Please Join Us For the October Meeting of the Saguaro SAR Chapter It’s time to put your Summer break behind you and reconnect with your SAR Compatriots. Our first monthly meeting of the new season is Saturday, October 26th. We will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Golden Corral, 17674 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise, AZ. Please join us for the start of our fall 2019 season. Our speaker has been arranged by Compatriot Loren Littlefield and should be very informational. Our speaker is Roger Estey, a Sun City resident. He’s been fascinated by our Revolutionary War and how we could gain our liberty from the strongest military power in the world.

His interest led to him creating a Revolutionary War Trilogy covering the three most significant battles and why they were significant. The three are "Survival" which he will present to your group. The other two "The Turning Point" and "Victory". He’s have given these presentations to several groups and they’ve always been well received. Roger tells us his daughter did an extensive genealogical search of his family and he believes he had several ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War so we’ll have to seek to have him join SAR.

He was born in California and spent most of

his life there before moving to Sun City two years ago. He served in the Navy three years on a destroyer after getting his commission from the Naval Officers Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. The last twenty-five or so years of his career he spent in computer sales working for large companies such as IBM and others quite small. He is presently retired and single and has three children and two grandchildren, all living in California.

Join us October 26th to hear Roger’s presentation.

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The Saguaro Patriot

The newsletter of The Saguaro SAR Chapter, Arizona SAR, October 2019

2020 SAR Dues Notices have been sent by email

to all Compatriots by Jan Huber.

2020 dues are due by December 1st.

ALSO Please consider a charitable

gift to our Youth Education Fund

See Pages 8 & 9

The Saguaro SAR Chapter and the Arizona SAR Color Guard participated in the 2019 Constitution Week activity at Canyon Ridge School Constitution Week was a big educational experience for over 400 learners at Canyon Ridge School in Surprise. Thanks to Mike Fisch, President of the Saguaro SAR Chapter for including the Arizona SAR Color Guard along with members of DAR and VFW organizations in the west valley. Christopher Raso, Social Studies teacher once again provided the leadership for this amazing learning activity at Canyon Ridge School in Surprise Arizona. Christopher had his class dressed in colonial outfits they made. Christopher then arranged to have the lower grade classes come visit these founders. These students came prepared with questions. The colonial students really knew their parts. They portrayed George and Martha Washington, Betsy Ross, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Crispus Attucks and Paul Revere on a horse he constructed. Members of SAR, C.A.R., DAR, and the VFW staffed learning stations throughout the room and answered questions from the learners from 8:30 a.m. until noon. We had a special traveling exhibit provided by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History calledFreedom: A History of US, which documents and illustrates critical figures and events while tracing the evolving concept of freedom from founding until the 2008 election. Among the highlights are: a rare 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence, a printed draft and the official copy of the US Constitution, Lincoln’s handwritten notes for speeches, and letters by leading figures such as Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and Martin Luther King Jr. Some of the more poignant descriptions of the meaning of freedom to the common man are found in the personal letters of Civil War soldiers, which speak to the pain and pride of fighting for national ideals. The Arizona SAR Color Guard presented and retired the the Colors. Compatriot Steve Monez, Arizona SAR Color Guard Commander closed the days events with a message from General George Washington who he portrays. Overall the experience for all involved was marvelous. In addition to the activities described above we also had all fifth graders at Canyon Ridge participate in the 2019/20 SAR Poster Contest. We will be seeking Compatriots from our chapter to assist in judging these

posters for the Arizona SAR and National SAR poster contests. If you have an interest please see President Fisch. We had representatives from the Saguaro, Palo Verde, Prescott, and Phoenix Chapters who participated as well as members of the C.A.R. and DAR chapters.

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Photo Gallery of the 2019 Canyon Ridge School

Constitution Day Activities.

Student learners from Canyon Ridge along with SAR Compatriots spent the day exploring the history of America.

On September 11th the Saguaro SAR Chapter Presented its first Medal for Heroism award to a former NY Fire Department EMT It was our honor to participate in the 2019 September 11th Remembrance Day Ceremony at Canyon Ridge School in Surprise. Saguaro SAR President Mike Fisch and Saguaro SAR Registrar,Secretary & Treasurer Jan Huber attended and participated in the days activities. Each year Canyon Ridge honors those who died on September 11th by holding a school assembly for all students. They listen to various presenters who educate them on the actions of that fateful day. Former NY Fire Department EMT Andy Simoneschi who was at the World Trade Center on that day in 2001 spoke to the students. Known to the learners as Nurse Andy, he has shared his message annually with the Canyon Ridge community detailing his experience of that day in September 2001. Simoneschi lost two of his team when the first tower collapsed and the team split up as the tower was falling. Simoneschi honors their memory by educating students on the importance of freedom and family. He takes questions from the students who ask him a full range of questions and he answers them. His actions on September 11th and his efforts to tell the

stories of those who perished provided the opportunity fo the Saguaro SAR Chapter to present him our first everMedal of Heroism award from SAR. With his typical humility Simoneschi was honored and quick to say the real heroes were those who died that day. We reminded him that his efforts to educate the students on what happened that day and to tell his stories of his team mates who perished was an extremely heroic thing to do as well as his service on September 11th. The students cheered loudly for him as the award was presented by Saguaro SAR President Mike Fisch

