‘Wreaths Across America’ program presented

PRINCETON — The Princeton-Illinois Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met Dec. 2 for its Christmas meeting in the Bureau County Republican Community Room. Regent Sharon Bittner opened with the ritual, Chaplain Lois Brieser gave the Christmas prayer and Carol Schennum lead in the American’s Creed.

Toni Lucas of LaSalle presented the program “Wreaths Across America,” a national non-profit movement spreading across America with the tradition of laying Christmas wreaths on veteran’s graves to remember, honor and teach. A ceremony was held at 11 a.m. Dec. 10 at the LaSalle Veterans Home. The Chapter purchased a wreath to be used.

Conservation Chairman Diana Williamson reported on how little water is absorbed into the ground versus the large amount of rainwater and thus much runoff.

The Chapter provided a coffee time at the American Legion Hall.

Dorothy Philbrook was honored for her 40 years of continued service to the Princeton Chapter NSDAR. She was presented with a certificate from National D.A.R. and red roses, one for each decade of membership.

Hostesses were Patricia Polson, chairman, and Carol Arteberry and Carol Schennum.

The Chapter’s first meeting of the year was Jan. 6 at the Prouty Building. Regent Sharon Bittner opened with the ritual, U.S. flag Chairman Juanita Tarrence lead the Pledge of Allegiance, Yvonne Johnson read the president general’s message and Chairman Lenora Carey gave the national defense report.

Eva Blanco reported that she and Sharon Bittner attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 10 at the LaSalle Veterans Home. They participated in laying 300 wreaths on veterans graves at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in LaSalle. The Chapter placed a wreath at Princeton’s Veterans Park.

Chapter member Elizabeth Hauger and her friend Joyce Wojirechowski made 27 ditty bags for Hines Veterans Hospital.

Commemorative Events Chairman Beverly Larson reported visiting Elijah Phillips’ grave site at Hennepin and found his gravestone was marked by the Princeton D.A.R. Chapter in 1940 as the only Black Hawk War veteran killed in Bureau County, on June 18, 1832. The year 2012 marks the 180th anniversary.

The Illinois Yellow Dot program was reported.

The program, presented by Mary Allen, demonstrated the art of soap making in your home.