Today's DAR
Visiting the Lone Star State
As Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz, “There is no place like home” and that is certainly true. It was an absolutely joy to make my official visit to the 117th Texas State Conference, Judy Callaway Ostler, State Regent, in my hometown of Houston. Judy’s theme is “Inspiring Faith of our Founding Fathers, Hope for America’s Future, and Love of God, Home, and Country”. Judy’s Project is the dedication of the George Washington Statue and the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Founding Fathers Memorial Walls at the Texas DAR Plaza of Liberty in McAllen, Texas. The Veterans War Memorial is a large outdoor classroom to educate all visitors on the sacrifices of those who have faithfully served our country. Under Pamela Wright’s administration, the Texas Society began construction of the area on the American Revolution and Judy has added greatly to it. http://www.mcallen.net/veterans/default.aspx
The Texas Society has grown to 200 chapters and over 18,500 members. This year’s conference had an emphasis on “Faith of our Founding Fathers.” pre-registration for the conference recorded over 1100 members and guests and included Conference guests Danna Koelling, VPG from Arizona, April Staley, CT State Regent, Ann Schaeffer, D.C. State Regent, Elizabeth Graham, NC State Regent, Orriene Denslow, OK State Regent and Rita Horton, Past Vice President General.
Events began with meetings on Wednesday, March 9th followed by the Executive Board Dinner hosted by four of the State Board members for the Honorary State Regents and Conference guests at the Houston Club. Highlights of the evening included personalized silhouettes created by well-known silhouette artist, Cindi Rose. For those not on the State Board, a Welcome Reception Social was held, featuring a Taco Bar.
There were many workshops held on Thursday, including one I presented on Patriots in Petticoats. Other topics included presentations from the Chapter Development and Revitalization Commission, Historic Preservation – Digitizing Documents and Training for the Oral History Project. I enjoyed the State Chairs Club luncheon and others attended the Chapter Regents’ Club Luncheon.
The President General’s Tea for the Heritage Club and Founders Club members was well attended as I had the opportunity to express our appreciation to over 300 generous donors. There was plenty of time for questions about many of our activities at National Headquarters.
Opening Night began with a procession of Chapter Regents with their chapter banners. The Outstanding T.S.C.A.R. Member was recognized and flowers were presented by a group of C.A.R. members. After my presentation on the Guardian Trust Campaign, the assembly was given a sneak peak of my official portrait, which they had generously supported. The Women in American History Award and the Women in the Arts Awards were presented, along with entertainment from the DAR Chorus.
During the last year of each administration, the President General’s home state is responsible for the Junior Doll and Miss Lynn’s wardrobe is one for the record books! National Vice Chairs Allie Dunklin and Shannon Owen chose the theme “Dazzling Daughters” and Miss Lynn has 125 outfits generously created by Texas Daughters portraying some of the notable women who have been DAR members. The Juniors had a large room to sell items and one entire end of the room had over 100 American Girl dolls dressed in some of Miss Lynn’s outfits. It was unbelievable! The highlight of the evening for me was watching the Pages parade the dolls in and show off the variety and detail in the various outfits.
Several years ago as a fundraiser for the Texas Society I had the “opportunity” to ride a mechanical bull and wouldn’t you know my outfit was recreated, down to the turquoise necklace I wore? Voices will be available at Congress for Miss Lynn with the proceeds to benefit the Helen Pouch Fund, which benefits our DAR schools. Miss Lynn even has her own Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/misslynndoll/ and a book with photos and bios of each Dazzling Daughter featured. I will be buying LOTS of voices!
Awards were given by the Junior Membership Committee for the Junior’s Choice Award (chapter most supportive of its Juniors), Texas Honorary Junior Award (a non-Junior who had done the most for Juniors) and the State Outstanding Junior.
The Texas Conference is often described as a “mini Continental Congress.” My visit to the Texas Conference ended much too soon as I had to leave very early Friday for the Louisiana State Conference., However, I did hear the Conference voted to give a very generous gift to the Guardian Trust Campaign!
I was very sorry to miss the School Breakfast, Junior Membership Luncheon, Conference Awards Evening Patriotic Awards Luncheon, National Defense Evening, the Memorial Service and Patriotic Prayer Brunch honoring Vietnam era veterans. The Texas Daughters have been incredibly supportive of my administration and I shall always be grateful. Before you know it, I’ll click my ruby slippers together and be back among my many friends in Texas.