Williamson County Republican Women  

 Messenger 

Volume 2; Issue 8
August 2009 
In This Issue
President's Message
Upcoming Events
Legislative Update
Committee Reports
Help Wanted!
NEXT MEETING
logo cropped

August 10, 2009 Meet and Greet 11:15 Meeting at 11:30am

Speaker:
State Senator
Florence Shapiro,
Chair, Senate Committee on Education
 

Shapiro

 
Alan R. Baca Center
301 Bagdad Street
Round Rock 78664
 
$15 per person
CLICK HERE TO RSVP or call Amy at
512-809-6367.
2009
Board of Directors
 
Holly Hansen,
President
799-2027
 
Amy Ellsworth,
First Vice President - Programs
809-6367 
 
Donna Parker,
Second Vice President - Membership
388-8823 
 
Linda Jewett,
Treasurer
341-3076 
 
Cindi McIntyre,
Secretary 
924-5455
 
Vivian Wood,
PAC Treasurer 

New Member Recruitment Incentive

For each new member you recruit in 2009, your name will be entered into a drawing for one year's membership! 
Quick Links...
 
 
 
President's Message 
  Voter ignorance is nothing new in American history; there are numerous accounts of 19th century rural elections swayed by whisper campaigns accusing candidates of being "monogamous heterosexuals," and more recently, 'on the street' pollsters find that a majority of Americans are eager to sign petitions to end women's suffrage!
Notwithstanding our amusement at supposed feminists signing on to abolish women's right to vote, ignorance in American politics is not bliss, but a serious problem now being fully exploited by the Obama administration. Counting on most Americans' inability to read and understand a 1,018-page bill, Congressional Liberals have been attempting to quickly pass socialized health care legislation before anyone can read and analyze the proposals. President Obama has been frantically claiming that this is 'not government run health care' and that you can 'keep your current coverage,' while refusing to address the provisions that will destroy private health care, limit and ration services, and fund abortion as birth control . Furthermore, Democrats' are blocking publication of an 'Obamacare flow chart' that the House voted into the Congressional record (thankfully, our own Congressman John Carter is loudly denouncing this censorship of political speech.)
One of the goals of WCRW is to promote an informed electorate, and we must join our voices with that of Congressman Carter in educating the American people on the truth of the health care legislation under consideration. While we can be certain John Carter will vote against socialized and rationed health care, now is the time to put pressure on 'wobbly' Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats. Please take time this month to educate those around you, contact the legislators mentioned below (see legislative update,) and especially encourage any friends and relatives residing in those districts to contact them as well.
     WCRW 2008-09 President, Holly Hansen
Obamacare chart 
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Monthly Luncheon and Meeting, August 10 
State Senator Florence Shapiro, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, will be the guest speaker at our August luncheon.  Elected to the Senate in 1993, Senator Shapiro has won numerous awards and honors for her service.  We will also continue to collect items for C-RATS (see below,) so don't forget your quart-sized bags filled with goodies for overseas service men and women.  
Meet and Greet at 11:15, luncheon and meeting at 11:30am.  Cost is $15.  Please RSVP by August 7. Email williamsoncountyrw@yahoo.com or call 512-809-6367.

Attend a Congressional Town Hall Meeting
Congress will be adjourned for August and most Congressional Representatives will be holding town hall meetings.  Click on the following link for a current list of events: 
http://www.conservative.org/about/TownhallMeetings.htm. You can help shape the direction of health care reform by informing your representatives of your thinking on this critical issue.
 
Williamson County Republican Party Executive Committee Meeting, August 25
All Republicans are welcome to attend on August 25, at 7:30pm in the Williamson County annex building on Inner Loop in Georgetown.  For more information email info@williamsoncountygop.org.
 
Alan Keyes at Agape Banquet, August 29
Renowned activist Alan Keyes will be the keynote speaker at the Agape Pregnancy Resource Center Banquet on the evening of August 29, at the TDS Exotic Game Ranch in South Austin.  While the club itself does not purchase tables, WCRW members typically share the cost of tables to attend the event on behalf of the club.  Couples are $125, Individuals $62.50.  We have 2 tables reserved, spots available to members on a 1st come, 1st served basis.  Please email Holly Hansen if you wish to attend  hollyhansen@austin.rr.com.

