The Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution held the monthly meeting at the Patterson Library in Westfield recently with 12 members present.

The opening ritual was led by Regent Bonnie Larkin reminding members that May 5 was the National Day of Prayer.

The President General’s Message was read by Linda Kuzara. It was the last address to be given by current President General, Denise Doring VanBuren. She discussed the challenges the group faced the last three years.

The DAR National Defense Article was read by Barbara Pietro and discussed the fate of the USS Sullivans in Buffalo Harbor and the efforts taken thus far to restore it.

Minutes of the April meeting by Secretary Linda Kuzara and the Treasurer’s Report from Deborah Langebartel were accepted as presented.

Registrar Barbara Pietro said there are three prospective members with completed paperwork in Washington, D.C., for processing.

The July field trip will take us to Forest Lawn Cemetery for a tour and the August picnic will be at Ottaway Park.

Phillis Nobel gave a short presentation about her patriot, Obadiah Johnson, a private who absolutely believed in independence. He signed up for three years and fought under General George Washington and the Continental Army at Brandywine, Germantown, and the encampment at Valley Forge. After the Revolutionary War he also fought in the War of 1812 at Sodus Point, N.Y., in 1813.

The chapter’s next meeting will be June 2 at the Parkview Restaurant in Westfield at 5 p.m. The program is about the Barcelona Lighthouse and restoration efforts and preparation for its 200th Birthday in 2029. A Victorian tea fundraiser for the lighthouse is being planned for September 2022.

Those over the age of 18 who had an ancestor who fought or gave aid to the American Revolutionary War are eligible to join. For more information, call Barbara Pietro at 716-392-1166 or email jbpietro@gmail.com.