Volume 9 Issue 2
December 2011
Mt. Diablo Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
Photo by Robert Picker mtdiablophotos.com
From the desk of your Regent Cathy Olsen Special points of interest:
Project Patriot adopts Bay Area Soldier SFC Kathy Vargas
Thomas Jefferson Award Winner Gail Snyder speaks at December meeting
Three great new members join Chapter
Mt. Diablo Beacon— WWII ceremony Wed, Dec 7
Dear Daughters, Prospective Members, and Friends,
The year started out fabulously! The new state-of-the-art meeting room at Creekside was a hit with everyone. In October, the meeting room was literally overflowing with members and guests. We were especially excited to see so many prospective members – including several from the Piedmont Chapter. Our speaker, 90 year-old Betty Reid Soskin—the country’s old-
tributor to this newsletter– reminds us that the Tuesday, December 13th, meeting is packed with exciting presentations- including guest speaker Gail Snyder, 2011 Thomas Jefferson Award Winner (see page 2— December Meeting Goes to the Dogs) and Lana Patterson, who will share ―Lesser Known Lady—Elizabeth Monroe.
The November Tea Fund Raiser/Meeting was wonderful thanks to the generosity of local businesses and devoted daughters. See page 4 for photos and details.
Barbara Beratta will present. a Woman’s Issue story and commemorate a member’s ancestor who fought in the War of 1812. Hope to see you on Tuesday, Dec 13th!
Corresponding Secretary Barbara Beratta—a major con-
Cathy
Holiday Giving Without Spending
Inside this issue: 50 Years and Counting—Mary Nygreen
2
December Meeting goes to the Dogs
2
Lesser Known Ladies— Louisa Adams
3
Revolutionary Tea Party 4 -A Smashing Success Meet new members 5 Elaine, Stephanie, Holly Sunshine Report
est National Park Ranger- was an inspiration to us all. Who among us can say they started a new career at the age of 75? And what an entertaining and articulate speaker for our first meeting of the year! A special thank you to our 1st Vice Regent Geri Willinger for arranging such outstanding speakers this year.
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Troops Search for Hair- 6 spray in Afghanistan
Contributor: Joy Montgomery Time—which is free yet precious—is a gift we can all give. This month, the Veterans Committee has several ―no or low cost‖ opportunities to let our veterans know they are loved and appreciated this holiday season. Volunteers are needed to help serve, bring food and work on crafts for the December 10 Livermore Veterans Holiday Party.
On the 10th, orientation at the Community Living Center (CLC) for decorating starts at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for serving and veterans assistance volunteers. The event will conclude at 1:30 p.m. Only available for an hour and love to make crafts? Come at 9:00 and, in addition to decorating, volunteers will be making individual ―take away‖ decorations for the veterans.
Last but not least, if you cannot attend but would like to contribute decorated sugarless cookies and small muffins—no nuts or other choking threats—food donations are appreciated. To sign up or for more information, please contact Christy Campbell at clcampbell14@aol.com. Please let Christy know if you can participate or contribute to in any or all of the Livermore Veteran's Holiday festivities.
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50 Years and Counting –Mary Nygreen Dear DAR Members, Thank you for honoring my 50 year membership in such a memorable way. What a pleasant surprise to receive my 50 year pin. Also, the beautiful dozen roses are still fresh looking. The colorful cake was delicious. Thanks so much. Sincerely, Mary Nygreen
Mary S. Nygreen
Mary Noyes (Sizer) Nygreen was born in Bloomington, Illinois although she actually lived in Mansfield. Mary obtained an undergraduate degree in Institution Management and Home Economics from Iowa State, Ames, Iowa and a master’s degree from the University of Washington, Seattle. During her professional career, Mary managed restaurants, served as an Assistant Director at the U of W Women’s Resident Hall and
managed food service in the FBI Headquarters, WA DC. Mary and Paul Nygreen, her husband of 61 years, raised two children and lived in several exotic foreign countries as they followed Paul’s career in the oil industry. Mary and Paul have one grandchild. Mary served twice as Regent for the Chapter during her 50 years in DAR. Mary we are proud to have you as a member of our Chapter and thank you for your dedication and service over those years.
