DAR Bling! Adding graphics to make your social media site "pop".

Want to try your hand at creating some technological "bling" for your DAR social media site?  Try creating a word cloud.  These two are from tagul.com   If you click on this link, you will see an interactive one. 

This one is from Tagxedo.com 

DAR School Committee - Targeting Education; Planting the seeds of tomorrow!

DAR School Committee
Targeting Education; Planting the seeds of tomorrow!

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

~Nelson Mandela

     There are six of them.  Most members can only name one or two, knowing very little about each place or the lives that they change. They are not located in big cities and aren't in affluent parts of the United States.  They are known to many as the DAR Schools, but to the students who attend these institutions, they are often known as a second chance in life.  
     Since 1903, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution have been donating time, materials, and money to support students in need all across America.  The programs supported through these donations include ones to address the issues of dyslexia, poverty, family crisis, illiteracy, malnutrition, and other emotional and physiological disorders. In the early years, the money came from individual members and some chapters through direct donations and the funding of scholarships.  More recently, the DAR School Committee was created to make a concerted effort to fund each of the DAR Approved Schools and address their needs on a school by school basis.  
     The six schools are:  Kate Duncan Smith, Tamassee DAR School, Berry College, The Crossnore School, Hillside School, Inc., and Hindman Settlement School.  Each school is unique - serving students from a different area of the country with different ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  Finding that personal connection with each school allows all DAR members to be inspired to support the youth of America.  How do you become personally connected?  If you educate yourself about the schools, noting what makes each one unique, you will be sure to grow to love these institutions.   Together, we can target education while planting the seeds of tomorrow.

Kate Duncan Smith, DAR School:
     Located in the Appalachian area of Grant, Alabama, this school serves students in grades K-12, providing a particularly patriotic education while emphasizing community involvement.  To learn more, watch this video.    

Tamassee DAR School:
     For almost 100 years, the Tamassee DAR School in Tamassee, South Carolina has been helping children and families in crisis.  From early day-care to high school, students find comfort and love at this school.  Watch their video message. 

Berry College:
     This co-educational college campus in Mount Berry, Georgia offers students a service-centered view on life and purpose.  Here is a video describing their institution.

The Crossnore School:
     Located in Crossnore, North Carolina, this school offers hope and miracles to those students in crisis.  For almost 100 years, the DAR has been supporting this school.  Watch their video here.

The Hillside School, Inc.:
     This school in Marlborough, Massachusetts offers boys in grades 5-9 who may not have been successful in public school settings a chance to excel while teaching them the school's core values of honesty, respect, compassion, determination, and fun.  Check out their message.

Hindman Settlement School:
     Found in Hindman, Kentucky, the Hindman Settlement School offers programs that bring cultural awareness to the students and specializes in helping children with dyslexia.   Here is more information in their video.

     To help any of these DAR Approved Schools, please see your Chapter Regent.  She should be able to describe the specific ways your chapter can help.  If you would like your chapter to increase support for these schools, try contacting your state DAR School Chair.  She should be able to let you know many options.  Lastly, you can always donate to the "Friends of the DAR Schools" fund in any amount.  
     


Susan Gillette Meer
DAR School Chair - Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution



References:  
"Daughters of the American Revolution."  Daughters of the American Revolution.  Web. 30 Dec. 2016.  <http://www.dar.org/>.
Bailey, Diana L. American Treasure:  The Enduring Spirit of the DAR.  Virginia Beach, VA: Donning, 2007.  Print.
All of the above school websites were also used for information.

Top Ten Reasons to make plans to attend Continental Congress in 2017

Continental Congress 2016…what a fabulous time, again.  This was my 10^th year attending the week-long event, and I am already planning for next year.  I thought I would give my top ten reasons why you, too, should plan to attend in 2017.

Top ten reasons why you want to make plans to attend Continental Congress in 2017:

10.  The lifelong friends you will make with women all over the world are amazing.  Volunteer for a committee, or if you are young enough, “page”.  Take time to talk to everyone.  It seems as if everyone is in a great mood…we all want to be there.

9.  Washington, D.C. is an amazing capital, providing much to tour and appreciate.  Plan a Segway tour of the city like I did a few years ago…you won’t be disappointed!  Here I am with my roommate in front of the World War II memorial.

8.  The inspiration you gain by hearing what other chapters in our organization are doing will revive your sense of why you joined the DAR in the first place.  You will return with fresh ideas how to serve your community.

