Reservation deadline nears for Washington Birthday Luncheon
The 2024 George Washington Birthday Luncheon will be held Feb. 24 at Hot Springs Country Club, 101 Country Club Drive, with historian Mary Stagg Johnston as the keynote speaker, the planning committee announced in a news release.
Johnston’s topic will be: “Martha Dandridge Custis Washington — the first First Lady of the United States of America.”
Johnston, a Louisiana native who now lives in Alabama, is a retired educator of nearly 40 years. “Addicted to history, she spent her off-time studying and researching her ancestors. She is a 50-year member of the Colonial Dames 17th Century and served as national president general of that organization. She has held numerous positions at the chapter, state and national level,” the release said.
Johnston’s ancestor, John Stagg, served on Washington’s staff during the Revolutionary War.
The public is welcome to attend. Colonial Costume is optional.
Reservations are $27 and must be received no later than Feb. 14; there are no refunds after that date. Checks should be made payable to Belinda Jones and the payment mailed to her at 1305 Cambridge Road, Benton, AR 72019-2380.
The event, which has limited seating and no “walkins,” annually draws crowds of over 100 with attendees from across the state. Seating will begin at 11 a.m. and the luncheon and program will start at 11:30 a.m., the release said.
Email Chairman Peggy Vandenberg at arkpooky@ yahoo.com for more information.