The Oregon State Conference

Flight delays were the normal schedule following the region’s spring snowstorm.  Departing late from Casper, WY for a Portland, OR destination, I was relieved to learn that the flight from Denver to Portland was also delayed.  With a few minutes to spare, the connection was made and travel was uneventful until it was discovered that the luggage did not make the connection!  Fortunately, by the following morning everything was “magically” at my hotel room door and the Oregon Daughters, Alice Miles, State Regent, overwhelmed me with their hospitality and warm welcome.  Fresh flowers in my room announced they were from their gardens to my heart.  I was able to briefly visit one of Oregon Society’s multiple historic properties and am very inspired by the commitment and dedication these members have to historic preservation.

- President General Ann Dillon

The theme of Oregon’s 103^rd State Conference, attended by180 Oregon Daughters and 88 guests, was “Garden Party” and party we did from Thursday night’s lip sync contest to the Bunny Slipper Breakfast. 

Congratulations to the eleven New Member and New Horizon graduates who were honored during a Friday lunch ceremony.  The theme for the Regent’s Recognition Dinner Friday night was “Busy Bees” and busy we were as Oregon Daughters recorded over 60,000 hours donated to community service as they celebrated historic preservation, revered education, and honored patriotic activities.

We awarded certificates to: Junior American Citizens youths ranging from 1^st grade to 10^th grade, American History essay winners 5^th through 8^th grade , the Christopher Columbus Essay winner, DAR Good Citizen winner, and Outstanding Teacher of American History.  We donated a total of $1,000 to an Oregon American Indian from Chemawa Indian School.  Others honored were Women in the Arts, DAR Service for Veterans Outstanding Youth Volunteer, and Outstanding Veteran Volunteer.   

We were privileged to have President General Ann T. Dillon join us Saturday morning arriving from the Wyoming State Conference.  Our other special guests were Curator General Barbara Frankenberry, Washington State Regent Julie Pittmann, and West Virginia State Regent Malinda Davis. Sandra Pollack, Director of Development, accompanied Mrs. Dillon and hosted the Heritage Club Breakfast Sunday morning.   Saturday afternoon our guests toured two of OSSDAR’s museums: The Robert Newell House Museum and award winning Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin Museum at Newell Pioneer Village.    http://newellpioneervillage.com/               

Mrs. Dillon presented twenty-nine chapters with their 100% participation in the President General’s Project certificates.  As guest speaker, Mrs. Dillon inspired us all with her wit and wisdom.  Reminding us all of the responsibilities and duties we have as Americans.  

The Intel Singers and the OSSDAR State Chorus, led by Janet Apostalon, sang a medley of songs but the highlight was Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah with words written by Ms. Apostalon.   How beautiful!!  

In Service to America, Oregon Soars!