Illinois State DAR Regent Visit

At its January 20 meeting, Swallow Cliff Chapter, NSDAR was pleased to host the new Illinois DAR State Regent, Gloria Perkins Flathom, an Oak Lawn resident. As part of her responsibilities, she travels throughout the state to visit all 104 Daughters of the American Revolution chapters with her program entitled, “Until You Spread Your Wings, You Have No Idea How Far You Can Fly.” Her challenge to all who hear her presentation is to be open to change and new opportunities, both within the DAR organization and in life situations. She encourages people to be willing to try something that seems, at first, to be daunting but to believe in themselves enough to take that first step. With her symbol for the state being the monarch butterfly, State Regent Flathom uses the butterfly as a model to help visualize “spreading our wings” and becoming more forward-looking not only within DAR chapters but also within the community.

Gloria is a life member of DAR and has held several Swallow Cliff Chapter offices, including chapter regent. She also has served as District IV director and been elected to three Illinois State Organization positions. She believes in honoring patriotic service and supporting children, as well as participating in community service. With her choice of symbols, she has now added becoming an advocate for conservation efforts to increase plantings for pollinators and monarchs to her pursuits. Her State Regent’s project involves raising money for Bacone College in Oklahoma, where predominantly low income Native American students attend. This school is in desperate need of equipment for its cafeteria, and funds will be used to purchase several pieces. For these students, a chance to further their education is a way to help their families and tribes achieve a better way of life.

Gloria Flathom has a passion for genealogical research and preservation. She has helped complete 78 DAR applications personally and has served as a consultant for many, many more. She is a member of and has held elected office in five other genealogical societies. She encourages everyone to think about their own family histories and to begin to write down and document their stories for future generations.