Philip Perry Chapter  

Chapter Activities

Philip Perry members work to be sure the public is aware of the three objects of the Daughters of the American Revolution: 

Historic Preservation

Placing DAR Markers since 1931

Contributions to the DAR Museum

Genealogy Records submitted to DAR Library

Members work at the Tebeau-Field Historical Library in Cocoa

  Promotion of Education

Donations to all DAR Schools, state scholarship fund, and Junior programs

Annual chapter $1000, scholarship to a local high school senior

Christmas and Birthday presents to Florida Cottage at Tamassee DAR School

Support for the Labels for Education program

Conduct American History Essay awards and Good Citizenship medals in 24 local schools. Philip Perry Chapter had a Florida State American History Essay winner for 2002, 2003, and 2005

R.O.T.C. medals and gifts to students at 3 local high schools

Patriot Endeavor

Distribution of Flags to local elementary schools

Annual celebration with the Brevard SAR at special programs for Constitution Week, George Washington's Birthday, and Flag Day

Volunteer support for the programs at the Veterans' Hospital and the local Women's Shelter

Annual participation at the Massing of the Colors and local patriotic parades



ACTIVITIES

FEBRUARY 27, 2010, GEORGE WASHINGTON LUNCHEON

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON LUNCHEON)




FEBRUARY 23, 2010, CHAPTER MEETING/TEA

     The February meeting of Philip Perry Chapter and Tea honoring the winners of the American History Essay Contest, Christopher Columbus Essay contest and DAR Good Citizens was held at the Central Brevard Library on Tuesday, February 23, 2010. All enjoyed hearing the American History winners read their award winning essay on the story of The Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. Students who won awards were Raena Karl, 5th grader from Golfview Magnet School, Mason Baughan, 6th grader from St. Mark’s Academy, Timothy Elliott, 7th grader from McNair Magnet School and Nicholas Beardall, 8th grader from Divine Mercy Catholic School.

     The Christopher Columbus award has been given since 1996 when the NSDAR joinced with the National Italian American Foundation in sponsoring an annual national essay contest in honor of Christopher Columbus. The local winner was Alexa Bledsloe from Space Coast Jr./Sr/ High School.

     The DAR Good Citizen award was created in 1934 by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The purpose of the DAR Good Citizen is to recognize and reward male and female high-school seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen; dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Recipients of the DAR Good Citizens medal from their respective schools were: Amanda Juhr, Cocoa, Alysha Stoner, Edgewood Jr./Sr. High, Paula Kostiuk, Merritt Island, and Lindsey Jones, Space Coast Jr./Sr. High.

     All students listed above received medals, certificates and $50.00 each.

     Following the meeting and presentation of awards delicious refreshments were served by Sue Perry, Jackie Fleener and Suzan Sannicandro Philip Perry members, for all to enjoy.

     Philip Perry DAR member chairman for American History was Martha Esker, Christopher Columbus Barbara Moser and Good Citizen Lila Sandstrom








Left to right: American History Essay Winners - Nicolas J. Beardall, Timothy Elliot, Martha Esker - American History Chairman, Mason Baughan and Raena Karl. 









Left to right: DAR Good Citizen Winners - Paula Kostiuk, Lila Sandstrom, Chairman, Lindsey Jones and Amanda Juhr.

           









Left to right: Christopher Columbus Essay  - Barbara Moser, Chairman and Christopher Columbus Essay Winner Alexa Bledsoe.
 


(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM EVENT)





JANUARY 26, 2010, CHAPTER MEETING/LUNCHEON

     Philip Perry Chapter members enjoyed their first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 26th, with a program by member Sue Perry. Sue, a retired music school teacher is a very talented and creative musician having written numerous scores for plays and programs. The program she presented to members was "Music of the Revolution." Some of the songs learned about, heard played and sang were THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND (Soldier’s Song), THE LONE PILGRIM (Folk Hymn of the Southern Colonies), YANKEE DOODLE, and LANGOLEE (Soldier’s Song - Irish Version) most of which the members were not familiar with. Sue had taped some of the songs, but also brought her keyboard along and played songs using the keyboard, so the songs could be heard with a variety of instruments...especially the piccolo. . All sixty plus members present enjoyed hearing the history and background of the songs played and sung,

     It was announced that member Mary James will be receiving her sixty year certificate. Mrs. James was unable to attend to receive her certificate, but it will be delivered to her. She joins member Ginny Mastin who received her sixty year certificate in 2008.

