All posts by Utah State Regent

Honoring the Members of the Utah State Society

As 2018 draws to a close, Annalise and I would like to highlight the wonderful chapters and members of the Utah State Society. Our nine chapters have embraced our organization’s three-fold mission – Historical Preservation, Education and Patriotism by supporting multiple activities and events in their local communities.

For Constitution Week, our chapters collectively obtained over 20 Proclamations from local city councils as well as from Governor Herbert.  In recognition of the 100th Anniversary of WWI, the Golden Spike Chapter assisted the Weber County Heritage Foundation in securing a DAR Special Projects Grant for the refurbishing of the WWI Doughboy Monument located in the Ogden Cemetery. The re-dedication ceremony took place on a blustery November 10th. The State Society was also represented at the closing ceremony of the WWI Utah Commission at the Utah Capitol on November 8th.

Our members have donated hundreds of items for the Utah active military Christmas stockings which is sponsored each year by Operation Give.  Utah State  Vice Regent and Project Patriot State Chairman Kathryn Jenson collected carload after carload of boxes containing toiletries, granola bars, games and Christmas cards.

Color Country Chapter had Scarecrow George greeting people in St George as they brought donations not only for the Christmas stockings but also to raise awareness for the upcoming Wreaths Across America event.

Wasatch Range Chapter Regent Diana Nielson and Kathryn attended the send off party for the military Christmas stockings.

 

In addition, representation at several Yellow Ribbon Ceremonies took place at Camp Williams during October and November.    It is always an honor to speak to our service men and women.

Chapters continue to work with local schools via the Community Classroom Committee to provide school supplies for both teachers and students.  Golden Spike Chapter has assisted both the Northridge Learning Center and the James Madison Title 1 third grade classroom with crayons, pencils, notebooks, etc.

 

The Utah State Society received in November a Proclamation signed by Governor Herbert for Native American Heritage Month.  The  Color Country Chapter gave $250 to Washington County School District Indian Fund and donated a basket of history books to the Red Mountain Elementary School.  

In December, our members came together to celebrate the Christmas season at the annual State Officers Club luncheon at The Lion House.  Chapters are also hosting their own Christmas luncheons and teas this month. On December 15th, members will be participating in Wreaths Across America ceremonies across the State.  Color Country and Salt Lake Valley Chapters received a grant ($2500 each) from Wells Fargo for 250 wreaths each.

2018 has been an outstanding year for the Utah State Society.  The above simply highlights the accomplishments, enthusiasm, the gift of time and talent and compassion our members not only give to the State Society and National organization but to each other.   We have amazing members!

Annalise and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  2019 is going to be a mind blowing!

Blessings,

Susan Holt

Utah State Regent, NSDAR

 

 

 

 

 

May 2014

Dear Daughters,

Your State Regent was invited to the Arizona State Conference April-30-May 3 in Phoenix, Arizona.   Danna Koelling (Az State Regent) hosted guest State Regents from Massachusetts, Nevada, and Utah. Ann Dillon, First Vice President General was the honored guest at this event. This officer finds that Daughters from around the country are united in DAR work and live the DAR motto:  “God, Home, and Country.”

Utah’s State Winner of the Good Citizen Essay Contest has been chosen as the National Winner.  Bonnie Bennett, East High School, will be awarded a $5,000.00 scholarship to the college of her choice (Harvard) by NSDAR President Lynne Forney Young in Washington D.C. The event will be held at the Education Award’s Night, June 26, 2014.  We are proud of our National Winner, sponsored by Princess Timpanogos Chapter.  The picture shows chapter and state support to fund Bonnie’s airfare to Washington DC: Harriet Rasmussen, PT Chapter Regent, Bonnie Bennett, Shirley Nelson Utah State Regent, and Judy Barking Vice Regent, State Regent Elect. (photo by Belinda Barking)

May was busy with Installations of new Chapter officers in Uintah, Princess Timpanogos, and Wasatch Range. One of the joys of this officer has been to visit Utah Daughters and to discover their good works.

Jacque’s Jacobs, director of Jacque’s Preschool in Taylorsville, Utah, received an “Americanism Award” from the Princess Timpanogos Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on May 22, 2014. DAR supports endeavors in the following three areas: education, patriotism, and historical preservation. This award recognized the preschool’s outstanding teaching of patriotism to the students and the staff’s continual recognition of veterans in the community.

