2012 Chapter Meetings
(All meetings held at the Hilton Executive Park Hotel, 5624 Westpark Drive in Charlotte, NC 704-529-5963. Click here for directions to the hotel.)
16 FEBRUARY, 6:00PM - Our own Dr. Tony Zeiss appears in character as "Captain Jack" with his famous presentation of "Captain Jack's Ride and the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence!" This is the presentation that Dr. Zeiss gave at the SAR National Congress this past July in Winston-Salem to a roaring standing ovation! Dinner menu is Plum-stuffed Pork Loin with Marcella Jus! RSVP Here!
10 MAY, 6:00pm - Purely a Chapter social event with dinner, time to socialize with new and present members, and make new friends! RSVP available soon.
20 SEPTEMBER, 6:00PM
15 NOVEMBER, 6:00PM
Join the NC Ladies Auxiliary!
The National Auxiliary has been in existence since 2003, started by the California Society, which has had a ladies auxiliary since 1983. The North Carolina Ladies Auxiliary began on October 10, 2009, and we are the 17th state with an auxiliary!
We are excited to get to know other ladies of North Carolina and work with them. The Auxiliary only meets when the men meet. Dues are $10. We invite all ladies in our Mecklenburg Chapter and from all NCSSAR Chapters to join!
Download the membership application by clicking here!
Please contact Shelia Wood via email or call 704-846-7323. The NC state president of the Ladies Auxiliary is Jo Thornhill via email.
The Mecklenburg Chapter was chartered on April 27, 1928 as a chapter in the State of North Carolina Society of the sons of the American Revolution.
Charlotte is a Hornet's nest of rebellion.
- British General Cornwallis after he was driven out of the city by hostile residents.
The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed on May 20, 1775, making Mecklenburg County the first part of the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from Great Britain.
January 15, 2012 - Mecklenburg Attends Cowpens Anniversary
Mecklenburg chapter members Tim Berly, Jim Wood and Ray Maxson represented our chapter and participated in the 231st Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens in Cowpens, SC. In the photo below, Tim Berly renders honors at the Cowpens National Monument.
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January 15, 2012 - Cowan's Ford Celebration on January 28, 2012
The Mecklenburg Chapter and the NCSSAR invite you to attend the 231st Anniversary of the Battle of Cowan's Ford and the 250th Anniversary of Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Huntersville, NC on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Hot coffee and biscuits served at 9:15am with the program inside the Church beginning at 10:00am and the Wreath laying ceremony immediately following. Contact Tim Berly at tberly@carolina.rr.com or call (704) 849-7886 for more information. Immediately following the event at 12:15pm, there will be an Open Lunch Social for everybody at Mimi's Cafe at Northlake Mall. Download the Wreath Registration Form here. Directions to Hopewell Presbyterian Church are here.
December 14, 2011 - Fire Safety Commendation Medal Awarded
Mecklenburg Chapter officers Jim Wood, Tim Berly, Jim Prosser and Jay Joyce visited Engine Company 23 of the Charlotte Fire Department on East WT Harris Blvd. to present the SAR Fire Safety Commendation Medal to a firefighter. (In the photo below, Jim Wood, at left, presents the SAR Fire Safety Commendation Medal to Engineer Jeff Dixon of Engine Company 23, as Charlotte Fire Department Chief Hannan, at right, attends.)
"This medal is presented only to an individual and recognized dedicated citizens who have a single goal in their profession—the protection of human life and property by preventing injuries or casualties due to fire and chemicals," said Jim Wood of the Mecklenburg Chapter, SAR. "Today is it our privilege to honor Engineer Jeff Dixon who is assigned to Engine 23." (In the photo below, members of Engine Company 23, Engineer Jeff Dixon, Charlotte Fire Department Chief Hannan, and members of the Mecklenburg SAR pose for a photo.)
Engineer Dixon is a dedicated professional who has been with the Charlotte Fire Department since 1998. Engineer Dixon was part of the team that responded to a three story apartment fire where an estimated 55 residents were trapped in their apartments and awaiting rescue. His unit was assigned suppression duties with the mission of fire control, and under extreme heat and falling debris, the fire was stopped and the rescues were made because of their actions.
December 12, 2011 - Law Enforcement Commendation Awarded
Mecklenburg Chapter officers Jim Wood and Jay Joyce attended a shift command meeting today at the West Service Area Center of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) to present the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.
