The Gold Country Chapter

Sons of the American Revolution

Minutes of the 17 May 2009 Meeting

At Auburn Placer Library

By Compatriot Michael G. Lucas

President Griswold called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM. Wayne Griswold led the Pledge of Allegiance. Smith Virgil led the SAR Pledge. Earl Young provided the invocation.

Attendance: Eleven members and forty nine guests attended the meeting.

Guests Recognized: President Griswold recognized Auburn Mayor Mike Holmes, members of the DAR, and the award recipients along with their families and friends.

General Business: President Griswold presented a brief summary of the organization and its purpose. He asked for a motion approving the April meeting minutes as published in the chapter newsletter. Keith Bigbee made the motion, seconded by Earl Young, and passed by the membership. President Griswold discussed the upcoming election and color guard events. He announced an Executive Board Committee meeting on June2nd at Denny’s Restaurant in Auburn. He also reminded the membership of the June meeting at 10:00 AM at the LDS Church in Nevada City followed by a BBQ for over 400 Cub Scouts and their leaders. President Griswold asked for a motion to suspend all chapter business until the next meeting. Smith Virgil made the motion, seconded by Keith Bigbee, and passed by the membership.

Awards Program:

National Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest: State Poster Chairman David Gilliard explained the contest was open to all 5th grade students and this year’s chapter winners were picked from 383 poster entries from 24 different classrooms throughout Placer County. David awarded the following winners with their certificates and cash awards: 1st place Chapter & 2nd place State Society certificates with checks totaling $200.00 to Amy Bradshaw of Weimar Hills Elementary School. 2nd place Chapter & 1st place State Society certificates with checks totaling $200.00 to Hailey LeBar of Loomis Grammar School.

Eagle Scout Scholarship: The Eagle Scout Scholarship is open to all Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and have not reached their 19th birthday during the contest year. This year’s Chapter winner was Michael Miller of Meadow Vista. Eagle Scout Chairman Dale Ross awarded Michael the SAR Eagle Scout Medal and a check for $150.00.

Knight Essay Contest: The Knight Essay Contest is designed to give students an opportunity to explore the influence of the Revolutionary War on present day America. It is open to all high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors and provides them opportunities to win scholarships at the chapter, state, and national level. Earl Young announced this year’s winner as Michael Miller of Meadow Vista. Knight Essay Chairman Earl Young presented Michael with medal and certificate and a check for $150.00.

Valley Forge Teacher Award: The Gold Country Chapter strives to identify, recognize, and commend the Outstanding Teachers in our communities. Extraordinary educators at private, public, and parochial institutions who teach our children in the middle or high school setting, will be recognized for actively addressing the history of the American Revolutionary era. Contestants who are selected at the chapter level win a cash prize of $100 and become eligible at the state level to win a Freedoms Foundation Summer Teacher Graduate Workshop at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Juli Longtin of Weimar was this year’s winner of both chapter and state awards.

Bronze Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate: The Bronze Good Citizenship Medal was authorized in 1895 and recognizes persons whose achievements are noteworthy in their school, community or state. This medal, the ROTC Medals and the Medal for Heroism are the only SAR medals awarded to both adults and/or minors. This year’s Medals and Certificates were awarded to three individuals: Krysti Johnson of Colfax, Tina England of Applegate, and Mark Gentry of Meadow Vista. Krysti Johnson organized an entire effort to serve Easter dinner for 70 home-bound seniors. She was involved in the identification of the recipients, the meal planning, transportation, and preparation. Tina England served in meeting the needs of numerous homeless women and their children at Acres of Hope, a faith based support organization in Applegate. Tina provided a balanced approach in meeting needs - spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Mark Gentry donated his time and ability to remodel a bathroom at no cost for Jamie Wadell, who was left a quadriplegic as a result of an accident. Jamie’s father was unable to work because of an injury and Jamie’s mother had to quit her job to care for her daughter.

Law Enforcement Commendation Medal: The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal is not limited to peace officers and can be awarded to attorneys, judges, prosecutors or legislators who have performed an exceptional act or service beyond that normally expected. Officer Scott Alford of the Auburn Police Department was this year’s winner. Officer Alford’s efforts helped unite regional DUI enforcements activities, resulting in 2,341 DUI arrests countywide.

Heroism Medal and Certificate: The Medal for heroism recognizes outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent danger, acts which involve great personal courage and risk to the recipient. It is intended primarily for acts by civilians, but does not exclude police, firemen or SAR members. Louis Zirelli of Auburn was this year’s recipient. At great risk to himself, he rescued a drowning victim from a swollen canal.

Closing: In recognition of Armed Forces Day, President Griswold recognized those who have served or have family members who are serving in war time. President Griswold read the following quotation:

“It is the Soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the Soldier, not the organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the Soldier who salutes the Flag, who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”

The recessional was led by Bill A. Welch followed by a Benediction given by Earl Young. Guests were invited to have refreshments provided by the Gold Country Ladies Auxiliary. The meeting adjourned at 3:15 P.M.