Sophia Fleming Chapter, NSDAR Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 12, 2012, 6:30 p.m.

Orange Park Woman’s Club130 Kingsley Blvd. Orange Park, FL 32073

Approved: February 9, 2012

Call to Order: The regular meeting of the Sophia Fleming Chapter, NSDAR, was called to order on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 6:30 P.M. at the Orange Park Women's Club, Orange Park, with the Regent Cindy Addison presiding and Recording Secretary Kristen Hughes present.

Opening Ceremonies: The Regent opened with the DAR Ritual. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States America’s Creed and The Preamble of the Constitution were recited in unison and the National Anthem was sung. The Regent asked that all the ritual cards be collected from each table.

Welcome: Regent Cindy Addison welcomed members. She explained she would to move the meeting along as best she could but there was a lot of news and reports.

Roll Call: The Roll was taken by Sign-In. There were 46 Members in attendance: Cindy Addison, Barbara Albright, Margaret Azenaro, Chris Bass, Karen Boatright, Betty Bogusch, Penny Boykin, Dorothy Cabanillas, Carol Davis, Linda Easterwood, Peggy Elmore, Dee Erickson, Cheryl Field, Ellen Godfrey, Barbara Hammond, Wanda Hellman, Diane Howard, Donna Howard, Sue Hoy, Kristen Hughes, Lynn Jenkins, Katie Johnson, Valerie Jones, Kathy Kass, Mary Kendall, Wendy Kuczler, Lynda Lewis, Alicia Merlino, Pat Michael, Lou Millson, Sherry Murray, Jackie O'Meara, Geri Pearson, Margaret Reid, Lillian Reider, Hilda Rheaume, Frances Roe, Sue Royer, Julia Saldivar, Elaine Stemetzki, Mary Lib Stevenson, Sarah Sullivan, Judith Sweep, Nancy Turner, Amy Williamson and Kathleen Wright.

Scrapbook Committee Report: Mary Kendall made her Report because she had to leave early.Mary Kendall reported the following: On February 25th, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm at the Orange Park Library there will be a Scrapbooking Workshop. She invited members to come and create their own page for the Chapter Scrapbook. The committee will be providing some supplies. Mary explained that members should bring between 5-10 photos and any special supplies they wanted. She reported there were a number of stores in the area that carried scrapbooking supplies. Mary reported that there had been an article in the DAR Magazine about early scrapbooking.

Welcome Service: The DAR Welcome Service was performed for new members Chris Bass, Donna Howard, Katie Johnson, Hilda Rheaume, Amy Williamson, Kathleen Wright and transfer Elaine Stemetzki. Chaplain Lynn Jenkins gave the Oath of Membership in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Regent Cindy Addison welcomed the new members and presented them with a gift bag.

Program: Julia Saldivar presented the program “Getting to know our Sophia Fleming Daughters”

President General’s Message was read by Vice Regent Barbara Albright.

National Defense Report was read by Lynn Jenkins.

Approval of E-Minutes: The Minutes from the November 10, 2011 were approved and filed.

Executive SessionRegent Cindy Addison reported that the meeting was now going into Executive Session for the purpose of voting.

Confirmation of Appointed Officers: The Regent explained that in accordance with the Chapter’s bylaws, Article V, Section 6, Vacancies, the chapter needed to confirm appointments for officers who were filling the positions of those who were unable to finish out their terms. The offices of Corresponding Secretary, Historian, and Recording Secretary were to be confirmed tonight. With the Executive Board's approval, Past Regent Cheryl Field appointed Linda Easterwood as Corresponding Secretary, and as Regent and with the Executive Board's approval, I appointed Betty Bogusch to the office of Historian and Kristen Hughes to Recording Secretary.

The Regent asked for a motion. Barbara Albright made the motion to nominate Linda Easterwood as Corresponding Secretary. Seconded by Valerie Jones.

The Regent asked for a motion. Julia Saldivar made the motion to nominate Betty Bogusch as Historian. Seconded by Dorothy Cabanillas

The Regent asked for a motion. Karen Boatright made the motion to nominate Kristen Hughes as Recording Secretary. Seconded by Wanda Hellman

The Regent asked for a voice vote for those in favor of electing Linda Easterwood as Corresponding Secretary. There being none opposed, the ayes had it. The motion was carried.

The Regent asked for a voice vote for those in favor of electing Betty Bogusch as Historian. There being none opposed, the ayes had it. The motion was carried.

The Regent asked for a voice vote for those in favor of electing Kristen Hughes as Recording Secretary. There being none opposed, the ayes had it. The motion was carried.

The Regent congratulated Linda Easterwood, Betty Bogusch and Kristen Hughes.

Voting on New Members: Regent Cindy Addison explained that the next order of business was to vote on new members. The Regent introduced the new members to the chapter.

Kathleen Andrzjewski: Karen Boatright met Kathleen at the Genealogy Workshop given by Debbie Duay on November 18. Debbie found her a Patriot overnight. Kathleen’s husband is

retired Navy. Kathleen has attended the Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon and toured the Jacksonville Cemetery on 23 Dec. She is very excited to join DAR.

Karrie Childers: A daughter of Prospective Member Kay Smith. She and her sister, Kellie, and mom, Kay will be submitting their papers together.

Kellie Childers: Another daughter of Prospective Member Kay Smith. She and her sister, Karrie, and mom, Kay will be submitting their papers together. Kellie is a Junior.

Catherine Daugherty: Cathy is a friend of Bonnie Tingley. She is a retired nurse.

Tracey Gregson: Daughter of Cathy Daugherty, also a friend of Bonnie Tingley. Tracey is the Genealogist in the family. Their line goes through Maine, and they and Karen Boatright have a lot of common places in their past. They even knew the house where Karen’s grandfather lived.

Stephenie Grover: Stephanie is the daughter of Sarah Sullivan. Stephenie is a paramedic with St. Vincent’s Hospital system. She attended our Pearl Harbor Day luncheon and the Christmas Party so you may have had a chance to meet her. She is a Junior.

Faye Irvin: Faye is a member of the Orange Park Historical Society and the Orange Park Woman’s Club. She loves history and is so excited to be joining DAR.

Melanie Oswald: Melanie is a teacher and the daughter of Prospective member Salli Cartledge. Mom and Daughter want to process their papers together.

Jane Carolyn Ragusa: Jane is the daughter of our Librarian Peggy Elmore. She is the mom of 3 boys and a lovely person. Jane lives in Savannah, but we are hopeful she’ll visit us when she’s here to see her mom and dad.

Elizabeth Starck: Elizabeth is a Junior. She is a financial planner with Edward Jones, right around the corner from the Orange Park Woman’s Club. She found us via the Public website.

Lynn Vernon: Lynn was referred to us by FSSDAR. She is very active in Veteran’s organizations and is quite excited to join DAR. She has something in common with Linda Easterwood…she is in charge of her development’s luminary display at Christmas!

Doris May Williams: Doris is another referral from FSSDAR. She winters in Green Cove Springs and summers in her motor home in NY. She wasn’t able to return to Green Cove Springs this winter due to health issues but hopes to meet us all in October.

Lindsay Carlton Davis: Lindsay is Carol Davis's daughter-in-law. Lindsey and Ben live in North Carolina at Ft. Bragg. Lindsay is a Junior.

Stacey Carlton Espinosa: Stacey is Lindsay Davis' sister and also a Junior. The name Carlton is included as their "middle" names because it is a family name. Lindsay and Stacey are the great-granddaughters Florida Governor Doyle Carlton. They come from strong Florida family background. Their patriot is from GA.

The Regent recognized Registrar Karen Boatright. Karen announced that following women had requested admittance into Sophia Fleming Chapter. The women had each received two written endorsements from members of this chapter.

The Registrar made a motion Kathleen Andrzjewski be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Alicia Merlino.

The Registrar made a motion Karrie Childers be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Ellen Godfrey.

The Registrar made a motion Kellie Childers be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Lynda Lewis.

