RWC Newsletter - February 2011

Time for us to look forward to a busy spring. On March 17^th we have our Spring for Education Fashion Show event. I want to thank all the ladies that turned out to volunteer for the Spring for Education event. We had 15 ladies attend the breakfast and everyone volunteered for one or more jobs. We need everyone's help. Please volunteer to help on one of the committees. We are looking for Silent Auction Items as well as sponsorships. If you know someone that owns a business, please ask them if they are willing to donate for the silent auction or buy a sponsorship. Please remember, the more money we raise during this event, the more money we can donate to Polk County Schools. And this year, with the budget constraints, they will certainly need all the help we can offer.

During our meeting in January, the membership voted to host the Lakeland Tea Party again this year on April 15. Watch the newsletter for further details. We are excited about continuing this event. This will be a wonderful way for us to show support to our new Congressman Dennis Ross and new Senator Marco Rubio and reinforce the conservative goals that were promised during the campaign season.

The membership directories are done, and we will be mailing them out shortly. If you need more than one directory, you can purchase a second one for a $3.00 fee, which covers the cost of printing.

There have been a couple of changes on your board of directors. Terry Mann has resigned as Secretary, and Gaylene Pope has taken over that job. Elaine Mitchell took over the Corresponding Secretary position left vacant by Gaylene's new position. Kathy Fritz is the new Treasurer.

If you have any questions regarding the club or functions, please feel free to contact any member of the board. If you would like to volunteer for any committee, we would be happy to have you, just let us know.

I have had the opportunity lately to travel to different clubs as the District 6 Representative for the FFRW. The Republican Women's Clubs are growing and everyone is excited about the upcoming Presidential election in 2012. We have a lot to do in the next two years, and I look forward to working with all of you.

Dena

President

Mayor Gow Fields is Our Speaker this Month!

Please welcome Mayor Gow Fields as our speaker for this month's luncheon!

Gow was elected to the Lakeland City Commission in 1992 and became Mayor in January 2010. Gow is the owner of Fields Insurance & Financial Group. He is Chairman of the Utility and Airport Advisory Committees. He is a member of the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District Board, the Transportation Planning Organization and Vice-Chair of the Polk Transit Authority Board. Gow is on the Board of Directors of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay Partnership and a member of the MyRegion.org Board of Advisors. He is a member of the Downtown Lakeland Kiwanis, plus several other organizations. Gow has been inducted into the Kathleen Sr. High School Hall of Fame and received their Distinguished Alumnus Service Award. He has also received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Polk Community College. Gow graduated from the University of South Florida and holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Reminder

Everyone attending the luncheons must check in with the ladies at the front table. This includes both members and guests.

We appreciate your assistance with this, as it helps us with our record-keeping.

Charity Summaries

Below is a list of charities suggested by members and their summaries. Please be prepared to vote for one at the next luncheon. The winning charity will receive a monthly check from the club of $25 for the year.

Lighthouse Ministries is a life and learning campus for men, women, and children. Lighthouse Ministries, Inc. is set apart by the Spirit of God to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to meet the physical, emotional, and other needs of the poor and at-risk population.

Project Hearth is a school district department assisting students in transitional or emergency housing and meet the federal definition of homeless. There are nearly 2300 students in the school district that met this definition which is more than 2% of total student enrollment. THE AVERAGE AGE OF THE HOMELESS CHILD IS 9 YEARS OLD. The Hearth Project assists homeless students with clothing, medical assistance, school supplies and toiletries. They also coordinate the annual Fill=A=Bucket campaign providing toiletries, hygiene items and a gift in a 5 gallon bucket which is then distributed to the homeless children. The buckets are decorated in art classes throughout the district. In addition, they coordinate an end=of=year banquet for homeless students graduating from high school. DeeDee Wright is the liaison for the project.

A Women's Choice exists to preserve the sanctity of human life by providing life affirming medical, counseling, and educational services designed to empower our clients to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Read Polk is a non-profit coalition of volunteers from business and the community who are dedicated to improving adult literacy through individual instruction.

Florida Guardian ad LItem Program is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff providing a powerful voice on behalf of Floirida's abused and neglected children.

Gold Shield Foundation: In 1981, two firefighters and one police officer were killed in Hillsborough County, Florida, in the line of duty, leaving behind widows and dependent children. George M. Steinbrenner, principal owner of the New York Yankees, organized a group of concerned, civic minded citizens to insure that that families of these and subsequent fallen heroes in Hillsborough County receive early financial assistance and are guaranteed funds toward a college education.

Anchor House Ministries, a Christian facility, has been in Auburndale for thirty-four years. It is dedicated to furnish a place for boy's ages eleven through eighteen that are referred either by the state, or private counselors. Through developing life plans that include goal setting and educational assessment, individual counseling, life skills training, and practical experience, we endeavor to enable young men to manage their own behavior, make sound life choices, and make positive decisions in preparation for reunion with their family, or independence and self-sufficiency. We are licensed by the State of Florida for forty plus boys.

