LOcal DAR holds annual awards luncheon

Lafayette — The Chinkchewunska Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently hosted their 19th Annual Award Luncheon at the Lafayette House.

Each year the chapter recognizes members of the community who have shown exemplary commitment to community service, history and historic preservation. The chapter also recognizes an individual or group who has shown continual support to the chapter with the Ramsey/Cooper Award. The Ramsey and Cooper families provided generous donations to the chapter and each year they are remembered with their namesake award.

Ginnie Littell was presented the Community Service Award for her work at Ginnie’s House, a children’s advocacy center.

"I don't do what I do to win an award; this is just the icing on the cake," Littell said.

Jennie Sweetman was honored with the History Award for her weekly column in the New Jersey Herald, and for keeping Sussex County’s History, past and present, alive. The Graveyard Guardians (Chapter members Ashley Ziccardi and Lisaann Permunian, along with Ralph VanBlarcom, William Gardner and Martin Little) were presented with the Historic Preservation Recognition Award. The Graveyard Guardians have been working hard restoring old headstones, and cleaning up old abandoned cemeteries throughout Sussex County. Scott Baker was presented the Ramsey/Cooper Award for his outstanding commitment to the Chapter’s publicity through StrausNews’ community newspapers.

The Chinkchewunska Chapter has its headquarters at the DAR Rev. Elias VanBunschooten Museum, which they own and operate. The museum is open for tours every Thursday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4p.m. from May 15 through October 15.

They also hold many events at the museum, such as a Mother’s Day High Tea and Christmas in July open house.