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM JANUARY MEETING)









Pictured left to right:
Sue Perry & Regent Billie Ann Tadich







Pictured left to right: Prospective new members -
J. B. Olds, Shirley Perez, Patricia Bankhead & Ruth Oblack






GENEALOGY WORKSHOP- JANUARY 9, 2010
HELD AT CENTRAL BREVARD LIBRARY

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

     On one of the coldest days of the year the Space Coast Regent’s Council conducted a genealogy workshop with Debbie Duvay from Davie. Twenty-five brave souls, plus DAR Chapter members from throughout the county braved the elements to attend. All in attendance enjoyed and learned much from Debbie’s presentation.

     Before the day was over we had temperatures in the 30's, rain, sleet and snow was reported.


(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM WORKSHOP)










Pictured left to right:  Space Coast Regent Council President Barbara Keller & Debbie Duay, Ph D. FSSDAR Lineage Research Chairman.







Pictured left to right:  Philip Perry Chapter Registrar
Jo Compton & Chapter Regent Billie Ann Tadich.





DECEMBER 12, 2009, CHAPTER MEETING/LUNCHEON

     The December meeting was held on Saturday, December 12th at the Rockledge Country Club. The Chapter Board was in charge of the program. Each member of the board sent their favorite family Christmas cookie/cake recipe to Barbara Moser who compiled them into a recipe book Each board member prepared their recipe and brought it to the meeting. After lunch when dessert of ice cream was served everyone was afforded the opportunity to sample all of the cookies/cake on the dessert table.

     After lunch and meeting, the board members each told their favorite Christmas memory. The members were also asked to relate their favorite...what fun it was to hear all of the different memories. From all reports a great time was had by all.

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM  DECEMBER MEETING)










Pictured from left to right with Chapter Registrar are two newly installed members: Patsy Galloway, Jo Compton and Christine Lauretta.






Pictured from left to right are Prospective New Members:Betsy Keenan, Marshal Hiller, Hester Anderson, Bennie Bell & Dixie Robbins.




NOVEMBER 17, CHAPTER MEETING/LUNCHEON

     The regular chapter meeting for Philip Perry was held on Tuesday, November 17, at the Rockledge Country Club. The chapter welcomed three new member Evelyn Fraley, Betty Moxley and Jackie Marshall. Patsy Galloway and Christine Laurette have been verified and awaiting acceptance from NSDAR and will soon be members.

     Speaker for the meeting was Susan Blakeslee of Cocoa who is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and currently is a Community Liaison for Vitas Innovative Hospice Care®. Susan’s topic, "Using Humor to Reduce Stress" was enjoyed by all in attendance.

(CLICK ON PHOTOS  TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS MEETING/LUNCHEON)









Pictured from left to right:
Susan Blakeslee & Chapter Regent Billie Ann Tadich








Pictured from left to right:: Members installed
at this meeting were:
Jackie Marshall, Evelyn Fraley & Betty Moxley.




FUNDRAISER - CARD PARTY NOVEMBER 13, 2009

     Each year the chapters gives a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving student as well as monetary gifts to chapter winners of the American History Essay, Christopher Columbus Essay, Good Citizens and JROTC Outstanding Cadeets. Books are donated to the local library as well as NSDAR supported projects. In order to do this it is necessary for the chapter to have several fundraiser during the year. This year a card party was held at the Veterans Center on Merritt Island under the chairmanship of Glenda Walton with the help of many chapter members.. Approximately 75 people attended this years event and enjoyed playing cards and enjoying refreshments of salad, sandwiches, fruit trays and desserts.




Card Party Co-Chairman Glenda Walton
Seated left to right:  Chapter Regent Billie Ann Tadich,
Jo Compton. Standing left to right:  Dee Fronk, Evelyn Fraley, Joan Fagan, Lillie McGhee, Laura Ennis, Friend, Barbara Rathbun.



