Chapter Chatter: Gabilan Chapter Honors Local Veterans

As a grateful nation celebrated the official Welcome Home Ceremony at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on May 13, 2023,, we at Gabilan Chapter did the same at historic Old City Hall.

We were pleased to welcome home Chet Kirby, Jose Delgado, Philip McClain, Raul Torrez, Steve McWilliams and Ms. Terri Marini. As May 12th was Military Spouses Day, we acknowledged the wives and two daughters in attendance as well.

We also honored our guest speaker, Dennis Whittaker, who recounted his tour of duty in Vietnam accompanied by the music of the time. Dennis is a friend of our Vice Regent Carol Driesen as they served together at the San Jose USO for seventeen years.

The local Gilroy VFW featured us on their Facebook page as well, thanking Gabilan Chapter for honoring our local veterans. After the meeting ceremonies, everyone enjoyed lunch and cake together. It was a fun crowd!

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Chapter Chatter: Point Vicente Chapter’s June FUNday

Point Vicente Chapter’s final FUNday of the year was filled with all sorts of unexpected delights! As our June theme is all about John Philip Sousa, the Band King and writer of “Stars and Stripes Forever,” we toured the home of his buddy and fellow band leader Doc Hiner.

Built in 1922 in Highland Park, the 1/3 acre was the largest private band school in the country and hosted Sousa on several occasions, enough to name the casita studio after him. The new owners, who bought the property from the Hiner family in 1996, are both artists and have lovingly restored it and have gardened the grounds to be filled with whimsy and magic.

The husband turned out to be none other than actor Troy Evans, beloved for his roles in ER and China Beach, and more than a hundred other parts in movies and television. The couple was as much a delight as the home!

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State Regent’s Message: June 2023

Greetings California Daughters!

June is a month of beginnings and endings. Graduations and the end of school are signals for both. California daughters are celebrating by awarding JROTC medals and planning projects for the upcoming year. The summer months provide a great opportunity to perform valuable service outside of the traditional meeting setting. While daughters serve the schools in their communities locally through committees like Community Classroom, the DAR Good Citizens program and the American History essay contest, let us not forget the DAR School Committee.  

DAR School is a national committee that falls under the Education pillar of the DAR mission: Patriotism, Education and Historic Preservation.  There are four DAR approved schools and one DAR School – Kate Duncan Smith School in Grant, Alabama. The California Society is supporting the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School’s 100th Anniversary by raising funds towards their renovation and construction of the Centennial Campus Commons. This space will provide additional learning opportunities for the students outside of the classroom. KDS, located in the Appalachian Mountains, is a school that began serving children in an area where access to education was extremely limited. Today, Kate Duncan Smith DAR School continues to provide opportunities for education while emphasizing patriotism, and responsible citizenship. At KDS more than 60% of the 1300 students live at or below the poverty level, so they need our assistance! 

To encourage our California chapters to help reach California’s fundraising goal, a contest for chapters has been launched. Contest Link:  https://members.californiadar.org/index.php/committee-chairmen/state-committees?layout=edit&id=122. The deadline for donations for the contest is Aug 1, 2023. Members may donate individually, and by noting their chapter, the chapter receives credit towards the contest.  

Chapters may donate using the form linked here: https://members.californiadar.org/images/KDS_DAR_School_100th_Anniversary_Project_Donation_Flyer.pdf  or at the CSSDAR Webstore www.CSSDARwebstore.org . Even if your chapter did not budget funds for this important initiative, you may still vote to donate, following your bylaws, of course. 

 Also, please consider becoming a GEM Sustaining Supporter- for as little as $10.00 per month you can help KDS continue to provide opportunities well into the future. This program is directly through KDS https://www.kdsdar.org/_files/ugd/6220cb_db5b9d9d9e814132927ababed0fceb30.pdf  and not the NSDAR Sustaining Supporter program. 

California daughters generously give of their time and resources to our local schools in support of Education. Kate Duncan Smith DAR School is also part of that commitment. While Alabama and the Appalachian might seem far removed from California, the National Society’s pledge to assist the education of underserved students through the DAR School committee is part of our mission and worthy of your support – as we continue to “Grow in Friendship and Service to God, Home, and Country”! 

Thank you!

Sharon Maas
State Regent

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Chapter Chatter: El Marinero Chapter Members Attend Marin County Memorial Day Ceremony

A wreath was presented by El Marinero Chapter at the 2023 Marin County Memorial Day ceremony in San Rafael.

Photo L to R: Lynn Yock, Regent; Co Jenkins, Treasurer; Joan Blanchard, Recording Secretary; Sue Hagan, District III Director; and friend of the chapter, Lori Frugoli, Marin County District Attorney.

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Chapter Chatter: Santa Margarita Chapter Remembers Staff Sergeant Reckless

Wednesday, May 17, 2023, found our stalwart Santa Margarita Daughters at Stepp Stables on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP). Thanks to our America 250 chair, Cassie Valentine, we were able to spruce up the area where the remains of Staff Sergeant Reckless lie, by planting succulents in an old watering trough.

