Colonel William Byrd Chapter
Virginia Society Daughters of the American Colonists
NEWSLETTER
Oct 2007 – Oct 2008
Members: Please see dues notice (last page).
Once again, we have had the pleasure of enjoying a very busy year with DAC, and being so proud to have our own Daughter,
Georgia Holder, serving as the National President for the 2006-2009 term. Her National President’s project continues
to be "National Headquarters Rejuvenation." The Chapter has been happily trying to fulfill the objectives of the National
Society which will be reflected in our Chapter Activities, to increase membership, and to enhance the reputation of our organization
as a "friendly society." All of our meetings are a gathering of friends who enjoy the organization.
Our Chapter has had a very busy and productive year which has been recognized by
our State Regent. Our roll in support of the National, State, and Chapter continues as follows:
Serving the National Society: Georgia
Holder, National President; Josephine Rollins, Editor of The Colonial Courier;
Wendy Holder, Printing, and Page; Mattie Bersch, Veterans’ Services; and, Cathy Schneck, Chairman, National Headquarters
Hostesses.
Serving the State Society: Georgia
Holder and Mattie Bersch, Honorary State Regents; Betty Shackelford, State Recording Secretary; Mattie Bersch, Credentials
Committee; Billie Jo Monger, Patriotic Education Committee; Betsy Goin, Radio & Television Committee; Mattie Bersch, Veterans’
Services and Credentials Committee.
Organizing member: Georgia Holder
(Miss. Georgia N. Carbaugh) was an organizing member and was the first Golden Acorn State Regent.
The 19 Oct 07 Yorktown Day Celebration
was attended by a Chapter member.
The 24 Oct 07 Fall Board was held
at Christ and Grace Church in Petersburg hosted by the Fort Henry Chapter. Georgia Holder, Mattie Bersch, Betty Shackelford,
Billie Jo Monger, and Jo Rollins attended.
The Nov 07 meeting was hosted at
the home of the Chapter Regent with a luncheon buffet. The National President performed the "Welcome to New Member" ritual,
welcoming Mrs. Karen White, daughter of the Chapter Regent, to membership in the Colonel William Byrd Chapter.
Mr. Allen Brahin, husband of our prospective member Stephanie Brahin, has a Master’s
Degree in History with emphasis on Virginia and Southern History. He presented an informative program on Colonel William Byrd,
our Chapter namesake. Brigadier General, Retired Al Smith presented an enthusiastic National Defense Program.
The Jan 08 meeting was hosted by
Catherine and Betsy Goin at Oak Springs Nursing Facility in Fauquier County. Catherine is our Chapter Librarian and is unable
to travel to meetings. Georgia Holder spoke on her National President’s visit to Pearl Harbor and presented the National
Defense Report on the Flag of the United States of America which she brought back to National. Betty Shackelford gave a program
on our "Colonization," Honoring the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown, including
a quiz which reinforced our knowledge of the true significance of our early history. Delegates and Alternates were elected
for the State Assembly and General Assembly.
Delicious refreshments were served by the hostesses.
The 13 March 08 Seventy-Second State Assembly was
held at the Holiday Inn in Williamsburg, VA. Miss Jean Elliott, National Vice President, Blue Ridge Section gave a program
on Colonial toys. Georgia Holder, Mattie Bersch, Betty Shackelford, and
Billie Jo Monger were in attendance.
The April 08 General Assembly at
the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., was attended by Georgia Holder,
National President; Mattie Bersch, National Veterans Services Chairman; Cathy Schneck, Chairman Headquarters Hostess Committee
and Wendy Holder, National Printing Committee. The results will be published in the 2008 National Yearbook.
On 12 May 2008, Jamestowne Day,
the 400th Anniversary Celebration of Jamestowne was attended by our Chapter member, Georgia Holder as National President and
our member, Karen White.
The May 08 meeting was hosted at
the home of Betty Shackelford with a buffet luncheon. The Welcome to New Member Ritual was given by Honorary State Regent
and National President, Georgia Holder to Mary Ann Henshaw McGuire, Anne Moyers Hoffman Winn and her daughter, Kristin Anne
Winn Rider, in absentia. Each new member was given a DAC tote bag and NSDAC booklets. The guest speaker was Zann Miner, who
is the past Director of the Culpeper Museum of History, currently a freelance writer and historical researcher whose work
has been published in newspapers and magazines. Her very interesting presentation included a medley of historically significant
facts on local history, interacting with the members with questions and answers ranging from the original Native American
population to the discovery of Dinosaur tracks in Culpeper County in the late 1980’s. On behalf of the Colonel Joshua
Fry Chapter, Betty Shackelford surprised Georgia Holder, the National President, by presenting their new fund raising name
badge with the National Insignia, Golden Acorns, her name, and NSDAC inscribed. Forms for ordering the badge were made available
to the members.
