Pictured are members of the Jamestown National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution and guests and members from several Western New York DAR chapters who attended the recent Patriot's luncheon and program. Guest speaker Greg Carlson is the fourth person from the left in the front row. Photo by John Sipos

The Jamestown Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution held their annual Patriot’s Luncheon and program in the Christ First United Methodist Church’s Darrah Hall.

Chapter Regent Connie Pilato opened the day with a welcome to all for attending the luncheon and remarked that one of the goals of the society is to promote patriotic citizenship. The invocation was presented by member Martha Karaponsto, who serves as the chaplain. The pledge to the American Flag was led by Meredith Chilson, director of District 8 and Regent. The American Creed, written by William Tyler, was led by Registrar Sharon Terwilliger. The National Anthem singing was led by Pilato.

Special guests were introduced by Pilato. These included from the Catherine Schuyler, Mrs. Chilson, Joan Sinclair, Kimberly Conroy, vice regent, Deb Snyder and Mary Kula. From the Benjamin Prescott Chapter were Brenda Johnson and Bonnie Larkin. New member Stacey Chase was introduced, along with prospective members Ashley Senske and Donna Hunt.

The induction of Chase was held by Pilato and Karaponsto. A certificate and flowers were present to Chase by Terwilliger. The message from Ann T. Dillon, president general of the New York State Daughters of the American Revolution, was read by Pilato.

The guest speaker for the event was Greg Carlson, director of the Chautauqua County Veteran’s Services Agency, which has offices in Jamestown on 610 W. Third St. and in Dunkirk on 166 E. Fourth St. The services are the county’s link for veterans and their dependents for benefits by the Veterans Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Carlson said that the third Monday in February has been designated as President’s Day, and that the first United States President George Washington’s birthday of Feb. 22 was made a national holiday in 1885. He spoke of Washington’s goals to make this country a prosperous nation, and one that all are proud to be a part.

A nominating committee for new officers was organized at the meeting. Photographs of the event were taken by John Sipos, Stockton and Cassadaga historian. Sipos is the husband of DAR member Susan Fredrickson Washington Sipos.

The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on October 11, 1890, by four women and a group of patriotic citizens. One of the founding women was Mary S. Lockwood of Smith Mills of Hanover in Chautauqua County.

The Jamestown Chapter was formed 10 years later in 1900 and maintains the DAR chapter house on Prospect Street in the city. Any woman is eligible for membership in the DAR who is 18 years or older, and can prove lineage to a patriot who aided in the American Revolution. Call 664-4144 for more information.