Chakchiuma Chapter DAR Receives $5,000 Grant for America 250 Celebration at Cotesworth
The Chakchiuma Chapter DAR is proud to announce a $5,000 grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council for a free America 250 Celebration at historic Cotesworth Mansion on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The festival will feature living history, live music, children's activities, and special presentations. Planning is underway with multiple DAR chapters across the region, including Third Arrow, Thomas Rodney, and Grenada chapters.
The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the State of Mississippi, to present an America 250 Celebration at historic Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center in Carrollton.
The free community festival, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with living history demonstrations, live music, children's activities, and special presentations.
Planning for the celebration is underway, with multiple DAR chapters across the region joining forces to make the event a success. Representatives from five chapters recently gathered to coordinate efforts for the semiquincentennial observance.
Pictured (left to right): Melanie Bowman, Regent of the Chakchiuma Chapter (Greenwood); Shirley Rush, Regent of the Third Arrow Chapter (Carrollton); Kathy Henry, State Chairman of the DAR 250 Celebration; Norma Biggers, Regent of the Thomas Rodney Chapter (Winona); Paula McCalla, Past Regent of the Thomas Rodney Chapter (Winona); Christie Genova, Regent of the Grenada DAR Chapter; and Punkie Stewart, Past Regent of the Grenada DAR Chapter.
Kathy Henry, serving as Mississippi State Chairman for the DAR 250 Celebration, played a key role in the grant approval process that will bring this community-wide event to life.
Event details include:
What: America 250 Celebration at Cotesworth – A Free Community Festival
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. Presentation | Activities until 3:00 p.m.
Where: Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center, Carrollton, Mississippi
Highlights: Color Guard, living history demonstrations, live music, children's games, local food trucks, free pocket constitutions for the first 200 attendees
Presenting Partners:
Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR (Greenwood)
Third Arrow Chapter NSDAR (Carrollton)
Thomas Rodney Chapter NSDAR (Winona)
Grenada Chapter NSDAR (Grenada)
With Support From:
The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)
Funding Acknowledgment:
This official America250 project was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the State of Mississippi.
For more information about the America 250 Celebration at Cotesworth, visit www.ChakchiumaDAR.org or contact a Chakchiuma Chapter officer through the website.
The Chakchiuma Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in the Greenwood community. Organized December 20, 1911, the chapter continues its mission to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence.
Local Homeschool Student Wins DAR American History Essay Contest
Isaac Dallas, a homeschooled fifth grader, received a certificate and medal from the Chakchiuma Chapter DAR for his winning entry in the national American History Essay Contest. Susan Wellborn presented the award at the Greenwood Country Club. Isaac's essay now advances to the state-level competition, where it will be judged against entries from across Mississippi.
Pictured (back row, left to right): Susan Wellborn, DAR member; Alicia Dallas; Webb Franklin, a neighbor of Isaac and husband of DAR member Gage Franklin; and (front) Isaac Dallas.
The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution proudly presented a certificate and medal to Isaac Dallas, a local homeschooled fifth grader, for his winning entry in the national DAR American History Essay Contest.
Dallas and his mother, Alicia Dallas, were honored guests at the chapter's November meeting held at the Greenwood Country Club. Susan Wellborn presented the award on behalf of the chapter, recognizing the young scholar's achievement in the annual contest, which is open to students in grades 5 through 12 nationwide.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution sponsors the essay contest each year to encourage young people to explore and reflect on significant topics and individuals in American history.
Isaac's winning essay has now been advanced to the state-level competition, where it will be judged against entries from DAR chapters across Mississippi.
The Chakchiuma Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in the Greenwood community. For more information about the chapter, youth programs, or upcoming America 250 events, visit ChakchiumaDAR.org.
Chakchiuma Chapter DAR Honors Johnny Ballas with Community Service Award
The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Johnny Ballas with the DAR Community Service Award and pin at the Greenwood Country Club. Ballas was recognized for his family's generous gift of The Crystal Grill restaurant to the Community Kitchen. State Chairman Rachael Jacobson attended, joined by friends and supporters who provided letters of recommendation.
Pictured (left to right): Melanie Bowman, Chapter Regent; Celeste Bush; honoree Johnny Ballas; Charles Wright; Rachael Jacobson, State Chairman; Carolyn McAdams; and John Bush. Not pictured is Will Lott.