December Meeting Goes to the Dogs Contributor: Jennifer Langan
“In recognition of her selfless and tireless efforts, Gail was awarded the 2011 Thomas Jefferson Award”
Is man’s best friend also a patriot? Gail Snyder thinks he is. Gail recognizes that the soldier’s best friend is man’s best friend, the dog. Throughout the years, DAR daughters have spent countless hours and donated millions of dollars to support the men and women who serve our country. However, it takes a true dog lover to understand that supporting and protecting our troops also includes keeping our country’s special military working dogs in top shape. Please join us on Tuesday, December 13, to hear our not -to-be-missed special guest speaker and outstanding patriot Gail Snyder, share heart warming stories about her
many years as a volunteer supporting our Military Working Dogs (MWD). Patriotic dogs are not new to the service of our country. Man’s best friend has served in our military as sentries, scouts, explosive detectors, and search and rescue workers in every U.S. war for the past 90 years.
Gail Snyder
It is estimated that each MWD has saved the lives of 150 soldiers during their career. During the Vietnam War, these dogs saved more than 10,000 soldiers. Gail Snyder has made it her life work to ship care packages to MWD in military outposts overseas from the post office in Pinole. In recognition of her selfless and tireless efforts, Gail was awarded the 2011 Thomas Jefferson Award.
Lakeshia Dennis and EDD “Roony”
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Volume 9 Issue 2
Lessor Known Lady—Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams Written and Presented by: Gay Scott at October Meeting What First Lady suffered such misery during her husband’s unpopular presidency that she spent many long, isolated evenings reading, sketching, cultivating silkworms and gorging on chocolates? Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, wife of our sixth president, John Quincy Adams. Born in London, on February 12, 1775, Louisa was the only foreign-born First Lady. She was the daughter of Joshua Johnson, an American merchant, and Catherine NuthJohnson, an Englishwoman. Louisa grew up in London and Nante, France, where her family took refuge during the American Revolution. She met her future husband in London where her father had been appointed American consul. Adams at first showed interest in her older sister, but soon settle down Louisa. John Quincy Adams, aged 30, married Louisa aged 22, in 1797, in London. Adams’ father, John Adams, then President of the United States, overcame his initial objections to his son marrying a foreigner and welcomed his daughter-in-law into the family. Together, John Quincy Adams and Louise had
Four children. Louisa was sickly, plagued by migraine headaches and frequent fainting spells. She had seven miscarriages over the course of their marriage.
seventeen years of service in the United States House of Representatives. The untimely deaths of her two oldest sons added to her burdens.
When John Quincy Adams was appointed James Monroe’s U.S. Secretary of State the family moved to Washington D.C., in 1817 where Louisa’s drawing room became a center for the diplomatic corps and other notables. Music enhanced her Tuesday evenings at home, and theater parties contributed to her reputation as an outstanding hostess.
―Our union has not been without its trials,‖ John Quincy Adams conceded. He acknowledged many ―differences of sentiment, of tastes, and of opinions in regard to domestic economy, and to the education of children between us.‖ But, he added, ―she always has been a faithful and affectionate wife, and a careful, tender, indulgent and watchful mother to our children.‖
The pleasures of moving into the White House in 1825 were dimmed by the bitter politics of the election, paired with her deep depression. Though she continued her weekly ―drawing rooms‖, she preferred quiet evenings of reading, composing music and verse and playing her harp. In his diary for June 23, 1828, her husband records her ―winding silk from several hundred silkworms that she had been rearing‖, evidently in the White House. When Adams lost his bid for re-election, Louisa thought she would be retiring to Massachusetts permanently, but in 1831 her husband began
He died at the United States Capitol in 1848; after which, she remained in Washington until her death in 1852, at the age of 77.
Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams
““Our union has not been without its trials,” John Quincy Adams conceded.”
A special thanks goes out to our award winning author Dr. Ruth Rymer— Chairman of the American History Committee—for coordinating these outstanding talks. If you are interested in reading Dr. Ruth’s 2010 award winning essay—”Growing Up in a Nut House” please send an e - m a i l t o mt.diablo.chapter@gmail.c om. Gay Scott—Presenter
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REVOLUTINARTY TEA PARTY FUND RAISER— STANDING ROOM ONLY! Contributor: Barbara Beratta
even champagne!
