Chapter's National Day of Service 2022
Casa GrandeValley Chapter Celebrated the 2022 National Day of Service by helping the HOHP Transition Center prepare to install their new kitchen
Chapter's National Day of Service 2021
Casa Grande Valley Chapter met for our first monthly community service social to honor October National Day of Service. Chapter members Mary Milan, Elaine Wagner, Sue Rekart, Bev Ridley, Lucy Akers, Betsy Lair, Barbara Simon and Barbara Schulz flattened and cut plastic bags to prepare them for crocheting sleeping mats for the homeless. Regent Barbara Schulz and Vice Regent Betsy Lair prepared a buffet lunch for the participants. Pictured below on left, Mary Milan, Elaine Wagner, Bev Ridley, Sue Rekart, and Betsy Lair and on right Sue, Bev, Lucy Akers and Betsy. On left, Barbara Simon and right, Mary Milan and Elain Wagner preparing the mats.
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Casa Grande Valley Chapter's 40th Anniversary
The chapter celebrated its 40th Anniversary on October 1 with a luncheon at The Property. The Casa Grande Valley Chapter received a Proclamation from the City of Casa Grande and a Commendation from Doug Ducey, Governor of Arizona, that honored and recognized the 40 years of the chapter's existence. Arizona State Officers and a large contingency of DAR daughters from across the state gathered to celebrate the event. Here are pictures of some of the attendees.
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Shown on left, Charter members Vesta Diveley and her daughter, Letatia Passmore with State Regent Morgan Elliot and right middle, Tina Schulz and Honorary Chapter Regent Joyce Wold. Lower, from left Chapter Chaplain and Parliamentarian Lucy Akers, ASDAR State Chaplain Marjorie Nelson, Coy Cornforth, Nancy Holcombe and Phyllis Peterson. On right, from left, Nancy Harrison, Roberta Doerges, Kristen Mathias, Terri Clarke and ASDAR State Recording Secretary Sarah Ziker.
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Above, left, ASDAR State Registrar Tammi Barrick, Beverly Everett, Anna Peterson and far right Charter Member Lee Herman and right Judy Buhs and Honorary Chapter Regent Gail Piggott. Below left, Chapter Anniversary Co-Chair and Recording Secretary Barbara Simon, Zelma Levering and Mary Milan. Right, Nancy Cooney, Nancy Zales, Sandra Sylte and Christina Ellis.
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Far left, after the luncheon, some attendees toured the Casa Grande Ruins in Coolidge. Right, Co-Chair of the Anniversary Committee Lannie Wagner in preparation for the luncheon. Part of the celebration included the formal announcement of the chapter history book,
40 Years of Service ~ A History of the Casa Grande Valley Chapter, NSDAR By Janet R. Klein. Thumb drives of the book are available for $15.00 through Barbara Simon, Chapter Corresponding Secretary. Below on left, Trish Lepper, Peggy Jackson and Mitzi Iverson; center, Chapter Registrar Sue Rekart and right, Christina Ellis, Marion Snyder and Paradise Valley Chapter Regent, Carolyn Rearley. |
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State Regent's Ironwood Tree Project
On Tuesday, September 28, Casa Grande Valley Chapter members were joined by Arizona State Regent Morgan Elliot and Kandy Wagenbach to assist in the planting of a desert ironwood tree next to Casa Grande Middle School. Below on left, are Kandy and Morgan, and right, Chapter Regent Barbara Schulz and Lucy Akers with Morgan looking on. Lower left, are Lannie Wagner and Roberta Doerges and right, Nancy Harrison.
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September, 2021 Meeting
In addition to officer and committee reports, Sandra Sylte was installed as a new member. She is shown below with Chaplain Lucy Akers and Registrar Sue Rekart. The chapter also memorialized departing members Ann Dessert, shown on rightwith her Community Service Award and Nancy Wofford shown below. Nancy received the NSDAR Women in American History Award in 2019.
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ASDAR Fall Forum, 2021
Chapter members who participated in the ASDAR Fall Forum are shown below. Left front, Sue Rekart, Chapter Registrar and Barb Simon, Chapter Recording Secretary; Back: Joyce Wold, Elaine Wagner, Chapter Treasurer and Nancy Zales. Below are Barbara Schulz, Chapter Regent and Sue Rekart before the formal dinner.
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Arts Initiative Chapter Design
The plaque that described our horse design named Patriot has now been displayed.