Reckless was a small Mongolian mare purchased for $250 by a US Marine with the75mm Recoilless Rifle Platoon 5th Marines to carry the ammunition for the rifles. She was first led up the hills carrying ammunition. She later would go up by herself, carrying wounded back down. Reckless was wounded twice but continued relentlessly with her job.

Reckless loved beer and snacks, learned to take cover when rounds were incoming at the camp site, snuck in the tent at night to sleep and served not only as a carrier of ammunition, but a source of fun and joy for the Marines who cared for her.

The 75th worked hard to bring Reckless to the United States when the Korean conflict was over. She was the recipient of dozens of medals and lived out her lifetime at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. SSgt Reckless truly was a Marine. This website will give you the entire story about Reckless. Website: https://sgtreckless.com/  It’s well worth the read.

Photo L to R: Charla Boodry, Karen Kirtland, Julie Calvario, Cassie Valentine, Jacquie Berzins, Diana Cook and Lois Harris.

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Chapter Chatter: Mt. Diablo Chapter Recognizes an Outstanding Sea Cadet

Ashley Tan from Alameda High School was selected as the Outstanding Sea Cadet for 2022 for consistently demonstrating the core values of the Sea Cadets: Honor, Respect Commitment and Service.

Ashley is the Leading Petty Office of the USNSCC Grey Ghost Division. She will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall and is planning on pursuing a career in the military. Ashley received a nomination to West Point from Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

LTJG Nina Lolk, USNSCC, presented Ashley with her medal, DAR certificate and $100 scholarship at the Annual Inspection held on the flight deck of USS Hornet in Alameda on April 15, 2023. The Mt. Diablo Chapter was hosting the District IV meeting the same day and time and were not able to attend the awards presentation.

The Mt. Diablo Chapter wishes Ashley the best of luck in her future endeavors.

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Chapter Chatter: Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter Celebrates “American Revolutionary Legacy Grant” Nominee & Nine Youth Medal Recipients

The Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter was thrilled to learn the teacher they nominated for the DAR “American Revolutionary Legacy Award” was one of only 31 winners nationwide! Mike Smith, an 8th grade history teacher at Marina Village Middle School in El Dorado Hills, was caught completely off guard at a recent staff meeting when he learned he had been awarded a $2500 grant from the National Community Classroom Committee. Chapter Regent Bobbi Bennett and Classroom Committee Chairman Deborah Carlson were there to present the award.

Smith’s grant application focuses on the process of conducting student interviews and then transferring that information to a digital platform for public viewing. Following the designated Stars & Stripes Forever theme, he will ask his students these questions: What does the American flag mean to you? and Do you think America’s view of the flag has changed since the American Revolution, if so, how?

The goal of his project is to engage students in productive conversations about the American flag, have students conduct historical interviews within the community, and practice civic responsibilities. The project will begin at the start of the school year next fall.

In addition to the Legacy Grant Award, more awards and accolades were in store for nine deserving students who received DAR Youth Citizenship Medals. Nominated by teachers from five different schools, the students were recognized at the chapter meeting and awards assemblies throughout the month of May.

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Chapter Chatter: Aurantia Chapter Celebrates Earth Day

Aurantia Chapter walked the trails of California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside to celebrate Earth Day 2023. We enjoyed a tasting of sour to sweet citrus fruits. Quite a variety in taste! The day was fun, too, because the word, “Aurantia”, means “golden.” In 1905, our chapter was named after Citrus Aurantium, the golden orange.

The weather was perfect to be outdoors. The trees were in bloom with a wonderful scent in the air. Our special guest was Diane Stephens, Regent of Butterfield Trail, our sister chapter. We are Lantern chapters.

Photo: standing is Cheryl Dumaine, Nina Green, Terrilee Wyatt, Judy Dillard, Debbie Thomas, Judy Bengston, Patty Holub, Cheryl Farris. Seated are Aurantia Regent Meredith Teague, Butterfield Trail Regent, Diane Stephens.

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Chapter Chatter: Rincon del Diablo Community Service Award to GiveBackSD

At our April 2023 chapter meeting, Rincon del Diablo awarded the Community Service Award to GiveBackSD, a non-profit organization started by teenage brothers William and Henry Aufmann in 2021.

After participating in a sports equipment drive through another organization, William realized that friends and family had a great deal of gently used sports equipment sitting in their garages. He knew that this equipment could be used by underprivileged children and started collecting. The drive was a smashing success with over 200 pieces of equipment donated to a Baja Mexico Little League. Since that first successful donation drive, the organization has grown and has collected over 400 pairs of socks for teens in need (donated to Poway Unified School District Youth in Transition program), 727 snack items for a snack drive for Youth in Transition, 100 care packages of toiletry items were donated to Naomi’s Village and Youth in Transition and GiveBackSD is currently collecting cleaning supplies for families in need in the Poway Unified School District.

