Submitted photosPushmataha Chapter, MSSDAR, new officers, from left, Kay Wolfe, Louise Williamson, Dee Dee Fouts, Linda Allred, Dancy Sykes and Lisa Holland.

A presentation by a representative of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Center (The MAX), installation of 2019-2021 officers and special recognition of distinguished members highlighted the April meeting of the Pushmataha Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

MAX staff and volunteer coordinator Laura Hester discussed the center’s vision, which is to showcase Mississippi’s talent in all aspects of arts and entertainment. Another goal is to help educate and improve people’s view of Mississippi. According to Hester, these goals are being accomplished through exhibits, interactive events, classes and other methods.

Hester encouraged club members to become members of the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center (The MAX) and to visit the facility often.

Hester’s mother is a former member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The chapter’s 2019-21 officers were installed. They are: Kay Wolfe, regent; Linda Allred, vice president; Anne McKee, chaplain; Dee Dee Fouts, recording secretary; Louise Williamson, corresponding secretary; Dancy Sykes, treasurer; and Lisa Holland, registrar.

Several Pushmataha Chapter DAR members were recognized for 40-plus years with the chapter. The honorees were presented certificates and include: Gail Gilmore, 68 years; Nell McMullen, 63 years; Gayle Tyner, 58 years; Louise Williamson, 58 years; and Dancy Sykes, 40 years.

The April meeting of the Pushmataha Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution was held at noon Thursday, April 11, 2019, at Red Lobster. Regent Kay Wolfe introduced chapter guests Kim Ogden and Jan Madris, who are both prospective new members, and Ogden’s mother Gwen Williamson.

After calling the meeting to order, Wolfe led members in the DAR Ritual, Pledge of Allegiance, and the Salute to the Mississippi Flag and the American’s Creed and the Preamble to the Constitution.

Members were reminded to read the President General’s message, the Historical Preservation minute, and the Native American minute and the National Defense Report in the April Pushmataha Newsletter.

In the April Pushmataha Newsletter, DAR President General Ann Dillon asks each member to help and encourage the new 2019 leaders. Dillon noted that she leaves her office with feelings of accomplishment and excitement for the new administration. She also reminded members to visit the DAR Museum’s new quilt exhibit “A Piece of Her Mind: Culture and Technology in American Quilts.”

The National Defense report discussed the experiences of DAR member Dr. (Col.) Janet Southby as an Army nurse early in the Vietnam Campaign. The Native American Minute discussed the Native Americans’ involvement in World War I. Many enlisted and maintained the warrior traditions of their tribes. The Historical Preservation discussed Pushmataha’s own Anne McKee, who told the story of Meridian at the Maker’s Faire.

Wolfe thanked the group for their generous support to our active military. Project Patriot mailed 168 boxes to warriors overseas.

A special thanks was extended Ina Walters and Kay Wolfe for raising funds for the State Regents Rosalie Grounds, publicity and signage projects.

Wolfe thanked the group for allowing her and Betty Lou Jones to travel to Washington for the 128th Continental Congress. During the meeting, Wolfe displayed scrapbooks picturing the Pushmataha Chapter’s participation in the 100th Continental Congress along with the itinerary for this year.

Linda Allred was nominated to serve as Mistress of our Meals by Dancy Sykes. It was seconded by Shawn Strait and all members voted yes.

Allred distributed handouts on possible meeting places and asked the members to complete and return. Members also received handouts concerning committee participation and activities. These were completed and given to Wolfe.

Hostesses for the meeting were Dee Dee Fouts, chairman, and Gayle Tyner. In attendance were: Linda Allred, Dee Dee Fouts, Gail Gilmore, Lisa Holland, Nell McMullan, Shawn Strait, Dancy Sykes, Gayle Tyner, Louise Williamson, Kay Wolfe and Glaniece Roberts.

The chapter’s next meeting will be Sept. 12.