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We are making good progress toward our upcoming 148th Annual Meeting of the Members of the California Society of the SAR on April 14-15, 2023 at the Orange County Hilton Hotel in Costa Mesa, CA. If you have not registered yet, I urge you to do so now, because we are required to give the hotel a list of the number of attendees and their requested meals. If you are a Chapter President, you are required to attend the meeting or send the SAR Secretary a notice of the designated representative for your Chapter. The meeting registration form is posted on our website at: https://www.californiasar.org/event/148th-annual-meeting-of-the-california-society/.
I was honored recently to attend and make remarks at the annual state meetings of two of our related organizations: The California State Society of the Children of the American Revolution (CSSCAR) and The California State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (CSSDAR).
The CSSCAR meeting was held at Riley's Farm in Yucaipa, CA, on February 17-18. CSSCAR President Sage Tousey presided over their meeting, assisted by CSSCAR Senior State President, Miss Sue Fitzpatrick. The meeting attendees enjoyed learning games played in colonial times, working on their service project, and fellowship at meals. I attended their awards banquet and brought greetings from the CASSAR. It was great to see so many youth taking time from their busy personal lives to learn more about the American Revolution and the founding of our country.
The CSSDAR meeting was held at the Marriott Hotel in Irvine, CA on March 16-18, with CSSDAR State Regent Sharon Maas presiding over their meeting. I was honored to bring greetings from the CASSAR on the Opening Night, which included the presentation of awards to their youth contest winners. I was inspired to see and hear what these students had accomplished to win their awards. In addition our CASSAR Color Guard presented the colors on Saturday, and gave the CSSDAR an America 250 flag.
These events reminded me how important it is for our CASSAR Chapters to partner with our local CSSCAR and CSSDAR Chapters. Working together, we can multiply the impact we have on educating our youth and the general public on the importance of the American Revolution and why it is so important to our lives today. I know some of our Chapters are already participating in joint events, and I urge the others to consider doing so.
I hope to see many of you at our Annual Meeting of CASSAR on April 14-15.
Thank you for your service to SAR,
Jim Klingler, President
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REGISTER NOW
CASSAR 148th Annual Meeting scheduled for April 14-15, 2023
The 148th Annual Meeting of the Members of the California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will be held April 14 & 15, 2023 at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol ST., Costa Mesa, CA. To make reservations CLICK HERE or, call (714) 540-7000. The Group code is CASSAR. The special room rate $155/night; parking is $18/night. Follow this link to the Meeting Registration.
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Children of the American Revolution | |
The 93rd Annual State Conference of the California State Society Children of the American Revolution (CSSCAR) was held on February 18, 2023, at Riley's Farm in Yucaipa, CA. | |
CASSAR President Jim Klingler presents Eleanor Smallwood Niebell Award for best State Society CAR newsletter to CSSCAR President Sage Tousy. | |
CSSCAR Service Project Donation
CASSAR President Jim Klingler also presented a $1000 donation to President Tousy for the CSSCAR service project
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America 250 Presentations
CASSAR President Jim Klingler announced a new initiative between CASSAR and CSSCAR for America 250 presentations.
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CASSAR President Klingler has requested that America 250 Chairman, John Ferris, and CAR Chairman, Randy Dhindsa, present a plan at the April Annual Meeting for a state-wide roll-out of the initiative which is based on the activity started by Compatriot Jim Faulkinbury of the Sacramento Chapter. | |
Flag Certificate Presentations | |
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Delta Chapter
Presents a BIG Flag Certificate
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On Wednesday, October 12th, Delta Chapter President Scott Elliott along with Ed Smith, presented an SAR Flag Certificate to Noel Faris owner of Car Pretty in Modesto. Their flag is approximately thirty-eight feet long and twenty feet tall and sits atop an eighty foot pole.
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Sacramento Chapter
Presents an SAR Flag Certificate to FCUSD
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Members of the Sacramento Chapter Color Guard
(center L-R) Carl Ahlberg, Russ Kaiser, Craig Anderson, Don Littlefield
with the Board of Education, Folsom Cordova Unified School District
On March 23, 2023 the Sacramento Chapter Color Guard was invited and honored to Present Colors for the March meeting of the
Folsom Cordova Unified School District Board of Education.
