January 12th DAR Meeting

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a meeting on January 12th at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 209 East Nash St. Southport, NC. The chapter will be celebrating 35 years of service. Brunswick Town Chapter was organized 30 January 1976 by Mrs. Lewis W. Bowlin.

What it is to be an American

The real meaning of what it is to be an American. Look at the
YouTube - The story behind the "Star Spangled Banner" our National Anthem http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Iwa-lSVqA1M&vq=medium

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/ you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving overseas . You can't choose who gets the card, but it will go to a member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It's FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say thank you enough. Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

Polly Slocum's Ride

The Vintage Ladies is a group of women who enjoy antiquing. There are three groups in St. James in Southport; Abigail Adams, Dolly Madison and Jackie Kennedy. The women meet the first Friday of each month, and have a guest speaker or plan an antiquing event in the area. The Jacqueline Kennedy Chapter of The Vintage Ladies, held their monthly meeting at the home of Southport resident, Brenda Quashne at 10:00 a.m. on November 5, 2010. The program involved a skit performed by Doris N. Thompson based upon information from Emily Weil’s new book, “Cornwallis’ Campaign: Wilmington to Yorktown.” The focus of the book is the British General’s march through eastern NC during the Revolutionary War.


Guest speaker, Ms. Thompson, wrote a skit about the character Polly Slocum from Weil’s book. Background information about the revolutionary period and information about the war was provided by Southport residents Phyllis Wilson and Trudy Tanzillo, who is a member of the Jackie’s program committee. All three ladies are member of the Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Doris Thompson, who portrayed Polly was dressed in Colonial Costume. The narrators presented facts about Polly Slocumb’s Ride, then Thompson portraying Polly reenacts what is believed to have happened. At the end you want to believe Polly, who at times has been known to embellish her story.


The book is delightful and if anyone would like to purchase “Cornwallis’ Campaign: Wilmington to Yorktown.” they can call Wayne County Museum at 919-734-5023 or e-mail them. waynecountymuseu@bellsouth.net

December DAR Meeting/Holiday Tea

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold their December 8th DAR meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 209 East Nash St. Southport, NC. After the Ritual and a brief business session we will have our Holiday Tea. Please bring your favorite holiday cookies or another dish of your choice to share.

After the meeting, Gwen Causey, our regent will be leaving for Crossnore School, Inc. to take our donated gifts.

Please bring gift cards, new clothing or unwrapped toys for Crossnore Children or if you chose a Veteran bring an unwrapped gift.

Vietnam War Bracelets Come Full Circle

DAR member Betsy Bergstrom gave an interesting report at the November meeting on “Vietnam Bracelets” that were worn more than forty years ago for Veterans who had been killed or missing in action. Betsy saw an article in the November 6th, 2010 Star Newspaper “Vietnam War Bracelets Comes Full Circle.” Betsy had bought one in the late 60’s for a POW fund raisers. This project brought the nation together. Over 5 million bracelets were sold. In the article a 79 year old former prisoner of war told his story of being released after enduring 8 long years of imprisonment. While he was recuperating in the hospital he received bracelets from people who had purchased one that had his name etched in the side. He had received numerous ones, which he keeps in a shoebox. He is still receiving bracelets and keeps in contact with the prior owners. Betsy still had her bracelet after all these years. She went to the web site www.dtic.mil/dpmo, which was in the newspaper article to check on the status of her Veteran where she found out he was presumed still missing in action or possibly deceased. This web site is for all past wars, so this could be one to keep in your favorites or e-mail to friends.

Wreaths Across America

The Wreaths Across America is held annually on the second Saturday of December was unanimously voted by the US Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day.” Wreaths Across America would not be successful without the help of the volunteers, many active organizations and the generosity of the trucking industry. The program is held at:

Wilmington National Cemetery
2011 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
Date: Dec. 11, 2010
Time: 12 Noon E.S.T.

http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ Contact this web site for additional information.
Brenda Birmelin our treasurer needs to have your checks for $15.00 for a donation for 1 wreath by November 24th. Please make out the check to Brunswick Town DAR Chapter. Mail your checks to:

Brenda Birmelin Treasurer
Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR
146 NW 8th St.
Oak Island 28465-7009
e-mail address: endabre@bellsouth.net Please e-mail Brenda if you need a form for your donation.

Also, while you are in the blog go to the Older posts and read last year’s article about the Wreaths Across America. It will give you a nice background of the day.

World War II Information

At the November DAR meeting, The National Defense Report was given by National Defense Chairman, Trudy Tranzillo. Trudy reported that 183,000 children lost a parent in WWII. The AWON, an organization that supports families of men who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country during WWII, worked with Pepsi Cola to record messages of soldiers that were sent to their families. A 45 rpm was recently unpacked and given to Roberta Brigitt Caito of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of DAR. She heard her father’s voice for the first time since he was killed in WWII four months before her birth.

