Bulletin. The Ohio Country. The Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Inside This Issue

Transcription

1 The Ohio Country Bulletin The Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Inside This Issue Ohio Society Fall Meetings NSSAR Fall Leadership Meeting Central District Annual Meeting Ohio Society Progress Report Veterans Recognition Committee Leadership Development Welcome New Members In Memoriam 5 Ohio Society Website Membership Report Ohio Society Ladies Auxiliary Investment Committee 6 Ohio Society Winter 2016 Meeting Announcement & Registration Having reached the mid-point of our leadership term, it may be beneficial to briefly review the progress that we have made towards the achievement of our stated goals, those being: to increase member participation in state and chapter activities and governance; to recruit new members and encourage membership renewals; to strengthen the operations and foundation of our organization; to secure adequate funding to support our operations and mission; and to reinforce our patriotic, historical, and educational programs. At the beginning of the term, a variable action plan was put into place to coordinate what were identified as necessary tasks to successfully accomplish our mission. The plan was labeled as variable, since there would be delays and obstacles along the way that would necessitate changes in course. Implemented in May of 2015, the plan is predominately committee-driven. I am proud to report that we have made considerable progress, and continue to work our plan cautiously and methodically. While it is human nature to want instant results, our approach has been to examine all possibilities and probabilities before taking action. Committees have been tasked with researching our operations, and recommending ways to improve and strengthen our organization. In some cases, ad hoc committees have been created where specific needs have dictated. While our plan remains solid, the successes that we have achieved belong to our members who are working diligently and cooperatively towards the achievement of the many identified tasks and objectives. No matter how well intentioned or organized a plan may be, failure is certain without the commitment of those who work it. We are very fortunate to have a core group of volunteers who have stepped forward to undertake the responsibilities of not only maintaining our organization, but making it stronger. Without them, we stagnate. James D. Schaffer Ohio Society State President

2 Ohio Society Officers James D. Schaffer President Rev. David B. Foster 1st Vice President Steven E. Frash 2nd Vice President Col. (Ret) Donald C. McGraw, Jr. Secretary L. Stephen Hinson Treasurer Troy C. Bailey Registrar Richard L. Carr, Jr., Esq. Chancellor Dr. James D. River Historian Richard L. Fetzer Genealogist Rev. James O. Fast Chaplain William Huber, Esq. Statutory Agent Timothy E. Ward Director-at-Large Wm. A. Robinson Director-at-Large Paul M. Wilke Director-at-Large Troy C. Bailey National Trustee James D. Schaffer Alternate National Trustee Col. (Ret) Donald C. McGraw, Jr. Chief Compliance Officer The Ohio Country Bulletin Published Quarterly James D. Schaffer, Editor Saturday BOM Meeting in Point Pleasant, WV The Fall meetings of the Ohio Society are traditionally held in conjunction with the Battle Days weekend in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and this year was no different. On October 2nd & 3rd, 2015, the Executive Committee and Board of Management met at the American Legion Post 23 in Point Pleasant. The meeting facility was chosen due to its ability to accommodate the growing attendance at our state meetings. The Point Pleasant WVSSAR graciously allowed us to share this site, which was used in their Battle Days weekend program. On the evening of October 2nd, the Executive Committee met, preceded by a catered buffet dinner. Over forty SAR members and their families enjoyed an outstanding meal and fellowship, after which the Executive Committee and Ladies Auxiliary separated for their meetings. Although the two groups met separately in the same large room, a number of favorable comments were received from the ladies that they appreci- ated the inclusion throughout the evening. Saturday, October 3rd, began early with the Board of Management called to order at 8:00AM. In attendance were seven NSSAR General Officers, possibly setting a record for an Ohio Society meeting. NSSAR President General Thomas E. Lawrence, Esq. brought greetings from the National Society, and updated the group of thirty-five members on the progress made on his initiatives as well as other on-going progress. Unfinished business items from prior meetings were brought before the board. These included a resolution to donate $1,776 to the SAR Foundation in three installments of $592, which was passed. New business items included a forum for National Society General Officer candidates, which concluded with a vote for endorsements of a slate of officers by the Ohio Society. Other business items were: Distribution of 2016 Membership Dues packets. An approved resolution