In June 08 a
savings bond was presented to an outstanding student at Randolph-Macon Academy which has been our tradition for a number of
years.
The July 08 meeting was cancelled
and rescheduled for Aug. due to the death of the brother of Mattie Bersch and Alice May Tilman. He was the uncle of Georgia
Holder. Other extended family members are also in our Chapter.
The Aug 08 meeting scheduled at
the homes of Georgia Holder and Mattie Bersch at Lake Gaston was also cancelled due to the reported track of a dangerous hurricane
which was making its way inland. The next meeting was scheduled for 1 Nov.
Chapter Activities:
Historian: An E-mail with instructions
was forwarded to all members to submit an "Oldest House in the Neighborhood" article.
Librarian: A book entitled "The
History of Albemarle County," containing genealogical information in honor of our National President, Georgia Holder was donated
by Betty Shackelford to the National Library. Another entitled "Sally’s Story," a comprehensive genealogical study was
donated to the National Library by Billie Jo Monger in honor of the Chapter Regent. Billie Jo Monger reported donating a book
to the library of the Elkton Elementary School from our Chapter entitled "A is
for Abigail, An Almanac of Amazing American Women" by Lynn Cheney. On behalf of the Chapter, Betty Shackelford is donating
a book entitled Our Maryland Heritage - "The Mullinix Families" by William N. Hurley, Jr., in honor of our Chapter Treasurer
and Honorary State Regent, Mattie Bersch. Billie Jo Monger presented a book entitled "Blood On The River Jamestown 1607" by
Elisa Carbone to the Elkton Intermediate School Library at their Awards Assembly Program on behalf of the Colonel William
Byrd Chapter. The Principal and Librarian both came before the whole school and were thrilled to receive the book which was
sourced and written for intermediate aged youth.
On behalf of the Chapter, Betty Shackelford donated a vintage WWII book entitled
"Who’s Who in Uniform" to WIMSA (Women in Military Service Association) in Arlington in honor of Mrs. Annie Maude Winston
Carbaugh. Annie was Regent of our Chapter for 21 years, and was the Mother of Georgia Holder, sister of Mattie Bersch. During
WWII, Annie was a Registered Nurse. Although she did not serve in the military or was overseas, she was on the home front
teaching American Red Cross Nursing. An article from "The Colonial Courier" giving tribute to Mrs. Carbaugh was included.
Acknowledgement was received and acquisition papers were signed and returned to WIMSA.
Registrar: Billie Jo Monger has
been appointed Chapter Registrar to fill the vacancy of Peggy Swift who passed away in January. New Members: Joyce Williams’ application was approved at the Oct 07 National Board Meeting. Sarah
Hicks, Whitney Leeson, and Mary Ann McGuire were approved at the Apr 08 National Board. Melanie Marks, Vernette Nichols, Connie
Parrott, Karen Parrott, Catherine Quinn, and Elizabeth Quinn are pending the Oct 08 National Board.
Total members: 27 (33 as of the Oct 08 Board)
Total pending approval at Oct National Board: 6 – One is a Golden Acorn
Total Supplementals approved: 6
Total Golden Acorns: 3 (4 as of the Oct 08 Board)
Total Transfers In: 0
Total Transfers Out: 0
Total Dropped: 0
Total Prospective Members: 15
Deaths: Peggy Swift, DOD 14 Jan 08. Margaret Baylis, DOD 6 Feb 07 and Charlotte Downey,
14 Mar 08. Both ladies had resigned 1 Nov 07 due to age and their honorarium was paid assuring they would be memorialized
at the General Assembly.
Although committee work has been carried out without Chairmen, Committee Chairmen
have recently been appointed.
College of the Ozarks: The College
of the Ozarks is a fully-accredited, 4 year college whose aims are for the academic, vocational, spiritual, and cultural growth
of each student. No student pays tuition. The cost of their education is met by a required work-study program for the student
while the balance of the tuition is guaranteed by gifts and grants. The gifts we give will help a deserving young person to
go to college who, otherwise, would be unable to attend. Along with monetary donations we can also support the College with
Campbell labels (UPC code and Education Boy Box only) and by ordering products. Please bring the Campbell UPC code and Education
Box to the meetings or mail to Betty Shackelford.