New Member Orientation Tea, September 21
Our New Member Orientation Tea will be on Sunday, September 21, from 2-4 pm. Officers and committee chairs will be present to talk with members about the various aspects of the club.  Any club member may attend, and we strongly encourage you to bring a potential 'Williamson County Republican Woman!'  Please RSVP to williamsoncountyrw@yahoo.com. 

SAVE THE DATE "All American Movie Day"
WCRW Fundraiser, October 25
We are in the process of planning a fun family event in Taylor from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Details to follow, but mark the date on your calendar today!

TFRW Convention in Galveston, November 13-15
We have 3 alternate delegate spots available for the upcoming TFRW Convention in Galveston. If you would like more information, please visit: http://www.tfrw.org/Awards/convention_awards.html. If you are interested in attending, contact Holly Hansen at hollyhansen@austin.rr.com.

TEXAS FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN
PRESENTS CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS
Registration Fee including continental breakfast & lunch
$50.00 per person or $85.00 per couple (share a book)
8:30am to 3:30 pm
LOCATIONS
San Antonio-August 22
Magic Time Machine
902 NE Loop 410; San Antonio, TX 78209
Contact: Freida Wright, 210-494-6393

Dallas-October 24
Location to be announced

Galveston- November 12
Hilton Hotel
5400 Seawall Blvd; Galveston Island, TX 77551
409-744-3000

TFRW Contact: Carol Hanle, VP Campaign Activities
512-923-5647
If you are interested in attending, email the club at williamsoncountyrw@yahoo.com, and we will provide you with the registration form.

_______________________________________________
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 
TFRW is now twittering!
TFRW has set up a twitter account that will track Republican candidates. Start following TFRW on twitter to stay updated on TFRW and the candidates the organization follows.

FEDERAL 

Last week, in a spectacular display of government incompetence, the Democrats' "Cash for Clunkers" program descended into chaos.  And yet, there are those who think these elitist politicians would do a better job of running healthcare.  On the contrary, the proposals before congress include the following:
*Healthcare provided to non-U.S. citizens regardless of status.
*Establishes a 'Health Care Commissioner' and government committee to decide what treatments are beneficial.
*Any individual who doesnt have government acceptable Healthcare will be taxed 2.5% of income.
*Government acceptable plans must cover abortion on demand.
*Mandates government audits of any company that self-insures.
And so on, ad naseum.  There are great analyses at www.cato.org, and www.heritage.org.  
 
Here are a list of Representatives that activists need to target:
Sen. Charles Grassley 202-224-3744 (Very Important!)
Sen. Max Baucus 202-224-2651
Sen. Olympia Snowe 202-224-5344
Sen. Mike Enzi 202-224-3424

Rep. Mike Ross 202-225-3772 (purported leader of the Blue Dog Democrats)
Rep. Heath Shuler 202-225-6401 (also a leader of Blue Dogs)
Rep. John Barrow 202-225-2823
Rep. Bart Gordon 202-225-4231
Rep. Jane Harmon 202-225-8220
Rep. Baron Hill 202-225-5315
Rep. Jim Matheson 202-225-3011
Rep. Charles Melancon 202-225-4031
Rep. Zack Space 202-225-4436
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WCRW COMMITTEE NEWS 

MEMBERSHIP GROWS MONTHLY
MEMBERSHIP

We currently have 76 regular members and 40 associate members. 

C-RATS FOR SOLDIERS
CARING FOR AMERICA PROJECT

By Margaret Bushee, CFA Chair
The WCRW response to the C-Rat (Civilian Rations) Project at the July meeting was great, and we will be continuing our efforts at the August 10 meeting!
Our goal is to put together one box filled with 50 quart-sized baggies, enough for an entire platoon, filled with items for soldiers serving overseas.  Please bring resealable quart sized baggies (such as Ziploc) with the items below and a note of thanks and/or well wishes.  Every member should try to bring at least two filled baggies. 
Some favorite items which will fit into a quart size C-RatŪ bag are listed below. Please don't feel limited by this list. We're sure there are lots of creative ideas that have yet to be discovered.   
   