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Above, Andy Simoneschi addresses the students during the school’s September 11th Remembrance Ceremony.

Left, Members of the SAR, DAR, VFW, and Canyon Ridge School and the Dysart School District gather to honor Nurse Andy after his Heroism Award was presented.

Make plans to participate in the 2019 bell ringing activity in December Compatriots of the Saguaro SAR Chapter will once again volunteer their time and talent as bell ringers December 10th and 17th . Chapter Secretary/Treasurer and Registrar Jan Huber will once again coordinate the volunteers which will include C.A.R. members, DAR members and some other Arizona SAR Compatriots.

The location this year will be Fry’s Food & Drug located at 10660 Grand Avenue, Sun City, AZ. We will staff the kettles from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please plan to serve for at least two hours with a minimum of two volunteers per shift. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to serve our community for a great cause. Call Jan today to set up your time. For scheduling or questions please contact Jan Huber by email or 623-975-4805.

Compatriot Jan D. Huber Honored by the Arizona DAR During the 2019 Constitution Week Luncheon on September 21st Compatriot Jan Huber was presented the DAR Medal of Honor for his work and dedication to

not only SAR but for his leadership in various other organizations and with the DAR and C.A.R. Huber was presented the award by DAR Regent Lezlee Alexander and Arizona DAR State Regent Marilou Fellman at the luncheon at Palmbrook Country Club on September 21st, 2019. We congratulate Compatriot Huber for his dedication to SAR and for his leadership in so many activities associated with celebrating freedom in our great country.

The Agua Fria DAR Chapter provided the leadership this year for the 2019 Constitution Week Luncheon Over 140 guests attended this years Constitution Luncheon at the Palmbrook Country Club in honor of the signing of the US Constitution. ( See photos on the next page) Agua Fria Regent Shirley Staggs and her members presented a wonderful program and tremendous luncheon for all attendees.

The Arizona SAR Color Guard under the leadership of SR Color Guard Commander Steve Monez presented and retired the colors. Special presentations were made to Compatriot Jan D. Huber ( see story on this page) and Christopher Raso, Canyon Ridge School teacher for his National SAR Middle School History Teacher of the Year Award which was formally presented at this luncheon by Saguaro SAR President Mike FIsch. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the “Founders” a group of seventh grade students from Canyon Ridge School in Surprise. Each of the Founders researched and presented their persona of one of our

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Constitution Luncheon Continued….. nations Revolutionary era founders. The students went from table to table and told their stories and entertained the quests with their knowledge. Christopher Raso, their teacher, then introduced each student and the DAR presented them each with a thank you gift and certificate for their participation and presentations.

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The 2019 Constitution Luncheon included “Founders” entertaining the guests above left, our very own Compatriot Jan D Huber and his wife Rose Marie after he was presented the DAR Medal of Honor upper right, and the Arizona SAR Color Guard who are always a crowd favorite.

Yes, its that time of year when we are seeking your support of SAR and its

initiatives.

Most importantly we need you to renew your membership so we may continue to grow and prosper and complete our mission of Patriotic,

Historical and Educational activities.

Secondly we need your support, participation and your skills. The Saguaro SAR Chapter has

lost several key leaders in the past year with the death of Compatriots Allen Nash and Tod

Hamilton. We need you to step forward and agree to take one of our officer positions or

chairmanships so we can continue to achieve our goals.

We understand not all of our members are able to attend our meetings, or be involved due to

health or age issues, but your financial support of our educational fund can provide critical

support in your name. See page nine for more details. It’s also tax deductible.

As President of the Saguaro SAR Chapter my main effort is to position our chapter for

sustainable growth. The only way we can accomplish this is if our members who are able step forward and offer to take on some of the

roles we have open.

In November we have our annual election

and we have a host of positions open on our Board of Directors. None of these roles

have to be a huge burden if we can get more hands on deck.

Our first and second vice president positions are open, we could use members to offer

to fill these positions. We also need someone to fill the other

positions so we have more depth toaccomplish important achievements in

education, Veteran recognition and other activities.