to rescind the previous waiver for National Life Plan Members payment of state society dues. An approved resolution to obtain fidelity bonding for signatories of the Society s financial accounts. An approved resolution to form an Investment Committee to provide oversight to the Society s investments. An approved resolution to form an ad hoc State Seal Design committee and a contest to select a design for adoption. An overview of the actions by the Executive Committee to update the Society s liability insurance policies. The meeting was diligently held to two hours in anticipation of the Battle Days Parade which formed at 10:45AM. Unfortunately, shortly after forming, the parade was cancelled due to inclement weather, disappointing a number of our color guardsmen. Saturday evening concluded with the Colonial Governor s Reception and Colonial Ball, both hosted by the Point Pleasant WVSSAR. Activities included a reception line, food, music, and colonial dancing. The President of the Point Pleasant, Jack Coles, was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Ohio Society President James D. Schaffer for his chapter s generosity in allowing the Ohio Society to share their facilities and Battle Days activities. An Early Colonial Church See State Meeting Pg. 5

3 President General Thomas E. Lawrence, Esq. (at podium) The Ohio Society was well represented at the NSSAR 2015 Fall Leadership Conference at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The conference, consisting of committee meetings and a trustee meeting, began on Thursday, September 24th, and concluded on Sunday, September 27th. In attendance from the Ohio Society were President James D. Schaffer (Cincinnati); First Vice- President Rev. David B. Foster (Western Reserve); National Trustee Troy Bailey (Northeastern Ohio); Treasurer Steve Hinson (Northeastern Ohio); Past- President & Director-at- Large Paul M. Wilke (Cincinnati); Past-President John H. Franklin, Jr. (Western Reserve); Past- President & Director-at- L a r g e T i m W a r d (Northeastern Ohio); Past- President & Chaplain James O. Fast (Centennial); Past President & Director-at- Large Tony Robinson; and Oration Committee Chairman John "Jack" Bredenfoerder (Cincinnati). At the Trustee s Meeting on Saturday, presentations were made on the progress of the Solid Light project; the IT enhancements of the IT Committee and Blackstone; Outreach Education improvements; HQ building and construction; NSSAR s efforts to influence curriculum on the American Revolution in schools; and the digitization of SAR records. The Trustees adopted motions to: apply a tax credit of $147,000 to pay down the loan against the NSSAR s line of credit; and approve a funding request by the Outreach Education Committee for security enhancements, chairs, and a video camera to use in making program videos; and approve funding for IT projects for allow the PG to enter into a multi-year agreement with the King's College for the George Washington visiting professor program to study the papers of King George III in England; and adopt the 2016 Operating Budget. The 126th Annual Congress will be held from July 8-13, 2016 at the Westin Copley Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. Information was presented on the tentative schedule of events, as well as hotel accommodations. More information on the Congress be found on the w e b a t h t t p : / / congress.sar.org, and at support-congress-2016-inboston/. The 2016 Spring Leadership Meeting is scheduled for February 25th - 28th. To allow more time for the meetings, PG Lawrence proposed that the committees begin meeting on Thursday at noon, and that the trustee s meeting begin at 3PM. L to R: John Franklin Jr.; Jack Bredenfoerder; Tony Robinson; Tim Ward; Troy Bailey; and David Foster The annual meeting of the Central District SAR was hosted this year by Vice President General Robert P. Cunningham (left) in Madison, Indiana. The District encompasses the Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia Societies, with the leadership rotating yearly in sequence to the member states. The Octo- ber 24th, 2015 event took place at the Clifty Inn located in the Clifty Falls State Park, overlooking the Ohio River. Visiting National Society General Officers at the Saturday event were Secretary General J. Michael Tomme, Sr. (GA); Treasurer General Larry T. Guzy (GA); Genealogist General John D. Sinks (DC); Registrar General Russell F. DeVenney, Jr. (MO); Historian General John T. Manning (NH); Surgeon General Dr. Larry M. Leslie (KY); and Inspector General Warren Alter (AZ). Indiana Society Officers of the Central District hosting the event included VPG Robert P. Cunningham; Secretary See Central District Pg. 5