Southport Wal Mart & American Legion Post 454 Help Charles Brice

L to R: Wal Mart’s Asst. Store Manager Carol Hicks and Post member Don McGuire

Rick Sessa, member of American Legion Post 454 read an article in the newspaper that Charles Brice received an award for community service from The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and then the DAR presented Charles with a Second Place award from the state for Community Service.

In the article it was mentioned that Charles could use additional skeins of red, white and blue yarn to continue crocheting afghans for the Veterans in Fayetteville, NC. Prior to this Charles crocheted blankets for Military personnel deployed to Afghanistan. His request was answered by the Oak Island American Legion Post 454. Post members along with Wal Mart store manager,

Jimmy Creech prepared a gift card for Charles to purchase more yarn and the Post members purchased enough yarn to keep him busy for a while. They asked him to donate a blanket, which they raffled off at their November 6th NC District Meeting. All the proceeds went for more yarn to crochet afghans.

Mike Giles – Conservation

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held their November 10th meeting at the United Methodist Church in Southport, NC. Mike Giles, a coastal advocate for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, one of NC’s largest coastal non-profit conservation organizations was the guest speaker. Mike joined the staff in May 2006. He is a North Carolina Native and prior to joining the Federation, he served as the open-space land manager for Durham County for five years. Mike has extensive stewardship, enforcement and advocacy experience gathered form positions with the National Park Service and the Army Corp of Engineers, as well as chief park ranger for Mecklenburg County. He studied wildlife management at N. C. State University, which included additional research and course work in coastal ecology. Mike monitors the Southeast Region from the Wrightsville Beach regional office. Mike stressed a need for citizens to get involved in the decisions the government makes on their behalf. Without citizen action our coast will be at risk from improper decisions on a variety of critical issues facing our coast.
The North Carolina Coastal Federation mission is to provide citizens and groups with the assistance needed to take an active role in the stewardship of North Carolina’s coastal water quality and natural resources. For more information visit their website http://www.nccoast.org/.

Veterans Day

Commemorative Events Chair, Norma Eckard, of the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR, stands in front of a a tri fold that depicts a number of pictures denoting historical anniversaries that occurred during the 2010 year. For example, Benjamin Franklin created bifocals 225 years ago in the year 1785. Also pictured is Franklin D. Roosevelt who signed the Social Security Act 75 years ago during the time of the Great Depression. Veterans Day was also recognized with a story about how Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day.

Community In Schools

DAR member Norma Eckard and Regent Gwen Causey, are looking at the historical biographies purchased for the Community In Schools (CIS) project. The books will be used by tutors who work with elementary school children.

"Betsy Ross," " Paul Revere," "Abraham Lincoln," "George Washington," " James Madison," "Thomas Jefferson" and "John Adams" are just a few of the book titles purchased for the purpose of acquainting children with our "Founding Fathers" and other historical persons who existed during the time our colonies were being formed.

November 10th DAR Meeting

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold their November 10th DAR meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 209 East Nash St. Southport, NC. The guest speaker is Mike Giles and the program is about Conservation. Special Notes: Bring Christmas cards for the Military, gifts for our Veterans.


In honor of Veterans Day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE Hold the control key down and click the link.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Par4Wilson/WorldWarIIMemoroialInDC?authkey=Gv1sRgCLHPq4yc3sqanwE&feat=directlink World War II Memorial in DC

“THINK BEFORE YOU PINK”

Nadine Bray, women’s Issues Committee chair for the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR reported that during October many people put a lot of effort into showing their commitment to the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness and Research by organizing activities, publishing articles and raising money. With regard to the latter – raising money – some feel the “Pink Ribbon” is sometimes commercially exploited and the link between the money raised and how it is used – whether awareness, research or nothing at all – is often not clear.

Be aware of where your money or contribution is going.

Apply these basis questions:

1. How much money actually goes toward the stated programs and
services? Can you tell? Is it enough? If not, you may want to give
directly to the charity instead.

2. Where is the money going? What organization will get the money? If you
can’t tell or you don’t know what the organization does, you may want to
reconsider your purchase.

3. What types of programs are being supported? If research, what kind? If
services, are they reaching the people who need them most?

These basic questions can be easily applied to any charity, donation, or fund raising activity you may want to support. Any contributions you can make to the various causes are always appreciated – just try to make sure it will be used as you expect……

Michael Craft- DAR October's Guest Speaker

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at the Trinity United Methodist Church on E. Nash Street Southport, NC, The guest speaker Michael Craft spoke about the Iraq/Afghanistan War Efforts. Mike was the US State Department representative in the city of Samarra, Iraq from 2007 until 2010. He assisted the people of Samarra in building Democratic Institutions and restoring peace and stability to their historic 4000 year old city.

On February 22, 2006 the Golden Mosque in the center of the city was bombed by Al-Qaida bringing the nation to the brink of civil war. With United States assistance the city has rejected terrorism and begun the long reconstruction process. Samarra's Mayor, Mahmood Khalaf, has visited Brunswick County and held a series of meetings with county and Wilmington officials to gain insight into how civil administration works.

