Each year, the 15 CSSDAR District Directors meet with the State Vice Regent at the CSSDAR Headquarters in Glendora for a weekend sleepover. The agenda covers a list of items that include planning, reviewing protocol and NSDAR changes to Bylaws, using Robert’s Rules for conducting meetings, ways to support chapters and grow membership, along with the previous year’s successes and challenges. This year, several things were included in weekend plans which added to the enjoyment of our time together.

Sleepover participants took a field trip to the Madonna of the Trails monument in Upland where they laid roses at the statue in honor of the pioneer women who were part of the Westward Expansion Movement. This one was the last in a series of 12 monuments erected and dedicated by the NSDAR along the National Old Trails Road. For most, this was their first time to visit one of the monuments and they enthusiastically embraced the opportunity.

Expanding their understanding of the history of the area around Glendora, District Directors also visited historic sites in Covina. Councilman John King gave a personal tour of City Hall and docents described Covina’s 100-year history from orange groves to a modern-day city, as we toured the historic fire station preserved as a museum. And, one evening, a presentation was given to further our understanding of the history of the 110 year-old Craftsman home-turned Headquarters by looking at the life of builder/owner Reuben Hamlin.

Working, planning, discussing, sharing, playing DAR-opoly and enjoying an afternoon tea rounded out the days and nights together.