The Lake-Sumter Gazette

Transcription

1 LAKE - SUMTER CHAPTER of the The Lake-Sumter Gazette Editor: Robert L. Beightol January 2018 SPECIAL NOTICE FLSSAR announces our Winner, their Winner!! On January 17, 2018, FLSSAR announced their winner of the state level and second phase of NSSAR s Dr. Tom and Betty Lawrence American History Award. The winner of both the local Chapter and State phases is Mr. Robert Burke, seen in the photo to the left. Again, congratulations to Mr. Burke. Mr. Burke s winning essay can be read beginning on Page 21 of this Newsletter.

2 Lake-Sumter Gazette Chapter Officers Committee Chairs President: Gerald C Hardwich 1 st VP: Allan Lane 2 nd VP: George W Chaffee Secretary: Edward J Riley Treasurer: Ronald L Grove Historian: Richard K Offutt Registrar: John H Moore Sergeant at Arms: Basil Linville, Jr Member at Large: Robert L Beightol Member at Large: Basil Linville Genealogist: Tom Wilcox Public Service: Flag: Good citizen: Veteran Recognition: SAR Service: SAR Tenure: Audit: Awards: Color Guard: Americanism Poster: DAR Liaison: Education: Eagle Scouts: JROTC: Oration: Meeting Donations: Membership: Editor: Nominating: Program: Publicity: Quartermaster: Veteran s Programs: Website Manager: Allan Lane Glen Langston Ralph Nelson Jim Carl Ralph Nelson Ed Riley Allan Lane Allan Lane Glenn Langston Ron Grove Robert Moody Ron Grove Bill Hayes Bill Hayes Ron Grove B.J. Linville John Moore Bob Beightol Ralph Nelson Allan Lane Bob Beightol Basil Linville, Jr George Chaffee Scott Bushnell Table of Contents Officer, Committee 2 Wreaths Across 16 Chairs America President s Msg 3-5 Donation Flag 17 Calendar of Events 6 Next Meeting 17 Obit Fred Harrison 7 This and That Attendance Roster 8 Gazette Info 19 Officer/ Committee Box-Tops for Education 20 Reports Presentation 13 Essay Hist Teacher Awards Essay Student Rumbaugh Oration P age

3 Lake-Sumter Gazette President s Message Jerry Hardwich President Lake-Sumter Chapter Sons of the American Revolution As we move further into the depths of January, let us take note of what our patriot ancestors were experiencing over the past month. While we had finished our celebration of Thanksgiving, and prepared for another celebration, our patriots were preparing for some of the most critical encounters with our foe. The Fall months of foliage beauty had faded to the beginning of the dismal times of frigid cold and snow. The harvest of plenty had long been brought in to the barns and sheds for the ensuing cold and dismal Winter months. Protest and conflict continued to loom more than ever before as the development of the theory of our foundation of independence was taking place. Some of the events that are historical and of consequence included: The Boston Tea Party takes place on December 16, 1773 when a group of angry patriots dump the tea from three ships into Boston Harbor to protest Parliament's tax on tea. In 1767, the Townshend Acts placed a tax on tea and other items for the first time, leading to boycotts of English goods in the colonies. The Townshend Acts were finally repealed in 1770, except for the tea tax, which Parliament left in place to assert that it did indeed have the right to tax the colonists. On this day in history, December 21, 1776, the Skirmish at Petticoat Bridge draws away support from Trenton, opening the way for George Washington to capture the Hessian brigade there on the 26th. Sir William Howe's army had been brought to a standstill after driving the Continental Army across New Jersey because Washington had commandeered every single boat along the Delaware River, preventing him from crossing and following them into Pennsylvania. December 25, 1776, George Washington crosses the Delaware River on Christmas Day with the Continental Army on their way to attack the Hessians at Trenton, New 3 P age

4 Jersey. The attack had been planned in secret and was a Hail Mary pass from Washington to save the failing American Revolution. After invading New York in August, Washington's army had been driven out of the colony and across New Jersey late in the year. British forces quickly conquered Rhode Island and set their sights on wiping out Washington's remaining forces and conquering Philadelphia, the home of the rebel Congress. Freedom was being aggressively pursued, and the winds of change were underway. We continue to make strides, and move the chapter forward. We as a chapter, and as individuals keep active in a number of important activities: - Glenn Langston led us at our Tavares Christmas Parade. We had a wonderful time ushering in the holidays, and greeting the public. - The chapter participated in the Wreaths Across America festivities at Shiloh Cemetery, and at Lone Oak Cemetery. - We participated in flag rolling at Lone Oak Cemetery concluding the patriotic display of flags from earlier celebrations. - Ron Grove is leading the Americanism Award effort. Thanks to all on the Executive Committee for updating the list of activities. The January meeting attendance was 35, including 21 members and 14 guests. - A series of new member classes has increased our membership to 93 at year end, with a number of prospective members applications in development. All of our members that have participated in referring friends and family need to be congratulated. Keep sending John Moore the names of any additional family, friends, and acquaintances that may qualify for membership. Special thanks need to go to John Moore for his perseverance in getting new members on board. - While the above is good news, we must reflect on the loss of several members. Unfortunately, most of these Compatriots came in for less than a year. Although we welcomed them with open arms when they were inducted, in reality, maybe all they wanted was to complete their lineage, and get their certificate. It is a disappointment to me to see them leave without getting the full benefits of membership. For February, our chapter will be participating in the GeorgeFest parade on February 24 in Eustis, FL. 4 P age