4 At the beginning of the Ohio Society Leadership Term in May, work began towards achievement of the goals and objectives announced at the 126th Annual State Conference in Dayton, Ohio. Those goals were intended to increase member participation; to address membership recruitment, renewals, and reinstatements; to strengthen our organization's structure; to improve our financial position; and to reinforce our youth and educational programs. Progress has been made in the first six months of the term, and can be attributed directly to the many compatriots who have worked diligently for the betterment of our organization. The Board of Management approved the appointment of 28 members to 41 committees, increasing member participation in state activities by 32% over last year. To accommodate a growing attendance at the four state board meetings, more meeting space and amenities were provided. Communications were bolstered with a re-formatted eight page Ohio Country Bulletin Newsletter, and a re-designed Ohio Society website featuring a members-only section. Through the efforts of the New Committee, the Adams, Brown, and Highland Counties were targeted for membership recruitment for the formation of a new chapter. Stronger relationships with the DAR and C.A.R. were developed through the appointments of two cochairs of the DAR/C.A.R. Liaison Committee, further bolstering the recruitment efforts in these three counties. Publicity efforts have increased through social media resources, including the existing OHSSAR Dispatch blog, and the newly launched Ohio Society Facebook page, which now has over 170 active followers. To reinforce succession planning, the Ohio Society Handbook, a manual that provides descriptions of the responsibilities of officers and committees, was reintroduced in an electronic format on the website. The previous Handbook, in paper format, became dysfunctional in the early 2000's. The Ohio Society has negotiated new liability insurance policies that cover its activities and events throughout the state, as well as the actions of its directors and officers. In addition, fidelity bonding has been acquired for signatories to our financial accounts. A Finance Committee, its members having experience in finance, investments, grants, and fundraising, have collaborated over the first six months of the term, with regular reports made to the Executive Committee. On the recommendation of this committee, a separate Investment Committee was created to devote more attention to this critical component of our financial stability. Two of the National Society s programs and contests were added to those offered by the Ohio Society. The Sgt Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest, and the Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award Contest were added this leadership term and are advertised on the Ohio Society website. A little known, but vital workgroup within our organization is the Leadership Development Committee. This committee serves to identify and develop qualified compatriots to fill officer and committee positions for the state society, and to assist at the chapter level to ensure a sound and effective organization throughout Ohio. The members who serve on this committee are the five most recent pastpresidents, with the immediate past-president serving as chairman. These are the same members as on the Nominating Committee, which is chaired by the pastpresident serving his second term on this committee. The Additionally, the development of a matrix of programs and contests, their corresponding deadlines, and any monetary awards, prizes, medals, or certificates offered, is underway. This matrix, including approved award and prize increases if any, will be added to the Administrative Instructions of the Regulations Manual. The forecast for the remainder of the leadership term is that further progress is forthcoming, with due diligence, and that our organization will continue on its charted course with little variance. The National Society SAR Veterans Recognition Committee is responsible for promoting and conducting programs designed to recognize compatriots who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. At present, there are six Veterans Corps for which this committee awards the NSSAR Certificate of Patriotism. Those are the World War II; the Korean Service; the Vietnam War; the Southwest Asia; the Special Ops; and the Military Service Veterans Corps. For all six Veterans Corps, 1,211 compatriots have been issued certificates nationwide. A new "Multi-Corp" survey form that accommodates all six Corps is available on the Ohio Society website within the announcements page. Compatriot James O. Fast, our Ohio Society committee chair, encourages all compatriot veterans to complete this survey and forward it to him for review prior to submitting it to the National Society. He can be r e a c h e d a t r e d - work@bright.net. office of president provides exceptional insight into talents and capabilities of the society's membership. The common service on both committees serves as a seamless means of communication between the development, recruitment, and nominating duties of these two groups. Succession planning is a critical component in any organization's long range planning. It is even more necessary due to the volunteer staffing of our organizational structure. Compatriots interested in becoming involved in leadership or committee positions should contact Chairman Ted Minier, at tmmjam@windstream.net.