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Don Littlefield presents an SAR Flag Certificate to David Reid.
David Reid is President of the Board of Education, Folsom Cordova Unified School District, and a member of the Sacramento Chapter, SAR.
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San Diego Chapter
Presents SAR Flag Certificates
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Michael Hirman, President of the San Diego Chapter
presents an SAR Flag Certificate to
Kellye Murphy, Alpine Branch Manager, California Bank and Trust
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San Diego Chapter President Michael Hirman made a second stop
to present an SAR Flag Certificate to
Tom Kalasho, Owner, Alpine Tobacco Company, Alpine, CA
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News from around the State | |
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CASSAR Receives DAR Commendation!
On March 8, the Orange County Color Guard, commanded by Dan McKelvie and joined by members of the South Coast Color Guard, presented, and posted the Colors at the DAR State meeting in Irvine. After the presentation, John Ferris and Dan McKelvie returned to the podium to present the California State DAR with an SAR America 250 flag, base, and pole. The flag was placed next to the DAR flag.
The DAR State Regent then presented a Commendation Certificate and medal to CASSAR. The certificate read: "Demonstration of Extraordinary Effort in Raising Awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250th Anniversary."
Go California SAR and DAR!
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Eagle Chapter
Celebrates George Washington's Birthday
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(L-R) Benny White, Karl Blackmun, and Wayne Rogers of Eagle Chapter attended the George Washington 291st birthday celebration at the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum,
in Carlsbad on February 25, hosted by the San Diego chapter
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Harbor Chapter
United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Presentation
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(L-R) USNSCC XO Anthony Rakota, PO1 Anthony Rakota, Brandon Villardi
On March 5th, Harbor Chapter presented Petty Officer 1st Class, A. Rakota of the South Bay Coastal Division - USNSCC with the SAR Sea Cadet Bronze Good Citizenship Medal. The presentation took place at the Redondo Beach Police Department's Public Safety Open House. His entire class was present.
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Redlands Chapter
Trailblazes with Daily America 250 SAR
At the March Redlands Chapter meeting, President Don Boatright and Compatriots Shawn Price and Ben Hobbins presented the idea of having PG Manning's America 250 SAR Daily History be sent to the Redlands Compatriots email inboxes. A discussion was held, a vote was taken, and it was unanimous.
While the America 250 SAR Daily History is on our CASSAR America250 page, the Redlands idea of having it automatically sent to each member is a great one. This is the time in our SAR experience where we are all to learn more about the many pivotal events that took place during 1764-1783. What better way to "remember our obligations to our forefathers" than to learn about the times and trials in which they lived.
Questions? Please contact Ben Hobbins coachbenhobbins@gmail.com or John Ferris jrf1776@outlook.com
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Redlands Chapter
Spring Work Party
We were excited to dig into our Color Guard trailer to take inventory and reorganize the trailer for improved equipment access.
| Compatriots also stood for a photo opportunity with our new marching and encampment banner donated to the chapter by Compatriot Brian Christie. | (L-R) Charlie Frye, John Flippin, Brian Christie, and Don Boatright. | |
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Orange County and South Coast Chapter
Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade - March 4, 2023
On Saturday March 4th, the combined Orange County and South Coast Chapter Color Guards took part in the Annual Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade. Orange County Color Guard members John Blake and Mike Miller joined South Coast Chapter guardsmen Scott Whitman, Nolan Forrest and Kevin Forrest, in presenting the colors for the 56th Annual Patriots Day Parade. The theme for the parade was Volunteer Heroes.
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(L-R) Nolan Forrest (SC); John Blake (OC); Mike Miller (OC;
Scott Whitman (SC); Kevin Forrest (SC)
Founded in 1966, by members of the Patience Wright Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Patriots Day Parade has become a beloved annual tradition in Laguna Beach. The parade takes place on the first Saturday in March. Event participants range from civic and veterans' organizations, school bands, floats, and vintage automobiles to Lineage societies and Military bands. The parade also honors citizens who have served the community and those who have served the nation in time of war or national emergency.
