Flagler Chapter Sons of t he American Revolution Newsletter November 2014 Chapter Officers President First Vice President Secretary-Treasurer David Kelsey David S. Hammond William H. Knisely 386-447-0350 386-313-1433 Sergeant-at-Arms Chaplain Registrar-Genealogist John W. Thomas Raymond Thompson William S. Creager 386-437-9380 Next Meeting: Thursday, November 20, 2014, 11:00 AM Palm Coast Yacht Club À la Carte Lunch (optional) at conclusion of meeting $12 Election of Officers for 2015 Speaker: Compatriot Casey Kelly Topic: 2014 Mission of Hope to Cameroon Compatriot Kelly graduated from Stetson University in May, 2014 and plans to enter medical school next year. In March 2014, Compatriot Kelly was one of five Stetson students who accompanied an MD on a trip to Cameroon in West Africa. The purpose of the trip was to provide medical assistance and care to residents in small villages outside of major cities in Cameroon. Compatriots: FROM THE PRESIDENT Thank you all for attending our October 16 th Chapter Meeting & Luncheon at the Palm Coast 1 P a g e
Yacht Club. The speaker, Mr. Al Hadeed, and his program were outstanding and enjoyed by all. Thanks to Compatriots David Hammond and Bill Knisely, and also Victoria Kelsey, for their participation and attendance at the 2014 EMS Award Presentation at Fire Station 22 on October 8. On Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, Veterans Day Ceremonies will be held at multiple locations: Heroes Memorial Park in Palm Coast, Flagler County Govt Bldg. in Bunnell, VFW in Palm Coast, and at Flagler Beach. All are invited to attend. Victoria & I especially enjoy the 8:30 AM ceremony at Heroes Memorial Park because we can sit in the shade on the low brick wall in front of our SAR Liberty Tree and look directly at the various speakers. Mrs. Brenda Crosby, an Old Kings Hwy. DAR member residing in Palm Coast, is the mother of Compatriot Johnny Ray Crosby and grandmother of Compatriot Trevor Wayne Crosby. Trevor resides at Gainesville, FL and Ray resides at Jacksonville, FL. Brenda advised that Trevor & Ray would be at her residence on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 29. I plan to swear in Trevor & Ray on Saturday, November 29th at 3:00 PM at Heroes Memorial park in front of our SAR Liberty Tree. Rain/inclement weather location will be nearby at the Flagler County Library in front of our Chapter SAR Christmas Tree. Trevor & Ray will each be presented with their SAR membership certificate and SAR rosette. Brenda will be presented with an SAR Medal of Appreciation & Certificate for her role in the recruitment of 2 SAR members. Please attend if you can. The Friends of the Library are sponsoring a Festival of the Trees event on Friday, November 21 at 6:15 PM at the library. Last year over 50 Christmas trees were on display including our SAR Christmas tree thanks to Compatriots Ted St. Pierre and Bill Creager. Admission is free, refreshments will be served, door prizes will be given out and there is live entertainment. Compatriots Bill & Ted, thank you for again volunteering to setup the SAR Christmas tree with its uniquely designed patriotic ornaments at this event. Everyone is invited to attend this holiday event. The October 3rd & 4th FLSSAR Board of Management meeting in Orlando was a big success and included several informative training sessions for various Chapter officers. The FLSSAR balanced budget for 2015 was passed unanimously. On May 17, 1777, the southernmost battle of the Revolutionary War was fought at Thomas Creek in North Florida. The March 21, 2015 dedication of the Jacksonville Battle of Thomas Creek road sign at the Jacksonville Seaton Creek Historic Preserve has been funded through donations of approximately $2,500 and up to $1,500 from FLSSAR reserves. As a member of the FLSSAR Historic Sites Committee, I voted against the wording of the Jacksonville roadside sign, however, the proposed wording on the sign passed 3 to 1. The wording on the roadside sign misidentified the Patriot forces, failed to note the Sawpit Bluff rendezvous point for the Patriot forces and misstated the overall mission, that being to destroy the British Army garrison at St. Augustine and neutralize the East Florida Rangers, a Tory force supporting the British Army. Had the Patriot forces been successful, East Florida would have become our 14th colony. As a member of the FLSSAR finance committee, I supported the overall Battle of 2 P a g e
Thomas Creek dedication event. As Chairman of the Flagler Chapter Awards Committee, a final request for 2014 for reimbursement has been submitted to the FLSSAR ETF Disbursement Committee. Compatriots Bill Knisely, John Thomas, and Walter Moore have been appointed to conduct a financial review of the 2014 Flagler Chapter financial records. They did an outstanding job reviewing the 2013 financial records and merit the opportunity to provide this service again to our Chapter. Thanks again for doing a great job. The 2015 Flagler Chapter Officers election will take place at the November 20, 2014 annual meeting. Any Compatriot wishing to run for office or wishing to nominate a Compatriot for office, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee, Compatriots David Hammond, Bill Knisely, or John Thomas. The elected Chapter Officers will be sworn in and take office at the January 2015 Chapter Meeting. If you have not been receiving a copy of The Florida Patriot magazine or the national SAR magazine, The SAR, please let me know. Applicant Rick Staly and