5 Benjamin Franklin Mains, Robert Lawrence Shipley, Dale Wendell Brockett, David Daniel Layman, Geoffrey Harrold Camp Charlotte Leist, Gerald Arthur Cincinnati Hubbard, William Everett Hubbard II, William Everett Chaney, Ervin Leon Jr. Schmitz, Daniel Stuart Schmitz, Daniel Stuart II Smith, Shaun Philmore Smith, Connor McKinley McKenzie, Logan Michael McKenzie, Cole Andrew Bowers, Robert Edmund R. Tarr, Richard Ryan Tarr, Michael Alan Tarr, Richard Wesley Neal, Zachary Dale Tarr, Jeremiah Ryan Jacobs, Phillip Robert Ewings Lochary, James Jonathan Chiki, Andrew Steven George Rogers Clark Walker, Ethan Andrew Dixon, William Herman General Henry Knox Frisbey, Robert Eugene Lafayette Whitcomb, Ron Chatterton, James Richard Schweitzer, David Joseph Schoger, Harry George Northeastern Ohio Luoma, William Lee Henry, Kurt Andrew Henry, Eric Warren Tuttle, Robert Steven Swift, Donald Bernard Kenyon, Robert Measures, Evan Lawrence Evans, Lawrence Alan Fleig, Tracy John Western Reserve Society Wendall, William M. Igel, Peter Anthony Adams, Stephen Craig Ruhl, John Edward Ruhl, Henry Francis T. Ruhl, Gilpin Edward T. Mendlovic, Jacob Erb Latsko, Adam John Spink, Ryan Carmon Weindel, Michael Dale Eagleton, Matthew Jermiah Eagleton, Andrew Charles Martin, William Almon Bort, Karl Anan At Large Campbell, James Melvin James C. Arnold; Treasurer Dr. Theodore R. Legler II; Parliamentarian William E. Sharp; Chaplain Rev. Charles M. Carpenter; Historian Edward E. Hitchcock; and Color Guard Commander James C. Arnold. The Ohio Society was represented at the business Past VPG Tony Robinson at Podium meeting by James D. Schaffer; Paul M. Wilke; Tim Ward; William A. Robinson; Steve Frash; Larry Perkins; Mike Gunn; and Northwest Territory Richard D. Powell August 2, 2015 John Hancock Charles E. Wilson August 22, 2015 Service was held midmorning on Sunday, October 4th, at the Point Pleasant Battle Monument at Tu-Endi -Wie State Park in Point Pleasant. Following, members gathered at the town s Trinity United Methodist Church for a buffet lunch. The busy weekend concluded with a memorial ser- Ken Carpenter. At the onset of the meeting, Tony Robinson, the outgoing Vice President General of the Central District from the Ohio Society, ceremoniously passed the gavel to VPG Cunningham. The State Report of the Ohio Society was given by President James D. Schaffer, and Larry Perkins provided an audited report on the Central District treasury prior to transferring it to the incoming administration. Compatriot Thomas L. Payne of the Kentucky Society was nominated to be the Central District Vice President General The annual meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport in Erlanger, Kentucky on November 4-5, At the evening formal banquet, Tony Robinson General Henry Knox Robert E. Frisbey September 9, 2015 Camp Charlotte John A. Stevenson October 29, 2015 vice to commemorate the Battle of Point Pleasant back at the Tu-Endi-Wie State Park. This event, organized for many years by the Point Pleasant, is officially recognized by the NSSAR National Historic Sites and Celebrations Committee and the National Color Guard. was awarded the Central District Meritorious Service Medal for his service as Vice President General Robert Howell of the Indiana Society SAR was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, and April Legler of the Indiana Society Ladies Auxiliary was awarded the Mart h a W a s h i n g t o n Medal. Certificates of appreciation went to all of the Indiana Society officers serving in Central District positions. L to R: James D. Schaffer; Paul M. Wilke; Tony Robinson; Tim Ward; Larry Perkins

