The Smoky Hill Chapter DAR held their first meeting for 202223 on Sept. 12 at the home of Marcie Beneda, Wilson. Members present were: Candace Richard, Glennice Musselwhite, Debra Hulse, Pat Svaty and Marcie Beneda.

Regent Debra Hulse called the meeting to order. The DAR ritual started the meeting along with the Preamble of the Constitution of the United States of America and The American’s Creed. Chaplain Candace Richard led us in “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Hulse read the President General’s message. In the message was a summary of upcoming events that we can look forward to along with many ideas that our local chapter may consider for the 2022-23 year. She then read an interesting article entitled “Patriotism in your Purse: New in the Women’s Memorial Library.” Bright red lipstick from Elizabeth Arden from 1941 is displayed in the Women’s Memorial Library. Bright red lipstick showed patriotism. This idea should encourage us to wear red on Fridays. Later in the meeting, Hulse also read “An American Indian Minute” about Devil Towers National Monument in Wyoming and some quick facts about our United States flag.

Beneda read the minutes from Christy Rathbun from our last meeting. Richard moved and Musselwhite seconded to approve the minutes as read with the correction.

Hulse gave a report on what she has done since our last meeting. On July 2, Debra, Glennice and Candace set up the patriotic display for the Ellsworth Arts Council. This was taken down July 30. State meetings continued throughout the summer. Overland Park had a DAR tea on Aug. 21. On Sept. 9 and 10, there was a state meeting in Junction City.

Musselwhite gave the treasurer’s report which included the beginning balance, receipts and disbursements. The members approved the report as read.

Committee Reports were then given by members present.

Svaty gave a report on new members who want to join. For Service to America, she gave a report about the lawyer’s desk and bookcase from the 1870s that was used by Ira E. Lloyd. It will go to the Historical Society. The Hodgden’s House is possibly ready for it.

For public relations and media, Beneda gave the update on the DAR state website, which needs corrections and additions for our local chapter. The DAR magazine article from the club anniversary celebration was also shared by Musselwhite. The scholarship tea in May was reported to the Ellsworth Independent-Reporter.

For Constitution Week, Musselwhite had flag packets that will go to schools. She also shared ideas for Americanism. We could possibly go to the nursing homes to sing patriotic songs for Americanism. We should also think about donating to Hindman Settlement School in Kentucky where they had flooding this summer.

For new business, Hulse shared an invitation for our members to attend the 100th year Salina DAR celebration on Oct. 15, at the Methodist church in Salina. Our regent also announced that seven people from our chapter have qualified for 25 years in DAR. Certificates were also shared which included: 10 percent or Higher Net Member Increase, Chapter Achievement Award Level 1, Outstanding Support of Americanism Committee Objectives.

For the program, Beneda gave a talk on Historical Preservation with an update about the Wilson Czech Opera House. The Opera House was built in 1901. After the fire in 2009, the Opera House board continues to raise money to preserve the outside walls. After the masonry work is complete, steel bracing will be added to help support the walls. The fence will come down and the Wilson Czech Opera House will be turned into an open air theatre that will complement the Wilson American Legion and provide a unique venue for the block which includes the World’s Largest Czech Egg.

The meeting adjourned and the hostess served refreshments to the members present. Members then took their picture in front of the Wilson Opera House.

Svaty is the host for the October meeting with a program about the Lawyer Room at the museum.