"Today it is our privilege to honor Officer Wayne Roth (above photo at left) who is assigned to Field Services in the Freedom Division and had been with the department since 2005," announced Jim Wood (above photo at right), Vice President of the Mecklenburg Chapter, NCSSAR. "Officer Roth has been a member of the Civil Emergency Unit for his entire career and has volunteered for deployments to Washington, DC for the presidential inauguration and to Pittsburgh for the G-20 Summit."
Officer Roth is a veteran and retired after 20 years of service as a 1st sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. He has been awarded three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. He is an avid runner and participates in charity runs for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease research.
CMPD Chief of Police Rodney Monroe (at left in photo above) was in attendance to help honor Officer Roth (in middle in photo above) and his receipt of the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation medal.
December 5, 2011 - Mecklenburg Sheriff's Deputy Honored
Mecklenburg Chapter officers Jim Wood, Jim Prosser and Jay Joyce attended a Mecklenburg Sheriff's shift meeting this afternoon to present the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to Deputy Sheriff Michael Henderson, pictured below at left, with Mecklenburg SAR Chapter Vice President Jim Wood, at right.
Deputy Henderson is being honored for his extraordinary dedication to the Sheriff’s Office and his outstanding leadership. He has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1989 and has worked in the courts division and field operations. Deputy Henderson is currently assigned to the canine unit where he works with his partner, Dax, an explosives detection dog.
Deputy Henderson is also a member of the Sheriff’s Advanced Local Emergency Response Team and has made himself indispensable to the unit for his canine experience, knowledge of weapons of mass destruction and hazardous materials. In his spare time he is a captain with the Stallings Volunteer Fire Department and spends time coaching youth baseball and football in the Indian Trail area. In the photo below, Mecklenburg Chapter members Jim Prosser, at left, and Jim Wood, at right, visit a Mecklenburg County Sheriff's shift meeting.
November 26, 2011 - Revolutionary War Historic Howser House
Mecklenburg chapter member Doyle Campbell and his wife, Anita (pictured below), a DAR member, 
take a moment to pose for a photo on the steps at the historic Howser House, which is located adjacent to the Kings Mountain National Military Park on property owned by the park service.
The 208-year-old rock house was built in 1803 by Henry Howser, a stonemason, farmer, land owner and Revolutionary War veteran from Pennsylvania, who moved south in 1789. Its thick sturdy stone walls conveyed prosperity and affluence at a time when most people were living in log houses. His wife, four sons and four daughters resided here and the home remained in this family until the 1920s. It is the oldest stone building west of the Catawba River.
Doyle and Anita are dressed in Colonial attire because they were volunteering to serve as official greeters during the open house. Visitors may reach the house from Rock House Road, located off SC 216 (Battleground Road). Parking is located near the entrance to the house. A shuttle service from the parking area will be provided to the house. Good walking shoes are recommended.
November 17, 2011 - Music of the Revolution at Chapter Meeting
60+ members of our Mecklenburg chapter attended the final membership meeting of the year for an evening full of socializing, a special Campfire beef stew dinner, and music from the Revolutionary War era! (The musicians perform in the photo below.)
(Above photo) Dr. Tom Hanchet from the Levine Museum of the New South, Tom Estes from the Charlotte Folk Society, Don Murray, who is a recognized song writer, and our own Tom Phlegar performed music and songs, along with humor and comedy, from the Revolutionary War period. The banjos, guitar and fiddle filled the air with songs that were familiar to songs that delivered the emotional sadness of "blood, battles, death and winter frost."
In other chapter business, another new member, Donald Boultin (at left in photo below), was inducted into the chapter by president Tim Berly and welcomed by Jim Wood, at right in the photo below.
New chapter officers were elected for the 2012-14 term. Our new chapter officers will be sworn into office during the February16th membership meeting. The new officers include Jim Wood, President; Jay Joyce, Vice President; Jim Prosser, Secretary; Tom Phlegar, Treasurer; Ray Maxson, Registrar/Genealogist; Rev. Robert Lair, Jr., Chaplain; Neil Hohmann, Board Member at Large; Pete Hubicki, Board Member at Large; Adam Zollinger, Board Member at Large; Mike Cathey, Board Member at Large; and, Tim Berly, Immediate Past President.