5 For the first time, the Lake-Sumter chapter is participating in the Knight Essay contest where a winner has been determined and will move on to the Florida State SAR competition. Also, as a first is the chapter s participation in the Lawrence American History Teacher competition. Compatriot Grove has developed a new Americanism Poster Contest. The committee has been working to secure participation of several local schools. We have an opportunity to participate in the Rumbaugh Historical Oration contest. Several individuals are working towards participation, and we have chapter members who have volunteered to work on this project. It appears that these contestants will also qualify for the Knight Essay contest. Compatriot Hayes is leading the Boy Scouts of America, and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps recognition programs. In closing, please give thought to what our Patriot ancestors were challenged with, protesting the implementation of taxes without any representation from the colonies. God bless our patriot relatives for what they did to persevere and save our country. All the best to each and every member. Good health, prosperity, and happiness to you and your family. Jerry Hardwich, President Lake-Sumter Chapter Sons of the American Revolution 5 P age

6 Calendar of Events January th - Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., American Legion, Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL 6 th - Member Meeting, 11:00 a.m., American Lgn, Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL 13 th - Rumbaugh Oration Contest, 10:30 a.m.; Montverde Academy, Montverde, FL February rd - FLSSAR Board of Management, Embassy Suites Hotel, Kissimmee, FL. Details To Be Announced (TBA). 10 th - Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., American Legion, Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL 10 th - Membership Meeting, 11:00 a.m., American Legion, Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 24 th - GeorgeFest Parade, February 24, Eustis, FL ace and gathering point TBA. March rd - Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., American Legion, Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 3 rd - Member Meeting, 11:00 a.m., American Lgn, Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 10 th - Liberty Tree Dedication, March 10 th, The Villages Chapter. 10 th - Last Naval Battle of Revolutionary War, Merritt Island, FL April th - Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 7 th - Member Meeting, 11:00 a.m., American Legion, Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 7 th - Election of Chapter Officers. 7 th Anniversary, Battle of Thomas Creek, Jacksonville, FL May th - Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 5 th - Member Meeting, 11:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 5th - Induction of Chapter Officer s. FLSSAR Spring Board of Management (BOM), Embassy Suites, Lake Buena Vista South. Details TBA. June nd - Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 2 nd - Member Meeting, 11:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 2 nd - Chapter President announces Appointed Officers and Committee Chairmen. July 2018 Summer Hiatus No Meetings 4 th - 4 th of July Parade Tavares, FL (Position and Gathering Point to be announced). August 2018 Summer Hiatus No Meetings September 2018 Summer Hiatus No Meetings. 23 rd - DAR Bell Ringing, Constitution Week, 4:00 p.m. September 18, Eustis Historical Society, Eustis, FL. October th - Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 6 th - Member Meeting, 11:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. November rd - Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 3 rd - Member Meeting, 11:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. December rd - Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., American Legion Post 219, Fruitland Park, FL. 3 rd - Member Meeting, 11:00 a.m., Fruitland Park, FL. 6 P age

