Jockey Hollow Chapter – On the Move!

Our June 1, 2024 Luncheon Offered Much to Our Community!

Our Chapter is expanding its community presence. Our June 1st luncheon underscored our commitment to highlighting the significant influence our region exerted during the American Revolution.

As part of our effort to promote our Chapter and build some esprit de corps, we now have an official chapter cap! This photo shows some of our compatriots proudly displaying our new accoutrement. Pictured (L to R) are Compatriots Chris Sands, Past-President Roger Loomis, President Jeff La Marca, Ellis Baily, and George Link.
Compatriot Chris Sands being congratulated by President Jeff La Marca for his contribution to our Chapter. As part of a promotion, which was launched this spring upon arrival of our new Chapter cap, any compatriot who purchased two caps (one for formal wear, the other for going to the beach) also received the appropriate SAR Service Pin, which is available in five-year increments (e.g., 5, 10, 15, etc.). Thank you, Compatriot Sands!
Compatriot George Link was presented with the beautiful SAR America 250th Anniversary Continental Congress Challenge coin. We didn’t forget our compatriots, who have not yet been members long enough for the 5-year service pin – they received an official SAR challenge coin to show our appreciation for their support! Thank you, Compatriot Link!
Compatriot Ellis Bailey is one of our newest members but during the few months since his application was approved for membership, which means he has proven his direct lineage to a patriot ancestor (one who served or supported the cause against the British). The following is a list of some of his contributions since joining us in February:
  • He has contributed greatly to our Chapter’s participation in the Wreaths Across America program (he also gave a fine presentation on this topic during the luncheon). His presentation will soon be available on this site.
  • Compatriot Baily with PR, created a flyer, and participated in an event sponsored by the Morristown Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Friends of Lafayette.
  • A special ceremony was held on May 5, 2024 as part of an Equal Scout project. Compatriot Bailey stepped up to represent Jockey Hollow and our state organization, the NJSSAR. SAR Vice President General William Baran, of the Rockey Mountain District, was present and was extremely complimentary of Ellis’ work.
  • Compatriot Ellis has done great work promoting Chapter goodwill with DAR, including their upcoming hands-on photography workshop with Xiomáro.
  • On June 23, 2024, Ellis has been & will be playing an integral role in the rededication of the grave marker for William Connet.
  • Grave Marking Program – Compatriot Bailey has already done great work in helping to lay the foundation for our Chapter’s new grave marking program – he has already helped open communications with a church (that is believed to have approximate 50 graves of patriots buried in the cemetery that have not yet been recognized by SAR), is coordinating with DAR, has help make connections with the cemetery’s sexton, etc.

Thank you, Compatriot Ellis Bailey!

Jockey Hollow Treasurer, Glenn Mcguire, received the Bronze Henry Knox Medal for his efforts and contributions to our Chapter.

Treasurer Mcquire jumped in last year after the passing of our last treasurer, Patrick Reilly, and has done an exemplary job! Some of his achievements include:

  • Has done great work in keeping our books and monitoring our finances,
  • Manages and presents Jockey Hollow’s ROTC and Sea Cadet recognition programs,
  • Identified and initiated contact with the work will have begun our grave marking program. Treasurer Mcquire is also working to make this important project a reality.

Thank you, Treasurer Mcguire – your assistance and support is greatly appreciated!

