Toni Bolling Lutter

November 1 to 3, Gila Butte Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) joins 41 other Arizona DAR chapters at the Fall Board of Management in Tucson, where the State Regent’s banner holds special meaning for the Sun Lakes chapter. The banner is the work of Sun Lakes’ Barbara Grimes, a noted quilter and needlewoman.

Fall Board is a time for statewide reporting on DAR committee work; for updating contest and scholarship information; and for conducting state business. Again at this conference, the State Regent’s banner will hold pride of place. When DAR State Regent Marilou Fellman needed a banner for her administration, Grimes was the natural contact. A multiple national winner of American Heritage contests, Grimes currently serves as state chair and national vice chair of the American Heritage Committee.

Using the State Regent’s symbol and motto, Grimes designed and produced the banner: The symbol is a sunflower within the sun, and the motto is “Let It Shine.” The symbol is original, designed by the state regent’s sister Jo Andress, who is an honorary state regent and past vice president general.

Barbara Grimes and her daughter Suzanne Young are members of Gila Butte Chapter, where they join several other clusters of close family groups. Both women are active in other community and youth organizations, including Children of the American Revolution, and both have national DAR appointments.

Also in November, Gila Butte DAR is collecting personal items for wounded military at Landstuhl Medical Center. Needed are unisex sweatshirts and pants, basketball shorts and hoodies, and healthy snacks. For more information, call 480-759-1888.

There is a wealth of opportunity for service in DAR, and membership inquiry is always welcome. DAR is a national women’s service organization whose motto is “God, Home and Country.” Gila Butte Chapter meets in Sun Lakes with members around the Valley and the nation. If you are a woman over 18 who can prove direct bloodline descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, please call 706-255-4847 or go to the website gilabutte.arizonadar.org for membership information.