The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR was first organized by energetic leader and enthusiastic women’s advocate, Sandra-Faith “Sandie” Lamb. As both a pioneering scientist and an artist skilled in needle work, Sandie stitched together a life characterized by big dreams, hard work, and impactful achievements. She was a woman of faith, who found strength and joy in prayer. She also had faith in people and believed it was her obligation as a leader to help women discover their talents and pursue bold goals.
Career
A natural leader and driven achiever, Sandie earned a scholarship to St. Scholastica College where she majored in Chemistry and Math. She was the first in her family to attend college, inspiring her sisters to pursue higher educations as well. She began her career as a chemist at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic and continued her work as a chemist at Archer Daniels Midland. Ever the visionary and pioneer, Sandie observed the burgeoning computer industry with interest and took a position as a computer programmer with Univac. She went on to work in this field for Memorex and Control Data. While working at Control Data, this life-long learner earned an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
Military Service
Sandie’s first husband, Eldon Hayes Bunker, served in the United States Army during WWII and continued serving in the Army Reserve after the war. When the Army began digitizing its work in the 1970s, officers at the Army Reserve took notice of Sandie’s unique computer skills and actively recruited her to join. She served in the Army Reserve as a computer scientist for over 25 years while earning a master’s degree at Command and General Staff College. She retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and is now buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR
Sandie’s own military experience sparked her interest in her ancestors’ military service. She learned from her aunt that she was descended from Revolutionary War Patriot, Isaac Freese. Freese served in the Massachusetts Militia from August 1777 to January 1778 and was stationed at Penobscot River in Maine as part of the Northern Campaign. Following this discovery, Sandie joined the DAR in 1973. With her trademark enthusiasm and boundless energy, Sandie held numerous leadership roles in the DAR, serving as Regent of the Captain John Holmes Chapter, State Registrar, and State Organizing Secretary.
While faithfully serving in these roles, Sandie joined other visionary leaders who saw an even bigger opportunity. Inspired to reach women in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, Sandie became a founding member of the Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR in 2005 and was chosen to be its Organizing Regent. She served in this role until tragically developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Endowment
While Sandie’s academic, professional, and military accomplishments are impressive, they are matched by her generosity and enthusiastic advocacy for women. Her estate plan included a generous gift to the DAR chapter she helped to launch. In honor of Sandie’s pioneering spirit, this gift has been used to found something new: an endowment fund from which awards that advance the DAR’s mission of education, patriotism, and historic preservation can be made. Sandie’s generous legacy gift now enables our chapter to inspire future generations to reach their potential, just as she did. When asked what Sandie might have said to inspire and encourage future award recipients, her sister, Liz, fittingly replied, “Be bold and follow your dreams.”
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to announce the deserving winners of its 2022 student competitions. The DAR honors top students with awards that recognize their potential as future leaders through their dedication to student leadership, community service, academic accomplishments, and passion for American history.
Middle School students were invited to compete in the DAR essay competition by composing pieces inspired by the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Wayzata West Middle School student, Rayhan Mohammad, was awarded first place at the Minnesota state level for grade 8. Wayzata Central Middle School student, Anish Kommalapati was awarded first place at the chapter level for grade 6.
These talented student authors explored the history of this Arlington Cemetery monument designed to bring comfort to those who have lost loved ones in war. They researched casualty figures of America’s major conflicts and wrote essays that brought to life the grief experienced by a fallen hero’s family. They each ended their essays with calls for gratitude to those who have given their lives to defend the freedoms America enjoys. Rayhan and Anish were recognized for their accomplishments at recent state and chapter DAR events.
St. Michael-Albertville High School senior, Haley Roth, is the winner of the Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR Scholarship. Haley plans to attend the University of Minnesota this fall to major in Dental Hygiene and minor in psychology and piano performance, stating that her goal is to “learn how to improve the world around me and help others care for themselves.” This talented student leader received varsity letters for band, choir, and Business Professionals of America, and serves as president of her class church group as well as treasurer of the Children of the American Revolution. Haley is also a third generation DAR member and as a descendant of many patriots and a suffragette, she says she is “so grateful to live in a country that allows women to be educated, speak our minds, vote, and work in any field we choose.”
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR congratulates these students on their well-earned awards.
