THE WOMEN’S ALLIANCE

The Alliance had an interesting outing to the New York Historical Society on Saturday, Feb. 23, to visit a docent-led exploration of the 13-month-long visit to the United States by the French General Marquis de Lafayette in 1824. Lafayette, who had been instrumental in helping the fledgling American Army of George Washington defeat the British during the Revolutionary War, toured the United States almost 50 years later to great public acclaim. The celebrations in each city, from New York to New England and into the South, featured remarkably similar elements of fireworks, buntings, flags and typically American foods and entertainment. In fact, this tour was the prototype for our familiar Fourth of July celebrations, and in an odd way, it cemented the newly minted country into a nation instead of just a collection of united states. The exhibit is rich in artifacts, animated dioramas, musical productions, dance demonstrations and displays of party clothes and jewelry of the time. Lafayette’s tour covered over 6000 miles to 24 states and the veneration extended to Lafayette was expressed by the naming of innumerable towns, universities and streets all over the United States, in his honor.

Another notable Alliance event was the monthly Wednesday lunchtime meeting on March 19 at which Dr. Dale V. Atkins, a licensed psychologist and media commentator, shared her recipe for a balanced life. Drawing on material in her book Sanity Savers, she outlined five points to live by: Self, Support, Surroundings, Stimulation and Savor. By this, she means that we must maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit, spend our time with people who care about us, connect with nature, live a life with purpose and curiosity by keeping mentally engaged, and take time for enjoyment and fun.
 

The Angie Henry Utt
Lecture