Work of Lewes DAR chapter continues in spite of COVID-19
The Col. David Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is a thriving local women’s service organization that focuses on work in local communities to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the club has to adapt how it continues to meet and serve, as have many other organizations. The club now holds meetings via Zoom. Members, taking necessary precautions, are able to continue providing a homemade meal each month for Home of the Brave residents in Milford.
This fall, the club honored many local members who used their considerable sewing skills to help others during the spring COVID-19 crisis. Led by Margie Tucker, the group sewed 270 masks in March and April, and by the end of May had created more than 750 pieces. The donations were sent to Beebe Healthcare, Bayhealth, Home of the Brave, Veterans Home in Milford, Casa San Francisco, and more. Tucker was awarded the DAR Community Service Pin and a certificate. Other members who participated include Patti Haas, Sandra Eyer, Norma Parks, Linda Meecham, Linda O’Brien, Gloria Lester, Kristin Jones, Lana Browne, Flo Councill, Anne Scott, Beatrice Parler and Jennifer Horsley
The club also recognized members Nina Patchell and Marion Young for 30 years of service to the DAR. Cathy Cofrancesco was recognized for 25 years, and Sharon Voelke for 10 years.
The club held an annual day of service at the Maull House, where members cleaned up the property and the wishing well. Member Patti Haas and husband Ted tackled the well for the second time, removing over 100 buckets of muck, construction trash, a beer bottle and 34 cents. Now the spring water is running clear. Members Denise Clemons, Patti Haas, Kathy Lindemer, Mary Alice Kelly, Jennifer Horsley and Valerie Leary helped clean up the grounds around the Maull House.
From now through Monday, Nov. 30, the chapter is promoting sponsorship of wreaths to be laid at veterans cemeteries across the nation by Wreaths Across America. This national organization will coordinate wreath-laying events Saturday, Dec. 19, on graves of veterans from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts. The veterans come from all backgrounds in life. This is a great way to honor a parent, brother or friend. In Delaware, wreaths are laid at the Bear and Millsboro veterans cemeteries. The DAR state society receives a small portion from the cost of wreaths purchased online at Delaware State Society DAR Wreaths Across America.
Even though the historic Maull House in Lewes will not be holding its yearly cookie sale or open house, members are busily getting the house and grounds ready for a virtual tour. Chapter members are looking forward to being included in the Lewes Historical Society’s signature event, A Christmas Tour of Lewes.
For DAR membership inquiries, contact Chapter Regent Kathy Lindemer at klindemer@gmail.com. For more information, go to dar.org.
