A "Refreshing" Visit to Ohio!

Mrs. Dixon has evidenced extraordinary leadership during the last two years amidst difficult challenges – and her engaged members are ready to jump back into DAR involvement as result. In all, 436 women attended the Saturday event – 90 of 99 chapters were represented and nine of them brought 10 or more members to catch the wave of excitement building here. Most astounding? One quarter of them were first-time attendees! Clearly, Mrs. Dixon and her chapter leaders are exciting these Daughters about the many benefits of being involved in our vibrant organization. The result? Membership here has posted a net increase of nearly 10 percent in the last decade.

I was fortunate enough to arrive a day early in order to experience two examples of the Ohio Daughters working in service to our mission. My Friday began with a luncheon and tour of the Pennsylvania House, which was rescued from disrepair in 1939 by the devoted members of the Lagonda Chapter, who continue to operate it as a house museum in Springfield, Ohio. Built in 1839 and operated as an inn along the National Road, the house has more than 7,000 square feet and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Thanks to these dedicated Daughters, the home boasts a remarkable collection and a long history of committed stewardship.  Read more about it here.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared my thoughts on why I am so immensely proud to be a member of Today’s DAR at the Saturday luncheon.  One of the sunniest highlights of my visit was having an opportunity to recognize the 63 Ohio Chapters that have completed their 100 percent participation in support of the President General’s Project (i.e. $7.50/member). I am deeply grateful to these chapters, who were supported (and cajoled?) by the irresistible State Chair of the President General’s Project, Winifred Cloran. In addition to this generous support, the Ohio Daughters also funded the restoration of their State Box and State Seal, while graciously also adopting a third of a laylight panel as part of Mrs. Dixon’s official State Regent’s Project. It is impossible for me to express how much it means to me to know that so many women are so dedicated to completing the Next Act for DAR Constitution Hall – especially after the trying events of the last 18 months. They make me believe WE CAN DO IT!