7 Lake-Sumter Gazette Fred Allen Harrison (Nov 5, 1924 Dec 28, 2017) Compatriot Fred Allen Harrison passed away on December 28, Compatriot Harrison was inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution on July 13, 1993 and at the time of his death was one of the four World War II veterans on our rolls. Thanks to the efforts of Compatriot Allan Lane, we have a record of Compatriot Harrison s military service which was published in the November 2017 issue of the Lake-Sumter Gazette. If you haven t read it yet, take the time, it s worth it to learn more about one of our own. Please join us in extending our condolences to his family of three sons, one daughter, eleven grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. Following is the obituary of Compatriot Harrison, obtained from the Tribute Page dedicated to him on the web site of the Steverson, Hamlin and Hilbush Funeral Home, Tavares, FL. Fred Allen Harrison, 93, of Tavares, FL went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 28, Fred was born on November 05, 1924 in Royal Oak Charter Town Ship, MI to the late Russel and Kathleen Harrison. He was a proud United States Veteran who served our grateful nation from 1941 to He was a former police officer and fireman of Clawson, MI. He later retired as an industrial plumber in Detroit, MI and was then called into ministry in During his ministry Fred traveled throughout Ontario Canada in Evangelism. He Pastored three churches in Rosland, Ontario, Marlette, MI and Founded Bethany Baptist Church in Clawson, MI in His faithfulness with his wife Lawna Harrison in ministry. His passion was in winning souls to Jesus Christ. His boldness in his message and preaching continued into assisted living while in his retirement home of Tavares, FL. He was predeceased by his loving bride of 67 years: Lawna Scott Harrison In November of He is survived by his Sons: Bruce (Kim) Harrison, of Allen Park, MI, Brian (Diana) Harrison, of Kentwood, MI and Russel (Rachel) Harrison, of Flushing, MI; Daughter: Carlene (Wayne) Marcum, of Astatula, FL; Eleven Grandchildren and 30 Great-Grandchildren. Fred was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend who will be deeply missed by many. A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, January 04, 2018 at 12:00PM at New Life Baptist Church, of Leesburg, FL. 7

8 Lake-Sumter Gazette Member Meeting January 6, 2018 Attendance Roster Members Guests 1 Barnes, Robert 1 Toops, Ron - The Villages 2 Baxter, Richard 2 Angelos, Jim Prospective Member 3 Beightol, Robert 3 Mina, Sue 4 Burns, Frank 4 Barnes, Jerry 5 Bushnell, Scott 5 Tutewiler, Allen 6 Carl, Jim 6 Bass, Robert T SAR - Arkansas 7 Chaffee, George 7 Barcus, Nancy 8 Grove, Ronald 8 Grove, Martha 9 Hampton, Don 9 Parker, Kelly 10 Hardwich, Gerald 10 Parker, Allison Essay Winner 11 Hayes, Bill 11 Kramer, Marc 12 Lane, Hubert 12 Garner, Jay - Presenter 13 Langston, Glenn 13 Voorhees, Marie 14 Moody, Robert H. 14 Foster, Daryle E SAR, Corning, NY 15 Mosher, Ken 16 Nelson, Ralph 17 Owen, James 18 Owen, Reed Owen 19 Rich, Lewis 20 Riley, Edward 21 Voorhees, Donald If your name is not on the list, then YOU did not sign in!! 8

9 Member Meeting Beightol led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and the SAR Pledge, respectively. A total of 35 members and guests were in attendance. Chapter President Jerry Hardwich Chapter Secretary Ed Riley. At 11:00 a.m., President Jerry Hardwich, assisted by Secretary Ed Riley, called the meeting to order. The Color Guard, consisting of Color Guard Commander Glen Langston and Compatriots George Chaffee, Scott Bushnell, Ralph D. Nelson Jr, and Ken Mosher, posted the colors. Chaplain Nelson provided the invocation; and Compatriots Ron Grove and Bob The following guests were introduced and welcomed by the members: Compatriot Ron Toops, The Villages SAR Chapter; Jim Angelos, Prospective member; Sue Mina; Compatriot Jerry Barnes, Captain James Neil SAR Chapter, Parkersburg, WV; Allan Tutewiler; Robert T. Bass, Desoto Trace, SAR Chapter, Hot Springs, AR; Nancy Barcus, Flag Certificate awardee; Martha Grove (wife of Compatriot Ron Grove); Allison Parker, Americanism Poster contest winner; Kelly Parker, Mother of Allison; Marc Kramer; LTG Jay Garner, US Army (Retired), Presenter; Marie Voohrees (wife of Compatriot Don Voorhees); and Compatriot Daryle E. Foster and Mrs. Foster, Newtown Battle SAR Chapter, Elmira, NY. From left to right, Our Color Guard: George Chaffee, Glenn Langston, Scott Bushnell, Ralph D. Nelson Jr and Ken Mosher. 9