The Registrar made a motion Catherine Daugherty be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Betty Bogusch.

The Registrar made a motion Tracey Gregson be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Wendy Kuczler.

The Registrar made a motion Stephenie Grover be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Sarah Sullivan.

The Registrar made a motion Faye Irvin be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Margaret Reid.

The Registrar made a motion Melanie Oswald be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Wanda Hellman.

The Registrar made a motion Jane Carolyn Elmore Ragusa be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Peggy Elmore.

The Registrar made a motion Elizabeth Starck be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Linda Easterwood.

The Registrar made a motion Lynn Vernon be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Julia Saldivar.

The Registrar made a motion Doris May Schuster Williams be admitted to the chapter as a new

member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Mary Lib Stevenson.

The Registrar made a motion Lindsay Davis be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Carol Davis.

The Registrar made a motion Stacey Espinosa be admitted to the chapter as a new member of Sophia Fleming Chapter. Seconded by Carol Davis.

The Regent said it was moved and seconded that each individual name be elected to membership in the Sophia Fleming Chapter. The Chapter would take a ballot vote. The Regent recognized tellers Ellen Godfrey and Barbara Hammond. The ballots were distributed. The tellers collected, counted, recorded and then destroyed the ballots. The Register would announce the results during her report.

Reports of Chapter OfficersRegent: Regent Cindy Addison Regent Cindy Addison announced that in an effort to shorten the meeting time, her Report has been posted on our Member’s Website homepage. This report covers the highlights of the last five months of the Field Administration and the first seven months of the Addison Administration. The Report was posted and filed as follows:

In January, 2011, Cheryl Field was endorsed by the Chapter for the FSSDAR Recording Secretary. Truly, this was the highlight of the first 3 months of the year. In addition, and unbeknownst to Cheryl, she was elected Honorary Regent of the Sophia Fleming Chapter. The Chapter was informed of the planned gift to outgoing Regent Field and asked to keep the future events in May a SECRET from Regent Field. The Master Questionnaire was completed with the help of the Executive Board and submitted electronically. The Chapter Remittance Form, the Chapter Achievement Form and the Chapter Honor Roll Form were sent on time to their appropriate State Officer/Chairman. Regent Field, President of the NEFL Regents Council attended their meeting on 15 January with Vice Regent Cindy Addison. On January 20, a number of Chapter members attended the Jacksonville Chapter Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution luncheon meeting at San Jose Country Club where NSDAR President General Merry Ann Wright supported her husband’s induction into SAR. The Campaign for FSSDAR was on! Cheryl Field and Cindy Addison campaigned at the Upper Pinellas and Pasco County Regents Council luncheon.

In February, Cheryl Field also campaigned in Lake City attending the North Central Florida Regents Council George Washington Luncheon. On Feb 19th, NEFLRC President Cheryl Field officiated the NEFL RC George Washington’s Birthday celebration at Marsh Landing CC. In early March, the first of five JROTC awards were given to a Clay High School Cadet. Four more JROTC awards would be presented during the Spring. March 5 was another campaign event, Cheryl Field and Cindy Addison attended the Orlando Chapter’s regular meeting at the invitation of Regent Christie Woods. On March 12, Cheryl Field, Cindy Addison and Jeanne

Boyer attended the Maria Jefferson Chapter’s 112th Birthday. Our first community sale of the 9/11 magnets was at Carrie Clark Day at Clark House. On the 20th of March, Cheryl Field attended a Silver Tea, hosted by the Sara de Soto Chapter in Sarasota. On Tuesday, March 22nd, Cheryl Field hosted a “Sticker Party” at her home. A cute slogan was printed on the labels, “The Eyes have it over the Nose. Vote for Cheryl Field for Recording Secretary.” 12 members, then, put the stickers on 700 purse-sized tissue boxes for Cheryl’s campaign “staff” to distribute to delegates in an effort to “get the vote out.” Regent Cheryl Field and Vice Regent Cindy Addison arrived at the State Conference on Thursday and attended the State Regent’s Reception. The next morning, Cindy campaigned in the lobby of the hotel, giving away hundreds of the tissue packets. Registrar Barbara Albright and Karen Boatright had been tied up for hours in a traffic snarl on I-95 arrived in the afternoon to pick up the pace with the campaigning. At the Friday evening dinner, the FSSDAR announced the winner of the “Name the Dog” contest. The puppy will be trained as a guide dog for one of our war heroes. Our Chapter submitted the name “DARby”, a name suggested by Nancy Turner. The name “DARby” was the winner and the Sophia Fleming Chapter was presented with a trophy. As if winning the dog contest wasn’t excitement enough, the Florida State elections were held on Saturday with the results announced that evening. Regent Cheryl Field was elected FSSDAR Recording Secretary for the 2011-13 term. Many of our Chapter members worked very hard in helping Cheryl with her campaign…and we had a wonderfully fun time…with a wildly successful outcome. Cheryl Field’s election to the State Office was the first for a Sophia Fleming Chapter member. It brings the Chapter recognition in the State Society, and Cheryl will be a great ambassador to the State for our Chapter. We are SO PROUD of our very first State Officer. Chapter awards received at the State Conference were the following: Outstanding Achievement in: Americanism; Co-Purchasing an Ad in the Jan/Feb 2011 DAR Newsletter; Donation of a book to the FSSDAR Library; 3rd Place, Outstanding Chapter Media Coverage – Print; Master Questionnaire Report; Community Service Award 2010-2011; Increasing Chapter Membership; Project Patriot; Lineage Research; Support of Paws for Patriots; DAR Service for Veterans; Public Relations and Media; Scholarship; DAR Good Citizens; Honor Roll Gold; and for Total Sales for Junior Shoppe, #1 Chapter. In addition to all the Chapter outstanding achievements, Regent Cheryl Field announced that Barbara Albright had been given two certificates of award for outstanding achievement in Volunteer Genealogy and in Chapter Development and Revitalization. Barbara was the State’s Outstanding Volunteer Genealogist and was forwarded to the Divisional Contest as the Florida winner. Quite an achievement!

On April 5th, the Ponte Vedra chapter celebrated its 60th anniversary with a luncheon at Marsh Landing Country Club. Regent Cheryl Field, Vice Regent Cindy Addison, Registrar Barbara Albright and Lou Millson attended. On the 6th, 14 Chapter members toured Camp Chowenwaw Park and enjoyed the Spring flora and fauna. With Regent Field still in “the dark”, the SECRET Committee was hard at work finishing her gift. Many, many hours were spent completing this wonderful project.

May arrived with a 60th Anniversary Luncheon for the Kan Yuk sa Chapter on the 7th of May and soon after, the departure of the Field Administration. They turned over the care of the Chapter on May 12 and left with the admiration and sincere gratitude of our membership. Outgoing Officers

were Vice Regent Cindy Addison, Recording Secretary Missy Harris, Corresponding Secretary Kathy Marsh, Treasurer Julia Saldivar, Registrar Barbara Albright, Chaplain Frances Roe, Librarian Margaret Reid and Historian Betty Bogusch and of course, Regent Cheryl Field. The Chapter had 75 members at the close of the Field Administration. The Officers set the standard of excellence for the new Administration and were all role models for the future of the Chapter. Well done, Ladies! You worked hard and accomplished much. We were blessed that NSDAR Organizing Secretary General Jean Dixon Mann attended our May meeting and conducted the installation service of the new Addison Administration. The meeting ended with the presentation of the gifts to our outgoing Regent. Cheryl was presented with the Past Regent’s Pin and the Honorary Regent’s Pin. Then she opened the gift bag holding the Chapter’s labor of love…a handmade quilt recognizing her 4 years of service as Chapter Regent. This Vice Regent, now Regent, was so very proud of the Chapter…not one of you “spilled the beans.” It is an awesome accomplishment to keep a secret this big for 5 months--especially when so many of you knew about it. Chapter, give yourself a pat on the back! On the 14th, 21st, and 29th of May, the Chapter sold the 9/11 Magnets in the heat and humidity of the Florida Summer. I presented Scholarships at Fleming Island High School and Keystone Heights High School accompanied by Honorary Chapter Regent Field. On the 21st of May, I was elected Secretary of the Northeast Florida Regents Council.