Past chapter president Thomas Burgess (at right in photo below) surprised the audience with a wonderful and extremely generous gift: a handmade President's gavel and case! Tom presented the gavel and case to chapter president Tim Berly (at left in photo below) and instructed him to "please pass this forward to the next presidents in line!" Tom created the wooden gavel and carrying case himself. Tom, thank you for your wonderful gift and act of generosity!
November 12, 2011 - Old Flag Retirement Ceremony with VFW
The old flag retirement ceremony gathered about 500 flags that had completed their service to our country and were retired with honor. The Mint Hill VFW hosted the program for about 40 who had gathered and brought Old Flags for the ceremony. The Color Guard was led by the Mecklenburg Sons of the American Revolution. These represent about 100 local descendents of those who fought for their freedom during the American Revolution (1776-1783). (In the photo below, Tom Phlegar (to the left outside of the photo), Jim Wood, Tim Berly and Ray Maxson of the Mecklenburg SAR participate in the ceremony.)
(In the photo below, members of the CAR and the Mecklenburg Chapter
NCSSAR family participate in the ceremonies.)
The SAR was followed by the Knights of Columbus Assembly 780 (who promote Patriotism). The VFW had an Armed Color Guard of 8 who made 3 volleys to honor the American Flags and the Country that they have served. They also had a bugler who played taps.
In the Attendance were members of the Children of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution. Also attending were representatives of the Churches in the area who donated Flags, The Ladies Auxiliary for the VFW, and at least one Veteran - who was serving in Afghanistan.
November 11, 2011 - House of Flags Grand Opening Ceremonies
There were over 100 attending the opening of the House of Flags Museum in Columbus, NC on Veteran's Day. The program started with the entry of the VFW Color Guard. Then after the American Flag and the NC State Flags were posted, The Mecklenburg SAR Color Guard posted the third Flag - the Hornets Nest from Mecklenburg, NC. (Pictured below, left to right, are Robert Williamson, Chairman of The House of Flags, Mecklenburg Chapter president Tim Berly, Ray Maxson, Paul Callanan, Jim Wood, Rev. Robert Lair, and kneeling with his drum is Tom Phlegar.)
After several inspiring and Patriotic speeches, The House of Flags Museum was dedicated and opened to the public. The Museum has hundreds of Unique Flags - all the flags of the colonies and the United States from 1776 to 2000. All the Military Flags and those used at each major War from 1812 - Spanish American Mexican - Texas War, WWI & WWII through Afghanistan. Mecklenburg Chapter member and past president Ray Maxson donated a Flag for the Founders & Patriots and will donate a Mayflower Flag in the future.
The House of Flags Museum in Columbus is the only House of Flags Museum in America and possibly one of three in the world! The collection begins with US military service and Veteran’s flags, religious flags, pre-Colonial and Colonial flags. From there the tour continues through the Revolutionary and Civil War eras to the birth of the “Stars and Stripes” of the U.S. The centerpiece of the collection is the display of all 27 official flags of our Nation from 13 to 50 stars. Each state’s and territory’s flags are also on display along with a number of unique flags associated with historical events.
The House of Flags Museum is located at 33 Gibson Street, Columbus, NC 28722. You can call them at 828-894-5640 or email info@houseofflags.org.
November 5, 2011 - Charlotte Veteran's Day Parade
Mecklenburg Chapter members Jim Wood, Tom Phlegar, Paul Callanan, Tim Berly, Jim Prosser and Ray Maxson participated in the 2011 US Airways Salute to Veterans Parade on Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte. The photo below (courtesy of the Charlotte Observer) shows Jim Wood with Tom Phlegar in the background ready to join the parade route.
October 10, 2011 - Ray & Helen Maxson Teach 5th Graders
Mecklenburg chapter Past President Ray Maxson and his wife Helen, a member of the North Carolina SAR Ladies Auxiliary, recently completed another year of sharing the Patriotic history of our country with all 100 5th-grade students at St. James Elementary School in Denver, NC!
"We are thrilled to be back again this year at St. James to share with the students the exciting and very important highlights of the Revolutionary War," said Ray Maxson. "The students are always interested to hear about history and always have questions about our Revolutionary War-period clothing."