LtoR: DAR Regent Gigi Hickey, Anish Kommalapati, Rayhan Mohammad & DAR Chair Teresa Anderson
LtoR: DAR Regent Gigi Hickey, Haley Roth &. DAR Chair Teresa Anderson
In honor of Veterans Day, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will awarded Quilts of Valor to three deserving Twin Cities veterans whose lives were impacted by war. The November 11 awards ceremony was conducted at the Wayzata City Hall with former Mayor, Ken Willcox, and Chapter Regent, Gigi Hickey, delivering remarks and congratulating the honorees.
All three 2021 Quilt of Valor recipients were awarded Bronze Stars and Purple Heart medals. They currently reside in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the United States military who have been wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.
Darrin Janisch retired in 2020 as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than 31 years of military service in the United States Army. He served in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Operation New Dawn in Iraq. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge with Star. He currently resides in Savage, MN.
Harry Niemela served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War as a radio operator, ammunitions carrier, and “tunnel rat,” conducting dangerous underground operations. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. He currently resides in Chaska, MN.
Mike Kasid served as a Sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during the Vietnam War, protecting fire bases under enemy attack. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal with V Device, and the Oak Leaf Cluster. He currently resides in Minnetonka, MN.
Mr. Janisch and Mr. Niemela received their Quilts of Valor at the event on November 11. Due to a schedule conflict, Mr. Kasid received his Quilt of Valor privately at home.
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR has a long history of supporting veterans. In addition to Quilt of Valor presentations, the chapter has hosted Veterans Day programs and a Memorial Day commemoration. Chapter members have also donated hand-crafted face masks, scarves and hats to veterans at the VA Medical Center. In November 2021, chapter members began interviewing and video recording veterans’ stories as part of the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project.
Mike Kasid awarded QOV at home
Darrin Janisch with Regent Gigi Hickey & Chaplain Debbie Blum
Harry Niemela with Regent Hickey, Chaplain Blum and Ken Willcox, former Wayzata Mayor
Lake Minnetonka (MN) Chapter members invested over 100 hours during June-September to restore grave markers at Shorewood’s historic Woodside Cemetery. Woodside is the resting place of approximately 120 veterans, including soldiers from the Civil War, World Wars I & II, Vietnam and other conflicts. The cemetery also includes the gravesites of numerous pioneer families who settled the area in the 1800s.
Chapter volunteers completed edging all veterans’ gravestones and cleaning those markers that were badly discolored. The gravestones of pioneers buried before 1910 were also edged and cleaned. In total, 110+ Woodside markers were restored.
Notable historical discoveries regarding the people buried here include:
• George W. Gideon (1844-1862) – Gideon was an 18-year-old soldier in Capt. Richard Strout’s Company B of the Ninth Minnesota Regiment. He was killed on September 3, 1862 in the U.S. Dakota War.
• Frank M. Worth (1840-1927) – Worth was a soldier in the 23d Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. He is a veteran of the Battle of Gettysburg.
• J.W. (Joshua) Howe (1845-1904) – Howe enlisted in Company F of the 11th Minnesota Regiment on November 11, 1864. His company earned the nickname “The Buffers” by guarding an important 30-mile stretch of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad used to move Union Army troops and supplies.
During their last work day in 2021, chapter members identified additional markers needing attention so they will be back at Woodside at least one more day in the spring. The chapter expects to identify another historic cemetery to restore next year as part of DAR’s state-wide effort to preserve history through cemetery renewal.
Kris Sittler and Barbara Schneider cleaning historic marker at Woodside.
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution proudly presented its annual Community Service Award to the Lake Minnetonka Garden Club at a ceremony on June 17. The Community Service Award is designed to recognize those who have contributed to their communities in an outstanding voluntary, heroic, civil, or benevolent manner. This award is given in recognition of the Club’s outstanding contribution to the Wayzata community through the “Depot Garden.”
The Lake Minnetonka Garden Club was founded in 1927 with the purpose of stimulating the knowledge and love of gardening, while restoring, improving, and protecting the environment through conservation. The “Depot Garden” is one of the club’s notable contributions toward this mission.
Located between the historic Wayzata Depot and Lake Minnetonka, the “Depot Garden” was originally planted in 1989. The Lake Minnetonka Garden Club has re-designed the garden twice and has now taken over its maintenance in perpetuity, donating this service as a gift to the Wayzata community. The garden displays a combination of perennials, annuals and bulbs that are both native plants and cultivars of those varieties that grow well in Minnesota. In addition to enhancing the enjoyment of lakeside walks, the “Depot Garden” plays host to numerous summer concerts and weddings.