June was a busy month even though the Chapter didn’t meet. The Program Committee met on June 3 and, led by 1st Vice Regent Barbara Albright, developed a fantastic calendar of events for the upcoming year. Registrar Karen Boatright and I met with a number of Prospective Members. I met with most Committee Chairmen over the summer. Five Chapter members attended Continental Congress, Barbara Albright, Cheryl Field, Lynn Jenkins, Julia Saldivar and me! Julia Saldivar served as a Page at Continental Congress. On Sunday morning, July 3, the Cullen Administration officially took office, and Cheryl Field became the Florida State Society Recording Secretary. For this first-timer, all I can say is “If you haven’t been, GO!!!!!” The knowledge you will gain about our organization will make you very proud to be a Daughter. From the pageantry to the programs, from the awards to the testimonials…what an experience!!!! I learned what service truly means. All attendees have different memories of Continental Congress. Please question the attendees about their experiences.

In July, after Congress, I returned to Florida inspired! Karen and I met several more prospectives, I met with several more Committee Chairmen, and I attended the Welcome Reception in Honor of Florida State Society Regent, Donna Cullen, in Surfside, Florida on July 23. What a wonderful program that was! The Surf Club is such a beautiful setting—truly old Florida. Donna announced her State Regent’s Project would be the Florida Drive (will formerly be known as the D Street Taxi Stand) at NSDAR Headquarters in DC.

August began with meeting several more Committee Chairmen. On August 12, I helped sell magnets at Walmart on one of the hottest, most humid days of the year!!!!! (I had previously thought the days in May were bad...no, not even close to this miserable day.) God bless all those who sold magnets this summer. And…some of you did it more than once!!!!! Thank YOU so

much for your sacrifice—and on those hot, humid days, it was a sacrifice. Karen Boatright and I continued to meet with Prospective Members. The NEFLRC met at Bird Park in Ponte Vedra Beach for our annual photograph, which was printed in the January/February 2012 issue of the Daughters Magazine. On August 27, I attended the Membership Workshop hosted by Julia Saldivar. Julia has developed a wonderful slideshow that is truly DAR 101. If you haven’t had a chance to attend this Workshop, I would urge you to attend next year. On August 30, I attended a meeting with the Scholarship Committee Chairman, Lynda Lewis and the “implementation members” of the Committee. Judges are a separate entity.

September arrived with the planning for the Prospective Members Tea. On September 6, Nancy Stokes and I attended the Orange Park Council Meeting and received the Constitution Week Proclamation by Mayor Pete Morgan. Karen Boatright and I met with even more prospective members. On September 17, Sophia Fleming Chapter was well represented at the Constitution Week Luncheon at Selva Marina Country Club with 8 Chapter Members (including me) and 2 Prospectives attending: FSSDAR Recording Secretary Cheryl Field, 1st Vice Regent Barbara Albright, Registrar Karen Boatright, Janell Kozak, Barbara Lane, Kathy Marsh, Jacquie McDonald; and Prospectives, Joanne McLaughlin and Hilda Rheaume (and as of December 10, 2011, Member). Our Chapter provided the program. Those attending FSSDAR Fall Forum in Orlando were, of course, Florida State Society Recording Secretary, Cheryl Field, Regent Cindy Addison, 1st Vice Regent Barbara Albright, 2nd Vice Regent Julia Saldivar, Corresponding Secretary Linda Easterwood, Chaplain Lynn Jenkins, Treasurer Wendy Kuczler, and Janell Kozak. Prospective Member (and as of October 8, 2011 Member) Valerie Jones and Prospective Junior Member (and as of December 10, 2011 Junior Member) Katie Johnson joined us. Katie helped FSSDAR Junior Membership Vice Chairman (and Katie’s aunt) Julia Saldivar sell items in the Junior Shoppe. Julia Saldivar paged at Fall Forum. The speakers were excellent, the workshops informative and the State Committee Chairman reports were educational. We all learned a lot!!!!!!! On Sunday afternoon, Cheryl Field, Barbara Albright, Linda Easterwood, Katie Johnson, Valerie Jones, Wendy Kuczler, and I attended the Chapter Recognition Luncheon. Sophia Fleming Chapter received 2 awards. We received a Certificate of Award “for Outstanding Achievement in the largest gain 53% in Chapters under 100 members” from the Membership Committee and signed by then-State Regent Barbara Makant. The Chapter was also recognized by President General Merry Ann T. Wright “for outstanding accomplishments in attaining Chapter Achievement Award Level 1, 2010-2011.” Regent Cindy Addison received an award for a contribution to the new State Regent’s Project, the Florida Drive at NSDAR HQ. The last award received at Fall Forum was an individual award for Karen Boatright. The Certificate said, the DAR Genealogy Preservation Committee recognizes Karen Boatright, Sophia Fleming Chapter Florida for Outstanding Service.” Merry Ann T. Wright signed the Certificate in July 2011.

On October 1, the Sophia Fleming Chapter NSDAR hosted its 3rd Prospective Members Tea. The Committee did an excellent job and still managed to have fun. The Prospectives had a wonderful time at the Tea. Interestingly, even our Prospective Members brought Prospective Members. Immediately after the tea, SIX Prospectives requested pursuing their DAR Membership, including 2 transfers. Yes, the tea was hard work, but the results are worth it. Karen Boatright and I met

with more prospective members during the month. On October 6, Cheryl Field and I toured Winterbourne House as a possible venue for the NEFL Regents Council photo and meeting in August 2012. Winterbourne is on the grounds of Club Continental—and what a fabulous place—old Florida. That evening, 2nd Vice Regent Julia Saldivar hosted Committee Chairman for a training session at her home. The National Information Packet, the State Information Packet, the Chapter Achievement Form, the Chapter Honor Roll Form and the Master Questionnaire were presented as the “road map” to our Chapter’s activities. On October 8, five Prospectives received their National Numbers. They were officially welcomed at our October meeting. On October 13, the Sophia Fleming Chapter officially occupied its new home for the first time, the Orange Park Woman’s Club. The Club was a hit with the membership, and after meeting there only twice so far, it is hard to think of meeting anywhere else. We voted on 27 new members at our October meeting. The month concluded with meeting several Committee Chairman who weren’t able to attend the Committee Chairmen Training on the 6th.

November arrived with Karen Boatright’s Prospective Member Workshop at the Orange Park Library. 15 attended and several have submitted papers since. On Friday, November 11, Veterans Day, eleven of our Chapter members and prospectives attended the Orange Park Historical Society’s Groundbreaking Ceremony at Magnolia Cemetery for the new Veterans Memorial. The Historical Society permitted Linda Easterwood and Nancy Turner to present the Braille Flag, handmade by Linda Easterwood, to blind veteran, Michael Taylor, who was wounded in 1968 in Vietnam, losing both his sight and his left leg. The presentation was very moving, and Mr. Taylor was so proud of his new flag. The groundbreaking continued with many local leaders present to turn over that first shovel of dirt. After the ceremony, the attendees assembled at Clark House to enjoy refreshments, including the numerous desserts provided by our Chapter. I’m sure many of you saw the presentation photo on the front page of Clay Today thanks to Kathy Marsh’s effort. On November 16, the Chapter conducted it’s 3rd annual Christmas Card signing party at the Orange Park Library where 20 members worked hard signing all those cards. On Thursday, November 17, Allison Hastie, Chaplain Lynn Jenkins, Nancy Stokes and I had the privilege of attending the Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse. Over 50 new citizens were welcomed; we gave an American Flag to everyone, and small American flags to each of the children. If you haven’t had a chance to attend a Naturalization Ceremony, I would encourage you to attend. Our next chance to welcome these new citizens is in August. Karen Boatright and I met several more prospective members in November. Several Chapter members attended the genealogy workshops given by FSSDAR Lineage Research Chairman Debbie Duay on the 18th.