7.  The display of patriotism shown during the sessions, especially “National Defense Night” will create an urge within you to be a better citizen.  The grandeur of the evening sessions is amazing!  This is a photo of opening night.

6.  The chance to see the historic DAR building complex will leave you in awe…you will be amazed and want to go back to see more.  The DAR museum has wonderful displays.  There are also period rooms for each of the 50 states, totally worth your time.

5.  All the representatives from the DAR schools are there.  You get a chance to meet them and some of the students, learning more about where your donations go.

4.  Three words -- The DAR Library -- The mother of all genealogical libraries.  If you are interested in research, you will be in heaven.  If you are not, you should at least take a peek at the newly restored lay lights.  They are B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!

3.  Okay, this one is big for me, but may not be for you…You don’t have anyone asking you “What’s for dinner?”  You don’t have to cook or clean all week long.  No dishes!  You can make it a more economical trip if you like, too.  There are plenty of ways to get all the foods you like with a Cosi around every corner.  There is a cafeteria across the street from the DAR complex, so that was relatively inexpensive and had a ton of variety.

2.  You feel more connected to the larger organization.  Sometimes we attend our chapter meetings and we feel that that is all there is to DAR.  Getting a chance to meet the President General or the other elected leaders of our organization, and realizing they are chapter members just like us, is refreshing. 

And the number 1 reason why you should attend Continental Congress in 2017…

1.  It will stir you to Move Forward in Service to America!    

Kate Duncan Smith DAR School

My Visit to the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School

Some people hate to travel...the crowds, the strangers, the planning. I am quite the opposite.  I love seeing new places.  I wish I had more time to travel all over the world.  I have been to Mexico, Canada, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy.   I would love to do Australia or Hawaii someday.  I also love staying in our great country and traveling to new cities and states.  Our family is the kind that drives somewhere and stops along the way to see the “Largest Ball of String in the Universe” or whatever is out of the ordinary. 

            This month, I traveled somewhere new: Grant, Alabama!  Now it may not sound as exciting to you as Rome, but it was a great joy to spend three days at the “Gem of Gunter Mountain”, the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School. 

            The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution owns this Appalachian school for students in need.  Most Daughters call it KDS.  However, everyone in Grant calls it the “DAR School”.  According to their web site, the DAR School “serves grades K-12 and provides opportunities for the children of a large, rural area in the Appalachian foothills to develop a strong love of American ideals as they obtain a distinctive academic background. Emphasis is upon patriotic education throughout the curriculum. Although the school plant and enrollment have increased greatly in size and number since 1924, the same spirit of dedication to achievement, patriotic and moral values, and service to community and country exists on the campus today as it did in the early years of this unique educational experiment of the Daughters of the American Revolution. ”

This school changes lives.  The children in this area of Alabama often have not had the opportunities that those of wealth have had.  Without these luxuries, they are more grateful for their education and the loving guidance the teachers and staff provide. 

According to one of the guidance counselors,

     “I purchased clothes for all three children in the family…which consisted of three siblings in the household who were being raised by a single dad.  It is not known where the mother is, but that none of the children have contact with her.  The children didn’t have Christmas and according to the father, there was no money.  The girls were without any shoes and had no jackets.  One of the girls continuously stole items of clothing for her and her sister to wear, and upon interviewing both the girls to discuss the needs, I noticed that the one pair of tennis shoes the girls did share had a hole down the middle.  In addition, they were too small.  …you could tell they were attempting to make do with what they had…  The girls had a pair of flip flops and a pair of tennis shoes they shared between them.  I am assuming the clothing items were the same way because the older female had to wear clothes that did not fit her but that did fit her younger sister.

     When speaking to them I learned they had a younger brother in 6^th grade.  I learned he was also in need, and I purchased items that he would also need. 

            I feel so privileged to work at a place that will help people in need in this manner.  The girls were highly appreciative of the items.  The older sister actually put on the shoes when I presented them to her because she had on some shoes that did not fit her.  The younger sister was wearing flip flops.  Thanks so much for making a difference in this family.  I hope that it will make an impact on their lives!”

So, why did I go to KDS?  As State Chairman for Junior Membership in the DAR, I represented our committee and state this year, presenting an award to a graduating senior who excelled in art.  My journey included visiting all parts of the campus, presenting the award, attending graduation, and getting to know the welcoming Daughters of Alabama.  Thank you to Rita Horton, Connie Grund, Patrice Donnelly, Janeal Shannon, Tammy Clemons, and Peggy Johnson for making me feel so welcome!  

