BCRW 2007 Presidents' Report

Dear Benton County Republican Women,

I planned to give this report at today's General Meeting [November 26, 2007], but the meeting was too long and too very very cold. I don't know what happened to the heating system at New China Buffet, but it didn't work for us. So... my report on the past two years...

It's been said, " The life blood of any organization is the willingness of its' members to serve". Thanks to you, we have served. We have met 11 months of each year. We publicize our meetings and activities through a phone tree, newsletter, local media, e-mail and website. We support education through our Dictionary Project and Constitution Day events. We attend "Support Our Troops" rallies and work with Operation Homefront to help the families of our deployed troops. In 2009 our club will be 40 years old.

Our membership is lower in the past two years. We have worked to correct that with letters, invitations, and phone calls. We accept the NFRW plan of "One Plus One" Membership Drive. That is... one member inviting one friend to become a member.

We were so happy to support our own Robin Brown, running for Oregon House Representative and Ron Wright, running for Benton County Commissioner. We actively participated in the campaign of Ron Saxton for Governor, Jim Feldkamp for US Congress, Mike Erickson for US Congress, Frank Morse for Oregon State Senate and Andy Olson Oregon House Representative.
Our club supported the efforts of the Central Committee during the campaign. We volunteered 12,288 hours for the two year period. Central Committe provided phone banks, and we helped with phoning, literature preparation for drops at resident doors, yard signs and assistance to neighboring counties that are not organized. We were active volunteers in keeping headquarters open, stuffing envelopes, stuffing door hangers for candidates' literature, folding a Republican Voter Guide and putting up lawn signs.

We encouraged our local candidates to attend our General Meeting, and found they were happy to tell us why they wanted to be elected. We appreciate newly elected Mayor Charlie Tomlinson's openness to appoint Republicans to local boards and commissions.

PJ Hunter, has Internet knowledge and skill, and has provided us with a website that is funcional and user friendly. I visit it daily and encourage to do so as well at http://www.orgsites.com/or/bentoncrw/.

We helped Stella Guenther, District IV Director with 2 District Meetings. It was a pleasure to meet and host June Hartley, GOP National Committeewoman and Margie Hughes, OFRW President.

This past summer and fall we:
- Assisted with the Benton County GOP 4th of July Pancake Breakfast and yard sale
- Participated in the Philomath Frolic Parade
- Held our annual Summer Potluck Picnic and membership drive
- Helped man the Benton GOP fair booth at the Benton County Fair
- Volunteered to help with the Republican Picnic
- Participated in Operation Homefront's Freedom Walk
- Contributed to and ran a Back to School Yard Sale
- Assisted with the Benton GOP's booth at the Corvallis Fall Festival
- Participated in the College Republicans Float For Homecoming Parade
- Participated in the Veteran's Day Parade in Albany

Stella and I enjoyed the National Convention of Republican Women in Palm Springs in September. We thank you for paying our Registration Fees. New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani spoke and won the straw poll with 50.21% of the vote. He was a good speaker and holds you sttention for every word. More than 1800 Republican leaders attended.

NFRW honored the memory and legacy of President Ronald Reagan at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. Stella and I were there for a wreath presentation at President Reagan's tomb.

The General Session Sunday, Sept. 30th was dedicated to our men and women serving in the U. S. Military and featured patriotic musical performances, as well as speeches by Jim Horn, Middle East expert, and Maj. Eric I. Egland, author of "The Troops Need You, America". The Fife and Drum Core reduced me to tears.

Those awards we worked for were published in the Official Program, but we had to wait for the State Convention to actually receive them.

October 19th we left for the three day State Convention in Eugene. There were Executive Committee Meetings and OFRW Board Meetings. Finally, at the noon luncheon, Beverly Davis, NFRW President, presented our awards in the McKenzie Ballroom. It was impressive and I hope you view the certificates online. Our pin will be displayed in a shadow box and displayed at headquarters soon.

Friday evening we attended the "Roaring Twenties Speakeasy" Reception. It was so much fun and they say there are pictures. Watch the OFRW "Republication" for the ladies in their period attire. Did you know Stella can Charleston?

Saturday, OFRW business was conducted and officers were elected. Joyce Waggoner is the President Elect. She is from Salem.

The "Beaver Basket" donated by BCRW as a silent auction basket, raised $125.00 to help defer cost of the convention We also participated in the OFRW "Caring for America" project, Operation Paperback. We donated paperback books to be shipped overseas to our enlisted personnel.

Juanita Lamley addressed the convention, off the cuff. She was a stand in for Jack Roberts, former Labor Commissioner, who was unable to attend.

Sunday morning, Senator Jason Atkinson addressed the convention, as well as State Representative, Dennis Richardson, Senator Ted Ferrioli, Holly Swansen, author of "Ser-up & Sold-Out", and Vance Day, Oregon Republican Party Chair.

I enjoyed attending the conventions and I thank you for the privilege of serving as your president these past two years.

Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Russian, President