The Georgia State Conference

Friday morning, the Junior Club hosted a Welcome breakfast, a come-and-go continental buffet where members enjoyed mingling with friends, old and new. Later that morning, a beautiful Memorial Service was conducted in memory of our departed Daughters. Following luncheons hosted by the Chapter Regents Club and State Officers Club, an Idea Workshop featured many presenters sharing ideas for chapter projects which had been proven successful. The Idea Workshop ended with a DAR 101 session for new members.

At our Opening Night banquet, we enjoyed a fascinating presentation by Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, President and CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, entitled “Making the Museum of the American Revolution,” and featuring the history of Washington’s camp tent. We were treated to a high energy musical performance by the Berry Singers, a 32 voice chorus conducted by Dr. Paul Neal, courtesy of Berry College. The Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award was presented to Johnnie Shiver, who has also been named the Southeast Division Winner. To cap off the evening, Stephani Roohani was named Georgia’s State Outstanding Junior!

As one of our State Regent’s Projects, the Georgia State Society sponsored a Gate of Opportunity Scholarship at Berry College for 2018-2019, and will sponsor two Gate Scholars for 2019-2020. Our other State Regent’s Project is funding and execution of a multi-year historic restoration and preservation plan for “Meadow Garden.” This house museum was the farm home of George Walton, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and is owned and operated by the Georgia State Society in Augusta.

At our afternoon Business Session, delegates showed their commitment to the future of Georgia DAR, by approving a dues increase, the first since 2005.

Our Awards Banquet on Saturday was an evening of recognition and celebration of our many DAR volunteers who make us successful. It was a fun evening with music provided by the Quadraphonics Quartet, and a humorous presentation by Julia Fowler, creator of YouTube’s Southern Women Channel. Ms. Fowler’s program was entitled “Embrace Your Southern,” and a signing of her book, “Talk Southern to Me” was held following the banquet.

The conference ended on a sweet note with a dessert reception Saturday night. Our Georgia Peaches were refreshed and energized to return home and carry out our State Regent’s theme to “honor Patriots of the past, support Patriots of the present, and prepare Patriots of the future.”