Pictured l-r:  Shirley Nelson, Utah State Regent, Jacque Jacobs, Heather Armstrong, Sr. Leader C.A.R., Judy Mayfield, Princess Timpanogos Chapter Regent. 

Jacque’s Preschool Staff

This officer spoke at the Naturalization Court, Friday June 6, 2014 in the new Federal Court House, 500 South and West Temple. The event was held for the first time in its new facilities. Judge David Sam presided with the help of State Americanism Chairman, Carol Howard.  Following the proceedings, Carol and your State Regent were personally invited to view Judge Sam’s new office and the main court room for the building. All daughters should make it a priority to attend Naturalization Court and to better still, participate by leading a Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States or giving a short Patriotic Speech of Welcome to the new citizens.  Contact Carol Howard if you are interested.

Carol Howard, Judge Sam, Shirley Nelson
“Here comes the judge!”

Before attending Continental Congress, Golden Spike has invited this officer to speak at their Flag Day festivities in Ogden, Utah. Then, it is off to Washington D.C. to attend a NBOM and to report on the wonderful work of Utah daughters this past year.

June 29, 2014, State Regent Elect, Judy Barking and Vice Regent Elect, Brenda Reeder, will be installed officially at ceremonies in Washington D.C.  The State Regent’s Sash will pass onto a new administration. Congratulations Judy and Brenda.

“Thanks for the Memories.”

Your State Regent,
Shirley Nelson

2014 Spring Conference

Dear Daughters,

This officer wishes to thank you for your support and friendship extended her during these past two years as your State Regent. It has been a pleasure to serve with you.

The Spring Conference, “Points of Light” celebrated our great society of Utah Daughters and their many accomplishments.  First Vice President General, Ann Dillon was our honored guest.  She was joined by guest State Regents:  Danna Koelling AZ; Rebecca Eisenman NV, and Janelle Braithwait, WA. Here are some pictures taken by Historian Lisa Hoyt highlighting this annual event:

Thank you for a wonderful conference!

Your State Regent, Shirley Nelson

April 2014

Spring time has been fun filled with the activities and travels of your State Regent. This officer attended the National Board of Management February 6-8, 2014, in Washington D.C.  All state regents join with the National Executive Officers in meetings and activities that help further the National Society DAR.

It was then back to Utah where Children of the American Revolution held their winter meeting in February. These wonderful children are participating in the annual Spring State Conference of USSDAR, April 25-26, 2014, Radisson Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah.

They will be the Color Guard for Saturday’s morning business meeting. The Spring Conference is OPEN to ALL Daughters in the State Society.  Conference registration for this event “Points of Light” is occurring right now.  Details may be found in the Call to Conference March Newsletter.  If you have not received it, please contact your Chapter Regent or Judy Barking j.d.barking@juno.com for a copy.  They will be happy to email you the information. 

After the Color Guard presentation of the C.A.R. Saturday morning, a breakfast and C.A.R. State Conference meeting for the children will be held downstairs at the Copper Canyon Restaurant  9:15am-10:15am.  The young children will then join the Daughters upstairs to hand out gifts and winning silent auction baskets. These are our Junior Pages “in training” , and are very popular with the assembly.

Judy Mayfield and Kari Ann Christensen have been serving this past year as Sr. Presidents in Salt Lake City, Utah and St. George, Utah.  These fine women have done a great job with our young children and teenagers.


March 20-22, 2014, found your State Regent in Reno, Nevada, as a guest of Mrs. Rebecca Eisenman, Nevada State Regent.  It was fun filled days of visiting Virginia City, Nevada, before the State Conference, and an enjoyable weekend of getting to know the Nevada Daughters. Attending other state conferences is a privilege and great opportunity to learn how neighboring states accomplish the many goals of NSDAR and how they emphasize areas of excellence in their own states. This officer enjoyed the meetings and special events sponsored by Mrs. Eisenman. After the Utah State Conference, your State Regent has been invited to attend the Arizona State Conference April 30-May 3, 2014, to be held in Phoenix, Arizona.  Mrs. Danna Koelling, Arizona State Regent will be the hostess.  Both Nevada and Arizona State Regents are the guests of your State Regent at the Utah Spring Conference this month. Come and meet these wonderful Daughters who officiate in their respective states so well.