6 The revised Ohio Society website was launched on August 29th. The site features a new layout built on a contemporary design allowing quick access to information. The two main additions are a separate page for members only, and another for important notices. The members only page is password protected and contains information not appropriate for the general public; for example, the Ohio SAR Handbook. To obtain the password, please contact clude: Removal of detailed personal contact information from open portions of the website. Listing District Chairmen. A more thorough explanation of the different programs offered by our State Society. Inclusion of a page dedicated to the Patriot Grave Registry. Updates to important Society information, like the page on our history. Elevating the Samuel Hubbard Scott Laureate Award your chapter president or secretary. The Important Notices page provides information on upcoming events, and includes registration and other forms. It will also present important messages from the State or National President. Each of these pages will display the most recent edit date on the main menu at the top of the page, so that members can quickly see if they need to access that information. Other improvements into its own page. The reasons for the rebuild of the website are viewed as critical to the future strength of our organization. The site is an important internal communication tool, while also serving as our link to non-members who wish to explore our contests, programs, or membership. A special thanks goes to our webmaster, Compatriot Lance Beebe of the Firelands Bicentennial, who is responsible for the new design and for its maintenance. The Ohio Society 2015 membership roster stood at 1,553 active members as of January 1st. At the end of November, the Society's membership stood at 1,748, a 12.6% increase. Since the beginning of the calendar year, the Society has added 157 new members; and reinstated 46 members. Factors influencing membership figures are attributed to deaths and transfers. The Society processed 49 additional supple- mental applications. The Ohio Society's 23 chapters are divided amongst 6 geographic districts, adhering to county borders. The Northeast District has the largest concentration of membership, representing 38.9% of the total state. This district is followed in size by the Southwest District (19.4%); the Central District (14.6%); the Eastern District (11.0%); the Northwest District (6.9%); and the Southeast District (5.7%). Members at-large constitute 3.4% of our Society's total membership. The ten chapters within the Ohio Society with the most members as of November 30th are, in order: Western Reserve; Cincinnati; Benjamin Franklin; Northeastern Ohio; Lafayette; Richard Montgomery; George Rogers Clark; At- Large; Centennial; and Ebenezer Zane and Firelands Bicentennial in a tie for tenth. The OHSSAR Ladies Auxiliary will meet at the Winter 2016 Meeting in Findlay, Ohio on February 5 & 6. Your participation is encouraged. A project will be provided at this gathering. If you are interested in membership, contact Betty F r a n k l i n a t jhfbmwm5@aol.com for information. Dues are $5 annually, and include membership in the NSSAR Ladies Auxiliary. The Board of Management has directed that an Investment Committee be created in order to devote undivided attention to our Ohio Society investments. This committee will formulate a written investment policy and guidelines to be made part of the Administrative Instructions in the Ohio Society Regulations. The primary responsibility of this committee will be to monitor the management of the portfolio for compliance with the investment policy and guidelines. This committee is responsible to the Ohio Society Executive Committee. The Investment Committee is to be comprised of three members of the Ohio Society SAR appointed by the Ohio Society President, with the members serving three year staggering terms. One of the members must be a member of the Ohio Society Life Membership Plan. We are currently in need of three compatriots of the Ohio Society to be a part of this committee: one to serve as chairman, and two as members. Members of this committee can meet via or telephone, with written reports directed to the Executive Committee quarterly. Interested compatriots should have investment knowledge of risks/return characteristics of investment portfolios and knowledge of the principles of portfolio construction. The majority of the Ohio Society s assets are invested. Therefore, to ensure our financial growth, it is imperative that we closely manage our investment portfolios with our professional financial advisors who handle them. Contact Ohio Society President James D. Schaffer at jschaffer@fuse.net if have an interest is chairing or serving on this committee.