Parker Street Ministries, Inc, is a Christ-centered nonprofit 501c3 organization committed to individual, family and community restoration, reconciliation and revitalization beginning in Lakeland's Parker Street Community.

At the American Cancer Society, saving lives is our mission. We live out that mission through efforts that range from cancer information services and community events to research, advocacy, and international programs.

How to Contact Congressman Dennis Ross

Washington DC Office:
US House of Representatives
404 Cannon House Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-1252 office (202) 226-0585 fax

District Office:
170 Fitzgerald Road, Suite 1, Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 644-8215 office (863) 648-0749 fax

January General Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 12:04 by President, Dena Decamp. Lynn Breidenbach gave the invocation and Cathy Phillips led the pledge.

Dena welcomed the following people to the meeting: State senator, Paula Dockery, former Florida RNC Chairmen, Gene Roberts and Alan Sale, staffers to Congressman Dennis Ross, Kristin Collis and Alana & Tonya, Laura Rodriguez, Marlene Stackhouse of the Conservative Party of Canada, Bill Smalley, Republican Club of Lakeland and later State Rep. Kelli Stargel, Linda Ivell state commitee woman, Connie Scharar, Treasurer of Polk County Hispanic Club and Cindy Ross, wife of Congressman Dennis Ross.

Dena reported on members' trip to Washington, D.C. for swearing in ceremony for Congressman Dennis Ross. The RWC sent a potted plant and a dozen roses to Congressman Ross.

Dena welcomed and introduced the luncheon speaker, Sheriff Grady Judd.

Minutes & Treasury -Rose Spurlock made a motion to accept the minutes as is and Lou McCraney seconded the motion. Motion passed with vote.

Kathy Fritz presented Treasurers Report stating she received the books January 4^th, records are being held for audit and the bank statement balanced. Terry Mann made a motion to accept the Treasurers Report and Kay Cobb seconded the motion. Motion passed with vote.

Dena reported changes to the Board. Terry Mann resigned as Recording Secretary due to her engagement. Gaylene Pope was appointed to that position. Elaine Mitchell was appointed Correspondence Secretary replacing Gaylene Pope. Following are positions of the Board: President-Dena DeCamp; 1^st Vice President-Michelle Robare; 2^nd Vice President, Kay Cobb; Treasurer-Cathy Fritz; Assistant Treasurer, Janell Hendren; Recording Secretary, Gaylene Pope; Correspondence Secretary, Elaine Mitchell. (Dena explained that appointments to positions are made by the President when there is a resignation).

The new Directory is available to paid-up members.

Michelle Robare reported: Still working on the speaker(s) for February meeting, Black History Month. No general meeting for March due to Fashion Show on March 17^th. For the April meeting, she has confirmed constitutional appellate attorney, Rebecca O'Dell Townsend. If members have any suggestions for speakers, please let her know.

Kay Cobb reported: At this time, doesn't know how many members needed to renew and applications are available for visitors who are interested and to make sure you have renewed for 2011 if you haven't done so.

Dena reported following new business: The club donates $25.00 every month to a charity and asked for suggestions for charities to be considered: Included were: The American Cancer Society, South Lakeland Relay for Life, "Read Polk"; Guardian Ad Litem; Project Heart (for homeless children); Women's Choice; The Gold Shield Families; Lighthouse Ministries; Parker Street Ministries; Anchor House. After discussion, it was decided to prepare a fact sheet for each charity, publish it in monthly newsletter, members to vote and then send two checks covering January and February to selected charity.

The night meetings will resume and the next meeting will be at Fresco's located on South Kentucky Avenue at 5:30 pm on January 25^th. Fred Piccolo, Chief of Staff for Dennis Ross, will be the speaker.

Dena asked that if you are capable of receiving the monthly newsletter via email, it would be less expensive to the Club. Thirteen members met January 15^th at Dena's house to discuss upcoming Fashion Show.

Information on show is available for you to pick up before you leave. Dillard's and Jos. A. Bank are providing clothes. Dena asked members if they would consider holding another Tea Party Rally April 15^th; discussion followed. Club voted yes. Linda Logan announced 7^th annual Watson Clinic fund raiser Feb. 13^th "Toast for the Cure". Cassandra Geringswald noted Polk Under Prayer on March 1^st at Lakeland Highlands Nazarene Church. Lynn Breidenbach announced Cal Thomas appearing February 10^th Option for Women's Pregnancy Center. On April 5^th Women's Choice the "Case for Life" dinner.

Staffer, Alana, informed us that Dennis Ross' Congressional Office is at 170 Fitzgerald, Suite #1, Lakeland.

Gaylene Pope won the free lunch drawing.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:08 pm

Recording Secretary, Gaylene Pope

Care Corner

Our Condolences...

Our hearts go out to Sissy Long Black for the passing of her mother, Marian Long.

Our hearts also go out to Teresa Olinger for the passing of her father and aunt.

Please keep Sissy and Teresa along their families in your thoughts and prayers during their time of loss.

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