On December 7, Nancy Stokes arranged a superb luncheon to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. 29 Chapter members enjoyed a wonderful lunch and each other’s company. We shared historical highlights from Pearl Harbor, some of our “seasoned” members contributed their memories of December 7, 1941, Lynn Jenkins, our Chaplain, led us in a prayer followed by a moment of silence at the exact time of the attack. Nancy downloaded and placed fliers at each seat, which incorporated the DAR “It Only Takes a Moment to Remember” artwork, and Pearl Harbor postcards (contributed by Allison Hastie) were given to those in attendance. A poster, purchased at Pearl Harbor by Allison Hastie, was hung on the wall of Honey Bees. Well

done and thanks to Nancy Stokes for such a meaningful commemoration of this American tragedy and to Allison Hastie for providing the poster and postcards—carried all the way back from her trip to Hawaii over Thanksgiving. Karen Boatright and I met several more new members! On December 10, Sophia Fleming Chapter celebrated the holidays with our annual Christmas Party and Silent Auction. Once again, Jim and Kristen Hughes welcomed all of us, Prospective Members, HODARs and HODARs-to-be into their home with unmatched hospitality. Betty Bogusch serenaded arrivals with background music, led the singing of Christmas Carols and Kathy Marsh entertained us with A Cup of Christmas Tea. In addition, we ate and we shopped…a perfect afternoon. December 10 was also a wonderful day for seven prospective members as they received their National Numbers. On December 12, Frances Roe, son, Justin Roe, HODAR Dave Addison and I met at my home to package all the contributions for Gordon Miller’s Marine Battalion. We were overwhelmed by, and so proud of, the generosity of our members as we packaged up 14 of the large flat rate boxes to be mailed to the Battalion. All of the boxes were thankfully received by December 27. As Penny Boykin emailed me…so much was sent, the ships will sink!!!!!! Thank you ALL so much for your incredible generosity!!!!! On December 13, it was my privilege to present a framed 50-Year Membership Certificate to Frances Fresh, Sophia Fleming Chapter’s very first 50-Year Member.

This report turned out to be much longer than I had anticipated. Imagine, these are just the “highlights” of our year. Sophia Fleming Chapter Members, you are awesome! I can’t wait for our exciting times in 2012!

First Vice Regent: Barbara AlbrightFirst Vice Regent Barbara Albright made and the following Annual Report was filed.The main job of the Vice Regent has been to plan the programs with the program committee, and organize the hostesses and greeters, and be on standby for anything the Regent needs. The programs for 2011 that have occurred are as follows:Oct 13 U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary with David Hensel as speakerNov 10 Homeless Veterans in Jacksonville with Donna Liggins as speakerThese are the functions that I have attended:New Member Workshop given by Julia Saldivar Aug 27Scholarship Committee Meeting on Aug 30Finance Committee meeting Sept 19Prospective Member Tea Oct 1Committee Chairmen Training at Julia Saldivar’s on Oct 6Genealogy Workshop given by Karen Boatright Nov 5Genealogy Workshop given by Debbie Duay on Nov 18Christmas Card Signing for our Service Members on Nov 16The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Luncheon on Dec 7The Sophia Fleming Christmas Social and Silent Auction on Dec 10Attended Award Ceremony for our 50 Year Member Frances Fresh Dec 13Sophia Fleming Executive Board Meeting Sept 27The NELRC ‘s George Washington Luncheon Feb 2012

The NEFRC’s Constitution Luncheon Sept 17State and National DAR events were:109th FSSDAR Conference in Orlando MAR 24-27, 201141st FSSDAR Fall Forum in Orlando Sept 23-25, 2011120th NSDAR Continental Congress in Washington, DC June 24-July 3, 2011I have added the job of making nametags for prospectives that identify them as prospectives.I have assisted the by preparing the papers for these four new members: Alicia Merlino, Sue Royer, Amy Williamson and Katie Johnson I am currently in the process of organizing a Cameo Club for Mothers, Daughters, and Granddaughters in our Chapter who simultaneously hold membership in NSDAR.

Second Vice Regent: Julia SaldivarSecond Vice Regent Julia Saldivar made and the following Annual Report was filed.During this reporting period, I attended all regular chapter meetings and Executive Board meetings. I represented our chapter as a Florida Page at State Conference in Orlando, Continental Congress in Washington, DC, and Fall Forum in Orlando. I also attended the Florida Page Retreat in Mt. Dora. I conducted a New Member workshop in August. I hosted the Prospective Member Tea and conducted Committee Chairman Training in October. In addition, I currently serve the Florida State Society as Vice Chairman, Junior Sales, as a member of the Speaker’s Staff, and as Florida State Page Club Recording Secretary.

Chaplain: Lynn JenkinsChaplain Lynn Jenkins made and the following Annual Report was filed.The Chaplain has participated in the DAR Ritual at each meeting.

During this past year, almost 50 cards appropriate for the occasion, were sent either to members or prospective members. Phone calls were made and emails were sent in an effort to communicate care and concern to the members and prospective members.

Following the example of the Florida State Society Daughters of the American Revolution who has a Prayers and Condolences link on its website, Regent Cindy Addison requested that a Chaplain’s Corner link be made available for members’ use on the Sophia Fleming Members website. Prayer requests, prayers and other relevant information can be found in the Chaplain’s Corner.

This Chaplain attended the Chaplain’s Workshop at Fall Forum conducted by State Chaplain, Noel Lanier.

The Chaplain sent the appropriate form to the office of the Chaplain General so that Dot Lagergren’s 90th birthday would be recognized by the NSDAR. Sadly, as required, Dot’s death was reported to the State Regent, State Registrar and State Chaplain.Emails were sent by the Regent to remind the membership of the National Day of Prayer on May 5, 2011 and the NSDAR National Day of Prayer on October 9, 2011.

This Chaplain helped conduct the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Service.This Chaplain helped conduct Welcoming Services for new members as needed.This Chaplain responded, as appropriate, to additional requests from Regent Cindy Addison.

Recording Secretary: Kristen HughesRecording Secretary Kristen Hughes made and the following Annual Report was filed.The Chapter Meeting Minutes and the Board Meeting Minutes are current. The hard copies have been filed and the electronic copies are Archived on CD's, on the Members' Only site.

Corresponding Secretary: Linda EasterwoodCorresponding Secretary Linda Easterwood reported and the following Annual Report was filed.Kathy Marsh: January –May 5, 20111 Congratulations Card3 Thinking of You Cards

Birthday:1 Birthday Card and 1 Special Recognition Birthday Card21 email greetings sent

Correspondence received: 23/2/11 Kay Yarborough – Hospitality appreciation note4/6/11 Camp Chowenwaw Thank you letter for $25 donation

Linda Easterwood: May 5, 2011 – December 31, 2011Birthday cards mailed: 2Birthday greetings emailed: 43Birthday phone calls: 2 80th Birthday card – (Dorothy Cabanillas)Get Well/Thinking of you – (Heather Miller 2x)

Collect all RSVPS’s by email for Chapter meetings:October: 55November: 58

Correspondence received:June: Thank You’s from: The Green Cove Springs Food PantryKay Yarbrough – Paws for PatriotsUSO of Greater Jacksonville – magazinesJuly – October: noneNovember: Historical Society of Orange Park – Veteran’s Memorial USO of Greater Jacksonville – donation of books and magazinesJoseph Berk – scholarship recipient ThanksDecember: Lt. Col. Gordon Miller – Thank you for gift boxes

Email Christmas card from DARBY was received by all members

New attendance sign-in page and photo permission slip to be signed by each member.

