Life is always a joy with the Jersey girls! Many thanks to State Regent Diane Oliver and her state officers for a grand time in the garden state. I appreciate the assistance of Laura Franek, my personal page and State Vice Regent Linda Jurczak and her husband, Steve, who provided my transportation. Diane’s theme is perfect for New Jersey as she leads with the kindest heart.
- Pamela Wright, President General
New Jersey’s 131st Annual State Conference, “With Kind Hearts, We Celebrate Stars and Stripes Forever” began with warm greetings, lots of Kind Hearts, and of course, some sparklers! Linda Jurczak, State Vice Regent, and her devoted husband, Steve, met Mrs. Wright Thursday afternoon and escorted her to Forsgate Country Club, where she was met by myself and the State Board of Management.
Our traditional fun night event was most enjoyable and thanks to Debbie Duay, Florida State Regent, many of the Jersey Girls learned they are related to our President General! The guest hospitality suite, allowing Mrs. Wright to meet Jersey Girls in a more relaxed environment, was filled with sparkling bubbles, peals of laughter, and good cheer.
Friday morning, The Founders Committee welcomed Mrs. Wright and visiting guests to Watson House, the site of New Jersey State Society’s headquarters for a tour. Built by Isaac Watson in 1708, this historic landmark is located at Hamilton Township, near New Jersey’s state capital. Originally set on 800 acres, it is situated on a bluff overlooking the Watson's Creek in John A. Roebling Park. Mrs. Chesko, President of The Founders Committee, presented Mrs. Wright with her very own paver stone that was added to the walkway in honor of her visit.
Upon returning to Forsgate Country Club for the afternoon session, our guest, Morgan Elliott, Honorary State Regent, Arizona, shared her passion for DAR and the importance of DAR friendships as Friday’s luncheon speaker. Catherine Medich, a Jersey Girl and National Chair, Genealogical Records Committee, was gifted with this year’s primary service project of 1200+ pages of documents/Bible records. This is the first contribution of said documents by New Jersey State Society since 1998. NJDAR is so very proud of Catherine and thankful for the work of Bobbi Bailey, State Chair, Historic Preservation Committee, along with the support of Bea Boyce and Elizabeth Medich, Co-Chairs, Genealogical Records Committee.
Upon recommendation by the State Board of Managers, Nancy Kritch was elected to the noble and virtuous position of Honorary State Chaplain. Kimberly Ann Armstrong was designated as NJDAR’s Daughter of Distinction 2023. The afternoon session ended with Mrs. Wright presenting 39 chapter regents with their certificates for 100% participation in the President General’s Project.
Madam President General’s sparkling keynote address at our “Rejoice in the Ties of Service and Friendship” banquet, was well received by every person in the ballroom, including State Presidents of the Sons of the American Revolution and Society of the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New Jersey.
Ashley Wasser, Ferro Monte Chapter member, was regaled as New Jersey’s 2023 Outstanding Junior AND it was announced that she is a finalist in the National Outstand Junior contest!
With a rap of the gavel to close the festivities, New Jersey Daughters said farewell and Godspeed to our most beloved President General. We hope the memories of her visit become an integral part of her DAR story.
Today's DAR