Jockey Hollow’s newest board member, Genealogist/Registrar Bruce Ryno has stepped in as our Chapter’s Genealogist/Registrar! Genealogist Ryno, however, isn’t just any genealogist – he also happens to be the Genealogist for the New Jersey State Society, SAR. Just how many chapters can say that their genealogist also serves in the role for their state organization?! Thank you, Genealogist Ryno, for joining us!
Group photo of Jockey Hollow’s recipients for the Bronze Henry Knox Medal. Pictured above (L to R) are Compatriot Ellis Bailey, Genealogist Bruce Ryno, President Jeff La Marca, and Treasurer Glenn Mcguire. According to National SAR, “The Chapter Henry Knox Achievement Medal may be awarded by a Chapter to a Compatriot or non-SAR member to recognize a specific outstanding contribution, achievement, accomplishment, deed, performance, or effort that advances the mission, governance, programs, or activities of that Chapter. This award is not limited by a specific time of service requirement and may be presented to recognize a singular act or multiple acts.” All of the above recipients of this medal have already contributed greatly to our organization. Thank you!
As noted above, Jockey Hollow is now establishing and building relationships with the Morristown Chapter, DAR. Not only that, but Ruth Ryno (wife of Chapter Genealogist) is the Co-Chair the DAR/SAR/SR Relations Committee, a member of National Chapter Development and Revitalization Committee, VP of NJ DAR State Officers Club, Registrar of Elizabeth Snyder – Continental Chapter. In addition, she provides tremendous assistance with both Jockey Hollows’s and NJSSAR’s membership applications. Thank you for all of your amazing assistance, Ruth Ryno, recipient of the Bronze Henry Knox Medal!
Jockey Hollow has made great connections with the Morristown Chapter, DAR. On of the first individuals we had contact with is their Regent, Nina Hoban. Regent Hoban was awarded SAR’s Medal of Appreciation. She has a wealth of ideas and a deep commitment to our shared missions. She has already been extremely influential in establishing our organization’s work and we are now looking forward to much additional collaborations with them. Thank you, Regent Hoban, we are looking forward to working with in both the near and distant future!
Not only is DAR honored to have Catherine Paretti, the Historian for the Old Whitehouse – General Frelinghuysen – Colonel Lowrey Chapter, but she has been a regular fixture and our Chapter’s meetings for many years. She has done an amazing job as our chapter’s “unofficial” photographer – indeed, most of the photos on this site, including nearly all of those in this post. For this fine contribution, DAR Historian Catherine Paretti was awarded the SAR Medal of Appreciation. Thank you, Historian Paretti!
Jockey Hollow’s recipients for the SAR Medal of Appreciation. Pictured (L to R) are Regent Nina Hoban, President Jeff La Marca, and DAR Historian Catherine Paretti.


“The SAR Medal of Appreciation may be presented to a member of the DAR in good standing in recognition of and in appreciation for outstanding services rendered to the SAR. The award may recognize assistance in . . . significantly aiding the SAR programs.” Thank you Regent Hoban and Historian Paretti for your support and great work!

Compatriot Chris Sands is the President of the Abraham Clark Chapter, SAR. Not only are we honored to have President Sands present at our meeting, but he also gave a brief presentation on SAR’s America 250th Anniversary Program, and also encouraged our members to join a color guard (our Chapter really needs a color guard)! Thank you, President Sands; it was an honor to have you at our meeting!

Jockey Hollow Past-President gave a touching recollection of those he served with during the Vietnam War and in recognition of Memorial Day. His remarks were both poignant and beautiful. Thank you, Past-President Loomis.
Our amazing Special Guest Speaker, Dr. Benjamin Carp, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciate by President Jeff La Marca. Dr. Carp’s topic was on “The Great New
York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story of the American Revolution.” It was a fascinating and terrific lecture! Thank you, Dr. Carp.

Jockey Hollow presents at Perry Historians

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR in conjunction with the Washingtonburg Chapter, PASSAR and the Perry County Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, gave a presentation for the Perry Historians (a historical society and library located in Perry County, Pennsylvania) on Saturday, May 25, 2024 on how to apply for membership in our organizations.

Jockey Hollow President (and also Washingtonburg 1st VP) gave a presentation on the importance of documenting sources for proving your ancestry in order to join lineage societies, such as SAR and DAR. His presentation gave an overview of his new book, Simple Citations for Genealogical Sources, and as noted below, was well received.

Jockey Hollow President, Jeff La Marca, presenting for the Perry Historians. Note that he is wearing our Chapter’s new (and obviously very stylish) cap!
Screen capture from the Perry Historians web site containing their kind review of the presentation, as well as their announcement for Saturday’s event.

As noted above, the Perry Historians gave a great review of the event; specifically, they stated:

S.A.R. and D.A.R. Research Workshop

The Perry Historians had a fantastic turn-out for the S.A.R. and D.A.R. Research Workshop which The Perry Historians hosted on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

We are so glad and so fortunate that the Washingtonburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution President, Dale Leppard asked us if we could open our library/facility for this event.

Thank You, Dale Leppard for your great intro and wonderful info on researching your Rev. War Ancestors.

Thank You also goes out to the Perry County Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution Registrar, Harriet Lindsay-Arndt for sharing her insight on what is required proof for entry into both the DAR and also the SAR.

We were also so thankful for the presentation by Dr. Jeffry La Marca, First Vice-President of the Washingtonburg Chapter of the S.A.R.  Great presentation!