10 Officer/ Committee Reports Chaplain s Report: Chaplain Ralph D. Nelson, Jr, announced the death of Compatriot Fred A. Harrison following his unsuccessful bout with cancer. Information received from Compatriot Chuck White revealed that his cancer has returned, and he has opted not to seek additional treatment. Please remember Compatriot White and his family, plus the family of Compatriot Harrison, in your prayers. Chaplain Nelson also reported on the following Chapter members who were unable to attend this month s meeting: Glenn Bowron, is doing well following his heart surgery and hopes to be in attendance again next month; Matthew Hardwich in Texas, is doing well as his cancer is in remission; Our condolences to Compatriot Basil Linville who is in Ohio following the death of his sister; Compatriot Ted Stratton is absent as his wife has been admitted to Waterman hospital; and Compatriot Richard Offutt is absent as he tends to his wife who was recently released from the hospital. In conclusion, Chaplain Nelson advised that his grandson Daniel, who resides in the state of Washington, is recovering from his surgery and is back attending classes. Daniel is a High School senior and an Eagle Scout candidate. Education Committee: Compatriot Ron Grove, Chairman of the Education Committee, provided the following status for the individual competitions: George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest: Ms. Allison Parker, winner of the Chapter Essay contest, was present and she would be receiving her award at the meeting. A copy of her winning essay is at the end of this newsletter on Pages 23 and 24. Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest: The competition will be held on January 13 th and that a contingent of Compatriots from both the Lake-Sumter and The Villages Chapters will be travelling to Montverde Academy to judge the final three contestants. Results of the judging can be seen at the Chapter Activities section of this newsletter. Americanism Elementary School Poster Contest: The Poster contest continues, and the membership will have the opportunity to select the Chapter winner at a meeting in the not too distant future. Dr. Tom and Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award: Mr. Robert Burke, Montverde Academy, 10

11 Montverde, FL, has been selected as the Lake-Sumter Chapter winner of the History Teacher Award. Information on Mr. Burke, as well as his winning essay will be forwarded to FLSSAR for the state level step in the competition. A copy of Mr. Burke s winning essay is at the end of this newsletter on Pages 21 and 22. DAR Box-tops for Education: Compatriot Robert H. Moody reported that the DAR Box tops for Education is still alive and well; however, Campbell Soups has ended their participation. As a result, their labels no longer need be collected. Compatriot Moody passed the collected box tops to DAR Myra Bushnell via her husband, Compatriot Scott Bushnell. An updated list of all acceptable Box-tops can be found on Page 20 of this newsletter. Eagle Scout, JROTC Committee: Compatriot Bill Hayes reported that his committee will be recognizing at least 17 new eagle scouts with one additional Eagle Scout candidate pending. In addition, awards of the JROTC medal ate schedules to be made at six schools within our area of responsibility and one citizenship award to a member of the Sea Cadets. GeorgeFest Parade/ Color Guard: Color Guard Commander Glenn E. Langston received the invitation for the Chapter to appear in the 2018 GeorgeFest Parade in Eustis, FL. For the 116 th year, the city of Eustis celebrates the birthday of our first president making this the longest running celebration of George Washington s birthday in Florida and the 2 nd longest in the United States. Our position number is unknown yet; however, the parade will begin at 10:00 a.m., Feb 24, Members wishing to ride should gather at Langston Golf Cart Center, 220 S Bay St, Eustis, FL, by 9:30 a.m. Clear your calendar and make an appearance in the 30 th year our Chapter has participated since our inception and join Glenn in his 64 th appearance in the parade. Langston will again make a golf cart available for those who wish to ride with plenty of room for those wishing to walk. Uniforms are encouraged but not required, candy can be given 11

12 to children in the crowd but not thrown. Let s make this our best appearance ever! Newsletter/ Publicity/ Photography: watch for SAR articles and bring them to the next meeting and we will ensure they get counted in our next annual Americanism Report. Publicity: At the member meeting, the Editor of the stated he had nothing to report. What I should have said was Thanks to all those who brought in copies of the SAR newspaper articles found in local newspapers. Our primary contributor has been Compatriot Robert H Moody (many thanks Bob); however, during our last meeting I received so many copies of articles I lost track of those that brought them to me. The importance of the articles is that the Chapter receives points for each article published in a local newspaper in the Americanism Report. Thus far, we have had SAR articles published in the Daily Commercial, Triangle News, The Villages Daily Sun, and the Sumter Shopper, of which we are aware, and there could be others of which we are unaware as we submit draft news releases to a total of twelve newspapers within our area. We receive points for each article published even if it is published in more than one newspaper, but must have a copy of the article for verification. So, as you read your local newspapers, no matter how obscure, Photography: As you may have noticed, the Editor of the Lake-Sumter Gazette likes to use photographs in the newsletter. Many times, I am forced to extract a photo of an individual from a group photo which is not always the best photograph to post. But, we use what we have! If you ever see a photograph of yourself in the newsletter, which you don t like, let me know. We can then arrange, at a monthly meeting, to take a portrait type photograph (remember amateur and not professional) to use in the newsletter. An added benefit is that the photograph can be used on your member page, right next to your biography, just as soon as you write it. Remind Me: Many times, during the meeting, which is a busy time for me, members ask me for things, i.e., copies of photos, articles, additional information on something, and I normally write myself a note reminding myself to complete the task. One of the three following things then happens: (1) I find the note, can read the note and comply with the request; (2) I find the note, can t read the note and therefore can t comply; or (3) Can t find the note and can t comply. If you make a request of me and I don t comply within a reasonable amount of time, please send me an repeating the request. Not only do I not mind the reminder, I encourage it! Most of all, don t stop talking to me or asking me for things at meetings. Remember, the odds that I will write myself a note, be able to find and read the note and will therefore comply with your request increases if you start at the meeting. Thanks. 12 Presentation U.S. Security Threats At the January 2018 meeting of the Lake-Sumter SAR Chapter, Lieutenant General Jay Garner, US Army (Retired), provided those in attendance his insight on current world security threats to the United States, addressing in particular Russia, China, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and the middle east to include Hezbollah. LTG Garner also made the following predictions: Future wars will occur in urban