Colonial and Genealogical Records: In
order to preserve records for future generations, consider donating family papers,
Bibles, journals, diaries, ledgers, letters, deeds, marriages, probate, wills, loose records, church records; member’s
list, Convocation meeting lists, town records, newspapers, obituaries, and especially items in the Society Section.
Flag of the U. S. of America: Flag
minutes are read at each meeting.
National Awards: Jennifer Kluempers
was presented the Colonel William Byrd Chapter U. S. Savings Bond and Certificate at Class Night on May 29th at Randolph-Macon
Academy. Jennifer was recognized for being an outstanding student with excellent character and leadership qualities. She had
a 4.198 CUM GPA heading into her senior year at Randolph-Macon Academy.
National Defense: A five minute
National Defense Program and discussion is presented at each meeting.
Our Colonial Heritage (Visual Records):
Betty Shackelford donated a VHS "Remembering Ellis Island Every Man’s Monument," considered a Collector’s Classic
with a four star rating to be sent to the National Committee. It is the most comprehensive documentary of the Ellis Island
Story. Billie Jo Monger has developed a DVD entitled "Of Days Gone By" which has been donated to the National Committee. Two
copies have been donated to Elkton Elementary School. A copy was donated to the Culpeper Christian School and a copy to the
Culpeper County Library. Betty Shackelford donated two previous DVDs to the National Committee and the Chapter was awarded
a Certificate from the Virginia State Society Chairman at the Apr 2008 State Assembly.
Patriotic Education: GiGi Hicks,
CAC, daughter of our Chapter member Sarah Hicks placed first at the State Society level and placed 2nd in the 5th Grade Category
in the National Historian’s "Create a Stamp Contest" whose theme was: "What Did Children Do for Fun." On the 5th of
June, Billie Jo Monger, Chairman of the State and Chapter Patriotic Education Committee presented GiGi with DAC Awards from
the Chapter, State, and National at the Elkton Intermediate School Awards Assembly program. She also received the DAR Virginia
State 5th Grade Essay Contest Award and the Massanutton Chapter Award. We are very proud that GiGi is the first Children of
the American Colonists submitted by this Chapter. A Certificate was awarded the Chapter at General Assembly in recognition
of Outstanding Patriotic Education Program – "Of Days Gone By," a DVD production of Billie Jo Monger. Bookmarks are
donated to schools.
Public Relations: Information on
the Chapter has been published in "Discover Culpeper 2008" under Organizations, which is an annual publication of the "Culpeper
Star-Exponent/Culpeper News." A copy of "The Colonial Courier" is placed in the local country Library.
Resolutions: Although the National
Committee has been dissolved, Chapters and States can still retain the committee.
Veteran Services: The National Committee
project is Operation First Response. Personal needs items have been collected and placed in backpacks which will be sent to
military hospitals receiving the wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan. Coupons were sent overseas. Bibs, clothing, personal items,
snacks, and books were donated, translating into hours of preparation time, mileage, and volunteer time. The VA Hospital is
appreciative of our collections. Send cancelled stamps to Mattie Bersch.
Web Page: Information has been sent
to Sarah Hicks, our Chapter member, who has agreed to develop a Chapter page which will be linked to the Virginia State web
page. The State web page is linked to National. If we go on line, we will be the second Chapter in Virginia linked to the
State page. It is hoped that being on line will help increase our membership as well as serving our Chapter members.
Colonial Courier: An article on
Chapter activities with a photo of our adopted Veteran has been published in the Fall 2007 issue of "The Colonial Courier."
In a labor of love, articles prepared by Jo Rollins, our Chapter member and Editor of "The Colonial Courier," has showcased
her Aunts: Etta Winston Elliott; Annie Maude Winston Carbaugh, Past President of our Chapter for 21 years; Mattie El Winston
Bersch, Honorary State Regent, Chapter, State and National Veterans’ Services Chairman as well as Chapter Treasurer;
Louise Winston Obenshain; and, Alice May Winston Tilman, Chapter Historian. As a sidelight, her Aunt Eleanor Winston Alvis,
member of the Major George Parker Chapter, was showcased.
Future Agenda:
On 19 Oct 08 the Annual Yorktown Day will
be celebrated and the public is invited to join in the festivities. .
The 22 Oct 08 State Fall Board Meeting will
be held in Salem, VA. The call has been sent.
The 1 Nov 08 meeting will find us
having a luncheon meeting with Betty Shackelford again at 11:00 a.m.