Most recently, April 3, 2014, this officer spoke at a Girl Scout Troop in Murray, Utah.  Pictured below are these young girls, who want to know about NSDAR, (part of the merit badge requirement). They are being trained by a professional flag expert on how to present the flag as a Color Guard.  Some of these young girls qualify for C.A.R. and are interested in joining the Dominquez y Escalante Society here in Salt Lake City.  Their leaders are excited about the opportunities the C.A.R. has to enhance their Girl Scout goals.

Daughters, you are most welcome to join with the Utah State Society in the Spring Conference to be held in a few weeks.  Please take time to attend a meeting, a luncheon, or a dinner, if you are unable to attend the entire event.  You will learn much about our great Daughters and their examples of “Points of Light” in their communities.  We will also have Mrs. Ann Dillon, First Vice President General, as our honored guest.

In DAR Friendship,
Shirley W. Nelson, State Regent

January 2014

Dear Daughters,

Welcome all to 2014, and another year of DAR achievements. Your State Regent has been busy getting ready for our Utah State Conference, April 24-26, 2104. The spring newsletter with A Call to Conference will be published in early March by Judy Barking, Vice Regent. In the meantime, please circle the dates and join us at the Radisson Hotel in Salt Lake City this spring for a fun and informative time. More details will be coming soon. Brenda Reeder, Conference Chairman, has a great committee working with her.  Our Utah Board of Management was held January 11, 2014.  We meet twice a year to conduct the business of the USSDAR.

December 7, 2104, found this officer enjoying the Christmas Party held at the Lion House. Christine Schultz, President of the Utah Officers Club, planned a festive and entertaining event for all daughters who attended. We had a delicious luncheon, enjoyed singing of the South Davis Junior High choir, and sang Christmas Carols accompanied by Judy Barking.

The Children of the American Revolution, Dominguez y Escalante Chapter, made Christmas cards for our Veterans. Seen in this picture is Sr. President Judy Mayfield, with Matthew delivering cards to the George A. Wahlen Veterans Hospital in December.

Many Utah daughters attended Wreaths Across America December 14, 2014, at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Bluffdale, Utah.  Nancy Longhurst, Commemorative Events State Chairman records that:  “We were privileged to hear from Sterling Poulson, of KUTV, as he led the day’s ceremonies and spoke enumerating the freedoms we enjoy and the rights we have.  In addition to Mr. Poulsen, KUTV also had a cameraman on hand, and a report was given about Wreaths Across America on the evening news. DAR State Project Patriot Chair Pat Moseman’s interview was broadcast and there was a quick camera pan of DAR members lined up in the cemetery, placing wreaths at the headstones of Vietnam and World War II Veterans.

Your State Regent looks forward to another National Board of Management in Washington D.C. February 6-8, 2014. It is always enjoyable to rekindle friendships with other DAR State Regents from across America.

In DAR Friendship,
Shirley Nelson

December 2013

Dear Daughters,

The month of October was a busy one. October 3, your State Regent attended the National Board of Management in Washington D.C.  to visit with our new President General, Mrs. Lynn Forney Young.

All State Regents met with National Chairmen of DAR Committees in a fun workshop.  Afterwards the group went for a short walk to the WW II monument to greet the Honor Flight from Texas. These flights are sponsored by citizens in their communities to bring WW II Vets to Washington D.C., with a companion see their monument.  It was an emotional time for all of us as flags were waived at the bus stop by over a hundred DAR daughters. We were able to go inside the monument at that time. 
This officer spoke at three chapter meetings about “Points of Light”, her state project.  Celebrating America Volunteerism was discussed.  Chapters are encouraged to tabulate their 2013 hours for the Master Questionnaire Report and Spring Conference Festivities. Hosting her were Bear River, Princess Timpanogos, and Salt Lake Valley Chapters.
Bear River, Joane Jensen Chapter Regent
Harriet Rasmussen Princess Timpanogos Chapter Regent
Dorothy Williams SLV Chapter Regent

The Children of the American Revolution’s November meeting was hosted at the home of your State Regent. These young patriots made Christmas Cards for the Veterans Hospital. Also, they learned about the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry. The Star Spangled Banner was sung and the story of its writing by Francis Scott Key was taught.

