By David Mathias
Seven members of the South Branch Valley Chapter, NSDAR and two pages (granddaughters of two members of the South Branch Valley Chapter, NSDAR) attended the 120th WVDAR State Conference in Bridgeport, WV from April 11-13. They were joined by over 150 members of the West Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution. This annual conference is held to receive reports from the State Officers, District Directors, Chapter Regents and State Chairs, to vote on recommendations and resolutions, and to act on other business. The theme for this conference was “WVDAR Sparkles for the Red, White and Blue,” focusing on appreciation for active-duty military personnel and veterans. The meeting was hosted by the Northern District Chapters and presided over by Jane J. Larke, WV State Regent.
The keynote speaker was Mrs. Maribeth Shreve, WV State Coordinator, Quilts of Valor. She recounted the history of the Quilts of Valor organization; its purpose and the requirements necessary to obtain one of these handmade quilts. The quilts are a thank you to veterans to remind them of our appreciation for their service and sacrifice. In a very moving ceremony, eleven veterans received their “Quilts of Valor” that evening. In addition, the WVDAR gave a donation to the organization to show our support for this outstanding foundation. Guest speaker Virginia “Ginnie” Sebastian Storage, First Vice President General of NSDAR, delivered a speech titled “Sharing Your Gifts,” highlighting that everyone has unique skills and talents which, when combined, can lead to notable accomplishments. She encouraged members to seek collaboration and use our God-given gifts to make a positive impact on our communities. Other distinguished guests included Christina Bannan, State Regent, Illinois and Yvonne Liser, State Regent, District of Columbia.
The South Branch Valley Chapter, NSDAR received recognition for:
1) Twinkling Star Award
2) 2nd Place – DAR Library Outreach
3) Participation in a Reading Program – Community Classroom
4) Honorable Mention – Most Children Impacted – Community Classroom
5) 1st Place – Commemorative Events – 250th Birthday of the U. S. Navy
6) 2nd Place – Support of Honor Flight
7) 2nd Place – Providing Support to Veterans
8) 2nd Place – Honoring Veterans
9) 2nd Place – Most Hours Read to Children
10) 1st Place – Books for DAR Schools and WVDAR State Regent’s Project
11) South Branch Valley Chapter – Significant Support of the State Regent’s Project
12) Judy Mathias – Outstanding Service as a Committee Chair
13) Susan Garrett – Outstanding Service as a Committee Chair
14) JoeAnn Eye – Individual Excellence in Support of Veterans
15) Bonnie Myers – 1st Place – Women’s Issues – Physical Health Issues Essay Contest
16) Bonnie Myers – Outstanding Contributions as a Volunteer Genealogist
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, nonpolitical volunteer service organization dedicated to the preservation of history, promoting patriotism and the education of our children. Any woman eighteen years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR volunteers are available and willing to assist with guidance in genealogy research for women interested in becoming a member. For more information, visit the DAR website at www.dar.org, email inquiries to membership@dar.org or SBVDAR1@gmail.com.