We could use someone to help reduce the workload of Jan Huber who is doing three jobs. If you have an interest in being our

treasurer or secretary please let us know.It would be nice to have more help

with our youth programs.

If you have an interest our Color Guard haslost members due to health issues

and we need to add members to be able tosustain this critically important activity.

No organization can thrive without all members stepping forward

to offer some assistance. If you feel you could contribute in some way please let President Fisch know your areas of interest.

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Saguaro SAR Chapter Meeting schedule slightly different this fall Members be aware that our schedule this fall is a bit different so we can allow members to participate in the December 14th Wreaths Across America activity at the National Cemetery in Cave Creek. Our November 2019 meeting will be the weekend before Thanksgiving on the 23rd. Our program will include a presentation on the Patriot’s Chest which is a National SAR program where we go to schools and have a chest full of items that would be used by Revolutionary era soldiers and civilians. Former Arizona SAR President Steve Monez will walk us through the Patriot’s Chest and show us how they use it in schools and how the students interact. Our December meeting will be on December 21st at noon. This traditionally is our holiday luncheon and you are welcome to bring a guest. We will also have the induction of the 2020 officers for the chapter. There are other opportunities to interact with SAR and our activities. On November 1-3 we will be present at the Rebels & Redcoats at the Pioneer Living Museum. Ask Jan Huber for more information on this activity. On November 8th from 8-11 a.m. you are invited to attend the Veterans Commemoration and Reception at the Canyon Ridge School in Surprise. It is presented outside on the school’s basketball courts and then inside in the media center. You don’t want to miss this wonderful salute to our veterans. November 16th the Arizona SAR will hold its Board of Managers Meeting at the Chandler Hilton from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. ALL SAR Members are invited to attend. We’re also working with the various DAR Chapters and C.A.R. in having a presence in the Surprise Veterans Day Parade on November 11th. If you have an interest in walking in the parade please let President FIsch know so he can inform the coordinators. December 10th and the 17th is the annual Salvation Army Kettle activity. See article on page 5 for details. Future meetings in 2020.

25 January 2020 Chapter Meeting 15 February 2020 Arizona SAR Annual Meeting 22 February 2020 Chapter Meeting 28 March 2020 Chapter Meeting 25 April 2020 Chapter Meeting 5 May 2020 Arizona SAR Brochure Contest Awards at Canyon Ridge. 23 May 2020 Chapter Meeting

Stay tuned for more activities. If you have any questions please inquire with President FIsch.

Compatriot Ray Barkhaus presented a flag certificate to the Covington Family for their

consistent display of the American Flag. Any Compatriot can present a flag certificate to their

neighbors. See Flag Chairman Jim Heller for details.

Saguaro SAR President Mike Fisch presented Christopher Raso with a Liberty Bell replica in honor of Christopher being named the 2019 SAR National Middle School Teacher of the Year. The award was

presented at the September 21st Constitution Luncheon.

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IN MEMORIUM Tod Hamilton 1939-2019

Tod Hamilton, the Second Vice President of the Saguaro SAR Chapter died in July after months of fighting health issues.

He became a member on Apr 10, 2008.  His complete name was: Stoddard Calvin Hamilton III.  He was born 27 Feb 1939 at Decatur/Macon/IL. 

His wife was Janet Clara Nichols. They were married May 1964 at Milford/Oakland/MI.  They had two sons: Brennan Todd Hamilton and Bryan Calvin Hamilton.

His Patriot was Orange (Orringh) Stoddard.  He served in Massachusetts Regiments.  

Tod made many contributions to the Saguaro SAR Chapter and was our go to technology guy for many years. The family did not have a public service for Tod, but he will always be remembered for his welcoming smile and willingness to help the Chapter.

Saguaro SAR Chapter Minutes from the May 25, 2019 Meeting The Saguaro Chapter SAR met at the Golden Corral Restaurant in Surprise, Arizona, on Saturday, May 25, 2019. Eleven members and 7 guests attended. President Mike Fisch called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. Chaplain Jim Heller gave the Invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the SAR Pledge. The guests were introduced. President Fisch made the following announcements: He had posted a large paper banner on the wall of the meeting room. It was made by students at Canyon Ridge School as a means of saying thanks to the SAR for sponsoring the Youth Brochure contests. It was presented to

