California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Gen. George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter Minutes of the May 12, 2000, Meeting

The May 2000 meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter of the CASSAR was held in the Library of the Berylwood Officers Club on Friday, May 12, 2000. The meeting was called to order by President Hale Hamilton at 12:00 p.m. Following the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and SAR Pledge, members and guests adjourned to the buffet for lunch. Seven Compatriots were present: President Hale Hamilton, John Bayles, Alan D. Buckley, Joe Coffman, O. B. Dutton, Ronald Risley, and Jay C. Wood. Two guests present were: Compatriot-elect Jeffrey Alan DeYoung and Rosemarie Risley.

Following lunch, President Hamilton reconvened the meeting at 1:00 p.m. and proceeded immediately into the program.

First, Jeffrey Alan DeYoung was initiated into membership in the Sons of the American Revolution and the Gen. George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter. After taking the oath of membership and receiving his membership certificate, Compatriot DeYoung was formally introduced and welcomed as a member of the Patton Chapter.

Following Compatriot DeYoung's initiation, Compatriot Jay C. Wood, Chapter Registrar, gave a presentation regarding proposed changes at the National Archives. Among other things, NARA proposes to increase fees for archival records searches from $10 to $17-$40. Information about these increases can be found at NARA's website, www.nara.gov/nara/fees-pro.html. Compatriot Wood suggested that concerned citizens might wish to make their reactions known to NARA before these proposed changes take effect in September 2000. All comments must be received by NARA before June 26, 2000. Compatriot Wood noted that many individuals, particularly those living on fixed incomes like Social Security or military pensions, might not be able to afford the fee increases. In addition, NARA might decide to charge a fixed fee regardless of how many--or how few--archived pages are actually reproduced. Finally, Compatriot Wood speculated whether "privatization" of NARA services might result in more efficient and cheaper services.

Following the program, the Chapter conducted its Business Meeting.

Committee Reports

• Secretary: The Minutes of the April 2000 meeting were submitted and approved as distributed.
• Treasurer's Report: Compatriot Risley reported total funds available on April 30, 2000, were $9,664.49. The Treasurer's Report was accepted, subject to audit.
• California American History Teacher Award: Compatriot Wood represented the Chapter at a Fillmore School Board recognition of Mary Ford, California American History Teacher Award winner.
• President's Report: Compatriot Hamilton will be vacationing in the months of June and July. Vice President and Compatriot John Bayles will conduct the Chapter's Business Meetings during his absence.
• There were no other committee reports.

Old Business

• Vacant Chapter Officer positions: President Hamilton again sought volunteers to fill vacant chapter officer positions, particularly Program Chair.
• Patton Chapter Website: Compatriot Buckley will notify the CASSAR of the Chapter's new website.

New Business

• Pride in America Day: Mary Ford has invited Chapter Compatriots to participate in the Fillmore School's Pride in America Day on May 26 at 9 a.m.

After the SAR Recessional and Benediction, the meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m. Our next meeting will be held on June 9, 2000, in the Bard Mansion Library.

Respectfully submitted, Alan D. Buckley, Chapter Secretary.