Renewed Hope and Activities – Highlights of a Busy Weekend

Spring is a busy time on the calendar of the President General – and I am pleased to share that this past weekend was a sweet indicator of the positive things that are in bloom as we reawaken in this season of promise.

I had the supreme honor of attending the dedication of the nation’s new World War I Memorial on Friday morning, and later that day and again on Saturday, I had the opportunity to visit with the Delaware Daughters via their virtual 112th State Conference. On Saturday evening, I enjoyed the privilege of celebrating 125 years of C.A.R. at their National Society’s 2021 National Convention Banquet. And then on Sunday, it was off to a grave marking ceremony to honor the life and contributions of Mary Virginia Ellet Cabell, the only woman to have ever served as Vice President Presiding (1890-1891) of our National Society. I will write more about Mrs. Cabell in a blog next week but wanted to share highlights of my Delaware and C.A.R. visits here.

Delaware State Conference

I had to remind myself several times that this conference was 100 percent virtual – it was THAT well planned, interactive and enjoyable. Huzzah to State Regent Dr. Gloria Ann Lester for preparing and executing such a worthwhile, substantive and well-organized two-day event that featured informative reports, meaningful awards and a true sense of camaraderie among the nearly 100 women taking part.

One highlight: Participants were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the magnificent Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library. It is an historic site that has long been on my “list” to visit – and I feel as though I have done so as a result of this outstanding online lecture and tour of the mansion. Henry Francis du Pont (1880–1969) spent his life managing the estate, perfecting his gardens, amassing one of the most significant collections of historic and decorative objects in the world, and, finally, creating a museum. At Winterthur’s height, the property exceeded 2,500 acres. More than 250 workers tended the property and livestock. I am more anxious than before to visit this amazing American showplace in person.

N.S.C.A.R. 2021 Convention

The conference, which celebrated 125 years of C.A.R., was held at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, with about 125 in-person attendees and dozens more courtesy of fun cutouts from across the country. I was pleased to inform them that a sponsorship of more than $25,000 would be forthcoming from our National Society to support their activities and to share that the State of Texas is this year’s recipient of the DAR Traveling Banner for the highest number of C.A.R. members who have transitioned to D.A.R.

The 2020-2021 N.S.C.A.R. National President was Liza Fridenmaker, who chose a theme of “Support Our Brave and Noble Patriots” to raise funds for Pets for Vets, a 501(C)3 corporation that raises money to place companion dogs with veterans, many of whom are experiencing PTSD. How remarkable that these young people – despite the headwinds of the pandemic – raised more than $50,000 for this worthy cause. Congratulations, Liza, and C.A.R members around the world.