Today's DAR
The Daughters of Montana and Utah came through this administration Rising and Shining, and it was certainly a joy for me to celebrate their achievements during my official visits over the weekend. It was the first time that I had ever gone to either of these places, and the scenery, attractions and hospitality combined to convince me to return someday to both!
Sunnyside Up in Montana and Utah!
Montana, April 21-22
The 119th Montana State Conference was held in Great Falls, with more than 110 members and guests attending – a great turnout for a state with 10 chapters and about 660 members. They may be small – but they are mighty and welcomed 73 new members in the last year alone! Their officer and committee reports were impressive; here are just a few highlights: 375 schools were contacted to participate in Constitution Week commemorations – with one chapter driving 500 miles to cover theirs in Big Sky Country; a thriving state book club was formed; first responders and WWII veterans were honored; the Chief Ignace Chapter continued its longtime commitment to Adopt a Highway; veteran food and clothing drives, as well as domestic violence victims and homeless warming shelters, were supported; Naturalized citizens were welcomed; and Wreaths Across America were placed.
Their accomplishments were so impressive, in fact, that at one point, I leaned over to Montana State Regent Leigh Spencer and whispered, “Did anyone tell Montana that there has been a pandemic?” You would never know it, given the extent of their achievements!
The Montana Daughters adopted a fun 1920s theme for the Thursday luncheon and dinner, when it was fascinating to learn more about the boot-legging history of Great Falls. One speaker also discussed the Women’s Issues topic of self-defense. Leadership course graduates were recognized and awards were presented. I was especially honored to thank all of the state’s 10 chapters for achieving 100 percent participation in support of The Next Act, my President General’s Project. I am also grateful to the members of the Heritage Club who attended a reception hosted by the National Society and staged in their honor.
State Regent Spencer challenged her Daughters throughout her term with the theme, “What will be our legacy?” It is a thought-provoking and inspirational concept, and one that compels us to live up to the accomplishments of those who went before us on behalf of those who will follow. I enjoyed meeting these women very much, and their enthusiasm for DAR and our important work uplifted my spirits. Take a few moments and meet Mrs. Spencer through this short discussion.
A few final fun highlights to share: I was honored to be voted upon as an Honorary Member of the Montana State Officers Club, and I was so touched when these women surprised me with a baby book shower to improve my new grandson’s literacy! That prompted a discussion about my official title as grandmother. We had been planning on “Good Grammar,” but the crowd here voted in the affirmative that it should more properly be “Sunny.” Upon a motion to amend, it was later updated further to “Sunny G,” with the “G” connoting grandmother. So, there you have it – the plan, at least, is that I shall forevermore be known as Sunny G! (How is that for a little sunshine!?!?!?)
Utah, April 23
An early 6:00 a.m. flight from Montana to Salt Lake City delivered me just in time to conduct a 9:00 a.m. breakfast for the Utah members of the Heritage Club. I am grateful to Utah State Regent Kathryn Asay for accommodating my schedule, extending me the privilege of attending the historic 125th State Conference of her state society and meeting her outstanding Daughters. I regret that travel complexities allowed me to spend just one day here but I surely made memories that will last a lifetime
The Saturday events were conducted at the Grand America Hotel, which lived up to its name with a magnificent setting in the heart of beautiful Salt Lake City. More than 100 members and guests participated in the grand 125th luncheon celebrations, including a harpist, operatic soloist and bell ringers! In addition, Junior American Citizen Contest winners were feted, and we learned more about plans to construct an American Village West (patterned after the original site in Montevallo, Alabama) in nearby St. Geoge, Utah
In addition, the DAR Medal of Honor was presented to the family of “The Candy Bomber,” Gail S. Halvorsen (read more about his amazing life here). Mr. Halvorsen, who famously dropped candy to children during the Berlin Airlift, was aware of the award and planned to attend the luncheon but passed away on Feb. 16 at the age of 101 at his home in Provo. (By the way: in December, the V.A. estimated that just 240,000 World War II veterans remain – have you sought out those in your community to honor? Find a certificate to thank them for their service in the Commemorative Events Committee section of the members’ website).
I was simply delighted to meet these vibrant Utah Daughters! I received many thoughtful notes and gifts, including an exceptional, handmade quilt with a dazzling sunshine theme. My travel schedule had unfortunately limited by ability to arrive in time to enjoy earlier tours of the State Capitol and Governor’s mansion here, as well as a fun 1920s themed dinner, a Real Daughter ceremony and a historic fashion show. (Darn!) However, I was fortunate enough to be given a private tour of the Family History Library of Family Search from its new director Lynn Turner. What an astounding collection! It is little wonder that some 400,000 researchers visit the library annually. Learn about this amazing repository here.
My visit concluded with an intimate dinner in scenic Park City, once the site of a mountain mining operation but today a thriving tourist community with two major ski centers, site of the Sundance Film Festival, home of the U.S. Ski Team and the location of the 2002 Utah Olympic State Park. Mother Nature even provided a dusting of snow to make this last memory a perfect one, indeed.
P.S. So many women work together to support my visits: the State Regent, Transportation Chairs, Personal Pages, Conference Chairs, event planners, etc. I am indebted to all of them – as well as, of course, to my supportive husband who transports me to/from the New York Metro airports. I will be announcing my total miles traveled during my report at Continental Congress – do you have a guesstimate?
