The COVID-19 pandemic affects everyone in some way.
The Elizabeth Ludington Hagans — Col. John Evans chapter of the of West Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution has not been able to get out and work on its typical projects.
But, that hasn’t kept members from being a service to their communities.
Regent Brenda Shinkovich said, in a release, she is proud of the accomplishments of the chapter during the absence of activities and meetings. She outlined many of those services.
ROTC medals
JROTC bronze medal and certificate was awarded this spring to a junior at Preston High school — Alyssa Wilson. Wilson was experiencing her first year in JROTC and is expected to be promoted to corporal after the next promotion board. She has been an active member of the air rifle team and is involved in many school activities. By the end of her senior year, she plans to have earned her West Virginia completer certificate and government and public administration with four JROTC credits.
The ROTC gold medal and certificate was awarded to Paige Maze, an outstanding cadet with the Army ROTC at West Virginia University.
Because of the COVID-19 situation neither of these awards were able to be presented in person; they were mailed to the respective ROTC units. These honors have been awarded for more than 50 years with the first medals being awarded in 1967.
Wreaths Across America
As part of Wreaths across America more than 2 million volunteers placed wreaths at more than 1,600 memorial cemeteries and locations across the country and abroad.
Once again the Elizabeth Ludington Hagans — Col. John Evans Morgantown chapter of the West Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution participated by laying wreaths at Oak Grove cemetery in Morgantown to honor local veterans buried there.
The chapter’s namesakes, Elizabeth Ludington Hagans and Col. John Evans are both buried there.
Because fundraisers are on hold, the organization is relying on local businesses and sponsors to help cover the graves of veterans. Wreaths are $15 each. Donations can be mailed directly to Vicky Shears, 463 Coburn Ave., Morgantown, WV 26501. Any questions can be directed to Shears at 304-296-7249 or Brenda Shinkovich at 304-278-5573.
Community service
Members have been doing great things such as entering to walk 100 miles in 100 days and explore the Mountain State. Members have also been working on some Goldstar Mothers projects.
The group also made over 100 masks and is still making them to benefit West Virginia University hospitals. Also, 500 masks have been made by DAR and the local community which were donated to the WVU dental clinic.
Another member has been working on Helvetia Pickens Genealogy and history. She has been converting slides to digital for a family history project. One member volunteers at the Clay-Battelle Area Family Services in Blacksville and the food pantry thrift store.
Another developed and delivered a free webinar for young adults who lost their jobs, with 88 people attending. She also is collecting mail sent in by incarcerated people across six states so she can send a postcard to each, telling them they are not forgotten. She also makes baked goods to send to the WVU dental clinic for lunches once a week. She has also participated in PEN America and has been endorsed by many organizations nationally.
Chapter members made donations and mailed support care packages to the USS Navy ship Dwight D Eisenhower.
New members were welcomed into the chapter. They are Sherry Baker, Karen Clark Gerbo, Catherine Gerbo and Lauren Cox.
Anyone interested in joining the chapter, should contact Susan Arnold at sarnoldwv17@email.com.