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Memorial Day, 2021
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Casa Grande Valley Chapter members attended the Memorial Day service at Mountain View Cemetery where Sue Turley Wax and Jenny Reid were part of the flag and wreath processional. Here are Sue and Jenny with our chapter banner and wreath. Other daughters in attendance including Sue Kekart, Elaine Wagner, Barbara Simon, Beverly Ridley and Marion Snyder, shown below, front row. Past Regent Merrilyn Ridgeway was presented with a memorial plaque recognizing her partner David Snider who passed away this spring. David was master of ceremonies of this event for many years. This picture courtesy of the Casa Grande Dispatch.
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American Heritage Committee Award
The Casa Grande Valley Chapter, NSDAR presented Kristal Hoeh the American Heritage Committee’s Women in the Arts Recognition Award. Kristal has been very active in Maricopa’s arts community and has taught and demonstrated artwork in multiple forms. She was the artist chosen for Casa Grande Valley Chapter’s sponsored horse statue, Patriot, in the Maricopa Art's Initiative.
Shown is Regent Barbara Schulz, Kristal Hoeh, and Chapter Chair of the Art's Initiative, Lucy Akers.
Shown is Regent Barbara Schulz, Kristal Hoeh, and Chapter Chair of the Art's Initiative, Lucy Akers.
Lucy Akers Recipient of Community Service Award
The chapter was proud to present the Community Service award to Lucy Akers. Lucy earned her award as chairperson of our chapter's participation in the Maricopa Arts Initiative. She researched the possibilities for chapter participation in this project, brought it to the members and followed through with the details needed to complete the project. Lucy contacted an artist, Kristal Melody Hoeh, and arranged for her to bring her design plans to the chapter in October. In addition, her work continued as Kristal’s design required approval of the City of Maricopa.
Lucy also coordinated with the City of Maricopa for the best location with maximum public access as well as handled all fund raising and keeping the chapter up to date on the progress. Our entry named Patriot is now on display in front of the Maricopa police substation, Copper Sky Recreation Complex in Maricopa.
On left is Lucy with her certificate and medal and right, Regent Barbara Schulz, Lucy Akers, Kristal Melody Hoeh, and Past Regent Merrilyn Ridgeway with Patriot.
Lucy also coordinated with the City of Maricopa for the best location with maximum public access as well as handled all fund raising and keeping the chapter up to date on the progress. Our entry named Patriot is now on display in front of the Maricopa police substation, Copper Sky Recreation Complex in Maricopa.
On left is Lucy with her certificate and medal and right, Regent Barbara Schulz, Lucy Akers, Kristal Melody Hoeh, and Past Regent Merrilyn Ridgeway with Patriot.
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Chapter Recognized for NSDAR American Spirit Magazine Subscriptions |
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NSDAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award for Margaret Clarey
Congratulations to chapter member Margaret Clarey who was awarded the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award and Medal for her work on the restoration of a railroad cart found in storage at the Pinal County Historical Museum. Pictured below on left is the cart after restoration and on right, Margaret with the cart on display at the Florence museum. Lower, the cart before restoration and Margaret's certificate and medal. Pictures courtesy of Sue Rekart.
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Margaret Clarey receives Community Service Award
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The chapter recently presented new member Margaret Clarey a Community Service Award for Excellence in Volunteerism. Her capstone project for the Members' Course included recognizing and identifying the graves of Vietnam veterans in three area cemeteries, Mountain View, Florence and the Valley Memorial Park in Coolidge. She compiled lists of Vietnam veterans buried in these cemeteries and put those names in a virtual cemetery on the Find A Grave website found at these links below:
https://www.findagrave.com/virtual-cemetery/1203168 https://www.findagrave.com/virtual-cemetery/1203015 https://www.findagrave.com/virtual-cemetery/1207264 Each memorial is marked with the Vietnam War Veterans badge and this notation: "Thank you for your service. Honored by the Casa Grande Valley Chapter NSDAR." The badge is shown at right. Margaret tediously checked for any tombstones that showed Vietnam War service and found additional veteran names by searching for obituaries in the Casa Grande Dispatch. In addition, she shared these lists with our chapter, the three cemeteries and with Kim Vandenberg at the HOHP Veterans Center. This is a wonderful recognition for our veterans, their families and genealogists. Congratulations, Margaret, on your work with this important and worthwhile project! |
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2020-2021 New Members
We welcome new members Sue Rekart, Margaret Clarey, Phyllis Peterson, Janet Arnold, Julia Grant and Sandra Sylte.
