The Virginia Society Nominations Committee has released its nominations for officers to be voted on at Annual in February.

Four views of the gathering.

     Sixty-five members of the Culpeper Minutemen Chpater, SAR, Culpeper Minute Men Chapter DAR, Fauquier Court House Chapter, DAR, our friends and guests, gathered at the Manor House at Poplar Springs to celebrate Christmas.  The program was presented by nine members of the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society, who entertained everyone who sat with them for the dinner with stories and interesting facts about the lives of our ancestors in the late eighteenth century.  We cleared some of the tables and chairs and then they did a demonstration of period dancing, followed by an opportunity to learn the dances under the direction of the Dance Mistress, Ms Elaine Sturgeon.
     Special friends who joined us included Virginia SAR 3rd Vice President Tom Whetstone, and Virginia SAR Surgeon Kirk Sheap and his wife Norma.  Many of us brought special friends with us to share the evening.

     Today, at Fauquier Springs Country Club,  CMM Compatriot Craig Truskey spoke to the Thomas Lord Culpeper Chapter of the Colonial Dames of the XVIIth Century about his work in Counter-Surveliance for the US Department of State.  His interesting talk covered the challenges of detecting the early efforts of those who wish our diplomats and embassey workers harm at hundreds of embasseys and consulates.  The talk was well received and the questions extended longer than the talk itself.  CMM President Bill Schwetke also attended the meeting and brought greetings from the CMM.
     Craig's wife, Kathy, is the president of the Thomas Lord Culpeper Chapter, and Bill's wife, Cat, is the chapter registrar.

     The 241st anniversary of the Patriot Victory at Great Bridge was celebrated today in a joint SAR/DAR ceremony.  President General J. Michael Tomme represented the SAR, and President Ed Truslow represented the Virginia SAR.  CMM participants included prospective member Michael Dennis, Charles Jameson, Mike Lyman, Lance Lyngar, Bill Schwetke, and Mike Tomme.  Charles Jameson, our newest member and a descendant of Lt David Jameson who fought here, presented the CMM wreath.  Lance Lyngar and Bill Schwetke participated in the color guard.  Our significant others in attendance included Christina Dennis, Michele Jameson, Louis Dennis, Cat Schwetke, and Cilla Tomme.

Charles Jameson's induction covered in the Culpeper Star-Exponent.

     At the luncheon after the ceremony President General Tomme inducted our newest member, Charles Jameson.  Charles also recieved the War Service Medal, with VIETNAM bar and Purple Heart pin.
     Also at the luncheon, President General Tomme was recognized as the newest dual member of the CMM and presented with a CMM Battle Flag pin.

Compatriots and Friends,
     Please do not forget to sign up for the joint SAR/DAR Christmas Party.  RSVPs are due to the treasurer by Monday, December 5th, but as always we will find some way to accomodate late responses.  The entertainment for the party will be the dance group from Rappahannock Colonial Heritage who will both demonstrate and instruct Colonial era dance.  If you would like to stay the night, Poplar Springs is offering a deeply discounted rate for their rooms.  To reserve a room contact Poplar Springs directly beforre the party.
     There are two other big events for December: The Battle of Great Bridge Commemoration this Saturday in Chesapeake, VA, and Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 17th.  It would be great to see you at those events too.
     News from the State Society that will effect us all is that the 2020 Congress will be held in Richmond. Earlier this year the National Society had picked Virginia as the host society, and now we have selected the host city.  There will be great oportunities to participate in the Congress, and to help the State Society to host this event.
     Cat & I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas.

Your Servant,
Bill Schwetke, President