Table of Contents
President's Note
Save the Date
60th Anniversary
Ways & Means
Campaign Activities
Caring for America
Legislative
Historian
Membership
Minutes
Advertise
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Meeting Notice
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Houston Racquet Club, 10709 Memorial Drive
10:00 a.m. Doors Open/Check-In
11:30 a.m. Program and Lunch
$55.00 at the door
$60.00 Credit Card/PayPal Online
NOTE: The “no-eat” option is not available
Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 16, before 12:00 (noon). Cancellations after April 16 will be billed.
Kindly notify us of dietary restrictions when you R.S.V.P. |
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60 Years of Village Republican Women
Let's Celebrate!
Deanna Harrington, VRW President
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This month we are celebrating 60 years of Village. In his inaugural address on January 20, 1961, President Kennedy famously called on Americans to “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Clearly, our founding VRW members were listening and responding. A group of ladies, including our first VRW President Gerry Hardway, established an enduring and effective organization that continues to thrive and grow.
To this day, Village is well-known for its strong and thoughtful political activity, active grassroots involvement, and getting Republicans elected. VRW members are most definitely influencers in the shaping of our laws and policy at all levels of government—local, state, and federal. We are also known for our big hearts and philanthropic endeavors.
Out of curiosity, I did a quick Wikipedia search in 1961. Apparently, on the March 1961 cover, Mad Magazine highlighted 1961 as an “upside-up” year, which means if you write out 1961 and turn it upside down, it still reads 1961.* As much as our world is upside down right now, I know we Village Republican Women have the grit and determination to do what we can to right our world.
You do not want to miss our special 60th Anniversary celebration that will be held on April 28, which is the same day as our regular general meeting. So, cheers to VRW, and gratitude to all the women of Village who came before us. April 28th will be one for the ages—or at least until the year 6009, which will be the next “upside-up” year!
* …And yes, I did jot down 1961 to see if it is the same turned upside down. It is!!
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- April 8—HCRP Lincoln-Reagan Dinner
- April 28 - VRW 60th Anniversary
- May 12 - VRW C.H.A.T. & Member Mixer
- May 26 - VRW General Meeting
- Sept 22 - VRW General Meeting
- Oct 27 - VRW General Meeting
- Nov 17 - VRW General Meeting
*Please note that most of our General Meeting dates are the 4th Wednesday of the month unless there is a holiday conflict. In those cases, we moved our meeting date one week. |
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VRW Will Celebrate 60 Years!
Carolyn Hodges, 1st VP - Programs
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It is time to raise a toast to Village Republican Women and take part in its 60th Anniversary! To those ladies who began our club in 1961 and to the many ladies who have carried the banner well for 60 years, you are admired and appreciated.
The 60th Anniversary being held on Wednesday; April 28 at the Houston Racquet Club will be a very special occasion and has the theme “The Road We’ve Traveled.” On this day we will explore that road and honor VRW’s Past Presidents for their leadership and the various contributions they have made to our history.
Between now and then, please find one of your favorite political pins that you have saved or recently acquired. Please wear it on the day of our anniversary.
Reservations must be made no later than Friday, April 16. The cost of the tickets will be $55 each and $60 if you wish to pay online. To pay online, go to the website (www.villagerepublicanwomen.org) under Events. If not paying online, bring a check, made payable to Houston Racquet Club for $55, or cash to the event.
Festivities will start at 10:00 am with check-in, music with VRW member Bev Smolenski at the piano, mix/mingle, check out the items in the silent auction, explore “The Road We’ve Traveled”, and grab a glass of champagne or sparkling water if you desire. There will be a champagne open bar at $10 (including tax and gratuity) per glass and credit cards will be accepted.
Lunch will begin at 11:30 and will be served in various courses intertwined with the program. The program will feature some former elected officials who benefited from the Village Republican Women’s road, former Congressman John Culberson, former judge, and Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos, former Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 3, Steve Radack, and former Houston City Councilwoman Anne Clutterbuck. There are also other features of the program that you will enjoy.