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This is Patriot, Chapter Design for CAAAC Dedicated
The Daughters of the American Revolution design, "Historic Preservation, Education, Patriotism” was selected as one of ten sculpted horse designs approved by the Cultural Affairs and Arts Advisory Committee (CAAAC) in partnership with the city of Maricopa. Our entry named Patriot is on display in front of the Copper Sky Recreation Complex in Maricopa as part of the City Manager’s Public Arts Initiative. On left is the plaque that accompanies the artwork. On right is Jacque Schell, Committee Chair Lucy Akers and Regent Barbara Schulz at the dedication.
The chapter artist was Kristal Melody Hoeh shown on right with Lucy Akers and Barbara Schulz. This photo shows the reverse side of the horse with the NSDAR objectives, Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism. This chapter initiative is an excellent way to share our DAR message with the residents and visitors of Maricopa and Pinal County.
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Chapter Design Update of Maricopa Wild Horses –Arts Initiative
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Our chapter was selected as one of ten sculpted horse designs approved by the Cultural Affairs and Arts Advisory Committee (CAAAC) in partnership with the city of Maricopa. There were 49 different designs submitted. Our design will be one of the first ten fiberglass horses that will be on display next spring in Maricopa as part of the City Manager’s Public Arts Initiative. On right is a photo of the up-to-date design. The chapter artist is Kristal Melody Hoeh, who attended the October meeting and presented various patriotic design plans.
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Sponsorships were $4,000 with $1,000 provided to the artist and recognition of the sponsor on the sculpture and $3,000 for the horse. Lucy has collected approximately ¼ of the cost. If you have interest in donating to this initiative, contact Lucy at 520-568-9414 or akerslucy@gmail.com. This is an excellent way to share our DAR message with the residents of Maricopa.
Wreaths Across America National Historic Preservation
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Casa Grande Valley Chapter member Rebecca Waters participated with her family with a Wreaths Across America tribute to her husband, Corporal Rogers Waters at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA.
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At the Maricopa City Council meeting on December 15, Mayor Christian Price presented an Historic Preservation Award to Michael Riggs, on behalf of the Casa Grande Valley Chapter, NSDAR. The chapter was pleased to award Riggs a certificate and medal noting Excellence in Historic Preservation. Chapter Regent Barbara Schulz of Maricopa became interested in the move of the 1948 California Zephyr rail car, because of its importance in the transportation history of the United States. Riggs’ work was essential in the actual moving of the car when the railroad overpass was built in Maricopa. Above Michael Riggs and Mayor Christian Price.
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Women's Equality Day
Pictured below, L-R, Rebecca Waters, Sue Rekart, Roberta Doerges, Elaine Wagner and Jan Klein show proclamations received from city mayors celebrating Women's Equality Day celebrated on August 26.. The daughters are standing in front of a National Archives travelling exhibit called " Rightfully Hers” which documents the history of the 19th amendment with text and photos. Below photo is a portion of an article published in the Casa Grande Dispatch. Photo courtesy of Melissa St. Aude, Pinal Central.
CASA GRANDE — Wearing white sashes emblazoned with “Votes for Women” and donning hats and 1920s-era clothing, members of the Casa Grande Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered near the Main Library on Wednesday morning to pay tribute to those who struggled to achieve voting equity.
Wednesday was Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a measure that gave women the right to vote. Groups nationwide are celebrating the anniversary. On Women’s Equality Day, we remember the very strong and brave women who made the 19th Amendment possible,” said Jan Klein of the Casa Grande Valley DAR.
Wednesday was Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a measure that gave women the right to vote. Groups nationwide are celebrating the anniversary. On Women’s Equality Day, we remember the very strong and brave women who made the 19th Amendment possible,” said Jan Klein of the Casa Grande Valley DAR.
October Meeting Highlights
On October 6, 2020, Casa Grande Valley Chapter, NSDAR held an in person meeting using social distancing and masks, so that we could say good by to our friend and member Janet Klein. We all wish her well in her new life in Minnesota.
Jan's response: I have now had a day to digest all of the kindnesses showed to me at our meeting on Saturday. I so appreciated the sweet words of goodbyes, the wonderful gifts from the chapter and individual members, and the scrumptious cupcakes you sent home with me. Thank you all, dear friends! I am grateful for your friendships and your heart-felt send off messages.
Jan's response: I have now had a day to digest all of the kindnesses showed to me at our meeting on Saturday. I so appreciated the sweet words of goodbyes, the wonderful gifts from the chapter and individual members, and the scrumptious cupcakes you sent home with me. Thank you all, dear friends! I am grateful for your friendships and your heart-felt send off messages.