Treasurer’s Report: Wendy KuczlerTreasurer Wendy Kuczler reported and the following Monthly Report was filed.The Vystar Checking Balance: $5220.81The Vystar Scholarship Checking Balance: $1738.00The Vystar Savings Balance: $5.00

Treasurer Wendy Kuczler reported and the following Annual Report was filed.The Sophia Fleming Chapter Accounts have been reported at each meeting and are up to date and in balance. The annual IRS e-postcard was filed in March 2011. Annual dues were collected and remitted to State and National prior to all deadlines. Membership cards were provided to members. (I have them tonight if you didn’t receive one.) Linda Easterwood will be mailing the remainder. The final budget was created, distributed and approved in October 2011. The Annual Financial Statement of Activities was prepared and an Audit of the books was completed in December 2011.

Registrar: Karen BoatrightRegistrar Karen Boatright reported and the following Annual Report was filed.At the December 10, 2011 National Board of Management meeting there were 7 new members approved. Chris BassDonna HowardKatie JohnsonElleen KetelhutHilda RheaumeAmy WilliamsonKathleen Wright

That brings our membership to 85.There are 14 applications pending at Nationals.We have 14 applications at National; 1 application has been verified at this time and will go before the National Board of Management on February 4, 2012. We have 6 more applications ready to go after they sign and pay.

Tonight's Voting: There were 14 Prospective members voted on at tonight’s meeting. 43 members voted by ballot. The following Prospective members were voted into the Sophia Fleming Chapter.Kathleen AndrzejewskiKarrie Ann ChildersKellie Ann ChildersCatherine (Cathy) Daughtery

Lindsay Carlton DavisStacey Carlton EspinosaTracey GregsonStephenie GroverFaye IrvinMelanie OswaldJane Carolyn RagusaElizabeth StarckLynn VernonDoris May Schuster Williams

Supplemental Applications:There are no newly verified supplemental applications since our meeting in December but there are 19 under review.

Activities During the 2012 Year:A Getting Started workshop was held on November 5, 2011 at the Orange Park Library. There were 15 members and prospective members in attendance. There were 52 prospective members voted into the Chapter in all of 2011; there have been 19 new members welcomed into DAR.

Future Activities:FIELD TRIP: January 21, 2011 there will be a field trip to the Jacksonville Public Library, Downtown Jacksonville from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be a tour of the genealogy department on the 4th Floor. Parking on the meters is free. We will have lunch at The Brick Restaurant, 3585 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205. WORKSHOP: Saturday, April 14, 2012 Getting Started and Help for Supplementals, 10:00 a.m. to Noon – Orange Park Library Meeting Room B; 2054 Plainfield Avenue, Orange Park, FL.Coordinator: Karen Boatright 904-610-0254 kiboatright@bellsouth.net

Librarian: Peggy ElmoreLibrarian Peggy Elmore reported and the following Annual Report was filed.In consultation with Margaret Reid, Past Librarian, to verify book donations by Sophia Fleming Chapter, I am submitting the following information for the annual report.• Book donation to the DAR Library NSDAR. Book title: The Heritage of Holmes County, Florida• Book donation to the FSSDAR. Book title: Forgotten Patriots• Book donation to the Fleming Island Library. Book title: Forgotten Patriots

Historian: Betty BoguschThe following Annual Report was not made but submitted by Chairman Betty Bogusch. The Report was posted to the members' only Website. I worked on two small history projects in the 2011-2012 chapter year, as follows:

I updated the small history booklet begun for our fifth anniversary. This included adding this year’s list of programs and special projects.

I began gathering items for a chapter archive. To date the archives contain two 9/11 commemorative magnets, a pin case, three thank-you letters, and several newspaper articles. A more formal approach to compiling archival materials will be undertaken in the future.

Reports of the Standing CommitteesSophia Fleming Scholarship: Lynda Lewis(This Report is a Chapter Committee report and was made out of order to accommodate The Chairman's time constraints.)Chairman Lynda Lewis reported and the following Annual Report was filed.THE SOPHIA FLEMING SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR HELP!! Please pass the word about the Sophia Fleming Scholarship to members of other organizations, your church, and people you work with in Clay County. I have attached a copy of the Directions and Application Form to be used by students to apply for one of our $500 scholarships. Please remind interested individuals of the following:1. NO required GPA, SAT, or ACT.2. Student applicants must be graduating from one of the following Clay County High Schools: Orange Park, Fleming Island, Clay, Middleburg, Ridgeview, Keystone Heights and Oakleaf.(St. Johns Country Day is not eligible because they are being served by another DAR Chapter)3. Student applicants must be planning to attend a post-graduate program after high school. This includes public or private vocational technical programs, community/state colleges, and state universities.4. The application requires: 400 word essay on: What Being an American Means to Me, list of accomplishments and awards and two letters of recommendation.5. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.6. Application forms and directions will be available on the Sophia Fleming Chapter Website by January 5, 2012.7. Applications have been sent to all eligible Clay County High School Guidance Offices that are eligible to participate.8. Completed applications are due by February 24, 2012.9. Notification to winners will be mailed March 23, 2012. Thank you for your help with our 2012 scholarship program. Our Scholarship Committee works very hard on the award of these scholarships and will appreciate your effort to publicize our scholarship program. Donating to the Scholarship Fund is a great way to recognize a person who has made a positive effect on your life.

National CommitteesAmerican Heritage: Carol DavisChairman Carol Davis reported and the following Annual Report was filed.The Patriot Family Album was initiated this year. This is an album of our Patriots of the American Revolution. Short Biographies of the Patriot’s life and service are included. These are also posted on the Chapter Web Page. We feel that these brave men and women are each part of our individual families and our DAR Chapter and National Family. We are proud to have our Patriot Family Album. This Album will continue to be a work in progress as we are constantly adding new “family” members.

American History: Barbara HammondCo-Chairman Barbara Hammond reported and the following Annual Report was filed.We delivered 71 packets to 10 schools in our district for the American History essay contest. Each packet contained a cover letter, a poster, essay rules, and a list of suggested on-line resources and reading lists. Our chapter deadline for receiving the essays was December 1st. Unfortunately we received only 4 essays this year, but it was 4 more that was received last year and we were delighted.This year we undertook the American History contest essay titled “Young America Takes A Stand: The War of 1812". The students were to pretend that they were alive during the War of 1812 and had a friend who had become famous in history because of standing up for America during that exciting but dangerous time. They were to explain why it is important to honor such heroes as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.The judges for the contest were chapter members Mary Kendall and Peggy Elmore, and non-member Cathy Guhl. Thank you Mary and thank you Peggy. They selected only one 7th grader and one 8th grader as winners. The 7th grade winner is Maxwell Adolph for his essay entitled Jean Lafitte and the 8th grade winner is Eric Horning for his essay entitled Oliver Hazard Perry and His Deeds. Both young men are students at Orange Park Junior High School. The winners, their parents, and their teacher, Mrs. Cheatwood, will be asked to attend our meeting on March 8th where the students will receive a $50 savings bond, a certificate and a medal. The winning essays will be posted to our Chapter Website.Next year we will expand the contest to include grades 5-8. We will also include the Christopher Columbus essay contest for high school students.American Indians: Dee EricksonDee Erickson gave The Indian Minute: Maria Tallchief

Commemorative Events: Nancy StokesChairman Nancy Stokes submitted the following Annual Report. Valerie Jones reported in Nancy's absents and the following Annual Report was filed.

10th Anniversary of 9/11To raise awareness of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, our chapter produced car magnets using the NSDAR “We Remember 9/11” design. Over 500 magnets were sold via personal sales and booths at area festivals, Wal-Mart and Publix.

Nearly 30 volunteers staffed our booths despite often high temperatures and pending storms. The booths were a great opportunity for us to work together to sell magnets as well as promote DAR and the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Our 9/11 commemoration continues, as we frequently see cars displaying our magnets on area roads.

