Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter NSDAR, Inc.

05/11/2026

Please join us on Sunday, June 14th at 2 pm for a Flag Day Celebration at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library in Monroe, CT!

04/29/2026

Staying safe online is more important than ever 🚨

Online Scammers, also known as “bad actors” are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often impersonating trusted organizations or individuals (including DAR 😳) and creating a false sense of urgency to get quick action before you have time to think.

Common tactics include:
- Pretending to be a bank, government agency, or even someone you know
- Pressuring you with “urgent” messages or threats
- Asking for personal or financial information
- Requesting unusual forms of payment like gift cards or wire transfers

A good rule of thumb: pause, verify, and never feel rushed to respond.

I’m sharing an online safety webinar

I’m sharing the NSDAR Online Safety Webinar with our DAR members and community to help us all stay informed and protected. Knowledge is one of our best defenses. 💻🔒
This webinar is from Gyda Sabsugh, VIS National Vice Chair for Communications for the Daughters Online Community

Online Safety for DAR Members: How to Spot and Stop Scams Before They Spread

04/26/2026

Our chapter recently had the pleasure of attending the Connecticut State DAR Conference, along with hosting our most recent chapter meeting, and what a meaningful and memorable time it has been. ♥️

We are incredibly proud to share that our chapter and members were recognized with awards, reflecting the dedication, hard work, and commitment of so many within our group. 🥇🏆

Beyond the awards and formal events, what stood out most was the overwhelming sense of connection and support. We are deeply grateful for the many kind words, encouraging conversations, and quiet expressions of support we received throughout the conference. It truly means more than words can express to know that our efforts resonate with so many. 🙏🏻🥰🙌🏻

Thank you to everyone who made these experiences so special. We are proud of our chapter, proud of our members, and excited for all that lies ahead. 🌟🇺🇸

04/25/2026

A little late, but far too important not to share…

Last month, our chapter had the honor of recognizing an outstanding group of students through our DAR Awards program. These young individuals truly impressed us, not only with their academic achievements, but with their exceptional writing skills, thoughtfulness, and maturity.

Each student demonstrated what it means to be a good citizen through leadership, integrity, and service to others. It was clear from their submissions and presence that the future is in very capable hands.

Regent Deb Heim and Committee chair Marion Osborne presented certificates to our winners. We are so proud to recognize:
Trumbull High School – Ali Hassan
Shelton high school - Julia Kieley
Derby high school - Lazarae Delvalle
Middlesex middle school - Stella Sordoni, grade 8
Not pictured:
Simona Sordoni - Darien high school
Sophia Fabrizio - Masuk High School

Congratulations to all of these remarkable students, we wish you continued success and all the very best in your future endeavors!

03/31/2026

Remember the Ladies ♥️

An American Moment, 250 years ago, March 31, 1776. Remember the Ladies, Abigail Adams to her husband, John:

Tho we felicitate ourselves, we sympathize with those who are trembling least the Lot of Boston should be theirs. But they cannot be in similar circumstances unless pusilanimity and cowardise should take possession of them. They have time and warning given them to see the Evil and shun it.—I long to hear that you have declared an independancy—and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.

That your S*x are Naturally Tyrannical is a Truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute, but such of you as wish to be happy willingly give up the harsh title of Master for the more tender and endearing one of Friend. Why then, not put it out of the power of the vicious and the Lawless to use us with cruelty and indignity with impunity. Men of Sense in all Ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your S*x. Regard us then as Beings placed by providence under your protection and in immitation of the Supreem Being make use of that power only for our happiness.

Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1776, Founders Online.

© 2026 Clifford Olsen/1776 American Moments

03/27/2026

📚✨ From the Librarian’s Shelf – A Women’s History Month Reflection

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I couldn’t let the month pass without recognizing one of my own ancestors, Susan B. Anthony, whose courage and determination helped lead the fight for women’s rights in the United States.

A wonderful way to experience her voice and convictions directly is through Failure Is Impossible: Susan B. Anthony in Her Own Words by Lynn Sherr, a collection of my great aunt’s speeches, letters, and writings that capture her unwavering dedication to equality and suffrage.

For decades, Susan B. Anthony worked tirelessly for the belief that women deserved the same civil and political rights as men. Her efforts helped lay the groundwork for the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920.

One of her most famous declarations continues to inspire: “Failure is impossible.”
Her words remind us that meaningful change often comes through perseverance, courage, and an unwavering commitment to principle.

03/12/2026

📚✨ From the Librarian’s Shelf ✨

This month’s pick is 📖 Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring 🖊️ by Alexander Rose.

The book tells the fascinating story of the Culper Spy Ring, a network that provided General George Washington with critical intelligence during the war. What makes it especially meaningful for us here in Connecticut is the important role played by Long Island Sound crossings and coastal patriots in Fairfield County, who secretly transported messages and information between occupied New York and the Continental Army.

The Revolutionary War in our region was not fought only on battlefields—but also through courage, secrecy, and intelligence networks along the Connecticut coast.

It’s a gripping reminder that the fight for independence often depended on ordinary citizens willing to take extraordinary risks—sometimes right here in our own backyard.

02/20/2026

On February 14th, Linda Papp, Deb Heim and Sharon Mitchell delivered goody bags to Lord Chamberlain Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Stratford. Director of Volunteer Services, Kristine Viscount escorted the group around the facility to hand deliver and thank their veteran patients.

Thanks to all of our chapter members who made 2025/2026 a very successful year for Valentines for Veterans.

02/20/2026

On February 12th, Veterans Committee Chair, Linda Papp, Chapter Regent Deb Heim, Sally Finck, Sharon Mitchell, Linda Tidrick, and Eileen Travers delivered over 101 Valentine goody bags to veterans at the West Haven VA Hospital.

Escorted by Program Specialist, Mike Lajune, they visited patients throughout the hospital, and hand delivered bags and Valentines cards, and thanked them for their service and sacrifice for our country. They were very appreciative of the gifts and their smiles were priceless.

02/20/2026

The SRH-MS Valentines for Vets workshop was on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Shelton Community Center, 41 Church St, Shelton, CT from 10:00 am to noon. This year, we made over 115 goody bags for Veterans at our workshop.

01/03/2026

📚✨ From the Librarian’s Shelf — January Pick
This month’s book: Creating Connecticut: Critical Moments That Shaped a Great State
🖋️ by Walter W. Woodward

As the chill of January settles in, we’re reflecting on the place we call home. Creating Connecticut, written by Walter W. Woodward, who served as Connecticut’s State Historian from 2004 to 2022, is a collection of stories that explore the defining moments, people, and ideas that have shaped our state’s identity over the centuries.

🗓️ January is a fitting month for this book—on January 9, 1788, Connecticut became the fifth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. What better way to honor that milestone than by diving into the stories that brought us here?