Golden Corridor Magazine, September 24, 2020
DESSERT SPENDS GOLDEN YEARS SERVING CG KIDS, COMMUNITY
This is a wonderful tribute for our 99-year old member Ann Dessert written by Donna McBride, Pinal County Juvenile Court Program Administrator II:
They say “good things come in small packages.” In the case of community activist Ann Dessert, it couldn’t be truer. This petite woman has a presence of a queen walking into a room. Everyone notices her. And if you are lucky enough, you might get to know her.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut in March 1921, Ann graduated from high school in Massachusetts before attending the Leland Powers School of the Theater, where she studied to be a radio broadcaster.
Ann said that turned out to be futile, as women weren’t radio broadcasters back then, so she enrolled in the Gallagher Business School and later graduated from De Anza College with a degree in liberal arts.
Ann found work as a secretary in insurance, manufacturing, a school and even the United States Army Ordnance Corp during World War II. It was at the Corp’s San Francisco District where she worked for a man who would become her husband in October 1946. Together, they celebrated two children.
Ann proved her leadership status by offering her time and commitment to a variety of organizations. Fast forward to Casa Grande. It was 2004 and Ann was trying to sell her car. A man stopped by the house and they struck up a conversation. He started telling her about a program called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and said he thought she’d make a good volunteer for the program. He was Judge Gilberto V. Figueroa from Pinal County Superior Court.
CASA Coordinator Pam Burke came to Ann’s house to interview her and do a background check. We don’t know if Ann convinced the judge to buy her car, but he sure sold her on the program because Ann started her career as a CASA advocate on December 10, 2004 at the age of 83.
For the past 16 years she has handled cases involving 13 children and their families, not to mention mentoring new advocates coming into the program, helping in the office and attending dozens of events on behalf of CASA.
For seven years she had the role of Mrs. Claus at the annual Christmas party for children in foster care hosted by the Pinal Council for CASA/Foster, Inc. Ann’s specialty is bringing people together and getting things done, especially for children. She has helped the CASA council fundraise for its programs and events. She has also served as the official parliamentarian.
Burk said, “Ann brings a bell with her to the meetings and will ring it when people are talking over each other. Everyone stops talking when she rings the bell. It’s like you got caught talking in church!”
She does not demand respect, but everyone wants to have her respect. She is kind, thoughtful and when she commits, she is all in.
Ann is also the conservation chair of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She has raised money for the annual Science Olympiad and sponsored the Pinal Elementary Science Olympiad. It seems fundraising is in her blood.
Ann admits she didn’t set out to be a “community leader.” She’s always been willing to help any organization that she gets involved with. Once she starts helping, it becomes a habit. Ann says, “There is an old saying that says, ‘In an organization 10% of the people do 90% of the work.’ I found this to be true. However, once you are comfortable being the 10% you realize that you have the satisfaction of things getting done and being able to see what you have accomplished.”
What advice does this classy lady of 99 years young have on leadership and community involvement? “My advice is to get involved. If you see something that needs to be done, then get started and complete the task. As you go, bring others along to help. The sidelines may seem safe and stress-free, but they are not as interesting, exciting, satisfying and fun as getting to work and getting things done.”
This is a wonderful tribute for our 99-year old member Ann Dessert written by Donna McBride, Pinal County Juvenile Court Program Administrator II:
They say “good things come in small packages.” In the case of community activist Ann Dessert, it couldn’t be truer. This petite woman has a presence of a queen walking into a room. Everyone notices her. And if you are lucky enough, you might get to know her.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut in March 1921, Ann graduated from high school in Massachusetts before attending the Leland Powers School of the Theater, where she studied to be a radio broadcaster.
Ann said that turned out to be futile, as women weren’t radio broadcasters back then, so she enrolled in the Gallagher Business School and later graduated from De Anza College with a degree in liberal arts.
Ann found work as a secretary in insurance, manufacturing, a school and even the United States Army Ordnance Corp during World War II. It was at the Corp’s San Francisco District where she worked for a man who would become her husband in October 1946. Together, they celebrated two children.
Ann proved her leadership status by offering her time and commitment to a variety of organizations. Fast forward to Casa Grande. It was 2004 and Ann was trying to sell her car. A man stopped by the house and they struck up a conversation. He started telling her about a program called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and said he thought she’d make a good volunteer for the program. He was Judge Gilberto V. Figueroa from Pinal County Superior Court.
CASA Coordinator Pam Burke came to Ann’s house to interview her and do a background check. We don’t know if Ann convinced the judge to buy her car, but he sure sold her on the program because Ann started her career as a CASA advocate on December 10, 2004 at the age of 83.
