National Conference of State Societies

Jennifer Corey is 2008 DC Cherry Blossom Princess

Jennifer Corey will play hostess for princesses from other states and countries while she represents the Nation's Capital as the 2008 District of Columbia Cherry Blossom Princess. Jennifer grew up in Long Island, New York and moved to DC in the fall of 2005 to study as a classical voice performer at the new Katzen Arts Center at American University. In 2007, Jennifer was a contestant in the Miss District of Columbia Pageant which is affiliated with the national Miss America organization. Jennifer was recommended to NCSS by Tricia Morrin Lloyd, President of the Miss DC Pageant. 

According to a 2005 feature story about Jennifer in American Weekly, "Every summer, Jennifer Corey’s grandfather made her get up by 7 a.m. to muck out the stables.  It was part of the deal. Unless Corey (and her two sisters and 13 cousins) did their share of the work on the 45-horse farm, they couldn’t ride. The threat of losing time on horseback was enough to get even a teenager up at dawn."

"Her grandfather has always owned horses, but a knee injury had caused him to look into an unusual breed, Paso Finos. The Spanish breed of New World horses is known for a gentle gait with almost no jarring up-and-down movement. Corey acquired the family love of the graceful breed and is now third place National Champion equestrian. Paso Fino riders are judged by such tests as their ability to carry a tray of wine without spilling."

"Most Paso Fino horses are imported, and their commands are in Spanish. Fittingly, Corey’s roommate is from Ecuador. Horses also have a role in helping her at AU, since she won the Paso Fino Horse Association Youth Scholarship. “I love it at AU,” Corey said."

Franklin Parker is new General Counsel for NCSS

Franklin Parker, a board member of the Illinois State Society of Washington, DC, has been appointed as General Counsel for the National Conference of State Societies by NCSS President Lou Barrett.  Barrett is also President of the Guam Society of America.  "We are very happy that an attorney with Frank Parker's qualifications, including his service on the board of a state society, has agreed to serve NCSS also," Barrett said this week. "Frank is a litigation associate in the Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn, LLP, a very highly regarded firm around the world," Barrett said.

Parker concentrates his practice in complex commercial litigation.  He works on a variety of civil litigation matters as well as various corporate transactions. He also represents a range of governmental, municipal, and nonprofit clients on legislative issues.  Parker is a member of the District of Columbia Bar, the State Bar of California, and the American Bar Association. He is also a member of the Greater Washington Urban League, the National Urban League, and currently serves on the Board of Governors for Taylor Business Institute in Chicago.

Mr. Parker received a B.A. in Sociology from Yale University in 1996.  He received a J.D. from Stanford Law School in 1999, where he was a member of the Stanford Environmental Law Journal.  In 2004, Mr. Parker also received an M.P.P. degree (Masters in Public Policy) in Political Advocacy and Leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. A native of Illinois, Frank and his wife now live in Washington, DC area.

Oklahoma State Society Event is Tuesday, March 4

The Oklahoma State Society of Washington, DC in cooperation with the University of Oklahoma Press invite you to a discussion and book signing for Sen. David Boren's new book, A Letter to America.

A Letter to America boldly faces the question of how long the United States, with only 6 percent of the world's population, can remain a global superpower. Boren explains with unsparing clarity why the country is at a crossroads and why decisive action is urgently needed.  The book signing event and discussion is 5:30 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday night, March 4, 2008 at Top of the Hill Minuteman Memorial Building, One Constitution Avenue, NE. at the intersection of First Street and Constitution Avenue.  The price is $15 per book payable by cash, credit card, or check.  For reservations please contact Suzanne Greenfield from the University of Oklahoma
Alumni Association at 405-325-1224 or by email at suzyg@ou.edu.

Massachusetts and Maine Princess Dinner is April 10

The Massachusetts Society and the Maine State Society will jointly sponsor a dinner in honor of the cherry blossom princesses from both states on Thursday, April 10, 2008 in the Devers Room of the Fort Myer Officers Club.  Meet the two state princesses and their families.  The price is $27 per guest and the menu includes Chicken Marsala, roasted red potatoes, vegetables du jour, dinner rolls, dessert, coffee, tea, or decaf.  Checks should be made payable to the Maine State Society and mailed to Marjorie Pearson, 3434 Upside Court, Falls Church, Va. 22042-4019.  Or call Marge at 703-536-6919.  Please be sure to include full names of persons in your party with your reservation.  A pre-approved name list is required to enter the base and everyone must show a current government-issued photo ID such as a drivers' license or military ID card.

New Hampshire State Society Web DC Heritage Page

The New Hampshire State Society of Washington, DC has posted a New Hampshire Heritage in DC page that highlights the contributions of famous people from New Hampshire to the nation's history.  To learn more about the activities of the New Hampshire State Society and how to join, please CLICK HERE to visit our web site.  Among the New Hampshire natives profiled are teacher and astronaut Christa McAuliffe and former Senator and U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Webster.