Shepherdstown Pack Horse Ford Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) participated in several patriotic activities in Jefferson and Berkeley counties in October and November.

On Oct. 28, the Chapter provided support for the Naturalization Ceremony at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in Martinsburg. Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided with U. S. Congressman Alex X. Mooney as keynote speaker. A video presentation by President Barack Obama was shown. Representatives for Senator Joe Manchin, III and Senator Shelley Moore Capito gave welcoming remarks. Other government officials and representatives of civic organizations, including Chapter Regent Kathy Sholl, gave remarks. The Chapter provided Flag of the U.S.A. lapel pins, Pledge of Allegiance bookmarks, and Flag Code brochures to the 40 newly inducted citizens.

After the ceremony, the Chapter provided the reception for the new citizens and their families. Chapter members greeted the new citizens and their families with a patriotic centerpiece and cake; flag cookies; homemade cookies; candy; and beverages.

Americanism Committee Co-chairs were Laura White and Patty Stealey. Committee members included Darla Ambrose, Mary Davis, Cheryl Brown and husband Joe Khare, Mary Gageby, Dr. Becky Hill, Marsha Krashoc, Kathleen Murdock, Marie Snowden, Susan Smith and Connie White.

The Chapter held its annual Veterans Day luncheon on Nov. 5 at The Club at Cress Creek in Shepherdstown with 30 individuals in attendance. Chapter members brought gifts for stuffing the Christmas stockings provided to Veterans during the holiday season.

After the ritual and lunch, Chapter Regent Kathy Sholl asked members and guests to “Stand Up for Veterans,” as a getting-to-know-you activity. The Regent asked questions, such as stand up if you are a Veteran, stand up if you had a relative that fought in any war, and stand proudly if you have a family member currently in the Armed Forces. By the end of the fun, all participants were standing to honor our Veterans and those who have served our country.

DAR Service for Veterans Committee Co-chair Marianne Caruso, with the help of her husband Vince, gave a slide presentation on the Martinsburg VA Medical Center’s Green Acres Garden. She volunteers at the Medical Center, working with Veterans to help them grow vegetables in raised beds. Gardening can be a form of therapy for health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder.

On Nov. 7, Shepherdstown Brownie Scout Troop 40436, led by Gretchen Root, held a meeting at the Shepherd University Library to learn about the Flag of the U.S.A. The Brownie Troop has 8 members with girls ages 7-8 years old. Chapter Regent Kathy Sholl gave a program on the proper use of the Flag of the U.S.A.; led the girls in patriotic songs; provided activity sheets on how to respect the flag and patriotic coloring pages; and distributed Pledge of Allegiance bookmarks and Flag Code brochures. At the end of the evening, the Regent gave all the Brownies a small Flag of the U.S.A.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3522 hosted a Veterans Day service on Friday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Jefferson County Memorial Park in Charles Town. Before the program began, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, hot coffee, and other refreshments were provided by Kurt & Christopher, Washington High School Key Club, Builders Club of Charles Town Middle School (CTMS Builders) and Kiwanis Club. The day was brisk and windy and the donation of fleece blankets made by the CTMS Builders were much appreciated. The blankets of red, white, blue, black and camouflage colors were distributed throughout the crowd.

Todd Kingsbury of the VFW welcomed the group of about 100 adults and children. The guest speaker was Jim Bowie, U.S. Army Retired.

Memorial wreaths were presented by the VFW Post 3522; American Legion Post 71; Bee Line and Park Horse Ford Chapters, NSDAR; and Jefferson High School USAF JROTC. After the ceremony, the American Legion Post 71 provided complimentary soup, sandwiches and dessert.

On Sunday, Nov. 13, the Jefferson County Community Choir gave a “Celebrate America!” concert at Jefferson High School.

All proceeds benefited the JROTC’s drive for the Jefferson County Shoe and Coat Fund. Songs included patriotic, familiar and new ones, led by Director Judith Pharr. The choir was accompanied by pianist Susan Carpenter and drummer, Rich Carter. The Pack Horse Ford Chapter provided all Veterans in the audience with a Flag of the U.S.A.

DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the U.S.A.

Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible to join. With more than 183,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations.

Those who would like to learn more about the Pack Horse Ford Chapter should contact Regent Kathy Sholl at 304-876-1250.

To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.