Message from First Colony Governor, Helen Rancan
I found myself on a long, two thousand-mile (total) road trip this summer. Since February, it was an anticipated roundtrip from New Jersey to Mississippi, but when the time came to drive our son from the Garden State to the Magnolia State, knowing he will likely never return to his home state as resident again, I could not help but think what it felt like when our ancestors sailed away from their hometowns, with all the excitement for the long trip and with all the heartbreak of those left behind. For those starting a new life in a new place, there is hope and prayers; for those starting a new life in an old place, there is loss and prayers. We made the best of our trip, by taking our time and stopping at many sites along the way. We turned the traveling chore into a driving adventure.
Sometimes I get lost for words when people ask why I volunteer my time with organizations, associates and commissions which align with my interests. It is too easy to say that it just makes me happy, as there is something more. I could not express it fully until our trek to Mississippi. We stopped at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, home of the “Volunteers”. As we walked around campus, we stopped at the famous nine-foot-tall Volunteer Statue known as “The Torchbearer”, for he holds high in his right, extended arm, a torch that never extinguishes and, in his left hand, the Goddess of Victory. At the base of the statue is the Volunteer Creed: One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others. I believe this creed perfectly embodies the Mayflower passengers as they took care of each other, especially during that first winter and it perfectly embodies the spirit of volunteering today.
Sometimes, we have an opportunity to share not our time or talent, but our treasure. The First Colony has supported two canned food drives during our last two luncheons. For our autumn meeting, to be held on October 4th, we are asking attendees to donate full-size personal products (shampoo, body soap, skin lotion, etc.) which will be sent to the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home for distribution among its residents. I believe there is at least one member of the State Society who is a resident in that facility. We encourage your involvement in this volunteer effort so that your light may shine on those who served our country.
At our October 4th luncheon (information enclosed), we will have a presentation by Rick Durham, on Mayflower passenger William Brewster. All members are encouraged to attend, especially those who are of the Brewster Family lineage.
I look forward to a wonderful luncheon in a few weeks’ time. And I am planning a trip to see the Mississippi State Bulldogs take on the Tennessee Volunteers at a SEC football game in late September and will, of course, be cheering for the Volunteers. I might even have a chance to see my son.
First Colony Governor
Helen Rancan
Fall 2025
Sometimes I get lost for words when people ask why I volunteer my time with organizations, associates and commissions which align with my interests. It is too easy to say that it just makes me happy, as there is something more. I could not express it fully until our trek to Mississippi. We stopped at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, home of the “Volunteers”. As we walked around campus, we stopped at the famous nine-foot-tall Volunteer Statue known as “The Torchbearer”, for he holds high in his right, extended arm, a torch that never extinguishes and, in his left hand, the Goddess of Victory. At the base of the statue is the Volunteer Creed: One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others. I believe this creed perfectly embodies the Mayflower passengers as they took care of each other, especially during that first winter and it perfectly embodies the spirit of volunteering today.
Sometimes, we have an opportunity to share not our time or talent, but our treasure. The First Colony has supported two canned food drives during our last two luncheons. For our autumn meeting, to be held on October 4th, we are asking attendees to donate full-size personal products (shampoo, body soap, skin lotion, etc.) which will be sent to the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home for distribution among its residents. I believe there is at least one member of the State Society who is a resident in that facility. We encourage your involvement in this volunteer effort so that your light may shine on those who served our country.
At our October 4th luncheon (information enclosed), we will have a presentation by Rick Durham, on Mayflower passenger William Brewster. All members are encouraged to attend, especially those who are of the Brewster Family lineage.
I look forward to a wonderful luncheon in a few weeks’ time. And I am planning a trip to see the Mississippi State Bulldogs take on the Tennessee Volunteers at a SEC football game in late September and will, of course, be cheering for the Volunteers. I might even have a chance to see my son.
First Colony Governor
Helen Rancan
Fall 2025
Meetings
While membership is open to all members of our Society, the First Colony generally serves the central portion of our state. The First Colony meets twice a year. Please see the Meetings & News page for upcoming dates.
First Colony 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin
One side of this beautiful coin features the official seal of the NJ Mayflower Member Society and the other side the NJ state symbols of the Eastern Goldfinch sitting on a branch among violets and red oak leaves.
$10 for First Colony members plus $5 shipping per order.
$15 for all others plus $5 shipping per order.
Large quantities by arrangement.
For more information and ordering details, please contact Steve at [email protected].
$15 for all others plus $5 shipping per order.
Large quantities by arrangement.
For more information and ordering details, please contact Steve at [email protected].