The General Macomb Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored Allen and Patti Nemec with its Community Service Award at its December meeting, recognizing the couple’s decades of volunteer work that has shaped the Macomb community.
DAR member Lynne Campbell presented the award to the Nemecs for what she called “outstanding lifelong volunteerism, community leadership, and benevolent service” that has touched multiple organizations and causes throughout McDonough County.
Allen Nemec has contributed to local history preservation through his work with the Macomb Historic Residential Plaque Program and the McDonough County Genealogy Society, where he has conducted historical research, genealogy work and authored publications documenting the area’s heritage.
Patti Nemec has dedicated much of her volunteer energy to animal welfare, serving as a driving force behind fundraising and advocacy for the McDonough County Humane Society. She founded and coordinates the annual Brix Challenge fundraiser and authored “Binx – The Uptown Cat,” donating proceeds to the animal shelter.
Together, the couple has supported the Western Illinois Museum and numerous other local initiatives through both volunteer hours and financial contributions, Campbell said.
The award presentation highlighted the Nemecs’ combined impact on community preservation, animal welfare, and local history — work that Campbell said demonstrates “kindness, generosity, and dedication” that has created “a lasting impact on the Macomb community.”
The December 2 meeting, held at Macomb Assembly of God Church, also featured updates on the chapter’s scholarship programs, with applications due January 31 for DAR scholarships and March 31 for McEntire scholarships.
The chapter reported 2,130 volunteer hours logged by members year-to-date.
In other business:
Sarah Curtis represented Chair Judy Whitten’s updates regarding the Good Citizen Essays Contest.
Students from area high schools, Rushville, Macomb, Bushnell, and West Prairie, wrote and submitted an essay. One was chosen and sent to District 1 for judging. American History Essays were also submitted for review. They have been judged on the chapter level and three winning essays were also sent to District 1 for judging.
Beth Nelson noted The Bill of Rights Day is December 15. In recognition of that, Beth reminded us of the first 10 amendments of the United States Constitution. Those 10 amendments make up the Bill of Rights.
DAR members who reached milestone years were recognized and received a certificate.
The group’s next meeting is scheduled for January 6, when members will work on the chapter’s master report at 10 a.m. in the church’s Fireside Room.
