January 18, 2007

Daughters of the American Revolution honor New Almaden’s Kitty Monahan

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

The Los Gatos branch of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently honored New Almaden’s Kitty Monahan with the Excellence in Community Service Award.

“Kitty is so worthy of this award,” said Bergtholdt. From left: Bergtholdt, Monahan and Khanna. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“Kitty is so worthy of this award,” said Los Gatos branch Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR] member Sue Bergtholdt. “When I sent in her nominations to National there were over 20 articles from the Mercury News and the Almaden Times and many, many letters from people in the community. It’s absolutely incredible how many hours she puts in and how many organizations she belongs to.”

“I’m flabbergasted,” said Monahan. “I couldn’t be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution as my father came to San Jose from Ireland. It is a great honor to be recognized by them. Thank you so much.”

Bergtholdt along with DAR member Kristin Khanna fittingly presented the prestigious award at the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association monthly meeting that Monahan founded in 1979 and where she serves as president. But that is only a miniscule portion of her dynamic efforts to preserve history, open space and parks over the years.

“Over a number of years Ms. Monahan has selflessly given a great deal of her time to imparting the rich history of our community to others and she has been an unflagging supporter of many, many important causes,” wrote Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department [SCCPRD] Director Lisa Killough in her letter recommending Monahan be awarded by DAR. “I have witnessed Kitty’s enthusiasm, passion and dedication and it is reflected in her outstanding contributions and leadership.”

DAR was founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. The volunteer women’s service organization is dedicated to promotion patriotism, preserving American history and securing Americans’ futures though better education for children. The Los Gatos branch of the DAR felt Monahan was a role model for community service and honored her with the national award.

Monahan’s list of accomplishments is impressive. Volunteering with SCCPRD, she accumulated over 6,500 hours of community service through 2005 as a member of County Parks Trail and Equestrian Watch. She also serves on the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, Volunteer Coordinating Council, board of directors for Friends of Santa Teresa County Park, Santa Clara County Horsemen’s Association, board of directors of Almaden Valley Community Association, president of New Almaden Community Club and the Open Space Authority Citizen Advisory Board.

At Monahan’s beloved New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum she is the administrator of archives as well as a tour guide, a docent and a guide for the community walks. She volunteers at the Annual Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Lake County Park and is the liaison to Eagle Scouts on community projects at Casa Grande and Almaden Quicksilver Park as well as a docent for recreational activities at all County Parks.

This past year Monahan also co-chaired the Yes On Parks! Committee. Measure B was one of the few propositions passed in June 2006, which will preserve Charter funds from property taxes to be used exclusively for the use of SCCPRD.

“There’s nobody more deserving of recognition more than Kitty,” said New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum park interpreter John Slenter. “She never says no whether to an individual or a group asking for help. She is very selfless and never asks for any recognition. She’s very modest.”