Bland Receives Award from DAR

On Wednesday, September 8, 2010 The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held their first meeting of the year at the First Baptist Church, in Boiling Spring Lakes, NC. Greg Bland, the state winner of the North Carolina Society DAR Outstanding History Teacher was the guest speaker. His program was in conjunction with Constitution Week, which was September 17th thru 23rd. He gave a presentation of how the constitution is still being used in Supreme Court decisions today. Greg gave us several examples of the modern day case decisions framed by the Constitution.
Bonnie Becmer, Constitution Week Chair presented Greg Bland with an award “in Recognition of Outstanding Work in Upholding and Promotion of Ideals of The Constitution of the United States.”Greg teaches at South Brunswick High School. One of his most popular classes is Lower Cape Fear History, which involves hands on lessons and participation by the students at Brunswick Town State Historic Site during Colonial Heritage Days.

October 13th DAR Meeting

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at the Trinity United Methodist Church on E. Nash Street Southport, NC, across from the post office at 10:00 a.m. The guest speaker will be Mr. Michael Craft who will speak on the Iraq/Afghanistan War Efforts.

DAR Honors Charles Brice

L to R: Charles Brice accepting The North Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution Second Place Community Service Award for Outstanding Service to Veterans from Nora Hickam, chair of Brunswick Town Chapter’s community service committee.

A special ceremony was held at the Brunswick Senior Center in Southport on August 25th at 10:00 a.m. to honor Charles Brice, a Southport resident who received The North Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution Second Place Community Service Award for Outstanding Service to Veterans.

Charles had previously won the chapter DAR Community Service Award, which was presented at a February DAR meeting this year. Nora Hickam, Community Service Chair for the Brunswick Town Chapter presented both awards to Charles Brice.
This year Charles was awarded the Patriot National Roll of Honor for selfless service to America’s hospitalized GIs and veterans. He was named to the Patriot National Roll of Honor by the State of North Carolina.

Charles has been crocheting afghans since 2004. He originally donated them to the soldiers in Afghanistan. Then, in 2009 Charles was asked by the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR to crochet afghans for a project called National Salute to Veteran Patients in Fayetteville, NC. Charles crochets every day and has made many afghans. Knitting and crocheting groups throughout the community and from out-of-state worked all year on this special project to ensure that there were enough red, white and blue afghans. The Daughters of the American Revolution Brunswick Town Chapter was one of the participants in this special project. Norma Fraser, Chief, Voluntary Service stated "I want to thank the members of the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR for their generosity and continued support of our Veterans."

September 8th DAR Meeting

Greg Bland giving his acceptance speech at the state conference this spring 2010 for being selected State American History Teacher of the Year.

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold their first meeting of the year on September 8, 2010 at First Baptist Church Boiling Spring Lakes, 45 E. Boiling Spring Road, Boiling Spring, NC. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellow ship Hall of the church. The program will feature Greg Bland, the 2010 State American History Teacher of the Year.

Check Out the NCSDAR Member News

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Also check out the DAR official 'You Tube' site: http://www.youtube.com/user/TodaysDAR

Once in the blog check the below message on the website. There is lot of information about websites to view. District VIII Director has information posted about state, national news and deadline updates. So check these things out.
Message to District VIII Daughters from your District Director


For the first time ever, the President General has created a blog! The site is http://blog.dar.org/. For those who don’t know about blogs, they are a way for people to share thoughts, images and information with others in a quickly and easily online. Among other things, Mrs. Wright will use this as a venue for announcements and updates. You can sign up to receive this blog by going to the site and go all the way down to the lower right and where it says “sign me up” just enter your email address. It is quick and easy and you will be assured of updates and information as it happens.

Continental Congress 2010

L to R: DAR members Betsy Pessetto and Jackie Craft attending the Units Overseas Luncheon at the JW Marriott Hotel in D.C.


Brunswick Town Chapter members of the Daughters of the American Revolution attended the 119th Continental Congress, with approximately 3,000 other Daughters from all over the world, were Regent Gwen Causey, Secretary Jackie Craft, Members Betsy Pessetto and Diane Kuebert.
Continental Congress took place in Washington, D.C. from July 5 through July 11, 2010 and was almost a blur of activities throughout the week. The pomp and patriotism exhibited at each of the ceremonies was truly inspirational and heartwarming. The afternoon teas, sponsored by various states and overseas organizations, gave Daughters an opportunity to make new friends and network regarding patriots from those areas. This Continental Congress was even more exciting to the Brunswick Chapter, because the newly elected President General of the Daughters—Merry Ann Wright--is a resident of North Carolina and an associate member of the Chapter.