 C.A.R. members making Christmas cards for the Veterans Hospital

The month of December will bring two important events for DAR Daughters: 
(1) The Christmas Luncheon at the Lion House, Noon, Saturday December 7, 2013, is for all members of our State Society to enjoy. If you haven’t made your reservation, please call Christine Schultz, (801) 295-8992 or email at christineshultz@comcast.net.  
(2) Wreaths Across America will be celebrated Saturday, December 14, 2013, 10:00am, at the Camp Williams Veteran Cemetery, Bluffdale.
 
May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as we celebrate America.
In DAR friendship,
Shirley Nelson
Utah State Regent NSDAR

September 2013

Dear Daughters,
   
Your Utah State Officers participated in an August 17th Board of Management and Workshop. The new State Regent’s theme, “Points of Light” was presented to Chapter Regents and State Committee Chairmen.

Every Chapter in Utah can be a “Point of Light” in their community. Daughters in their chapters are encouraged to choose what best represents their chapter’s personality in DAR work. Be sure to spread the word so the general public will understand what we do. We hope to hear success stories from each Chapter Regent at State Conference next spring. 

State Chairmen are to encourage the Daughters to join in “Celebrating America” with various activities in their respective assignments. Making items for Veterans, assisting literacy programs in schools, participating in Naturalization Courts, collecting soup labels, box tops for DAR schools, and other DAR activities help bring attention to the community about our story and fine public service.

Volunteerism in the community is part of our President General’s emphasis on “Celebrating America.” All daughters are to report their community service volunteer hours to their chapter regent in monthly meetings, or via e mail. If you have questions as to what counts as community service please contact State Chairman, Katie Madsen, Katie.madsen@me.com. Utah daughters are great volunteers and will shine in this area. Your state regent will count her community service hours in the Coast Guard Auxiliary patrolling lakes and educating the public about boating safety, teaching youth in church, caring for the aged, and speaking at Naturalization Courts. All of you will be able to report the wonderful work you do in your communities and families. Hours for the entire year 2013 will go into a grand total to be displayed at our Spring State Conference.

Our President General, Mrs. Young, has suggested some examples of community service i.e. recycling, volunteering at a school, serving as a team Mom, serving at a library, church, scout troop, sr. citizen group, serving veterans, causes such as breast cancer walks, serving on a board of hospital, historical, or cultural or homeowners association, presenting programs or awards at schools, participating in naturalization ceremonies, parades, bell ringing, mission trips, preserving cemeteries, offering genealogy workshop to the public and serving as a Senior leaders in the CAR. This list is just a suggestion. There are more areas of public service not listed.

September 7th, fall activities began with your regent attending The Children of the American Revolution opening social and picnic at Sr. President Judy Mayfield’s home. A lesson was given on the drums and fife players (which were children ages 10-18 years old) of the Revolutionary War. A picnic and play outside completed the event. Many of the daughters are enrolling their children and grand children in this organization to learn patriotism, history, service, and to have fun. The CAR meets 4 times a year: In November the children will march in a Veterans Parade; in February the children will make Valentines for Veterans, and in April the children will march in the Color Guard for Saturday’s State Conference meeting at the Radisson Hotel. Another chapter of CAR is forming in the St. George Area. Contact KariAnn Christiansen for information in St. George kariann51@msn.com and Judy Mayfield in Salt Lake City jwmayf@gmail.com

 Sr. C.A.R. Leaders: Meredith Frey, Cindy Toone and Judy Mayfield
Princess Timpanogos Chapter’s meeting, September 16th, included a lesson on a “Real Daughter,” Rebecca Winters, buried near Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. Carol Olson, a direct descendant hosted the event at her lovely home. Her patriot, Gideon Burdick was a drummer boy in the Revolutionary War for Independence.  His daughter was Rebecca Burdick Winters. Her monument is cared for by the Nebraska State DAR Society.
P.T. Regent Harriet Rasmussen
Helen Clayton, Jennifer Gray and Francis Merrill
It was a privilege to speak on the Constitution for a few moments at Layton’s Constitution Day Observance Sept 17, 2013.  Golden Spike and Utah Sons of the American Revolution co-sponsored the event.  Lorilee Beazer, GS Regent, Brenda Reeder, Vickie Fuller, were impressed with guest speaker, Stan Ellsworth’s “American Ride” star on Ch21 comments on the Constitution and America.
Left-Right: Lorilee Beazer, Golden Spike Regent; Vickie Fuller, State Registrar; Brenda Reeder, State 2nd Vice Regent, Shirley Nelsons, State Regent

September 18, 2013, this officer attended Bald Eagle’s opening social and meeting in Cedar City, wherein she installed Sandi Brady as the new Chapter Regent and Heidi King, as the new chapter treasurer.

