Just after our Board of Directors meeting last month, 5 members of your board travelled to Tallahassee to attend the Florida Federation of Republican Women's annual board meeting and opening session of the Legislature.  We had the opportunity to hear most of our new cabinet speak during our time there as well as Sharon Day, Co-Chairman of the RNC and Senate President Mike Haridopolos.  The FFRW created a resolution to present to Senator Haridopolos regarding the timing of our Presidential preference primary, which was picked up later by the St. Petersburg Times, and many of the political blogs in Florida.  Your FFRW continues to work for you and monitor legislative issues that are important to all of us.  I was made chairman of the Nominating Committee to help choose our new leadership going forward for the FFRW. During the banquet, where Governor Rick Scott was our speaker, Lakeland was singled out as the place that Mrs. Scott was introduced to campaigning as her very first campaign stop by herself.   Mrs. Scott thanked me for giving her such a warm welcome and told me how much she enjoyed the tea the Federated Women had with her at the Terrace Hotel during her stop here.

We've completed our Spring for Education event, and although we had a good turnout and lots of fun, the economy continues to effect all of us. Thanks to Victoria Meares and Ann Suden for their hard work in getting the word out to the local schools then sorting through the responses and finally submitting the report to the board for approval of funds to be dispersed from our event.  Even though we did not make lots of money, we were able to provide funds to the requests that we received.  Michelle Robare has been appointed to a committee to look into better ways to make our Spring for Education Event better.  If you would like to help her, or if you have any ideas for improving our event, please contact Michelle, we all appreciate your input.

Thanks to Gaylene Pope for agreeing to chair the Literacy Program for our club. Elaine Mitchell volunteered to help as well. If you would like to volunteer to be on this committee, please contact Gaylene and let her know you'd like to help.

On Friday, April 15 we will be hosting the third annual Tax Day Tea Party at Overlook Park on Lake Mirror. This year we were able to book Senator George LeMieux and Representative Adam Hasner as our speakers. Senator LeMieux has announced for the Senate race and we are expecting Rep. Adam Hasner to follow suit soon. This is a good time to hear them both to help you decide who you would like to see run against Senator Bill Nelson, liberal Democrat.

Presidency 5 is coming to Orlando on Sept. 22 through Sept. 25. As soon as we have more information we will let you know. www.presidency5.com

We seem to be going from one event to another these days, as 2012 Presidential year gets closer, I hope you all will join us as we work to elect more Republicans into office.

I would like to express my sympathies to Marie Beringer's family and friends. Marie was a wonderful part of our club for many years and she will be missed.
 

Dena

President