Constitution Week (September 17th)The Preamble to the Constitution was read at all chapter meetings.Posters were delivers to 4 area junior high schools and the Orange Park Library for display during Constitution Week.The NSDAR recommended DVD and teaching materials, “A More Perfect Union”, was purchased and loaned to one area junior high for use during Constitution Week.Cindy Addison and Nancy Stokes attended an Orange Park Town Council meeting, where a Constitution Week Proclamation was signed by Mayor Pete Morgan. A picture of the event was in the Clay Today.Governor Rick Scott also signed a proclamation for the State of Florida

70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor (December 7)A luncheon was held with 29 members and prospectives in attendance. We shared historical highlights from Pearl Harbor and attendees contributed their memories of the day. Our chaplain, Lynn Jenkins, led us in a prayer followed by a moment of silence at the time of the attack. Fliers were placed at each seat, which incorporated the DAR “It Only Takes a Moment to Remember” artwork, and Pearl Harbor postcards were given to those in attendance.

Community Service: Kathy MarshChairman Kathy Marsh submitted the following Annual Report. Regent Cindy Addison reported in Kathy's absents and the following Annual Report was filed.The recipient of the 2011 Community Service Award from the Sophia Fleming Chapter was Carolyn Clark. Carolyn, an active member of the Historical Society of Orange Park, was recognized at the October Chapter meeting for her outstanding efforts in promoting and preserving the history of Clay County, Florida, particularly the town of Orange Park.

Chapter members were given the opportunity since the November Chapter meeting to submit names to the Community Service Chairman to be considered for the next Community Service Award. The Chairman deemed the two names received as qualified for the award and submitted these requests to the Executive Board for their consideration.

Conservation Minute & Annual Report: Sue HoyChairman Susan Hoy reported and the following Annual Report was filed.Conservation Chairperson Julia Saldivar, delivered five reports. The Chapter had a program on Florida Native Plants and picnic at Camp Chowenwaw Park.It was a conservation field trip at 1517 Ball Rd. Green Cove Springs, Fl 32043 with Ranger Barbara Beyerl leading the group of 15 Members, Prospectives and Family Members. Julia distributed recyclable shopping bags on several occasions.

Susan Hoy, Conservation Chairperson for 2011-2012 prepared two reports for Oct. and Nov. Cheryl Field, Honorary Chapter Regent, delivered the conservation report for Oct. during Susan’s absence and distributed recyclable shopping bags donated by Target. Susan reported in November for a total of seven reports for 2011.

Conservation Minute: Sue HoyHappy New Year Everyone. I think we all know the junk mail we receive is a real nuisance. The amount we Americans receive in just one day will create enough energy to heat a quarter of a million homes. If you saved all the unwanted junk mail for one year, you would have the equivalent of 1-1/2 trees, which would add up to 100 Million trees every year just in the United States. You can access the address by logging onto the Chapter website. By attaching a Low-Flow faucet aerator to your water faucets at home, you can reduce water flow by 50%, and the water flow will seem stronger! If only 10,000 four-person households would install low-flow aerators, 33 million gallons of water would be saved yearly. Beware of your showers. If a four-person family showers each day for 5 minutes--and most of us are in there longer than that--in just one week they would use 700 gallons of water. This is enough water for a person to live off of for 3 years. By using an aerated showerhead, you will cut your water consumption by 50%. A family of four taking 5-minute showers will save at least 14,000 gallons of water a year. It will help the water bill too.

DAR Genealogy Preservation: Karen BoatrightChairman Karen Boatright reported and the following Report was filed.Supporting Documentation ProjectOur current activity is the Supporting Documentation Project. We will categorize over 6 million documents used by members to support the lineage submitted on their DAR applications.A volunteer is assigned documents online. The document image appears on the lower portion of the screen. At the top are various category selections to choose from. The volunteer may see the image of a tombstone. The volunteer decides if the image is readable, unreadable, unknown, etc. She will then select the correct "primary" and "secondary" categories. In the example of an image of a tax record she will select "legal other" as the primary category, then "tax record" as the secondary category, and confirm the selected categories. If the record is a vital record we enter the year of the event.

After reviewing the instructions, email us at darprojects@dar.org to get started. The project is done through eMembership. Each volunteer will be notified when access has been given. Volunteers will sign a non-disclosure form electronically the first time they log in. We hope you will join us in this very important project.

Committee PinAnd of course there is a Pin for that! Volunteer service given working on the committee's projects can be used to be eligible to purchase the DAR Genealogy Preservation pin. See the Committee Pin

link for more information.

There are many opportunities to contribute to these preservation projects. Chapter Member Pat Michael had indexed the Aycock Cemetery in Leighton, Alabama. Her report was at Nationals pending approval. When it is approved, it will be available for anyone searching the DAR Archives.

DAR Good Citizens: Nancy StokesChairman Nancy Stokes submitted the following Annual Report. Alicia Merlino reported in Nancy's absents and the following Annual Report was filed.

2010-2011 School YearIn March, our Chapter winner, Arielle Bass, joined our monthly meeting to be recognized by the entire chapter and share her essay with the group.In May, Kathy Marsh and Nancy Stokes attended the Middleburg and Orange Park High School Senior awards nights to recognize our DAR Good Citizens, Arielle Bass from Orange Park and Marie Cherie Bynum from Orange Park. A picture of Arielle, receiving her award, was published in the Clay Today and Leader.

2011-2012 School YearFleming island High School was added as a third school to participate in the Good Citizens Award Program. Packages were mailed to Mark Myrick (Orange Park), Jeannie Costango (Middleburg) and Howard Cushnir (FIHS) in mid September. The Good Citizens selected by the schools were: Timothy Warner (Orange Park), Cheyenne Green (Middleburg) and Stephanie Reiter (FIHS). All three students opted to participate in the essay/scholarship portion of the program and submitted their applications and essays by December 1.

The packets for Chapter’s DAR Good Citizens were delivered to Michael and Susan Howard for judging. The Howards have judged our essays for the past three years. They are retired high school Language Arts teachers with Master’s Degrees in their field.

Timothy Warner from OP High received the highest number of points with the personal and essay portion combined.

The schools guidance counselors were notified of the results of the Chapter competition and Timothy’s package was mailed to Victoria Barnett, state chair the week of January 9, 2012.

DAR Magazine: Wendy KuczlerChairman Wendy Kuczler reported and the following Annual Report was filed.48% of the members of the Sophia Fleming Chapter have subscribed to the DAR magazine, "The American Spirit" and the "Daughters" supplement. Chapter members can subscribe online, by mail or with their dues payment.

DAR Project Patriot: Frances RoeChairman Frances Roe reported and the following Annual Report was filed.The fall and holiday seasons have been very busy and successful for this committee.

We have delivered magazines to the USO and manufacturers coupons to the VFW for distribution to deployed service members.

Our Christmas Card Signing was a successful as well as enjoyable event, and we were able to send 1750 cards. Some of those were returned because the Jacksonville Reserve Unit had already headed home. The good news in this is we have a start for the Christmas Card Signing Party in 2012.

The donations at our Christmas party accumulated 14 of the Post Office’s largest flat-rate boxes which were sent to Col. Gordon Miller’s group of Marines.

We have been able to deliver some bags of non-perishable food items to the Food Bank at NAS Jacksonville for distribution to people on the base. The project for our February meeting (when State Regent Donna Cullen will be visiting) is a special collection of non-perishable food, baby food, diapers, pet food, etc., for the pantry. I hope that we can fill the back of Sarah Sullivan’s Suburban! Sara is a veteran (so she has base access) and she has already offered her help to transport anything that needs to go to the base.

Please save those magazines, and bring them to each meeting. Also, please keep on clipping those coupons. Just remember that we CANNOT send coupons for a specific store, such as Target and Publix.

The expired coupons can be used ONLY at the Commissaries overseas. We CANNOT send them coupons for use in the Exchange. Neither can they use coupons for restaurants, like Hardee’s, Arbys, Steak N Shake, etc., which come with other coupons in the Sunday paper.Thanks for all your contributions to these Project Patriot activities. Please continue to do what you can when you can.

