The regular monthly meeting of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was held at the YWCA in Westfield on April 1. There were 11 members present.

The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by Regent Brenda Johnson.

The opening ritual was conducted by Regent Johnson. The President General’s message was then read by Carol Abell. This year’s Continental Congress will once again be virtual. Further information will be forthcoming.

The DAR National Defense Article was read by Elizabeth Mourer. April 1 is National One-Cent Day and this article spoke of the history of the penny. In 1787, The first official United States coin was the Franklin cent created by Benjamin Franklin. In 1793, the U.S. Mint produced the Liberty Head One-Cent coin.

In 1859, the Indian Head penny was adopted. In 1909, the penny bore the image of President Abraham Lincoln to honor his 100th birthday. In 2009, four different scenes from Lincoln’s life were shown on the reverse side of the Lincoln penny to commemorate his 200th birthday. In 2010, the Union Shield was placed on the reverse side of the Lincoln penny.

Registrar Barbara Pietro welcomed Megan Austin, whose papers have been mailed to Washington, D.C.

Regent Johnson announced the American Legion in Fredonia approved the Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR’s request to have a Memorial Garden for the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at their location. A committee was created to purchase and plant flowers around the garden monument. The committee consists of Registrar Pietro, Elizabeth Sedlmayer, and Austin.

Voters for the virtual Continental Congress are Regent Johnson, Mourer, and alternates Myra Johnston and Bonnie Larkin.

The next scheduled meeting will be on Thursday, May 6 at 1p.m. at the YWCA in Westfield.

Those who had an ancestor who fought for freedom in the Revolutionary War and would like to join this organization is asked to call Pietro at 392-1166 or email jbpietro@gmail.com.