MASSING of the COLORS

     The 27th annual Massing of the Colors was held at the Brevard Community College Campus in Cocoa on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. This colorful and impressive ceremony is awesome as the many Flags of the United States of America and banners of many service organization are carried by local high school JROTC cadets.

     All five chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Brevard County are represented with each chapters flag and banner being carried by local JROTC cadets. This year the Philip Perry Chapter was represented by cadets from Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School.

     All five chapters of the DAR in the county provide refreshments for participating units before and after the ceremony.



Chapter Regent Billie Ann Tadich pictured with
Flag & Banner bearers from local JROTC Space Coast Jr/Sr High School



(CLICK PHOTO TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW FROM MASSING OF THE COLORS)


OCTOBER 27, 2009 - MEETING/LUNCHEON

     Philip Perry Chapter began the new chapter year with a "Get Acquainted" meeting. We have welcomed 10 new members in since January and this afforded all the opportunity to get to know them better. They were each asked to come forward and give a brief bio of themselves and to tell a little about their patriot. One new member had been trying for 15 years to find a patriot and with the help of our Registrar Jo Compton a patriot was found. By the end of the year we should have two more members for a chapter membership of 116.

     A quiz was also given to the membership regarding our member and how well we kn0w each other. Some of the quiz questions were: What members great, great, great grandfather printed the first copy of the Star Spangled Banner? What two members have three generations (mother, daughter, granddaughter) in our chapter? Who in our chapter is a certified pilot? And etc.

     Many favorable comments were received regarding the informality of the meeting and in getting to know one another better.

  
Pictured -  Standing: Philip Perry Regent Billie Ann Tadich, seated left to right: Jean Tonitto & Elaine Gazaway


(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW FROM OCTOBER MEETING)



SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2009 FSSDAR FALL FORUM

     Space Coast Regent’s Council was in charge of Fall Forum 2009. Philip Perry’s part was doing table decorations for three events. Under the leadership of Vice Regent Anne Schwanda an outstanding job was done. Highlighting the event was the Saturday evening banquet when Cpl. Michael Jennigan USMC (Ret) accompanied by his guide dog, Brittani told about the work of Paws for Patriots. In keeping with the "Paws for Patriots" theme the chapter made miniature dog houses out of recycled milk and juice containers. Each dog house had an American Flag flying on the roof and signs of "Paws for Patriots" hung on the front and back of each house. Miniature dogs were sitting by each house.

     For the C.A. R. luncheon a very patriotic theme of flags, fans and streamers was carried out and for the luncheon on Sunday, which featured the work of Tamassee DAR School, school supplies adorned each table and were later given to Linda Chastain from Tamassee to take back to the school.

     Each chapter in the council was responsible for the various jobs and all did an outstanding job and made it an outstanding Fall Forum.

     Attending from Philip Perry were: Anne Schwanda, Dorie Dykstra, Jo Compton, Glenda Walton, Susan Novotny, Elaine Gazaway and Lila Sandstrom.


Pictured -  Front Row:  Glenda Walton, Lila Sandstrom, Anne Schwanda, Back Row: Jo Compton, Dorrie Dykstra, Elaine Gazaway & Susan Novotny.




SEPTEMBER 19, 2009 - CONSTITUTION WEEK LUNCHEON

     The Sons of the American Revolution hosted their annual CONSTITUTION WEEK LUNCHEON ON Saturday, September 12, 2009, at The Tides, Patrick Air Force Base.

     DAR members from throughout the county were invited to attend.

     Speaker for the luncheon was Amy Kenessey, Brevard County School Board Member, District 3.

     Attending from Philip Perry Chapter DAR were Jo Compton, Readie Cooper, Norma Gattier, Helen Majerick, Ginny Yuhr, Glenice Fablinger, Cozette Merritt, Barbara Sims and Jackie Marshall


Pictured above from left to right, back row:  Glenice Fablinger, Readie Cooper, Barbara Sims,
Cozette Merritt, Jackie Marshall, Jo Compton, & Ginny Yuhr; front row:Helen Majerick & Norma Gattier.