13 areas, will be fought by drones and will be subterranean ; the middle east problem will eventually be settled via a kinetic solution (active warfare); the nuclear situation will become more chaotic as third world countries obtain nuclear weapons; and China will continue its attempt at expansion. LTG Garner also expressed several opinions of note: the US will continue to ignore history and their own mistakes; and the US cannot win in Afghanistan, and we should withdraw. LTG Garner s presentation was both informative and thought provoking. If in reading this article it raises more questions than it answers, you should have been there yourself. LTG Jay Garner, US Army (Ret) during his presentation. LTG Garner received Certificate of Appreciation from 1 st VP Allan Lane. AWARDS Flag Certificate: Compatriot Ron Grove presents Mrs. Nancy Barcus an SAR Flag Certificate for her donation of her deceased husband s U.S. Veteran Flag to the community of Lakeside Terrace, Fruitland Park, FL. The donation provided a flag for the community which will be flown in a common area in accordance with current U.S. Code guidance. Ms. Barcus as she donates the flag to her community. Compatriot Ron Grove as he presents Ms. Nancy Barcus with the Flag Certificate for her actions. Flag as it flies at the Lakeside Terrace Community. 13

14 Veteran Recognition: Military Service Award: Veteran Recognition Committee Chairman Jim Carl and Chapter President Jerry Hardwich present Compatriot Lewis Rich with the SAR Medal and Certificate in honor of his service in the US Air Force, from September 10, 1960 to September 9, Thank you for your service Compatriot Rich. From left to right: President Jerry Hardwich, Committee Chair Jim Carl and Compatriot Lewis Rich. FLSSAR Veteran s Battalion: Chapter President Harwich and VRC Chairman Carl, presented Compatriots Orin R. Owen and Louis L. Rich with Certificates announcing their induction into the FLSSAR Veteran s Battalion. Congratulations Compatriots Owen and Rich and again, thank you for your service. Membership Awards: 10-Year Membership: Compatriot Don Vorhees is awarded the 10-year membership Certificate by Chapter President Jerry Hardwich. In addition to being a ten-year member of the SAR, Compatriot Voorhees is one of three active members of the Chapter who is also a World War II veteran. Thank you to the contribution to our Chapter and your service. 14

15 5-Year Membership: The two young grandsons of Past President Ralph D. Nelson Jr, have been members of the Lake-Sumter SAR Chapter; however, are residents of the State of Washington and have never visited their grandfather at a time when they could attend a meeting. As a result, the decision was made to award them with their 5-Year Certificates in abstentia. The certificates were presented by President Hardwich and accepted on their behalf by their grandfather, Compatriot Nelson. Chapter Activities Rumbaugh Oration Contest, Montverde Academy: On Saturday, January 13, 2018, a contingent of SAR Compatriots travelled to Montverde Academy, Montverde, FL, to conduct the final competition for the Lake-Sumter Chapter Joseph S. Rumbaugh Oration Contest. The participants in the competition are depicted below and identified left to right: History teacher and student Mentor, Robert Burke; Moderator Ron Toops (The Villages SAR Chapter); Ralph D. Nelson Jr, Competion Advisor; Sophomore Matthew Karen; Lake-Sumter Education Committee Chairman Ron Grove; Senior Brady Estrada; Lake-Sumter George Chaffee (Judge); Junior Yanni (Varina) Zhang; Lake-Sumter President Jerry Hardwich (Observer); Lake- Sumter Scott Bushnell (Judge); Lake-Sumter Allan Lane (Judge); and Lake-Sumter Robert L. Beightol (Timer). Below left is Second Place winner Matthew Karen whose oration was based on the topic of Women in the Revolution. Matthew is from New Jersey and describes himself as coming from a family of immigrants who has always had an interest in History. In the center is Senior Brady Estrada, our third-place winner, who will be attending Arizona State in the fall on an athletic scholarship as a swimmer. Brady s topic was Propaganda in the Revolution. 15