*Beef Jerky *Cameras (disposable) *Camper style foods *Candy *CDs (Blank or Music) *Chapstick Crackers* (PNB,  Cheese, etc.) *Dental floss *Dried Fruit *Facial  Tissues *Fast food condiment packets *Flashlights *Foot  Powder (travel size) *Girl Scout cookies *Gum *Hand  Sanitizer (travel size) *Holiday Specific Greeting Cards *Moist Wipes *Nerf toys (very small footballs, etc.) *Nuts/Seeds *Odor Eaters (for boots) *Pencils/Pens *Personal messages *Phone cards *Playing cards *Powdered drink mix (non-alcoholic) *Razors *Sardines *Sheets of stationery *Snacks (cookies, granola bars, etc.) *Tea Bags and Coffee  Packets *Toiletries (travel sizes) *Toothbrushes *Toothpaste (travel size) *Trail Mix *Travel games *Travel mugs *Tuna snack kits *Vienna Sausages
 
CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

Are you keeping track of your campaign volunteer hours?  Hours will be accepted at meetings or emailed to Johanna Lehane 
jhlehane@att.net.  An award is given each year to the member with the most hours, and hours help WCRW gain recognition.  Rules and Forms for reporting hours are available at the TFRW website.
 
NOTE ON LUNCHEONS
WCRW's monthly luncheons with informative guest speakers are a great way to stay informed, but please keep in mind that the club does not profit from these events and we are pleased when we 'break even.'  The 2008 and 2009 Board members have researched costs, facilities and catering options to make sure we keep costs low and meetings pleasant, and we are confident we have the best arrangement possible with use of the Baca Center and Cherole's Cakes and Catering providing meals and excellent service.  If you have made a reservation and are unable to keep it, please remember that we must still pay for the facility and caterer, and your contribution for a missed reservation will help ensure we have funds for campaign work!
 
WCRW SHIRTS AND JEWELRY!
Many attendees at the Starry Night BBQ commented on the beautiful jewelry made and donated by WCRWmember Donna Tucker.  Happily Donna has designed some "Red Elephant" jewelry pieces exclusively for the club!  Watch for these at our Summer meetings and come prepared to snatch them up while they last! Proceeds benefit WCRW.

Donna Tucker

Show your pride in WCRW and help to advertise the club by purchasing a polo shirt with a beautifully embroidered WCRW logo.  These are great for wearing during campaign activities, attending or working at party or club volunteer events, etc.  Shirts are $25, multiple colors are available, samples and order forms will be at the meeting.  We need a minimum of 10 to order. 
________________________________________________
Help Wanted!
Voter Registration Drive Coordinator
We are looking for a volunteer to coordinate voter registration drive events throughout the year. We have a number of great ideas for voter registration drives that were discussed at the board meeting, but we need somebody to put together the drives. If you are interested in helping in this capacity, email Holly at hollyhansen@austin.rr.com.

Fall Fundraiser

Donna Parker has agreed to chair the Fall Fundraiser:  All American Movie Day, on October 25.  If you would like to help with this fun project, please contact Donna at 388-8823. Let's make this a great fundraising event for WCRW so we can help make a difference in the 2010 elections. 


Constitution Day Project Volunteers
WCRW has an opportunity to assist local schools in observing Constitution Day on September 17.  Karen Adair-Murphy is doing an outstanding job as the Constitution Day Project Coordinator and she could use more volunteers to help. We will provide 5th grade students with a book containing the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, along with Constitution flashcards.  We are seeking grants, ordering supplies, and working with the Hutto, Taylor, Coupeland, and Round Rock school districts to deliver supplies. Please contact Karen if you are willing to help by emailing her at tazdev14@sbcglobal.net.
 
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Board mtg 2 
WCRW Board and Business Meeting, July 2009
POLITICAL ADVERTISING PAID FOR BY WILLIAMSON COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN-PAC. WCRW, PO BOX 342, ROUND ROCK, TX, 78680. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO WCRW ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE  OR COMMITTEE.