Accompanying the state regent was state chairman of Chapter Development and Revitalization Commission, Judy Mayfield.  LeAnn Riddoch, Color Country Regent and Linda Baldazzi drove from St. George to attend the event. It is always a treat to visit with daughters from all over the state.
September 28, 2013, your state regent attended Wasatch Range Chapter in Orem, Utah, and installed new Chapter Regent, Lorena Norris and Vice Regent, Kathryn Jenson. This officer spoke briefly about the Constitution and displayed The Constitution Flag.  The Daughters were informed as to how they can be a “Point of Light” in Utah County. Many suggestions were given and a chapter project was determined. 
 Lorena Norris, Regent-Wasatch Range

Your State Regent will be off to The National Board of Management October 3, 2013, Washington D.C. While there, the DAR Museum will have its Opening Night with a display called “Creating the Ideal Home 1800-1939”.                                              
In DAR Friendship,
Shirley Nelson,
UTAH STATE REGENT NSDAR

July 2013

Dear Daughters,

Continental Congress in Washington D.C. (June 23-30), was a whirlwind of activity and fun.  The week began with the National Board of Management on Monday conducted by President General Merry Ann T. Wright; and ended with the National Board of Management on Sunday conducted by new President General Lynn Forney Young.  Both of these women are outstanding and great leaders of NSDAR.

It was my responsibility to report about the Utah Society at Conference.  In the short 2 minute report, “We Are Small in Numbers, But Mighty in Spirit”, I mentioned the State Regent’s project of service to Veterans and Project Patriot activities with adopted soldiers and their families.   The Yamaha piano donation to the Fisher House was the highlight of our state conference.

As your State Regent, I was invited to numerous teas, breakfasts, and other social events sponsored by state societies.  I tried to attend most of them.  I represented Utah at the National Officer’s Club, National Chairman’s Club, and State Regent’s Club as well.
Business meetings during the daytime were well attended. Seen sitting in the Utah Box were: Golden West Tea attendees” Front lf-rt Cindy Toone, Shirley Nelson, Ellen Powley; Back lf-rt: Meredith Frey, Lorena Norris Judy Barking, Janis McCoid, LeAnn Eliason, Lisa Hoyt, (not pictured Abby Moser.)
Utah received special recognition in the categories of 100% participation of state members in President General’s Project. Also the State of Utah donated $1,000.00 gift to the Lay Light Project.  We received a Benefactor Award. I was privileged to walk across the platform and represent the Utah State Daughters in both of these recognitions.

Special times included the Gift Giving Ceremony wherein Judy Mayfield had donated to the Library Subscriptions in honor of our mother, Honorary State Regent, Elvira White who passed away last year.  Since Judy could not attend, I was asked to appear with the Librarian General, Joan Hunter at the ceremony.

The Memorial Service on Sunday honored both Elvira White and Mary Urie Honorary State Regents from Utah.  In attendance at that service were:  Shirley Nelson, Janis McCoid, Cindy Toone, Ellen Powley, and Judy Barking. A wreath of flowers honoring these great women, and other National Officers of the society that had passed away last year, was placed at the Founder’s Statue in the garden on C Street.  Installation of the incoming State Regents and President General’s Executive Board followed.
       
Watch for our Utah State Newsletter coming in July with more information of coming events, and pictures of Continental Congress.

Summer is a busy time of planning our DAR Chapter and State events for the next year.   Please mark your calendar for our August State BOM and Workshop coming August 17, 2013.  The Executive Board of Management needs to attend the BOM meeting 9:00-10:15am.  State Chairmen and all members are invited to attend the Workshop and Luncheon which commences at 10:30am –Noon.  Lunch charge will be $10.00 (Please let Brenda Reeder know if you are coming for lunch at kyseeker@comcast.net)  The event will be held at the Salt Lake County Complex 2100 South State Street in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Workshop will bring information on the new State Regent’s focus next year entitled “Points of Light” and how we, as Utah Daughters, will fit into our new President General’s goal of achieving one million hours of volunteerism as we “Celebrate America.”