16 On the right is Montverde Junior, Janni (Varina) Zhang, our First Place Winner. Varina is a native of China, having come to the United States four years ago. The topic of Varina s winning Oration was Food in the Revolution. Wreaths Across America: At 12:00 p.m., December 16, 2017, a uniformed contingent of the Lake-Sumter SAR Chapter participated in the Wreaths Across American ceremony at Shiloh Cemetery, Fruitland Park, FL. The event was sponsored by American Legion Post 219, also of Fruitland Park, and through the efforts of the SAR and other organizations, such as The Villages John Bertran Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, every veteran s grave at Shiloh Cemetery received a holiday remembrance wreath. SAR Members, Left to Right: Ralph D. Nelson Jr; Robert Baxter; George Chaffee; and Jim Carl. Left to Right: Ralph D. Nelson, Jr, Jim Carl, Robert Baxter, Sherri Hudson, Natalie Heydet, Diane Clemmons, George Chaffee and Suzanne Furr as they placed wreaths on the graves of the parents of Lake- Sumter Chapter member, Robert H. Moody. 16

17 Donation: Prospective Member Jim Angelos donated a Betsy Ross Flag to the Chapter. Sadly, your editor was not on the ball and therefore did not obtain a photograph of Mr. Angelos to give him proper thanks in the newsletter. Hope to correct that error at the next meeting. Many thanks for your contribution Mr. Angelos, and looking forward to greeting you as a member in the near future. By the way, you carrying the Betsy Ross Flag would be an appropriate addition to our GeorgeFest Parade contingent on February 24 th. Hope to see you there. Next Meeting THE BRITISH ARE COMING, THE BRITISH ARE COMING! 1st Vice President Allan Lane reports that Sir Douglas (Doug Hughes) will speak at our February meeting on the American Revolution from the British point of view. His presentation is described as lively with many fresh facts and Sir Douglas enjoys answering questions about the British alternative view of the Revolution. Come one, come all and bring your friends to what promises to be an informative and entertaining presentation. Date: February 10, 2018 Time: 11:00 AM - General Membership Meeting 10:00 AM - Executive Committee Meeting. Members are encouraged to attend. Place: John Gela Memorial American Legion Post 219, 194 West Fountain Street, Fruitland Park, FL Lunch: The Post will be serving their BBQ sandwiches or plates with pork & chicken, baked beans, slaw, and a roll. Coffee $1 with free refills and deserts for $1.00. Canned soda is available in the meeting room. This and That Chapter Web Site: 17 /lakesumtersar.org Personal Information Update: Updating member information such as address, , or phone number is the responsibility of the member. If you are registered on the state/ chapter website (which uses the same data base) and/ or the National website (a different data base) you can update your own

18 information. If you aren t registered on either, or need help completing the update, contact or send the information to our Chapter Secretary Edward Riley, at apej2313@yahoo.com. He can then update the appropriate data base. Recruitment: Our individual primary effort should be in the direction of new member recruitment. Remember, male children, siblings and grandchildren are all eligible for the SAR. Should you have candidates, please connect with Registrar John Moore at jmoore417@gmail.com or via phone at Betsy Ross Flag: To the right is a depiction of the Betsy Ross Flag similar to the flag donated by prospective member Jim Angelos. In the opinion of most Vexillologists (Persons who study flags) and contrary to most stories, Philadelphia seamstress Elizabeth Griscom Ross did not design or sew the flag. The original story, which identifies Betsy Ross as sewing the flag at the request of George Washington, was reported by her grandson in 1870, 94 years after the event supposedly took place. No evidence has been found which supports the story; however. there is evidence supporting the fact that Betsy Ross was a seamstress who sewed colors for Pennsylvania ships. For additional information on the flag and Betsy Ross, conduct an internet search or go to Oldest George Washington Birthday Celebration: As we have been reporting for several years, the Eustis GeorgeFest is the second oldest annual celebration of George Washington s birthday. Have you ever wondered what is the oldest? On January 18, 2018, Laredo, TX will initiate their 121 st month long celebration of George Washington s Birthday. For more information visit FLSSAR Patriot Magazine: The latest edition released. An update on the Lake-Sumter Chapter has been printed in the edition; however, it is printed in a section entitled Late News as your editor failed to submit the article on time. Many thanks to outgoing editor Steve Williams who added our news after I missed the deadline. Box Tops for Education Digital Product List: Prefer a Digital List? Use the following link NSSAR Colorguard Magazine: Volume 6, Issue , edition of the NSSAR Colorguard Magazine has been released. Check out the From the Field section, for the state of Florida and find two photos of our color guard on Page 13. The first from the December 2, 2017 member meeting and the second from the December 16, 2017, Wreaths Across America ceremony. Control Click on the following link and it should take you to the magazine. 18

19 Lake-Sumter Gazette Contact Information Robert L Beightol bogi0104@bellsouth.net Phone: Compatriots, please submit all news items and photos you believe of interest to the membership, via , with a name and telephone number for a point of contact. Remember, if you think it is interesting, chances are your fellow members will too! 19