PHILIP PERRY CHAPTER CELEBRATES FLAG DAY - JUNE 13th, 2009


(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM FLAG DAY)




MAY 26th, 2009 MEETING/LUNCHEON

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM 26th MAY, 2009 MEETING
)

     The May 26th meeting of the Philip Perry chapter was held at the Rockledge Country Club.  This was a special meeting to honor our past Regents.  Mary Mace, Joyce Roth and Cynthia Franklin past Regents attended and were presented with vases of flowers. Past Regents Ginny Mastin, Ann Thurm and Glenda Walton were unable to attend but were also honored. 

     We were so pleased to induct Dorrie Dykstra and Martha Whitfield as new members of our DAR chapter.

     Elizabeth Ashley May, our ROTC medal receipient from Merritt Island High School attended our luncheon with her mother.  She extended thanks to the members and told of her plans for her future.

     We all enjoyed a performance by the "Take your Pick" dulcimer group who performed a program of Colonial and Revolutionary era music including the most popular tune of the time "Chester".

     This was our last official meeting of the season but we will be looking forward to the Flag Day luncheon on Saturday, June 13th which will be hosted by the Philip Perry Chapter, DAR at 11:30 at the Rockledge Country Club.



APRIL 28th, 2009 MEETING/LUNCHEON

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM 28 APRIL, 2009 MEETING)


     The April 28th meeting of the Philip Perry Chapter was held at the Rockledge Country Club. Regent Billie Ann Tadich was unable to be there so the meeting was conducted by 1st Vice Regent Anne Schwanda. 
 
     Registrar Jo Compton and 2nd Vice Regent Elaine Gazaway  conducted an induction ceremony for our four new members. ( Cozette Merritt, Robeana Chaffiot, Barbara Rathbun and  Virginia Rahal).  We are delighted to welcome these new members to our chapter.
 
     It was a pleasure to recognize and present Mary Jane Law with a certificate for forty years of loyal service and membership in the DAR.  Congratulations Mary Jane this is truly something to be proud of.
 
     After lunch we all enjoyed hearing our speaker Andrew Batten speak on "Colonial Taverns".  He is a fascinating speaker with a wealth of knowledge on many aspects of Colonial America.
 
     Following the speaker we nominated delegates who will be attending Continental Congress  in D.C. in July.  Anne Schwanda will be attending for Billie Ann Tadich and Louisa Kupper will be a delegate.
 
Our next meeting will be May 26.




MARCH 28th, 2009 FASHION SHOW

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM FASHION SHOW) 

     On March 28th, the Philip Perry Chapter NSDAR hosted a Spring Fashion Show at the Rockledge Country Club.  The Fashion Show was a big success with approximately 70 attending, fashions were by Coldwater Creek in Viera.  While the models strutted their stuff on the runway the MC from Coldwater Creek described the outfits the models were wearing - what a nice group!

     Money earned will be used to fund chapter, state and national DAR projects.




MARCH 24th, 2009 MEETING/LUNCHEON

     Vera Zimmerman, presented a very interesting program at the March 24th meeting at Rockledge Country Club, Who were the Indians of the Indian River?  
      New Member Louisa Kupper was installed at this meeting, bringing the total active membership
to 103. 
      Booklet holding Award Certificates were displayed at the meeting of the 22 Awards Philip Perry Chapter received at FSSDAR Spring Conference!

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM MARCH 24TH, MEETING)





AMERICAN HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST & DAR GOOD CITIZENS TEA - FEBRUARY 24, 2009

     The February meeting of Philip Perry Chapter and Tea honoring the winners of the American History Essay Contest and DAR Good Citizens was held at the Central Brevard Library on Tuesday, February 24, 2009.

     After the regular meeting guest arrived for the Tea and all enjoyed hearing the essays of the young students from grades 5th thru 8th who wrote about "What message did the Gettysburg Address communicate to our war-torn nation in 1863? How are the ideals articulated in the speech still relevant for our country today?" The young people did an excellent job and the top winners from each grade level were:

     Scott Baughan, St. Marks Episcopal Academy; Savannah Mills, 6th grade Golfview; Elizabeth Loisel, 7th grade Ronald McNair Magnet and Michael Dunn, 8th grade from Divine Mercy Catholic School. Michael Dunn is the Florida State Society Daughters of the American Revolution winner and will be honored at the FSSDAR Spring Conference on Saturday, March 14, at the Orlando Airport Marriott.

