Saturday, December 7, 2013

Mardi Gras Parlor No. 2014: District 21 Official Visit of Grand President Sharon Logan

The Parlors of District 21 (Santa Cruz Parlor No. 26, Aleli Parlor No. 102-Salinas, Junipero Parlor No. 141-Monterey, and San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 179) cordially invite you to Mardi Gras Parlor No. 2014--the District 21 Official Visit of Grand President Sharon Logan.  The Official Visit will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the Active Seniors Hall, 100 Harvest Street in Salinas.  The social hour starts at 11:00 with a buffet luncheon at 12 noon.  Tickets are $25.00 each.  Afternoon dressy attire in Mardi Gras colors is suggested.  

If you are interested in attending, please contact Aleli Parlor Recording Secretary, Laura Lawrence at ndgw102@gmail.com for more information.  Official invitations will be mailed out on December 13. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Lucy Cornelius 1921 - 2013

One of Aleli Parlor’s spunkiest sisters, Lucy Cornelius, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. She was born November 4, 1921, in San Martin and joined Native Daughters of the Golden West on March 25, 1993.  As a member of Aleli Parlor in Salinas, she served on various committees and held many offices, including President and Past President, over her more than 20 year tenure.  Her memorial service was held on November 30, 2013 and was attended by many people, old and young alike...truly a testament to how Lucy's spirit transcended generations.

She met and married her partner and best friend, George Melvin Cornelius on December 14, 1940 and for the next 62 years enjoyed spending time with their family, both on trips and in their second home in South Lake Tahoe creating many happy memories with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Lucy was always very active in her communities and church.  She was a member of the Saint Paul's Episcopal Church of Salinas and actively involved in the Women's group, Episcopal Church Women. She was also a founding member of the Mothers Club of North Monterey County along with 14 other mothers.  In Lucy's free time she enjoyed playing bingo at the Firehouse Senior Center, playing Bunco with her friends and spending time with her family.

Lucy was spunky, positive, upbeat and always smiling. She always made time for those who needed her. She visited friends when they were ill, sent hand written notes to her family and friends just to let them know she was thinking about them or to send them a positive word.  She enjoyed watching her grandbabies, seeing them grow, encouraging them, and teaching them all so many things. 

Lucy was preceded in death by her son, George (Sonny) Cornelius; her daughter, Antoinette Joyce Dowdy; her husband of 62 years, George Melvin Cornelius and her two sisters and four brothers.

She is survived by her son, James Cornelius (June); son-in-law, Michael Dowdy; granddaughter, Rhonda Serrano (Eric); grandsons, Randy Dowdy and Michael Dowdy II, all of Salinas; granddaughters, Debi Pochop (Chris) of Prunedale and Kim (Dan) Tubridy of Carmel Valley; great-granddaughters, Desiren Cornelius (Tommy), Alyssa Pochop, Marleyna Serrano, Aleona Serrano, Courtney Tubridy and great-grandson, Josh Tubridy; great-great-granddaughter, Alicia Rosales; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

She will truly be missed! 

Saturday, October 5, 2013

NDGW District 21 Hosts Tea to Benefit the NDGW Home

Native Daughters of the Golden West District 21 had a very successful and enjoyable NDGW Home Tea held at the NDGW Adobe in San Juan Bautista on September 22, 2013.

Supervising District Deputy Grand President Sharon M. Johnston, PGP, the Deputy Grand Presidents, and all four Subordinate Parlors – Santa Cruz No. 26, Aleli No. 102, Junipero No. 141, and San Juan Bautista No. 179 – were represented and provided the cookies, sandwiches, and funds for the raffle prizes. Baskets of organic apples were donated by President Ann Hestand of Santa Cruz Parlor.  Aleli Parlor member Laura Lawrence won three raffle prizes, including the grand prize of $25.00 in dollar coins.