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21 Editor s Note: The following is an accurate representation of the essay submitted by Robert Burke, for the American History Teacher Award; however, the formatting has been changed to allow it to be more easily fitted into the Newsletter. Sons of the American Revolution Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award Mr. Robert Burke Montverde Academy Fall 2017 Teaching the American Revolution with Purpose and Passion Conventional wisdom suggests to never "put all your eggs in one basket" because of the inherent risks behind not providing room for diversification and flexibility. As a point of pride, I consider myself to be unconventional. While attending college at the University of Central Florida, to become a history teacher, I made a choice to focus on United States History and Government. My goal was to be a teacher focused on telling the blessed story of our great American heritage. I decided the best way to achieve that goal, was to focus my academic efforts on mastering my curriculum. I majored in Political Science with a focus in U.S. politics and policy, with a minor in History. All of my history courses were focused on United States History. I then went on to earn my MA in Political Science with a focus in U.S. politics and policy, much of this dedicated to the history and evolution of our government. During my undergraduate years, l read a book that would heavily influence my understanding of the Revolutionary era and my developing approach to history instruction. The Pulitzer Prize winning book, John Adams, by David McCullough is not merely a biography. McCullough tells the story of the events preceding independence, the Revolution, and through Adams death using the perspectives of John Adams and his interactions with Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abigail Adams, and many other individuals critical to the achievement of independence and the establishment of our country. This book motivated me to educate my students using the perspectives of those who created our history. Understanding perspectives and seeing history through the lens of human experience is the portal to genuine history education. This focused approach into the minds and perspectives of those in history is the guiding force behind my teaching practices. Students have difficulty understanding a date, place, or name of an event. What students do understand is human emotion and the conflicts surrounding the decisions we make. Rather than teach the events along with the people who lived it, I teach the people and how they shaped the events. I take this biography based approach to the American Revolution to help students better understand a generation to which they have no photographic record of or direct personal connection. Before starting my American Revolution unit, students are randomly assigned a person from the time period. Some of the biographies are well-known (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson Benedict Arnold, etc.} and some they have never heard of before (Daniel Morgan, Francis Marion, John Paul Jones, Benjamin Lincoln. etc.). Most students are either on, or are aware of the Facebook social media platform. Students are instructed to create a "Facebook Profile" on a template I provide to accurately reflect the events and decisions made by their assigned biography throughout the course of the Revolutionary War. Students must draw connections between events and people then show how their assigned biography lived the war. Students provide images of paintings and events to help illustrate these individuals and their involvement. This also includes their children. spouses, and friendships. By placing these biographies into a modern social media 21

22 platform to which they are familiar they can see the human story unfold through a medium to which the students already identify. By the end of the project, students have a deeper connection to their assigned biography. As I move through the lectures, lessons, and other presentations, I intentionally call upon students to share how their assigned biography was involved in the topic directly. This way. each student fee1s like an expert on Lafayette. Von Steuben, or Nathanael Greene. Most history classes gloss over these individuals, effectively minimizing their contributions. While my students can never fully understand each biography (never enough teaching time in a year), they can appreciate and form a bond with that one person and really connect their contributions to the creation of the United States. The greatest challenge we face is to understand the perspectives of others. History provides the greater challenge of understanding the perspectives of those in history. In order to understand the significance of dates and events, we must first understand the people and relate to the human side of history and the decisions that were made. The founding of our nation created a foundation of ideals present within our current government and way of life. The more my students can understand the founders as people, the more they can emotionally understand and appreciate who we are today as a nation of individuals with our own story to tell. I use several other methods to teach the people, places, and events of the American Revolution. This method excites the students to make them passionate learners all with the purpose of understanding those who wrote the first chapter of the great American story. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to attend professional development on behalf of the Sons of the American Revolution. Should I be selected to attend, I would directly use the information to enhance my understanding of the content, and I would use the resources to better provide my students with quality instruction with the most up to date understanding and analysis of the founding generation. Modern workshops typically offer new teaching methods in addition to resources. I would enjoy and apply new practices to keep a fresh approach to purposeful history education. Thank you for your consideration. Robert Burke 22

