Bakersfield.com

Santa Clara, CA

The Santa Clara Marriott Hotel welcomed Bakersfield DAR Chapter Regent Linda Adams and Chapter Treasurer Mary Ann Claxton to the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution to their 101st State Conference held on Thursday, March 12, through Sunday, March 15. On opening night, State Regent Leonora Branca gave a warm greeting to the over 400 members who attended the conference. After the colors were presented by the Naval Reserve Center San Jose Color Guard, greetings and a proclamation were given by Patricia M. Mahan, Mayor of the City of Santa Clara. State awards were presented for community service and good citizenship among others. The purpose of the conference is to present awards and receive annual reports from California’s hard-working chapters and committees.

The California State Society was organized in 1891 and it’s more than
8,000 members comprising 116 chapters remain dedicated to furthering the National Society DAR goals of patriotism, education and historical preservation. In the spirit of hospitality, the California Daughters actively seek new members!

Other highlights of the conference included the National Defense Luncheon and the Debutante Presentation and Banquet. The speaker at the luncheon was Michael P.C. Carns, General U.S. Air Force (Retired). The General is a command pilot with more than 6,400 flying hours. His numerous military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak cluster, Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Star Legion of Merit with three oak clusters.

Saturday evening’s Debutante Presentation served to introduce the young women who are eligible to become DAR junior members to the members of the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Holly Jamison, a junior vocal performance major at the University of the Pacific, entertained with brio.

The slogan for 2008-2010 is “California DAR goes Green”. Under the
Leadership of State Regent Leonora Branca, California daughters now receive their newsletter over the internet. Also, DAR members may be seen carrying their new green bags, the proceeds from the sale of which are going to purchase eco-boxes --- self-guided audio tours to be located in the new Condor Country at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

“Condors are important, they are endangered, but they are making a comeback”, says Leonora Branca. DAR has supported conservation projects for almost 100 years.

The National Society DAR was founded in 1890. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American Independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations.

To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit Bakersfield Chapter's website at www.californiadar.org/chapters/bakersfield/bakersfield.htm