MENDOTA – The Fort du Rocher Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met Dec. 9 at the First Presbyterian Church. Regent Donna Jungnickel conducted the meeting. Members were reminded to record their volunteer hours on the dar.org web site by Dec. 31. Ornaments were placed on the patriot tree for new members in 2023 – Malinda Jaht, Lonnie Shaefer, Lisa Liscio, and Kim Meinhardt.

Amanda Simpson reported the D.A.R. winners for this year. They were Madelyn Becker, Mendota High School, Makaela Lockwood of Leland, Chesney Auter of Earlville and Addison Duttlinger of LaSalle-Peru. Makaela Lockwood’s essay has advanced to district level.

Committee reports followed. Members learned of Nancy Ward, a Cherokee of Tennessee, who became a political leader and advocated for Indian women. Alma Grimes of Ohio served in the Women’s Army Corps. She was a communication specialist and received the Living Legend Proclamation. Patriot Margaret Cochran Corbin ‘Captain Molly’ assisted her husband John who was in charge of the cannon. When he was killed, she took over until she too was wounded. She became the first woman in the U.S. to be awarded a lifelong pension.

Jan Koch read tips for winter travel. To check your battery, turn on lights, then start engine, if lights get brighter with engine running, the battery is going to die soon.

Kasha will be looking into a possible program featuring Kathleen Walvogel, author of Women of the American Revolution, Wives, Soldiers, Sisters of the American Revolution.

The next meeting will be Feb. 10 at the Zion United Methodist Church, Mendota at 10 a.m. At that time, the D.A.R. winners will be recognized along with their parents and counselors with a breakfast.

Any woman over 18 years of age whose lineage traces back to a Revolutionary War patriot, who wishes to learn more about Daughters of the American Revolution is invited to attend the next meeting or go online to dar.org.