Princeton DAR members gather in June

PRINCETON — The Princeton-Illinois chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at the Prouty Building in June with the featured program being a movie titled “I’m Today’s DAR.” It promoted the worthwhile benefits of membership in today’s DAR with service and awards on the local level and the large variety of programs and diversity of members that make the organization special.

Regent Evalynn Blanco led the ritual pledge and creed. Mary May read the U.S. Flag minutes commemorating June 14 as Flag Day. Bonnie Schutt read the president general’s message and National Defense was read by Dolores Dace. Prospective members Laura White of Walnut and Vickie of Hennepin were welcomed.

Commemorative Events Chairman Beverly Larson reported visiting the Abra-ham Lincoln Bicentennial Mobile Exhibit in Peoria. The Illinois and Michigan Canal boat “The Volunteer” was visited and is now ready for travel on the canal at LaSalle. During the canal’s inaugural year, Lincoln and family rode on such a boat from Chicago to LaSalle.

The American History DAR Award was presented to Princeton High School junior Matthew Smith. The DAR Good Citizenship Awards were presented to eighth-grade students Kavita Patel, from Princeton Christian Academy; Ellen Andersen, from Logan Junior High School; and Joseph Biggs, from St. Louis Catholic School.

Blanco reported she attended the LaSalle Veterans Home Volunteer’s lunch. The District II DAR meeting held in Lanark June 7 was attended by Sharon Bittner, Beverly Larson and Pat Polson.

Other upcoming events include the DAR State Officers Luncheon Aug. 2 in Bloomington, the Regent’s Club Aug. 6 in Dixon and DAR Days Sept. 10 in Moline.

In other business, a donation was given for the Fourth of July fireworks in Princeton.

Blanco showed her collection of many pineapple items. The golden pineapple is the symbol of the present DAR National Administra-tion, promoting hospitality and kindness by welcoming new members, encouraging inactive members and expressing appreciation to all daughters for their dedicated service — “The Spirit of Hospitality Opens Doors of Opportunity.”

Hostesses for the day were Judy Schwiderski, Karen Schwiderski, Sandy Miles, Sharon Murphy and Jean Watkins.