7 OHIO SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Findlay Inn & Conference Center 200 East Main Cross Street Findlay, Ohio (419) (800) N W Dinner Friday Parmesan Crusted Tilapia or Chicken Breast Marsala served with House Salad & Rolls; Green Beans Almandine; & Rosemary Roasted Redskin Potatoes - $20.50 Vegetarian Caesar Pasta Salad - fresh Romaine lettuce; bow tie pasta; parmesan cheese; garlic croutons; and Caesar dressing - $11.75 Dessert Offerings Key Lime Pie or Pecan Pie - $4.75 Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea, Water Service Included Lunch Saturday Croissant Deli Sandwich Roast Turkey & Provolone Cheese served with potato chips & fresh fruit - $15.50 Vegetarian Caesar Pasta Salad - fresh Romaine lettuce, bow tie pasta, parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, and Caesar dressing - $11.75 Dessert Offerings Swiss Chocolate Mousse or Ice Cream - $4.00 Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea, Water Service Included Activities Friday February 5th 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Registration 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Social Hour 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: OHSSAR Ladies Auxiliary Meeting Saturday February 6th 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Board of Management Meeting 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Registration is located outside of the meeting room. Social hour and the Ladies Auxiliary meeting are in the Tavern at the Inn. Findlay Inn & Conference Center Rooms at the Findlay Inn are available at a cost of $103 per night (local tax included) for either a Single King or Two Queen Beds. A continental breakfast is included in the room price. Con- tact the hotel yourself to make reservations, however make payment to the Ohio Society Treasurer. Use code SOTAR to obtain this group rate for the Sons of the American Revolution. A block of rooms has been reserved until January 22nd, so call before then to get this rate. The Tavern at the Inn Restaurant and Lounge is located onsite. Detach OHIO SOCIETY SAR WINTER 2016 MEETING REGISTRATION Enclose With Payment Name (s): Society/ Address: Phone (Optional): (Optional): Friday Dinner Tilapia $20.50 $ Chicken Vegetarian $20.50 $ $11.75 $ Key Lime Pie $4.75 $ Pecan Pie $4.75 $ Sleeping Rooms Number $ $ SELECTIONS Saturday Lunch Deli Sandwich $15.50 $ Vegetarian $11.75 $ Choc. Mousse $4.00 $ Ice Cream $4.00 $ Totals PAYMENT Make check payable to Treasurer, OHSSAR & mail to: Mr. L. Stephen Hinson 5863 Beech Street Andover, OH Registration Deadline Friday, Jan. 22nd, 2016 Dinner: + Lunch: + Room: = $

8 Sons of the American Revolution Ohio Society (OHSSAR) Donald C. McGraw, Jr., Secretary 8380 Shawnee Run Road Cincinnati OH February 5-6, 2016: OHSSAR Winter Meeting, Findlay, OH February 25-27, 2016: NSSAR Spring Leadership Meeting, Louisville, KY April 29-May 1, 2016: OHSSAR 127th Annual Conference, Blue Ash, OH May 28, 2016: Battle of Vincennes Memorial Service, Vincennes, IN July 8-13, 2016: 126th Annual National Society Congress, Boston MA July 30, 2016: Fort Laurens Memorial Service, Bolivar, OH August 20, 2016: Battle of Blue Licks Memorial Service, Carlisle, KY October 9, 2016: Battle of Point Pleasant Memorial Service, Pt. Pleasant, WV November 4-5, 2016: Central District SAR Annual Meeting, Erlanger, KY Here are even more ways on the internet to connect with SAR activities, news, and events! NATIONAL SOCIETY sonsoftheamericanrevolution/ CENTRAL DISTRICT OHIO SOCIETY NEW!