DAR School: Sherry MurrayChairman Sherry Murray reported and the following Annual Report was filed.In January, Wendy Kuczler, DAR Schools Chairman-Sophia Fleming Chapter, sent 300 box tops and 230 labels to the following schools: Berry College: 50 box topsCrossnore School: 40 labels/50 box topsHillside School: 100 box topsHindman School: 40 labels/50 box topsKDS School: 50 labels/ 50 box topsTamassee School: 100 labels

In December, Sherry Murray, current DAR Schools Chairman, sent400 box tops and 300 labels to: Bacone College: 50 labels Crossnore: 50 labels/100 box topsHillside: 50 labelsHindman: 50 labels/100 box topsKDDS: 50 labels/100 box topsTamassee: 50 labels/100 box tops. Also, Wendy Kuczler sent two $25 gift cards to Tamassee School. There is now $3.00 in the fund to purchase more gift cards.

Insignia: Cheryl FieldHonorary Chapter Regent and Chairman Cheryl Field reported and the following Annual Report was filed.A report was given to the membership on November 10, 2011 relating to how to wear the DAR pins, and how to dispose of the pins.

One grave marker is currently pending. If you have any questions about Insignia please ask.

Junior Membership: Julia SaldivarChairman Julia Saldivar reported and the following Annual Report was filed.The Sophia Fleming Chapter currently has four Junior members: Marissa Curry, Katie Johnson, Karin Maclellan, and Alica Merlino. Three of these Juniors were welcomed as new members this year. We have 5 prospective Junior Members whose paperwork is pending verification at National. In addition, our chapter held its first “Junior Night” for active and prospective Juniors with a second event planned for later this month. We also supported the Juniors by inviting the Junior Shoppe to sell items at one of our chapter meetings. Our chapter was represented by Julia Saldivar as a Page at State Conference 2011, Continental Congress 2011, and Fall Forum 2011. Julia currently serves as the FSSDAR Vice Chairman, Junior Sales. She also attended the Florida Page Retreat in July 2011 and is currently Recording Secretary for the Florida State Page Club.

Membership – Julia SaldivarChairman Julia Saldivar reported and the following Annual Report was filed.The Sophia Fleming Chapter welcomed 19 new members during this reporting period, well above our goal of 10 new members. We also welcomed 2 transfer members to our chapter this year. Seventy-three prospective members were invited to our Prospective Member Tea in October and multiple genealogy workshops were held to assist prospective members with research and paperwork completion. Thirteen prospective members currently have paperwork at National pending verification. New member packets are distributed when members are welcomed to the chapter and a New Member Workshop was held in August 2011.

National Defense – Lynn Jenkins/ Linda EasterwoodCo-Chairman Linda Easterwood reported and the following Annual Report was filed.An excerpt from THE NATIONAL DEFENDER, a newsletter of the NSDAR National Defense Committee, was read at each meeting.

The National Defense Committee presented a DAR medal and certificate to a deserving cadet selected by her NJROTC instructor at Clay High, Fleming Island High, Middleburg High, Orange Park High and Ridgeview High.

The National Defense Committee is in the process of implementing, for the first time, the awarding of Good Citizenship Medals to students in grades 5 through 11 (one per grade) whose membership in patriotic organization fulfills the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism. Co-Chairman Linda Easterwood is in negotiations with the Boy and Girl Scout Councils in our area.

Program: Barbara AlbrightChairman Barbara Albright reported and the following Report was filed.Barbara reported that she was looking for more hostesses for the rest of the meetings. With the growing chapter there was a need to have more hostesses for each meeting. You can see her after the meeting about signing up.

Publicity: Kathy MarshChairman Kathy Marsh submitted the following Annual Report. Cindy Addison reported in Kathy’s absence and the following Annual Report was filed.

Throughout the year, meeting notices were sent to area newspapers. Articles were printed in 2 DAR publications: the VIS Online newsletter and the Daughters Newsletter. Scholarship Press releases were sent out to area schools and area newspapers to encourage graduating seniors to apply.

In addition, the Chapter website, under the supervision of Kristen Hughes, provides an excellent format to provide up-to-date information for members. Also, a brochure and fact sheets about the Chapter are readily available for prospective members and guests.

During the last year, articles, photos, press releases and announcements have appeared in area newspapers at least 15 times. Currently, there are press releases and notices in the offices of area papers and local high schools regarding the upcoming Sophia Fleming Scholarships deadline.

It is the goal of the Public Relations and Media Chairman to present the activities and good works of the Sophia Fleming Chapter in the printed media as often as possible. It is hoped that this will result in an awareness and appreciation for what our Chapter means to the community.

Special Projects Grants: Betty BoguschChairman Betty Bogusch reported and the following Annual Report was filed.Our chapter has been asked to supply the required cover letter to accompany a national DAR grant application being submitted by the Orange Park Historical Society. Carolyn Day is our contact person in the Historical Society. The Historical Society will be asking national DAR for $5000 to help with the construction of the veterans’ memorial being constructed at Magnolia Cemetery. It is required that a state or chapter officer supply the cover letter to go with the Historical Society’s application. We do not take part in writing the grant application – only the cover letter. Our Regent, Cindy Addison, has agreed to sign the cover letter. The deadline for submission of the grant application is February 1st, 2012.

As some of you know, the veterans’ memorial is already under construction, and the Historical Society has already raised a large sum towards its completion. Our chapter has supplied a brick as our donation to that effort.

Flag of the U.S.A. Minute and Annual Report: Nancy TurnerChairman Nancy Turner reported and the following Annual Report was filed.The Flag Committee Chairman presented a flag minute at each chapter meeting.

The Flag Committee Chairman sent an e-mail to chapter members with a reminder for them to fly our National Flag every day, but especially on the following days: Veterans Day, George Washington s Birthday, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day. Included in the reminder was a brief history of how the day came to be honored.

At a local Veterans Day dedication ceremony on November 11, 2011 , the Flag Chairman, and committee member Linda Easterwood, on behalf of the chapter, presented a Braille Flag handmade by aforementioned Linda Easterwood, to Michael Taylor, a local Marine from the Vietnam war who was wounded in 1968 and lost his sight and his left leg.

Flags were presented to fifty new citizens and eight children at the Naturalization Court in Jacksonvile, Florida on November 17, 2011, by Regent Cindy Addison and Americanism Chairman Allison Hastie. Also in attendance were Lynn Jenkins and Nancy Stokes.

Nancy read "A Lesson For Americans by Mike Dalka

Volunteer Information Specialists: Kristen HughesChairman Kristen Hughes reported and the following Annual Report was filed.The public site was updated with the 2011-12 Chapter Calendar once the yearbook was completed this past summer. The Chapter Officers page was updated after the installation of the new officers. The Chapter Contact information was changed site wide once Regent Cindy Addison took office. In September the "Chapter Meetings" page was changed to reflect the new Meeting Location in Orange Park. The "Our Patriot" page is updated ongoing to reflect new members and supplementals.

In early December, the Sophia Fleming Scholarship page was updated with the 2011-2012 Instructions and Application.

The American History Essay Contest and A Flying the Flag section were both added to the Public website to this year.

The Members' Only site got the following new sections this year: Committees, Chaplain's Corner, Chapter Birthdays, In Memoriam and Chapter Photos. The Directory page is constantly updated to reflect the current membership. At the October Meeting I took individual photos of the members to have as part of our growing on-line Directory. The Chapter Calendar was also updated in the late summer when the yearbook was completed.

The Meeting Minutes section is current.

We now have a Chapter Account with Snapfish.com for photos. The instructions and link is now on the Members' Only site. The link is at the bottom of the left hand navigation. There is a camera graphic. In the interest of time I will address questions about this new area at the next meeting or you can email me before then. The instructions I posted have been used successfully by a few members already. I hope you will find it pretty easy to navigate your way through the process.