The 10 Jan 09 Chapter meeting will
be held at Best Western, Culpeper Inn at 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2009 with lunch being served at 12:00 p.m. Billie Jo Monger,
our Chapter Registrar, will give a program on Family History and Genealogy. An invitation has been extended to the Colonel
Joshua Fry Chapter in Charlottesville. The meeting notice has been sent and will be followed up with the luncheon price and
reservation form.
The 12 Mar 09 State Assembly will
be hosted by the Rev. Robert Hunt Chapter at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, Norfolk, VA.
The 14-15 April 09 General Assembly
will be held at the Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D. C.
Other:
Adopted Veteran: Please remember
the Chapter adopted a Veteran at McGuire VA Medical Center by sending special occasion cards (George Flippen, Nursing Home
Care Unit, Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC, 1N, Room #128, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, VA 23249).
We are continuing to collect men’s briefs for the VA
Hospital.
Many of our members are busy in their hometowns representing DAC and educating others
on history. Remember we have patriotic bookmarks to
schools. Contact Billie Jo Monger if you would like to distribute to your local school.
If you wish to send a subscription
of the National magazine to your local library, please add $7.00 to your
dues form and provide the mailing address of the library. The Culpeper County Library will receive a subscription to The
Colonial Courier.
Consider donating a genealogical
book or manuscript from your private collection to the National Librarian.
Visit the National web site at nsdac.org, and enjoy information on Georgia’s administration and the State Society
Link. The site is now on the World Wide Web.
Membership is crucial. A formal written invitation for membership has been developed and the Welcome to New Member
Ritual is carried out in absentia for those living out of State or unable to attend meetings. The membership of family members
who do not live locally are welcome. They can become Associate Members in a Chapter in their area or ultimately transfer into
a local Chapter.
Please remember our member, Catherine Goin who resides at Oak Springs Nursing home in Warrenton, VA by sending special
occasion cards to her daughter, Betsy’s address: 38 Frazier Road, Warrenton, VA 20186.
Dues: It is now time to pay your dues.
A total of $25 ($15 for National, $5 for State and $5 for Chapter). The Colonial Courier is
$7 per year for 3 issues. This is an outstanding magazine telling of DAC activities as well as interesting articles on historical
events and people. It is also time to order your 2008 National Yearbook. The cost is $10 if ordered now ($15 if ordered later).
Make check payable to the Colonel William Byrd Chapter, NSDAC and mail to Mattie Bersch, Chapter Treasurer (See Dues Form
last page).
Members approved at the Oct 08 National Board DO NOT HAVE TO PAY CHAPTER, STATE,
OR NATIONAL DUES, BUT MAY SUBSCRIBE TO THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AND ORDER THE NATIONAL YEARBOOK.
Reminder: RSVP to Betty Shackelford
about lunch on Saturday, Nov. 1 (details in the call).
Due to the activity of the Chapter, a Quarterly Newsletter will be published initially
and more frequently if indicated.
(Please see dues notice - next page)
If you wish to make a donation in honor or memory of someone, please attach a separate
sheet providing their name.
Colonel William Byrd
Dues Payment Form
Please mail no later than November 1, 2008 to: Mrs.
Russell Bersch, 122 Winston Lane, Henrico, NC 27842. Make check payable to Colonel William Byrd Chapter, NSDAC.
Please indicate how you wish your name to appear on our Chapter and National Records
– (Mrs. John Doe or Mrs. Mary Doe)
Name ____________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________________________________________________
Email ____________________________________________________________________
Annual Dues (National, State and
Chapter) $25 __________
Magazine "The Colonial Courier"
$7 __________
2008 NSDAC Yearbook $10
(After 1 Dec $15) Shipped Oct. 2009 __________
Donation to Chapter Projects __________
Donation to National Projects __________
American Indian Scholarship – Bacone College __________
Archival Records Preservation __________
Children of American Colonists __________
College of Ozarks Scholarships __________
Colonial & Genealogical Records __________
Computer Committee __________
Flag of the USA __________
Golden Acorns (Bacone Col. Library Project) __________
Historic Landmarks & Memorials __________
Lineage Books __________
National Awards __________
National Defense __________
Headquarters Furnishings __________
Library __________
Headquarters Maintenance __________
National President’s Project ($1.00+) __________
Patriotic Education __________
Radio and Television __________
Veterans’ Services __________
DAC General Endowment
(interest used for general expenses) __________
Headquarters Endowment
(interest used for major headquarters repairs) __________
Marker Preservation Endowment
(interest used to restore NSDAC markers) __________
TOTAL __________
(Make Check payable to Colonel William Byrd Chapter, NSDAC)
