Locals attend DAR State Conference
The Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution held their 109th State Conference at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre Hotel March 13-15.

Contributed Photo DAR Representatives Hazel Foltyn of El Campo, regent, and Annie Stafford of Boling, vice regent, represented Daughters of the American Revoluntion Comfort Wood Chapter at the Texas Society DAR State Conference in Dallas Thursday through Saturday, March 13-15. The ladies accepted many awards on behalf of the local chapter, as well as three individual awards for members Marilyn Sebesta, Gloria Holub and See Wee Dupuy.

Representing Comfort Wood Chapter were Regent Hazel Foltyn and Vice Regent Annie Stafford. The 803 daughters in attendance represented 134 chapters across the state.

Foltyn and Stafford attended the state regent's evening event, the chapter regents' club luncheon, the national defense banquet, the DAR school breakfast, general conference luncheon, general conference banquet and four business meetings.

At the general conference banquet, Foltyn, along with all chapter regents, received a certificate for service and leadership. She also received a certificate and medallion for support of the TSDAR patriot monument to be erected at the Texas State Cemetery. All were presented by State Regent Lynn Forney Young of the Tejas Chapter in Houston.

At the national defense banquet, awards presented were the Americanism award, outstanding youth volunteer award and DAR outstanding service for veterans award.

A musical presentation of "Our Flag Was Still There" was performed by the A Cappella Choir of Stephen F. Austin State University. Presentations at the general conference luncheon were outstanding American history teacher, outstanding Children of the American Revolution, American history essay contest winner, Christopher Columbus essay contest winners, DAR good citizen and JAC Thatcher Award.

At the general conference banquet, the DAR medal of honor award, community service award, conservation medal, Americanism award and DAR 50+ members certificates were presented. The Texas DAR chorus presented the program.

Comfort Wood Chapter received the following awards and certificates: 50+ years of service to Elizabeth Derigo Waddell, Web site of the month, most new members by application and chapter size, largest membership increase by chapter size, first in special events for chapter size, first in TV/radio minutes for chapter size, second place in state for participating in Fourth of July activities and commemorative events, third place in state for number of print inches, second place Flag Day, first place in Division 6 for number of print inches and second in groups ringing bells for chapter size,.

Also, second in print media and pictures for chapter size, second in print inches for chapter size, excellence in American history, literacy promotion, reporting, national defense, honoring veterans, DAR magazine advertising, membership, chapter yearbook, Bluebonnet award for increase in membership, certificates of merit for DAR press book, overall support of junior membership, new juniors by application, Helen Pouch Memorial Fund donation, American Indians committee programs, conservation minutes, LRLV board requests, state chairman requests, recycling, Jamestown program, DAR Good Citizens essay competition and report, recognition for support of DAR schools, contributions by due date, yearbook and Two-Step award.

Individual certificates were presented to See Wee Dupuy for volunteering at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Thrift Shop, Marilyn Sebesta for volunteering, blessing of the animals in Wharton County and participation in the Colorado County Transit covered shelter campaign and to Gloria Holub for beautifying El Campo.

All business meetings, luncheons and banquets began with the presentation of the pages, state board members and state regent. The colors were posted by the pages, Desoto High School JROTC and the Lone Star Squadron Navy Sea Cadet Corps. Pledge to the U.S. flag, the American Creed, the National Anthem, pledge to the Texas Flag, the singing "Texas Our Texas" and prayer by the state chaplain followed.

The conference motto was "God, Home, and Country."