Pushmataha Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, regent Kay Wolfe detailed the history of the service organization as well as Pushmataha Chapter at the November luncheon meeting, which was held in the boardroom at Northwood Country Club.

Wolfe began her presentation by briefly discussing each of the four founders of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The first DAR chapter was organized Oct. 11, 1890, at the home of Mary Smith Lockwood, a journalist. The other founders were: Eugenia Washington, a great-grandniece of George Washington; Ellen Hardin Walworth, an author, lawyer and activist; and Mary Desha, a teacher. The Daughters of the American Revolution is a lineage-based service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the American Revolution. The group promotes historic preservation, education and patriotism.

Wolfe also discussed Pushmataha, who was considered the greatest of all Choctaw chiefs. He was a great military leader and an eloquent speaker. He is buried with full honors in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington D.C…

The Nov. 8, 2018, meeting began at noon with Wolfe calling the meeting to order, as well as leading the chapter in the DAR Ritual, Pledge of Allegiance, the Salute to the Mississippi Flag and the American’s Creed.

Several reports were made during the business session. Louise Williams discussed her plans for the chapter’s veterans at Christmas, which includes mailing Christmas cards.

“Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It” essays written by area students were to be picked up from schools by Good Citizen chair Elease Duell. The essay’s challenge question is: What new challenges will America face as we move forward into the future?

A nominating committee for new officers was selected by the board in October and includes: Linda Allred, Louise Williamson, Dee Dee Price and Lou Ann Lamar. A motion was made to accept this committee by Dee Dee Fouts and seconded by Gayle Tyner; the board was approved. The nominating committee will present their slate of officers in January to be voted on and approved for installation in April 2019.

The chapter expressed appreciation to Wolfe for all her hard work during the chapter’s observance of Constitution Week. Wolfe gave a presentation on the Constitution to a kindergarten class at Poplar Springs Elementary School, West Lauderdale Elementary and Middle schools and the Meridian/Lauderdale County Public Library.

In the DAR newsletter, president general Ann Dillon expressed appreciation for all DAR chapters’ work on World Service Day. Pushmataha Chapter members Sue Thompson, Dee Dee Fouts, Linda Allred and Anne McKee delivered food supplies and organizational skills to Wesley House on World Service Day.

The National Defender discussed how teenagers helped build planes during World War II. Often, it is forgotten that the vast majority of those that fought and won against incredible odds during World War II were teenagers. The Conservation Minute discussed the importance of taking action and preserving our native plants and animals for future generations. The Women in American History section of the newsletter discussed the importance of women choosing their own physical, mental and spiritual well-being first to make them a better caregiver and nurturer to those around them.

Guests were Lou Pennebaker and Lorraine Long.

Hostesses were Louise Williamson, chairman, Angela Howington and Anne McKee.

Members in attendance: Linda Allred, Dee Dee Fouts, Gail Gilmore, Sue Thompson, Gayle Tyner, Dancy Sykes, Louise Williamson, Nell McMullen, Shawn Strait, Kay Wolfe, Lou Pennebaker and Lorraine Long.

The next luncheon meeting of DAR Pushmataha Chapter will be Thursday, Dec. 13, at noon in the boardroom of Northwood Country Club. The Lamar Choir will perform.

The meeting was adjourned.

• Report submitted by Angela Howington.