My Dear California Daughters:

December, the last month of 2019, has reflection of just past and promise of what’s right around the corner…

At the beginning of November, nearly 150 Daughters came together for another beautiful tea, celebrating friendship and our American heritage. Thank you, Susan Brooking and Barbara McMahon. This year, Jo Olson brought another level of insight into how women persevered to achieve suffrage, that we have the right and privilege today. Yea, we have a goodly heritage… and must do all we can to preserve it.

This leads us to acknowledging that we are well into preparing for another election cycle in our country. Though we have a responsibility as citizens to be well informed, know the issues and their ramifications, we also must keep in mind that our Society is non-political. Consequently, we are not engaged in activity that promotes one “side” over another. Our rhetoric is one of respect for various points of view. Our VIS team does review content on our closed Facebook pages and comments deemed political will be removed. That said, we do not have, nor do we want, any jurisdiction over personal / private Facebook pages or other such social media. Members are just reminded that when you promote DAR activity… which we hope you do… your words and views may be seen through that filter. Remember to choose words that represent the best of who you are.

November also saw an increase in Daughters wearing red on Fridays. Such a subtle way to Remember Every Deployed. Daughters made the most of this November to honor all military service… veterans and active duty… acknowledging their service and providing tangible support with needed items and sweet treats, too. The service project at Operation Gratitude, delayed from October because of fire activity in the Chatsworth area, was a wonderful opportunity for many of us… We stuffed Teddy bears, made paracord bracelets and hand/toe warmer packets, checked and wrote notes, sorted items… getting everything ready for packing into boxes. This project, organized for us by Cathey Sinai, and the one at Operation Care and Comfort in San Jose, organized by Robin Hurwitz, involved Daughters from several districts and multiple chapters working together with many other community groups and individuals.

To celebrate Veteran’s Day this year, your State Regent traveled to Eagle, Idaho, where, she was joined by two other California Daughters and Idaho’s state regent and state chaplain in attending a Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. home dedication. Meeting Jesse and Kelly Cottle, seeing their beautiful little girls at play, chatting with her sister and his mother, all made for a never-to-be forgotten experience for each of us. Comments from corporate leaders, local contractors and builders had us realizing that they, too, have the same attitude we see in our Society. Building this home for the Cottle’s was a labor of love. Doing for the veteran was an honor and privilege. Much the same way we approach every service project we undertake: It is a privilege to be able to make a difference in our communities, in the lives of others who share space on Earth with us.

Construction on the Smart Home for “our” veteran, another who has faced enormous trials and experienced amazing triumphs, has begun in California. Watch for details as our veteran is revealed. Working with the Gary Sinise Foundation, we will get to experience the wonderful joy that comes through knowing we have made a difference. Your support of the state regent’s project, and special contributions, are going to have a profound impact on the life of someone who was simply “willing to serve.” Someone who never even considered the sacrifices his service might entail.

And, what’s right around the corner? In just two weeks, we will gather in Glendora for our annual Victorian Christmas Tea. The HQ Committee has, again, planned a special event in our House Beautiful. And the Oak Lea landscape committee will work their magic to create a holiday space for friends to visit. We thank you for your patience with regards to the webstore being down during a peak reservation period. Know that whatever the glitch, no CSSDAR or personal information was compromised. Just one of those things not in our control.

Many of you will be participating in Wreaths Across America that same morning. This is another project that honors those who served… when, throughout the country, wreaths are placed upon the graves of thousands of veterans. We hope all who can, will do both: honor our deceased veterans and join us for fun and fellowship in Glendora later in the afternoon.

In January, the Call to Conference will be announced. Daughters will want to make their plans early. An Announcement with hotel information has already been distributed. All chapters are expected to submit their Credential Form to the State Registrar. And members and delegates are encouraged to visit the website to review all candidate brochures. California is fortunate to have a number of qualified Daughters ready, willing, and able to serve in many areas of leadership. And, this March, you will select those to represent you at the state’s highest level.

As this year begins its final month, do take time to reflect and begin to make plans for the months to come. Rejoice in what was and what shall be… as you Rise and Shine and make a difference through your service to God, Home, and Country.

Have a blessed holiday with family and friends!

Much love and appreciation,

Adele Lancaster
State Regent