On Nov. 19, Regent Audrey Miller called the monthly chapter meeting to order at 11:08 a.m. at the Lincoln Home Library in Newcastle welcoming eight members, one associate member and nine guests. The invocation was offered by Diane Randlett. The meeting opened with the DAR Ritual of Pledge of Allegiance, American's Creed, and Preamble to the Constitution and the singing of the national anthem.

Miller reported that Clara Wentworth again represented the DAR by placing a wreath at the Veterans Monument in Wiscasset on Veterans Day. Maine is home to more than 114,000 Veterans which is more than 11% of our adult population. Maine veterans teach all of us to cherish our rights, to remember those who gave their lives for these freedoms. They teach us honor. They show us dignity. They teach us service.

It was noted that on Nov. 5, 1919 Maine was the 19th state to ratify the 19th Amendment (even though not officially adopted until Aug. 26, 1920). It is notable that the first woman to vote in a national election voted in Maine because Maine’s elections were held in September! The Chapter wishes to congratulate the Garden Club of Wiscasset for planting 2,020 daffodil bulbs on Nov. 5 in recognition of this achievement.

The chapter garnered the Excellence in Constitution Week Leadership, Chapter Achievement Award – Level 1 and by the DAR School Committee, the Northeastern Division Outstanding Service award at the October Fall Maine State Conference.

An American History moment was shared by Miller regarding the history of M&M candies. They were first sold in 1941 but when World War II came along, they were sold exclusively to the U.S. military as part of their rations during WW II. After the war they were available to the public.

The Blue Star Marker on Route 1 in Newcastle was purchased and placed on July 5, 1969 by Mrs. Thomas Cooke of Newcastle and Mrs. Wentworth Stewart of Damariscotta and the Old Bristol Garden Club. The markers are a project of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. As the OBGC is no longer maintaining the marker, Pemaquid Chapter will now clean up the site and place wreaths on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Special guest, MSODAR State Regent Beverly Robbins, spoke briefly on her administration’s focus on veterans through Togus and their project, Cabin in the Woods, providing housing for veterans. After reflecting on a quote by Patrick Henry, “Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings – give us that precious jewel and you may take everything else,” she designed a pin in the shape of a “jewel” whose sale will help in fundraising efforts.

A very heart-wrenching and informative program on the Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope was presented by Martha Everatt St. Pierre, executive director and founder of the home. She outlined the many hard battles she has fought and the hoops she has had to jump through to create this safe place for homeless women veterans and their children. It is unique in New England. She wants us all to spread the word that the house exists and is ready to help any woman veteran in need. You may contact them by visiting their website: barhh.org or by calling (207) 557-2509. Let’s spread the word.

Membership: Valerie Trentin of Newcastle and her mother Marcia Trenton of Damariscotta are transferring from the Oyster Bay, New York Chapter to the Pemaquid Chapter.

Indian Minute: Barbara Belknap encouraged all to watch a program on PBS about Native American War Veterans. One episode featured Pulitzer Prize winning novelist N. Scott Momaday’s “Words from a Bear.”

A Maine State Historical Society magazine article features the Wabanaki people, their art, history and culture, “Holding up the Sky.”

Correspondence: Barbara Belknap brought Christmas cards to be forwarded to veterans at Togus and the Betsy Ann Ross House.

Cards will be sent to Sara Crespi and former member Claire Little.

The Chapter received a note from Bob Hamm who is affiliated with Hillsdale College and offered to assist with starting a group to study the Constitution.

Diane Randlett showed a sweet video of her granddaughter’s children’s choir singing at a Veterans Day Celebration.

In other news, the chapter’s handmade paper poppy pins with the poem, Flanders Field, are available for $5 from the chapter regent. Sara Fahnley asked for more small flags to fold to be presented to veterans with a thank you message. All present were offered these folded flags to hand out in the weeks ahead.

The Wreaths Across America convoy will arrive at the Lincoln Academy on Dec. 8 at approximately 3:45 p.m. for a program at 4 p.m.

The Benediction was offered by Diane Randlett. The meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m. A delicious Southern-inspired lunch of fried chicken, mac and cheese and coleslaw was provided by Sara Fahnley. Barbara Belknap provided corn muffins and desserts were provided by Gay Chatham, Jennifer Pierpan and Audrey Miller.

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PemaquidDAR/ or visit our website: www.mainedar.org/pemaquid

If you would like to become a member and join us in service to our communities in Lincoln County, please contact Regent Audrey Miller, 633-7089.