Alabama Society Colonial Dames XVII Century
Colonel Walter Aston Chapter, Huntsville
The Colonel Walter Aston Chapter was founded in 1968.
Lt. Col. Walter Aston b. circa 1607 at Langdon, Staffordshire, England; m. Warbowe; 1st wife; m. Hannah Jordan; 2nd wife, 1st husband; d. 6 Apr 1656; bur. at Westover Parish Church, Charles City Co., VA. He immigrated circa 1628. He resided at Charles City Co., VA. He was a member of the House of Burgesses 1629/30, 1631/32, 1632, 1632/33, 1641, 1642/43 at Virginia. He resided at Shirley Hundred, VA. He was Lt. Colonel in 1655 at Virginia.
Lt. Col. Walter Aston b. circa 1607 at Langdon, Staffordshire, England; m. Warbowe; 1st wife; m. Hannah Jordan; 2nd wife, 1st husband; d. 6 Apr 1656; bur. at Westover Parish Church, Charles City Co., VA. He immigrated circa 1628. He resided at Charles City Co., VA. He was a member of the House of Burgesses 1629/30, 1631/32, 1632, 1632/33, 1641, 1642/43 at Virginia. He resided at Shirley Hundred, VA. He was Lt. Colonel in 1655 at Virginia.
Chapter Officers 2023-2025
President Lindy Hard
First Vice President Sue Ellen Adams Second Vice President Cindy Wallace Chaplain Josie Phillips Recording Secretary Pamela Porterfield Corresponding Secretary Cynthia Sackett Treasurer Nancy Haukohl Registrar Janet Langley Historian Kimberly Alexander Librarian Ann Whitaker |
Standing Committees 2023-2025
250 Celebrate America Committee Mary Johnston
Awards, Gifts & Special Activites Committee Leeann Childers Bylaws Committee Davie Williams Colonial Heritage Research and Records Committee Sarah Curtis Finance Committee Phyllis O'Connell Finance Committee Chairman Nancy Haukohl Flag Custodian Committee Linda Maples Grave Markers Committee Martha Whitt Heraldry & Coats of Arms Committee Member Vicki Presley Insignia Committee Donna Parker Junior Membership Committee Nancy Royer Marking and Preservation of Historic Sites Committee Nancy Carter Membership Committee Janet Langley Membership Committee Chairman Sue Ellen Adams Museum Committee Jane Michel Music Committee Nancy Carter National Defense Committee Rebecca Riddick Pocahontas Projects Committee Pamela Porterfield Public Relations Committee Shealy Lynn Scholarship Committee Nancy Billings Timekeepers Committee Cynthia Sackett Veterans Service Committee Yvette Shannon |
Chapter Past Presidents
Mrs. David L. (Mary Louise “Chick” Bell) Anderson, 1968-1971
Mrs. Andrew B. (Caroline Krebs) Cathey, 1971-1973
Mrs. Russell L. (Janet Louise Cloud) Hopping, 1973-1974
Mrs. W. Burgess (Ruth Gray) Mahan, 1974-1975
Mrs. John M. (Belle Richardson Montgomery) Chenault, 1975-1977 #*
Mrs. Jules M. (Louise Milam) Julich, 1977-1979
Mrs. Knight K. (Edith Viora Frye) Spooner, 1979-1981
Mrs. John (Margaret Kash) Wlodarski, 1981-1983
Mrs. William C. (Joy Marion Millsaps) Kelly, 1983-1985
Mrs. James E. (Mary Stagg) Johnston, 1985-1987 #*
Mrs. Curtis A. (Gwendolyn Gross) Hicks, 1987-1989
Mrs. E. Ray (Vi Lawson) Van Orden, 1989-1991 #
Mrs. James W. (Doris McAlpine) Russell, 1991-1993
Mrs. Charles L. (Alice Weldon) Riley, Jr., 1993-1995
Mrs. J. W. (Sue Sanders) Ivey, 1995-1997
Mrs. Julian S. (Virginia Ponds) Kobler, 1997-1999