October 7, 2011 - Mecklenburg Attends Kings Mountain for 231st
Several members of our Mecklenburg Chapter were in attendance at the 231st Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain, including Jim Wood, Ray Maxson, Jim Prosser, Doyle Campbell, Robin Lattimore, and Russell Davis!
The Battle of Kings Mountain was a decisive battle between the Patriot and Loyalist militias in the Southern campaign of the American Revolutionary War. The actual battle took place on 7 October 1780 nine miles south of the present-day town of Kings Mountain, North Carolina in rural York County, South Carolina, where the Patriot militia defeated the Loyalist forces commanded by British Major Patrick Ferguson of the 71st Foot.
The battle was a pivotal moment in the Southern campaign; the surprising victory over the Loyalist American militia came after a string of rebel defeats at the hands of Lord Cornwallis, and greatly raised morale among the Patriots. With Ferguson dead and his militia destroyed, Cornwallis was forced to abandon plans to invade North Carolina and retreated into South Carolina.
September 8, 2011 - Gen. Thomas Sumter "Invades" Mecklenburg
A great group of members and guests gathered at the Hilton Executive Hotel in Charlotte for 
our September membership meeting on September 8th. The hotel chef and dining staff had prepared a new and delicious Southern Pork BBQ dinner complete with homemade cole slaw, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and pecan pie!
After enjoying a great Southern BBQ dinner, the group was treated to an "invasion" of sort from the famous, outspoken, humorous and somewhat quirky Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter (portrayed by English actor and historian Howard Burnham in photo at right).
The "Carolina Gamecock", a nickname given to Sumter for his fierce fighting tactics, wasted no time yelling and shouting at the audience as he recounted his military service and ultimate embarrassments (according to his accounts).
Sumter was born in Virginia but settled in South Carolina is what today is known as Sumter County. He married a "wealthy and not very good looking" gal and they eventually became very successful plantation owners.
After the Revolutionary War, Sumter served as a State Representative and Senator from South Carolina. He died in 1832 at the age of 98 in Stateville, SC.
In other Chapter business, several members received their SAR Military Service Certificates and Medals. These members included Doyle Campbell, Thomas Burgess, Darrell Ussery, and Charles Morgan.
Mecklenburg Chapter President Tim Berly inducted new member Neil Hohmann (in photo at left), who has been extremely active through volunteering at Chapter events and the recent SAR National Congress in Winston-Salem.
NCSSAR Foothills Regional Vice President Paul Callanan addressed the group and reported that all five (5) of the Chapters in the Foothills District were in attendance at the recent Locke Grave Markings held on August 13 in Statesville and Charlotte. This is the first time that all Chapters within one State region have all been in attendance at one event.
Paul Callanan also announced the proposed slate of Mecklenburg Chapter Officers who will serve the Chapter from 2012-2014. The proposed officers include Jim Wood, President, Jay Joyce, Vice President, Jim Prosser, Secretary, Tom Phlegar, Treasurer, Ray Maxson, Genealogist, and Bob Lair, Chaplain. The election of Chapter officers will take place during the next membership meeting on November 17, 2011.
August 20, 2011 - Salisbury & Charlotte Patriot Grave Markings
The Mecklenburg and Salisbury Chapters co-hosted four (4) Patriot Grave Markings for the Locke Family in both Salisbury and Charlotte, NC. Past NCSSAR President F. Grady Hall and current Mecklenburg Chapter President Tim Berly (in photo at left) co-hosted the full day's activities.
Events started in Salisbury on Saturday morning at the Thyatira Presbyterian Church Cemetery outside of Salisbury with the marking of three graves for Col. Francis Locke (1722-1796), Brigadier General Matthew Locke (1730-1801), and Major John Locke (1751-1833). During the ceremony in Charlotte, NCSSAR President Steve Pittard presented the Martha Washington Medal & Certificate to Ms. Beth Grice, Regent, Mecklenburg Chapter DAR (in photo at bottom right).
Following these services and a SAR social lunch in Charlotte, the gathering moved to mark the 100th Anniversary of the DAR marking of the site where Lt. Col. George Locked was shot and killed in the Battle of Charlotte (1752-1780). This site is located off North Tryon Street in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County.
Two descendents of the Locke Patriots were in attendance: Jonathan Underwood, President of the Colson's Mill Chapter, NCSSAR, and Dr. Clint Lawrence.