“Establishing and caring for the Depot Garden has been a project that our members have enjoyed working on since the ’90s, providing both a venue for educating the community on native plants so important to our ecosystem and helping to enhance a historical landmark,” says Lake Minnetonka Garden Club President, Mitzi Magid. “The garden is always evolving but it continues to be a source of pride for us and our community. We are thrilled to receive this award!”
“The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is committed to historic preservation, education and patriotism. Lake Minnetonka Chapter members are ardent supporters of historic preservation projects in our community,” states DAR Chapter Regent, Gigi Hickey. “We deeply appreciate what the Lake Minnetonka Garden Club has done to beautify the grounds of the historic Wayzata Depot, where plantings enhance our experience when we visit. We’re pleased to recognize the club’s dedicated and tireless service to the community.”
(L to R) Lake Minnetonka Garden Club President, Mitzi Magid; Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR Regent, Gigi Hickey
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to announce the deserving winners of its 2021 student competitions. The DAR honors top students with awards that recognize their potential as future leaders through their dedication to community service, outstanding academic accomplishments, and passion for American history.
Orono High School senior, Samantha Prodahl, is the recipient of the Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR scholarship award. Winners of this award are chosen for their academic achievement, leadership in extra-curricular activities, and the student’s intention to pursue a career that benefits society. In addition to winning academic awards in math and science, along with varsity letters in two sports, Samantha has made an impressive impact on her community. She has planted two rain gardens at the Orono Nature Center with her Girl Scout Troop, served in the Orono Girls Basketball Youth Mentor program, and created care packages for active-duty military personnel with the Children of the American Revolution. After high school, Samantha intends to pursue her life-long dream of a career in nursing stating, “My main ambition for the future is to dedicate my life to helping those in need.”
Wayzata High School junior, Erin Olson, is the winner of the DAR Youth Citizenship Medal. This award is given to students who display exceptional service, courage, leadership and patriotism. Erin is both an excellent student and musician. In nominating Erin for this award, her band teacher states that, “Erin is a leader at our school. She is widely respected as a person of character.“ She is a member of National Honor Society, Girl Scouts and is part of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts through Scouts BSA Troop 5283 in Wayzata. These organizations have nurtured her passion for community service and leadership. Persevering through many pandemic complications, Erin successfully completed an extensive, year-long project to refurbish three client rooms and revitalize the garden area at a Minnesota women’s shelter. The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR was proud to support Erin’s efforts with funds to purchase new furniture and supplies.
Middle School students were invited to compete in the DAR essay competition by composing pieces inspired by the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre. Wayzata West Middle School student, Grace Li, was awarded first place at the Minnesota state level for grade 8. Wayzata Central Middle School student, Aaratrika Mondal, was awarded first place at the Minnesota state level for grade 7. Wayzata West Middle School student, Tahmid Reza, was awarded first place at the chapter level for grade 6. These talented students were recognized for their accomplishments at recent state and local DAR events.
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR congratulates these students on their well-earned awards.
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter is proud to announce the winners of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution 2021 essay competition. The annual essay competition is designed to recognize outstanding research and writing talent among middle school students while promoting their enthusiasm for American history.
Wayzata West Middle School student, Grace Li, was awarded first place at the Minnesota state level for grade 8. Wayzata Central Middle School student, Aaratrika Mondal, was awarded first place at the Minnesota state level for grade 7. Wayzata West Middle School student, Tahmid Reza, was awarded first place at the chapter level for grade 6. These talented students will be recognized for their accomplishments at upcoming state and local DAR events.
Students were invited to compose essays inspired by the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre. On March 5, 1770, five Massachusetts Bay colonists were killed in a conflict with British soldiers on King Street in Boston. The conflict outraged people across the thirteen American colonies and proved to be a pivotal event leading to the American Revolution. Students were challenged to imagine that they were colonists living in Boston at the time and to describe their family’s discussion after witnessing the horrific events of March 5.
Grace Li wrote her essay from the perspective of a young girl named Cecile Miller living in Boston in 1770. An excerpt from her essay vividly describes her character’s shock at witnessing the scene of the Boston Massacre. “Cecile was walking down the street when the first gunshot rang out. She stumbled forward in surprise and let out a little scream, her basket falling to the ground and the eggs spilling out. Looking around in alarm, she hurriedly picked up her skirts and sprinted as fast as her legs would take her towards the safety of her home.”
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR congratulates these students on their well-earned awards.