Mrs. Carl M. (Marian Atkins) Powe, Jr., 1999-1999
Ms. Phyllis Cummings O’Connell, Sept.1999-2001 #
Mrs. Larry H. (Peggy Snoddy) Johnson, 2001-2003
Mrs. Stephen V. (Jessie Petermann) Leonard, 2003-2005
Mrs. Cecil D. (Davie Thomas) Williams, 2005-2007 #
Ms. Kimberly Alexander, 2007-2009
Mrs. Everett R. (Bonnie Couch) Segui, Jr., 2009-2011
Ms. Lois Robertson, 2011-2013
Mrs. Mark A. (Carroll Campbell) Strickland, 2013-2015
Mrs. Clarence D. (Nancy Carter) Billings, 2015-2017
Mrs. John D. (Janet Denman) Langley, 2017-2019 #
Mrs. Donis R. Wolfe (Sarah Kathryn Curtis), 2019-2021
Mrs. Donna Alt Parker, 2021-2023
# Alabama State President
* President General
Mrs. Andrew B. (Caroline Krebs) Cathey, 1971-1973
Mrs. Russell L. (Janet Louise Cloud) Hopping, 1973-1974
Mrs. W. Burgess (Ruth Gray) Mahan, 1974-1975
Mrs. John M. (Belle Richardson Montgomery) Chenault, 1975-1977 #*
Mrs. Jules M. (Louise Milam) Julich, 1977-1979
Mrs. Knight K. (Edith Viora Frye) Spooner, 1979-1981
Mrs. John (Margaret Kash) Wlodarski, 1981-1983
Mrs. William C. (Joy Marion Millsaps) Kelly, 1983-1985
Mrs. James E. (Mary Stagg) Johnston, 1985-1987 #*
Mrs. Curtis A. (Gwendolyn Gross) Hicks, 1987-1989
Mrs. E. Ray (Vi Lawson) Van Orden, 1989-1991 #
Mrs. James W. (Doris McAlpine) Russell, 1991-1993
Mrs. Charles L. (Alice Weldon) Riley, Jr., 1993-1995
Mrs. J. W. (Sue Sanders) Ivey, 1995-1997
Mrs. Julian S. (Virginia Ponds) Kobler, 1997-1999
Mrs. Carl M. (Marian Atkins) Powe, Jr., 1999-1999
Ms. Phyllis Cummings O’Connell, Sept.1999-2001 #
Mrs. Larry H. (Peggy Snoddy) Johnson, 2001-2003
Mrs. Stephen V. (Jessie Petermann) Leonard, 2003-2005
Mrs. Cecil D. (Davie Thomas) Williams, 2005-2007 #
Ms. Kimberly Alexander, 2007-2009
Mrs. Everett R. (Bonnie Couch) Segui, Jr., 2009-2011
Ms. Lois Robertson, 2011-2013
Mrs. Mark A. (Carroll Campbell) Strickland, 2013-2015
Mrs. Clarence D. (Nancy Carter) Billings, 2015-2017
Mrs. John D. (Janet Denman) Langley, 2017-2019 #
Mrs. Donis R. Wolfe (Sarah Kathryn Curtis), 2019-2021
Mrs. Donna Alt Parker, 2021-2023
# Alabama State President
* President General
Photos ~ Events
Mary Stagg Johnston
President General, 1993-1995
National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century
Honored Daughter of the Colonel William Aston Chapter
This painting hangs in the National Headquarters, Washington, DC
President General, 1993-1995
National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century
Honored Daughter of the Colonel William Aston Chapter
This painting hangs in the National Headquarters, Washington, DC
Colonel Walter Aston Chapter
Hosted the 70th Alabama State Conference
February 3-4, 2023
Valley Hill Country Club
Huntsville, Alabama
(Standing L to R): Yvette Shannon, Leeann Childers, Karol Kapustka, Melvina Phillips, Cynthia Sacket, Lindy Hard, Sue Ellen Adams, Pam Porterfield, Nancy Carter, Cindy Wallace, Ann Whitaker, Shealy Lynn, Lynn Presley
(Seated L to R): Chapter Presidents Nancy Billings (2015-2017), Kim Alexander (2007-2009), Phyllis O’Connell (1999-2001), Donna Parker (2021-2023), Mary Johnston (1985-1987), Jan Langley (2017-2019), Davie Williams (2005-2007), Sarah Curtis (2019-2021).
