The Lovely Rebel Belles in RED with Hearts galore in every form, joined together on Valentine’s Day at the South County Community Center in The Woodlands.
President JENNY LEHR gifted each member of her Chapter with a Heart Shaped Box of Chocolates. Treasurer KATHERINE TAGLIENTI also spread her love with Valentines and Red Suckers for each member. Corresponding Secretary ELAINE COLLINGS has all her RJOA Sisters dressed in the Red Heart Glasses and Heart Head-Bands that she has gifted them over the years. A darling jeweled heart-shaped purse is held by Chaplain LYN HOWARD. Best of all was how the room was filled with Love before the Meeting ever started as everyone greeted each other, and taking care of individual details for Chapter upcoming events.
Four “Charter Members” were in Attendance: ROSELANE POLNICK, LYN HOWARD, DIANNE KEBODEAUX, and ELAINE COLLINGS. Newest Member present was DEBBIE AIELLO. RJOA Future Member: LYN GREY was also present and her Application is in the eager hands of Registrar: MARY LEE MALEK.
All Pledges, Rituals, and Reports were given and each was quite exciting garnering more accomplishments for the Rebel Joan Of Arc 2721 Chapter, of the United Daughters of the Confederacy! VP CHARLOTTE BELIN took more Ribbons and Insignia orders, and 2nd VP DONNA SUMMERS announced March 15th Deadline for Scholarship entries and their requirements. Recording Secretary: Shelia Williamson volunteered to be Chairman of the “RJOA BELLE RINGERS”. Treasurer: KATHERINE TAGLIENTI always does a superb job and covered every detail. RJOA is very “healthy”.
Military Service Awards Officer: CYNTHIA CONNOR will have a “Holy Cross Medal” to present to a Veteran with Confederate lineage, which is the highest Medal possible in the UDC for a Veteran in multiple wars. Historian ANITA STEVENS covered the Essay and Poetry Topics for the next TX Div. Contest, and provided Hand-Outs to her Chapter. Birthdays were recognized by Corresponding Secretary: ELAINE COLLINGS, gave a special recognition to DANEAN & DAVE MYERS on their 43rd Anniversary of
Feb. 14th! ~LOVE IS IN THE AIR ALL AROUND US~. ELAINE COLLINGS as Public Relations Chairman also announced 7 Articles for Public Relations since the last Meeting in January. Benevolent Chairman: EVELYN MILLER gave an outstanding report on RJOA contributions, donations, and hours of service, as well as the promotion of the UDC Magazine, and organizing RJOA Magazine records. Fund-Raising Chairman: LAURA McCracken sent her Report and RJOA preparation’s are in full swing for the upcoming Washington On The Brazos Event.
* Honorary Associate Member: RON McCRACKEN was again thanked for his donation of his hand made one of a kind Carving Set of Damascus Steel and Leather Sheath for the RJOA Fund-Raiser.
All Old Business and New Business was covered, as well as Prayers needed for our Country, our President, our Families and Friends, by Chaplain LYN HOWARD.
TEXAS OUR TEXAS was lead by “RJOA Song-Bird”: ANITA STEVENS, and sung proudly by ALL members as always! Every two Years the RJOA Officer Nominating Committee announces the Suggested Slate of new Officers in February to be considered during March and April, then voted on in May at the last “Formal Meeting” of the RJOA Year.
It is always Two-Year Terms for UDC Chapters, States, and the General Officers of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Historian ANITA STEVENS introduced Program Speaker: Jody Ballard, Commander of the Grimes County Grays camp of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans. Commander Ballard was well dressed in his Confederate Uniform, (which all the RJOA Valentines Belles appreciated), and spoke on “History of Anderson’s Confederate Memorial Plaza and its Preservation”. A real must to go visit!
The Spirit and Heart of small town History for States Rights, during the War Between the States.
The “RJOA SPIRIT BEAR” was announced by Past-Winner: REGINA RINEY, and awarded to ELAINE COLLINGS for “her Spirit, and because she fights for our Chapter”!
We all wonder “WHO” will be honored with the “RJOA Spirit Bear” next?
The Chapter was Adjourned by President LEHR, and the traditional proud singing of DIXIE was lead by ANITA STEVENS, and all her sisters singing with full hearts and souls, holding hands-encircled.
Chairman of “RJOA Lunch Bunch”: REGINA RINEY, led her sisters to Lunch at B.J.’s in The Woodlands! More Fun was had!
Submitted by RJOA Chairman of Public Relations:
Elaine Collings, ehcollings@gmail.com
Photo Committee: Shelia Williamson