The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution proudly recognized Johnny Ballas with the DAR Community Service Award during its regular meeting Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Greenwood Country Club.
Ballas was honored for his family's enduring contributions to the Greenwood community, specifically citing the family's generous gift of The Crystal Grill restaurant to the Community Kitchen, enabling the continued preparation and service of meals to those in need.
The presentation was attended by several of Ballas' friends and supporters, along with special guest Rachael Jacobson, DAR State Chairman for the Community Service Award.
Community members Carolyn McAdams, Celeste Bush, and Will Lott provided letters of recommendation supporting Ballas' nomination.
In addition to the certificate, Ballas received a commemorative DAR Community Service pin recognizing his dedication to the Greenwood area.
Chakchiuma Chapter DAR Partners with North Greenwood Baptist Church for Wreaths Across America
The Chakchiuma Chapter DAR and North Greenwood Baptist Church are selling $17 Christmas wreaths to honor veterans for National Wreaths Across America Day on December 13. Wreaths may be purchased at the church office, by phone, or through any DAR member. A dedication ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at the church's Recreation Outreach Center before families place wreaths on veterans' graves.
The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has teamed up with North Greenwood Baptist Church to sell Christmas wreaths for the graves of deceased veterans in advance of National Wreaths Across America Day.
The community is invited to purchase wreaths to honor local veterans laid to rest in Greenwood-area cemeteries. Each wreath costs $17, and the deadline to purchase is December 1, 2025.
“The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and North Greenwood Baptist Church are working hard to ensure that all veterans laid to rest in the Greenwood-area cemeteries are honored this December as part of National Wreaths Across America Day,” said Pat Crick, Wreaths Across America chair for the DAR chapter.
Wreaths may be purchased:
In person at the North Greenwood Baptist Church office (615 Grand Blvd.)
By phone at 662-453-2801
Through any Chakchiuma Chapter DAR member
Checks should be made payable to Wreaths Across America (or WAA). All wreaths will be delivered to North Greenwood Baptist Church for distribution.
A dedication ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025—National Wreaths Across America Day—at the church's Recreation Outreach Center. Following the dedication, families may pick up their wreaths and place them on the graves of loved ones or friends who served our nation.
“Every wreath sold is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedom we all enjoy,” Crick added. “We are so grateful to the good people of this wonderful community for participation in our mission—to ‘Remember, Honor and Teach.’”
The Chakchiuma Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in the Greenwood community. For more information about the chapter or upcoming America 250 events, visit ChakchiumaDAR.org.
Honoring a Hero: Chakchiuma Chapter DAR Partners with American Legion Post 29 to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. John A. Pittman
The Chakchiuma Chapter DAR partnered with American Legion Post 29 to install a 30-foot steel flagpole at the entrance of Sgt. John Pittman Drive, honoring the Medal of Honor recipient who threw himself on a grenade to save his squad during the Korean War. The flagpole flies both the American flag and the distinctive Medal of Honor flag. A formal dedication ceremony is planned.
A new landmark now stands at the entrance of Sgt. John Pittman Drive, ensuring that the heroism of a local Medal of Honor recipient will never be forgotten.
The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has partnered with Keesler-Hamrick-Gillespie American Legion Post 29 to install a 30-foot steel flagpole flying both the American flag and the Medal of Honor flag in honor of Sgt. John A. Pittman, a Carroll County native and longtime Greenwood resident who received the nation's highest military honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Korean War.
The flags were raised on the newly installed flagpole on September 13, 2024, at the corner of Medallion Drive and Sgt. John Pittman Drive—a fitting location for a tribute to a man whose street bears his name.
"It's the perfect place for the flag," said Post 29 Commander Johnny Favara. "It starts at the entrance of the street."
The project, contracted with Leflore Steel and headed by Legionnaire Floyd Melton Jr., represents a significant upgrade from the previous pole that had become unstable over time. The new flagpole features a metal eagle topper and displays the distinctive Medal of Honor flag—light blue with gold fringe and 13 white stars resembling the ribbon Pittman received.
The Chakchiuma Chapter had been seeking a location to install an American flag when they learned of Post 29's plans. The partnership was a natural fit.
"It is such an honor for Chakchiuma Chapter to partner with American Legion Post 29 to honor Sgt. John A. Pittman for his heroic act of bravery in the Korean War," said Bobbie Beard, regent of the Chakchiuma Chapter at the time of the project.