July 30, 2011 - Locke Patriots Grave Markings on August 20th
The Salisbury and Mecklenburg Chapters invite you to the Locke Patriots Grave Markings to be conducted in Salisbury and Charlotte for a total of four grave markings. The first three grave markings will be in Salisbury beginning at 10:00am (includes Col. Francis Locke, Patriot Leader at the Battle of Ramsour's Mill) at Thyatira Presbyterian in Salisbury.
Following the morning ceremony, everybody will gather for a combined SAR/DAR/CAR/SR social lunch at 12:30pm at Golden Corral at 7701 North Tryon Street in Charlotte.
After lunch, we will proceed by car caravan 0.8 miles south of the Golden Corral Restaurant on North Tryon Street with the last grave marking at 2:00pm in Charlotte for Lt. George Locke, killed at the Battle of Charlotte. There is an existing Monument that was erected in 1911 by the Mecklenburg Daughters of the American Revolution. This is the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of the Locke Monument in Charlotte.
Download the full event flyer here. Directions to Thyatira Presbyterian Church here. For event information, please contact Tim Berly at tberly@carolina.rr.com or (704) 849-7886.
July 18, 2011 - 121st SAR Congress a Tremendous Success
The 121st SAR National Congress was held July 8-13, 2011 in Winston-Salem as the North Carolina Society played host for Compatriots and their spouses from around the country. National Congress Chairman Sam Powell, past NCSSAR State President and good friend of our Mecklenburg Chapter, performed a fantastic job as Chairman and led an army of volunteers from around the state, including Mecklenburg Chapter members Paul Callanan, Neil Hohmann, Jim Wood, Ray Maxson, Tim Berly, Jay Joyce, Keitha Callanan, Shelia Wood, and Helen Maxson.
Our own Paul Callanan was in command of the daily operations and team of volunteers as meetings, luncheons, offsite tours, formal dinners and more meetings were coordinated. Paul was in his element and did a fantastic job in coordinating the volunteers and tight schedules of the Congress.
SAR Executive Director Joe Harris, at left, poses with Mecklenburg Chapter
past president Ray Maxson during the North Carolina Society Host Party.
Paul and Keitha Callanan pose for a photo during the Tuesday night
Formal Banquet at the 121st SAR Congress in Winston-Salem.
Mecklenburg Chapter member Tony Zeiss and his wife Beth are seated
at the head table during the Formal Banquet just moments
before Tony transforms into Captain Jack for his rousing presentation
on the Mecklenburg Declaration!
July 15, 2011 - Mecklenburg Website Wins "Best in the Nation"
The Mecklenburg Chapter website was voted the "Best Local Chapter Website" in the nation for 2011 by the Sons of the American Revolution national website committee. The Robert B. Vance Award was announced during the 121st SAR Congress held July 8-13, 2011 in Winston-Salem.
"We are very proud of our Chapter website in that it meets all of the SAR national criteria for serving as a role model website," said Mecklenburg Chapter President Tim Berly. "Our members rely on our website to keep them up-to-date with events, news, photos and information they need to continue to get the most from their SAR membership." The North Carolina Society, SAR, website also won Best State website.
July 2, 2011 - Remember the Original Fourth of July 1776.
The original Declaration of Independence is now exhibited in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom in Washington, DC. It has faded badly, largely because of poor preservation techniques during the 19th century. The document measures 29-3/4 inches by 24-1/2 inches. On the back, at the bottom, upside-down is simply written: "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776". According to the National Archives, "While no one knows for certain who wrote it, it is known that early in its life, the large parchment document was rolled up for storage. So, it is likely that the notation was added simply as a label." There are no hidden messages.
June 13, 2011 - Our Own Tony Zeiss to Address the SAR Congress
Mecklenburg Chapter member Tony Zeiss, who happens to also be the President at Centra
l Piedmont Community College, will be the keynote speaker during the July 12th President's Dinner at the NSSAR Congress in Winston-Salem, NC.
Compatriot Zeiss will appear as "Captain Jack" to discuss the Revolutionary War history and key battles and stories found in North Carolina, including the famed Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and Captain Jack's famous ride!
This is an incredible honor for Compatriot Zeiss, our Mecklenburg Chapter, and our North Carolina Society to have the opportunity to address the national SAR audience of 500+ in attendance at Congress. Most of the attendees will be visiting from outside of our North Carolina region and will be most enlightened about all of the history, stories and facts surrounding Compatriot Zeiss' presentation!
