Contents
- President's Note
- November Meeting Notice
- Dates to Remember
- Save the Date
- Ways and Means
- Campaign Activities
- Americanism
- Caring for America
- Legislative Updates
- Membership
- TFRW Photos
- VRW Meeting Minutes
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Meeting Notice
Wednesday, November 17th, 2021
Houston Racquet Club, 10709 Memorial Drive
11:00 a.m. Check-In
11:30 a.m. Program and Lunch
$30.00 Cash/Check only when paying at the door
$30.00 CC/PayPal payments can be made online
NOTE: The “no-eat” option is not available
Kindly notify us of dietary restrictions when you R.S.V.P.
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Reminder
Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, November 12th, before 12:00 (noon)
Reservations for the monthly luncheons must be made prior to noon on Friday preceding the meeting. The Racquet Club requests a headcount on this day so they can make adequate preparations for our lunch.
Cancellations after November 12th will be billed.
Thank you.
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Thanksgiving 2021:
Gratitude and Service
Deanna Harrington, President
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Every November we celebrate two major holidays, Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, which brings to mind service and gratitude. On Thanksgiving, we celebrate our good fortune to be Americans and all of our God-given gifts and graces—most especially life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Before we celebrate Thanksgiving, we celebrate Veterans Day. Throughout all of U.S. history, American soldiers have fought and defended our rights. It is correct to state that the U.S. Armed Forces have been a truly great force for good in our world. Without veterans, we would not have Thanksgiving, and we would not have democracy—and for that, we are truly thankful.
Twelve months from now we will be going to the polls to ensure the liberties our veterans have fought to maintain. The year 2022 may be a difficult year due to the impact of COVID and heightened political partisanship, but we Republican women will remain happy and devoted warriors for freedom. Kindness and perseverance, gratitude, and service will win the day.
Here’s what is on the ballot in 2022:
• Our free market economy
• The content of our American character
• The education of our children
• National security
• Stopping crime
If there’s anything that’s been established over the past year, Democrat policies simply don’t work. Thankfully, Republicans have real solutions about real life that go beyond the political. Folks are hurting, and they are hurting bad. I truly believe people are tired of all the negativity. They are tired of anger. They are tired of hate. We, Republicans, are the party of Reagan —the party of optimism.
What are you thankful for this November? With gratitude, humility, and kindness, let’s win over the hearts of our friends in the middle of the political spectrum, and show them there is light at the end of the tunnel. America remains that shining city on a hill, and together we will make our soldiers who sacrificed for us proud.
Happy Veteran’s Day, and Happy Thanksgiving!
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An In-Depth Legislative Conversation with Senator Paul Bettencourt
Theresa Kosmoski, VP Programs
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This November we have much for which  to show our gratitude… the blistering days of summer at an end, Covid is nearly in our rear-view mirror, this was NOT a heavy election year, but perhaps the most important thing to be grateful for is that the FOUR legislative sessions of 2021 are finally over. Our guest speaker will be Senator Paul Bettencourt who will give us an in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at the many things that happened, and a few that didn’t, during these past sessions, as well as honoring our veterans.
First elected to the Senate in 2014, Senator Paul Bettencourt represents Senate District 7, which encompasses most of West Harris County. He previously served 10 years, from 1998 - 2008, as the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, where he introduced “Smart Government” at the Harris County Tax Office and developed a customer service-driven organization. His team created the first major county online property tax payment system and the first county tax office website with online vehicle registration in Texas. (His motto was “Get on-line, not in-line.”) He was well-known as the “Tax Man” for his outspoken efforts to cut property taxes.
A champion for conservative solutions to Texas' challenges, Senator Bettencourt has built a strong reputation at the Capitol advocating for taxpayers. In his previous legislative sessions, he worked tirelessly to pass conservative budgets, enact a supermajority requirement within a taxing jurisdiction to raise taxes, (which prevented a $100,000,000 tax increase in its first year) as well as author SB 7 which sought to stamp out the growing plague of inappropriate student-educator relationships. A compassionate conservative, Senator Bettencourt has been a leader on "Right to Try" and adult stem cell legislation, fighting for terminally and chronically ill patients across Texas to have better access to treatments and new therapies. Legislation that he sponsored on this important issue was adopted by the American Legislative Exchange Council as a national model other states could follow. He has also greatly expanded dual credit opportunities (SB 1004) for Texas students and Joint-Authored bipartisan legislation to enhance educational opportunities for students through ISD/Charter partnerships (SB 1882).
