The November meeting of the Pemaquid Chapter, DAR was held at the usual place, the Lincoln Home Library in Newcastle on the second Tuesday, Nov. 13. There were 11 present, one associate member and one guest. Registrar Miriam Buckley read the opening prayer followed by Regent Miller leading the ritual of the recitation of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, American’s Creed, the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, and a lively a capella rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Barbara Belknap lead a discussion on her “mind mapping” ideas for programs and events in 2019. They included creating a nominating committee for a new slate of chapter officers for 2019-2022, programs on the U.S. Constitution, local history including Francis Perkins, Maude Gay and Deborah Sampson.

In honor of Veterans Day (a.k.a. Armistice Day – meaning Peace), Belknap gave a brief talk about Flanders Fields and read the poem, “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. New member, Sara Fahnley, owner of And Candy Too, distributed a delicious treat of individually wrapped dark chocolate candy commemorating Veterans Day to each attendee. The Chapter daughters will be selling chocolates as a fundraiser during the holidays and available all year. They will be individually wrapped lighthouses.

Discussions included: DAR Good Citizen Awards for local high school students who write essays are eligible for State DAR scholarships; putting a plaque on the tree in Wiscasset planted by our chapter in the early 1990s, and researching veterans and DAR member flags and markers on local graves and documenting them with GPS coordinates.

Melba Gunnison has all of the materials needed to have a working meeting creating our Poppy Pins which raise money for veterans.

Pat Franz, associate member from New Jersey, sent a box of knitted stump covers for veterans in a variety of colors and sizes. Regent Miller will get these to Togus for distribution as needed.

It was agreed that our focus on Women’s Issues will be to celebrate the notable women in American history and their impact.

In honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States (in 2026), DAR is partnering with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and other organizations to create the “DAR Pathway of the Patriots” along the Schuykill River Trail and planting 250 trees in honor of our Patriots. The Pemaquid Chapter is sending a donation to State Regent Hotchkiss who is adopting a tree in honor of Maine Patriots.

This was also a working meeting with those present drawing various seacoast animals and flowers on quilting squares to create two small quilts for the children of the Penobscot Nations Daycare Center in Indian Island, Maine. Barbara Belknap is leading the effort and will create the quilts.

The December meeting/Christmas party will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the home of Barbara Belknap in Damariscotta. Please mark your calendars.

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, patriotism and honoring the patriots of the Revolutionary War. DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to the securing of the independence of the United States of America. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join. 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.