Utah daughters will shine beautifully in this area.  We already have the volunteerism spirit and will need to report our activities throughout the next few years.  Come and contribute with your ideas as we plan our meetings and committee work to accomplish the DAR mission of Education, Patriotism, and Historic Preservation.
               
In DAR Friendship,

Shirley Nelson

February 2013

Dear Daughters,

Happy New Year!  I hope you are having success as we work together to further the DAR work in Utah.  Thank you to our Chapter Regents for getting their reports in by end of January. I appreciate all that you do for your chapters. And, a special thank you to Debbie Hoyt for her help with the reports.

Dec. 19, 2012, I spoke at a Naturalization Court held in the Rose Wagner Theatre. It is always an inspiration to attend and to be part of the festivities in welcoming new citizens.  Carol Howard, State Chairman, Americanism, has been in charge of the DAR’s involvement with Naturalization for over 10 years.  She is indispensible to the Federal Court. Her many years of service have put DAR in the spotlight when it comes to welcoming new citizens.  Thank you, Carol.

The month of January found me involved with our Utah State Board of Management and the National Board of Management.  As you are aware, Cindy Toone is a Vice President General and serves on the NBM with me.  As we attend the meetings in Washington D.C., we associate with great women from all over the country. We try to be good ambassadors for Utah.
Shirley Nelson and Cindy Toone at National Board of Management

The Library ceiling without the lay lights and the Utah State Flag

 Belinda Barking and Judy Barking auditing USSDAR books

While in Washington D.C., I spent some time at the Children of the American Revolution headquarters. The staff and I discussed how we could promote C.A.R. in Utah. You will hearing more from our Senior State President, Melissa Moon. Plans are to build another chapter in St. George with Organizing Senior President, KariAnn Christiansen, and to be recognized as a state society with two chapters in Utah.

Dominguez y Escalante Society met February 2, 2013. Lisa Hoyt and Meredith Frey gave a presentation on the Declaration of Independence. The children colored pictures of the five authors and learned a little about each one.

Sophie reciting the C.A.R. Creed
Tommy signing the C.A.R. Creed

Jonah signing the C.A.R. Creed

Presentation on the Declaration of Independence

Marching to the C.A.R. Creed song

Plans are under way for our Spring Conference, April 25-27, 2013. You will be receiving our Newsletter in early March with a Call to Conference and all of the details. As you know, we will be entertaining our President General, Mrs. Merry Ann Wright. Come join the fun and excitement as we celebrate our 116th Utah State Conference. If you haven’t made reservations at the Radisson Hotel, please do so today. Questions?  Contact Brenda Reeder, Conference Chair kyseeker@comcast.net

I am really excited to announce that we are going to present our gift of a new piano for the Fisher House at conference. The piano will be on display and play for us during our meals. This is a result of your generous donations and response to the State Regent’s Project. Please accept my thank you for your support. We are over half way there, and plan to raise the final amount with our Silent Auction and Chapter gift baskets. If you want to be included in the drawing for Helen Clayton’s patriotic quilt, be sure to send your $10.00 key donation to Debbie Hoyt. Helen has donated her time and efforts with a beautiful quilt. Thank you, Helen.
        

In DAR friendship,  
Shirley Nelson, State Regent

December 2012

Dear Daughters:  I wish you a Merry Christmas with your families and friends this holiday season. During the past two months, I have been busy attending Chapter Meetings, honoring our Veterans, and enjoying several Christmas celebrations. 

Princess Timpanogos honored their adopted active military serviceman, Reese Hansen, serving in Afghanistan with the Utah Army National Guard. Reese repairs helicopters. His wife, Laura Hansen, little daughter, Blakley,  and parents Lynn and Linda Hansen, were in attendance on November 19, 2012, at the monthly meeting of Princess Timpanogos. They were honored with gift cards and a special General’s Coin from featured speaker, General Peter Cook. Many neighbors and family members attended this special Veteran’s Program hosted by Harriet Rasmussen, Regent Princess Timpanogos.
Laura Hansen receiving General’s Coin from General Peter Cook

 

State Regent, Shirley Nelson, General Peter Cook, Princess Timpanogos Regent, Harriet Rasmussen

Dec. 8, 2012, was our annual Christmas Party at the Lion House sponsored by the Utah State Officer’s Club. Serving with Christine Schultz, President are Jane Nelson Comp, Treasurer, and Lu Fischer, Secretary. We ate a delicious luncheon, listened to professional pianist, Kelsie Call, and sang Christmas Carols, accompanied by Judy Barking, State Vice Regent. It was a great time to renew friendships and meet new members.