If you can make the short drive to attend the President's Dinner on July 12th to watch and support Compatriot Zeiss, please do so. Congratulations, Compatriot Zeiss, we're happy for you and proud of you!
May 28, 2011 - The 231st Anniversary of Buford's Massacre
Mecklenburg Chapter members Jim Wood and Tim Berly gathered with the NCSSAR to mark the 231st anniversary of the Battle of Waxhaws/Buford's Massacre outside of Lancaster, SC. Buford's Massacre took place on May 29, 1780, in the Waxhaws region of South Carolina, when Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton's legion overtook Lt. Col. Abraham Buford's retreating Virginia Continentals, who had arrived too late to aid in the defense of Charleston. The battle was an impressive display of Tarleton's tactical ability, but the Patriots chiefly remember it for the brutal slaughter of Buford's defeated troops. This tragedy aroused a spirit of vengeance among the Patriots, and "Tarleton's Quarter" became the byword for no quarter. (In the photo below, the combined NCSSAR Color Guard honors the anniversary.)
May 20, 2011 - "Meck Dec" Day Brings Out the City of Charlotte
Mecklenburg Chapter members gained spotlight status during this year's annual celebration of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Our Mecklenburg Chapter Color Guard provided the Color Guard presentation and member Tom Phlegar spearheaded the coordination of installing and unveiling two (2) historical markers in the middle of Uptown Charlotte on South Tryon Street.
(Above, Mecklenburg Chapter members (l-r Jim Prosser, Director of Veteran’s Services
for Mecklenburg County, Tim Berly, Ray Maxson,
Mike Cathey and Jim Wood), along with Mecklenburg County Commission Chair
Jennifer Roberts, attend Meck Dec ceremonies on May 20, 2011 in Uptown Charlotte, NC.)
(Above, Mecklenburg Chapter member Tom Phlegar unveils the historical marker noting
the Battle of Charlotte on South Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte during Meck Dec ceremonies on May 20, 2011.)
(Above, Mecklenburg Chapter member Jay Joyce unveils a historical marker noting the site where Major General Nathanael Greene, Jay's Patriot ancestor, assumed command in Charlotte on December 3, 1780.)
Mecklenburg Chapter members Tom Phlegar, Ray Maxson, Jim Wood, Tim Berly, Jay Joyce, Neil Hohmann, Mike Cathey and Jim Prosser joined forces to assist in all of the Meck Dec day pageantry and ceremony.
Tom Phlegar has been working for almost three years to assist in getting the two (2) historical markers re-erected and properly located. The first historical marker notes the site of the historic Battle of Charlotte, and the second historical marker notes the site where Major General Nathanael Greene assumed command of the Southern Army 3 Dec 1780.
May 19, 2011 - Revolutionary War Historian Addresses Meeting
Revolutionary War and Mecklenburg County local historian and author Bill Anderson was our very special guest presenter during our May membership meeting. Mr. Anderson shared many revelations and historical stories about Camp New Providence and Clem's Branch, both important geographic locations during Mecklenburg County's Revolutionary War history.
(In photo above, Revolutionary War & Mecklenburg County author and historian Bill Anderson addresses the May 19 2011 Mecklenburg SAR membership meeting.)
The May membership meeting also welcomed another new member to our Chapter, John Ellis, who was inducted by Chapter president Tim Berly. Awards from the NCSSAR State Convention held in April were also presented to the Chapter. The awards included Chapter of the Year for the 2nd year in a row, as well as a Bronze Good Citizenship medal and certificate for chapter member Tom Phlegar. The Mecklenburg Chapter and NCSSAR Americanism Poster winner for 2011 was again from Charlotte, a 5th grade student who painted a scene on the theme of the Battle of Cowpens. The poster will be entered into the national contest in July during the SAR National Congress in Winston-Salem, NC.
(Above, Mecklenburg chapter members enjoy the historical presentation from
Bill Anderson during the May 19 2011 membership meeting.)
(Above, new Mecklenburg chapter member John Ellis, at right, is inducted into the chapter by Chapter President Tim Berly, at left, during the May 19 2011 membership meeting.)
(Above, the 2011 Americanism Poster winner for both our Mecklenburg Chapter
and the NCSSAR is once again a 5th grade student from Charlotte.)
