10/20/2026
October 2026 MVSSAR Newsletter
Mahoning Valley SAR Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Historical Program and Recognition Awards
The Mahoning Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) marked a significant milestone at its October 7, 2026 meeting at the Canfield Public Library, celebrating its 10th anniversary and recognizing members and community partners whose efforts have helped preserve Revolutionary War history throughout the region.
Chapter President Wayne Recknor welcomed members and guests, noted the importance of the anniversary year, and recognized Troy Bailey for his instrumental role in founding the chapter and supporting its growth over the past decade. Recknor also welcomed guest speaker Suzie McCabe of the Canfield Historical Society.
John Gilbert opened the meeting with an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by John Layfield and the recitation of the SAR Pledge by members.
Ongoing Efforts to Preserve Revolutionary War History
Secretary Blair Carmichael reported on the chapter's continuing cemetery research efforts in northern Trumbull County. Members have identified several Revolutionary War veteran graves that need replacement markers, repairs, or resetting. Additional searches are planned to locate veterans buried in small church cemeteries and private burial grounds throughout the area.
The chapter has also expanded its inventory of ceremonial equipment, acquiring its own chapter flag along with commemorative flags honoring the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary. The chapter has a nine-foot parade flag and parade harnesses available for public events. Efforts are continuing to establish and train a chapter color guard.
Treasurer Jonathan Guerrier reported that annual dues are now set at $80, consisting of National SAR, Ohio Society SAR, and chapter assessments. He encouraged members to consider additional donations to support educational outreach, student awards programs, essay and poster contests, and historical preservation projects.
Guerrier also reported that the chapter treasury remains stable and unchanged since the previous meeting. The former Columbiana account has been closed, and the remaining funds will be used primarily for monument bricks and future monument maintenance.
Work also continues on designing a new Mahoning Valley Chapter flag featuring the outline of Ohio and the chapter's service area.
Revolutionary War Patriots of Canfield.
Suzie McCabe of the Canfield Historical Society delivered the evening's featured presentation. Her program, "Revolutionary War Patriots Buried in Canfield," examined Canfield's early settlement and the important role Revolutionary War veterans played in establishing the community.
McCabe discussed the broader history of the Connecticut Western Reserve and highlighted numerous veterans and early settlers associated with Canfield's development, including Samuel and Judson Canfield, James and Archibald Johnston, Elijah Wadsworth, Nathaniel Church, Trial Tanner, Eliezer Gilson, William Chidester, Matthew Steele, Conrad Neff, John Harding, Nicholas Osborne, and Adam Turner.
Her presentation also addressed challenges facing local historians and preservationists, including deteriorating grave markers, unmarked burial sites, and historical inaccuracies that mistakenly identify individuals as Revolutionary War veterans on local memorials. Members discussed cemetery preservation, historical documentation, and the potential use of ground-penetrating radar to identify unmarked graves.
In recognition of her dedication to preserving and promoting local history, President Recknor presented McCabe with the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal on behalf of the chapter.
New Vice President Elected
During chapter business, members elected Richard "Dick" Altomare as Vice President after John Guerrier, Jr. resigned from that office due to health concerns. After no additional nominations were received from the floor, Altomare was elected by the membership and subsequently took the official SAR oath of office administered by President Recknor.
Service Awards Presented
The chapter also recognized members for their years of service to the Sons of the American Revolution.
Wayne Recknor received a 5-Year Service Pin, while Jonathan Guerrier received a 10-Year Service Pin in recognition of his decade of dedication to the organization.
Reflections on a Decade of Growth
Founding member Troy Bailey congratulated the chapter on reaching its 10-year milestone and praised members for their commitment to building a strong and active organization dedicated to patriotism, education, and historic preservation.
President Recknor thanked Troy Bailey and Steve Hinson for the guidance and mentorship he has received during his years of SAR service. He also discussed his continuing work with ROTC and JROTC programs across Ohio.
Revolutionary War Historical Reading
Chapter Chaplain John Opre presented a historical reading highlighting events of October 1776 during the Revolutionary War. His presentation examined the New York Campaign, General George Washington's strategic military decisions, the Continental Army's withdrawal from Harlem Heights to White Plains, and the significant contributions of Polish military engineer Thaddeus Kosciusko.
Looking Ahead
Members discussed newly released United States semi-sesquicentennial commemorative coins and several upcoming historical events. John Opre announced the Colonial Festival at the Log Cabin Shop in Lodi, Ohio, while President Recknor encouraged participation in upcoming 250th Anniversary commemorations, including a wreath-laying ceremony at Mount Pleasant.
Recknor also announced plans to attend the upcoming Ohio SAR state meeting and invited members to forward concerns and suggestions for discussion at the state level.
Additional reports included the successful preservation and archival of historical newspaper clippings and the submission of a recent article summarizing three months of chapter activities for publication.
The meeting concluded with a benediction by John Opre, followed by the SAR recessional pledge. President Recknor thanked everyone in attendance before adjourning the meeting.
The Mahoning Valley Chapter's next gathering will be its annual Christmas Party on December 12 at Davidson's Restaurant in Canfield from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where members will order from the menu and continue celebrating another successful year of service, education, and historic preservation.
About the Mahoning Valley Chapter SAR
The Mahoning Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is dedicated to honoring the patriot ancestors who secured American independence through education, historical preservation, community service, and the promotion of patriotism.
As it enters its second decade, the chapter continues its mission of preserving Revolutionary War history throughout northeastern Ohio while encouraging future generations to appreciate the nation's founding heritage.
