I had originally planned to join the Units Overseas members from our Bahamas Chapter for their annual meeting, but was sad to be unable to attend at the last minute due to COVID. Luckily, I am feeling much better now! I asked National Chair, Shari Thorne-Sulima to share a recap of their events. The Bahamas members are doing wonderful work to support their community and Sparkling while they are doing it!
-Pamela Wright, President General
On Thursday, February 1, 2024, this Chair traveled from Washington, DC, to Nassau for the Bahamas Chapter’s Annual Meeting. Chapter members Fay Sands and Sue Moore gave an island tour before joining Regent Vicki Thomas and members Monica Cornwell and Ruth Mytty. Over a delightful lunch at Le Petit Gourmet, we plotted a shopping spree to procure items for the Bahamas Chapter’s table at the Units Overseas Bazaar.
Established in 1966 by two local artists, Bahama Hand Prints creates over 150 bright fabrics in designs inspired by the culture, people and colors of the Bahamas. We chose an assortment of items from the showroom, including beach towels, placemats, napkins and change purses. Of course, this Chair couldn’t resist a sundress featuring spritely red starfish with blue accents on a white background so she could sparkle Bahamas-style!
At Bahamas Arts & Crafts, a purveyor of wares created by local artists, we found woven straw purses, sea glass and conch shell jewelry, jars of pepper jelly and much more. From within this Bahamian treasure trove we selected delights for the bazaar.
Our evening reception was held at the home of Chapter Regent Vicki Thomas. Gathering on the airy porch overlooking a gentle lagoon, two enthusiastic prospective members joined us for a delicious buffet and pleasant evening as we talked of patriots and genealogy. This chair shared a Q&A session on DAR history.
Friday’s tour of the Lend-A-Hand Bahamas facility was cancelled due to a flu outbreak, but Vicki shared an information slide show on the facility highlighting the work they have funded benefitting local children. The chapter is an active supporter of Lend-A-Hand’s community programs focusing on literacy, education, food security, health and clean water. See, https://www.lendahandbahamas.org
After a quick breakfast of Johnny Cake made by Vicki Thomas’ husband, Godfrey, coolers were packed, and we jumped on the Thomas’ boat for a day on the Caribbean Sea. Captain Godfrey made fresh conch salad on deck for us to enjoy. We cruised past Fort Montagu, which played an important role during the Revolutionary War as it was the U.S. Marine Corps’ first successful amphibious assault during the Battle of Nassau. See, https://www.bahamas.com/blog/historic-forts-of-nassau
The Annual Meeting was hosted Saturday on the open-air patio at Wild Thyme Restaurant. We enjoyed reports and an update on Lend-A-Hand Bahamas. Mrs. Thomas introduced award winner Aniyah Miller and her mother. Aniyah is the recipient of a chapter-sponsored scholarship that will provide for several years’ tuition, uniforms and books. A delightful young woman, Aniyah enjoys drawing and hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian or graphic artist upon graduation. This Chair presented a “Getting to Know the DAR” program.
Following lunch this Chair bid farewell to the Bahamas Chapter members. Thank you to Chapter Regent Vicki Thomas for a wonderful weekend, and congratulations for a successful Annual Meeting. The Bahamas Daughters have definitely tied more tightly the ribbons of the bow of service and friendship from their corner of the globe.
Today's DAR
