The Superior Express -

The October meeting of the Desire Tobey Sears Chapter, NSDAR was called to order by Regent Becky Craig, Munden on the evening of Monday, Oct. 19, at the Trinity United Methodist Church Jewell. Haley Popelka, Belleville, led the nine members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sherry Koster, Jewell, led the members in reciting the American’s Creed.

Chaplain Kerma Crouse, Jewell, discussed the 25th Chapter of Matthew. Becky Craig explained how the phrase Old Glory came from Sea Captain William Driver. It was flown during his career at sea and is now in the Natural Museum of History at the Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.

Registrar Brenda Dooley, Jewell, was pleased to announce Desire Tobey Sears gained at least one new member for each of the past 14 years. Haley Popelka reviewed the President General’s Report which stressed publicizing chapter activities, such as members tying blankets earlier this month. Six million volunteer hours have been recorded by NSDAR members this calendar year.

Healthy Yards was the topic presented by conservation chair, Jane Pahls, Jewell. Remember, insects and seeds can be found in dead leaves and those provide food for birds and other wildlife. Don’t haul them all off!

Constitution Sidelight and presidential information was given by Glada Isaacson, Scandia. The first vice-president to then serve as president was John Adams. Fourteen vice presidents were then elected to the presidency. Twenty presidential trivia questions and answers were also handed out to members to take home. Sherry Koster presented cyber security information. Members were encouraged to have at least 12 characters in their passwords. Using upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters was also suggested.

Becky Craig told members the National Native Indian War Memorial is in place on the National Mall. The design incorporates water for sacred ceremonies, and benches for gathering and reflection. Joyce Graff, Beloit, reminded members to not put off health exams such as mammograms. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month along with SIDS.

Karen Cheney, Republic, gave several examples of free websites to help with genealogical research. These include: Ancestors in the United Kingdom, Ancestry for Free and members with smart phones can download apps to help with their genealogy. More researchers are downloading photographs, Bible and government records and making heirloom books about their families. Karen reviewed both of the grant applications, (state and national) for the restoration of the log cabin located at the Republic County Museum-Historical Society.

National Family Literacy Day will be Nov. 1. Discussion was held on how to celebrate and promote it. Sherry will contact the Jewell Public Library Board to discuss a joint ad to celebrate and promote that day in conjunction with the book signing the library is having with Rosie Bosie on Nov. 19.

Haley Popelka, Sherry Koster and Becky Craig agreed to serve on the nominating committee.

Kerma Crouse described several pioneers who helped found Jewell 150 years ago. Names included Sorick, Billings, Scarbrough, Billings, Street, Matter and Runion. Mary Runion was the first woman paid out of public funds to teach. She earned $25 per month, which was the same pay as a man. Most of the founders moved farther west within a few years. The earliest post offices were in the Jewell area.