(Seated L to R): Chapter Presidents Nancy Billings (2015-2017), Kim Alexander (2007-2009), Phyllis O’Connell (1999-2001), Donna Parker (2021-2023), Mary Johnston (1985-1987), Jan Langley (2017-2019), Davie Williams (2005-2007), Sarah Curtis (2019-2021).
On February 3-4, 2023, the Colonel Walter Aston Chapter hosted the 70th Alabama State Conference in Huntsville, Alabama at Valley Hill Country Club. State President and Chapter member Janet Langley presided, and Conference Chairman and Chapter President Donna Parker and twenty Chapter members welcomed the conference attendees. The two-day successful event was packed full of awards, chapter and committee displays, proclamations, piano music, delicious meals, processions, beautiful table decorations of Saturn V rockets on Friday evening and yellow and white bouquets in blue and white porcelain containers on Saturday, gifts of candy, speakers NASA Chief Technologist John Dankanich and Corresponding Secretary General Linda White, Presentation of Colors by nine SAR Color guards, and ended with an Installation of new State Officers. A fun Silent Auction and a fruitcake raffle completed the festivities with the proceeds going to President Jan Langley’s Project to support three local Huntsville Museums.
Colonel Walter Aston Chapter
69th Alabama State Conference ~ 2022
Saugahatchee Country Club
Opelika, Alabama
Alabama State President Janet Langley, and Colonel Walter Aston Chapter members, hosted the 69th Alabama State Conference in Opelika, Alabama in 2022. Sixteen Chapter members attended and many Chapter Awards were received. The Chapter was especially delighted to have their picture made with President General Dorothy Thompson, the conference speaker.
On Monday night, following the conference, Honorary President General Mary Johnston hosted a Chapter dinner honoring President General Dorothy Thompson while the President General was a guest in her home in Athens, Alabama.
On Monday night, following the conference, Honorary President General Mary Johnston hosted a Chapter dinner honoring President General Dorothy Thompson while the President General was a guest in her home in Athens, Alabama.
(Back row L to R): Sarah Curtis, Nancy Carter, Jane Michelle, Lindy Hard, Ann Whitt, Davie Williams, Kimberly Alexander, (Front row L to R): Oma Gaines, Melvina Phillips, Karol Kapuska, Chapter President Donna Parker, Honorary President General Mary Johnston, Alabama State President Janet Langley, President General Dorothy Thompson, Nancy Billings, Shealy Lynn
Colonel Walter Aston Chapter
April 21, 2022
Reception honoring
Alabama President Janet Denman Langley
and
Honorary Alabama President Davie Thomas Williams.
Howard Weeden Home
Huntsville, AL
(L to R): President Donna Parker, Alabama President Jan Langley,
Honorary Alabama President Davie Williams, Honorary President General Mary Johnston
Honorary Alabama President Davie Williams, Honorary President General Mary Johnston
(Standing L to R): Sue Royer, Nancy Whittemore, Shealy Lynn, Melvina Phillips, Ann Whitt, Nancy Carter, Rebecca Riddick, Cynthia Sackett, Pam Porterfield, Linda Maples, (Seated L to R): Sarah Curtis, Nancy Billings, Phyllis O’Connell, President Donna Parker, Alabama President Jan Langley, Honorary State President Davie Williams, Honorary President General Mary Johnston, Leeann Childers, Lindy Hard
On April 21, 2022, the Colonel Walter Aston Chapter hosted a Reception at the Howard Weeden Home, in Huntsville, honoring Alabama President Janet Denman Langley and Honorary Alabama President Davie Thomas Williams. Both honorees and President Donna Alt Parker, greeted guests at the door. Members and guests enjoyed the afternoon with delicious food and fellowship in the beautifully decorated home adorned with fresh yellow rose arrangements. Museum Director Gina James, in period dress, mingled among the guests and gave tours.
Howard Weeden (1846-1905), was an American female artist and poet who resided in her parent’s home. After the Civil War, she began to sell her portraits of African-Americans, which brought her international recognition. While she painted, she listened to accounts of their lives and adapted them as poems in four published books, followed by essays and short stories in other printed materials between 1898 and 1904.
