The Maine State Visit

After a few days at home, I left for Bangor, Maine around noon anticipating a late evening arrival. The best laid plans often go astray and this trip was unexpectedly delayed when the plane inbound for my connection experienced a mechanical problem and arrived a full three hours late. We landed in Bangor in the wee hours and I was so grateful to see my wonderful page, Beth Calhoun. I was also grateful that Liz Hotchkiss, State Regent, chose not to meet me since we had a breakfast at 8 am, allowing only a few hours of sleep. The trip was so short there was no time for lobster but only an opportunity to visit with the friendly Maine Daughters and a desire to see more of this wonderful state.

- President General Ann Dillon

Maine Daughters gathered for their 120^th Fall Meeting August 24^th - 25^th, in Bangor, Maine. The Hannah Weston, Majabigwaduce and Mount Desert Isle Chapters served as our hostesses as we continued to celebrate the role our ancestors played “In defense of the seacoast!”

Our special guests were President General Ann Turner Dillon; State Regents Holly Blair (MA) and Nancy Zwetsch (NY); guest speaker, professional genealogist and DAR member Mary Tedesco and Rachel Lipsetts, NSDAR Development office.

Workshops were presented by Mary Tedesco and State Treasurer Catherine Fisher.   Our State Board of Management dinner and meeting was held Friday evening.  The Pemaquid Players and Friends presented a play, “The Majabigwaduce Chapter Meets Hyacinth.”  A parody of the British sitcom Keeping Up Appearances.  The 2019 state budget was approved during the Board Meeting.

Our Saturday evening diner began with musical entertainment by Joyce Davies and was followed by Mrs. Dillon’s keynote address “A Look at our National Society.” The positive response to her address is still being received.  Having our President General visit, helped to connect the Maine Daughters with their National Society.  Mrs. Dillon was presented with a charm of the state of Maine engraved with the date of her visit as well as a full sun charm to represent that Maine is where the first rays of the sun touch the continental United States each morning.

The 120^th Fall Meeting concluded with our traditional circle of friendship and singing “Bless Be the Tie that Binds.”

Post Script:  Before flying out from Bangor International Airport, Mrs. Dillon was given a quick tour of the Maine Troop Greeters (MTG) headquarters and presented the staff member with a DAR Challenge Coin!