Each evening’s program took place in the historic Continental Congress Hall. As attendees entered the Chambers, they were first regaled by various select bands and orchestras—the first night’s being The United States Marine “The President’s Own” Chamber Orchestra. Our National Defense Night Speaker was Lt. Gen. John Allen (substituting for Gen Petreus who had just previously been called up to Afghanistan). He spoke of the important role the United States military takes in the world today and also of the great service the Daughters give to the many Veterans and Veteran organizations. Other speeches reminded us of what our U.S. Troops do for us and how precious are our liberties.
The three tenets of the Daughters—God, Home, and Country—were everywhere apparent, with displays of the United States flag and those of the State flags, rousing renditions of the “Star Spangled Banner”, and enthusiastic applause for Veterans, recognized for their continued service to our Country.
Submitted by Betsy Pessetto

Continental Congress 2009

State Regent, Sue Anderson and Brunswick Town Chapter DAR member, Trudy Tanzillo discuss the chapters growth over the past 4 years at the 118th Continental Congress last summer, which was held in DC over the week of July 8-12, 2009.

National Society Daughters of the Amrican Revolution Memorial Continental Hall

Gwen Causey, Brunswick Town Regent at Naturalization Ceremony

Naturalization Ceremony

Gwen Causey, regent of the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR at the July 4th Naturalization Ceremony gave each of the 125 newly naturalized citizens a flag.

Christopher Courter, has graciously sent the two part video that he took of the Naturalization Ceremony and the reception, which was sponsored by the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR. His finacee Caroline Cordell is featured in this video. Let me know if you are unable to view it. Be sure to read the article in the blog about them.


Phyllis Wilson, blog manager
golfwilson@ec.rr.com

Click on the websites below: It should take you to YouTube and you can see the Naturalization Ceremony, July 4, 2010. There are two parts so you will need to come back to the blog and reclick for part 2.

Part 1 of 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87DSbTbtjSI


Part 2 of 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGUh6_9GkjE

Flag Retirement

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Boy Scouts of America Southport Troop 238 held the 12th annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at 6:00 PM on July 4th at the BB &T flag pole, at the corner of Howe and Moore Streets in Southport, NC.

According to U.S. Flag Code, flags in poor condition should be retired in a dignified way, preferably by separating the stripes and the stars in the field of blue, prior to burning. Members of the Boy Scout Troop demonstrated the proper procedure of retiring a flag.
Local residents my leave their flags at the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center, 4841 Long Beach Road, Southport or the V.F.W. Post 104900, 103 SE 50th Street, Oak Island for proper disposal.

Hugh Nobles, Troop 238 scout leader, a physical therapist at Dosher Hospital and a veteran presided over the ceremony.

The guest speaker was Richard Roman, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He served in the Marine Corp for five years and has resided in Brunswick County since 1997. Roman has had a variety of careers, but his underwater welding experience brought him and his family to this area. Roman interpreted the meaning of "Old Glory" at the Flag Retirement Ceremony.

Britton Campbell and Melanie Tewell sang the National Anthem.
DAR members Barbara Carrico, Anne Newton, and Elsie Hinkhouse teamed up in the planning, coordinating and presentation of the ceremony. The flag retirement was held after the Naturalization Ceremony. There were 125 U.S. citizens from fifty countries represented at the annual ceremony. The reception for the new citizens was given by the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR.

Naturalized Citizen At Long Last

Caroline J. Cordell of Currie, North Carolina became a naturalized citizen on July 4, 2010, at a Naturalization Ceremony, held during the North Carolina 4th of July Festival on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston, overlooking the Southport waterfront. Caroline was born in Blackpool, England in 1983 and has lived in the United States for the past nineteen years. She has actively been seeking citizenship through most of her adult life. Caroline stated that the process of becoming a citizen was "tedious and sometimes frustrating but well worth the effort in the end". Caroline and her future husband, Christopher C. Courter, also of Currie, North Carolina have been waiting for this day for many years. Christopher and Caroline plan to be wed on July the 26th of this year. The couple has been engaged for over four years, however, the uncertainty of the immigration process kept them from making an firm wedding plans. "Now that Caroline has her citizenship papers in hand, we can finally move forward with all of the plans for our future that have been on hold," stated Christopher.

Naturalized Citizen At Long Last

Caroline J. Cordell of Currie, North Carolina became a naturalized citizen on July 4, 2010, at a Naturalization Ceremony, held during the North Carolina 4th of July Festival on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston, overlooking the Southport waterfront. Caroline was born in Blackpool, England in 1983 and has lived in the United States for the past nineteen years. She has actively been seeking citizenship through most of her adult life. Caroline stated that the process of becoming a citizen was "tedious and sometimes frustrating but well worth the effort in the end". Caroline and her future husband, Christopher C. Courter, also of Currie, North Carolina have been waiting for this day for many years. Christopher and Caroline plan to be wed on July the 26th of this year. The couple has been engaged for over four years, however, the uncertainty of the immigration process kept them from making an firm wedding plans. "Now that Caroline has her citizenship papers in hand, we can finally move forward with all of the plans for our future that have been on hold," stated Christopher.

