I am in hopes that this newsletter finds you all in good health. I would like to apologize for the length of time between this newsletter and the last one. There have been several events that have come and gone, among them are Fort Pocahontas, Dixie Days, a field trip for the ladies to the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, VA, and Civil War Days at the Chesapeake Main Library. First, at Fort Pocahontas there was a very good showing of ladies who participated in making butter, attending an event sponsored tea for the ladies, and a breakfast for the gentlemen of the 16th and 41st VA. While the men ate a good breakfast, the ticks and other insects ate us. At Dixie Days, Friday night the weather was a major issue, with several tents being blown down. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the sun cooperated for the remainder of the event. There was sewing accomplished for some of the men, and cool clothes and refreshments were offered to the returning troops after the battle. Our efforts to aid and comfort the troops did not go unappreciated. We received many kudos from the men of the 16th, 41st, and 61st VA companies. Funds were added to the Society's treasury for our endeavors. The trip to the Museum of the Confederacy and the Confederate White House was not only informative, but very enjoyable as well. We do wish that more of you could have attended. We were, however, invited for a return visit (in period attire) to the Confederate White House. Our latest event was at the Chesapeake Main Library for, unfortunately, the final Civil War Days event. The library will no longer sponsor this event. At the present time, the future home of the event is tentatively planned for the Chesapeake City Park on Greenbrier. The Civil War Days event was a very laid-back event, and a good opportunity for possible recruiting of future members to the Society. Unfortunately, the event was ended early on Sunday due to pending inclement weather. We did receive invitations to two possible event. One, is an event the will be held at an actual location of a military field hospital in Virginia as hospital nurses. Further information will be relayed to you all when it is received. The other event is a speaking engagement at a Seniors organization from Chesapeake.
Upcoming events for the Society include Cedar Creek in October (early registration has already been sent), Fort Branch, NC in November, and the Isle of Wight Christmas event in December. Actual dates of these event can be found on the Society's website (www.geocities.com/iwsas). A evening meal has been planned for the Cedar Creek event, and the ladies of the Society have been requested to bring a dessert for this meal. The first events for 2008 will be the 145th Battle of Chancellorsville that will be held at Isle of Wight. This is a major ANV four day event. We have been requested by Col. Billy Smith to try (if possible) to arrive at the event on Thursday, as the County has opened the event to the public school students of the area on that Friday.
Our website is being updated continually and new pictures have been added. Please visit the website. Also there is a Guest Book on the site, please feel free to let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions. We also have several new members to the Society. We would like to welcome Ms Jeannie Booth, Ms Karen Sales, and Ms Dawn Riddle. Until we are together again, take care and be well.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Dufresne
IWSAS