For the past 16 years she has handled cases involving 13 children and their families, not to mention mentoring new advocates coming into the program, helping in the office and attending dozens of events on behalf of CASA.
For seven years she had the role of Mrs. Claus at the annual Christmas party for children in foster care hosted by the Pinal Council for CASA/Foster, Inc. Ann’s specialty is bringing people together and getting things done, especially for children. She has helped the CASA council fundraise for its programs and events. She has also served as the official parliamentarian.
Burk said, “Ann brings a bell with her to the meetings and will ring it when people are talking over each other. Everyone stops talking when she rings the bell. It’s like you got caught talking in church!”
She does not demand respect, but everyone wants to have her respect. She is kind, thoughtful and when she commits, she is all in.
Ann is also the conservation chair of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She has raised money for the annual Science Olympiad and sponsored the Pinal Elementary Science Olympiad. It seems fundraising is in her blood.
Ann admits she didn’t set out to be a “community leader.” She’s always been willing to help any organization that she gets involved with. Once she starts helping, it becomes a habit. Ann says, “There is an old saying that says, ‘In an organization 10% of the people do 90% of the work.’ I found this to be true. However, once you are comfortable being the 10% you realize that you have the satisfaction of things getting done and being able to see what you have accomplished.”
What advice does this classy lady of 99 years young have on leadership and community involvement? “My advice is to get involved. If you see something that needs to be done, then get started and complete the task. As you go, bring others along to help. The sidelines may seem safe and stress-free, but they are not as interesting, exciting, satisfying and fun as getting to work and getting things done.”
Constitution Week Activities, 2020
Shown above is Jan Klein, Coy Cornforth, Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland, Merrilyn Ridgeway, Rebecca Waters and Roberta Doerges receiving the city's Constitution Week proclamation.
Chapter Flag Initiative
The Casa Grande Valley Chapter received ASDAR recognition for presenting flags to 13 entities who flew the American flag. Thanks to members Susie Wax, Barbara Schulz, Cheri Bogowitz, Jacque Schell, and Lucy Akers for identifying and presenting these flag certificates. Pictured are Cheri Bogowitz presenting a certificate to Brown Homes and Susie Wax with the Elks Club presentation. Thanks, ASDAR for this special award!
The Casa Grande Valley Chapter received ASDAR recognition for presenting flags to 13 entities who flew the American flag. Thanks to members Susie Wax, Barbara Schulz, Cheri Bogowitz, Jacque Schell, and Lucy Akers for identifying and presenting these flag certificates. Pictured are Cheri Bogowitz presenting a certificate to Brown Homes and Susie Wax with the Elks Club presentation. Thanks, ASDAR for this special award!
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2020 Election of Officers
Because our bylaws didn't allow for electronic voting for new officers, we held a drive through election on June 6. Social distancing was practiced and masks were the order of the day. Here are members who assisted in the election: front, newly elected Regent Barbara Schulz and past Historian Nancy Harrison; back, Past Secretary Roberta Doerges, new Registrar Sue Rekart, new Chaplain Lucy Akers and past Registrar Cheri Bogowitz. All of the new officers are shown on the Chapter Officers tab.
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Memorial Day, 2020
The Casa Grande Valley Chapter continued its representation at the annual Memorial Day program held at Mountain View Cemetery. This year, however, it was a virtual ceremony and the photo below taken from the video captures our DAR flag and our wreath on its right while the bugler is playing taps. Our thanks to Susie Wax and Jenny Reid for carrying our flag and wreath.
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Good Citizen and ROTC Awardees
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We are proud to announce the following students have been recognized as recipients of their high school’s DAR Good Citizen and ROTC awards. The Good Citizen awardees are the following: Mission Heights Preparatory High School, Rebekah Calvert; Maricopa High School, Freya Abraham, Casa Grande Union High School, Carli Reed and Vista Grande High School, Jasmine Moreno. ROTC bronze medals were awarded to Cadet Denali Vandam, Maricopa High School and Cadet Keiona Ashiking, Casa Grande Union High School. In addition to their medals and pins, each student received a certificate and a cash award. L to R, Jasmine Moreno, Denali Vandam, Freya Abraham, Keiona Ashiking and Carli Reid. Congratulations to these fine representatives from their high schools.
ASDAR State Conference
Our Conservation Chair Ann Dessert received a special certificate from ASDAR during their virtual spring conference for her plus 10-year involvement with Arbor Day and other conservation initiatives. Here she is with her certificate and a copy of that certificate. Photo by Merrilyn Ridgeway. Social distancing and masks were in place.