Aleli Parlor member Laura Lawrence and San Juan Bautista Parlor member and Supervising District Deputy Grand President Sharon M. Johnston, PGP
Seventy-eight people attended with guests from many different parts of our State. Grand Trustee Karen Fini spoke about the needs of the Native Daughters Home in San Francisco, and opened the eyes of those who did not realize how great the needs are.  Painting, new drapes, replacement of window framing, carpeting, and an exhaust fan for the kitchen stove are but some of the major items needed at our Native Daughters Home.

Aleli Parlor members Rita Dominy and Joann Reyes
Afternoon attire and hats were the fashion for the afternoon, and the gentlemen in attendance were also very appropriately attired. Grand President Sharon Logan, Jr. Past Grand President Linda Galassi, Grand Vice President Suzi Riley, senior Grand Trustee Cynthia Connelly, Grand Trustee Karen Fini, several members of the NDGW Home Committee, and Past Grand Presidents Marilyn Rickett, Sylvia Lowrie, and Joan Hall assisted District 21 as we raised funds to assist with the maintenance of our Grand Lady on Baker Street. Regrets were received from several Grand Officers and Past Grand Presidents –  all wishing us a successful day – and some including donations for the Native Daughters Home.  We raised nearly $1,700 toward the drapery project.

Thank you to Sharon M. Johnston, PGP, for her contributions to this article.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Aleli Parlor Installs 2013-2014 Officers

On August 8, 2013, Aleli Parlor installed their 2013-2014 corps of officers. President Lillian King chose the theme "Fields of Poppies" with the colors of the sunrise or sunset rounding out her theme.  This is not Lillian's first time as Aleli Parlor's president.  She served as president more than 50 years ago.  Lillian has done her share to boost the membership of Aleli Parlor--specifically through recruiting her husband, Warren King, and son, Russell Owens, to be Aleli Parlor's "mister sisters."

Over the next year, the Parlor will be working toward implementing Grand President Sharon Logan's theme for the year: “Let Your Star Shine.”  Grand President Sharon will be asking parlors to acknowledge sisters, community members, and others for their work with Native Daughters by issuing “Star” certificates

The installation was conducted by members of San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 179. Aleli Parlor member Bonnie Rasmussen served as Chairman.  Barbara Thomas, Aleli Parlor No. 102 and Deputy Grand President to Aleli Parlor, served as Installing Officer. Roberta Paul, San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 179, served as Grand Marshal.  Susan Carpenter, friend of San Juan Bautista Parlor, provided the musical accompaniment.  The following members were installed:
  • Lillian King, President
  • Lucy Cornelius, Past President
  • Arlene Tavani, 1st Vice President
  • Lois Franscioni, 2nd Vice President
  • Warren King, 3rd Vice President
  • Laura Lawrence, Recording Secretary
  • Joanne Reyes, Financial Secretary
  • Barbara Thomas, Treasurer
  • Rosemary Perez, Marshal
  • Rita Dominy, Trustee
  • Haylie Keema, Trustee
  • Russell Owens, Trustee
  • Joanne Ririe, Inside Sentinel
  • Gladys Keema, Outside Sentinel
A photo of Lillian when she first served as Aleli Parlor's president more than 50 years ago
Lillian with her family and fellow Aleli Parlor members, left to right: Kelsie Howe, Kathleen Howe, Warren King, Lillian King, Joanne Reyes, and Russell Owens

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

NDGW Home Tea is September 22

Invitations go out this week from the Parlors of District 21 for their annual tea to support the Native Daughters of the Golden West Home in San Francisco. 

Santa Cruz Parlor No. 26, Aleli Parlor No. 102, Junipero Parlor No. 141, and San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 179 will be hosting the tea on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Native Daughters of the Golden West Adobe in San Juan Bautista.

The theme of this year's tea is "Harvest"-- an appropriate theme considering the tea is being held on the first day of autumn.  Please bring your favorite tea cup to win a prize.  

Raffle prizes will also be available with the proceeds from the tickets sales benefiting our Native Daughters of the Golden West Home.