SAR members who were attending a recent school assembly program. Mike passed around a new SAR brochure he has produced. Its primary use will be to distribute to prospective members. There was a recent ceremony held at a Dysart School District Board Meeting to honor the Canyon Ridge School students who participated in the Veterans Heritage Program and the SAR Youth Brochure Contest. Seventh Grade Teacher Christopher Raso was honored for his selection as the National SAR Middle School Outstanding History Teacher. The Saguaro SAR Chapter was represented at this event and recognized for its support of these youth activities. President Fisch urged members to be identifying Veterans for the next round of student interviews for the Veterans Heritage Program. Chaplain’s Report Chaplain James Heller was notified by Linda Nash that Compatriot Harvey Johnson’s wife has suffered a stroke. Compatriot George Welsh is in the hospital being evaluated for atrial fibrillation. Compatriot Peter Zuleger is severely affected with leg problems. Compatriot Wally Turnage continues with severe back pain. Compatriot Tod Hamilton is gravely ill in a Hospice facility. Compatriot Jan Huber recently suffered a heart attack. Secretary’s Report Secretary Huber reported that the April Saguaro Chapter meeting minutes were approved by the BOM and distributed by email to the chapter members and published in The Saguaro Patriot. Treasurer’s Report The checking account balance is $10,405.22. There is one $50 check that has not been cashed yet. The Youth Fund account balance is $1,296.04, which is included in the checking account balance just reported. The Allen Nash Memorial Fund balance is $1,875. It is not included in the checking account balance. Registrar’s Report The Saguaro Chapter currently has 66 members. Three applications are in the final stages of preparation. Chapter Historian Report Ray Barkhaus reported that the total Americanism points for 2019 so far are 1,190 and

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175 points for the President’s Streamer Award. He encourages members to send their activity reports to him. JROTC Chair Robert Archibald reported that all 9 High School presentations have been completed. Announcements: Monday, May 27th, 9 am, Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, Pioneer & Military Memorial Park, Phoenix. President Fisch has met with the Peoria Unified School District. It has a Speech and Oration program for its students. They are assigned a Patriot topic and present a 3 to 4-minute speech. Mike is exploring the possibility of linking this with our SAR Youth Contests. President Fisch has scheduled a meeting on June 12 with local DAR Chapter Officers. The purpose is to explore the possibilities for more SAR/DAR cooperative efforts with educational programs and youth contests. The Arizona Society C.A.R. is hosting the Rocky Mountain Regional C.A.R. meeting at Flagstaff on July 12 – 13, 2019. Monetary donations are welcome to help with expenses. Also, volunteers are needed at the meeting itself. If interested, please contact Lezlee Alexander at garthandlee@cox.net. The Saguaro Chapter meeting in December will be on the 21st at 11 am. The 2020-chapter officers will be installed. June 8th: Flag Day Luncheon, sponsored by Copper State and Paradise Valley DAR Chapters, all SAR members are welcome to attend. September 11, 2019: annual 9-11 Remembrance Program, Canyon Ridge School September 21, 2019: annual Constitution Day Luncheon, hosted by the Agua Fria DAR Chapter. Program by Christopher Raso, award winning Social Studies Teacher at Canyon Ridge School. October 26, 2019: first Saguaro Chapter meeting of the Fall season. Raffle Ticket Drawing The raffle ticket drawing winner was guest Joe Emmons. The proceeds for the Chapter Youth Fund was $24. Program: The program was presented by Compatriot Jan Huber. The title of his presentation

was: The Goose Hangs High at The Point of Rocks; a Civil War Soldier’s Diary. The meeting was adjourned with Jim Heller leading the recitation of the SAR Recessional and pronouncing the Benediction. The BOM Meeting Followed Old Business There was a discussion about the new policy of BOM members taking turns in providing programs for the chapter meetings. Here is the current list of assignments:October 2019: Loren LittlefieldNovember 2019: Stan HughesDecember 2019: Holiday Luncheon with installation of the 2020 Chapter Officers.January 2020: Jim HellerFebruary 2020: volunteer neededMarch 2020: Ray BarkhausApril 2020: Jan HuberMay 2020: volunteer needed President Fisch repeated his call for three BOM members to volunteer to serve as a nominating committee for the election of the 2020-chapter officers. Mike further explained his June 12th meeting with 8 DAR Chapter officers. He is working on engaging them to participate with us in joint activities; to strengthen our common mission. President Fisch challenged the chapter to a goal of one Flag Certificate per month. He reminded the BOM of the importance of getting new members engaged in SAR programs and activities. It will be an important means of getting them into the pipeline for chapter leadership positions. The annual Wreaths Across America is scheduled for December 14, 2019. To learn the details of this organization, visit the website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. An individual sponsorship costs $15. You can specify the grave you want honored. It is suggested that you purchase your wreaths from the local Hallie Orme Thomas C.A.R. Society. For details contact Lezlee Alexander at garthandlee@cox.net. New BusinessNo new business came before the BOM.

Submitted by Jan D. HuberSaguaro SAR Chapter Secretary

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