L to R Erica Wagnon, Krystal Vonwald and Brandi Musselwhite

DAR Awards Junior Officer Training Corp Winners

On May 12, 2010 The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution ended a successful year with a tour, meeting and picnic at Brunswick town/Fort Anderson. Awardees, parents and teachers also attended. The program was held in recognition of the student winners of the group’s Junior Officer Training Corp (JROTC) scholarship awards. The purpose of JROTC is "to instill in students in [United States] secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. The young women who received the DAR, JROTC award had to demonstrate academic excellence, dependability, good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership and the fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of the Reserve Officer Training Corp.” Trudy Tanzillo, Chairman of National Defense Committee introduced the award winners: Erica Wagnon, Krystal Vonwalk, and Brandi Musselwhite.
Erica graduated from North Brunswick High School. Her senior year she held a position of cadet major in JROTC. She was captain of her school’s soccer team and involved in many church and community activities. She was a member of the French Honor Society, National Honor Society, captain of the soccer team and National Society of High School Scholars. She has a four year soccer scholarship to Chowan University. She would like to pursue a career as a physical therapist.
Krystal graduated from West Brunswick High School. Her interests included JROTC and held a position of S-4. She volunteered at Brunswick Family Assistance during her 4 years in high school. Krystal helped out with the summer food program for needy children. She will begin Brunswick Community College in the fall to pursue a career in elementary education.
Brandi just completed her junior year at South Brunswick High School. She has been very active in the Air Force JROTC color guard her freshman and sophomore years at Laney High School in Wilmington, NC and continued her involvement with JROTC at South Brunswick this year.
The students previously received a $100.00 savings bond and pin and were presented with a certificate of recognition to the JROTC winners at the May DAR meeting.

EIGHTH GRADERS RECEIVE DAR AWARDS

At each middle school in Brunswick County one eighth grade boy and girl were presented with the prestigious “Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizenship Award”. The DAR asks that students selected to receive this award demonstrate honesty, loyalty, cooperation, kindliness, courage, leadership, and patriotism. The presentations were made at each school at their end of the year awards assembly. The eight students who received the “DAR Good Citizenship Award” for the 2009-2010 school year and the schools they represent are listed below:

Cedar Grove – Walter Reyes
Emily Hataway

Leland Middle School – Joshua Godbold
Jensen Wallace

Shallotte Middle School – Tyler Alex Caron
Hayley Morgan Grimes

South Brunswick Middle School – Colin Minor

by Barb Carrico

L to R: Madison Cleveland and MIkayla Willis students from Leland Christian Academy

DAR Presents Essay Awards

On May 12, 2010 The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution ended a successful year with a tour, meeting and picnic at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson. Awardees, parents and teachers were also in attendance.

Doris N. Thompson, American history chair, presented essay contest awards to Madison Cleveland, sixth grade student and Mikayla Willis, fifth grade student from Leland Christian Academy. Students in fifth through eighth grade were invited to participate in an essay contest, “The Transcontinental Railroad” and asked to describe how they felt on May 10, 1869, when the golden spike was driven at Promontory Summit, Utah to celebrate the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. The students were to pretend that they were either a settler planning to use the train to travel to their new home in the west, an Irish or Chinese worker who helped build the line or a native American whose way of life was greatly affected by the railroad.

Mikayla chose the topic, “A Settler of the 1800’s planning to move to the west to make a better way of life. While, Madison, chose the topic “Her great grandfather as a native American whose life was greatly affected by the transcontinental railroad and how he fought to keep his land that was needed to make way for the railroads.”

by Doris Thompson

DAR Good Citizen Award Winners

L to R: Pat Gooding, Good Citizen Chair, Drayton Garrett, Blair Savoca and Alelxander Serra


Each year the Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution present awards to high school seniors who meet the criteria to receive the prestigious “Good Citizen Award.” The students who are selected must have the following qualities: dependability, which includes truthfulness, loyalty, and punctuality; leadership indicating cooperation, self-control, ability to assume responsibility; and patriotism demonstrating service and an unselfish interest in family, school, community and nation.

DAR Good Citizen Chair, Pat Gooding presented awards to three outstanding students from West, North and South Brunswick High Schools at the March 14th DAR meeting held at Brunswick Electric in Supply, NC.

The DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Contest consists of two parts. In Part I students describe how they have achieved being a good citizen. This part is submitted with a copy of an official grade transcript and two letters of recommendation. High School activities and areas of special interest, as well as how their efforts to serve their community have been effective or have made a difference are included. They must submit future plans, education and career goals as well as aspirations in life. The contestants must include extracurricular activities. They must explain why they feel the four qualities of a DAR Good Citizen; Dependability, Service, Leadership and Patriotism are important and how they have tried to exhibit those qualities in their life and in their relationships with others. Part II is an essay written during a two hour session without the use of any reference materials. This year’s topic was “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for preserving it: What is the Greatest Challenge We Face in America Today?”

There were changes to the judging criteria from 2009 to 2010. The subject of the essay changed as well as the relative importance between Parts I and II. Last year the sections were judged equally, each to potentially receive 50 points. In 2010, the personal information was changed to be worth up to 70 points and the essay worth up to 30 points.