If you plan to attend, please respond to Laura Lawrence, Aleli Parlor Recording Secretary, no later than September 16, 2013 at aleliparlor@gmail.com.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Grand Parlor Annual Meeting 2013

By Laura Lawrence, Alternate Delegate for Aleli Parlor No. 102






Last week, I attended the 127th Grand Parlor Annual Meeting of the Native Daughters of the Golden West in Pleasanton with approximately 200 Sisters, including about 100 delegates from parlors around the state. 

This was my first time attending the Grand Parlor Annual Meeting.  One of things that I love about Native Daughters is their love of tradition.  This organization founded on the principles of love of home, devotion to the flag, veneration of the pioneers, and faith in the existence of God.   Our annual meeting reflects these principles.  Each day for four days, the meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of the National Anthem.  A prayer was said at the opening and closing of each meeting, as well as before each meal.

While the focus of the meeting’s work was consideration of recommendations and resolutions submitted to the Grand Parlor, the nomination and election of Grand Officers for the coming year, and to hear reports from all of the organizations various committees, the daily meetings were not all business.  The day’s activities were peppered with presentations of gifts, skits by the Grand Officers and other parlors, and luncheons in support of our non-profit foundations.

Every year, a very moving Memorial Service is held for all of our Sisters who passed away during the year.  It is annual tradition to remember those Sisters who have given so much to this organization. 

The Gold Dust Girls hold a fundraising dinner every year as well.   The Gold Dust Girls raise money for the incoming Grand President and any special projects within the organization that need a boost.  This year’s dinner had a 60s theme.  I got into the spirit by wearing a costume reminiscent of Tippi Hedren’s character in the 1963 movie The Birds.  Look for a picture of me in my costume in a future issue of the California Star

Native Daughters also gives awards to businesses and organizations that support the image of California.  This year, one of the Image Awards was given to the Chrysler Corporation for their Jeep commercial that brought our state song, “I Love You, California”, back to life. 

We were also delighted by two inspiring and enthusiastic speakers.  Victoria Kastner, historian for Hearst Castle in San Simeon and author of books on the same subject, presented a slide show and talk on Phoebe Apperson Hearst, architect Julia Morgan and William Randolph Hearst.  The talk was informative and gave me the “itch” to visit La Cuesta Encantada again.  The new Director of California State Parks, Major General Anthony Jackson, USMC, (ret.) spoke.  His enthusiasm for our state parks was infectious!   Our final day of meetings concluded with the installation of our Grand Officers for the coming term.

Native Daughters is an aging organization that is embedded with tradition.  As time goes on, we are losing members more often than we are gaining new ones.  As was stated in the nomination speech for Dawn Dunlap, Grand Inside Sentinel, progress and tradition are not mutually exclusive, but interdependent.  We need to keep this mind as we move forward as an Order.  To some, the decorum, the formal gowns, and other old-fashioned traditions may seem like they belong in another era.  Our challenge as Sisters is to find a way to portray the value in these traditions and, at the same time, stay current with needs of a younger generation of Californians.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Special Veteran's Grant Program Funds Still Available

The Special Veteran's Grant Program was the Special Project of Grand President Marilynn Rodrigues during her 2011-2012 term.  The funds for the grants were raised by luncheons, dinners sponsored by Cattlemens Restaurants, and donations from our Members.  The awards offered are a one-time grant, not to exceed $500.00

All applicants must be on current active military duty or honorably discharged and currently enrolled in an accredited California college, university, or technical school.  To be considered for a grant, applicants must gather the following information:

  • The completed application form;
  • A letter of application written by the applicant, indicating how you found out about the grant and for what purpose it will be used;
  • A copy of military photo identification;
  • A copy of discharge papers (DD-214), or proof of current active duty;
  • Proof of current enrollment at an accredited California college, university, or technical school; and
  • One letter of recommendation from a responsible person in the community, and/or a letter of sponsorship from a NDGW Subordinate Parlor, signed by the Recording Secretary, and bearing the seal of the Subordinate Parlor.