potential new members, Ken Neu and Norm MacDonald, attended our October 16th Chapter meeting and have been invited or are in the process of being invited to the November 20 meeting. Thank you all again for your participation in our Chapter activities. Anyone interested in joining any of our Chapter Committees or volunteering to fill our vacant positions, feel free to contact me or any Board Member or the Nominating Committee with your interest and/or questions. One parting thought, in addition to having a joyous holiday season, please pay your 2015 annual membership dues as soon as possible. It would be much appreciated by our Secretary-Treasurer Bill Knisely. I hope to see you all at the November 20 Chapter Luncheon. We are all looking forward to hearing about Compatriot Casey Kelly's adventures in Cameroon. Compatriot David Kelsey President REGISTRAR / GENEALOGIST REPORT Currently the Flagler Chapter has four Supplementals, one Youth Application and one Regular Application that have been submitted to the SAR National Headquarters in Louisville, KY and all are awaiting their review and approval. New Item - Good news!! The National Headquarters in Louisville, KY, as of 11/03/2014, approved the New Member Applications for Peyton Segrest #192792 and Rick Staly #192791 and they are our newest Chapter Compatriots. Two DAR 3 P a g e
applications had been forwarded to the DAR were reviewed by their Registrar and she requested additional documentation. Those documents were sent so that the applications can be finalized. No other applications are currently being processed. Bill Creager EMS AWARD TO PALM COAST FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC On October 8 th, 2014, COLIN CRAIG, Firefighter-Paramedic, City of Palm Coast Fire Department, was presented an SAR EMS Medal & Certificate based on his outstanding performance. Deputy Fire Chief Jerry Forte noted that Mr. Craig is an outstanding Firefighter- Paramedic and has suggested a proactive program, since adopted by the CPC Fire Dept., whereby with notice, the CPC Fire Dept. would offer to replace all smoke detector batteries in an entire neighborhood. The priority of neighborhoods selected for battery replacement would be based on whether there were a high number of 911 calls due to falls. Over a 2-3 week period in the month of April, 2100 batteries were replaced in 300 homes in one neighborhood. While battery replacements were being made, the fire truck and crew would be immediately available to respond to emergency calls. The presentation was made at Fire Station #22 on the Palm Coast Parkway. This fire station #22 shift was manned by a five man crew led by Lt. John Peacock FF/EMT, Chris Timofiejczyk FF/EMT, Mr. Colin Craig and 2 Flagler County Firefighter-Paramedics. In addition to Fire Dept. personnel, Compatriots David Hammond, Bill Knisely, and David Kelsey attended the presentation. Victoria Kelsey also attended. Deputy Fire Chief Jerry Forte, CPC Fire Dept., reported that Station #22 is Palm Coast s oldest Fire Station having been constructed in 1973, and is scheduled for a complete renovation in the coming year. As the presentation ceremony ended, an alarm call sounded and the Station #22 crew responded. Congratulations to Mr. Craig for his outstanding performance and assistance to the citizens of Palm Coast. From Left to Right: Deputy Fire Chief Jerry Forte, Treasurer Bill Knisely, Victoria Kelsey, Award Recipient Colin Craig FF/Paramedic, SAR President David Kelsey, Lt. John Peacock FF/EMT, 1 st Vice President David Hammond, Chris Timofiejczyk FF/EMT 4 P a g e
LEST WE FORGET HAROLD F. HAL MILLER, JR. 1928-2014 (A personal reflection from our President, Compatriot David Kelsey) Compatriot Hal Miller was a member of the SAR for 68 years and was the Florida Society President in 2003-2004. Since he was a retired investment banker, Hal was also serving as one of the three trustees for the Florida Trust Funds. My fondest moment with Hal occurred when I was sitting next to him at a 2005 BOM meeting when it was announced that the earnings of the Endowment Trust Fund fell short by $1,829.00 of the funds needed to reimburse the Chapters at 100%. Hal jumped to his feet shouting, I ll cover that!! After Hal stepped aside as trustee, I was elected to replace him and am in my third 3-year term. In the photo, Hal is the Compatriot in the center. The photo says it all. Hal was a determined, stand-up guy. He led from the front. 5 P a g e
CHAPTER FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT SWEARS IN NEW MEMBER As reported in an earlier newsletter my oldest grandson, Dalton Segrest, is a member of our chapter. He is currently enrolled at the University of South Alabama, in Mobile. While serving in the Alabama National Guard, and recently promoted to Specialist, he is studying toward a degree in Emergency Medical Services. The path he has chosen will require him to first become a certified paramedic and then, with additional study, be awarded his degree. 6 P a g e