A Hero's Story
Sgt. John A. Pittman's act of courage on November 26, 1950, during the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River near Kujang-dong, Korea, exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice. At just 22 years old, the U.S. Army infantry sergeant threw himself onto a live grenade to protect the soldiers in his platoon.
His official Medal of Honor citation reads:
“Moving aggressively forward in the face of intense artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire he was wounded by mortar fragments. Disregarding his wounds he continued to lead and direct his men in a bold advance against the hostile standpoint. During this daring action, an enemy grenade was thrown in the midst of his squad endangering the lives of his comrades. Without hesitation, Sgt. Pittman threw himself on the grenade and absorbed its burst with his body. When a medical aid man reached him, his first request was to be informed as to how many of his men were hurt. This intrepid and selfless act saved several of his men from death or serious injury and was an inspiration to the entire command. Sgt. Pittman's extraordinary heroism reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.”
Miraculously, Pittman survived, though he carried shrapnel in his body for the rest of his life and lost mobility in his neck. He also earned two Purple Hearts, including one from an earlier engagement.
In July 1951, President Harry S. Truman presented Pittman and two other servicemen with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Pittman's image graced the cover of Life magazine on July 2, 1951, where he was described as "a young Mississippi farm boy."
A Life of Service
After returning home, Pittman farmed with his father near Tallula before moving to Greenwood, where he worked for many years as service manager at Western Auto. He was also a member of American Legion Post 29.
Favara, who worked across the street from Pittman, remembered him as humble and unassuming. “He was a genuine guy, just a very regular guy. He didn't boast about anything.”
Favara noted that approximately 90% of soldiers who jumped on hand grenades did not survive. “That takes an exceptional person,” he added.
Pittman passed away in 1995 and received a full military burial at New Hope Christian Church Cemetery in Carroll County, where he attended as a child.
Community Support
The project, costing more than $3,600, received generous donations from the community, including concrete and wiring. A plaque at the base of the flagpole reads: “Erected by Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR and American Legion Post 29 2024.”
Spotlights are planned for installation to illuminate the flags at night.
“I've had a lot of people say it's gorgeous,” said Favara. “I think it's very nice.”
A formal dedication ceremony to celebrate the flagpole and honor Sgt. Pittman's legacy is in development and will be announced at a future date.
The Chakchiuma Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in the Greenwood community. For more information about the chapter or upcoming America 250 events, visit ChakchiumaDAR.org.
Chakchiuma Chapter DAR Celebrates Constitution Week with Community Events, Library Display, and Bell Ringing
The Chakchiuma Chapter DAR celebrated Constitution Week with multiple community events, including a mayoral proclamation by Greenwood Mayor Carolyn McAdams, an educational display at the Greenwood-Leflore Public Library, and a symbolic bell ringing at First United Methodist Church. Members also heard from Pillow Academy history teacher Heather Johnson about the Constitution's enduring significance.
The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored the founding document of American democracy with a series of activities throughout Constitution Week, September 17-23, 2023.
The week's observances began at the chapter's first regular monthly meeting of its new year, held September 13 at the Greenwood Country Club. Members welcomed Pillow Academy history teacher Heather Johnson, who provided an informative overview of the United States Constitution and its enduring significance.
The celebration continued with official recognition from the City of Greenwood. Mayor Carolyn McAdams presented a Constitution Week proclamation to DAR Regent Bobbie Beard and Constitution Week Chair Candy Hony, formally acknowledging the week's importance to the community.
Hony created an educational display for the Greenwood-Leflore Public Library, offering library patrons an opportunity to learn about the Constitution's history and the annual celebration that honors its signing.
The week's activities culminated on September 17—the 236th anniversary of the Constitution's signing in 1787—with a symbolic bell ringing at First United Methodist Church. Chip Upchurch, Nancy Gaugh, Becky Bowen, Claudia White, and the Rev. Scott Wright gathered to ring the church's 125-year-old bell, participating in the national tradition of simultaneous bell ringing across the country at the exact hour the Constitution was signed.
Constitution Week was established in 1955 by the Daughters of the American Revolution and was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a formal observance on the American calendar. The week-long celebration encourages Americans to study and reflect upon the document that established the framework of our government and the rights and freedoms it protects.
The Chakchiuma Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in the Greenwood community. For more information about the chapter or upcoming events, visit ChakchiumaDAR.org or contact us through our website.