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The ASDAR Hat Derby Parade was an activity that was going to be part of the now cancelled spring conference. The categories the hat that was the Prettiest, Patriotic and Unusual. Three chapter members submitted their hats and Lucy Akers won second place in the unusual category. Congratulations! Shown are Lucy’s, Barbara Schulz’ and Jan Klein's creations.
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Winter 2020 Events
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Above left, the Honorable Judge William O'Neil is presented a Certificate of Appreciation after addressing our chapter on the Bill of Rights; center, presenters Jan Klein, Pat Gibbons and Nancy Harrison are dressed in colonial gowns while presenting a Constitution Week presentation at Cactus Middle School; and right past Regents Merrilyn Ridgeway and Gail Piggott after a meeting of past regents.
Annual Pinal County Genealogists Workshop
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Chapter members have been a part of this workshop for the past three years, the first two being presentations on DAR, the website and how to become a member. Plus they allow our group to have an informational table for handouts and information on how to join DAR. Above left Regent Jan Klein is manning the table and right, chapter members displayed their DAR certificates.
Chapter Honors Casa Grande Dispatch Co-Publishers and Chapter Photo
Past Regent Merrilyn Ridgeway and Regent Jan Klein present a Certificate of Merit to Co-Publisher Donovan Kramer of the Casa Grande Dispatch. Member and Co-Publisher Kara Cooper was also honored on the certificate. We took a chapter photo at our Christmas meeting. Shown below are our members and guests who attended the meeting: Row 1: Merrilyn Ridgeway, Mary Lee Mathias, Barbara Schulz, Jan Klein, Cheri Bogowitz, Roberta Doerges and Ann Dessert; Row 2: Bev Ridley, Sherri Hagemo, Peggy Jackson, Betsy Lair, Karen Newman, Cathy Rogers, Becky Waters, Mary Milan, Lucy Akers and Jenny Reid; Row 3: Marion Snyder, Kristin Mathias, Sue Rekart, Sue Turley, Barbara Simon, Lannie Wagner, and Coy Cornforth.
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January 2020 Meeting
We had the privilege of enjoying the play "Learning to Fly", a play that honored aviator Amelia Earhart when she visited Casa Grande in 1928. This original production was written by Casa Grande resident Stacey Seaman. Our members were fascinated about this history of Casa Grande that touched on women's rights, racism, and the role of women in that time. Pictured left to right: Roberta C. Doerges, Stacey Seaman, Alice P. Rebecchi, Jeanne Kolder and Jamie Hayes. We also installed Treasurer Jacque Schell and Librarian Trish Lepper at that meeting. L - R, Chaplain Nancy Holcome, Jacque, Trish and Regent Jan Klein.
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Christmas 2019
Our chapter celebrated Christmas with a holiday brunch served by our Hospitality Committee led by Beverly Ridley and includes Barbara Simon, Mary Milan, Lannie Wagner, and Karen Newman. The tables were festively decorated, we played ice-breaker games, sang Christmas carols and ended the day with wassail and gingerbread cookies. Shown below are Karen Newman, Mary Milan and Barbara Simon preparing the meal and the table of veterans gifts donated by members.
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Veteran's Day Parade, Casa Grande and Maricopa, 2019
Members dressed in colonial gowns and sang "You're A Grand Old Flag" along the parade routes. The crowd reaction was patriotic and appreciative! Photos, Top, L to R, the Casa Grande, Coy Cornforth handing out flags on the route; Right, L - R, Coy Cornforth, Trish Lepper, Barb Simon, Jacque Schell, Mary Milan, Bev Ridley and Lucy Akers. Middle, the Maricopa parade with riders Merrilyn Ridgeway, Jan Klein, Barbara Simon, Jacqui Schell and Nancy Zales. Left, Merrilyn Ridgeway. Lower, Barbara Simon and riders Lucy Akers, Cathy Rogers, Trish Lepper and Barbara Simon. Thanks to Chair Lucy Akers for coordinating both parades and drivers Joe Schell and Ken Lepper.
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2019 New Members (Continued)
Barbara Simon, Deanna (Dee Dee) Davis, Melinda Hardin, Peggy Jackson, and Marion Snyder
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Community Outreach of Robson Ranch
The Casa Grande Valley Chapter recently honored member Betty Peterson, the Founder and President of Community Outreach of Robson Ranch and the Heart of Eloy, their thrift shop, with a National Daughters of the American Revolution Service to America Certificate of Appreciation. CORR is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of school children in need in our neighboring communities by improving their self-esteem, attendance and academics. The chapter is proud of Betty for her tireless volunteering and her caring concern for children. The chapter also presented Betty with three boxes of children's books that she will distribute to children in need.
