Left to right: Gila Butte’s Mary Wolf, outgoing State Librarian, and Gila Butte’s Lesley Baran, incoming state Organizing Secretary
Toni Bolling Lutter
Gila Butte Chapter delegates to the State Conference of Arizona Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) helped to elect one of their own to the State Executive Board. They were also on hand as the chapter won awards for service. The State Conference is Arizona DAR’s annual business meeting and is an opportunity to celebrate successes and to plan for the future.
Honorary Regent Lesley Baran was elected Arizona DAR’s Organizing Secretary, a position which develops new chapters, ensures membership strength and provides direction and support for chapters needing assistance. She automatically becomes a member of the state’s Chapter Development and Revitalization Commission which seeks to assist chapters to attract new members, to inspire all members to full participation and to mentor members as they strengthen their skills and knowledge of DAR.
Gila Butte Registrar Ruth Narancic received the Arizona Volunteer Genealogist of the Year Award for her support of the Office of the Registrar General in verifying new-member and supplemental applications. Gila Butte Chapter continued its dominance in literacy promotion as Suellen Eyre received a Literacy Promotion Award for her volunteer work in distributing 20,000 books to adults and children who visit Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank.
Carole Jones was awarded first place for commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. She also won the Outstanding Service Award from the DAR Service to Veterans Committee. Tina Bakalis received awards for honoring an Arizona Woman in American History.
Janet Udall won Arizona first place for Oil Painting in the American Heritage Contest; she went on to win National third place. Barbara Grimes also won first place in the American Heritage Committee Fiber Arts contest. Grimes accumulated two more awards for her leadership in Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.). Carolyn Hawkins took first place for her Constitution Week report, as well as for Most Constitution Week Events and Most Schools Covered for Constitution Week.
Toni Bolling Lutter received the Thatcher Award, a national medal and citation for outstanding leadership, dedication and service to the Junior American Citizens program. She won first place for the Most Extensive Print and Media Coverage from the Public Relations and Media Committee. Lutter also won Outstanding Commemorative Events Chapter Chair.
Gila Butte Chapter meets in Sun Lakes. DAR’s committee work focuses on historic preservation, education and patriotism. Women interested in DAR service are urged to call 480-802-6993 for membership information or go to the chapter website, gilabutte.arizonadar.org.