23 Editor s Note: The following is an accurate representation of the essay submitted by Ms. Allison Parker, for the Knight Essay Contest; however, the formatting has been changed to allow it to be more easily fitted into the Newsletter. Fueling Independence Allison Parker 12 th grade Lake Minneola High School 101 N. Hancock Road I learned about this scholarship through Fastweb. ( Fueling Independence Every 4 th of July, many Americans experience a spectacular of fireworks and wear shirts displaying American flags with the slogan Land of the Free underneath. But the U.S. was not always the Land of the Free. Prior to the American Revolution, the United States was a loosely ran British colony. The only thing the British demanded of them was trade and minor taxes. This started to change when the British demand more from the colonists due to the rising cost of the Seven Years War with France. This sparked something within the colony which started to shift towards the idea of independence. The political environment of the colony and the political activism of the Revolutionary leaders is what ultimately pushed the United States into creating their Declaration of Independence. The initial desire of independence came from the voices of disgruntled colonists. The 13 colonies already had a high degree of self-government before the British started to become more authoritative. One of the biggest problems with the colonists was taxation without representation. Although the tax was relatively small, it was seen as a symbol of British tyranny (Freedman 2). Colonists felt as if the British were not taxing the colonists fairly and efficiently. One the leaders of the Revolution, Patrick Henry, said, only elected representatives had right to tax people because they are only ones who know which taxes people can bear and best way to raise them (Freedman 13). Part of the problem with taxation without representation came from the fact that the English constitution was made up of several documents, rather than a single document and because of that, colonists did not have much confidence in the accountability of the Constitution and its protection (Wilson 20). These ideological differences spurred rebellion in the colonies and further developed the desire for independence in the colonists. Much of this rebellion came from Samuel Adams. Samuel Adams was known as the Father of American Independence (Fradin 4). To the British, however, he was known as the Great Incendiary (Fradin 4). This title came from his leadership of the Sons of Liberty, a rebel group that ran a network for exchanging information and plan acts of rebellion against British policies (Freedman 22). Rebellion came from all over, not just from those within the rebel groups. Many Americans participated in the boycott of British goods. Women boycotted fine British wools and brocades by making their own homespun fabric (Freedman 16). Men and women boycotted British tea by drinking liberty tea that came from local herbs or smuggled in from the Dutch. (Freedman 22). The lack of representation and the small success of rebellion further inspired the colonists and their leaders towards independence. The more they rebelled, the more they went from colonies to one nation. In the words of Patrick Henry, The distinction between Virginians, 23

24 Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American (Freedman 26). The need for independence became so large that eventually a committee assembled to create the Declaration of Independence. The members of said committee were Roger Sherman of Connecticut, John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia (Freedman 63). The men on this committee came from a variety of backgrounds that each represented the American spirit needed within the Declaration of Independence. John believed that America had to become independent, no matter what. His words on the matter were: Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish with my country is my unalterable determination (Fradin 8) He was the one who convinced Jefferson to do the writing because he knew that the country would not back something written by him (Fradin 8). Thomas Jefferson was the scholarly man. His way with words and his knowledge of many Enlightenment ideals is what prompted Adams to make him the writer. Jefferson was so well-versed in literature that he used no reference books while writing the Declaration of Independence (Fradin 24). Roger Sherman was perhaps the closest to the common colonist for he was a farming man. Adams called him: one of the soundest and strongest pillars of the Revolution (Fradin 91). He believed that the British had no right to make laws for the 13 colonies and his ideas manifested with the Declaration (Fradin 91). Benjamin Franklin was the example of how families were torn apart within the war. Although his son sided with the British, Franklin was still determined to make the country independent and at age seventy, became the oldest signer of the Declaration (Fradin 38). The last drafter was Robert R. Livingston. What is interesting about him is that although he helped to establish the ideas within the Declaration, at the time it was signed he had returned to duties in the provincial assembly, therefore his name is not in the Declaration (aoc.gov). These men were pivotal, without these men the United States would not have a great of a success in reaching independence. The experience and knowledge of each led to a solid argument that showed the British that the colonists were serious about independence and could not be appeased without war. And the Continental Congress thought so too. The approved Declaration was printed on July 4th but was not actually signed until August 2nd when John Hancock, the president of Congress, made the first signature (Compston 11). Contrary to what the average American knows, Declaration came about from a variety of events, not just because of taxes. Colonists, already having a taste of self-government, knew what was right and knew that they could handle themselves. And the Revolutionary leaders played a major part in making it all happen. Representing a majority of American population and relying heavily on their own experiences, they made the Declaration possible. The famous line within the Declaration is: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. This line is so famous because it is the basis on which are country was founded upon. Without those who have preserved in making the United States what it is today, the United States would very likely still have the Queen on the money instead of the influential presidents of the United States. Works Cited (MLA) 24

25 Compston, Christine, and Rachel Filene Seidman, editors. Our Documents: 100 Milestone Documents from the National Archives. Oxford University Press, Fradin, Dennis B. The Signers: the 56 Stories Behind the Declaration of Independence. Walker & Co., Freedman, Russell. Give Me Liberty!: the Story of the Declaration of Independence. Holiday House, Robert R. Livingston. Architect of the Capitol, 29 Apr. 2016, statuaryhall-collection/robert-r-livingston. Wilson, James Q., et al. Chapter 2. American Government: Institutions and Policies, Twelfth ed., Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011, pp