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History Night Out
Above, clockwise, Becky Waters, Coy Cornforth, Merrilyn Ridgeway, Jacque and Joe Schell, Lannie Wagner, Bev and Art Ridley and Sue Rekart enjoying the dinner at CG BBQ. Below, right, the poster advertising the event, and center, the group gathering in advance at the Neon Sign Park.
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In lieu of our October chapter meeting, we celebrated history with a History Night Out! Chapter members and friends gathered for the Casa Grande History Walk, dinner at CG BBQ and ended the evening touring the Neon Sign Park. Our tour guide was Marge Jantz from the Casa Grande Main Street organization who gave an interesting, fun and educational tour of Casa Grande history.
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Above, Marge explaining the downtown mural. The artist was Rose Johnson and Casa Grande Union High School students assisted with the project. Below, left, Marge discussing a sign in the Alley about Top & Bottom Street.
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2019 Constitution Week
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JoEtta Gonzales, Ed.D., Superintendent of the Casa Grande Elementary Schools looks on as Regent Jan Klein receives the school district proclamation for the 2019 Constitution Week. Our chapter will visit 3 middle schools In Casa Grande by gowned Casa Grande members in February during American History month when our focus would be on the Bill of Rights. These 8th graders will receive a Constitution booklet, two Bill of Rights pamphlets, a Pledge of Allegiance book mark and the American's Creed card. We will also be presenting the same programming at the Maricopa middle schools.
Below, L - R, Mayor Craig McFarland presents Regent Jan Klein with the Casa Grande Constitution Week Proclamation, one of the 100 posters were distributed to schools, businesses and churches, Lucy Akers with the Maricopa Proclamation, and part of the Constitution Week display at the Casa Grande Public Library. There was another display at the Vista Grande Library, both coordinated by members Merrilyn Ridgeway and Nancy Harrison. |
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September Meeting, 2019
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Our chapter was honored to recognize one of our chapter organizers, Nancy Diveley Wofford, as a Women in American History honoree. Nancy has served as an officer consecutively for nearly 40 years as chapter regent, recording secretary, registrar, historian and treasurer as well as serving on veteran and Constitution Week committees. In addition, she has served as the state CAR chair and State Chaplain. Nancy has been her church treasurer for 22 years, led her high school class reunions, and been involved in local historical society work. Our chapter would not be what it is today without her leadership and guidance.
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Members wore their gowns for the meeting to encourage more to sew or borrow dresses to use for our Veterans Day parades and Constitution Week functions. Left, Vice Regent Barbara Schulz and Coy Cornforth, and right, Chaplain Nancy Holcombe, Registrar Cheri Bogowitz and new members Barbara Simon and Deanna Davis after their installation and welcoming ceremony.
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Memorial Day 2019
Our chapter participated in Memorial Day activities in Casa Grande and Maricopa this year. Below left are Bev Ridley, Merrilyn Ridgway, Jenny Reid and Sue Turley who represented our chapter in Casa Grande, and right, Jacque Schell and Lucy Akers at the Maricopa ceremony.
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NSDAR Community Service Awards
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Our chapter was proud to honor two inspiring women for the NSDAR Community Service Awards. The award recipients were Kim Vandenberg, chairperson of the Honoring/Hiring/Helping Our Heroes of Pinal County (HOHP) and our chapter’s 98-year old member, Ann Dessert. These women have contributed to our community in an outstanding manner through educational, humanitarian, patriotic, and conservation endeavors, receiving no monetary compensation for their volunteer efforts, a criteria for the award. The awards were presented at receptions hosted by our chapter this month. Kim and Ann are tireless champions in our community, and our chapter was pleased to be a part in recognizing their service as volunteers. Shown on left, Kim with Regent Jan Klein and right, Ann Dessert.
May 2019 Election of Officers
At our May meeting, the following officers were elected. Chaplain Nancy Holcombe installed Regent Jan Klein, Vice-Regent Barbara Schulz and Registrar Cheri Bogowitz. They will serve until the next election in May, 2020. Also, Barbara Simon on right displayed the new chapter wreath she created which was used at our Memorial Day ceremony this year. Thanks, Barbara! |
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Pinal County Stand Down
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Here are chapter volunteers Merrilyn Ridgeway and Coy Cornforth at the Pinal County Veteran Stand Down held April 20 at the Florence National Guard Armory. This activity was sponsored by HOHP (Honoring/Hiring/Helping Our Heroes of Pinal County) and provided special support for the homeless and at-risk veterans and women veterans.