     The DAR Good Citizen award was created in 1934 by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The purpose of the DAR Good Citizen is to recognize and reward male and female high-school seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen; dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Recipients of the DAR Good Citizens medal from their respective schools were: Jennifer Dittmer, Cocoa High School; Sean Wilken, Edgewood High School, Anna Kinast, Merritt Island High School and Mary Printas, Space Coast Jr./Sr/ High School.

     All students listed above received medals, certificates and $50.00 each.

     Following the meeting and presentation of award delicious refreshments were served by Philip Perry members for all to enjoy.





GEORGE WASHINGTON DAY LUNCHEON - FEBRUARY 21, 2009

     The annual George Washington Day Luncheon hosted by the Space Coast Regent’s Council was held on Saturday, February 21st, at The Tide Patrick Air Force Base.

     Barbara Keller president of the council conducted the meeting in conjunction with Steve Williams of the Brevard County SAR.

     Special guest in attendance were FSSDAR 2nd Vice Regent Donna Cullen, FSSDAR Corresponding Secretary Pat Balga and FSSDAR Registrar Carole Cole.

     Special guest and speaker for the event was Seymour Berman. Mr. Berman told of his experiences during the period of World War II and displayed the many awards he received for his valor during the period. He is a true patriot.

     Present from Philip Perry were: Jo Compton, Phyllis Hadden, Carolyn Hinman, Rosemary Hoskin, Anne Schwanda, Barbara Sims, Billie Ann Tadich and prospective member Robeana Chaffiott.







Pictured from left to right:         
- front row: Phyllis Hadden, Barbara Sims, Anne Schwanda;  back row: Jo Compton, Rosemary Hoskin, Philip Perry Regent Billie Ann Tadich & Carolyn Hinman.







Seymour Berman & Barbara Keller showing some of the
awards Seymour received.




JANUARY 27, 2009 MEETING/LUNCHEON

     Philip Perry Chapter, Cocoa, Florida was proud to honor Colonel Danny R. McKnight, U. S. Army retired, with the DAR Medal of Honor on Tuesday, January 27, 2009. Colonel McKnight grew up in Rockledge, attending local schools. He attended Florida State University on a ROTC Scholarship, graduating in 1973 as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a BS Degree in Management. He began his military career after graduation spending 28 ½ years in the Army, arising to the rank of Colonel, and from Aide-de-camp to Company Commander. During his  years in the Army he saw combat duty on two occasions - Panama in 1989 and Somalia 1993 (basis for the book and movie "Black Hawk Down"). In the movie "Black Hawk Down" his role was portrayed by Tom Sizemore.

     Some of Colonel McKnight’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal of Valor, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge with Combat Star and Pathfinder Badge. Today Colonel McKnight is a motivational speaker. His speeches center on patriotism, love of country and the flag.

     He is a true patriot...he loves our United States of American. He exemplifies in every way the ideals and principals of the Medal of Honor and Philip Perry was honored to bestow this award.









Pictured left to right:  Regent Billie AnnTadich & Colonel Danny R. McKnight.








Pictured left to right - Anne Schwanda,
presents Philip Perry member Nancy Stubbs with a  bouquet of flowers to celebrate her 90th birthday.


(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDESHOW FROM  THIS MEETING)






JANUARY 3, 2009 GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

     The Philip Perry Chapter participated in the Space Coast Regent’s Council Genealogy Workshop held 3 January, 2009 at the Central Brevard Library.  All the DAR Chapters in Brevard County were represented along with the Brevard Chapter of the SAR. 

     Guest Speaker Genealogist Dr. Deborah Duay, PhD., gave a wonderful presentation.









Pictured left to right:  Genealogist Dr. Deborah Duway, PhD, Maura McLeod & Barbara Keller.




Pictured left to right:  Regent Billie Ann Tadich &
Registrar Jo Compton.






 

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