Minutes of the January, 2009 Meeting of the SBSAR.
The meeting was held at Andersens Restaurant in Buellton. The meeting began with brunch and informal discussion at 11:00. The meeting was called to order at 12:00 with the opening ceremony and comments by the President. Unfinished Business included followup on the Patriots Day Essay Contest. Ron Zell shared the posting and rules and requirements of the essay contest. These may be viewed at the "Home Page" of the SAR website. Click on 'Patriots Day essay contest'. Each school will receive a copy by Monday morning.

Discussion was held as to the details of the Patriots day event. It was decided that a ceremony would be held at the Presidio by the SAR Plaque on April 18. Prizes would be awarded to the winners of the essay contest, and the first-prize winner would be asked to read the winning essay. After that event, the membership will reassemble at a separate location to continue with the regular meeting and refreshments.

Chapter business matters were discussed and voted on, and a reminder was made to all members that yearly dues are now due. Information as to where and how to submit dues may be requested at the Chapter email address at sbarsar@gmail.com.

The Meeting was adjourned at 12:55 P.M

Minutes Novembers Meeting;

The November meeting of the Santa Barbara Chapter of the SAR was held at Madam Lu's Restaurant in Santa Barbara. The meeting began at 12:00 with lunch from the menu. At 12:45 the meeting was called to order by President Ron Zell. An invocation was followed by the opening ceremony.

Under New Business there was discussion of ways to highlight, and celebrate "Patriots Day" which is on April 19. Suggestions were offered, and agreement was reached that a good way to highlight the event and bring it to the attention of students would be to have an essay contest for 8th graders. A prize of a $500.00 Savings Bond, for 1st place, $100.00 bond for second place, and a $50.00 bond for third place would be offered. The prize would be awarded at a public ceremony on or about Patriots day, Sunday - April 19, 2009. Suggestions for places to hold the ceremony were the Courthouse steps in Santa Barbara, the SAR Plaque at the Presidio, across from the Post Office, or at a BBQ held in Tuckers Grove. Followup was given to Ron Zell to pursue the essay with the Schools in Santa Barbara County.

Ted Sands was nominated, and accepted the nomination for Secretary of the Chapter. Transfer of duties will occur when chapter records are transferred from the previous Secretary.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:40

The October meeting of the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was held Saturday, October 25 at Andersens Restaurant in Buellton. The gathering began at 11:00 with an informal introductory session. Attendees shared information about historical events, and recent activities. Visitors included representatives from several historically based societies including the Henry Sweetzer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Mayflower Society, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and Sons of Confederate Veterans of the Civil War, as well as several candidates for membership in the SAR. A lively discussion session was held for several minutes over a variety of subjects before lunch was served. After the meal, a short business session was held and the meeting was adjourned at 12:46. The next meeting of the SAR is scheduled to be in Santa Barbara, at Madam Lu Restaurant, 3425 State Street, November 22 at 12:00.

Sept 20 2008 Meeting.

The September 2008 meeting of the Santa Barbara SAR was held at the Madaam Lu Restaurant at 3524 State Street, Santa Barbara. The meeting was attended by 20 members and friends of the SAR. The meeting began with lunch and social time at 12:00. The meeting was called to order by President Ron Zell at 12:40. Opening ceremonies were followed by introduction of members and guests. The speaker for the day was Lieutenant David K. Whitham of the Santa Barbara Police Department. Lt. Whitham is a son of Lt. Col. Keith Whitham, a long time member of the S.B. Chapter of the SAR, who headed the S.B. JROTC program at S.B. and San Marcos High Schools for many years, and later was a member of the UCSB ROTC Staff.

Lt. Whitham discussed some of the history of the S.B. Police Department, and of his history with the Department. He then talked about some of the training and qualifications required of police officers in Santa Barbara, as well as some of the duties and operational aspects of the Police Department in the city. Lt. Whitham concluded with a discussion of central issues concerning the Police Department in Santa Barbara at the present time. Three of these issues deal with meeting and dealing with problems of gangs and gang violence within the city, indigent and homeless populations, and traffic problems within the city. The talk was concluded with time for questions and discussion.