Our chapter is one of the many community sponsors noted on the banner. |
Chapter Spring Tea
Chapter members gathered at the home of Vice Regent Barbara Schulz in Maricopa. Shown L-R are Historian Nancy Harrison, prospective members Barbara Simon and Lannie Wagner, new members Karen Newman and Mary Milan and Barbara Schulz. We enjoyed tea goodies and played DAR bingo.
Antique Appraisal Day, March 23, 2019
Our chapter hosted an Antique Appraisal Day with certified appraiser Sean Morton, who provided verbal appraisals of family heirlooms brought by nearly one hundred guests. Items reviewed included Navajo rugs, a pennant collection, glassware, prints, clocks, antique jewelry, fine art paintings and porcelain china, to name just a few of the many items brought in for an appraisal. Guests were also treated to stories he told about his experiences as a world traveler and his humorous observations collected over decades of appraising. Shown below is helper Lucy Akers with Sean on left, and Merrilyn Ridgeway introducing our speaker to the large crowd. Lower, helper Carmen McDermott is showing a valuable Navajo rug and a pennant collection.
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Arbor Day 2019
For the 10th consecutive year, our chapter has collaborated with the City of Casa Grande for Arbor Day by planting a tree in a city park. This year we gathered at Gilbert Park to plant a Chinese Pistache tree. We were assisted by the Mayor of Casa Grande, Craig McFarland, the city staff and the English Language Learners from Evergreen School. Cori Dolan of the Arizona Department and Forestry and Fire and Rick Gibson of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension also participated. Shown below on left is Regent Jan Klein being presented the Proclamation by Mayor McFarland, the Mayor planting the tree with the children from Evergreen School and Merrilyn Ridgeway presenting flowers to Ann Dessert who has served our chapter for nine years as Arbor Day Chair and ten years as Conservation Chair.
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The Wall That Heals
A replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall made a scheduled stop in Casa Grande the week of March 5-10. Chapter members participated by greeting the motorcade, presenting a wreath at the opening, and by volunteering to man the site. The 375-foot, three-quarter scale wall was on display at Dave White Park and drew throngs of visitors including over one thousand school children. We were proud to be a small part of this emotional event. Shown on left, chapter members with flags, Coy Cornforth with our wreath and Barbara Schulz in her volunteer vest.
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2019 New Members
Shown below are Jacqueline Schell, Karen Newman, Ann Cangiano, Betsy Lair and Sandra Singleton; lower, Rebecca Waters, Mary Eubank, Trish Lepper, Karen Riley and Elaine Wagner.
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January Meeting, 2019
Our January meeting was for sharing family artifacts by Honoring and Preserving Our Family Stories. Chapter members brought personal memorabilia and told why the artifact was important to their family. We also installed new member Jacqueline Schell. On left, prospective member Karen Newman shared a book written by her cousin that included details on her patriot; center, Nancy Holcombe installs Jacque, and right, program planner Pat Hunt demonstrated how she used a gunny sack attached to a strip of wood to harvest potatoes at her family farm in Idaho.
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2018 New Members
2018 was a memorable year for our chapter as we added fourteen new members. Pictured below are Beverly Ridley, Judith Drake, Mary Milan and Judy Buhs; middle, Nell Magruder, Sindy Berg, Susie Turley and Jasmin Dugan; lower, Carmen McDermott, Kay Ellen Gager, Anna Peterson and Jenny Reid; and bottom row, Nancy Harrison, Betty Short, Caren Keller, and Rebecca Hillman. Associate member Barbara Schulz also became a chapter member this year.
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Our New Members in 2017
With the help of outgoing Registrar, Ellen Lynn , we are proud to announce ten new members plus two transfers and one reinstatement. Here they are! Top Row, L-R, Amber Lynn, Kimerlee Johnson, Ruby Poirer, Brandy Johnson and Brooklyn Johnson, all came in under Ellen; Middle row, transfers Virginia Healy and Cassie Schroeder, new Associate Member, Barbara Schulz, reinstated member Roberta Doerges and Joyce Kloncz.
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Questions about membership should be directed to the registrar.
Questions or comments on chapter activities should be directed to the regent. Questions or comments on this website should be directed to the webmaster. The content contained herein does not necessarily represent the position of the NSDAR. Hyperlinks to other sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations, or individual DAR chapters. |
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