The CSSDAR 106th Annual State Conference started off Thursday morning with the tour of the Getty Center Museum. The afternoon brought the Cameo Club meeting and tea. The evening started with a bee-utiful opening night! State Regent Debra Jamison was escorted by Macon McIntyre, State President, C.A.R. First Vice President General Ann T. Dillon brought greetings from the President General, and a fabulous musical program was presented by the Gerona Rose Music Studio from San Gabriel, California. The musical program was given by children who are all accomplished violinists who have been with the program starting at age four.
The presentation of the state awards consisted of:
- Outstanding Teacher of American History, presented by State Historian Adele Lancaster to Jerry Adams of Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield
- DAR Good Citizen, presented by State Chair Katryna Gonzalez to Emma Caitlin Peplow of Newport Harbor High School, Newport Beach
- American History Essay Contest, presented by State Chair Barbara Volker to:
- Liam Weetman, Fifth Grade, St. Martin of Tours School, Los Angeles
- Nathan Plando, Sixth Grade, Robert C. Fisler School, Fullerton
- Malavika Ramarao, Seventh Grade, Challenger School-Berryessa, San Jose
- Jack Palaski, Eighth Grade, St. Martin of Tours School, Los Angeles
- Christopher Columbus Essay Contest, presented by State Vice Chair Debra Amaro to Genne Abele of Palos Verde Peninsula High School, Rolling Hills Estates
- Outstanding Junior Member, presented by State Chair Nancy Sellnow to Rachel Allen of the Presidio Chapter
- Outstanding VIS Committee Member, presented by State Vice Chair Christina Ramos to Lisa Fox, Chair VIS and member of the Colonel William Cabell Chapter
- DAR Service for Veterans, presented by State Chair Pattee Russell-Curry to:
- Outstanding Veteran Volunteer, Patrick R. Ford of Hanford
- Outstanding Youth Volunteer, Ryan Bacon of Clovis
- A moving presentation of the State Regent’s Commendation was presented to Charles F. Parent, United States Navy, Retired. Mr. Parent is the father of State Regent Debbie Jamison, and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. There was hardly a dry eye in the house as the state regent described her father’s career military service, military family life, and her mother’s and father’s volunteerism. The commendation read, “For Exemplary Service to God, Home and Country.”The evening festivities continued with the Opening Night Reception.
Friday
Friday morning started off with the anticipated Junior Membership Breakfast. Many new Juniors were in attendance and the Mother of a Page (MOP), Sharon Maas, was announced and presented her mop.
The business session started with a buzz and Ann Turner Dillon, First Vice President General, presented her program “Membership Matters.” The fifty year members were honored by Sandra Orozco, State Chaplain. Members heard the reports of the state officers and recessed for lunch.
Friday’s lunch was the National Defense Lunch, organized by Leslie Pfeifer, State Chair. Guest speaker was Mr. Douglas J. Pringle, President Disabled Sports USA Far West. His program was “Rehabilitating Wounded Warriors Through Sports.” The State Regent presented Mr. Pringle with a donation from the State Regent’s Project in the sum of $1,500 to sponsor one disabled veteran in the sports program.
The Friday afternoon business session followed up with the voting of the proposed bylaw amendments and the reports of the National Committees, National Special Committees, Commissions, State Standing Committees, and State Special Committees. It was a busy afternoon.
Following the business session was the DAR School Supper, organized by Mary Ellen Mohler, State Chair. Guest Speaker was Brent Hutchinson, Executive Director, Hindman Settlement School, Hindman, Kentucky. He presented “Challenge and Change at Hindman Settlement School.”
The Friday evening business session consisted of the reports of districts and chapters and the nominations for state office 2014-2016.
The evening ended with the first State Chairman’s Club Social, hosted by Lisa Fox, President. Many past and present state chairs were in attendance at the festive event.
Suffice to say that it was a bee-sy day!
Saturday
Saturday morning started off with the Past and Present Regent’s Association Hawaiian Breakfast. It was a fun luau breakfast with a hula contest which was won by Linda Winthers. The breakfast ended aloha nui loa!
Saturday’s business session kicked off with the reports of districts and chapters.
The afternoon business session showcased the Colonial Fashon Show by the Martin Severance Chapter, Pasadena, titled, “Women of the Revolution-Fashions of the 18th Century.” The program was phenomenal. The business session ended with the Report of the Teller Committee.
Not to be missed was the Celebration Dinner. The Presentation of the Debutantes was given by Elizabeth Swanay-O’Neill, State Chair. The VIS Committee award was presented by State Chair Lisa Fox, who presented the Outstanding Chapter VIS to Simran Noon of the San Diego Chapter.
Everyone enjoyed their meal and the fabulous California DAR Chorus, led by Director Rebecca Viebrock, celebrated their 25th Anniversary. Rebecca Viebrock was honored by the State Society her 25 years of dedicated service. Also honored that evening was Chris Gentry, she was presented an award for serving as a chorus member for 25 years. Members and guests were treated to a solo performance by Holly Jamison. The evening ended with presentation of the state board-elect. They formed a receiving line and members greeted the incoming board.
Sunday
Sunday started with a coffee reception and a beautiful Memorial Service. The business session commenced and the installation of the new officers finished the morning.
What a whirlwind state conference it was, a-buzz with excitement, awards, recognition, fun, and friends.
Coming Soon
Photos of the 106th State Conference will be available online soon. A communiqué will be sent when the photos have been uploaded. Thank you to everyone who served on the photo committee!