In honor of Veterans Day, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution awarded Quilts of Valor to four deserving Minnesota veterans whose lives were impacted by war. During socially-distanced ceremonies conducted at the Wayzata City Hall, Chapter Regent, Gigi Hickey, and Mayor Ken Willcox delivered remarks and congratulated the honorees.
Each of the 2020 Quilt of Valor recipients currently resides in the Lake Minnetonka area and is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart medal is awarded to members of the U.S. military who have been wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.
Michael McElhiney of Independence, MN
Andrew Ellerbrock of Mound,MN
David Peterson of Minnetonka, MN
Donovan Nash of Deephaven, MN
Mr. McElhiney and Mr.Ellerbrock received their Quilts of Valor during an event on November 11. To accommodate their personal schedules, Mr. Peterson and Mr. Nash were awarded their quilts at a similar ceremony on October 25.
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR has a long history of supporting veterans. In addition to Quilt of Valor presentations, the chapter has hosted public Veterans Day programs in prior years. Chapter members have also donated hand-crafted face masks, scarves and hats to veterans at the VA Medical Center. Most recently, the chapter hosted a lunch for 41 members of the Cyber Security Unit of the Minnesota National Guard upon their deployment.
2020 DAR Quilt of Valor Recipient Biographies
Michael McElhiney
Mr. McElhiney joined the United States Army shortly after graduating from high school in 1989. Between 1990 and 1994, he was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and the position of Squad Leader.
Mr. McElhiney attended the Special Forces Selection and Assessment Course and was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course, attend Airborne School, and attend the Persian Farsi Language School at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Upon successful completion of this training, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Airborne Group at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky where he served as the Junior Weapons Sergeant for Operational Detachment Alpha 573, Battalion Assistant Operations Sergeant, and Senior Weapons Sergeant for Operational Detachment Alpha 574.
Shortly after the attacks on 9-11, Mr. McElhiney was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His unit was the first group to infiltrate and lead the insurgency in the southern region of the country. The group brought with them Hamid Karzai, who was soon to become president of Afghanistan.
On December 5, 2001, Mr. McElhiney was engaged in a conflict north of Kandahar. Every member of his unit was either killed in action or sustained near fatal wounds. Upon healing from the wounds sustained in this conflict, Mr. McElhiney remained with the 5th Special Forces Airborne Group, serving in Rochester, Minnesota where he applied his experience and expertise in roles such trainer, advisor, First Sergeant, and battalion asset to the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 2-135 Infantry Battalion.
In 2010, Mr. McElhiney retired from the United States Army following over 21 years of active duty service. Among many other well-deserved decorations during his distinguished career, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor Device, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Now a resident of Independence, Minnesota, Mr. McElhiney currently serves as Chief of Staff at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
Andrew Ellerbrock
Mr. Ellerbrock entered the United States Army in 2008 at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He participated in Operation Enduring Freedom between 2008 and 2011. Responsible for the health and welfare of 40 infantry soldiers, he served as a Line Medic attached to Bravo Company 2/327 Infantry 1st BCT. His duties included treating wounds and administering proper medications, as well as evacuating and treating critical patients. In addition to the direct medical care he provided to his patients, Mr. Ellerbrock was responsible for delivering hands-on training to both American and Afghan soldiers, preparing them to properly treat themselves and others when wounded.
Mr. Ellerbrock currently serves in the Minnesota Army National Guard where he continues to use his extensive medical experience and expertise. He is a member of the Treatment Platoon with the 204th Marine Corps Air Station at Cottage Grove, Minnesota and is in charge of treating casualties with serious injuries and overseeing the medical supply inventory. Additionally, he serves the people of the state of Minnesota with COVID-19 support and participated in Minneapolis riot control this past spring. He actively engages in continued medical training in preparation for future duty obligations.
Mr. Ellerbrock has earned numerous awards and recognitions throughout his military career. Among his is many well-deserved decorations are the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Purple Heart, the NATO Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Defense Service Medal.
Mr. Ellerbrock currently resides in Mound, Minnesota.
Gigi Hickey presents QOV to Andrew Ellerbrock
David C. Peterson
Mr. Peterson grew up in the Excelsior area and graduated from Minnetonka High School with the class of 1965. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and was deployed to Vietnam.
Mr. Peterson served in Delta Company, 2/12th, 25th Infantry Division from June 1967 through January 1969. He courageously fought in such dangerous conflicts as The First Battle of Loc Ninh in November 1967, the Tet Offensive in Winter 1968, and The Horseshoe in April 1968.
