DAR’s mission – Historic preservation, education, and patriotism
Who are you going to call to support unique historic preservation, education, and patriotism projects and service opportunities in Jefferson and Grainger Counties? Do you like to wear red, white, and blue and wave flags? Are you interested in being a member of a dynamic service organization? If you answered yes to any of these questions and are a descendant of an American Patriot, call Janet or Karen.
Saturday, May 4, 2024, was a busy day for the daughters of the Martha Dandridge Washington Chapter (MDW), National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) as they engaged in multiple community service projects. Whether selling plants at the Glenmore Garden Market, hosting a “That’s My Patriot” event at the Historic Ramsey House, serving tea to the widows of Vietnam veterans at the Jefferson City Library, or attending a William Cocke Chapter, NSDAR fundraiser in Newport, these ladies made an impact on their communities’ historic preservation, education, and patriotism through giving a gift of their time.
Did you know a ginkgo is a prehistoric tree and is often called a living fossil because it has existed for hundreds of millions of years? Did you know that onions can walk? At the Glenmore Garden Market MDW Chapter members Susie Jarnagin, Ann Blomquist, and Linda Null Bonner were accompanied by Maureen Kelly in organizing a Plant Booth filled with donated flora. They provided shoppers with information about flowers — from the common jade plant to the exotic Frangipani. The proceeds from this sale went to Glenmore Preservation Society’s operational fund.
“That’s my Patriot!” is a new historical book that will be added to the Jefferson County Historical Society in 2026. MDW Chapter Registrar Karen McFarland led a day trip to the Historical Ramsey House in Knoxville and planned a “That’s My Patriot” event. First, Jan Loveday-Dickens introduced visitors to the historical home and its newest permanent exhibit, A Community Born of Water and Stone. McFarland also introduced a “That’s my Patriot” notebook that she prepared filled with facts about each of the MDW Chapter Patriots. She asked attendees to “show off” their Patriot by writing more information about their ancestor in this historical record.
Tea! The perfect beverage to sip when socializing. The MDW Chapter is a commemorative partner of the United States of America Vietnam War program which is commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Wives of deceased Vietnam veterans were honored at an iced tea and finger food brunch organized by DAR Service for Veterans Chair Carolyn Mitchell. Tennessee Society, NSDAR Recording Secretary Jane Chambers offered greetings from the Tennessee State Regent Emily Robinson, and Beth Martzin and Bonnie Mitchell served Refreshments. Marilyn Childress presented Kathleen Van Orsdel, Jodie Wright, Sandra Long, Carolyn Mitchell, Johnny Shultz, Cheryl Campbell, and Janice Flaherty with a certificate and lapel pin. The “surviving” spouse certificate is for the widow/widower of a veteran who served on active military duty between November 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975.
Welcome to a Remember the Ladies Luncheon! — a fundraiser to generate the financial resources necessary for William Cocke Chapter’s service projects. The meal was designed to draw in individuals interested in supporting this chapter’s service-to-community mission. MDW Chapter Regent Janet Guyett attended with the regents of Smokey Mountain Council of Regents. Wearing Fascinator hats, the ladies paraded down a sidewalk lined with American flags to a dining hall with red, white, and blue banners filled with Patriotic words. The ladies chatted with Tennessee Society Regent Emily Robinson and feasted on spring mix salad with berries and vinaigrette, chicken piccata with pasta and broccoli, and a champagne custard with berries. A yummy event designed to earn money to support the chapter’s meaningful community service.
Saturday, May 4, 2024, the ladies of the Martha Dandridge Washington Chapter, DAR were involved in community historic preservation, education, and patriotic service across the county. For information about the DAR, contact MDW Registrar Karen McFarland at (865) 258-8670 or Regent Janet Guyett at (865) 712-8782.
Ann Blomquist provides information on plants at Glenmore Garden Market fundraiser.
Registrar Karen McFarland leads a day trip to a “That’s My Patriot” event at Historic Ramsey House.
Carolyn Mitchell hosts luncheon for the spouses of deceased Vietnam veterans.
Regent Guyett attends Remember the Ladies Luncheon — a gathering of Smokey Mountain Regents.
