On Nov. 10, the monthly Pemaquid Chapter, NSDAR meeting was held for the first time in the American Legion Hall, Post 36 in Boothbay. The Chapter thanks Commander David Patch for the opportunity to social distance in their wonderful facility on Industrial Park Drive. Prior to 2020 the Chapter had been meeting at the Lincoln Home with few exceptions since 1932.

The meeting started with a bag lunch with drinks provided by Barbara Belknap and dessert provided by Sara Fahnley. Also in attendance, Nancy Chick, Shirley Peverly, Sue Hochstein, Regent Audrey Miller. New member Susan Wilson joined via Zoom.

There was a moment of silence for Marcia Trentin, Chapter daughter who passed away on Nov. 1 after a fall. Nancy Chick was acting chaplain during the opening ritual. Barbara Belknap taught those present how to recite the Preamble to the Constitution in sign language.

Shirley Peverly reported on her wonderful and emotional visit to the Remembrance Tree Program at the Worcester Farm in Columbia Falls, Maine. You can find out more about this program at: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/remembrance-tree-program

Nancy Chick, also a member of the Old Bristol Garden Club, gave a report on the renovation of the Blue Star Marker in Newcastle. The Marker was erected and dedicated in 1969 and sponsored by the OBGC. Nancy thanked Sue Hochstein for her dogged determination to get the Marker cleaned up. Nancy thanked Sue and the Chapter for helping with the initial clean-up and to secure additional funding from the American Legion Post 36 in Boothbay. The funds will be used to purchase evergreens and perennials for the Marker next spring.

Barbara Belknap gave a short program on Native American history. Her program highlighted the new National Native American Veterans Memorial now open at the Smithsonian’s, National Museum of the American Indian. DAR recognizes the valuable contributions of Native Americans and the sacrifices of their families beginning with the Revolutionary War. Thousands of Native Americans, including Hawaiians and Alaskans, have served in all of our wars and many are active in the military today.

Local veterans Ed Harmon and Arthur Richardson arrived on site with one of the Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter trailers. These trailers are the result of Harmon’s passionate desire to help homeless veterans while they are waiting for medical attention. We were all very impressed with the quality of the trailer and the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Harmon and his team of volunteers. The passion and caring exhibited by these veterans to help less fortunate veterans is commendable and we are eager to promote their efforts and help them obtain funding for this much needed program. If you are looking for a way to help veterans this holiday season, consider a donation to this effort.

Clara Wentworth never misses the opportunity to honor our veterans at the Wiscasset Veterans Memorial. Even without a ceremony for Veterans Day this year she laid the traditional wreath.

The December meeting will be at noon on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Legion Hall. All members and prospective members are welcome at this annual potluck luncheon, social distancing will be practiced. Donations for veterans will be collected and delivered to Togus.

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, 207-633-7089.