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Captain John Smoot Chapter
Maryland Society
Sons of the American Revolution
Dorchester,Somerset, Wicomico Worcester Counties
October 22, 2016
Semi-Annual Report of the Captain John Smoot Chapter, MDSSAR for2016
On January 9, 2016, 3rd Vice President James A. Adkins, Chapter President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the MDSSAR Board of Officer and Managersmeeting at the Maryland Club in Baltimore, MD.
On January 28,2016, our chapter received two new members, Compatriot Philip Asbury Insley, Jr., National # 197514 and Compatriot Harrison Cropper Brennan, National # 197516.
On February 20, 2016, 3rd Vice President James A. Adkins, Chapter President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the MDSSAR Annual George Washington Luncheon at the Eagle’s Nest (formerly Towson) Golf and Country Club in Phoenix, MD.
On April 16, 2016, 3rd Vice President James A. Adkins, Chapter President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the MDSSAR Annual meeting at theJoseph L. Davis Post of the American Legion in Havre de Grace, MD. 3rd VP James Adkins was promoted to 2nd VP.
A chapter meeting was held on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore in Salisbury. New member, Dr. Philip Insley, Jr., was presented with a certificate and rosette by MDSSAR President Bill Smithson and Chapter President Ray Jackson. Presidents Smithson and Jackson also presented Compatriot Mark Tyler with the Silver Roger Sherman medals and certificate for researching and hosting the marking of the birthplace of Samuel Chase. Mark Tyler also discussed a play he is directing, “1776 the Musical,” which will be performed at the Pocomoke High School in June. After the play, Mark will email Dr. Ray Thompson concerning a commentary about the “Battle of the Bulge” naval battle onboard a ferry in Kedges Straits. Lou Raborg presented and spoke about a copper kettle and drinking cup from the revolutionary war period. Our guest speaker was MDSSAR President Bill Smithson. His topic was on the goals of the MDSSAR. Attendees included MDSSAR President Bill Smithson, Sandra R. Wallis-Smithson, DAR Governor, William Paca Chapter, 3rd VP James Adkins, Organizing Secretary C. Louis Raborg, Jr., Becky Raborg, Chapter President Ray Jackson, Pat Stevens, Secretary Mike Irish, Compatriots Mark Tyler, Melvin Bradley, Dr. Philip Insley, and prospective member Donald Willey.
In June, Compatriot Mark Tyler directed, “1776 the Musical,” which was performed at the Pocomoke High School. On Saturday, June 18, 2016, President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the performance.
On Saturday, September 24, 2016, the General Perry Benson Chapter of the D.A.R.sponsored a “Celebrate Constitution Week” eventat the Dorchester County Library in Cambridge, Maryland. Our chapter was asked to support the event with re-enactors. Compatriot Mark Tyler volunteered to portray Roger Sherman and Actor Robert Forester volunteered to re-enact Ben Franklin. The event was hosted by D.A.R Compatriot Jean Simmons. President Ray Jackson and Secretary Mike Irish attended the event as well.
After the event, she emailed, “Dear Mr. Jackson, I would like to thank the SAR for supporting the Celebrate Constitution Week Event at the Dorchester County Library. Re-enactors Mark Tyler and Robert Forester gave
a stellar performance. The professional and gracious manner in which Mike and Mark helped to facilitate this event was greatly appreciated. It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with you and the SAR. Best regards,
Jean Simmons, General Perry Benson Chapter of the D.A.R.”
On Thursday, October 20, 2016, Compatriot Mark Tyler will be hosting A Historical Tour of Kedges Straits Battle site, Smith Island (Battle of the Barges) which occurred around November 30, 1782. Guests willvisit the Smith Island Cultural Center and have a presentation by Troy Nowak, Assistant State Underwater Archeologist of the Maryland Historical Trust about recent research done at the battle-site. Then they will enjoy a Smith Island lunch at the Bayside Restaurant in Ewell. The boat leaves Crisfield docks at 8am and returns at approximately 2pmsubject to weather conditions. Only 40 Tickets were available and all tickets have been sold.
A special thanks to all officers and members of the Captain John Smoot Chapter for their support during 2016.
Respectfully submitted,
Raymond L. Jackson, President
108 N. Church Street
Snow Hill, Maryland 21863-1202
410-289-0525(h) 410-251-5800(c)