What a great meeting at Andersens in Buellton Saturday, Oct. 20th. Thank-you to everyone who came out. I think we discovered that a meeting in the center of the County works very well for our society. At that meeting, we had 6 attendees from Santa Barbara, 5 from Santa Maria, 3 from Solvang, 2 from Lompoc, and 1 each from Buellton, Ballard, & Santa Ynez. That is a pretty good cross-section of our county, and no one had to drive more than a half-hour or so to get to the meeting. I apologize for the conflict with the Mayflower Society's semi-annual meeting that occured on that same day. I realize that some of our members could not attend for that reason. Perhaps next time we can plan ahead, and vary the time or date to avoid that conflict.

We could have adjourned the meeting after the lunch, and it would have been a great success. We all had a good time of getting to know one-another, making new friendships, and strengthening old ones. Susan Clack, the Regent of the Henry Sweetser Chapter of the DAR was in attendance, as were 5 prospective new members. It was a very diverse and interesting group.

The focus of the meeting was on tracking our ancestry, both the genealogy aspect of it, as well as the documenting of our sources for the SAR application. I gave a presentation on my own journey to find and document my ancestors, and some of the resources that I used. We then had expert advice and comments from Jan Morgan, the genealogist for the Santa Maria DAR, and Manor Thorpe, the SAR Registrar from our own chapter. Both individuals are extremely knowledgeable and valuable resources for DAR and SAR members. Pamphlets, brochures, and booklets were also available for guests to take with them. The presentations were accompanied by sharing from members, and a question and answer time.

The meeting began at 12:00, was adjourned at 2:30, however, many stayed until 3:00 talking with the experts, and getting more specific information.

Our next meeting will take place on Nov. 17. The location is TBA. We were scheduled to use the Sizzler Restaurant in Goleta, but it has assumed new ownership, and they have decided to charge us a room charge in addition to our meals, even though we've been meeting there for years. We probably won't be doing that, and I'll let you know where the next meeting will be as soon as we reserve the room.

Don't forget that the CSSAR Board of Managers Meeting is at the Hotel Mar Monte in Santa Barbara on Nov. 2. A link to information on that meeting is available on our website.

Signing off for now,
Ron Zell

Just a word about the next meeting of the SAR in Buellton. This will be a good opportunity for visitors and friends, especially from the Valley, or North County, to come and find out about the SAR, and see who we are, what we do, and how to become a member. Besides information on the SAR, here will be membership applications, and resources that can be used to help document ancestry. In addition, there will be a presentation of the Veterans History Project.
Hope to see you there,

Ron

The next meeting of the Santa Barbara County SAR is Saturday, October 20, at 12:00 at the Buellton "Andersons" restaurant. The focus of this meeting is an overview/review of what is required to become a member of the SAR. One of our members will give an overview of the variety of research tactics, strategies, and resources that were used to document one of their ancestors, and their own entrance in the SAR. We will have information from and about local historical and genealogical societies that can assist applicants in their search for documentation of their own ancestors. See you there
Ron Zell

Presidents Report,

Today is a day that marks new beginnings. It is a new beginning in the sense that this is the first meeting that I chair as President of the Santa Barbara Chapter of the SAR, and it is new for you to have entrusted me with this role. This day also marks another new beginning. 40 years ago this week, September 9, 1967, the Santa Barbara chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was born. The long history, good work, and faithful service of the members of this chapter is noteworthy and commendable. The generous giving of time, talent, and treasure to the community by the members of this chapter is the core, and obvious fabric of what this chapter has always been, and will continue to be.
This summer I had the opportunity to meet, and work with some of the long-time members, and to go over some of the many, many pages of community service projects, memorials, and gifts that constitute the history of this chapter. My hope and goal for my time as president is to continue the tradition that has been so solidly built. It is my desire however, that while we build on the past, we find new ways in the present to serve the communities in which we live. New ways to carry on the proud work of the SAR. New ways of honoring, and perpetuating the people and events of the American Revolution. New ways of supporting and maintaining the ideals and institutions of American Freedom. And new ways of promoting fellowship among each other, the descendants of Revolutionary War Patriots. We are a living link to that past. As such, we have the unique opportunity to be a powerful voice in our culture today. A voice that will make a difference in the future. A voice that will preserve the ideals, and principles of the founding fathers, so that they are never forgotten, or set aside, or trivialized.
Finding ways to communicate our message and to make it come alive in the culture in which we live is no small challenge, but it is my challenge to you. I will be asking for suggestions from this membership for ways to make our voice heard. For service projects to perform, events to sponsor, and educational opportunities to pursue that promote Patriotism, help overcome the historical amnesia of our times, and provide educational opportunities for our youth. By constantly seeking new opportunities to serve in these capacities, the Santa Barbara SAR will honor and continue the proud tradition that was begun by this chapter 40 years ago, and we will continue to honor our heritage as descendants of Patriots.

I want to remind members, and anyone interested in the SAR, that our next meeting is September 15, Saturday, at 12:00. It is at the Sizzler restaurant in Goleta and we will be having a special speaker, Mr. Ole Pederson. Mr. Pederson, an American History teacher from Orcutt Junior High School, is the 2008 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year. We will also be celebrating our 40th anniversary as a chapter, and we will have a short business meeting after our lunch. The cost of the lunch buffet is $15 for members and guests. As far as the business meeting, any members that would like to have items included in our agenda are asked to email them to me at sbarsar@gmail.com. I will send the agenda out with a letter of invitation to all members two weeks prior to our meeting.
I am looking forward to the CSSAR Business Managers Meeting in Santa Barbara on Nov. 1 & 2. There will be a dedication on Friday afternoon at the Presidio. Hope to see you there.

I received this message from the California State SAR a couple of days ago. If any SBSAR members would like to attend, email JohnLDodd@earthlink.net with an RSVP and what you will bring.

Hear ye hear ye!
All So. Cal SAR Chapters are invited to our Orange County Chapter, California Society,
Sons of the American Revolution Fourth Annual Summer Barbeque and Potluck

When: Saturday, Aug 25, 2007, Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Home of John & Karen Dodd, “Rancho Rosa”. Directions on Page 2 (Note: Yahoo & Mapquest are wrong as to house location, and you can’t get onto Highcliff from Newport Blvd.). Park on Highcliff, unless you need assistance walking distances. If so, pull in the gates and park inside.

Why: To enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie of your fellow compatriots from around the Southland and get to know each other better.

The Orange County Chapter will supply the main course (burgers, ribs and smoked turkey), as well as
chips, salsa & munchies. Please bring either a salad, side dish, or dessert, and your favorite beverage(s). Please let us know which using the attached RSVP form (Page 3).

John & Karen Dodd
10072 Highcliff Dr.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-602-2132

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Compatriot John Morehart. John passed away on July 13, 2007. A funeral Mass will be held for him at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Montecito on Thursday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m. He has been a member of the Sons of the American Revolution since 1985. Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frannie, nine children, twenty-five grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Though he is gone, he is not forgotten. Rest Eternal.