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Orange County
SAR Education Center and Museum Donors
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California State President Jim Klingler awarding
Orange County Chapter President Philip Mitchell the 1776 Signer Pin
and OC Chapter Registrar Dr M Kent Gregory the Silver Quill Certificate
for their contributions to the SAR Education Center and Museum
America 250 Orange County Awardees
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Chapter President Philip Mitchell awarding Daniel and Karen McKelvie the
America 250 Bronze Medal for their support of the SAR America 250 Program
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Orange County
Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit
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CASSAR Vice President John Ferris (center) standing with the
Newport Beach DAR Regent Row Briggs and Mission Viejo DAR Regent Penny Sander
at the WAA road show as it continues its journey through California
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Redwood Empire Chapter
Eagle Scout Court of Honor
Saturday, March 4, 2023 in Santa Rosa
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Eagle Scout Travis Richter (left) and Eagle Scout Austin Richter (right)
Redwood Empire Chapter President Bill Nay (center)
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(L-R) Troop 55 Scout Master David Smilie (SAR member & Eagle Scout Committee Chair)
Brendan Sweeney, Field Representative for Congressman Mike Thompson
(Brendan earned his Eagle Scout Award in Troop 55)
Charles Howard-Gibbons, Scout Executive, Redwood Empire Council, Scouts BSA
Bill Nay, President, CASSAR Redwood Empire Chapter
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Riverside Chapter
Michael Mann Installed as President
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CASSAR Past President Brian Stephens (left) installed
Michael Mann ((holding the gavel) as the new Riverside Chapter President
as outgoing Riverside President Roger Cooper (right) looks on
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Yosemite Chapter
103rd Annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade
The Yosemite Chapter participated with DAR and CAR in participating in the 103rd Annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade. This is the largest Veterans Day Parade in the country. Compatriots Jim Riley, Color Guard Commander Scott Nichols, President Randy Dhindsa, Chaplain Robert Thompson, EVP Jon Russell, and Treasurer participated in the parade.
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(L-R) Yosemite Chapter Color Guard were joined by CASSAR Color Guard Commander Brandon Villardi (far left) and America 250 Chair John Ferris (far right) | |
Color presentation for the Clovis Veterans Memorial District dinner
NCAA Division I Basketball Colors
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(L-R) Commander Scott Nichols, Jon Russell, Jim Riley
On January 14, the Yosemite Chapter Color Guard was honored to Present Colors at the California State University, Fresno (aka "Fresno State") vs. United States Air Force Academy (aka "Air Force") men's basketball game at Save Mart Center Arena, Fresno. Great event supporting our local university. The Color Guard were invited back for a second appearance when the women's teams from the same schools met on February 2, 2023.
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The SAR was invited to volunteer at the Bay Region Academic Decathalon by Ken Scarberry, Regional Director. The theme this year is “The American Revolution and the New Nation.”
Like the decathlon of the ancient Greeks, the Academic Decathlon consists of ten exacting and exciting events. But while the Greek events were contests of physical strength, the Academic Decathlon is a contest of academic strength. The Academic Decathlon includes tests in Art, Music, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Economics, Science, and Social Science. In addition, there are communication tests that include the writing of an essay, the delivery of a prepared and an impromptu speech, and an interview.
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(L-R) Bill Nay and Ken Scarberry
Bill Nay along with two Redwood Empire compatriots volunteered for the regional event held in Fairfield on January 28, 2023. Just before the final event titled the "Super Quiz" Bill was provided a few minutes on the program to present an America 250 Minute. When he walked on stage in his Revolutionary War Uniform, the audience erupted in cheers and applause.
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(L-R) Bill Nay, Ken Scarberry, Don Littlefield
We were invited back to volunteer for the California Academic Decathlon finals at the Marriott Santa Clara. Fifty-nine schools participated from around California with more than 500 students, plus a hundred staff and volunteers. Again, the SAR was allowed time on the agenda before the Super Quiz to present an America 250 Minute. And, again, the ballroom erupted in cheers and applause when the SAR Uniformed Soldiers walked on stage to present our America 250 Minute.