Senator Bettencourt is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Government and serves on the Senate Finance, Education, and Criminal Justice committees. He has also been named to the Redistricting Committee by Lt. Governor Patrick. He also served as the Chair of the Senate Republican Caucus from January 2016 to February 2021.
A Bachelor of Science graduate of Texas A&M University in Industrial Distribution, Senator Bettencourt is the President and CEO of a tax consulting company in Houston that has grown to forty employees. He is also a radio and television personality. The Senator and his wife Susan are active members of Saint John Vianney Catholic Church, where Paul is a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus.
Senate District 7 is located in Harris County and includes Bunker Hill Village, Hedwig Village, parts of Houston, Hunters Creek Village, Jersey Village, Piney Point Village, Spring, and Tomball.
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Contribute To The Fill The Purse Campaign
Julie Jaehne, 3rd VP Ways and Means
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The 2022 Election Year has already started. Help us fill our campaign purse so we can provide support in getting all Republicans elected and keeping Texas Red. You can easily contribute here by clicking the "contribute" button below or mailing in a check.
All donations will go towards our fundraising campaign for membership education, campaign support activities, civic engagement, and outreach.
You can also print out the Fill the Purse Form and share it with friends and neighbors. Thank you |
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You Can Help Our Judicial Candidates!
Anne Trousdale, Campaign Activities
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The fun is just starting! Who is running for what? Candidates are making the rounds of luncheons, receptions, and dinners. Check harriscountygop.com and click on events.
There are many new judicial candidates who need signatures to get on the ballot. We need conservative judges. Bring friends, and family to these signing events
- Nov. 4 at Trini Mendenhall 5-7 pm
- Nov. 6 Prince Creek Dr. Katy 9-11 am
- Nov. 20 311 Greenbelt 11-2
(Pictured below: Some of our judicial candidates gathering signatures at the VRW Candidate Round-Up.)
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Do you know who your precinct chair is? Your precinct needs help with block walking, getting neighbors to vote. Take action and get involved. Volunteer for a candidate.
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Honoring Our Veterans
Mary Grace Landrum, Community Engagement and Americanism
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November 11 is Veterans’ Day; the day we honor and pray for all of the men and women who have served and are serving in our armed forces. Take the time to thank a veteran today for helping to protect our freedoms. If you don’t know a veteran, please ask God to protect those who are still serving here and abroad. Below are five ways from military.com to show appreciation to a veteran.
- Attend a veterans event
- Ask someone about their service
- Donate to a veterans organization
- Write a thank-you note to someone in the military (Send to the nearest military installation.)
- Visit a veterans hospital
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Calling All Elves
Once again Village Republican Women will help West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) share the Christmas spirit with the families they serve.
At our November meeting, we will continue to collect HEB or Kroger gift cards ($45 or $60 value) and cash. In December we’ll ask you to bring an item for their food pantry.
Bring your donations and place them in the beautiful gift box on the back table. Use one of the holiday cards we’ll have available to write words of encouragement and hope to accompany your gift.
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New Constitutional Carry Law – What is the Real Impact?
Joanie Bain, Legislative Chair
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On September 1, 2021, House Bill 1927 Texas's new Constitutional Carry law took effect. Licensed concealed carry became effective in 1995, and licensed open carry became effective in 2015. Dubbed the Firearm Carry Act of 2021, the new law allows UNLICENSED individuals 21 and older who can legally possess firearms in the state to carry handguns in public places without permits.
If you are not a person “who can legally possess firearms” the law does not change your status -- it specifically states that “persons who are currently prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law will not gain the right to possess or carry a firearm under this legislation.” HB 1927, Section 2. It is still a crime in Texas to display a handgun on purpose in a public place, in another person's plain view, unless the gun is holstered.
