The Patriot

Latest News from the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York

Vol. 4, No. 3 (March 2010)

Victoria and Amb. Hughes share a light moment with Dr. John Templeton, Jr.(top left); Ambassador Loeb and Sharon Handler on the dance floor (top right); Guests enjoyed a pre-ball reception in the foyer of the Metropolitan Club (center left) and dinner (center right); Dr. Templeton and his wife Pina (bottom left); Former SRNY President Ken Straat and his wife Donna enjoy a dance (bottom right).
All Photos by James Higgins: http://www.higginsphotographynyc.com

HAVING A BALL AT THE BALL
~ George Washington Birthday Ball - Exquisite Dining, Dancing & Ceremony ~
~ Benefits Fraunces Tavern Museum ~
It was "the place" in New York to observe our first President's birthday. The George Washington Birthday Ball held forth in the incomparably elegant surroundings of the Metropolitan Club on Thursday, February 18 as gentlemen in white tie and tails or dinner jacket escorted ladies in their finest evening attire.  They dined on chilled Maine lobster and Black Angus filet mignon and danced to the Paul Errico Orchestra, which never seemed to miss a beat.
On this 133rd annual celebration the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York was again joined by the Knickerbocker Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Full traditions were observed as the guests joined in a series of toasts, culminated by all raising glasses to George Washington.  The Cocked Hat Ceremony brought cheers and smiles.  The New York Scottish Pipes and Drums raised the pulse--as did the standards borne by the West Point Cadets, Sons of the Revolution Color Guard and Knickerbocker Greys.
Anthony Wellman was the evening's emcee, assisting Sons President Charles C.
Lucas, Jr. in keeping the evening lively while announcing the proceedings.
Attendees spent the balance of the evening dancing and exploring the silent auction for treasures.  By all accounts the evening was a critical success--and a financial one as well, raising money to support Fraunces Tavern® Museum.
For those who missed it, mark your calendars for February 2011 when you will have another chance to join in...
Over 350 photos from the Ball are available for viewing and purchase at: http://higginsphotonyc.com/

Honors and Recognitions Bestowed by SRNY

SRNY President Charles C. Lucas, Jr. presents the George Washington Award to Dr. John Templeton, Jr.. (top left); Dr. Templeton speaks to guests after receiving his award (top right); Dr. Lucas presents "Honorary President for Life" to Stanley Deforest Scott with Mrs. Elizabeth Scott (2nd row left); Dr. Lucas Presents "Honorary President for Life" to Amb. John Loeb, Jr. (2nd row right); Christopher Norfleet receives special award for his assistance to SRNY and the Museum (3rd row left); Don and Emily Westervelt receive honors for their ongoing volunteer work for the Sons and the Museum (3rd row right); Former SRNY President Robert N. McKay recieves a special award for his ongoing assistance to SRNY (bottom left); Dr. Lucas presents a special award to Anthony Wellman (bottom right).
All Photos by James Higgins: http://www.higginsphotographynyc.com

More awards than usual were presented at this year's Ball with both presenters and honorees keeping their remarks brief.  The evening's main honoree was Dr.John M. Templeton, Jr. Chairman of the John Templeton Foundation, established by his father.  Dr. Templeton was presented with the George Washington Award for Patriotism and Excellence in Education. 
Dr. Lucas formally recognized the Society's two "Honorary Presidents for
Life": Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. and Stanley DeForest Scott for their years of dedication and numerous contributions to the Sons of the Revolution.  He also made special awards to Robert McKay, Emily and Don Westervelt, Chris Norfleet and Anthony Wellman for their assistance in meeting many of the Society's challenges including the extensive renovations to Fraunces Tavern and the launching of the "Magna Carta and the Foundations of Freedom" exhibit.
Knickerbocker Chapter Presents Distinguished Awards

Melissa S. Zack and Susan J. Coxe with DAR honoree Rachel Lloyd (left); With DAR honoree Gerrie MacWhinnie (right); Photos by James Higgins

The co-sponsors of the Ball, the Knickerbocker Chapter of the DAR, presented Distinguished Patriot Awards to Rachel Lloyd, Founder/Executive Director of Girls Educational and Mentoring Service for "Distinctive Achievements in Support of Girls and Women" and to Gerri MacWhinnie for "Outstanding Achievements Representing the Finest Attributes of the DAR."