Colonel Walter Aston Chapter
Presents Joy McKee monetary gift
“Adopt a Grave Monument” Project
(L to R): Lindy Hard, Joy McKee, Donna Parker
The Colonel Walter Aston Chapter presented Joy McKee, a representative the City of Huntsville Glenwood Cemetery restoration project, a monetary gift and certificate from the CDXVIIC Gravestone Preservation Committee for her “Adopt a Grave Monument” Project. Because of her advocacy, the all-Black municipal cemetery, dating back to 1870, may soon join the National Registry of Historic Places.
Colonel Walter Aston Celebrate Colonial Heritage in Area
Photo (Seated L to R): Honorary President General Mary Johnston, Alabama Society President Janet Langley, Colonel Walter Aston President Donna Parker, Honorary Alabama Society President Phyllis O’Connell (Standing L to R) Librarian Shealy Lynn, Colonial History Chairman Martha Knott, Colonial History Chairman Cindy Wallace, Chapter Chaplain Chris Cowley.
Colonel Walter Aston Chapter Colonial Dames XVIIC members met recently at the Huntsville/Madison County Library to enjoy the beautiful display of the Colonial Heritage Committee. Co-chairmen Martha Knott and Cindy Wallace orchestrated the event to call attention to the Colonial Heritage of the United State as is the tradition in CDXVIIC.
The main display case included a beautiful pink taffeta gown with a lace scarf and a portrait of Martha’s Great Aunt Loutie Bennett Barnett of New Orleans, Louisiana, wearing the gown. Other display cases included cameo brooches and ornate jewelry, a beaded dress collar and beaded purses, a silver brush, comb and mirror set and other personal items of this lady who was a member of several lineage societies in the early 1900’s. Born on June 4, 1887 in Alabama, Loutie moved to New Orleans in 1908 and married Henry Wade Barnett, a prominent businessman. Cindy Wallace also had an early American ballroom gown displayed which showed the underpinnings that ladies in some of the early American times used. This Colonial Heritage display was available for all library patrons to view for about a month.
The main display case included a beautiful pink taffeta gown with a lace scarf and a portrait of Martha’s Great Aunt Loutie Bennett Barnett of New Orleans, Louisiana, wearing the gown. Other display cases included cameo brooches and ornate jewelry, a beaded dress collar and beaded purses, a silver brush, comb and mirror set and other personal items of this lady who was a member of several lineage societies in the early 1900’s. Born on June 4, 1887 in Alabama, Loutie moved to New Orleans in 1908 and married Henry Wade Barnett, a prominent businessman. Cindy Wallace also had an early American ballroom gown displayed which showed the underpinnings that ladies in some of the early American times used. This Colonial Heritage display was available for all library patrons to view for about a month.
Grave Marker Dedication
Honoring
Honorary State President and Founding President
of the Colonel Walter Aston Chapter
Mary Louise “Chick” Bell Anderson
(Mrs. David L. Anderson)
Maple Hill Cemetery
Huntsville, Alabama
March 27, 2021
Alabama State Society CDXVIIC, State President Judith Arthur, and Colonel Walter Aston Chapter CDXVIIC hosted a grave marking for Mary Louise ‘Chick’ Bell Anderson, March 27, 2021, in the historic Maple Hill Cemetery, est. 1818, Huntsville, Alabama. The Colonel Walter Aston Chapter dedicated a historic marker for the cemetery in 2006. This grave marking dedication honored ‘Chick’ Bell Anderson, who was an Honorary Alabama State President CDXVIIC (1973-1975) and Organizing President of the Colonel Walter Aston Chapter. Approximately 50 attendees included National and Alabama CDXVIIC officers, Tennessee CDXVIIC officers, Colonel Walter Aston Chapter members, other AL CDXVIIC members, and friends. Activities included the grave marking, a program presented by Honorary President General Mary Stagg Johnston, celebrating the life of ‘Chick’ Anderson, visits to the Maple Hill Cemetery Marker, the Alabama Governors Marker, the grave of Governor Thomas Bibb, and the Governor Thomas Bibb home marker. The graves of Bernice Robbins Estes and Vi Lawson Probus Van Orden, two former CDXVIIC State Presidents, were marked with wreaths as acknowledgment of their service. The Col. Walter Aston Grave marking committee included: Chair-Davie Williams, and committee members Phyllis O’Connell, and Sarah Curtis. Hospitality bags were given to participants. Chapter members supported and contributed to the event preparation, set up, and implementation resulting in a memorable event.