The campus is located in the most beautiful part of Alabama.  One of the first things that got my attention was the view of the valley from the school grounds. 

This was such a peaceful, breathtaking view.  I felt as if I could see forever.   Right behind me, the historical marker revealed that the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School was started in 1924 by the Alabama Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

A tour of the school revealed many beautiful, historical structures such as the Pennsylvania Log Cabin and the Pennsylvania Bell Tower.

Pennsylvania Log Cabin (front)

Pennsylvania Log Cabin (back)

Pennsylvania Bell Tower

Since much of the campus contains historical landmarks, the preservation of these buildings is extensive.

When one tours the more modern parts of campus, a welcoming set of pillars greets you to the Home of the Patriots.

The mascot is painted on the main gym’s wall.  It is also found in the cafeteria and on several displays in each of the buildings. 

Patriot Mascot painted on Gym Wall

Beautiful Mural on Cafeteria Wall

There were several particular things that struck me as very noteworthy during my journey.  They were not amazing things, but things I will remember for a long time to come. 

Now to put this in perspective, I teach in an economically sound school district in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  So, the comparisons that I am going to make are based on my everyday encounters.

First, I noticed that all of the students were very, very polite.  Now, anyone would hope that strangers were polite to strangers, but the KDS students seemed exceptionally polite.  Trust me…these KDS kids were great!  I had more doors opened for me in one day by the boys of this school than I have in a month at mine.  “Yes, Ma’am” ended every sentence that I heard.

Second, I am used to seeing students with perfect, white teeth.  All my students in my district, by the time they are in middle school, have any “defects” under construction and have them fixed by high school age.  The students that I encountered at KDS do not have this luxury.  Many of the students at the high school level smiled with the beautiful smiles that God gave to them.  They had no corrections.  This may seem like a strange thing to notice, but it made a lasting impression, showing the economic differences.

Third, the patriotic education was noticeable.  During the awards ceremony, the students, grades K-12, all stood and said in complete unison the pledge of allegiance to the flag as well as the American’s Creed.  In fact, the students said the creed so quickly, that they finished it before any of the DAR members on the stage had a chance.  No student was disrespectful during this time.  Not a single one.

Finally, the number of ‘Thank You’s from the students were too numerous to count.  When they saw me wearing my pins, they knew I was part of a larger group that has helped each one of them to have a better chance in this world.  They were grateful, and they showed it.

My visit to KDS has changed my life.  It has made the support that I have given this school become real and tangible.  I saw, first hand, the product of my contributions to the DAR School committee.  I was able to meet the teacher, Denise Duncan-Saint, that my chapter, the Jacob Ferree Chapter, sponsored for two years.

Me and Denise Duncan-Saint, math teacher

What a great influence Denise is on the lives of these children.  …and what a great influence you and I can be, even from far away. 

So, how can you help?  The primary school is in great need right now.  The pipes in the building have deteriorated and do not allow the bathrooms to drain properly.  Even though the custodians clean the bathrooms thoroughly every day, the smell of urine and waste permeate the entire building.  Peggy Johnson, the chairman of the board for KDS said “The health of our children is our number one priority”.  I don’t want you to get the impression that the school is run down, for it is not.  I saw modern facilities everywhere, from the gymnasium to the cafeteria.  However, the primary bathroom is unacceptable.  Take a look at the urinal trough where the waste is not draining properly.  It is time to fix this problem.

Last weekend, my chapter had our June meeting.  There, I told my chapter of my visit to the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School.  I told them of all the students and how we, as DAR members, have touched their lives in such a strong, positive way.  I then told them that we have a chance to continue to support them through the donation to this bathroom renovation.  The chapter members then unanimously voted to donate $1000 directly to the school.  Way to go, ladies!

This is why I LOVE BEING IN THE DAR.  I love it that we are doing good in the world.  I love it that we work together as a team to raise money to turn around and put it back out there for those in need.  I love setting the example for my children that “it is not all about you”.   

I am quite sure that I will visit KDS again.  I am quite sure that my love for great education for all children in America, no matter their economic circumstances, will drive me to be active within this committee.  This is my passion.  John F Kennedy said it best; “Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”  How do you plan to help our future? 