Chapter CommitteesMember Outreach: Margaret ReidChairman Margaret Reid reported and the following Annual Report was filed.The membership outreach committee is new this year. We have divided the names in the chapter among the 6 members of the membership outreach committee. We will minister to each member as needed. With each committee member having a few daughters to keep in contact with, we hope to be able to help with any situation that arises in our membership.

This fall our Regent visited Frances Fresh, a shut-in member, and presented her with her 50 year membership certificate signed by the President General, State Regent and Chapter Regent.Each member is contacted prior to each meeting. We are trying to assure that everyone has a ride and is well.Membership Outreach Committee: Jeanne Boyer, Peggy Elmore, Jackie O’Meara, Margaret Reid, Frances Roe, Judy Sweep.

Ways & Means: Betty BoguschChairman Betty Bogusch reported and the following Annual Report was filed.

The Sophia Fleming Chapter undertook two major projects during this reporting year.

Sale of 9/11 Commemorative MagnetsThe sale of our 9/11 commemorative magnets brought in $1,269.96 to our general fund to support

our chapter’s many activities. Thanks to Nancy Stokes for heading the magnet project, and thanks to all of you who worked so hard to sell our magnets. I’ve placed two of the magnets in our archives.

Christmas Social and Silent AuctionThe 2011 Christmas Social and Silent Auction was held at the home of James and Kristen Hughes. Thanks, Kristen. We raised $807 from the silent auction for our general fund. Thanks to all of you who donated items to be offered at the auction.

Future Ways and Means ProjectsGarage SaleThis is a brief reminder that we will be having a garage sale on Friday, April 13th and Saturday, April 14th at the home of Michael and Cheryl Field in Pace Island. Thank you, Cheryl. The funds from the garage sale will go into the Sophia Fleming Scholarship Fund. Please start collecting items for the sale.

Shoe Bag ProjectThe chapter board has approved our undertaking of a new project. A few months ago Carol Davis brought this idea and some samples to me. She had been to a Daughters of the Nile conference and purchased some shoe bags from a lady who had a booth there. The shoe bags are made from just two rectangles sewn together and decorated.

Thank you very much, Carol, for bringing these to us. The proceeds from shoe bag sales will go into our general fund.I’ll be calling on a few of you soon to select fabrics and sew shoe bags for sale at the George Washington’s Birthday Luncheon on February 18th. Then we will sew more shoe bags for sale at Fall Forum which is in September. We will select about five different fabrics and various trims, and will make the size you see here for ladies’ shoes and a larger size for men’s shoes.

At our February meeting I’ll let you know the amount we will charge for each shoe bag.

Yearbook: Julia SaldivarChairman Julia Saldivar reported and the following Annual Report was filed.

Yearbooks for Program Year 2011-2012 were created, printed, and distributed to chapter members beginning in September 2011. Additional labels have been distributed for each new member. Corrections and updates have been announced at chapter meetings as necessary.

Old BusinessAudit: Regent Cindy AddisonThe Regent reported that the audit was completed in December and the books are in good order.

The Statement of Activity (balance statement) from November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011 will soon be posted to the Chapter Members Website. It can be found on the Financial Committee Webpage.

Master Questionnaire: Regent Cindy Addison The Regent reported that the Executive Board and Committee Chairmen completed the draft of the Master Questionnaire at the Board meeting last Thursday. She thanked everyone who emailed her with a list of their non-DAR accomplishments. It was a huge help. Next week, she will begin inputting the Master Questionnaire into the on-line application.

New BusinessChapter Remittance Form, Chapter Achievement Form and Chapter Honor Roll Form. Regent Cindy AddisonThe Regent reported that after the Executive Board meeting, 1st Vice Regent, Barbara Albright, 2nd Vice Regent Julia Saldivar, Treasurer Wendy Kuczler met to complete the Chapter Remittance Form, the Chapter Achievement Form, and the Chapter Honor Roll Form. All forms were mailed to the State Officials on Tuesday, well ahead of their deadlines. She was pleased to report we remitted $383 to FSSDAR and we did very well in Chapter Achievement and Honor Roll. For the Chapter Achievement Form, the NSDAR goal for a Level 1 Chapter, the highest level, is 325 points. We scored 969 points. On the FSSDAR Honor Roll Form, the FSSDAR goal for a “gold” Chapter, the highest level, is 401 points. The Chapter scored 580 points. These 3 forms have been or will be posted to the Members Website on the Financial Committee Webpage if you want to check out how we accrue the points. The Regent directed the membership to give themselves a hand for doing such a great job.

Cameo Club: Chairman Barbara AlbrightChairman Barbara Albright reported that the Cameo Club was up and running. The Cameo Club was open to Mother, Daughter and Grand Daughter members. The first meeting was going to be held January 28th at 11:30 at the Eagle Harbor Clubhouse on Fleming Isle. There is no cost to members to join the Chapter's Cameo Club. It's is $5.00 to join the State's. Please RSVP to Barbara.

Credentials: Regent Cindy AddisonThe Regent announced that the next order of business was to elect delegates and alternates for the Florida State Conference to be held in Orlando, 16-18 Mar 2012. Our Chapter is entitled to 4 delegates and 10 Alternates. We will have 6 total votes as the Regent and any current State Officer, Cheryl Field, already have a vote. Please note A DELEGATE MUST HAVE BEEN A MEMBER of our Chapter at least 1 year prior to March 16, 2012 per state bylaws, Article 7 – Meetings, Section 4.c. Our Chapter is very lucky this year because the Chapter will have a 6th voter. Current State Officers receive a vote and are listed separately. The Regent asked the membership who was planning on going to State Conference and would like to be considered as a delegate. The Regent asked for nominations.

1. Margaret Reid nominated Barbara Albright. The motion was seconded by Honorary Chapter Regent Cheryl Field2. Barbara Albright nominated Julia Saldivar. The motion was seconded by Kristen Hughes3. Betty Bogusch nominated Karen Boartright. The motion was seconded by Ellen Godfrey4. Kristen Hughes nominated Wendy Kuczler. The motion was seconded by Wanda Hellman

A voice vote was taken to elect Barbara Albright as a Chapter Delegate. The aye’s have it and the motion was adopted.A voice vote was taken to elect Julia Saldivar as a Chapter Delegate. The aye’s have it and the motion was adopted.A voice vote was taken to elect Karen Boartright as a Chapter Delegate. The aye’s have it and the motion was adopted.A voice vote was taken to elect Wendy Kuczler as a Chapter Delegate. The aye’s have it and the motion was adopted.

The delegates to the State Conference will be:1. Barbara Albright2. Julia Saldivar3. Karen Boartright4. Wendy Kuczler

The Regent then asked for nominations for Alternates to the State Conference.1. Carol Davis2. Janell Kozak3. Leslie ArnoldA voice vote was taken to elect Carol Davis, Janell Kozak and Leslie Arnold as Alternates to the State Conference. The aye’s have it and the motion was adopted.

Announcements Regent Cindy Addison made the following Announcements:

• Thanks to hostesses this evening – Dee Erickson, Diane Howard, Sue Hoy and Lou Millson.

• Thanks to Greeters – Margaret Reid and Frances Roe.• The Regents Council of Northeast Florida will hold their annual George Washington

Birthday Lunchon on Saturday, February, 18, 2012 at the Timuquana Country Club. Details will be sent to you via email. The Guest Speaker will be Roland Downing, former President General of the Sons of the American Revolution.

• The FSSDAR State Conference will be held March 15-18, 2012. The FSSDAR is requesting everyone reserve your room at the Hilton Orlando Resort as soon as possible because of Spring Break. They expect to have difficulty getting additional rooms. The information is on the FSSDAR website.

• The next Chapter Meeting will be February 9, 2012. Florida State Society Regent, Donna Cullen, will be our guest speaker. Members and Prospective Members are encouraged to

attend this meeting. An email will be sent to address the correct protocol when in the Presence of the Florida State Society Regent.

• Ellen Godfrey addressed the membership and gave the correct pronunciation of Camp Chowenwaw. It means "little sister".

The Regent adjourned the meeting at 9:07 PM