Maple Hill Cemetery Marker dedicated by
Col Walter Aston Chapter 2006 AL State President Judith Arthur, Honorary State President Phyllis O’Connel
Honorary President General Mary Stagg Johnston about to present the celebration of Life Program re “Chick Anderson’
Col Walter Aston Members
Front Row (L-R) President General Nan Ackerman (2019-2021), Alabama State President Judith Arthur. Honorary President General Mary Stagg Johnston (2003-2005), Col Walter Aston Chapter President Sarah Kathryn Curtis, Honorary President General Jan Stevens Lockard (2011-2013), Nevada.
Barbara Nye (seated on L), ( standing L-R) Chris Cowley, Rebecca Reddick, Karol Kapustka, Martha Ann Whitt, Historian (2019-2021), Alabama, Honorary State President Phyllis O’Connell, (2005-2007), Alabama, Lindy Hard, Honorary State President, Shelby Dean Ward, (1991-1993), Alabama First Vice President Janet Denman Langley ( 2019-2021, Donna Parker, Alabama Corresponding Secretary, Kimberly Jo Alexander, (2019 -2021), Alabama, Treasurer General Dorothy Thompson, (2017-2021), Texas, Jane Michel, Cindy Wallace, Linda Maples, Vicki Lynn Presley, Sue Royer, Martha Knott, Honorary State President, Twyla Brammell, (2011-2013), Alabama. |
Wreaths placed on Honorary AL State Presidents
buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Celebration of life pictures of
Mary Louise ‘Chick” Bell Anderson AL State President Judith Arthur, Col Walter Aston President Sarah K Curtis
Chapter President Sarah K. Curtis welcoming
attendees to Grave Marking Hospitality Bags
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Colonial Heritage Project
Oct-December, 2020
Colonial Heritage Chairman Martha Knott coordinated the Colonial Heritage Project
with Charin Solis, the Youth Program Coordinator of the Gurley Public Library.
with Charin Solis, the Youth Program Coordinator of the Gurley Public Library.
Tut Fan Veterans Home Project – gifts generously donated from
Col. Walter Aston Chapter members to residents of Tut Fan Veterans Home
Col. Walter Aston Chapter members to residents of Tut Fan Veterans Home
Chapter President Sarah K. Curtis delivered generous donations from
Chapter members of clothing and personal items gifts for
Tut Fan Veterans and snacks for Tut Fan Staff
on Dec. 18, 2020 to Activities Director Rae Kryc.
She thanked our Chapter for these gifts as the will bring joy to the Tut Fan Veterans.
Chapter members of clothing and personal items gifts for
Tut Fan Veterans and snacks for Tut Fan Staff
on Dec. 18, 2020 to Activities Director Rae Kryc.
She thanked our Chapter for these gifts as the will bring joy to the Tut Fan Veterans.
Veterans’ Project
November 2020
Tut Fan Veterans Home
Col. Walter Aston members wrote 150 thank you notes to
Tut Fan Veterans for Veterans Day in appreciation of their service
Tut Fan Veterans for Veterans Day in appreciation of their service
Valentine Tea Honoring President General Nan Ackerman
February, 2020
Athens, AL
Hosted by Honorary President General, Mary Johnston
67th Annual State Conference
Prattville, AL
February 7-8, 2020
President General Nancy Smith Ackerman,
Mary Stagg Johnston, President General, 1993-1995
Mary Stagg Johnston, President General, 1993-1995
Chapter attendees
Colonial Heritage Project
October-November, 2019
Ardmore Public Library: Co-Chairman Doris Estes,
Honorary President Mary Stagg Johnston, guest actress Kitty Labay
Honorary President Mary Stagg Johnston, guest actress Kitty Labay
Gurley Public Library - Col. Walter Aston Chapter President Sarah K Curtis, Co-Chairs – Doris Estes, Martha Knott, Award Participant Abi Childers receiving her certificate (signed photo release obtained by Doris Estes).
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Co- Chair Martha Knott presenting Colonial History books to Abi Childers (signed photo release obtained by Doris Estes).
