Barrington and Hameho Garden Clubs, both of Barrington, did not let the rain deter them from honoring the men and women of the armed forces on Memorial Day.  

Even though the parade was canceled, the usual festivities following the parade were held inside the Barrington High School Auditorium. The planned Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication ceremony, led by chairperson Sandi Tinyk was held there as well. Invocation and Benediction were given by CPT. Charles Reade, US Army Deputy Chaplain. Remarks from Peter DeAngelis, Barrington Town Manager, highlighted the good deeds done by the two garden clubs in civic beautification projects around town.

Andrea Little, Blue Star Memorial Marker national chairperson, passed on greetings from NGC president Sandra Robinson and gave a history of the markers.  

The New England Region Director Vera Bowen then read an official resolution upon the dedication of Barrington’s Blue Star Memorial Marker. A tribute from Paul Dulchinos, Lt. Colonel, USA Ret. who represented United Veterans Council, was then followed by BHS chorus member, Jessica Zeltzer‘s beautiful solo of God Bless America.  

The audience was encouraged to move to Police Cove Park for the unveiling and wreath laying at the actual marker. Fifty-seven people then witnessed the two garden club presidents, Pattie Mitchell and Linda Poole, remove the blue satin drape covering the sign. Ms. Bowen again read the resolution, and Cathy Moore, RIFGC president, set the wreath in place. 

This is now the tenth Blue Star Memorial Marker in Rhode Island.

Members of both clubs who worked on the committee were Mary Anne Brady, Priscilla DiMarco, Nicki Greene, Pattie Mitchell, Linda Poole, Emily Reade, Sue Redden, Marilynn Renner, Darcy Scott, and Sue Spiro. 

BGC had also decorated a float to be used in the parade. It was driven over to the park for the dedication. Members who worked on it were: Blakely Szosz, Pat Grattan, Joan Haas, Anne Murphy, Sue Redden, Patti Mitchell, Katy Wardlaw, Charlotte Love-Lombardi, and Pat McWey.

The clubs will jointly maintain the garden as a civic beautification project.