The October meeting of the Pemaquid Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution was called to order on Oct. 8 at the Lincoln Home Library in Newcastle. There were 10 members, three associate members and one guest. The Invocation was read by Chaplain Diane Randlett. The Ritual opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, American’s Creed, the Preamble to the Constitution and the singing of the National Anthem.

The President General’s Message was read by Shirley Peverly. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Regent Miller asked everyone to remember to wear the color purple on Oct. 24 to draw attention to this important issue. The DAR welcomed Amy Dickinson as its newest member on Oct. 5. She received the DAR National Number 1000000 during the monthly approval of new DAR membership applications. This officially propelled the total number of women who have joined the DAR since its founding in 1890 to more than one million. Amy Dickinson is best known for her nationally syndicated advice column, “Ask Amy,” which succeeded the Ann Landers advice column that ran for almost a half-century. Associate member, Patricia Viles has been a member of DAR for 59 years.

The Chapter will be supporting the Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope in 2020. This organization supports homeless women veterans and their children in Maine. Founder and Executive Director Martha Everatt St. Pierre will speak at the November meeting. MSODAR State Regent’s project will support the “Cabin in the Woods” at Togus that provides permanent housing to homeless men and women veterans.

Sara Fahnley, Audrey Miller, Shirley Peverly and Barbara Belknap attended the 125th anniversary celebration of the Elizabeth Wadsworth Chapter in Portland on Oct. 5.

Miriam Buckley reported that Wreaths Across America will be stopping at Lincoln Academy on Dec. 8.

October historical highlights include: Oct. 13, 1792: The cornerstone was laid for the White House. Oct. 19, 1781 General Charles Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, all but ending Britain’s claims to govern the 13 colonies. Oct. 27, 1787, the first of 77 essays explaining the new Constitution and urging ratification appears in a New York newspaper. Signed by “Publius,” the essays are written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. They are later published collectively as The Federalist Papers.

Barbara Belknap presented a Constitution Week program to her grandson’s second grade class. Fourteen proclamations celebrating the drafting of the Constitution were returned to the Chapter by town fathers in Lincoln County. The Chapter is creating a study group to take the online course offered by Hillsdale College.

The Indian Minute: The Great Smokey Mountain National Park has opened park land to the Cherokee nation so they may forage for medicinal plants.

Nancy Prisk is a new associate member of the Chapter. Wendy Gunnison Emelianoff, daughter of Melba Gunnison, is a new member of the Chapter.

Shirley Peverly reported that planning is underway now for 2020 important commemorative events that include: the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower, the 350th anniversary of the Boston Massacre, the 200th anniversary of Maine statehood and the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. The first woman allowed to vote in a federal election voted in Maine as Maine’s elections were held in September.

The benediction was offered by Diane Randlett and the meeting was adjourned at 1:13 p.m.

The next meeting will be on Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Lincoln Home Library. Pemaquid Chapter, NSDAR, is a non-profit, non-political, volunteer women’s service organization. It is dedicated to preserving American history, securing America’s future through better education and promoting patriotism. 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. This chapter has proudly served our communities in Lincoln County since 1932. 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.