 

To make a contribution to the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School, please send your check to the following address.  Be sure to indicate you want it to go to the “Flush Fund” or “Primary School Bathrooms”. 

Kate Duncan Smith DAR School

6077 Main Street

Grant, AL    35747

Phone:  (256) 728-4236
Email:  KDSDAR@nehp.net

DAR Member - What do I do?

A recent internet meme I have seen this week is an image containing various smaller images to denote what others think of people's jobs.  So, I decided to make one for the DAR member.  So many people have no idea what it is that we really do.  Here is my version...

Membership Drive – Start the New Year with a Bang!

February.  Some say a little late to make new year’s resolutions, but I like to ease into things, not going “cold turkey”.  I don’t mean to say I have weak will power or little determination, I mean to say I am not impulsive.   I think things through.  I am a planner.  On a personal note, for the new year I trying to give up caffeine.  I have way too much energy as it is.  I don’t need to add more to my body in an unnatural way.  (For those who know me, you are shaking your head in agreement, right?!?) 

            So, I started thinking about a DAR new year’s “resolution” or perhaps more of a goal. 

Membership.  Did you hear the news? 

"This year the DAR Genealogy Department has verified 11,676 DAR applications--the third-highest yearly total in DAR history! This is over 1,000 more applications than last year. (An all-time high of 13,805 applications were verified in 1921.) We can always make it our goal to beat that record next year!"

My chapter supplied 16 of those new members this year.  In fact, we have had 62 new members in the last three years.  I would say we are doing pretty well.  However, I don’t want you to think it is all about the numbers for us.  Our chapter does great things in our community.  Just read some of my other posts and you will see all the things we have done for to support historic preservation, patriotism, and education.  We make a positive difference in the world around us.  If you really believe in the work that the DAR does, wouldn’t you want to involve more people?  Wouldn’t you want to gain new members so that they can share in the opportunities to serve?  Wouldn’t you want this organization to continue?  Without new members, any group will not survive.

            So, back to my DAR goal for the new year.  Here it is.  “I will try to be an important cog in the great wheel of our organization by inviting prospective members to meetings and helping with their research and paperwork if they want to join.” 

How will I know if I meet my goal?  The product will be one to two new members this year because of that effort.  I love the quote, “You can’t win a race you don’t run.”  So true.  You can’t get new members if you don’t tell women about the DAR.  You may think, “But I am just a small member in the big picture, how can my one or two new members make a difference?”  Well, think big, ladies!  If we all got one or two new members a year, the mathematical outcome in membership would be incredible.  …but more importantly, the increase in community service would make such a large, positive impact upon our world!  So, when you feel small, think big. 

Who are you going to invite to your next meeting?

Not to leave you without any resources, check out the DAR Store online to get to promotional materials for your prospective members.  Go to the members’ web site.  On the left side click on "DAR Shopping" then click on "DAR Store Online".  On the left, you will click on "Chapter Supplies".  I recommend the "General Information Brochure" or the "Getting to Know the DAR" pamphlet. 

Or for the technologically savvy, send them to YouTube to see the Today’s DAR video in five parts.  Here is the link to the first one:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIuaFhJNqsc         

Ten Blessings for Someone Else – ‘Tis the season!

My family and I are blessed.  We have a wonderful home and love.  We have friends and family who care.  God has provided a wonderful life for us.  Each year at Christmas time, we exchange gifts with one another to represent that gift that was given to us long ago in Bethlehem.  This Christmas, my husband and I looked for ways to give outside of our family.  These are some of the donations that we considered.

All of the following ways to better our world can be done by DAR members and non-DAR members alike.  Just remember, if you want to give financially, and you are in the DAR, you may want to consider giving through your state treasurer instead of directly to the causes to get chapter credit.  But let’s face it…it is the giving for the sake of others that is really the focus here.  Make your gift “In Honor Of” or “In Memory Of” someone special.

1.  Donate items to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center – When our active military duty are severely injured they are sent by medevac to this facility in Landstuhl, Germany.  http://ermc.amedd.army.mil/landstuhl/index.cfm  They are always in need of healthy snack bars, chocolate, candy, iTunes® gift cards, lip balm, and deodorant.  Create a box of these items and ship them with a few thank you cards. 

