The Colonel Abram Penn Chapter of the DAR met on November 13 following a luncheon at the Therapy Connection, Landmark Lane with 11 members present.

The meeting was called to order by Chapter Regent Louise Hansen and opened with the DAR Ritual, Pledge of Allegiance and The American Creed.

The president general’s message was read by Mary Ann Franklin. Chaplin Flo Bell conducted the swearing in ceremony for new member Ann McConnell. As Catheryn Vaughn wanted to resign due to health problems, Regent Hansen appointed McConnell as recording secretary. She will remain as secretary until the upcoming election in 2019.

Committee reports were presented. Hansen and Mary Ann Franklin led a discussion of future programs. Ideas discussed were a memorabilia program for October 2018, an Armistice Day program for November 2018 and Womens’ History in March 2019.

Flag Minute chairman   Catheryn Vaughn shared posters she had obtained on June 6, 2001 from the opening ceremonies of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford.

The conservation report by Onie Vaughn focused on the removal of the bald eagle from the list of threatened and endangered species.

Vaughn reported on a Washington Post article for the Indian Minute.  This article explained the friendship developed by Capt. John Smith and Pocohontas. Flo Bell, health minute committee chair, reviewed an article on the health benefits of zinc.

Regent Hansen gave a synopsis of the Secretary Report from October 9. She also shared information from the National and Virginia State levels. Two National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution districts have been added to the seven DAR districts of Virginia.

A handout listing the needs for school items for the Crossnore School and Childrens’ Home in Winston-Salem, N.C., were distributed to the members. Regent Hansen asked that members bring some of the listed items to the December meeting.

A list of “Meaningful Community Service” activities was reviewed with the membership.

She requested Diane Ross to set up a display in September 2018 at the Stuart Branch of the Blue Ridge Regional Library for Constitution Week.

Following the business meeting, Mary Ann Franklin presented a narrative on the origin of the celebration of Thanksgiving in America entitled “Where Was the First Thanksgiving?” It seems there were several thanksgiving events in America long before the one held by the Pilgrims in 1621.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned.

Ann McConnell

Recording Secretary