April, 2007

WFRW Members,

Well, Spring has Sprung. We are getting ready for our Spring Board Meeting in Wenatchee this month.  I hope that many of you are planning to attend. I am very excited about our future and what we can accomplish. Don’t forget that at this meeting we will be electing our delegates to the NFRW National Convention in Palm Springs this coming September. 

I have just returned from the NFRW National Board Meeting. It was a great meeting and we had many wonderful events. Of course, one of the most exciting events was tea at the White House. What a great opportunity to spend some time in the nation’s house. I had the opportunity to really take in all of the sights and sounds of being there. I then had the great pleasure to meet Mrs. Bush. What a very gracious and beautiful woman. She greeted all of us with warmth and genuine friendliness. She is truly a marvelous First Lady.

We had a wonderful Legislative Day beginning with breakfast with many of our Congressional people. They gave us updates on what is going on in Congress. It was a chance for us to ask questions and get a sense of how they felt about different bills. Where else can a general citizen have an opportunity to speak to those who they have voted to represent them.

At the meeting we worked on many things. One of the items on the agenda was deciding where the National Convention for 2011 would be held. After presentations from both New Orleans and Kansas City, Mo. A vote was taken and the 2011 Convention will be held in Kansas City, Mo.

We voted on some by-law changes. I will provide a copy of these at the April District Meeting for all of those who are interested. It is always interesting to watch this process take place. To me, it was a very exciting to be a part of it. It helps me to remember what a privilege it is to be able to have a say in our government. In other countries people are fighting and dying to have what we sometimes take for granted.

I hope all of us will keep in mind that our political system, even with its flaws, is the most unique and best system on the planet.

We also elected the nominating committee for the upcoming convention. Boy, what a neat experience. These ladies really want to be on the committee as they have to actually lobby for votes. It is a real responsibility as they are going to choose a slate of officers to run the NFRW for the next two years. We elected seven members to the committee with two alternates. I know that these ladies will work very hard to give us the best slate possible in Palm Springs this fall.

On Saturday Newt Gingrich spoke to us. He was just great. He gave us food for thought on how to go home to our states and instill enthusiasm about the upcoming election. He told us that not all was lost and with hard work and a bit of luck we can keep the White House and possibly get back at least one section of Congress.

I want to tell you what a wonderful experience it was to attend the meeting. It was a real thrill to be together with other women that have the same ideals that you and I share. We were able to network through workshops on things like membership, public relations and other subjects. It is fantastic when you have a chance to sit with other State Presidents and be able to get ideas on how to make your state's federation better. Everyone I met was ready, willing and able to share ideas with me. This is how we can make the Republican Party strong, by working together for the common good.

Well, again don’t forget our meeting on April 13 and 14. I am looking forward to seeing you there.

                                                                                                  Respectfully,