The three seniors who were chosen the “DAR Good Citizen” were Drayton Garrett, West Brunswick High School, Blair Elizabeth Savoca, North Brunswick High School, and Alexander Jack Serra South Brunswick High School.

Drayton Garrett’s volunteer experiences include: Communities in School Gala, Teen Court, Children’s Ministries with church, food pantry, Cat Tails Adoption Agency, Think Pink school fundraiser, Turtle Day – Ocean Isle Beach Museum, Hurricane Katrina Relief, Relay for Life and Parks and Recreation cheerleading camps. Her extracurricular activities include: Varsity Cheerleading, Competitive Gymnastics, Student Government, Future Business Leaders of America and Students Against Destructive Decisions, Interact, Chorus and All County Chorus and National Honor Society.

Blair Elizabeth Savoca’s volunteer experiences include: canned food and clothing drives, pancake breakfasts and tutoring. For her senior project, she collected baby items from businesses in the community and made baskets that were distributed to two families with children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at new Hanover Regional Medical Center. Her extracurricular activities Include: Student Government President, Key Club Secretary, National Honor Society, French Honor Society, Cheer Infinity All-stars, Varsity Cheerleading, Dixie Youth Softball, Tobacco Is My Enemy, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Youth Legislative Assembly of North Carolina.

The student selected to have the application and essay to be sent to the District IX competition was written by Alexander Jack Serra, a student from South Brunswick High Scholl. His volunteer experiences include: King Mackerel Tournament, Beach sweeps at Oak Island, Blood donation to American Red Cross, Stock enhancement of the Davis Canal, New Hanover County fair, The Boiling Spring Lakes Police Small Fry Fishing Tournament. His extracurricular activities include: soccer, Treasurer of the Student Government Association, 7th Congressional District Youth Leadership Summit, Morehead-Cain Scholarship Nominee National Honor Society, tennis, Dream Team member (anti-drug program sponsored by NC High School Athletics Association, student athletes promote drug free lifestyles), Minor for the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement.

Judging took place in January. The judges were 3 former school teachers, one was a former DAR Good Citizen. Each of these students attended the April meeting to read their essays. At that time they were presented with their DAR Good Citizen certificates and pins. They will also receive a $100 savings bond at the end of the second semester.

Greg Bland NCSDAR Outstanding American History Teacher of the Year in NC

The 2010 NCSDAR Outstanding American History Teacher of the Year in North Carolina is Greg Bland. Greg received this award on April 10, 2010 at the 110th NCSDAR State Meeting, which was held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the Marriott Hotel. This prestigious award is given out to only one person by the Daughters of the American Revolution each year.

L to R: Vicki Kay, Brunswick Town Chapter Historian, Greg Bland and Lois Marlow, State Historian

110th DAR State Conference

The 110th NCSDAR State Conference was held April 9-11th at the Marriott Hotel in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The following members of the Daughters of the American Revolution were in attendance: L to R Yvonne Brown, Ella Maugans, Phyllis Wilson, Vicki Kay, Jackie Craft, Brenda Birmelin, and Lisa Pomeranz.

Author Emily Weil Releases Latest Book

The Brunswick Town Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution held its March 10th meeting at the Brunswick Senior Center in Southport, NC. The guest speaker for the meeting was Emily Weil, author of “Cornwallis’ Campaign: Wilmington to Yorktown.” The focus of the book is on the British General’s march through eastern NC during the Revolutionary War. Copies are $25 for the 153 page hardback edition published by the Wayne County Historical Association. Wayne Co. Museum, 116 N. William St. Goldsboro NC 27530 919-734-5023. The email is waynecountymuseu@bellsouth.net.Her last publication focused on the Civil War. This historical book is “After Sherman’s March.”

Weil has written 6 books and won 3 awards from the NC Society of Historians. She has also written 2 plays, 2 skits, 10 short stories and several video scripts. She is active in all phases of volunteer work – both locally and at the state level. She won the Governor’s Award in December 1999 and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in November 2005. This award is presented to individuals who have a proven record of exemplary service to the state for thirty years or more. Individuals are selected for contributions to community and career, among other qualifications. Weil resides in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Ella Ruth Maugans, her mom Jerry Odom and Norma Fraser

Ella Ruth Maugans, Jerry Odom and Norma Frasier at the Veteran's Hospital in Fayetteville, NC surveying all of the blankets that Charles Brice crocheted along with many other volvunteers in the Southort area. These blankets will be distributed on February 14, 2010 to all of the Veterans at the hospital as a special Valentine's Day program.

National Salute to Veteran Patients

National Salute to Veteran Patients:

Every year, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers nationwide celebrates National Salute to Veteran Patients. This week-long celebration occurs the week surrounding Valentine's Day. The purpose of National Salute is to honor our Veterans; to encourage community support of our Veterans and to increase awareness of VA's role in providing comprehensive health care to our Veterans.

