Greetings California Daughters!

October was a month of travel! This officer was pleased to attend the 98th Dedication Day at KDS – Kate Duncan Smith DAR School – on Gunter Mountain in Alabama. Over $8,000 in monetary gifts from California were dedicated to KDS by your State Regent! KDS students are Kindergarten through High School and rely on these generous donations from DAR members. The younger students lined the sidewalks and greeted DAR members as we arrived. On Friday night, we were able to cheer for the DAR Patriots football team! Vice President General Adele Lancaster and our DAR School State Chair and Vice Chair – Mary McBride and Laura Trimberger – were also able to attend. It was a pleasure to celebrate at KDS DAR School!

From Alabama, this officer flew to Washington, DC to participate in “Sparkle Week” – a week of leadership training and activities planned by the President General for members of the National Board of Management – including National Chairs. In addition to the many valuable presentations, the laying of wreaths at the graves of two Honorary Presidents General, and a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture made this a very memorable week!

One presentation provided information on how NSDAR is collaborating with the Vietnam War Commemoration to bestow a new Vietnam War Commemoration (VWC) Honorary Partner distinction on all Vietnam Veterans of America state councils and chapters. DAR State Regents were asked to coordinate the efforts of local DAR chapters in arranging ceremonies to recognize each of the 47 VVA state councils (one in California) and the more than 600 VVA chapters (27 in California). During these ceremonies, each VVA state council and chapter will receive the VWC Commemorative Flag and Honorary Partner designation. In addition, DAR members will present Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins to all VVA members who have never received one, as well as to any surviving spouse of a late Vietnam veteran. Please watch for additional information from Wendy Malone, our State DAR Service for Veterans Chair, as to how your chapter can participate.

During October – and continuing into November – annual dues are being collected. I encourage Chapter Treasurers to reach out to members and remind them of the wonderful work that this organization accomplishes – in Historical Preservation, Education, and Patriotism. In order to grow our membership, we not only need to attract new members, but we also need to retain the members we have!

Reservations for the Victorian Christmas Tea are now open! It will be held on Saturday, December 10that State Headquarters located in Glendora, CA. This craftsman style home was purchased by the California State Society in 1982, so please join us in celebrating the 40th Anniversary!

Your acts of Service are so much appreciated – but do remember to spend time with family and friends this holiday season and give thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon us – as we continue to Grow Together in Friendship and Service to God, Home, and Country.

Thank you for your support!
Sharon Maas
State Regent