The menu includes:
- South Texas Salad (Boston Bibb & Radicchio Lettuce tossed with Orange Honey Vinaigrette topped with Grapefruit & Orange Segments, Avocado &Toasted Almonds)
- Classic Tender Braised Short Ribs (Slow Cooked & served with Golden Seared Parmesan Polenta, Sauteed Green Beans, Herb Roasted Mushrooms finished with Beef Reduction & Spun Fried Beets), and
- Mini Dessert Trio (Classic Fruit Tart, Vanilla Bean Cheesecake & Tiramisu served in a Mini Glass Vessel).
There will be a display of political memorabilia particular to this club and Republican politics in general. It will be open at 10 am and continue until lunch is at 11:30. It will be possible for you to view the display after lunch up until 2 PM. The Historical Display Committee has been working diligently to gather some interesting items to share with you and to highlight the many contributions to campaigns, fundraising, caring for others, as well as civic and patriotic endeavors.
There will also be a slide show presentation spanning the six decades of our club’s history that you will not want to miss. Kathy Taylor is designing some spectacular centerpieces that will be sold at the conclusion of the lunch and Julie Jaehne is collecting some interesting items for the silent auction. All in all, it will be a day to remember, and you will want to be there!
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Get Ready to Shop at The 60th Anniversary Silent Auction
Julie Jaehne, 3rd VP - Ways and Means
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We have collected unique, one-of-a-kind Republican and Texas memorabilia, jewelry, scarves, totes, books, prints, ornaments, collectibles, and soooo much more!!
Be sure to bring your checkbook and/or credit card for all your purchases.
Thank you to our talented Kathy Taylor, there will also be for sale one-of-a-kind, hand-painted table centerpieces.
Here are a few of the items. More previews to come !!
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From the WintersGallery in Ingram, Texas, 8 ½ by 11 Fine-Art Print
Donated by Julie Jaehne
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Circa 2013, donated by Former Congressman John Culberson, Limited Edition, Honoring the Republic of Texas Marine Corps
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Circa 1966 scarf worn by the local Republican Women Bush Bells for the campaign of George H. Bush. He won the election for the 7th Congressional of Texas. Donated by Penny Remick.
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Test Your Knowledge
Anne Trousdale, Campaign Activities Chair
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With redistricting upon us, let us try this Pop Quiz! How informed on identifying local precincts and boundaries of districts are you? Not all of these are under the jurisdiction of the state legislature but let us test your in-depth knowledge of what you see on your ballots. Complete these questions without using the internet to test your knowledge. Want extra credit? Write down who the current officeholder is.
• Precinct number?
• United States Congressional District number?
• State Senate District number?
• State House District number?
• County Commissioner District number?
• City Council District letter?
• State Board of Education District number?
• If in HISD—Trustee District Number?
• If in SBISD—Can you list at least 3 school board members?
Need help? Here are some useful links.
To find your precinct number, US Congressional district, State Senate District, State House District, County Commissioner, and more, Go to https://voterregistration.harrisvotes.com/voter/certificate. Scroll down to the gray area list on the left side, click on voter registration search.
To determine your Houston City Council District - http://www.houstontx.gov/council/whoismycm.html.
HISD School Board Districts – https://www.houstonisd.org/board. Under Related Links click on Trustee District Boundaries 2020-2021 Map. Find where you live on the map to locate your district.
Here are a couple more links where you can find Senate and House district maps, which come in handy if you’re planning to do some block walking:
Texas Senate — https://senate.texas.gov
Texas House —https://house.texas.gov
Get ready for the May 1st primary election, and thank you for submitting 1st quarter volunteer hours. April, May, and June hours will be reported 2nd quarter. Continue tracking your time!!
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HOP, HOP, HURRAY!!
Mary Grace Landrum, Caring for Amera Chair
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The Easter Bunny celebrated Village Republican Women and friends in March in support of West Houston Assistance Ministries.
Over 80 VRW members and friends along with the Houston Young Republican Club donated funds, baskets, food items, and wrapping. Thanks to all of our CARING MEMBERS! Local dentists, Tippit Dental Group, and Dr. Rudy Ramos and Associates donated toothbrushes and toothpaste for the basket as well.
