The regular meeting of the Susannah French Putney (SFP) Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was held on April 25, in El Dorado, at the Butler County Historical Society (BCHS).
Special guests Robin Forpahl and Jesse McVay were presented with Community Service Awards.
Forpahl was the owner of Robin’s Clothing Store in El Dorado (now closed) and hosted several SFP events.
McVay is the owner of Reliant Book Store in El Dorado and made a generous contribution for the military children at Ft. Leavenworth. He is a veteran himself and expressed a desire to participate in other projects that benefit current and former vets.
Conservation Minute: June 16-25 is “Pollinator’s Week.” Kay Catlin reminded the group to do their part to protect the environment of bees and other pollinators by planting pollinator-friendly plants and using alternative methods of pest control other than chemical products.
Military Minute: Janet Green shared information about Dr. Mary Walker who is the only female recipient of the Army Medal of Honor. She lived from 1832-1919 and was an American abolitionist, prohibitionist, prisoner of war in the American Civil War and the first American female surgeon. At a time when women were not allowed to wear anything but dresses, Dr. Walker chose to wear trousers underneath a knee-length skirt because it made her work easier. It caused quite a scandal! She ministered to soldiers on both sides of the conflict and went to extreme lengths to help her patients. Dr. Walker is featured as part of the American Women Quarters Program.
During the group tour last month, Head Librarian of the Eureka Public Library and Susannah French Putney Member, Connie Mitchell, presented the group with some background information about the original, historic Carnegie Library.
She also gave the group a history of how the new library came into existence.
Much thought was put into creating a library and public space that could grow and change to accommodate the needs of the community now and into the future. The meeting room is one such example. It was wisely designed so it could be used independently of the library. The library can be secured after hours while the public can still access the community room. Recently a new need for the meeting area was discovered when the county needed a different public voting place.
Attaining a library card is free and easy. Stop by and visit with the librarians who will be happy to help you. If you already have a library card and have not been to the library recently, stop by and take a look at some of the new things that are available. For example, did you know you can check out cake pans? Does that sound surprising and fun? Of course, all the usual services are available. There are specific areas of the library for all ages and needs, including a coffee area where you can meet with a friend or just enjoy some peace and quiet.
If you are a crafter, or you need help with a project, check out the “Makerspace” in the library. There are a number of machines that can be used by the public, including a Cricut Maker 3, a sewing machine, a Button Machine, and even a Pro 3D printer and several other items. Using the machines is free to the public, but may require a brief training session to use. Some equipment requires special supplies which the library will sell at cost. Reservations for use of the equipment is a good idea just to make sure they are not in use at the time you wish to be there.
Members present: Teresa Bachman, Kay Catlin, Carla Cook, Patty Goedecke, Janet Green, Jean Groendes, Sheryl Moody, Martha Riedl, Marsha Todd, Nita Whiteman and Ann Wimberly.
The next meeting will be on May 16, at the BCHS in El Dorado, for a Memorial Service and member recognition. Guests are welcome.