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The Col Walter Aston Chapter CDXVII Century promoted two Colonial Heritage Projects in October- November 2019. The first was in Ardmore, Alabama in the public schools and the Ardmore Public Library. Co-Chairman Doris Ester visited Cedar Hill Elementary School, promoted colonial history and encouraged 3rd grade students to participate in the Colonial Heritage art project. Honorary President Mary Stagg Johnston, and colonial costumed Doris Estes, and Pocahontas costumed Kitty Labay, emphasized Colonial History at the Ardmore Public Library on November 2, 2019. The Mayor of Ardmore signed a proclamation promoting Colonial Heritage . Co-Chairman Martha Knott promoted and coordinated the second Colonial Heritage Project with the Gurley Public Library with a Colonial Heritage art/writing contest for 4th graders. Awards were given to 1st, 2nd place winners and 2 Participant Award certificates were presented on November 9, 2019 at the Gurley Public Library. Martha also gave colonial history books to Abi Childers, award winning participant. Community connections resulted with both public libraries and publicity included newspaper articles, and social media website inclusion on the community based Gurley Public Library FB site, and individual FB sites.
Sarah Curtis
Colonel Walter Aston Chapter President
Sarah Curtis
Colonel Walter Aston Chapter President
Board of Management Meeting
Prattville, AL
06 August 2019
Colonel Walter Aston Chapter
2019 New Officer Installation
Officers (L-R): Janet Denman Langley, Past President, Mary Stagg Johnston, Honorary
President General, Sarah Kathryn Curtis, President, Donna Alt Parker, 1st Vice President, Vicki Lynn Presley, 2nd Vice President, Nancy Ann Carter Billings, Chaplain, Bonnie Fay Couch Segui, Treasurer, Doris Campbell Estes, Corresponding Secretary, Lindy Lee Hard, Registrar, Phyllis Cummings O’Connell Historian, Martha Elizabeth Elizabeth Griggs Knott, Librarian
President General, Sarah Kathryn Curtis, President, Donna Alt Parker, 1st Vice President, Vicki Lynn Presley, 2nd Vice President, Nancy Ann Carter Billings, Chaplain, Bonnie Fay Couch Segui, Treasurer, Doris Campbell Estes, Corresponding Secretary, Lindy Lee Hard, Registrar, Phyllis Cummings O’Connell Historian, Martha Elizabeth Elizabeth Griggs Knott, Librarian
(L-R) Mary Stagg Johnston installing officers, Sarah Kathryn Curtis, President,
Donna Alt Parker, Vicki Lynn Presley, Nancy Ann Carter Billings (L-R): Mary Stagg Johnston, Honorary President General, Sarah Kathryn
Curtis, President, Janet Denman Langley, Past President |
(L to R): Nancy Ann Carter Billings,
Doris Campbell Estes, Bonnie Fay Couch Segui, Lindy Lee Hard, Honorary President General Mary Stagg Johnston Celebrating our Chapter Birthday
(L to R): Janet Denman Langley, Past President, Mary Stagg Johnston, Honorary President General, Sara Kathryn Curtis, President |
Alabama State Conference
Prattville, AL
9 Feb 2019
Colonial Dames XVII Century
Study Heraldry 2013
(L to R): Vicki Lynn Presley, 2nd Vice President, Alabama State Society Colonial Dames XVII Century; Lois Robertson, President of Colonel Walter Aston; Davie Williams, Alabama State Society Colonial Dames XVII Century Heraldry Chairman
Athens State College
22 June 1996
Athens State College Alabama's Oldest Institution of higher learning in continuous service
since 1822. National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century project of the Alabama State Society marked by Colonel Walter Aston Chapter on June 22, 1996.
since 1822. National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century project of the Alabama State Society marked by Colonel Walter Aston Chapter on June 22, 1996.
CONTACT THE ALABAMA SOCIETY
COLONIAL DAMES XVII CENTURY
For information about joining our organization, please visit THE CHAPTER LINK on
the left side of this web page and find an Alabama chapter near you
or visit our National Website. www.colonialdames17c.org
Contact us today!
the left side of this web page and find an Alabama chapter near you
or visit our National Website. www.colonialdames17c.org
Contact us today!
Web hyperlinks to non-CDXVIIC sites are not the responsibility of the CDXVIIC,
the state societies, or individual CDXVIIC chapters
For technical issues with this website, please contact the webmaster at: [email protected]
the state societies, or individual CDXVIIC chapters
For technical issues with this website, please contact the webmaster at: [email protected]