My Dear California Daughters:
The fun never stops!
The plans and preparations are nearly done, with just a few days left before greeting you at our 112th State Conference. We will celebrate accomplishments, present special awards, do a little work, and just gather ‘round with good friends – old and new – having a wonderful time together.
But the “plans and preparations” paused now and again for other opportunities that had us together. We celebrated chapter milestone anniversaries in grand style. District meetings were as interesting and varied as the chapters and Daughters they gathered. We saw awards presented to student essay winners; heard chapters talk about efforts to retain and engage members; “saw” others feature chapter highlights, practicing for conference reports; and yet another featured a wonderful, interactive program from our State Membership Chair. Many chapter meetings, both focused and fun, had your State Regent so proud of the work you do, the genuine friendships you foster, the love and care you have for each other and your communities. Daughters, you are so making a difference through your work in our Society.
Thinking of accomplishing something good… with the Oak Lea completed, all of our State Regent’s Project fundraising efforts support the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program. You have purchased “everything sea star” and have been generous. We have… and still are… raising funds to help with the construction of two Smart Homes… and really, we could do three! Some chapters have collected and contributed throughout the year and another made a grand contribution at their annual, themed tea. This year’s theme: Wish upon a Star! – now wasn’t that appropriate – with over-the-top table decorations featuring Disney movies. Walt Disney was a dreamer… dreaming, creating, entertaining, all designed to lift spirits and make life a little happier. This fits, too. Can you imagine the difference we will have made, how our efforts to help will lift the spirits of the families who will live in these specially designed homes? We are Restoring Independence and Supporting Empowerment.
Contributions to the Gary Sinise Foundation, through the State Regent’s Project, are to be made, checks written, items ordered through the webstore, all keeping the deadline of April 30, 2020 in mind. Our final donation will be made on June 6th at our Backyard Barbecue. You will want to attend!
And, thinking toward June… we still have miles to go before this administration can sleep. Join us for the dedication of a marker at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, on Sunday afternoon, March 29th at 1:15. The marker is most unique and has been a labor of love by Janice Swayze. Our State Historian has worked for one and a half years to coordinate with the Mission during their 250th Jubilee and the Historian General’s office at National to get this project done. No charge. Do come! RSVP through the invitation on the CSSDAR website.
In April, anyone with a passion for or interest in genealogy will want to attend either of the two workshops with Debbie Duay. These two-day workshops, one in the South and one in the North, organized by State Librarian Linda Winthers, are our attempt to bring Debbie to California. This is your opportunity to spend time with her… and to take advantage of her amazing insights and willingness to share. Register through the webstore. May has us looking toward “New Beginnings” with the Council meetings set to hear about plans and direction forward from our State Regent-elect and her board. New district officers will be installed at this one-day event. Do make plans to attend. (Yes, plans include having the new administration pins available.)
June… first the barbecue… and then on to Continental Congress… where one State Regent bids adieu and another will Rise and Shine when she is installed. The beat goes on…. The fun never stops… And, you, my very dear Daughters of California, continue to Make a Difference through your service to God, Home, and Country.
With Love and Appreciation,
Adele Lancaster
State Regent