On March 6, 18 volunteers from the Houston Hearts Chapter of the National Charity League helped members fill and wrap the baskets. What fun to watch empty baskets transformed with overflowing food, treats, and toys…then wrapped and topped with colorful bows. It was a heartwarming sight! As a bonus, we were able to introduce our club to these young women and their moms. They said it was the most organized and their favorite project so far!
We donated a total of 113 Easter Baskets for children in grades Pre-K through Grade 8 from food-insecure homes served by WHAM. UTEX Industries donated large office space for item storage and basket assembly. We could not have done it without them! Along with a generous financial donation from the Congressman Dan Crenshaw Campaign, we were also able to provide 190 gift cards to Chick-fil-A for the overflowing basket requests that WHAM received this year. Thank you for “hopping on board,” Congressman.
Wearing their “Bunny Ears” on March 30, VRW volunteers helped distribute all the baskets and gift bags that WHAM collected to 247 pre-registered children plus walk-ins! What a way to show that we Care for America! Client Services Director, Lisa Iparrea, joined us at the March meeting to receive the gift cards and talk about current community needs.
Special thanks to the sub-committee chairs who organized this Easter Eggstravaganza- Joanie Bain, Ginger Howell, Buffie Ingersoll, Gail O’Neill, Mary Ann Sterrett Russell, and Susan Taggart! Peter Rabbit and his friends would be impressed with your skills.
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What You Must Know About HR1
Joanie Bain, VRW Legislative Chair
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HR1, coined “The For the People Act” by Democrats and coined the “Corrupt Politicians Act” by Republicans, passed the house on March 5, 2021, with a 220-210 vote almost exactly on party lines. It is now in the Senate which we know has 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans, with Vice President Harris empowered to cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie. So is there any chance it won’t pass the Senate? If it does, will it survive a court challenge?
HR 1 is being sold as a reform to make voting easier. In truth, it makes cheating easier. Most Constitutionalists agree that the bill contains unconstitutional provisions, particularly those which attempt to regulate state and local elections. The framers provided in Article II, Sec. 1 that only state legislatures would have the power to determine how the president is chosen. No national rules.
Our Texas Legislators are currently attempting to pass Texas legislation that separates state and local elections from federal elections so that if HR1 passes, it could not be forced on state and local elections. The problem is that HR 1 also contains provisions that interfere with the State’s ability to clean up voter rolls.
Here are some of the problems with HR1:
The bill forces all the states to conform to a set of rules that includes automatic voter registration. Anyone who goes to a DMV or applies for food stamps, Medicaid or other social services, or attends a public college will be automatically enrolled to vote. Noncitizens are obligated to identify themselves and opt-out, but there are no criminal penalties if they don’t.
HR1 also bans state voter ID requirements. Anyone can show up on Election Day to vote, registered or not, and simply sign a statement that they are eligible to vote.
HR 1 compels states to send out absentee or mail-in ballots universally. It also forces states to count ballots that arrive by mail as late as 10 days after the election.
HR 1 also legalizes ballot harvesting, a practice many states are struggling to stop. A political organization pays a worker to walk through housing projects and neighborhoods, knock on doors, offer to help residents fill out the ballots they’ve received in the mail, and then submit the piles of completed ballots. It’s a recipe for fraud. It’s also unconstitutional.
HR 1 also asserts Congress has the authority to make the District of Columbia into the 51st state. That would hand Democrats two more Senate seats, breaking the current 50-50 tie. Voter registration in D.C. is 76% Democratic and only 6% Republican.
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A Photo Journey of Village Republican Women
Susan Brown, Historian
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From the Historian:
The Village Republican Women has had an amazing 60 years and more to come! We are creating an online photo book representing those past 60 years and would love for anyone with pictures to contribute to the history of the club. The online book will showcase events taken place in each year. We need your help to make it a true reflection of our history. Anyone with digital photos can easily drop photos onto the site with a special link that we can send you. Digital photos weren’t available when the club started so we can also scan and add photos to the site.
Let’s make this a great historical reflection of all the amazing events of the Village Republican Women! It will also be a great tool to recruit and bring new members into the club.
If anyone is interested in working on the Historian committee, we would love to have the help. We need to record current events as well as scan the older pictures, research prior events and categorize them into various years. Please contact historian@villagerepublicanwomen.org for more information.
