Priscilla Allen Harper, organizing secretary of the Mississippi State Society: Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR), shared ideas and courtesies to improve membership in the local Pushmataha Chapter, DAR, at the affiliate’s January meeting.

Harper’s presentation, “On the Road to Chapter Excellence,” AIM — Attract*Inspire*Mentor!” is geared to attracting new member growth. Suggested ideas included Pushmataha members developing a team and working with the Registrar to assist new prospective members in completing applications. Changing meeting times to accommodate members who work was another suggestion, as well as placing chapter brochures in local libraries.

To inspire current members, Harper’s suggestions included involving them in webinars, genealogy workshops or encouraging them to take the New Horizons course. A way to mentor to members is to develop a “buddy system” and help members learn the computer.

Kay Wolf called the meeting to order by leading members in the DAR Ritual, Pledge of Allegiance, Salute to the Mississippi Flag and the American’s Creed.

During the business session, each member received a copy of the minutes from the last meeting; the minutes were approved as printed. A copy of the treasury report from Mahala Roberts was presented and filed as read.

Each member received a newsletter featuring the President General’s message (a copy of the entire message is included with the newsletter), National Defense Report, the Constitution Minute, Conservation Report, the American Indian Report, Women’s Issues and Daughter’s in Action Report.

Service to Veterans chairperson Louise Williamson reported three boxes were mailed to HM2 Jimenez containing socks, books, playing card, magazines, gum, pens, batteries, flashlights, tissue, toothpaste and other items. Also, six Christmas cards with iTunes gift cards were mailed. It was suggested that these be sent in November instead of December. HODAR Jim Williamson was a very big help accomplishing this task.

Wolf discussed the state conference and reminded the group the MSSDAR State Conference will be held Feb. 15-17 in Jackson. President General Ann Dillion will attend and will present certificates to the New Horizon graduates. Pushmataha’s regent will be among those receiving a certificate. A registration form for the state conference was included in the newsletter encouraging all members to attend.

It was announced a board meeting for all officers and committee chairs will be held Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. at Linda Allred’s office.

 Wolf thanked the meeting’s hostesses Linda Allred, Glaniece Roberts and Nell McMullen. Guests were Priscilla Lane Harper and her husband, Bob, Tricia LaBiche and Jane Swanson.

Members attending the Jan. 11, 2018, meeting at Red Lobster were: Angela Howington, Nell McMullan, Anne McKee, Gayle Tyner, Dee Dee Fouts, Tricia LaBiche, Jane Swanson, Shawn Strait, Sue Thompson and Lisa Holland, JoAnn McRae, Linda Allred, Glaniece Roberts.

Pushmataha Chapter’s next meeting will be a luncheon with Samuel Dale Chapter on Feb. 10 at Northwood Country Club. Guest speaker will be Jody Richardson, Capt., USN (Ret.).

The meeting was adjourned.

• Report submitted by Angela Howington.