The Gold Country Chapter

Sons of the American Revolution

Minutes of the 16 January 2010 Meeting

At Lou LaBonte’s Restaurant, Auburn

 

By Compatriot Ed Beyer

 

President Keith L. Bigbee called the meeting to order at 9:30 A.M.  Chaplain Ron Williams gave the Invocation.  Compatriot David Gilliard led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Compatriot Barry Hopkins led the SAR Pledge.

 

Attendance:  There were twelve members and two guests in attendance.  President Bigbee recognized the DAR members, Coreena Ross of the Captain John Oldham Chapter and Winona Virgil of the Emigrant Trail Chapter.

 

General Business:  President Bigbee asked for a motion to approve the December 2009 meeting minutes as published in the newsletter.  A motion was made, seconded, and passed.

 

The following officers who were not present at the December meeting were sworn in by President Bigbee:

 

Position

Officer

First Vice President

Mike Holmes

Historian

Barry Hopkins

Chaplain

Ron Williams

 

Presentations:  Barry Hopkins was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation for his participation in 24 presentations in eleven schools, reaching more than 800 students for the Americanism Poster contest program.  He was also presented the Meritorious Service Medal and Certificate for his many contributions to the chapter.

 

Reports: 

CASSAR:  Immediate Past President Wayne Griswold reported that on January 15th the California Society created a new Facebook group open to all California SAR members.  He stated the new group was very similar to one created by Compatriots Dave Gilliard and Gregory Hill last year specifically for the Gold Country Chapter.  The CASSAR group, however, is moderated and intended to facilitate communication among California’s 1500+ SAR members on matters of mutual interest and concern.  Interested members should visit www.facebook.com and create a free Facebook account if they don’t already have one.  The member should then log into that account and search for California Society Sons of the American Revolution and click “join.”  The group’s administrator will verify CASSAR membership; after verification, the member will be able to participate immediately.

 

Registrar:  Smith Virgil reported the submission of membership applications for Edward Moore Gaines and Edward Scott Gaines, the 7th and 8th generation descendents of William Lee.

 

Americanism Poster Contest:  Dave Gilliard reported that three schools had been visited and 200 students were present.  The poster theme this year is “The Battle of Bunker Hill.”

 

JROTC:  Mike Holmes reported on future award ceremonies at Rocklin and South Lake Tahoe High Schools.  The Rocklin High School ceremony is scheduled for January 30th, 6:00 P.M. at the Sunset Community Center, 2650 Sunset Blvd., Rocklin.

 

Eagle Scout:  Dale Ross gave an update on the upcoming 2010 Scout Expo at Beale Air Force Base, April 30th to May 2nd.  There will be activities for all levels of scouting.

 

Knight Essay:  Acting Knight Essay Chairman Wayne Griswold reported the chapter received two contest entries in the 2009-10 Knight Essay contest.  He stated the winning chapter contestant was Paige Gilliard, daughter of Dave and Maryanne Gilliard.  Paige’s essay will now advance to the state competition where it becomes eligible to win a $1,500 US Savings Bond.  If Ms. Gilliard’s essay wins at the state level it will advance to national competition where it could win the $3,000 grand prize.

 

Unfinished Business:  President Bigbee expressed the need for an Executive Committee meeting for budget planning.  He will establish the date and notify committee members.

 

Closing:  There was a moment of silence in remembrance of passed chapter compatriots.  Ron Williams gave the Benediction and Barry Hopkins led the SAR Recessional.  The USO Donation Helmet was passed for contributions and a total of $59.00 was collected.  The meeting adjourned at 10:45 A.M.