At the VA Medical Center, Fayetteville, North Carolina, they celebrated all week long by hosting visitors, distributing Valentine Day cards, and hosting special events. On February 11th, they had a Valentines Gift Distribution Day. Volunteers and service organizations donated items to stuff red gift bags for every hospitalized Veteran. One special gift was a hand-knitted red, white and blue afghan. Knitting groups throughout the community and from out-of-state worked all year on this special project to ensure that there were enough red, white and blue afghans to place in the gift bags. The Daughters of the American Revolution Brunswick Town Chapter was one of the participants in this special project. Norma Fraser, Chief, Voluntary Service stated "I want to thank the members of the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR for their generosity and continued support of our Veterans." There were over 40 afghans donated by the residents of Southport and St. James, as well as a few out of state participants.
Jerry Odom also had made 11 quilts for the deceased veterans. The quilts are placed on a veteran’s bed for one week to honor them. Jerry Odom and her daughter Ella Ruth Maugans are co-chair of the Veteran’s Committee. They visit the Veteran’s Center quite frequently with many donations of coffee, clothing, toiletries, afghans, quilts, socks, and sweat pants.


Norma N. Fraser
Chief, Voluntary Service
VAMC Fayetteville, NC
(910) 822-7027

Charles Brice Receives DAR Community Service Award

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Charles Brice with the prestigious DAR Community Service Award , which was presented by Community Service Chair, Nora Hickam, at the February DAR meeting at the Brunswick Senior Center in Southport.

Charles was awarded the Patriot National Roll of Honor for selfless service to America’s hospitalized GIs and veterans. He was named to the Patriot national Roll of Honor by the State of North Carolina.

In 2004, Charles Brice learned to crochet while attending the original senior citizen center in Southport. The director there taught him how to start an afghan by crocheting a granny square. Charles has been hooked ever since. He enjoyed it so much that he started crocheting blankets and when he had enough to fill a good sized box he donated them to our solders in Afghanistan.
In 2009 after Charles Brice lost his contact to send blankets to our soldiers, the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR asked him to help with a project called National Salute to Veteran Patients. This week-long celebration occurs the week surrounding Valentine's Day. The purpose of project is to honor our Veterans; to encourage community support of our Veterans and to increase awareness of VA's role in providing comprehensive health care to the Veterans at the VA Medical Center, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Knitting and crocheting groups throughout the community and from out-of-state worked all year on this special project to ensure that there were enough red, white and blue afghans to place in the gift bags. The Daughters of the American Revolution Brunswick Town Chapter was one of the participants in this special project. Norma Fraser, Chief, Voluntary Service stated "I want to thank the members of the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR for their generosity and continued support of our Veterans."

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is Presented to Mary Earp

Mary Earp, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Chair of the Board of Directors for Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. 151 N. Howe Street in Southport, NC. was recognized at the dedication of the Brunswick Center on November 12, 2009 for her continued service to the community for over 50 years. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards presented through the office of the Governor of North Carolina. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. Individual are chosen based upon contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations are some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected for this award. The honor is most often presented when a person retires. A state employee can be awarded The Order if the employee has contributed more than 30 years of dedicated and enthusiastic service to the state of North Carolina.

Tea for Merry Ann Thompson Wright

Photo on the left: Fran Carlsen, 2nd vice-regent and Carole Weiss, District XI Director chat at the tea for Merry Ann Wright.

Photo on the right: Julie Troll, NC State Chaplain, Jane Barbot, Past Vice-President General and Julie's sister Debra Barta enjoy the tea.

Chapters Host Tea for Merry Ann Wright

L to R: Gwenn Causey, Merry Ann Wright, Marilyn Williams and Sue Anderson

The Stamp Defiance and the Brunswick Town Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution co-hosted a tea to introduce Merry Ann Wright, First Vice-President General to the District lX members on January 23, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. The tea took place at the Historic New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington, NC. Approximately 100 people present.

Merry Ann Wright expressed a special thank you to regents Marilyn Williams of the Stamp Defiance Chapter and Gwen Causey of the Brusnwick Town Chapter and every member of each chapter who   helped make this day perfect. Merry Ann also thanked Vesta Burroughs who organized the tea, Ruth-Ann Bolz who was in charge of the food delicacies that were enjoyed and Carole Waldkich for the beautiful floral arrangements. Chris Johns, part-time cello instructor and coordinator of the summer music camps at UNC-Wilmington provided background music during the tea.

Chris Johns, cellist provided the background music at the tea. You can contact him at johnsc@uncw.edu.

L to R Sarah, Sa Jithan Todt, Michael Todt holding Justin; missing from picture Pon Jithan

Naturalization Ceremony Southport, NC

Sa Jithan Todt from Thailand was naturalized on January 27, 2010 at the Southport Visitor’s Center in Southport, NC. She and her husband Michael have been married for five years. They lived in Corning, NY for 2 years and now live in Wilmington NC for the past three years. Sa enjoys gardening, tennis, bowling, and authentic Thai food and cooking. They have three children, Sara 2, Justin 5 months and Pon Jithan 9 years (attending school.) Sa is happy to be a citizen and living in the United States.

