9.10.16 – CDA1890 NEWS ROUNDUP
STUNNING NEW CDA GARDEN SCARF, PRE-ORDERING NOW OPEN
The Garden Committee has announced a new CDA scarf, designed by Marisol Deluna. The five-foot long, rectangular silk scarf has been designed as a sumptuous garden, filled with flowers. CDA medallions are worked into the intricate bouquet. The shape of the scarf makes it perfect to wear in a variety of ways. Net proceeds will go to support vital garden projects at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden. This will be the committee’s major fund-raising effort during 2016-2017. Pre-order your scarf in the CDA online shop at CDA online shop with a credit card or Paypal. To pay by check, you may print out this form and mail it to the CDA NY office. Quantities are very limited, so order soon. Price: $175 (including tax and shipping) Projected delivery: Fall 2016
DON’T MISS IT! 2016 FALL BENEFIT TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
The deadline for purchasing tickets for the upcoming CDA Fall Benefit in Washington, DC, is September 14, 2016. The benefit will be held September 22, 2016. If you would like to support this important event, please go to cda1890.org to donate or buy tickets. Underwriting opportunities are also available. See invitation…
ONE-MINUTE GARDEN VIDEO AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
A new one-minute video showing the seasons of the garden at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden is available for HERE. The video is a project of the Garden Committee and was produced by members of the garden committee in cooperation with the communications committee. Special thanks to Daughter Dame Elizabeth Sharp for her work on the video.
SECOND ANNUAL CDA TEA, HELD IN APRIL IN WASHINGTON, DC
The Colonial Dames of America held its second annual tea April 13, 2016 during lineage week in Washington, DC. More than fifty Dames and guests from around the country and abroad gathered at a private club in the capital city. Many lineage societies hold events in the nation’s capital in April every year and members from around the world participate. President General Sharon Vaino welcomed Dames and guests to the tea. Charlotte Christian, a member of the CDA Board of Managers, was Chair of the event.
CDA RECEIVES GENEROUS BEQUEST
FROM LONGTIME MEMBER
Genevieve Randall Lanyon (1918-2015), a member of the Colonial Dames for 45 years, made one final tribute to the Society, leaving a bequest of over $70,000 to the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum, wholly-owned and operated by The Colonial Dames of America. Joining the Dames in 1971, Mrs. Lanyon was part of the remarkable generation of women who renovated the museum, raised it to professional standing, and set the goal of national accreditation by the AAM (American Alliance of Museums). The Dames achieved that goal when the Museum was accredited in 1983.
Mrs. Lanyon was an avid genealogist and belonged to many lineage societies. She co-authored A Randall Family of Long Island, New York, and created an online collection of family genealogy and photographs, A Smattering of Memories.
ROME DAME’S TEAM WINS ITALIAN NATIONAL ROWING CHAMPIONSHIP
Frances Middendorf, Chapter X- Rome, Italy, was a member of the Italian National Women’s Over-50 Rowing Championship team for the second year in a row. Frances is a visual artist and art professor based in Rome. She rows daily with her team on the Tiber River. Pictured: Frances Middendorf, lower left, and her team with their national championship medals
A VISIT TO THE CDA JAMESTOWN MEMORIAL GATES
CDA Communications Chair Sharri Whiting De Masi (Chapter X-Rome) visited the historic CDA Gates (1907) at Jamestown with Mark Summers, head of education at Jamestown. The gates, donated by CDA on the occasion of the 300th Anniversary of Jamestown are pictured on our home page. The gates were restored by Chapter XXIII-Virginia in the 21st century. Pictured: Mark Summers of Preservation Virginia and Sharri Whiting, CDA Communications Chair, at the Jamestown Memorial Gate.
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT JOIN CDA STAFF
On April 30, 2016 the Society welcomed its new Executive Director, Deborah S. McWilliams. Ms. McWilliams (Deb) brings to the CDA a wealth of business and management experience, as well as a commitment to non-profit projects and programs. On June 15, Brendan Davey joined the staff as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. Brendan has experience in PR and communications, including digital media.
FROM THE CDA ARCHIVES – A Visit with Sarah Bernhardt
Report from Chapter VI, Shreveport, 1916
In February [1916], when Sarah Bernhardt played in Shreveport, a large floral design of the French flag, executed in beautiful red, white and blue flowers, was presented by the Colonial Dames to the famous actress. After the play, she received all of the members of Chapter VI in her private reception room. Each lady presented the ‘divine’ Sarah with a perfect La France rose. (At a reception in the afternoon of the same day, only one member of each Federated Club had been received by Bernhardt.) To Mrs. John L. Kimbell, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, is due the success of this tribute to genius.