The Red Cedar Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, enjoyed a traditional Christmas luncheon at Alice Anderson’s home on Dec. 14. After the OAR ritual, Judy Brown read the President General’s Message and Marilyn Prenosil read the National Defense Report. The American Indian Minute and the Conservation Minute were given to each member.

At our December meeting, it is customary that members bring donations for the Veterans Hospital in Hastings. Some of the items collected at this meeting were new puzzles and playing cards, women’s winter coats and slacks, T-shirts, mens shirts; pencils, socks, 51 crocheted lap robes, 440 paperback books, magazines, blankets and wheelchair bags. Ten boxes of personal items and gifts were previously sent to soldiers throughout the year by one of our members through the Operation Minnesota Nice Program.

Lynn Forney Young, NSDAR President General, has chosen “Celebrate America” as her special project for 2013. In correlation with this theme, the following information includes ways that many of our members have served their community and their country this past year: docents/guides in historical buildings and homes; involvement in Constitution Week at Austin Public Library; recycling; assisting with serving meals at Salvation Army; food collections for Salvation Army; service at church activities such as funerals, dinners and special events; meals for shut-ins; knitting caps and blankets for Romanian orphanage; ringing bells for Salvation Army; mailing care packages to military personnel in Afghanistan monthly; knitting scarves for Duluth Sailors Mission; gathering books for veterans; collection of box tops and labels to support OAR schools; meet and greet soldiers on their return; Day of Caring for United Way; donation of books to Austin Public Library book sale.

Kristine Maier presented the program, entitled “Salvation Army, Community Service Programs.” She spoke about the community service opportunities available through the Salvation Amy and the volunteers who serve. On average, 50 to 60 families come daily to the food shelf. More than 800 Salvation Army food baskets will be dispersed this Christmas season. Other volunteer opportunities include Angel Trees, the Toy Shop and Bell Ringer programs.

The next meeting will be held on April 10 at Marilyn Prenosil’s home. She will have the program entitled “Susan Salisbury and the American Indian Women Lace Makers.” Diane L. Cone, Minnesota State Regent, will attend this meeting. The NSDAR is the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world: more than 165,000 members with 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 12 countries.