Welcome Merry Ann Thompson Wright

L to R: Harriett Barlow, ( Vesta Burroughs & Ruth-Ann Bolz of the Stamp Defiance Chapter) &Vicki Kay chat before meeting. Pictures on the right are: Gwen Causey, regent Brunswick Town Chapter & Fran Carlsen, 2nd vice-regent, review plans for the tea at the meeting.

The Stamp Defiance and the Brunswick Town Chapters of the DAR will co-sponsor a tea to introduce Merry Ann Wright, First Vice-President General to the District IX members on January 23, 2010 from 2-4p.m. The event will take place at the New Hanover Courthouse in Wilmington, NC. There are 100 ladies expected at the tea.

Commemorative Events

During the recent January meeting of the Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR members donned a tri corner paper hat to honor the 275th anniversary of the birth of Paul Revere. In addition, those famous words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "Listen, my children, and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, on the eighteen of April, in severty-five; hardly a man is now alive who remembers that famous day and year", were read to the DAR members attending. Longfellow's poem, written 40 years after Revere died, made Paul famous. As most of us know from high school history classes, the Boston Tea Party led us to the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Colonists refused to pay the English taxes on tea and other products. Longfellow was inspired to write the poem after visiting the Old North Church and climbing its tower April, 1860. It is said he began writing the poem the following day. Many people, past and present, claim the poem has many inaccuracies but historians write that Paul Revere completed his mission of alerting the countryside and especially patriots, Adams and Hancock.

The commemorative events chair of the Brunswick Chapter identifies historically significant events connected to our founding fathers and during each month's meeting she delivers a short narrative about each event or anniversary. For example, "Lincoln Pennies for Charity", is an activity started in October and ending in February on the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Each member was encouraged to collect Lincoln pennies to be donated to an identified charity, in this case, the Brunswick Town Historical site.

National Wear Red Day February 5th

Too many women die each year because they are unaware of this vital statistic: Of the women who die each year, 1 in 3 dies from cardiovascular disease, which can strike women at any age. Nadine Bray, Women’s Issues committee chair of the Brunswick Town Chapter DAR states that 43 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease and 64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have not presented symptoms of the disease.

Signs of a heart attack include:
Chest discomfort
Discomfort in the upper body
Shortness of breath
Cold sweats
Nausea
Lightheadedness

Fortunately, cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Lifestyle changes and the choices you make can prevent or at least postpone heart disease.
The Uncontrollable risk factors:
Increased age
Heredity
Race

Committee chair , Nadine Bray promotes the national awareness movement by suggesting everyone wear red on February 5th and encouraging your family, friends, and co-workers to do the same. Most of the time, selecting clothing isn’t that critical. But on Wear Red Day, it’s vitally important. That’s because wearing red on National Wear Red Day makes a statement about the No.1 Killer of American women: cardiovascular disease.

To learn more about The Heart Truth campaign, National Wear Red Day, and the Red Dress, the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness, visit http://www.hearttruth.gov/ (which is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services. In addition the American Heart Association has information available at the http://www.goredforwomen.org/ website.

January DAR Meeting

The Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held their January 13th meeting at Brunswick Electric on Highway 17 in Supply. The following information was provided by some of the committee chairman. Gwen Causey e-mailed the chapter’s newsletters containing the minutes of the meeting .The blog will give specific highlights of the meeting.

Ella Ruth Maugans and Jerry Odom, co-chairs for the DAR Service for Veterans Committee gave a report on the project of placing an afghan in red, white and blue on each veterans bed at the Fayetteville Veteran’s Hospital. There were 24 afghans turned in so far this year by one gentleman named Charles Brice from Southport, NC. Charles has been nominated by DAR member Nora Hickam to receive the DAR Community Service Award.

Many Southport residents have donated afghans for the veterans in Fayetteville. Many people who live surrounding areas have also crocheted or knitted blankets and donated yarn to the Brunswick Community Center for Charles.

The February 10th and March 10th DAR meetings will be held at Brunswick Senior Center, which is next to the Wingate by Windam Hotel in Southport. The address 1513 N. Howe Street Suite 1. Their phone number is 454-0583. Make a right turn onto Robert Ruark Dr. which is the street next to Go Gas and continue a short distance to enter the parking lot where you will find the center. It will be all the way down at the end of the strip of businesses right across from the hotel. You will need to sign in upon entering the building. The room is all the way down the hall on the left. The meetings will begin at 10:00.
After the meeting anyone can stop by to meet Charles. He is usually found sitting at a table in the dining room crocheting an afghan for our veterans. This would be a good opportunity to donate some yarn to Charles and give it to him personally.















On the left, Marci Currier, St. James resident proudly displays the knitted afghan that she made for one of the veterans. Julie Hackett and her mom, Elaine Kile crocheted the two afgans on the right. They plan to continue to crochet additional afghans this year.