Brunswick County Republican Women
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTAn important part of being a Republican woman is the ability to keep informed--not only in county, state, and national affairs but also with each other. In this third edition of our newsletter, I will bring you up-to-date on our accomplishments during the last 3 months, as well as advising you on some of our future activities.
A Look Back
“Freedom Not Socialism” was the title of our August program. Discussion of the upcoming election involved the importance of supporting Republican conservative principles, returning America to God, and why a vote for Hillary Clinton is a vote for socialism. Under New Business, the membership voted a change in our bylaws with a new requirement that states, “In order for a regular member in good standing to vote in the October elections, she must have submitted her application for membership and accompanying dues payment postmarked no later than August 31.” As part of our program, we were honored to have the two winners of our Jackie Iler Memorial Scholarship sharing their essays on “Why Is America Exceptional?” Emily Tyson’s essay highlighted the many freedoms and opportunities that women have in the United States that women in other countries do not have. Michelle Eddinger wrote about the beauty of America, our strong military, and the rights and freedoms in our wonderful democracy.
During the second part of our program we welcomed Jason Barbour and Colin Monaghan with the Young America’s Foundation (YAF). Jason serves as the YAF’s national director of development, and Colin serves as a development officer at YAF’s headquarters in Herndon, VA. They described how the Ronald Reagan Ranch was purchased by YAF and invited the BCRW to visit it. Colin spoke about the ways in which YAF influences our youth through campus lectures, conferences, and seminars across the country. While maintaining the Reagan Ranch, YAF also has a schoolhouse for “Reaganism.” There are also YAF chapters on colleges and schools across the country. Our sincere thanks to Joan and George Mangelsdorf for bringing the Young America’s Foundation to Brunswick County and informing us how our youth are being taught conservative values.
Our September meeting focused on the Brunswick County School Board and Superintendent of Schools. Present were Chairperson Shirley Babson, John Thompson, Olaf Thorsen, and Les Tubbs. Chair Babson introduced a power point presentation about Brunswick County schools and the bond they are proposing. There are 19 schools in the county with approximately 12,500 students. The $152 million bond being proposed will be used for improvements, such as classroom additions, structural and system improvements, outside canopies, security and safety advancements, and academic and athletic additions. It was stated the improvements are necessary to keep up with population growth and to coincide with economic growth. Questions on the bond issue included tax rate implications, funding from the NC Education Lottery, teacher salaries, the student dropout rate, and what will happen if the bond does not pass. It was noted that Early College High School has a 100% graduation rate, and promoting it will develop programs for schools that are similar.
The Nominating Committee, consisting of Judy Calgaro, Nancy Sullivan, and Brenda Passiales submitted the report on nominees: Janet Nutley for Vice President and Shannon McCall for Treasurer. Sincere thanks to the committee for their hard work and to these ladies for stepping up.
On October 1, the Brunswick County Republican Women sponsored a Candidates’ Luncheon as their monthly meeting. Election of officers was held and it was motioned to elect by acclamation Janet Nutley for Vice President and Shannon McCall for Treasurer. The membership approved. Congratulations to you both. Thank you for stepping forward for our team. As the holidays fast approach, we must remember or soldiers. At this luncheon It was decided to bring items or monetary donations to our November membership meeting for the Blue Star Mothers. The keynote speaker at the luncheon was Carolyn Potter, Deputy State Director of Victory, Boots on the Ground. She spoke about the importance of volunteers who give their time registering voters, encouraging individuals to vote, and talking with people about the importance of voting. To be successful, she said we should register, persuade, and turn out the vote.
We welcomed the following candidates who spoke at the luncheon:
Phil Bergeris a judicial candidate for the NC Court of Appeals. He stated the voters in Brunswick County are very important and encouraged everyone to call five people daily until the election and encourage them to vote for our conservative candidates.
Hunter Murphyis a judicial candidate for the NC Court of Appeals. He has been an attorney since 2006 and would like to continue serving the citizens of North Carolina.
Pauline Hankinsis running for re-election for District 13 Court Judge. She emphasized the importance of conservative judges and would like her religious rights preserved. She also stated that we need to show our support for law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily.
Frank Williamsis running for re-election as Brunswick County Commissioner District 5. He thanked the BCRW for all we do, adding that we have a good thing going in Brunswick County, and he wants to continue it. Frank said we should vote for the future of our country, rather than voting for a person.
Frank Ileris running for re-election to the NC House of Representatives District 17. He suggested voters refer to the slate cards when voting and feels voter ID would be in place had Justice Scalia not passed away.
Catherine Cookeis running for re-election to the Brunswick County School Board District 2. She believes teachers do make good salaries in our state.
Brenda Clemmonsis running for re-election to the Brunswick County Register of Deeds. She is a native to this area and the first woman to be elected to the Register of Deeds in our county.
Chance Lambert spoke on behalf of Congressman David Rouzer, stating that he appreciates everything the BCRW does. He said Congressman Rouzer has accomplished much while in office.
Committees
If you’d like to join a committee, there are always sign-up sheets at our monthly membership meetings. It’s fun and a great way to meet new friends. The Committee Chairs are as follows:
Chaplain – Judge Pauline Hankins Newsletter – Mary Stilwell Program – Janet Nutley
Finance – Colleen Combs Parliamentarian – Helen Pannullo Legislation – Shannon McCall
Americanism – Colleen Combs Fundraising – Brenda Passiales Bylaws – Helen Pannullo
Armed Forces – Ellen Milligan Billie Shelton Hospitality – Judy Calgaro Historian – Kathy Lawler
Literacy – Elizabeth Smith Scholarship – Judge Pauline Hankins Leadership – Mary Stilwell
Outreach – Mary Stilwell Campaign – Mary Stilwell Membership – Joan Mangelsdorf &
Communications & Website – Colleen Combs, Mickey Marino, & Joan Mangelsdorf Elizabeth Smith
One Final Thought
As we race toward November 8th, let’s remember that we have had the opportunity to be part of history and the makings of an election season which will be remembered for some time. We were fortunate to attend a rally in Wilmington for our Presidential candidate, Donald J. Trump, a rally in Leland for our candidate for Vice President, Governor Mike Pence, and on September 23rd we welcomed Lara Trumpto Brunswick County. We presented this gracious lady with our BCRW Cookbook, “Culinary Delights Seasoned Right.” Little did we know Ms. Trump is a chef, having attended culinary school in New York City where she met her husband, Eric Trump. Ms. Trump asked that we focus on what Mr. Donald Trump wishes to do to make America great again.
Our next meeting on November 3rdat GOP Headquarters in Bolivia will be a tribute to our veterans. Please invite anyone who has served to preserve our freedoms. Then on December 1st we will celebrate our elected Republican candidates when the Brunswick County Republican Women once again hold our Christmas Gala at the Southport Community Center. Save the date and watch for details.
Emily Tyson, Mary Stilwell, Judge Pauline Jason Barbour, George and Joan
Hankins, and Michelle Eddinger Mangelsdorf, and Colin Monaghan
Young America’s Foundation Pamphlet Mary Stilwell with Lara Trump
at GOP Headquarters
All the best,
Your President, Mary Stilwell
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