Thanks to the generosity of several local businesses and our outstanding dedicated daughters and their friends, the November Revolutionary Tea Party Fund Raiser was a smashing success.
Regent Cathy Olsen attributes the delicious food in large part to excellent ingredients. Bread for the sandwiches—which was beyond wonderful—was generously c on tr ibu te d b y Dia bl o Foods—Lafayette as was the English Clotted Cream for the scones. The manager of Peets Coffee in Lafayette also donated the outstanding tea and coffee—despite having already reached his donation quota for the month!
The November Meeting/Tea, which was catered by Regent Cathy Olsen, sisters Alma and Velma, daughter Heather, sister-in-law Nancy and friend Darlene, was held in the beautiful Fireside Room in Rossmoor. It was such an elegant affair with beautiful tablecloths, shiny sterling silverware, and china. The finger sandwiches and desserts were the most delectable, including tea, coffee, and
Regent Cathy and Vice Regent Geri discovered that the manager of the Concord Costco has a very active sister in DAR. They were unable to get her to join our Chapter
but Concord Costco did contribute toward the wonderful smoked salmon, black forest ham and a few dozen eggs for the egg salad sandwiches. Classically trained Concert Pianist Nadia Blank enthralled guests for over an hour on the room’s beautiful grand piano—compliments of Past Regent Gay Scott. We had an attendance of over 75 people, quite a crowd for this year’s annual fundraiser! Thank you to all for your generous support. A special thank you Geri Willinger for sponsoring a table and to several members who could not attend but generously contributed to this worthwhile fund raiser!
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Volume 9 Issue 2
Meet three New Members ing, downhill skiing, making movies on her Apple, and knitting. In February she and her husband are moving to The Villages in Florida, where all their retired family plan to live.
ters. She likes to cycle, and travel, and is an avid supporter of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Whitney became a member of our chapter in October 2011 with her ancestor George Poage of VA.
HOLLY STOVER
H
olly was born in Kingston, New York. It is a little town next to Woodstock NY. After graduating from Poughkeepsie High School, she attend Eastern Kentucky University where she obtained a BS in Criminal Justice.
Elaine Stevens
E
laine Stevens, born in Brooklyn, NY (the home of her patriot relative, Peter Wyckoff), was raised in Bethlehem, PA. However, she has resided in California for almost 40 years, the last 25 in Danville. Whitney Kirkendall
Elaine obtained a BS from Kent State and an MA from Cal State Long Beach. After graduation, she became a public school administrator of vocational programs in Orange County California. Following this, she worked for 15 years in Human Resources at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
W
Elaine is married and has one cat. Her hobbies are travel-
Whitney lives in Danville with her husband, and two daugh-
hitney was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Falls Church, Virginia. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Geology, and from Colorado School of Mines with an MSc in Geophysics.
Prior to embarking on her current career as a Human Resource professional, Holly was an active duty Army Officer and a Federal Agent. Holly and her husband have two daughters. Lauren (age 13) is the CA State Society Children of American Revolution (CSSCAR) state Recording Sec. Leah (age 11) is CSSCAR state organization secretary. Holly is the Senior Society President of Captain Molly Corbin CSSCAR group which Mt. Diablo sponsors.
Sunshine Report Contributor: Barbara Beretta Stefani Miller, devoted daughter both to our Chapter and Dr. Ruth Rymer, is recovering from a recent stay in the hospital. We missed her, her mom, and her Aunt Sally at the TEA . We wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see them all next year.
Our Veteran’s Chairman Natalie Griffin is well on the road to recovery! She was able to attend our annual TEA with the help of her caretaker. Congratulations Natalie! You have accomplished so much! . We were excited that Valerie Jo Remley, who continues
her battle with breast cancer, was well enough to attend the TEA and lead us in an A+ performance of the Star Spangle Banner! Well wishes to Vice Regent Jean Brown’s husband – out of hospital - moved to rehab. Prayers and get well wishes continue to be sent your way!