A natural leader, Mr. Peterson assumed the treacherous role of Company Point Leader and Navigator because, in his words he, “wanted to have some control of his destiny.” In this role, he was responsible for setting the pace and scrutinizing the surroundings for danger as his company trekked through the Vietnamese jungles.
Mr. Peterson related the story of one of these expeditions in his own words recalling, “One day in the dark, dense, triple canopy jungle, I saw something out of place. It was shimmering in the dappled light, shiny and bright red and yellow. I took my time trying to determine whether it was a very appealing booby trap. Churchill, my back up man Friday, quietly asked about the situation. I told him to back off and be patient, as with one little misstep we could be blown to smithereens. Was the object real, a gift from heaven, or diabolically deadly? I grabbed the shiny packet with shaking hands. I peeled the wrapper and took a bite. Oh, sweet Jesus! Returning to Churchill, I reported, ‘We’re SAFE!’ Puzzled, he looked at me and said, ‘You smell like garlic.’ Smiling from ear to ear, I handed him the Slim Jim wrapper and said, ‘Somebody up there loves me!’”
Mr. Peterson, known to his colleagues as “Sergeant Pete,” currently resides in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where he opens his home and heart to support other Vietnam veterans as they “share each other’s struggles.” While he is too modest to share that he was awarded a Purple Heart himself, he is quick to say that most of his best friends are Purple Heart recipients. He states, “Vietnam and the army framed my life. Most of us young men of draft age growing up in the 1960’s didn’t have many choices. Patriotism and the call to serve was our coming of age story.” He feels both lucky and humble to have survived his ordeal in Vietnam. He proudly says, “To have bled and survived for your country is an honor.” And remembering his 32 compatriots killed in action he adds, “To have died for one’s country is the ultimate act of patriotism.”
L to R: Mayor Ken Willcox, Karen Peterson, Veteran David Peterson, DAR Chapter Regent Gigi Hickey
Donovan Nash
Mr. Nash hails from a family who valued military service to their country. Following the example of his father and other family members, he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. After completing advanced inventory training and receiving his security clearance, he was sent to Vietnam in December at the age of 20.
Immediately upon his arrival on New Year’s Day, Mr. Nash was transported by helicopter to join his unit which was already engaged in combat. Despite having just arrived, he secured a truck and drove straight into the middle of the conflict to rescue the wounded. The friend accompanying him in the truck declared that he must be crazy to drive directly into the line of fire, but Mr. Nash selflessly replied, “Not at all. We have to go out there and save our comrades or they won’t survive!” The comrades he saved survived to express their heartfelt gratitude for the rare combination of compassion and courage Mr. Nash displayed on that dreadful New Year’s Day.
Having so nobly performed his first mission, Mr. Nash participated in many maneuvers in formerly French controlled areas of Vietnam as part of a special unit called the “Black Scarf Battalion.” Ultimately, he was assigned to the Long-Range Reconnaissance group. As part of this special group, Mr. Nash was secretly helicoptered in to explore remote areas of jungle. These missions resulted in identifying and securing places to set up new base camps. The men participating in these highly dangerous missions were dropped off alone for several days and instructed to avoid all communication with each other – and with the enemy – until they met again at the landing strip designated as their rendezvous point. If they did come into contact with the enemy, they were ordered to “run like heck out of there!”
Due to his exposure to the elements on those missions, Mr. Nash developed pneumonia. On what would become his final mission to explore old North Vietnamese bunkers, he and his unit were caught in an ambush. Tragically, 47 of the 50 men on that mission perished. Mr. Nash was shot by enemy fire and fell unconscious into a bunker, out of sight of the enemy. Though gravely wounded, he experienced incredible peace and what he describes as “a perfect light in a tunnel full of beautiful angels floating around.” But he also recalls learning that this was not his time to die.
His next memory was waking up in a Japanese hospital 30 days later. He has no memory of his rescue. He was subsequently sent to several hospitals in the U.S. to treat his near fatal wounds.
Though in excruciating pain from injuries sustained on his last mission to those North Vietnamese bunkers, Mr. Nash was determined to continue his service. Fighting through his pain and never feeling sorry for himself, he bravely served at Fort Leavenworth in Missouri where every two weeks, he oversaw the development of a new platoon of recruits.
Mr. Nash now resides in Deephaven, Minnesota.
L to R: Mayor Ken Willcox, Caren Nash, Veteran Donovan Nash, DAR Chapter Regent Gigi Hickey
Birchview Elementary is the enthusiastic recipient of a Little Free Library donated by the Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR. Members were on hand at the school to celebrate the library’s grand opening on October 11, coinciding with the 130th anniversary of the DAR.
