The Wyoming State Conference
Donna Weaver, Wyoming State Regent and Tammy Mansfield, Wyoming VIS Chair

A road trip with friends to the Wyoming State Conference, became anything but a leisurely, peaceful drive to Colorado’s northern neighbor when a spring snowstorm dumped wet slushy snow on the area.  We left early, drove carefully and made it to Casper, Wyoming in plenty of time for the evening “Meet and Greet” event planned by Wyoming Daughters, Donna Weaver, State Regent.  I have attended many of Wyoming’s conferences through the years beginning as a state regent, so I consider it my second home state and always enjoy being with my many friends.

- President General Ann Dillon

From across our vast state Daughters planned their trip to the 102nd Wyoming State Conference May 18 – 21 in Casper, only to have an unexpected snowstorm close sections of interstates and local highways.  With strong determination members arrived, along with visiting state regents and a page, driven from Denver through the blizzard by Lindsey Taylor, South Dakota vice regent and conference page.

Thursday evening’s reception welcomed President General Ann Turner Dillon; visiting State Regents: Terri Mott of Arizona, Beverly Moncrieff of California, Janet McFarland of the District of Columbia, and Cindi Carter of Iowa, Vice Presidents Generals Gale Crafton and Mary Agnes McAleenan; and National Chairman, President General’s Project, Bethe Clark-Urban.  The spirit and smiles of conference were captured as Daughters greeted old friends and welcomed many first time attendees.

Friday morning started with a Heritage and Founders Club breakfast, hosted by NSDAR Director of Development Sandra Pollack.  A procession of chapter flags began the business meeting, followed by multiple proclamations and greetings from local officials and recognition of our Pages from locations including D.C., Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Wyoming and C.A.R.; and also joining us was Missouri State Regent Susan Bowman.

Wyoming Senator John Barrasso made a surprise visit and an impromptu speech prior to the keynote address by President General Dillon.  Recognition was given to member Fran Baker for establishing a scholarship endowment for Native Americans; the Cheyenne and Fort Caspar Chapters for achieving 100% participation in the President General’s Project; and the Davey Jackson, Fremont and Inyan Kara Chapters for achieving TREKKER membership status.  Davey Jackson member, Bobbi Moses, whose great, great grandmother, DAR's first President General Caroline Scott Harrison, was also acknowledged.

Members enjoyed a presentation from National Vice Chair, Member Training, Janet McFarland, on attracting and retaining members, who also assisted with the New Member and New Horizons graduation ceremonies.  That evening the membership enjoyed a barbeque and historic presentation at the Gothberg Ranch, owned by Honorary State Regent Susan Haines.

On Saturday, National Chairman, President General's Project Bethe Clark-Urban gave a presentation on the evolution of the President Generals projects through each administration to an audience whose majority has never had the opportunity to visit our treasured Constitution Hall.

Saturday’s luncheon speaker, Caroline Hart from Crossnore School, gave a heartfelt presentation on Crossnore and the impact of DAR donations. 

During the afternoon session the new Wyoming state and chapter Websites were introduced to members, generating support for the upcoming Members-only site, and Geraldine Dellenback was elected to the vacant position of state Vice Regent.

At our final banquet we observed Armed Services Day by the posting the colors by a local JROTC, followed by a flag-folding presentation by Marine Recruiters.  Banquet guest speaker, historian Con Trumbull, spoke of the connection between Wyoming and the shipyards of Bath, Maine where the largest wooden schooner was built, aptly named: Wyoming.

Our membership departed in friendship and a renewed commitment to Advancing the Legacy - one Daughter at a Time, and looks forward to a snow-free 2018 Conference in Cheyenne!

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