Toni Bolling Lutter

Marjorie Nelson, Regent, Gila Butte Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), has announced that Joan Johnson took first place in DAR’s national American Heritage contest for her multi-media painting Aunt Helen. Johnson is a three-time national winner of the contest.

Additionally, Laker Mary Knape took national second place for a pastel of her daughter Kristen. Both women are Gila Butte members, and Mary is a three-time national American Heritage winner.

Johnson is a sister to two other Gila Butte members. Twin sister Janet Udall is also a three-time national American Heritage winner. Big sister Pattie Coleman currently serves as the chapter’s chaplain and is the go-to for presentation certificates and calligraphy work. The twins say they got their artistic start by watching their big sister.

American Heritage Committee is a national committee established to preserve our rich American legacy in the fields of art and sculpture, crafts, fiber arts, literature and drama, and music. One method of participation is to enter the national contests. Since 2011, Gila Butte Chapter has brought home 15 national American Heritage wins.

DAR is a national women’s service organization dedicated to “God, Home, and Country.” Currently, there are 185,000 members around the nation and internationally. The objectives of DAR are promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children. In DAR, there is something special for every American woman.

Membership inquiries are welcomed. Any woman 18 years or older – regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. Expert genealogical assistance is available. Eligible women are urged to call 706-255-4847 or go to the website, gilabutte.arizonadar.org.