Birchview Elementary teacher and DAR member, Rebecca Wilkens, says, “We are so excited to have a Little Free Library at Birchview to give all our families free and easy access to books.” According to the school’s website, Birchview is prepared to flex between in-person, distance, and hybrid learning situations during the 2020-2021 school year based on COVID trends. Wilkens adds that, “Students involved in distance learning are required to read twenty minutes a day and will appreciate now having a safe way to choose new books to read.”
“Our DAR chapter believes that one way to a better world is education,” says Chapter Regent, Gigi Hickey. She further states, “We want to encourage literacy and the love of reading by sharing our passion for history and providing a great selection of fun and interesting books.”
Members donated their favorite children’s books to stock the bright blue, two-story library box. While the focus will be on children’s books, the library also features books for adults.
The library is already a hit in the neighborhood. A family spotted the grand opening event when out for a walk and chose a selection of books for their 2nd grade son.
The Little Free Library donation is the DAR’s most recent effort to promote education. The chapter has historically supported students with scholarship awards, essay contests, and by volunteering their time with tutoring and in-class reading.
Orono Mayor, Denny Walsh, issued a public proclamation at the September 14 City Council in honor of Constitution Week. The proclamation encourages residents to read the Constitution and reflect on the privilege of being an American with all the rights and responsibilities which that privilege involves.
The Constitution was framed at the Constitutional Convention held between May 14 and September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known to historians as the “100-day debate,” the convention’s purpose was to determine how America would be governed. The original intent was to simply revise the Articles of Confederation. However, outspoken delegates such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison brought ideas to recraft the national government instead.
The outcome of the convention was one of the most powerful and influential legal documents in the world. The U.S. Constitution is now one of the world’s oldest surviving constitutions. Since its creation 233 years ago, more than 100 countries have used the U.S. Constitution as a basis for their own constitutions.
The original Constitution has been on display in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. since 1952. The document is displayed behind protective glass framed with titanium in cases containing argon gas and kept at 67 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 40 percent to protect the parchment from deterioration.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution initiated Constitution Week in 1955, when the organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate September 17–23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915.
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR is delighted to join Mayor Walsh in recognizing the importance of this foundational document in American government. “Constitution Week is a good time to learn more about the Constitution and its impact on the American way of life,” states Chapter Regent, Gigi Hickey. “We are grateful to Mayor Walsh for his enthusiasm in commemorating and celebrating the Constitution and the historic events that led to its writing.” The Chapter has historically promoted Constitution Week by distributing pocket copies of the document and sponsoring educational events such as a U.S. Constitution poster contest for area elementary students.
One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, DAR has more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org.
Pictured left to right: Vice Regent Michelle White, Orono Mayor Denny Walsh, Regent Gigi Hickey
The Constitutional Convention
Did You Know?
·Discussions during the convention continued from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. six days a week, with only a 10-day break.
·The debate between large and small states over popular representation was resolved by a proposal from Connecticut delegate, Roger Sherman, that called for proportional representation in the House, and one representative (later changed to two) per state in the Senate. This compromise passed 5 to 4, with one state, Massachusetts, divided.
·The original Constitution failed to articulate requirements for the right to vote. As a result, only white male property-owners could vote until later amendments were ratified. African American men were granted the right to vote in the 15th amendment, ratified in 1870. Women were granted the right to vote in the 19th amendment ratified in 1920. And Native Americans were granted the right to vote in in 1924 with the passage of the Snyder Act which guarantee their U.S. citizenship and therefore the right to vote under the provisions of the 15th amendment.
·The oldest person to sign the Constitution was Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, and the youngest was Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey, aged 26.
·The final Constitution was hand-written by Pennsylvania General Assembly Clerk, Jacob Shallus, for a fee of $30.
·George Washington and James Madison were the only presidents who signed the Constitution.
·The Constitution contains 4,543 words, including the signatures and has four sheets, 28 3/4 inches by 23 5/8 inches each. It contains 7,591 words including the 27 amendments.
·At the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin observed the symbol of a half-sun on George Washington’s chair and remarked, “I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.”
Mike Kasid awarded QOV at home
Darrin Janisch with Regent Gigi Hickey & Chaplain Debbie Blum
Harry Niemela with Regent Hickey, Chaplain Blum and Ken Willcox, former Wayzata Mayor