Those who were present definitely went away with more knowledge on the documentations required for membership and suggestions on how to document your sources.

THANK YOU to All who participated!!!!

https://www.theperryhistorians.org/

As an aside to the presentation, President Jeff La Marca, never misses an opportunity to discuss the history of the encampment of Jockey Hollow, which remains one of (if not the most) brutal of winters ever recorded. In comparison, the encampment of Valley Forge is considered to be a “Caribbean holiday.” It’s time for our chapter to take the lead in publicizing the importance of the events that Jockey Hollow and the countless other historical sites within our Chapter’s boundaries played during the American Revolution!

Many thanks to all of the organizations involved for making the event possible!

Jockey Hollow Chapter to Participate in Wreaths Across America

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR is pleased to announce that we will be participating in Wreaths Across America this year! The program is designed to:

  • Remember the fallen.
  • Honor those who serve.
  • Teach the next generation the value of freedom.

This aligns with SAR’s mission to:

  • Remember the fallen.
  • Honor those who serve.
  • Teach the next generation the value of freedom.

The event will take place on December 14, 2024. Additional details may be found on Jockey Hollow’s Official Wreaths Across America site.

A special thank you to Jockey Hollow Chapter’s Compatriot Ellis Bailey for his exemplary contributions in helping to set this up.

Special Jockey Hollow Promotion

For Our June 1, 2024 Luncheon

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR is proud to announce a special promotion designed to:

  • Promote our Chapter within our community,
  • Show off our “Jockey Hollow Pride” (yes, we’re the greatest chapter of all time!),
  • Increase awareness of our Chapter’s activities,
  • Encourage attendance at our luncheons/meetings and
  • Build some espirit du corps!

So, what exactly does this entail? Specifically, Jockey Hollow now has an Official Chapter Baseball Cap! This cap is made by the same company that produces those for the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution and is shown below.

The cost for this cap is the same that National SAR charges for theirs – $25. However, we realize that this is such an incredible bargain that our members will want two – one to wear to our meetings and one for everyday wear in the community! So, if you would like to purchase a second cap, you’ll not only be able to purchase the second one for $20, but you’ll also receive another bonus at no additional cost! Specifically, members purchasing the second cap will also receive (if they are eligible), the appropriate SAR Service Label Pin that demonstrates how many years (in five-year increments) they have belonged to SAR. While members may purchase these pins on their own directly from National (at a cost of $20 each), those purchasing a second cap from us will receive their appropriate pin at no additional cost.

What about Chapter members who have belonged to SAR for less than five years? Instead of receiving a service pin honoring their years of service to SAR, they will receive a “challenge coin” (or similar item).

How many years of service do I have?

The SAR service pin is awarded in five-year increments (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years etc.). Based on our latest statistics, you may look up what our records indicated by clicking here:

Membership-as-of-June-1-2024Download

IMPORTANT!

In order to participate in the promotion, members must RSVP and register no later than Thursday, May 9, 2024, so that we may order everything in time for you to receive your items at our luncheon on June 1, 2024 (all caps, pins, etc. will be distributed at the meeting so that you will need to attend).

Don’t Want to Participate in our Special Promotion?

No problem! Merely register for our luncheon as usual.

Use the Attached RSVP Form & Select Your Option.

Hope to see you on June 1, 2024!

2024_06_01-Jockey-Hollow-RSVP-FormDownload

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! ANOTHER PHONEOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH XIOMARO. WITH NEW MATERIAL!!!


Want to learn how to take better pictures with your cell phone?

Our friends from the Morristown Chapter, DAR has invited Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR to attend their next workshop featuring Ximaro (who recently presented for us). This will be a hands-on workshop!


Nationally-exhibited photographer and published author, Xiomaro, is offering a special “Art of Phoneography” workshop for on Saturday June 22 from 9:30 am to noon in the chapel at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown at 57 E. Park Place in Morristown (rain or shine). The workshop is open to members and friends of the Morristown Chapter DAR, Jockey Hollow SAR, and the Presbyterian Church in Morristown.


They say the best camera is the one you have with you, and these days that’s your cell phone camera. Xio says the secret to better photographs is less about the camera, and more about applying the principles of seeing used by artists for centuries.


Xio will use photographs and paintings to introduce key artistic principles and show us simple ways to capture outstanding photos on our cell phones with minimal technical know-how. He’ll also show how to use some of your phone’s features to get the most out of your photos. Then we will practice our new-found skills to take pictures of the church and its grounds and the Morristown Green.


