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Greetings to all members of the Virginia State Society,
From the President:
We ended 2009 with a joyous holiday party at the Country Club of Fairfax. I am sure that you felt the closeness with one another that I did. The thirty hard-core members of the Society of Virginia enjoyed cocktails and stories from times past. The spirit of Christmas was upon us and everyone seemed filled with happiness. We were hosted by Mrs. Bea Werner and it was a lovely event. Everyone received a gift of Virginia wine. Dave and Wendy Pinhey were terrific in locating the vineyard and obtaining the wine. Many thanks to them.
As our guests arrived, I realized what an elite group of people we had at our party. The Society of Virginia is blessed to have many native Virginians in attendance. I know many of you have been part of this great organization for many years. There is a certain flair to seeing our fellow members all dressed up. As I surveyed the room, there were many men in tuxedos and women dressed formally. It was great.
I think more than anything else, the entertainment set the stage for a beautiful evening. After all, it was Christmas. I think we all felt warm feelings during the sing-a-long and everyone seemed to enjoy the Christmas music. I had the privilege of sitting near Phyllis Regan and learning about her fun and exciting growing up years. I know that each one of you got to know your dinner-mates better also. We have a lovely group of people who enjoy one another’s company. I know we all look forward to seeing each other at the next event.
It was nice to put aside the pressures of our economy, the recent election, and the general trials of our day-to-day experiences, to be with some very special people on a very special evening. Thanks to all of you.
Subscribe and pay your dues to get pictures of the party.
Upcoming Events:
Valentine’s Day Champagne Brunch at Fort Belvoir. A notice has been sent to you by e-mail (hopefully we have your current e-mail address) or mail to this fun event. You can also get the registration form under the events tab. The selection at this buffet brunch at Fort Belvoir is extensive and delicious. Please enjoy the view overlooking the Potomac River and reminisce about the earliest Virginians as they settled in this area. Last year’s Valentine’s Day Champagne Brunch was hosted by Jimmy Clippard and Dave Pinhey, who again this year have taken a major leadership role. A big “shout out” to them.
2010 Virginia Cherry Blossom Princess Crowning Luncheon at Fort Myer. The Princess crowning luncheon is scheduled for March 20 at 11:30 a.m. in the Campaign Room at Fort Myer. We have the honor of having this event hosted by Major General Joseph Gray, who will also be acting as Master of Ceremonies for this special event. We will be sending you a special invitation very soon. Once you receive the invitation, please let us know as soon as possible if you will be attending as we are expecting a large crowd.
2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 27–April 11. The Cherry Blossom Queen will be selected by spin of the wheel at the Cherry Blossom Ball on Friday, April 9. Check the National Conference of State Societies website (www.ncss.typepad.com) or the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival website (www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org) for details and tickets to the special events during the festival.
Biennial Election of Officers. We have had many people contact me about a leadership position in the Society of Virginia. All current members in good standing are encouraged to phone David Pinhey in order to pursue this. All offices are open. Dave’s number is (703) 978-3663. We will notify you of the meeting in June very shortly.
Roster Update
Times are changing and we are trying very hard to get an accurate and up-to-date e-mail address for everyone. It’s like the story “How many Virginians does it take to change a light bulb?” And, of course, the answer is “It takes four – one to change the light bulb, and three to talk about how nice the old one was.” As the Age of Technology is now upon us, we really need your help in updating our e-mail list. If you have heard from me via e-mail no further action needs to be taken. However, if we have not contacted you via e-mail and you have an e-mail address, please send an e-mail to me at rhsullivan@verizon.net.
Finally, I want to take just a brief moment and extend a deep felt thanks to the Board of Directors who have been so supportive during these past two years. Again, all the best.
Bob
Additional Items
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
We are still looking for corporate sponsorship. That means someone has to canvas business establishments throughout the Commonwealth and promote the Society of Virginia. We have a considerable number of businesses but it takes time to canvass them. Are there any takers out there? As a Society we can offer advertising and there is nothing better than word-of-mouth. One way to do it is to have businesses donate door prizes. That way, their product becomes known and word gets around. Some State Societies do this and distribute their brochures at meetings. With the internet, a lot of sales are made. Seems like people want instant ability to order. You know, that instant gratification! Another way is to make contact with publishers in the Commonwealth. They are often looking for ways to get their books out to the public. The books make wonderful door prizes and provide reading so that a book review can be done for this Newsletter.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
What goes down must come up. An estimated 7000 volunteers participated in placing over 16,000 Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) on December 12, 2009. We thank you for your help. We will gather at the McClellan Gate at 8:15 AM on Saturday January 30, 2010 to pick them up and would welcome your assistance. Gates will open at 6:00 AM. So plan to be there by 7:30 to beat the traffic and get a closer parking space or take Metro to be assured of getting there. So, if you are interested, just show up and you will be helping the ANC as well as help honor our veterans who have made a sacrifice for us. The Maine State Society, the ANC and those who have friends, comrades and relatives buried at Arlington will appreciate it. Please contact member Carl Bouchard at 302-424-4425 or 703-850-2670 (Cell) for more information.
Society of Virginia Board Members
President Robert Sullivan rhsullivan@verizon.net
Vice President Madge Artley madge.artley@fcps.edu
Vice President Meg McLane mmclane8@verizon.net
Vice President Troy D. Gravitt troygravitt@hotmail.com
Treasurer Joan Lawrence jklawrence45@gmail.com
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