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So, where can you carry your gun without a license? Who are the persons legally prohibited from carrying a gun? And does this new law mean you should just throw away your old license to carry? Hopefully, this article will answer your questions.
WHERE CAN YOU CONSTITUTIONALLY CARRY (OR MORE PRECISELY WHERE CAN’T YOU CARRY?).
It's a crime to have any guns in certain Texas locations, including:
- schools, school buses, and anywhere school activities are taking place (but see special rules for handguns at colleges and universities, discussed below)
- wherever sporting events are being held (whether professional, school or interscholastic)
- at businesses that get more than half of their income from the on-premises sale of alcohol
- at hospitals and nursing homes
- at polling places during elections or early voting
- in court buildings or offices, and
- at racetracks.
Violations are either a third-degree felony or a Class A misdemeanor, depending on the location. (Tex. Penal Code § 46.03 (2021).)
Special Texas Rules for Handguns on College Campuses
Texas law specifically allows license holders to carry concealed handguns on post-secondary school campuses, except on portions of the campuses of private institutions that have established rules prohibiting concealed handguns in certain areas, as long as the schools have posted proper notices about the prohibition. It's a crime for a license holder to carry a handgun openly (even in a holster) on the premises of any institution of higher education that has prohibited open carry and has posted proper notices. (Tex. Penal Code § 46.03 (2021).)
TEXAS PENAL CODE: (WHO CAN’T CARRY?)
- It's illegal to carry a handgun under the following circumstances:
- if you've been convicted of a felony or any domestic violence crime within the past five years.
- if you are legally prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal laws (as discussed below)
- if you're intoxicated and aren't on your property, in your car or boat, or directly en route to your car or boat (or the private property, car, or boat or someone else who has given you consent to be there); or
- in certain places where guns are restricted (more on that below).
(Tex. Penal Code §§ 46.02 (2021).)
APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS: (MORE RULES ON WHO CAN’T CARRY)
Federal prohibitions on gun purchases and possession apply to a broader group of people than Texas restrictions, including those who:
- have been convicted of a felony (any crime with a potential punishment of more than one year in prison) or a domestic violence misdemeanor, regardless of the release date from incarceration
- are subject to a domestic violence restraining order (issued after notice and a hearing)
- are in the country illegally or under a nonimmigrant visa
- have been dishonorably discharged from the military
- have fled to avoid arrest or punishment for a crime, or
- use controlled drugs illegally.
More details and the answers to frequently asked questions can be found at this link:
https://www.tml.org/DocumentCenter/View/2710/Cities-and-Firearms-June-2021-PDF
A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS CAN BE FOUND HERE:
https://assets.cdn.usconcealedcarry.com/pdf/guides/USCCA_ConstitutionalCarry-TX-Students.pdf?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=pmd_7e6f137e7dd20e7cbe818bcc98793bcc87a9c7d3-1627330746-0-gqNtZGzNAvijcnBszQfi
SHOULD I KEEP MY LICENSE?
The CHL program is still in force, and it offers protection to holders that permitless carry does not. Example:
- If you have a CHL and you enter a premise and don’t see a 30.06 or .07 sign you get to be told to leave without being charged for trespass. Permitless carry, they can immediately arrest you. It is a savings clause.
- Also, Training: it is everyone’s responsibility that carry a gun to know the laws and regulations related to carrying a gun. If you have a gun and use it recklessly or negligently you may be subject to both civil and criminal liability. The LTC class covers laws that are crucial for anyone that owns and/or carries a gun.
- Purchasing firearms: federal law is making it more and more difficult to purchase guns. With a Texas LTC, purchasing a gun is much quicker and easier. There is no wait for a background check to be performed. (So, no NICS fee the dealers normally charge)
- Carrying in other states: There are currently 36 states that accept the Texas LTC. This means if you do any traveling when you go into one of these other states that accept the Texas LTC, you can continue to carry your gun.
