On August 24, we concluded our TSDAR fall workshop series. I hope that you were able to join us for one of the three meetings that were held across the state. The beauty of these meetings is that your district officers try to have the same experience for each member regardless of the location attended, allowing each of our members to pick the location and time that is the most convenient. From our outstanding classes, fun shopping booths, and DAR Leadership Training course graduations to our Friday night receptions hosted by the Juniors and our Women's Suffrage selfie station, each location provided members statewide a similar experience.
Debuting this fall, our Women's Suffrage photo background and props will be utilized again this spring during State Conference. If you failed to capture your time travel photograph this fall, don't worry you will have another opportunity. This photo booth was initiated by First Vice Emily Robinson based upon one provided this summer at Continental Congress, and Nannette Feeback created the sashes and banners to reflect those used by women in 1920 during parades and rallies. One of the banners she sewed is actually based upon one found in the Tennessee State Museum.
In addition to our New Member and New Horizon graduates honored, we also had a special award presentation. Susan Harris, Regent of Chickamauga Chapter, was given a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Defense Vietnam War Commemoration. Presented for her work honoring our veterans, Susan was the only Tennessee Daughter to receive this impressive award this year, and we were pleased to be able to present her certificate during our workshops.
I am thrilled to report that Tennessee Daughters stepped up to serve with the donations brought to our workshops. Over the three locations we were able to collect 269 sheet sets and 7,719 laundry pods for Operation Dress the Barracks at Ft. Campbell, 326 Blessing Bags for our new TSDAR Service to America Project for foster children, and over $4,000 in gift cards for our DAR Schools. Tennessee daughters are amazing!!!!
Our East Tennessee location also brought a surprise to each of your state officers and honoraries. State Librarian Amanda Hillard beautifully made each of us a framed silhouette featuring the name of our patriots for our place holders. What a wonderful way to honor our patriot and remind us of the man or woman's service to America that has allowed each of us to become members of the DAR. This was also a great reminder of the new America 250! Patriot Project that our very own Honorary State Regent Susan Thomas is spearheading as National Vice Chair.
Many thanks go out to State Second Vice Regent Carol Teeters and her East TN District Officers, Appalachian District Director Johnda Burdette and District Secretary Holly Matthews, and Cherokee District Director Mary Ellen Nolletti and District Secretary Marie Wingate, for the wonderful workshops. It takes time and energy to put these together and the state society is grateful for their efforts.
This fall we still have several exciting state events ahead. I would encourage you to make plans to attend the Constitution Week Bell Ringing that will be held on the State Capitol grounds on Sunday Sept. 15, 2019, if you have not already done so. That weekend will also mark our annual retreat for Juniors and Pages. Registration for the 2019 Juniors Retreat closes Friday, September 6. This year's retreat will be held September 14-15 in Murfreesboro. The cost for the retreat is $75 and the total includes your hotel room, lunch and dinner and a t-shirt. The link to the online registration is here. I am looking forward to spending time with our Juniors and hope if eligible you will consider joining us too.
In Service,
Cecile
