District Youth Awards are Presented

The following are a few scenes from our District VIII Youth Awards Luncheon ("Spyfest") held on Saturday, February 9, 2008:


The Colors were presented by members of the Juan Crespi Society C.A.R.


Jean Woods presented the DAR Good Citizens winner.


Award winners show off their certificates.


Mary Ambrose presented the Christopher Columbus Essay Contest winner. Wow, can that kid write, or what?


Donald Moran, dressed as one of George Washington's aides, gave a talk on "Researching the American Revolution." He was a big hit with the kids, who cornered him outside on the balcony and peppered him with questions. Many thanks to Don for agreeing to have his arm twisted fill in as our speaker at the eleventh hour!


The District Officers try to be inconspicuous in their spy disguises.


Juan Crespi Society C.A.R. members Lucas Borncamp and 2007 State President Aimee Clayton. (Incidentally, Lucas was elected to serve as the 2008 State President at the C.A.R. State Conference on February 17, 2008, and will be installed at the N.S.C.A.R. National Convention in April.)


The award winners in spy hats. It's just no fun until you can embarrass the kids!


Don Moran shows his sword to our 6th grade essay contest winner.


Members of the San Fernando Valley Chapter: Mary Ellen Reed Copeland, Susan Dawson, Regent Deirdra Beller, and Marion Payne.


Members of the Conejo Valley Chapter: Nancy Kilbourn, Pat Griffin, Lolita Smith, District Chaplain Mary Brown, and Past District Director Delores Pederson (in disguise).
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Decorations were provided by the Don Jose de Ortega and Fernanda Maria Chapters. Norma Garbert's husband Ed created amazing displays for each table featuring Women Spies of the American Revolution, and each member/guest was given an information sheet about the spies on her/his table. Thank you again ladies (and gentleman!) for such creative and educational decorations!

In addition to celebrating our student winners and having fun in our silly spy get-ups, we did conduct a small bit of business:

• District VIII DAR Service for Veterans Rep Barbara Ide reported that the Fisher House in West L.A. will be completed by the end of the year. Also volunteers are needed for the coffee cart at the Sepulveda V.A. If you would like to volunteer for a few hours a month, please conatct Barbara. Finally, a Liberty Cart, funded by the Hollywood Chapter, will be donated to the Sepulveda V.A. this month.
  


• District VIII USO Rep Cathie Matranga informed us that all donated coupons must now be current; expired coupons will no longer be accepted. And please cut them out before donating.
  


• A Nominating Committee was elected to prepare the slate of officers for 2008-2010. Members elected were Jean Woods, Delores Pederson, and Sheryl Kolt.
  


• Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at the Sportsmen's Lodge. This will be the State Regent-Elect's official tour. Hostesses for this meeting will be Palisade Glacier, San Fernando Valley, and Tomo-Kahni Chapters.
  


• The Project Patriot pin which we voted to purchase back in August will be voiced at the May meeting. If you need tickets, please contact the District Director.
  

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Many thanks to Sharman Borncamp, Pat Griffin, Susan Dawson, and Deirdra Beller for the photos in this article!