The Rim of the World Blue Star Moms is more than a club. That’s what Dawn Houston – who is in charge of membership and events for the chapter – told guests at their first annual picnic.

Joining Blue Star Moms leads to relationships with the other mothers, she explained. “It’s scary when your kid gets deployed. We are a support group as much as anything else.”

The idea behind the picnic, held at MacKay Park, was to inform military families on the mountain about the Blue Star Moms and what they do. In addition to providing support to the family at home, they also pack and mail care packages to active-duty men and women. They meet every first Monday at 6 p.m. at Smarty Pants in Twin Peaks.

After the guests enjoyed their picnic fare, drawings were held for a couple of raffle prizes. The first one went to Ian Elder, who enlisted in the Army after graduating from Rim High in 2019.

“I was skeptical at first,” Elder said on what was his 21st birthday. “But one of my buddies knew a recruiter. When I talked to him and learned about the benefits, I was sold.”

After completing his basic and advanced training at Fort Benning, Elder was sent to Schofield Army Base on Oahu, where he is currently stationed. He was home on a one-week leave.

“I am so proud of him,” his mother, Regina Pagliugui said.

Houston thanked the other organizations and individuals who helped make the picnic possible: the Lions Club, Lake Arrowhead Rotary Club, the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion and Goodwin’s market.

Joe and Dana Weaver donated the use of a generator so they had power. Danny Arroyo provided background music and Mr. Twister (Pastor Mike Whisner) created balloon animals for the children and young at heart.

Next year, Houston added, they plan to honor local high school graduates who are going into the military.

For more information on Blue Star Moms, visit www.bluestarmothers.org.