The April meeting of the Francis Vigo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was called to order by Regent Linda Heath on April 26, 2022. The opening ritual was performed and Regent Heath read the President’s message general. Regent Heath welcomed guests and potential members. Recording Secretary Lindsay Owens read the March minutes. Cathy Dever read the correspondence to the chapter. Treasurer Rita Hagerty presented the Treasurer’s report. JoAnn Shappard presented the 1st Vice Regent’s report on the Queen Anne Cottage and Janice Johnstone presented the 2nd Vice Regent’s report on the Chapter House. Registrar Debra Byrnes presented the Registrar’s Report. Music was provided by Valerie Sweeney.
The Oath of Membership was administered to new member Kat Walker. His candidacy was approved for a New Patriot, Samuel Wells of Maryland.
Standing Committee Reports Presented: American Indian Minute by Jennifer Kerr, Conservation Minute by Cathy Dever, DAR Magazine by Lori Marchino, National Defense by Linda Eslinger, DAR Schools by Cindy Frederick, Lindsay Owens reported on the Welcome Home to Veterans event in Washington for Billie Keeler, Women’s Issues by Elena Keene and Flag of the United States by Marilyn Doades.
Cathy Dever announced a special Arbor Day event. The planting of seven winter berry shrubs donated by the Simpson family to be planted in front of the chapter house on April 29 (Arbor Day) at 4 p.m.
Conservation Chair Cathy Dever introduced guest speaker Michelle Smith, executive director of the Knox County Recycling District. Michelle spoke about the plans for the new facility, what can currently be recycled, and the locations of current drop-off locations in Knox County. In Vincennes, all acceptable selective collection items must be in the recycling bins of the city of Vincennes. Items not in the bag will not be picked up. Additional bins can be purchased from the Clerk/Treasurer’s office. The Knox County Solid Waste Management District provides a household hazardous waste collection site at 1600 Bayou St. Check their website for up-to-date information on recycling and safe disposal of hazardous waste at knoxountyrecycling.org or contact them at [email protected]
A special tribute led by Chaplain Lori Marchino and Registrar Deb Byrnes was held in remembrance of Virginia Stangle. Virginia joined the chapter on February 1, 1958, her patriot was Thomas Little. His additional patriots were William Scott, Alexander Reed, Margaret Eskridge Kenner and Francis Seaton. She was an asset to our Chapter and will be greatly missed.
Lori Marchino gave the blessing and the meeting was adjourned.
Refreshments and dining room decorations were provided by Rita Greene (Chair), Linda Eslinger, Dorothy Fish, Joan Chambon, Jo Ann Shappard and Lindy Heath.
The next DAR meeting will take place on May 24, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. The program will be presented by Cindy Frederick on DAR Schools.