The regular monthly luncheon meeting of the General George S. Patton, Jr., Chapter SAR was held Friday, 12 October 2007, in the Garden Room of Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA. The meeting was called to order by Chapter President Bill Henry with Compatriot Gary Smith giving the Invocation, and Compatriot Ward White led the Pledge to the Flag and the Pledge to the SAR. In attendance were thirteen compatriots: President Bill Henry, Vice President Ward White, Registrar Ron Risley, Treasurer Richard Caldwell, Past Presidents Richard Hawley and Steve Hurst, Frank Budroe, Dick McMullen, Burt Jacobs, Harry Brown, Bob Taylor, Gary Smith, and associate Bill Hurley. The seventeen guests included our speaker, Dana Parker, DAR visitors Pati Longo and Vicky Schmaern, Mrs. Rosemarie Risley, Mrs. Bernie Smith, Mrs. Marian Brown, Mrs. Sunny McMullen, Mrs. Willette Budroe, Mrs. Nancy Jacobs, Ms. Helen Patsalides, Jean Didier, Ed and Carol Gafford, Garland and Rosalee Middleton, Bob Allison, and George Horne.

Reports: Reports were given by the following officers:

The Secretary Bob Taylor presented the minutes of the September chapter meeting, which were approved as read.

The Treasurer Richard Caldwell presented the treasurer‘s report, which was accepted as read.

The Registrar Ron Risley presented the registrar’s report. The supplemental applications for Members Richard McMullen and Ward White have been received at NSSAR Headquarters. Registrar Risley reported on Chapter growth: 51 (2004), 52 (2005), 54 (2006), and 61 (2007). He further announced the annual dues notices are being distributed late this year.

Compatriot William J. Hurley was presented with his Associate Membership certificate by President Henry. His ancestor is Thomas Wyman, who aided the Revolution.

Other reports presented included the Chaplain’s report by Gary Smith, Resolution & Rules report by Ron Risley, Recognition report by Ward White, the Budget Committee report, the Awards report by Frank Budroe, Law Enforcement (Bill Hurley was elected chairman), Eagle Scout report by Dick Hawley, the Essay Contest by Bill Henry, ROTC, Constitutional Development Committee by Ron Risley, Budget Committee by Richard Caldwell, Color Guard participation for Veteran’s Day Ivy Lawn ceremonies (Frank Budroe volunteered to lead), Nomination Committee by Steve Hurst (will report next month with slate, and Hale Hamilton will continue as Chapter Historian).

Old Business: None

New Business: None

Program: The guest speaker, Dana Parker of Cypress, CA, who is a docent at the Independence Hall exhibit at Knott’s Berry Farm, portrayed James Madison, fourth President of the United States, who is widely considered to be the chief architect of the U.S. Constitution. He presented the many contributions President Madison provided to the United States, its patriots (particularly the Third President, Thomas Jefferson), and the Constitution, plus the enormous debt he owed to his wife, Dolly Madison. The War of 1812, commonly referred to as “Madison’s War”, was also discussed. Following were questions and answers from the floor with President Madison. A certificate of appreciation was presented to Dana Parker at the conclusion, along with photographs.

Closing: The next meeting will be held in the Garden Room at 11:30 a.m. Friday, 9 November 2007. The guest speaker will be Hank Hinkel (USNR) who will speak on the “three Women Who Influenced Abraham Lincoln”. One additional item of business was the recognition of Compatriot Frank Budroe’s 90th birthday. The meeting was adjourned following the SAR recessional and the benediction by Chaplain Smith.

Respectfully submitted by,

Robert Taylor, Chapter Secretary.