Holiday chatter and flavorful aromas filled the air at Frankie, Johnny, Liugi’s, in Dublin, where the Jose Maria Amador Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), met for a Christmas luncheon on Sat., Dec. 3.
Nearly twenty DAR members joined together for a short meeting at 11 a.m., followed by a delicious meal at the popular Dublin restaurant.
As far back as anyone could remember, the chapter has held a holiday celebration.
“We get together for a meeting anyway,” said Fran Walters, chapter Chaplain.
“So, we just decided to have our party, too. We’ve been doing this for years, always holding a Christmas festivity.”
“We’re a party group,” said Cindy Daniels, chapter Treasurer, laughing.
A holiday luncheon gives members an opportunity to celebrate, catch up and kick off the busy season.
“These are all my friends,” said chapter member Sharron Paukert of Modesto.
“Even though I moved away 19 years ago, I continue to come because of the bond.”
Lodi resident Arlene Farley agreed.
“This is a wonderful group of people with a special camaraderie.”
“Our luncheons originally began as potluck luncheons in someone’s home,” said
Vice Regent Carole Vercellino. She explained that with the growth of the chapter and higher number of people, it was easier to celebrate at a restaurant.
“The food is excellent, and we have three perspective members joining us,” said Registrar Diane Groome.
Daniels pointed out the heaping mound of toys that members had brought in.
“We collected toys for the Toys for Tots Foundation," she said.
On Sun., Dec. 4, Jose Maria Amador chapter member Mary Mallery delivered that sleigh-load of toys to the Station #2 at 6300 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasanton.
“I was told that the fire stations and the Marines work together. The fire stations collect for the Toys For Tots drive and the U.S. Marine Corps pick up the toys and make deliveries,” said Mallery.
The DAR, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education.
For more information about DAR, visit www.californiadar.org