If you, or someone you know, is eligible to apply for one of these grants, please send an e-mail with "Special Veteran's Grant Program" in the Subject Line to NDGW102@gmail.com to request a Grant Application and the Application Procedure.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Like Us on Facebook!

Native Daughters of the Golden West is looking for ways to increase our exposure to potential members and to share that "personal touch."  As we count down to our Grand Parlor Annual Meeting in June, Native Daughters is spreading the word about their Facebook page.  They are looking to increase the number of "likes" on their page to 500 before the meeting.  I think we can do so much better!

So, take a moment, log into your Facebook account and search for Native Daughters of the Golden West and click "Like" on the page.  If you don't have a Facebook account, now is a great time to sign up and connect with your sisters!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

What is Happening in Aleli Parlor? Everything!

Aleli Parlor now has a new website address that is much shorter than our previous website address.  You can now reach this website through a much shorter link: www.ndgw102.org.  Please save this new address to your Favorites.

On August 9, 2012, San Juan Bautista Parlor No. 179 installed Aleli Parlor's corps of officers for the coming year.  After many years as Aleli Parlor's Financial Secretary, Marlene Wisdom was elected to the office of President for the Parlor.  The following officers were elected:

Marlene Wisdom, President
Lucy Cornelius, Past President
Arlene Tavani, 1st Vice President
Lois Franscioni, 2nd Vice President
Warren King, 3rd Vice President
Rosemary Perez, Marshal
Laura Lawrence, Recording Secretary
Lillian King, Financial Secretary
Barbara Thomas, Treasurer
Rita Dominy, Trustee
Haylie Keema, Trustee
Joanne Reyes, Trustee
Joanne Ririe, Inside Sentinel
Gladys Keema, Outside Sentinel
We are grateful for our active members who continue to serve our Order year after year.  Barbara Thomas will be serving as the Parlor's Deputy Grand President and Roberta Paul is the Supervising District Deputy Grand President for District 21 for 2012-2013.

In September, Aleli Parlor initiated their newest member, Kathryn Lawrence.  Kathryn is the daughter of member Laura Lawrence and is a senior at Monte Vista Christian High School in Watsonville.  On September 23, 2012, the Parlor participated in "High Tea at the Adobe"--District 21's Annual Fundraiser to support the Native Daughters of the Golden West Home in San Francisco.  The tea was held at the Adobe in San Juan Bautista.  This year, the Parlors of District 21 raised $1,500.00 to support our beautiful home.

In October, the Parlor voted to donate funds to the NDGW Veteran's Welfare Committee and to the Food Bank for Monterey County.  Planning has also started for the District 21 Official Visit of Grand President Linda Galassi to be held on March 17, 2013.  Santa Cruz Parlor No. 26 is this year's host parlor.  The event will be held on the exact day of Santa Cruz Parlor's 125th Anniversary.  The event will be held at the Cocoanut Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

In November, the Parlor gathered for our annual Thanksgiving potluck before the meeting.  We also started planning for the NDGW Student Art Talent Contest.  The four local public high schools in Salinas will be participating.  Judging begins in February.  Aleli Parlor's final selection will submitted at the Grand Parlor Annual Meeting in June.  The Parlor also voted to buy a brick for the atrium wall in the NDGW Home in San Francisco.  The brick will be engraved "Aleli Parlor No. 102, Salinas, Chartered 1898."

In December, members donated a dozen full grocery bags of non-perishable food to donate to the Food Bank for Monterey County.  This has become an annual fundraiser for the Parlor.

In 2013, we look forward to our Official Visit of Grand President Linda Galassi in March, our Annual Mission Restoration Luncheon in May, and participating at the Grand Parlor Annual Meeting in June in Pleasanton, California.

If you are interested in attending a parlor meeting or becoming a parlor member, please do not hesitate to contact the parlor at our e-mail address: aleliparlor@gmail.com.