May 18, 2011 - Mecklenburg Member Publishes Plantation Book
Our very own Mecklenburg Chapter member, Robin Lattimore, has recently published a new
book on Plantation Houses of the Carolinas! As you may not yet be aware, Robin, of Rutherfordton, is an award-winning author of more than 15 books of local and regional history that celebrate the heritage and culture of the Carolinas.
He is a past recipient of the North Carolina History Book Award, the D.T. Smithwick Award for Historical Journalism, and the Old North State Award for History. He was named the 2009-2010 North Carolina Historian of the Year by the N.C. Society of Historians.
Lattimore currently serves as an official Rutherford County Historian. He is president of the Rutherford County Historical Society, chairman of the Rutherford County Library
board of trustees, founding chairman of the Rutherford County Historic Preservation Commission, and a member of several other organizations.
In Robin's latest book, Rural Splendor: Plantation Houses of the Carolinas, he offers a visual journey through sixty antebellum homes. Taking readers on a room-by-room tour Lattimore comments on the architecture, symbolism and lore of each property. He places each plantation in its historical context and explains its design and decoration, as well as its transformation or preservation through the years. Lattimore also tells stories of the families who played significant roles in the building, maintenance or restoration of these architectural treasures. You can order this book on Robin's website here. Congratulations, Robin!
May 12, 2011 - JROTC Medal Presentations Blanket Charlotte Schools
May is traditionally the time of the year that the Mecklenburg Chapter makes dozens of JROTC medal presentations to select cadets at high schools across the Greater Charlotte area. And 2011 has been another strong year for active JROTC units highlighting their best cadets. In the photo below, Mecklenburg Chapter member Pete Hubicki, at left, presents a JROTC medal and certificate to Cadet Martin Garcia, in middle, along with his father, at right, during awards ceremonies at Grainger High School on May 12, 2011.
April 30, 2011 - God and Country Scout Jamboree a Huge Success
On Saturday, April 30th, NCSSAR Eagle Scout Chairman and Mecklenburg Chapter VP James Wood (photo, middle), assisted by Halifax Resolves President Ken Wilson (photo, left) and Sec.-Treas. Steve Avent (photo, right), participated in the East Carolina Council God & Country Jamboree held at Camp Bonner North, near 
Washington, NC.
Approximately 2,000 Boy Scouts were in attendance and a large majority visited the SAR tent, attracted in some cases by the colonial attire. The scouts were taught the meaning of the two dates on the North Carolina flag and about some of North Carolina’s many contributions to the American Revolution.
Scout Masters were given information about the Eagle Scout Recognition Certificates and the Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The East Carolina Council leadership was impressed with the SAR program and informed the SAR members present that they will be working on making the SAR participation a permanent part of this annual event.
April 16, 2011 - Mecklenburg Chapter Wins Awards from NCSSAR
Members of the Mecklenburg Chapter were on-hand during the 100th Anniversary of the North Carolina Society SAR during the State's annual convention in Raleigh. Despite the awful storms and tornados that ravaged the area around our convention hotel, all of the activities of the annual convention remained intact and on schedule.
Our Mecklenburg Chapter received the First Place Award for Large Chapter Achievement for 2010 and the First Place Award for submitting the very first Electronic Chapter Scrapbook in 2010. Chapter members Tom Phlegar, Jim Wood and Paul Callanan received numerous awards for personal achievement as noted below in the photographs.
(In the photo above, Mecklenburg Chapter member Pete Hubicki talks with a
member of the Raleigh chapter during the Youth Awards Luncheon on April 16, 2011
at the NCSSAR Annual Convention in Raleigh.)
(In the photo above, Jim Wood receives the Silver Good Citizenship Award
from NCSSAR President John Thornhill during the formal dinner and awards
festivities during the NCSSAR Annual Convention in Raleigh April 16, 2011.)
(In the photo above, Paul Callanan receives his Oak Leaf Cluster Meritorious
Service Award from NCSSAR President John Thornhill during the
NCSSAR Annual Convention April 16, 2011 in Raleigh.)
(In the photo above, Shelia Wood, at left, and Keitha Callanan, at right,
are inducted as officers for the second year in the North Carolina Society's
Ladies Auxiliary on April 16, 2011 at the NCSSAR Annual Convention in Raleigh.)
