DAR honors community members for service

Lafayette — The Chinkchewunska Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held an awards ceremony at the Lafayette House recently, where 125 members and guests were on hand to celebrate lifetime achievements of several local residents. This year’s preservation award was given to Leonard Peck for his work in the Delaware Water Gap National Park. Peck has devoted many volunteer hours to improving the Park. The Wanderers Car Club of New Jersey was honored for their community service work, including the many food drives and money collections they hold to benefit those in need in Sussex County. They also volunteer to escort dignitaries in local parades. Bill Truran earned the History Award. Truran, while working full-time, has found time to write about the local history of Sussex County. He further shares his passion for history by giving lectures. He has had four books published and is currently researching creameries of the area. Columnist Jennie Sweetman received the Ramsey/Stamy/Ayers award, which each year goes to someone who supports history, patriotism and the local chapter or museum. Her weekly history column in the NJ Herald often refers to the ancestors of the local DAR chapter and its museum.