FROM THE TREASURER This is a reminder that this is the time of year all members must pay their dues for the next year. There are several items I would like to highlight for each of you. 1. Dues have not increased 2. Billing information will be mailed to home addresses shortly and 2015 dues will need to be sent to me to arrive not-later-than December 1st. 3. I will be mailing all dues received to the State Secretary shortly after the 1st. 4. I will be traveling out of state during December and any dues that arrive after my departure will not be sent to the State Secretary by the deadline. Members missing the deadline will most likely be dropped from the membership rolls and have to go through the reinstatement process after the first of the New Year. Thanks to everyone for your understanding and cooperation. Bill Knisely Secretary/Treasurer Flagler Chapter SAR - Christmas Tree The Flagler Chapter will participate again this year in the Festival of Trees held at the Flagler County Library. Compatriot Ted St. Pierre, Chairman of the Christmas Tree project, has advised that the Flagler SAR's tree will be on display from November 20 until January 2nd. If you have the opportunity, please stop by the library and see our display as well as the many other trees displayed by various clubs, Churches, Societies and other Organizations. LYDIA DARRAGH MEDAL PRESENTATION TO VICTORIA KELSEY The Lydia Darragh Medal is a new SAR medal authorized by our National office to recognize the lady that the Chapter President determines has been the most helpful to him during and before his tenure as President. The lady selected must have at least 3 years of service to the Chapter. The face of the Lydia Darragh Medal depicts a colonial woman passing military information to a colonial officer on horseback. Quoting from the Medal citation: The Lydia 7 P a g e
Darragh medal authorized in 2013 is named after Lydia Darragh (1729-1789), who crossed British lines in 1777 during the British occupation of Philadelphia, to deliver information to George Washington. Like Lydia Darragh, many ladies have had to courageously adapt to various circumstances in an effort to work side by side with all levels of Presidents of the SAR. It was with great pleasure that I selected VICTORIA LYNN KELSEY to be the 2014 Flagler Chapter first Lydia Darragh Medal recipient. The medal and certificate were presented at the October 16 th, 2014 Chapter Luncheon. Victoria Kelsey has not only assisted me in all of my many duties as President, Programs & Publicity, and Awards Committee Chairman, but also attended and provided photographs of many Chapter events and all Chapter meetings. Victoria s long term service to our Flagler Chapter includes 6 years as Newsletter Publisher, assistance in my previous Presidential terms in 2005 & 2007, assistance to me as Awards Committee Chairman for 5 years, and assistance in special projects such as the SAR Liberty Tree in Heroes Memorial Park and the Veterans Montage in the entranceway of the County Elections Supervisor s office. Congratulations Victoria on this richly deserved award and thank you for all your hard work on behalf of the Flagler Chapter over the past 12 years. 8 P a g e
FALL 2014 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Monday, November 3, 2014 City of Palm Coast Long Creek Preserve Grand Opening Ceremony (Long Creek Preserve is open now) Sunday, November 9, 2014 Veterans Day Service (Non-Denominational) 10:00 AM Christ Lutheran Church Located near U.S. 1 & Black Cloud Saloon Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Veterans Day Ceremonies 08:30 AM Heroes Memorial Park, Palm Coast 10:00 AM Flagler Government Services Bldg., Bunnell Thursday, November 20, 2014 SAR, Flagler Chapter Meeting 11:00 AM Palm Coast Yacht Club Speaker: Compatriot Casey Kelly Topic: 2014 Mission of Hope to Cameroon Election of Officers for 2015 Friday, November 21, 2014 SAR Christmas Tree Festival of Trees 6:15 PM Flagler County Library Friday, November 21, 2014 Unique Guided Tour of Midway Museum, Meeting 2:00 PM House & Cemetery Midway, Georgia Admission: $9 per person 21 Revolutionary War Patriots buried at cemetery For info, 912-884-5837 Saturday, November 22, 2014 Fort Morris Come and Take it! Celebration 10:00 AM Midway, Georgia (Exit #76 off I-95) For info, 912-884-5999 Saturday, November 29, 2014 New Members, Johnny & Trevor Crosby 3:00 AM Membership Certificate & Rosette Presentation Brenda Crosby, Medal of Appreciation Heroes Memorial Park near SAR Liberty Tree Rain Location: Flagler County Library near SAR Christmas Tree December 2014/January 2015 Thomas Creek Battlefield Hike (Near Callahan, FL) 9 P a g e
SPECIAL THANKS On November 5, 2014, Compatriot Bill Creager conducted an American Flag and Revolutionary War presentation before a group of 47 adults who were attending a Technology and Camping Rally in Kissimmee, FL. Well done Sir (Your editor) REVOLUTIONARY WAR FACTS The Battle of Chelsea Creek was the second military engagement of the Boston campaign of the American Revolutionary War. It is also known as the Battle of Noddle's Island, Battle of Hog Island and the Battle of the Chelsea Estuary. This battle was fought on May 27 and 28, 1775, on Chelsea Creek and on salt marshes, mudflats, and islands of Boston Harbor, northeast of the Boston peninsula. Most of these areas have since been united with the mainland by land reclamation and are now part of East Boston, Chelsea, Winthrop, and Revere. The British colonists met their goal of strengthening the siege of Boston by removing livestock and hay on those islands from the reach of the British regulars. The British armed schooner Diana was also destroyed and its weaponry was appropriated by the Colonial side. This was the first naval capture of the war, and it was a significant boost to the morale of the Colonial forces. (Courtesy of The American Revolution Website http://www.theamericanrevolution.org) Respectively submitted: Compatriot David S. Hammond First Vice President/Editor 10 P a g e