Xio will review his first workshop from 9:30-10:00, for those who missed it or want a refresher. Then he will delve into new material starting at 10.

Participants should bring their fully-charged smart phone (any brand) or camera with plenty of available storage space for the new photos that they will create. A portable USB phone charger or spare battery also will be helpful. There is limited handicapped parking at the church, and plenty of public parking for a fee around Morristown and in the garage under Headquarters Plaza (next door to the church).

The cost is $25 per person. We can accommodate 20 workshop participants, first-come-first-serve, and will maintain a wait list and are considering possible additional sessions if interest is high.

You can visit Xio’s website at www.xiomaro.com to learn more about him and his photography. Please contact me at baileysr@gmail.com or 201-738-6539 to register or if you have questions.
Bobbi Bailey, Registrar, Morristown Chapter, DAR

Jockey Hollow Chapter Luncheon – December 2, 2023

Our December luncheon featured a presentation by Dr. Lewis Baratz and was presided over by Jockey Hollow President Jeff La Marca.

Our luncheon was honored by the presence of the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution President Rob Meyer. Jockey Hollow President Jeff La Marca presented President Meyer with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Jockey Hollow Chapter Luncheon – March 4, 2023

President Roger Loomis presided over the meeting and luncheon; Jeffrey E. Finegan was our featured speaker.

President Loomis honored Jockey Hollow’s Board of Directors with the Chapter Distinguished Service Medal – the highest honor that can be bestowed on members at the chapter level. While a President may usually issue only once per year, these compatriots had all served over a period spanning many years. From left to right: President Loomis, Secretary Phil Oddo, Vice President Jeff La Marca, Genealogist, John Kieser, Registrar David Jones, and sergeant-at-arms Richard Perry.
Sergeant-at-arms Richard Perry displays his Chapter Distinguished Service Certificate.
Vice President Jeff La Marca displays his Chapter Distinguished Service Certificate.
Guest speaker, Jeffrey E. Finegan.

Patriot Grave Marking at the Vail Memorial Cemetery

Jockey Hollow President Roger Loomis and Jockey Hollow Compatriots, Patrick Reilly JHC, Larrison Jackson, and Richard Perry conducted a Patriot Grave Marking at the Vail Memorial Cemetery in Parsippany, NJ. Pvt. Jasper Righter (b. 1739 d. 1794) served in two Morris County Militias between 1776 and 1778. The marker dedication was requested and provided by Compatriot Ken Zeliff of the Atlanta Chapter GASSAR, descendant of Pvt. Righter.

(Left to Right: Patrick Reilly JHC; Larrison Jackson JHC; Roger Loomis JHC; Reverend Donald Bragg, Pastor of the Parsippany Presbyterian Church; Richard Perry JHC (masks off for photo).

Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR at Plaque Dedication

A bronze memorial plaque that was was dedicated in honor of Brigadier General Robert Erskine, geographer and surveyor to General George Washington and presented by the SAR in 1952, was stolen from its stone mount at Ringwood Manor State Park, Ringwood, NJ. Compatriot NJSSAR President Robert Meyer immediately agreed to replace the plaque and had an epoxy replica fabricated and delivered to the park, the former home of General Erskine. Because of the outdoor nature of the stone and its year-round exposure to the elements, stone preparation and mounting of the plaque was delayed until late summer. On Saturday, October 5, 2019, a re-dedication ceremony was held at the family cemetery with full honors provided by members of the NJSSAR Color Guard and members of Heard’s Brigade reenactment group (see photos below) More than twenty people were in attendance. Susan Shutte, Ringwood State Park Historian did a great job of organizing the event and Jockey Hollow President, Roger Loomis, was honored to assist where he could and to speak on behalf of President Meyer and the NJSSAR.

(Left to Right) Front row: JHC Secretary, Phillip Oddo; JHC Sergeant-at-Arms, Richard Perry; NJSSAR Color Guardsmen, South Jersey Chapter, James Howard; and JHC, Larrison Jackson; JHC Compatriot, David Peretti; Piper, JHC Chaplain, James Naisby. Back row: members of Heard’s Brigade, and Jockey Hollow Chapter President, Roger Loomis (hiding behind David Peretti).
Unveiling: Ringwood State Park Historian, Susan Shutte and Jockey Hollow Chapter President, Roger Loomis.