You may send your donations with required custom forms to:

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

Attn:  MCEUL-CH/Chaplain’s Office

CMR 402

APO, AE 09180

2.  Donate to a local Women’s Shelter – Many of the women and children in local shelters have only the clothes on their backs.  Often times, they leave their homes in such a hurry to avoid more danger that they are in great need.  Contact your local women’s shelter and find out how you can donate clothes and toiletries.  I will make it easy for you to find the closest one to you.  Go to http://www.womenshelters.org/ and choose your state.  Scroll down for a list of cities.  Click on your city and then scroll down for a list of the shelters and contact information.

3.  Adopt a Classroom at the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School – Have you heard what great things happen at the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School?  http://www.kdsdar.com/   According to their web site, “The school serves grades K-12 and provides opportunities for the children of a large, rural area in the Appalachian foothills to develop a strong love of American ideals as they obtain a distinctive academic background.”  One year my chapter adopted a teacher at KDS and supported her math classes with donations of calculators and other general supplies.  All of the students were very grateful.  Consider adopting a class or making a donation to the school this year. 

4.  Donate to the Tamassee DAR School – This place changes lives!   http://www.tdarschool.org/   According to their web site, “Tamassee DAR School is a private 501-c(3) non-profit children’s home and family services organization offering multi-faceted programs to serve children and families with a variety of needs.”  “The annual cost for a child to live in the safe and secure environment of Tamassee DAR School is $25,000 and no child is turned away due to an inability to pay.”  Consider making a donation to help a child have a safer environment and a better chance in life.  https://www.tdarschool.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=275   You can donate online.

5.  Make a Donation to Your Local Veteran’s Hospital – We live in a free country because of the many men and women who have sacrificed much for our freedom.  I may not know them, but I am thankful for them.  Why not donate to your local Veteran’s Hospital.  I will make it easy for you.  Go to http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1 and click on the map to find your area’s closest facility.  Then, once you find it, click on “Volunteer or Donate” on the right hand side.  You may find a list of volunteer activities or a list of ‘needs’ they have.  Either way, thank a Veteran this holiday season.

6.  Purchase and Donate an American Flag – Contact your local library to see if they have an American flag.  Perhaps your local schools need an American Flag for their auditorium or classrooms.  Remember to buy an American made American Flag.  Here is a site http://www.aflag.com/ that sells classroom flags for $16.30 each. 

7.  Donate to the Indian Youth of America Summer Camp Program – During the summer the Indian Youth of America Summer Camp Program meets in several places in the US. 

http://www.indianyouthofamerica.org/   According to their web site, “Over the past 34 years, IYA’s summer camps have provided thousands of Indian children between the ages of 10-14 with an alternative to spending the summer at home….often with no entertainment, recreation or job opportunities.  The summer camps have provided a variety of positive activities at a time when youth lack supervision and are most vulnerable to peer pressure, criminal activity, gang involvement and substance abuse.”  Consider sponsoring a child today by paying part or the entire $300 camp fee.  You can donate online.

8.  Donate a Book to Your Local Library – When I first joined the DAR, I was not a huge history lover unlike so many other Daughters.  I invited a colleague of mine who teaches US History down the hall from me to speak at our local meeting that year.  His portrayal of the men and women of colonial America was so real and tied to so much emotion that I instantly became a fan and wanted to learn more.  He recommended that I read “Liberty the American Revolution” by Thomas Fleming.  I went straight to the library and read it cover to cover within a week.  If it enlightened me by revealing the bravery that early Americans displayed for independence and democracy, then it will surely inspire many, many more.  Purchase a copy of the book and donate it to your local library.  Check to see if they already have a copy of it before you donate.

9.  Give Someone a Gift Subscription to American Spirit – Any history lover would love this magazine.  Six issues a year will showcase our American History in unique and relevant ways.  Check it out at  http://dar.org/natsociety/magazine.cfm .  You can also donate a copy to your local library.  You can purchase it online.

10.  Adopt-an-Object or Sponsor Camp at the DAR Museum – The DAR Museum is one of the most prominent American decorative arts museums in the country.  Located a few blocks from the White House in Washington, DC, it is open to the public.  http://dar.org/museum/   It offers educational programs to schools, families, Scouts, and children during summer camps.  Consider donating to the “Museum Camper Buddy Program” to help run their programs.  Perhaps you would rather adopt an object at the museum.  Just contact the Museum Office at 202-879-3241, or email museum@dar.org for more information.  

I like the quote by Albert Einstein, “The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”  I hope you and your family find a way add value to your life and to make the world brighter for someone else this Christmas.