurance coverage, due next month. Regarding this payment, Mel Howell asked if the Treasurer could ascertain if this amount is a set amount for all Chapters or if there might be a discounted rate for smaller SAR Chapters such as ours. Treasurer Newcomb will inquire and report at a later meeting.
Secretary
Secretary Randy “Doc” Haight had nothing to report as the Chapter was just returning from our “summer recess.”
Chaplain
Gary Overby not present.
Registrar
Position Vacant.
New Business
President Elliott provided members with two (2) of the newly minted SAR “America 250” challenge coins. These are to commemorate and bring attention to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
President Elliott informed members that an additional Tab on the homepage of the Delta Chapter Website has been added, entitled “Daily History.” As part of the run-up to American 250, the California Society of the SAR provides information about important events in the American History that occurred on that date. The story-line changes daily. This can be found at:
https://www.californiasar.org/category/daily-history/
President Elliott confirmed that the Chapter will once again participate in the “Wreaths Across America” program which will be on December 17th, 2022. Further information and instructions will be provided at a later date.
Presentation
President Elliott provided a fascinating video presentation about Spain’s involvement in the American Revolution. This video was produced by AmRev360. The video was moderated by Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, President and CEO of the American Revolution Museum in Philadelphia. Ambassador Gonzalo M. Quintero Saravia, S.J.D, Ph.D. was the featured speaker. Among the little known facts presented by Ambassador Saravia was that, while the American Revolution was a “regional conflict” for the American Colonies, it really was the first Global Conflict, as evidenced by all of the major Western powers (Great Britain, France and Spain) becoming involved, and was fought in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas. Ambassador Saravia provided information about how Spain further supported the American Colonies in our fight for independence. For those members who were not present, and for those who may wish to view this presentation again, this video can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubnpNptjNN8
President Elliott presented employees of the Plátano Bar & Grill with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Delta Chapter for their role in hosting our monthly Chapter meetings.
Mel Howell led the SAR Recessional.
President Elliott led the closing prayer.