The Aufmann brothers are honored to be able to give back to their community and help local youth and families. Rincon del Diablo is honored to be able to recognize these young adults as they become the next generation to serve their community.

Photo L to R: Founder WIlliam Aufmann, Regent Jenn Halter, GiveBackSD volunteers Issac Valle and Joey Halter

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Chapter Chatter: San Clemente Island Hosts Luncheon & Fashion Show Fundraiser

San Clemente Island Chapter hosted a luncheon and fashion show at the beautiful Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course on April 12, 2023. Daughters, friends and family were treated to a delicious lunch and a beautiful fashion show by Chico’s and Tommy Bahama. With 37 fabulous raffle baskets to choose from, the fun never ends! Thanks to all who attended and made our fundraising event a success.

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Chapter Chatter: San Clemente Island Chapter Participates in Swallows Day Parade

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, San Clemente Island Chapter participated in the annual Swallows Day parade in San Juan Capistrano, welcoming the return of the swallow; they migrate 6,000 miles from Argentina every year and return to their nests at the Mission.

It was a beautiful sunny day with large crowds enjoying the parade of bands, horses, and groups walking the route downtown.

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Chapter Chatter: Santa Margarita Chapter Honored at USO Volunteer Appreciation Event

Daughters from the Santa Margarita Chapter were honored at a USO Volunteer Appreciation event recently. Honorary Chapter Regent, Wanda Prosser, was honored to attend and support the Daughters.

Volunteers were presented with floral leis in this Hawaiian themed event, buffet and awards presentation. Certificates were awarded to all Daughters who had completed vetting and an orienteering presentation in order to volunteer at the on base USO facility. The Daughters of the American Revolution are avid supporters of the USO. The Santa Margarita Chapter under the leadership of Regent Jacquie Berzins and Project Patriot Chair Rhonda Crawford are proud to be so actively involved.

Pictured are back row: Trudy Dauner, Charla Boodry, Sibelia Chaiyahat, Renee Turner, Associate Member Brenda Ferich, Chapter Chair Project Patriot, Rhonda Crawford. Middle row Lisa Howard, National Vice Chair, DAR Project Patriot, USO Camp Pendleton Connie Darr, & Wanda Prosser; Front Operations and Program Manager, USO Camp Pendleton, Crystal Gates.

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Chapter Chatter: Rincon Del Diablo Genealogy Workshops Bring Members Together to Learn

The Genealogy Workshops were created as a combination of virtual and in-person workshops and field trips for our members.

Our first field trip was to the San Diego Family Search Center where we received a tour of the facility which included a quiet study room, a classroom, an interview room, a main room, and multi-format digitizing equipment available to use.

We had a virtual meeting where we discussed how to utilize the DAR GRS databases available to the members, and image access. We also did a presentation during a Rincon Del Diablo general meeting about the FamilySearch.org and RelativeFinder.org websites and the different ways they may be able utilized to give research hints to individuals.

The group had a field trip to the Georgina Cole Library Genealogy Room where our workshop members also sat in on a presentation organized by the North San Diego County Genealogy Society and took a class on doing Mexican Lineage Research, which may help in our new DAR focus on the Specialty Research of African-American Research, French Research, French Canadian Research, Jewish Research, Native American Research, Spanish Research, and Cuban Research.

Also planned include field trips to the Escondido Pioneer Room, San Diego History Center, Women’s Museum of California, and virtual and in-person workshops covering the resources that our daughters can use and where we can help each other with our applications.

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Chapter Chatter: Gold Trail Chapter Student Awards

Gold Trail Chapter of Roseville is proud of local students and the achievements of our young people. February is the month to celebrate our outstanding students at the Gold Trail Student Awards Ceremony. Parents, teacher, chapter members and families are always invited to see the award presentations.

This year’s event was held at Maidu Park Community Center in Roseville. The room was filled with excitement and pride as students were honored with certificates and cash awards for thier winning entries in American History Essay Contest, Constitution Week Poster Contest and DAR Good Citizen awards. An additional certificate was presented to Whitney High JROTC who has done an amazing job of presenting the colors at our events throughout the year.

Pictured here are student winners along with Susan Geerts, First Vice Regent and Linda Winthers. The ceremony ended on a “sweet” note with homemade cookies and treats made by Gold Trail Chapter bakers.

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Chapter Chatter: Mt. Diablo Chapter Welcomes a Surviving POW from WWII

The Mt. Diablo Chapter welcomed Sue DeVoe, a surviving POW from WWII, who gave an eyewitness account of surviving internment by the Japanese at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manilla, Philippines during WWII.

Sue was a small child whose father was working in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded. Sue’s family was taken prisoner and interred at the University of Santo Tomas in Manilla. Sue talked about years of hardship, hunger and hope, and shared a Power Point presentation that included pictures of the camp. Her display included a book “Civilian Prisoners of the Japanese in the Philippine Islands”, and a child’s sweater that belonged to her, plus a poem written about Mary Lou, the knitter who made the sweater for Sue.

Sue’s presentation was very informative and enjoyed by the meeting’s attendees.

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