 Judy Barking, Vice Regent playing the piano and leading the daughters in Christmas Carols

 

 Guest pianist Kelsie Call provided entertainment

 

Front row: Christine Schultz, President Utah State Officers Club, hostess; 
Shirley Nelson, State Regent; Ellen Powley, Honorary State Regent; 
Back row: Cindy Spencer, Honorary State Regent, Diane Tarbox, Honorary State Regent, Cindy Toone, Vice President General; Janis McCoid, Honorary State Regent

Dec. 15, 2012, found a few of us participating in “Wreaths Across America” at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Camp Williams. We met in the chapel for a ceremonial meeting prior to laying the wreaths. Afterwards, Pat Moseman, State Chairman Project Patriot, and Janis McCoid, Honorary State Regent, and I braved the winter storm that day as we ventured outside to lay wreaths on Veteran’s graves in a foot of snow. 

State Regent, Shirley Nelson and Pat Moseman, State Project Patriot Chair
Shirley Nelson, Janis McCoid, Pat Moseman

 

Immediately following the activities at Camp Williams, Judy Mayfield, State Organizing Secretary, and I stopped by Ellen Powley’s home to visit her mother Ellen Lockwood.  Mrs. Lockwood has been a member of DAR for 68 years. She and her daughter, Ellen Powley (Honorary State Regent, Past Vice President General, and Past Recording Secretary General) have offered years of service to our organization.  We enjoyed our visit with both of these fine women.

 

Ellen Lockwood, DAR member 68 years with Shirley Nelson

Next on the agenda was the Wasatch Range’s Christmas Party at Kathryn Jenson’s home in Provo, Utah.  Kathryn is presently serving as our State Chaplain.  Regent Carol McPheeters presided at this festive event.   We enjoyed delicious goodies and were enthralled to hear stories by Norman and Shirley Tong who lived, as children, through the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.

WR Project Patriot Chair, Joan Van Duzer with wool helmet liner
Carol Ann McPheeters, Regent WR; Lorena Norris, Chapter Vice Regent;
Joan Van Duzer, Registrar; Arelene Andrus, Chaplain; Kathryn Madsen, Secretary; Shirley Nelson, State Regent and Pam Foosum, Treasurer, Catherine Brunko (back)
Carol McPheeters, Regent WR; Lorena Norris, State Recording Secretary;
Kathryn Jenson, State Chaplain; Ellen Powley, Honorary State Regent;
Shirley Nelson, State Regent and Judy Mayfield, State Organizing Secretary

After the wonderful meeting we drove to Lorena Norris’s home to view her many beautiful quilts. Lorena, State Recording Secretary, will be donating her famous “Sego Lily” quilt to the silent auction in April at our State Conference. Proceeds will go towards the piano for the Fisher House. We are looking for other donations from members to help with this silent auction. We hope to finish raising the monies for the piano at our State Conference, April 25-27, 2013; and, to present it to Mrs. Quinn Kiger-Good at the Friday evening banquet, April 26th, 2013. Members may still buy a $10.00/piano key by sending their checks to Debbie Hoyt, State Treasurer. (Checks are to be made to USSDAR.) All piano key donations will be entered in a drawing for our patriotic quilt made by Helen Clayton, State Veterans Chairman.

The Daughters in Utah are so talented and dedicated to our Veterans and Active Military Service men and women. We look forward in the New Year to have more opportunities for Veteran service as the Utah Society participates in the State Regent’s Project, “Honor our Veterans and Active Military Service Heroes.”

We plan on celebrating our many DAR accomplishments when our President General, Merry Ann Wright, comes to our State Conference at the Radisson Hotel in Salt Lake City, April 25-27th. All daughters are encouraged to attend the Friday business meetings and luncheon to hear Mrs. Wright.  She is an outstanding President General, friendly and knowledgeable about DAR.  Please mark it on your 2013 calendar and let’s show her how great the Utah Daughters of the American Revolution are.

Shirley Nelson, State Regent and Merry Ann Wright, President General NSDAR

My best wishes to you all for a Happy New Year 2013!

In DAR Friendship

Shirley Nelson, State Regent