March 6, 2011 - Sea Cadet Receives SAR Bronze Citizenship Medal
Mecklenburg Chapter President Tim Berly attended the U.S. Naval Operations Support & Marine Reserve Center this evening for the 6th Annual Charlotte Division Sea Cadet Banquet to present a Bronze Good Citizenship medal to Sea Cadet Daniel Joseph Michael Byrd.
Unfortunately Sea Cadet Byrd was not able to attend the event as he had traveled to Norfolk, VA over the weekend for an interview as part of the acceptance process for entry into the U.S. Navy’s Special Warfare (S.E.A.L.) training program.
The Sea Cadets Corps is designed for youth ages 13 – 17 and is sponsored by the U.S. Navy and the Navy League. They wear official Navy or Marine issue uniforms with Sea Cadet insignia. Their objective is to “encourage and aid American youth to develop, train them in sea-going skills, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred values. They develop leadership skills, build character and become better citizens.” Charlotte has the second largest Sea Cadet contingent in the U.S. after Norfolk, VA.
February 17, 2011 - Holocaust Survivor Addresses Membership
More than 80 attendees, including NCSSAR Society President John O. Thornhill and dignitaries from the DAR, came together for the Winter 2011 Mecklenburg Chapter membership meeting to see and hear Holocaust survivor Dr. Susan Cernyak-Spatz speak (photo at left).
Dr. Cernyak-Spatz recounted her and her family's awful plight in the concentration camps of Nazi Germany during WWII. She spoke of the gas chambers, the dirty tricks that the Nazis played on the concentration camp prisoners, and the final feeling of actual freedom as the war closed. Dr. Cernyak-Spatz minced no words about her recollection and personal experiences while in the camps. All in attendance were moved by her candidness and stories of horror and torture. We are honored and extremely appreciative to have had the opportunity for Dr. Cernyak-Spatz share her time and experiences with our members.
During the meeting, we also awarded the Chapter's first SAR Medal of Heroism to Charlotte Fire Chief Shane Nantz for his unselfish acts of heroism in saving a young child from a burning house. And we also honored our Chapter's selection for Eagle Scout of the Year, Christopher Lawing, with the SAR Eagle Scout Medal and Scholarship check. Plus we installed a new member to our chapter, Michael Spainhour.
(In photo above, Charlotte Battalion Fire Chief Shane Nantz (in middle) accepts the
SAR Medal of Heroism from Mecklenburg Chapter Vice President Jim Wood (at right)
as Charlotte Fire Chief Jon Hannan (at left)attends.
Eagle Scout Christopher Lawing (at left) receives the 2011 Mecklenburg Chapter SAR Eagle Scout Medal and Scholarship from Mecklenburg Chapter Vice President Jim Wood (at right). He earned his Eagle in April 2008 and to date has earned 69 merit badges.
New Mecklenburg Chapter member Michael Spainhour (at right) receives his
SAR Membership Certificate from chapter president Tim Berly (at left).
NCSSAR State Society President John O. Thornhill addresses the attendees during the February 17, 2011 Mecklenburg Chapter membership meeting. President Thornhill invited chapter members to get involved with the SAR National Congress to be held in July 2011 in Winston-Salem.
Mecklenburg chapter members honored the 100th Anniversary of the NCSSAR and the national birthday of President George Washington during the February 17, 2011 membership meeting with a special birthday cake.
January 29, 2011 - Mecklenburg Hosts Cowan's Ford Anniversary
Blue skies, sunshine and mild temperatures painted a beautiful backdrop as our Mecklenburg Chapter hosted the 230th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowan's Ford at Hopewell Presbyterian Church. (Above photo, Mecklenburg Chapter officers Tim Berly and Jim Wood organize the Cowan's Ford event.)
The indoor church ceremony was inspirational and motivating as the near 100 guests and dignitaries from North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia gathered to honor the Patriots of Cowan's Ford.
With 25 wreath presentations, the ceremony included representation from SAR National, the North Carolina Society, SAR, the South Carolina Society, SAR, the Georgia Society, SAR, Sons of the Revolution, The Order of Founders and Patriots, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution, The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, XVII Century, and the Daughters of the American Colonists.
Next year, in 2012, marks the 250th Anniversary of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, and Mecklenburg will be co-hosting a large celebration during the 2012 Cowan's Ford event.