Chapter Activities and Projects

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The primary objectives of the NSDAR are: 

western-star-navy-hi.png - 21.61 kB preserving the history of our nation,

western-star-navy-hi.png - 21.61 kB promoting education, and

western-star-navy-hi.png - 21.61 kB fostering patriotism and love of country.

To support these objectives, the Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter, NSDAR, is involved in a  variety of projects and activities in the Livermore Valley.

American History Essay Contest: This contest is open to all students, grades five through eight, in a public, private, or parochial school as well as those who are homeschooled. The students' essays are judged on qualities such as accuracy, creativity, and composition. Awards are given at the chapter, district, state, division, and national levels. Our chapter winners read their essays at our February meeting.

DAR Good Citizens Award: The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, established in 1934 by NSDAR, recognizes high school seniors who excel in qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. The Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter, NSDAR, annually presents cash awards to three local high school seniors. These seniors present their essays at the chapter meeting in February.

Outstanding Teacher Award: The Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter, NSDAR, presents this award each year to a teacher, currently teaching in the Livermore schools. We search for teachers who will be fondly remembered long after their students graduate. This award is unique to our chapter and is our way of recognizing those special teachers who have a positive impact on their students. 

Library Books: The chapter donates books, from the wish list of the school librarians to the school libraries in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) each year. The books cover a variety of topics related to the objectives of NSDAR.

Constitution Week: Constitution Week is observed annually on September 17-23. It was officially enacted in 1956 by Congress as a result of a petition made by NSDAR. The celebration underscores our continuing dedication to the study, comprehension, teaching, protection, and promotion of the legacy and heritage of the Constitution of the United States of America. Our chapter celebrates Constitution Week each year by participating in Bells Across America. 

Memorial Day: The chapter participates in the three Memorial Day ceremonies held in Livermore each year. Our regent places a wreath at each site.

Quilts of Valor: Our chapter partners with the Amador Valley Quilters Guild (AVQG) to honor veterans. AVOG drapes each guest veteran with a Quilt of Valor, and our chapter honors each veteran with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Livermore Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center: Since its inception, the Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter, NSDAR, has been a strong supporter of the Livermore VA Medical Center. Some of the things members provide are visits with therapy dogs, Christmas cards, iTunes cards for music therapy, a Halloween party, wish list items, and a Christmas luncheon. There is a dedicated chairman who looks for ways in which members can help the veteran patients.

Las Positas Scholarship for Women Veterans: Each year our chapter awards a scholarship to a deserving woman veteran studying at Las Positas College in Livermore. Through the generosity of members, we are usually able to award additional scholarships. Our chapter has a liaison to Las Positas College.

DAR Project Patriot: The purpose of the DAR Project Patriot is to support America's service members and their families. Our chapter supports deployed servicewomen with periodic care packages containing various items such as food goodies, beauty products, and reading materials.  We also send manufacturer's coupons to military families stationed overseas.

Historical Preservation: In keeping with DAR’s focus on historic preservation, the Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter, NSDAR, on April 4, 2015, placed an NSDAR historical marker on the Duarte Garage in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the structure. The Duarte Garage was built in 1915 by F.H. Duarte on the original Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental U. S. highway. The building was saved from demolition by the Livermore Heritage Guild and is held in a long-term agreement with the City of Livermore as a transportation museum.

In addition, some of our members have traveled to faraway places in the original 13 colonies to place DAR markers at the gravesite of their Revolutionary War patriots.

Conservation: The Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter, NSDAR, participates in various conservation projects in the area, such as the Arroyo Creek cleanup, the Crayon Initiative, and the pollinator project. The chapter also supports Penny Pines by contributing funds reforestation in the Stanislas National Forest.

Fundraising: Josefa Higuera Livermore Chapter, NSDAR, raises funds to pay for the scholarships, awards, and other chapter projects. The main fundraising event is the silent auction, called the Ritzy Raffle, held at the May and December luncheons. Members are invited to donate themed baskets for the auction. Member luncheon attendees bring their favorite dishes for the potluck. These delicious eats were the catalyst for the fundraiser, the Circle of Sisters cookbook, published for our 10th anniversary and an updated version for our 20th anniversary . 

Interested in joining our chapter or getting more information about DAR? Contact our chapter or visit our membership page.


Photos courtesy of chapter members.

Photo of DAR Headquarters courtesy of DAR.