- Contact with law enforcement: Police Officers in Texas can look up any person’s driver’s license information to determine if they have a valid LTC. This makes it simple and easy for a police officer to determine that you are legally carrying a gun. Without an LTC and depending on why law enforcement has made contact with you, you may be sitting and waiting for a while for the police to determine that you are eligible to own/carry the gun. Including being potentially cuffed.
- Additionally, while those with an LTC can take advantage of campus carry, those with constitutional carry cannot.
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Welcome New Members!!!
Laura Carlson, 2nd VP Membership
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THANK YOU!
Our membership has grown to 201 members in 2021. We added 70 new members and welcomed backed 131 members. Thank you for making my first year as membership chair an amazing year! I really appreciate everyone for making me feel at home in the club and helping me have a successful year.
We had six CHAT (Chicks Having an Awesome Time) events in 2021 for welcoming new members, developing new skills, learning about Critical Race Theory, and meeting local representatives. Thank you to the members who hosted these events and thank you to members that participated. We hope to continue to have CHAT events in 2022.
2022 is going to be a BIG year for Republicans and we want to make sure we have a voice. Now is the time to renew your membership for 2022. Renewing now will ensure you continue to receive information about upcoming events and issues. All members appreciate the valuable information and benefits we gain by being actively involved in this vibrant organization. Also, if you renew before the Christmas luncheon, you will be entered into a drawing.
Here are the different ways to renew your VRW membership:
- Download and Print the membership form, fill it out and bring it and your check with you to our luncheon on November 17th. The Membership Application is HERE, or
- Mail-in the membership form with your check to our P.O. Box address listed on the form, or
- Click below to be redirected to the online form.
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Questions? Email 2nd VP Membership Laura Carlson at membership@villagerepublicanwomen.org or call her at 281-222-5015.
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VRW October Meeting Minutes
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VRW October Minutes
Nolia Rohde, Recording Secretary
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VILLAGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN
Minutes of VRW General Meeting
October 27, 2021
President Deanna Harrington called the meeting to order at 11:32 a.m.
The invocation was delivered by Chaplain Penny Remick. Ronnye Cowell led us the pledges to the flags.
Carolyn Hodges, Chairman of the Bylaws Committee, presented the amendments for the VRW Bylaws and Standing Rules on behalf of the Bylaws Committee. Many of these amendments were required by TFRW and NFRW, but some of them were generated by the Bylaws Committee. All of these amendments and changes in the Standing Rules were unanimously approved by the membership.
President Harrington then introduced the slate of officers nominated for 2022-2023 and called for the election to take place. The slated officers are as follows: President - Julie Jaehne; 1st VP - Joanie Bain; 2nd VP - Laura Carlson; Ways and Means - Punita Valambhia; Corresponding Secretary – Ronnye Cowell; Recording Secretary – Deanna Harrington; and, Treasurer – Susan Brown. They were elected unanimously. Mrs. Harrington then stated that because TFRW changed the by-laws, she is automatically a member of the new board as immediate past president, and she doesn’t need to have two positions on the new board. Eleanor White has been asked and recommended by Julie, Deanna, and Carolyn to fill the position of Recording Secretary. Deanna then presented Eleanor White as a candidate for Recording Secretary and by unanimous vote, Eleanor was elected Recording Secretary.
President Harrington gave a report on the TFRW Convention. VRW won three prestigious awards—Best Caring for America Project (EGGCELLENT!), Recognition for Achievements that define Excellence, and Most Points in the Jumbo-sized club for the Club Achievement Award. Theresa Kosmoski followed with a report on the NFRW Convention, where VRW was awarded the prestigious Diamond Award.
Following her report, Theresa introduced the guest speaker, Konni Burton, Founder & CEO of The Texas Online News Source. Her opening statement was, “Whoever controls the media and education controls the country.” She said she doesn’t publish political opinion and the Texan has been linked in the Epoch Times, among other reputable news sources. Additionally, Konni briefly spoke about the custody battle over the alleged transgender 7-year-old and the outrageous amount of money being spent on illegal immigration.
After Ms. Burton’s presentation, President Harrington introduced Ronnye Cowell, who was elected at the TFRW convention, as the new TFRW SD7 District Director.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nolia Rohde
Recording Secretary
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