Here is a sneak peak of the launch of our digital photo book. We are just getting started, so lets get some contributions!
https://historianvrw.smugmug.com
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Everything is Better When You Bring a Friend
Laura Carlson, 2nd VP - Membership Chair
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Everything is better when you bring a Friend! We would love for you to help us grow our amazing club and give Republican Women a voice. Please reach out to friends and relatives and invite them to become members of Village Republican Women. If a new member joins by May 26th and references you on the membership form you will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift card.
Questions? Email Membership Chair Laura Carlson at membership@villagerepublicanwomen.org or call her at 281-222-5015.
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Just Chicks Having an Awesome Time
We had a March C.H.A.T. event: Sip, Snap, Shop, which was another huge success. Kelly Buckner, one of our own VRW members, outdid herself, and truly lived up to the “A” in C.H.A.T., Awesome! Kelly has a wonderful and vibrant personality that puts everyone at ease. Besides the intimate mixer, Kelly shared an abbreviated version of her smartphone photography class. Everyone that attended left the event inspired and excited to put all her tips and tricks to work. This skill will be valuable for block walks and campaigns, as it helps tell our story visually. Don’t worry if you missed this C.H.A.T event, we will be having another mixer event in May.
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March Meeting Minutes
Nolia Rohde, VRW Recording Secretary
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VILLAGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN
Minutes of VRW General Meeting
March 24, 2021
President Deanna Harrington called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. at the Houston Racquet Club and welcomed everyone. Penny Remick gave the invocation, and Donna Bahorich led us in the pledges to the flags.
President Harrington welcomed everyone and introduced the elected officials, candidates, and guests. Minutes for the meeting on February 24 were approved as distributed. Nancy Scott, Treasurer, gave the Treasurer's Report, as follows: Savings - $50.043.21; Checking - $5,259.95. When the Lincoln Reagan Dinner check is deposited, the balance will be $12, 959.95.
Anne Trousdale, Campaign Activities Chair, announced that Kathy Taylor received an award for most hours in 2020. She had over 5000 hours. Members were encouraged to count their hours before 2021.
Laura Carlson, Membership Chair, announced that we now have 153 members. The recent new membership orientation was so successful there was a February CHAT, and there will be a May CHAT scheduled.
President Harrington continued with several announcements.
• From Carolyn Hodges, 60th Anniversary Chair: Reservations for the 60th Anniversary to be held on Wednesday, April 28, our regular meeting day, must be made by Friday, April 16 at noon. Reservations are made through our website and the cost is $60 if paying online or $55 with cash or check made payable to Houston Racquet Club.
• From Beverly Roberts, Directory Chair: Business ads for the upcoming directory should be sent to Beverly Roberts. $100 for 1/2 page and $200 for a full page. Due by April 30.
• From Joanie Bain, Legislative Chair: Many of you saw the article in this month’s newsletter about testifying or writing in support of bills before the Texas Legislature. There is a great opportunity to do this tomorrow. If anyone wants to make a trip to Austin you can show up in person, or you can participate in writing. Please check your email for the links that will explain the bills and give you talking points.
Mary Grace Landrum gave the Caring for America report. The response for donating Easter baskets for West Houston Assistance Ministries, a non-profit organization that supports those in need, was outstanding. Over 100 beautiful baskets were donated by VRW. Lisa Iparrea, WHAM’s representative at our meeting, gave a short report and thanked our club for supporting their organization.
Theresa Kosmoski, Program Chair, introduced Cindy Siegel, Harris County Republican Chair. Mrs. Siegel got involved in the County Republican Party in 2008. She spoke on many issues. Additionally, Cindy emphasized the need for a strong local Party, the importance that Texas stay "red", expand the Republican Party, and take back Harris County.
Before adjourning the meeting, Mrs. Harrington reminded us that April 16 is the deadline to sign up for the April 28 meeting, which is the 60th Anniversary Celebration.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nolia Rohde
VRW Recording Secretary
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Advertise With Village Republican Women
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Showcase Your Business With VRW
Beverly Roberts, Directory
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Opportunities abound to support Village Republican Women and our principles. One method is to advertise your business in the 2021 directory.
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