My Dear California Daughters,

Thank you! Thank you so much for your support these past two years! California Daughters are awesome! When we were wanting to try something new, something different, you were willing to play along. No one ever said, “We can’t or shouldn’t.” You all said, “Let’s try! Let’s see what happens!” We maintained the traditional, the ceremony that can be seen in the essence of who we are. We experimented and found new and unexpected ways to achieve goals. (Some through forced measures because of the pandemic.) And, we had fun! You were ready for the journey, packed your bags and came along. I hope you realize just how much your support, your encouragement, your amazing cooperation meant to me and the state board…all this was evident in your work with each other too. California Daughters accomplished so much as individuals, within your chapters, our districts, and our state. We saw this in your conference reports, Clarion articles, Facebook posts… yes, even in the many accomplishments highlighted during Congress. California Daughters have made a difference!

Thank you, too, especially for this same amazing support the days leading up to and now during the 129th Continental Congress. It began when many Daughters were making plans to attend in D.C. Then became more intense, when we saw the possibility of a virtual Congress and thus the probability of a first-ever, online vote. Credential Forms for delegates who hadn’t planned to actually travel to D.C. had to be submitted quickly. With a very short turnaround time, you did the best you could. California had more delegates primed to “attended” than ever before. Then, you “came” to the California Congressional Tea, our Kick-off to Congress. You were there. Well over 1,000 attended/viewed the video. But, more importantly, you were there as the program featured YOU…you at work and play, accomplishing the goals of our Society, serving your communities, making them better places for all.

You have been attending the Congress events, hearing about the accomplishments of all Daughters. Bet you tuned in to the many times California Daughters were highlighted! Individuals taking top prizes in American Heritage categories; others named for special recognition. Chapters featured. Opening Night Stephanie Boyd, with a shout-out to Robin Hurwitz, introducing the winner of the DAR Media and Entertainment Award. Beverly Hills’ 7th grader won the American History contest. Our Kristine Wood met the challenges of virtual presentations and did a beautiful job. Our Juniors were highlighted for their work at the state level and Michelle Wikum Williams made us proud when named one of the eight National Finalists as California’s Outstanding Junior.

Then, yesterday morning you voted! You got up early and did something never done before. The body of the NSDAR selected National leadership to serve for the next three years – electronically.

As at the beginning of this journey two years ago, your love, support, and encouragement overflowed. Thank you! Thank you so much for your vote of confidence that I could and would represent you and the Society well. What are the odds that I would occupy the same seat – #5 – held by Carole Belcher from 2001-2004 and then again, by Nancy Alexander from 2007-2010? I am truly honored… and owe it all to you, my dear California Daughters!

Again, thank you!!!