Newsletter

August 6, 2009

Isaac Low Chapter

Daughters of the Republic of Texas

Dear Ladies,

This was my first district meeting and what a great experience! 

Our President General Patti Atkins was there and delivered a wonderful report on our organization and the goal she hopes to accomplish which is "Get Organized!"  Let's make that one of our goals this year and get busy as a chapter.  We can make a difference in our own backyard.  And for all of you in other states, don't worry.  You are not going to be left out.  We are going to be creative and make you feel you are "Deep in the Heart of Texas."

 So sit back and get comfortable.  This is going to be long.

 The Alamo Hall face lift is nearly finished and what a beautiful transformation.  Evidently the only way to describe the color is sherbet.  Not only have time and willing hands been involved but antiques have been donated, various materials and a possible surplus in cash donations.  Sherwin Williams graciously donated all of the paint and painting materials needed.  If anyone is looking at repainting please consider buying Sherwin Williams paint as a thank you. 

 It is important that we recognize what the chapters in San Antonio have accomplished.  It is an inspiring example of the difference we can make as an organization when we all work together.

The Secretary of the Department of the Interior toured the project while in San Antonio and was so impressed with how the Daughters were working that the comment was made perhaps the DRT was needed on a national level to help straighten some things out.........hum......

The essay contest this year will include artwork by seniors who are 55+ in addition to the 4th and 7th grade essays.  Let's get the word out to our local schools and senior centers or nursing homes.  Our chapter needs someone to be responsible for this project and I will have handouts at our first meeting.  Do I hear the rapid raising of hands???

All DRT applications are being digitized by headquarters.  This is a slow process but a necessary one to preserve some of the old records.  They are also looking for photographs of Republic of Texas citizens.  Please consider donating a copy of your old photographs to them.  The funding for this project is made possible by a grant from the "Texas Native" license plate program. 

The 119th Daughters of the Republic of Texas state convention will be held May 12-15, 2010 in Houston.  The theme will be Stars of the Republic.  More on this later.

Our district is responsible for the 2010 hosting of the CRT state convention to be held in Arlington in June 2010.  And you know what this means since we have a CRT chapter?  Yep, lots of aspirin and lots of patience.  We will soon be called upon to help with the planning.  Stay tuned for more on that also.

And last but not least in this brief summary.......the Alamo Gala.  Oh, my!!  This will be our biggest fundraiser in 2010.  Imagine, under the stars in Alamo Plaza celebrating our custodianship of a symbol to freedom known worldwide.  As if that wasn't enough to celebrate it is also the 50th anniversary of John Wayne's movie "The Alamo."  Need I even add more??  This event is in it's infancy now and there will be much more to come.  I have volunteered to work on this project (I must be crazy!!) and will keep everyone informed as I know more. 

Our first meeting of the year will be Wednesday, September 16th, 10:00 a.m. at Betsy Smith's house.  Please join us as we begin a new year with renewed energy and an undying pride to be a Daughter of the Republic of Texas.

Let's get busy! Debbie Miranda