Welcome to our Website!

We're Massachusetts Chapter 1 of the Blue Star Mothers of America - Mothers who currently have or had children serving in the U.S. Military. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) service organization, chartered by the U.S. congress, supporting each other, our children, and everyone who serves in our military while promoting patriotism. We welcome fathers, family, and friends of our servicepeople as our associate members. 

CHAPTER 1'S LIST OF 2013 MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES

Once again, we present a comprehensive list (well, as comprehensive as we could find!) of Memorial Day observances in our part of Metro West - Centered around Leominster, going out to towns like Fitchburg, Fort Devens, Princeton, Westminster, Bolton (coming soon!), and more. Oh, and there's a bit about Boston too. The entire list is on our Meeting and Events Page. We'll update it continually between now and the holiday so, if you know of any events we've missed, send an email to the secretary at <bsm@nancysiegel.com> or webmaster at <webmaster@bluestarmomsmassch1.org>  

CHECK OUT OUR CHAPTER'S FACEBOOK PAGE! 

Our chapter has started a Facebook page - You can check it out Here . We'll still keep official records and photo galleries on this official chapter website, but the Facebook page lets members (and other interested folks!) post comments and pictures from events as they happen. If you like our page, let us and everyone know by clicking this "Like" button: 

Members: If you have ideas for taking advantage of the Facebook page, post them on the page so we can try them out. Let's try to get the page full of interesting comments and pictures! 

SUCCESSFUL TEXAS ROADHOUSE FUNDRAISER TUES MAY 21!

On Tuesday, May 21, the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant in Leominster sponsored a fundraiser for our Chapter! They donated to us 10% of the check from customers who presented this special coupon to their server at the end of the meal. We thank them so much for their support of our support of our military heroes! The Texas Roadhouse restaurant is at 106 New Lancaster Road in Leominster just west of the intersection with I-190; their phone number is 978-537-7427. See y'all there! 

WHAT A GREAT PANEL DISCUSSION WE HAD FEATURING OEF/OIF VETERANS, MILITARY LEADERSHIP, AND MILITARY FAMILIES 

Jointly sponsored by our Chapter, the Red Sox Foundation, and the Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program, our panel discussed the challenges facing returning veterans and their families, and how communities can help. To see more pix of the event, look here.  

JUNE 2013 MEETING COMING UP! 

Our next meeting will take place Wednesday June 19 at our usual time (7 PM) and place (Leominster Veterans' Center) - find the clickable map on the Meetings and Events page. Look for the official agenda to be posted on the Members' Page about a week before the meeting, along with draft minutes from the April meeting posted for your review before the vote to accept. See you there!! 

OUR SPEAKER AT OUR MAY MEETING

At our May meeting, C. David Gordon, President of the Fort Devens Museum, was our speaker. You can find out about the museum at http://www.fortdevensmuseum.org/ , and see a pic of the event on our facebook page. 

FULL MEMBERSHIP OPENED UP TO MORE MOTHERS!

A change in the law (since we're a congressionally-chartered organization, after all), passed by congress and signed by President Obama, allows Foster Mothers, Grandmothers, and Female Legal Guardians of active duty and retired servicepeople to join us as Full Members. Even if you don't fit into any of these categories, you're welcome to join as an Associate Member (and even Dads fit into this slot!). Come to our meeting and look us over - we think you'll decide to join.  

SUCCESSFUL GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PACKING IN MARCH  

Our chapter packed and shipped hundreds of packs of Girl Scout Cookies to active duty servicemen and women - both deployed and stateside - at the Veterans' Center on Sunday March 11, 2012. Chapter members, Brownie Scouts from Leominster Troop 11188, and members of Leominster Fire Dept, Group 2 gathered at the Veterans' Center to pack and ship. It was a fun afternoon. For more pictures, look here.  

CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS CHOSEN!

The scholarship committee has selected the recipients for the first two annual Blue Star Mothers Mass Chapter 1 scholarships. Thank you to all who applied! Notification has been sent out to the successful recipients. The scholarship awards were presented at the our June Chapter meeting.
 

MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN FRUITLANDS MUSEUM GALLERY OPENING

On September 11, 2011, Members of Chapter 1 participated in the opening of the photographic exhibit Witness to Global Conflict: 9/11 and Beyond at the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA. Speakers included Brendan O'Byrne, a member of the platoon that hosted Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington in Afghanistan; John Gerlaugh, representating OSD from the National Defense University; MA State Representative Jennifer Benson; and our chapter's own Blue to Gold Representative Rose Annese.  We have posted pictures of the opening ceremony and overviews of the galleries here.  

New Pages Added to Blue Star Mothers' Chapter 1 Photo Gallery

We add new pages to our album a few times each month. You can go to the album pages by title here, or by image here. 

Members can have a personal album of their own for picture-sharing; for information, look up your password and go to the members-only page. 

About Our Chapter

We are proud to be the first chapter in Massachusetts, and to join the list of state branches of the Blue Star Mothers of America across the United States. 

If you're the mother, grandmother, or foster mother of a veteran or serviceperson, you're welcome to join us as a full member! (Other relatives and friends can join as Associate Members.) For more information, please call or email one of our officers. Our members are from many towns throughout  the state. The South Shore and Worcester area are well-served by our sister chapters, the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter 2 and the Central Massachusetts Chapter 3. 

We meet on the third Wednesday evening of each month in the Leominster Veterans' Center, 100 West Street, Leominster, MA.

Members-Only Calendar and Activity Pages!

Click Here to visit our Members-Only Calendar and Activity Pages!  (Member Username and Password Required!)