The meeting was concluded with announcements and a final ceremony and adjourned at 1:40.

The next meeting of the Santa Barbara SAR will be at Andersens Restaurant, 376 Avenue of the Flags in Buellton on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11:00 to 12:30. A speaker from Vandenburg Air Force Base will have a presentation at that time. Visitors and friends are welcome.

Reminder to members. Annual Dues need to be in to Pat Lennon by March 15. The February meeting of the SAR was in Santa Barbara on Feb. 23 at the Frogs Bar & Grill in Goleta and was attended by 21 members and guests. After lunch, the meeting was called to order at 1:00. After the Opening Ceremonies, Dick Phillips was installed as the newest member of the Santa Barbara Chapter of the SAR. Ron Zell conducted the ceremony, and Manor Thorpe presented the certificate of membership. The Veterans History project was presented for action or dismissal by the chapter. It was voted to pursue the project, and compatriot Ted Sands will follow up on ways to partner with organizations around the county that are engaged in similar projects.

The holiday season is upon us, and in all the hustle and bustle of activity that comes with it, I would like us to remember four "F" words that hopefully mark this season for all of us. Family, Friends, Freedom, and Faith. Family - Turning our hearts to home is important for all of us. Remembering and caring for those who care for us is one of the important hallmarks of this season. Friendship, fellowship, and kindred spirits are priceless, and we hope that this coming year brings even more of it to our SAR gatherings. Freedom , as we know, is never free, and as descendants of those who fought and died to establish our country, we want to remain vigilant against complacency in this day and age, and remember the faithful, living and deceased, whose sacrifice enables us to remain free. And finally faith, belief in something greater than ourselves. Whether our faith encompasses religion, or ideals, patriotism, or faith in the common good, we can all take time to nurture it in this holiday season.

Don't forget our next SAR Meeting - January 19, 9:30-11:00 at Andersons in Buellton.

Happy Holidays - Ron

The November 17th meeting of the S.B. SAR began at the El Presidio Restaurant in Santa Barbara. Because the restaurant was a bit loud, we postponed the meeting portion of the day until after lunch. We then moved the meeting to the Presidio, and re-convened in front of the CSSAR plaque on the statue of King Carlos. The S.B. Trust for Historic Preservation graciously set up chairs for us to use. After the opening ceremonies, LTJG John M. Landsberg gave a presentation on the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. The Sea Cadet Corps is a program for young men and women ages 13 - 17 who are interested in developing their skills in leadership, basic seamanship, courage, self-reliance, military discipline and are committed to being drug and gang free. The program does not include a commitment for future military service. The Santa Barbara NSCC was commissioned last year, and currently has 23 cadets participating. Information on the Sea Cadet program may be found at www.seacadets.org. We voted to present 2 outstanding cadets of the program, Cody Roberts, and Joshua Rademacher, a commendation award from the SAR at their December meeting.

Compatriot George Frakes then gave a very interesting overview of the substantial Spanish contribution to the American Revolutionary War effort. This support involved Spain supplying money and materials, as well as thousands of Spanish troops who engaged in direct combat with British troops throughout the Americas. Just one of the interesting facts presented by Mr. Frakes was that Spain, and King Carlos supplied thousands of uniforms to the early Contenental Army, including one of the first ones worn by General George Washington. This support of the colonies by the Spanish army and navy was the reason for including the Santa Barbara Presidio as a Historic Revolutionary War site. As is stated on the plaque,(see below) "The Royal Spanish Military Encampment on this Presidio site supported the American Colonies with their military preparedness and financial contributions following the Royal Spanish Decree of 1779-1780."

The meeting was adjourned at 2:10. The next meeting of the chapter is to be at Andersens restaurant in Buellton at 9:30 AM on January 19, 2008.