During a break, Don contacted Mark Harrison, President Dallas Chapter SAR and encouraged him to engage with Amy Dosch, from the United States Academic Decathlon team planning the national finals in Frisco Texas on April 27-29. It looks like plans are being made for the Dallas (area Chapters) Color Guard to have an information table, have a role during the welcome event and then Present Colors to start the awards ceremony.
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Admiral William R. Furlong Award | |
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If over 1/2 of the chapters in our Society, present at least one flag certificate each, the state will receive the Admiral William R. Furlong Award. While the award is not the goal, the outreach to the community is.
Putting a smile on someone’s face and making them proud to be an American is what the Flag Certificate is all about. We are in a unique time in American history due to the America 250th celebration and we should do all we can to be a major part of that celebration.
The California Society still has a few months to reach its 1/2 chapters goal for the award. Lets challenge ourselves to not only meet the goal, but to begin an outreach/engagement campaign using Flag Certificates. This is something all of us can do.
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SAR 133rd Annual Congress Hotel Reservations
Registration is now open for the SAR 133rd Annual Congress at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, FL, July 14-20, 2023. Request reservations for the "Sons of the American Revolution." Group code: NSSAR2023.
Below is the link for the online registration.
The Rosen Plaza toll free number is 1-800-627-8258.
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Note: The hotel is SOLD-OUT for Wednesday, July 19, 2023. To be placed on a waiting list contact Paul Callanan at 704-756-0363 or LTCMRSC@aol.com.
If you book online, the default date is set to 12 July. To change your arrival date click on the calendar icon next to the date. You can also adjust the departure date by clicking on the calendar icon in the departure section.
Guarantee Policy
All reservations are required to be guaranteed with a valid credit card . Please be advised that five days prior to your arrival, an authorization equivalent to a one night’s room and tax charge will be processed on your card. Authorizations on a debit card will place a hold on funds within your bank account at the time of authorization.
Cancel Policy
Cancellation required at least 5 days prior to arrival to avoid a charge of one night's room and tax. As a reminder, the reservations cut-off date is Monday, June 12, 2023, or until the contracted room block is sold out, whichever comes first. At 5:00PM on the cut-off date, any rooms remaining in your block will be released back to the hotel for general sale. At that point, any new bookings will be accepted based on hotel availability.
If you have any questions, please contact Paul Callanan at 704-756-0363 or LTCMRSC@aol.com.
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Click the image to play the America 250 SAR Video | |
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Want to present an America 250 Minute but are unsure of how to do it?
Our SAR Curator, Zac Distel, worked with SAR Marketing and Public Relations Manager Drew Hight to create and post an educational video about bullet molds, featuring some of our historical artifacts donated by members of the SAR. Present this to your chapter for an informative and entertaining experience!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDMv-YdwPdU
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April 14-15 — 148th CASSAR Annual Meeting, Costa Mesa
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April 22 — Caroline Winterer, Sheraton Grand, Sacramento
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May 29 — Memorial Day
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June 14 — Flag Day
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July 4 — Independence Day
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September 4 — Labor Day
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July 15-20 — SAR 133rd National Congress, Orlando
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November 3-4 — 148th CASSAR Board of Managers Meeting
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The National Society, requires any member who participates in SAR programs and interacts with youth under the age of 18, to successfully complete SAR Youth Protection Training. Training is online, takes about 20 minutes, and is valid for three years.
Send your certificate of completion to Dan McKelvie: mckelvie@sbcglobal.net.
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CALL FOR ARTICLES — April 20, 2023 Deadline
Please send news of events and high resolution digital photos to
Don Littlefield at dblittlefield@comcast.net
— RELEASE FORMS —
All photos or or other materials that show or name any
minor under the age of 18
must be accompanied by a signed Release Form.
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Cyber Scams
If you receive an email, text, or voice mail from a purported Officer or Compatriot seeking any type of financial assistance, consider it a hoax. Phishing messages are becomming more sophisticated and may include the unauthorized use of the SAR logo, a compatriot's name, or a pseudo SAR email address. Stop — Think — Verify
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The California Compatriot is the official newsletter of the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Unless explicitly stated, the opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the California Society SAR.
Editor: Donald B Littlefield
craigandersonsar@gmail.com
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