Holly Stover
”In February Elaine and her husband are moving to The Villages in Florida, where all their retired family plan to live”
Please contact Chaplain Margo Heltne if you know of a member who is ill, has lost a family member, or if you hear about the death of a member: mt.diablo.chapter@ gmail.com
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December Upcoming Events
Serving God, Home and Country through historic preservation, education and patriotism Catherine Phillips-Olsen, Regent Mt. Diablo Chapter DAR E-mail: mt.diablo.chapter@gmail.com
WWW.DAR-MTDIABLOCHAPTER.ORG
December 7
World War II—Mt. Diablo Light Beacon meeting at 2:15 p.m. Countrywood Shopping Center Treat Blvd sallyholcombe@mac.com
December 10
Christmas in the Parlor Tea—Glendora State House, Glendora, CA
December 10
Livermore Veterans Holiday Party, 9:00 a.m.—1:30 a.m. 4951 Arroya Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
December 13
Chapter Meeting—11:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. 1010 Creekside Clubhouse Rossmoor, Stanley Dollar Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94595 Hostesses: Geri Willinger, Nancy McConnell, Judy Norris, Ella Jones, Eleanor Tucker
Troops Search for Hairspray in Afghanistan Imagine heading off to your local drug store to pick up a can of hairspray. When you get there you find—well NOTHING—and learn that this particular item is not only out-of-stock but will most likely never be on the shelf. SFC Kathy Vargas, one of our newly adopted Project Patriot soldiers, shares her experiences searching for feminine hygiene items in Afghanistan with best friend—new Chapter member Holly Stover (see page 5). SFC Vargas is affectionately known as ―Aunt Kathy‖ to Holly’s girls. Below is contact information to send a package or a warm holiday hello to Kathy: SFC Kathy Vargas, RC-N Fusion Center, IC Marmal, APO AE 09368. You can also donate to our Project Patriot care package fund at www.dar-mtdiablochapter.org or send a check to Treasurer Janet O’Connell-Mangham, 1525 Bismark Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513-6904 October 2011 Hi Ladies,
that do not want to cut there hair off just so that they can minimize the need for hair care products.
Just wanted to let you all know how good Let's see, if the military was a "for Profit" we have it at home... organization I would think they owned If you ever woke up in the middle of the stock in Dove and Pert, because those night half asleep, and had to go to the are the 2 shampoos they always have. bathroom, just remember you did not have to grab your gun, toilet paper and a They sell no products that I would conflash light and walk about 2 blocks to use sider for face care except some generic a porta potty. Now think about this in brand of 80 proof sun screen. about a month or so it will be below freezI brought my make-up and after 2 days, I ing and there will be snow on the gave up. This place is so dusty that you ground... can physically sometimes see dust on If you ever went to your local store to pick your eye lashes, non-gloss SPH Chap up some personnel hygiene items, and Stick, and a moisturizing sunscreen is all 3/4 of the shelves were empty and if there you need. It's funny because the Gerwere any products i.e. shampoo, deodor- mans and Swedish women get "Dolled" ant, tampons, pads, you have one choice. up every day. Not the U.S. solders, cuz Lets see, Hair Spray must be the "Crank we live in tents and have porta-potties; Cocaine" of this country because they they live in buildings with indoor showers never have any, females actually talk and toilets, and have a saloon over in the about this in passing, wondering if they living area, Yes, perms, coloring, maniforgot that there are lots of civilians and cures, pedicure, massages, we can use female service members in this country Their facilities if there are appointments
SFC Kathy Vargas
available when we can get away. Our laundry service is HORRIBLE at best! Your clothes almost smell worse when you get them back, then when you turned them in. One of my American roommates told me a trick to put a laundry detergent sheet in one of your pockets and the workers don’t check you pockets so at least you know soap was used on your clothes. I have not gotten any strangers clothes back yet, and I am pretty sure all my stuff has came back to me, but I have only turned in laundry twice now. Not to replace any of my friends back home but I now have a few new friends here they are called; baby wipes, hand sanitizer, fabreeze, : ) Miss each and every one of you, Remember even if there is a day you can't afford to buy that new item at your favorite store, you still are in a much better situation than each and every service member here in this beautiful country. Hugs, Kathy