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dues are $20.00, of which $5.00 is allocated for an annual subscription to the President’s Newsletter.

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POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to: President’s Newsletter: 13740 N Highway 183 Suite J4 * Austin, TX 78750-1832

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President’s Newsletter January, 2017

Theresa Kosmoski, President We Make It Happen! It is 2017 and we can - finally - celebrate this month because a Republican is being sworn into office at the White House! All the hard work that each of you did in the months leading up to November paid off for America. Our conservative values will finally be able to lift our country and make her a better, stronger place for all Americans.

But we cannot rest on our laurels, especially not in Texas where our electorate is considered the "prize" for the other party. Democrats have launched a bold effort to make our counties, and our state, a blue tile on the map. They have a plan and are willing to invest a lot of dark money - just like they did in several counties this past November in Texas - to make their dream of turning Texas blue a reality.

We are on the front lines of this battle and we must win the war. Our clubs and our members are the truly what stands between our conservative values and their desire to spread the scourge of liberalism. We will prevail, but only if recruit as many Republican women as we can. Standing together we will keep Texas RED, and continue to be the light that shines the way.

We will need everyone participating in "One More" this year, too. We brought in thousands of new members in 2016, and we can do that again in 2017. There truly is strength in numbers.

But let's not forget to renew our current members; they are the foundation of our organization and we cannot let that foundation crumble. United we can do anything.

Please remember to send your membership in every two to four weeks. Your members will not have access to the "members only" section of the website until you've sent their information in to the office and the office has had time to process it. Your first submission for each year must have ten members, but after that there is no minimum. You should not hold membership for any length of time.

This is a convention year and your club's representative strength is determined by how many members we have on record for your club. We want every club to be as well represented as possible! Please remember to include the SD number for each of your members - this is the SD in which the individual member lives, not the club's SD ....sometimes those are different. We caucus by SDs at Convention and we want to make sure every club is correctly assigned.

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This is also a big year for awards at the National Federation level and most calculations for membership and other awards has to be turned in to NFRW in June and July - we want to be, officially, the largest Federation in the nation so our goal is to hit 15,000 members by June 1.

We have so many exciting things happening in 2017 such Legislative Day in April, Belles & Boots, and of course, Convention in Dallas in October. Watch the newsletters and the website for more information.

And let's bask in the joy of a Republican Congress and White House. At last.

Theresa Kosmoski President

Courtesy

COURTESY is what TFRW wishes to share with all members of the Federation. We want to send a card to unite us in sharing and caring for one another. Most importantly, we become aware of one’s needs, joys or sorrows. We should never feel alone. Please notify me on behalf of any TFRW member who needs recognition for a job well done, who is experiencing difficulty or loss as well as the many joys in life.

Linda Hagler * Courtesy Chair * lindahagler86@aol.com

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The Finance Committee is scouting venues for our next big event, Belles and Boots. Belles and Boots will be held the Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 6:30pm, the night before Legislative Day. Our Committee has decided that Scholtz Beer Garden, the oldest bar in Austin and in walking distance to the Capital. Scholtz will be the perfect location for our event with seating inside and outside! Tickets will go on sale the beginning of February. Stay tuned for more details at the January BOD meeting in Austin.

Membership – 2017

Karen Newton * VP Finance * vpfinance@tfrw.org * 210.863.5540

Dust off your boots for the 2017 Belles and Boots Party

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE WELCOME TO THE 85th TEXAS LEGISLATURE!

TFRW Legislative Day – “Need to Know” Items • Registration will begin January 10. We will open hotel reservations and

Legislative Day registration to coincide with the start of the Legislative Session. • The Basket Auction registration will begin on January 10, as well. • VOLUNTEERS are needed to help make Legislative Day a rousing success! Contact me at

vplegislation@tfrw.org with “Lege Day Volunteer” in the subject line if you can help me in Austin on April 6.

• A lot more information will be coming about Legislative Day in your email in the coming days. Make sure you are receiving emails from TFRW, and if not, get in touch with your club president or the TFRW office right away.

GET EDUCATED! Key Legislative Terms

To help you become a better legislative advocate, my President’s Newsletter articles for the duration of session will have a section to help you understand the legislature better. Pass these on to your club members in your newsletters or during Legislative Updates at meetings.

BILL: A type of legislative measure that requires passage by both chambers of the legislature and action by the governor. A bill is the primary means used to create and change the laws of the state. The Legislative Information System also uses the term "bill" generically to refer to the various types of legislative measures that may be introduced during a legislative session. Bill types include: senate and house bills, senate and house joint resolutions, senate and house concurrent resolutions, and senate and house resolutions.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: A change to the state constitution. A constitutional amendment may be proposed by the legislature in the form of a joint resolution that must be adopted by both houses of the legislature by a two-thirds vote and be approved by a majority of the voters to become effective.

SESSION: The period during which the legislature meets. There are two types of sessions. The regular session convenes every two years and may last no more than 140 days. A called session, commonly referred to as a special session, is so designated because it must be called by the governor. A called or special session may last no more than 30 days.

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: The presiding officer of the House of Representatives elected from and by the membership of the house at the beginning of each regular session.

Michele Samuelson * VP Legislation * vplegislation@tfrw.org

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Membership – 2017

Welcome to the wonderful new year of Republican leadership in the White House, Congress and many state governorships and legislatures. This is also the year that Texas really steps forward in Republican Women’s activism. With all the great work that you are doing in re-upping ALL 2016 members, recovering the lost memberships of the past couple of years and bringing in a record number of brand new members, TFRW will meet our challenge of 15,000 women by June 1. After all are re-upped, everyone will have that great opportunity to bring in ONE MORE! We can do this, ladies!

This year I want to give you many more ‘helps’ in bringing in that membership. Each month you will hear from our ‘boots on the ground’ from around the state. SHARE these ideas, Ladies! First meet Gail Entrekin, VP Membership of RW of Greater North Texas. Contact for details: gailtexas@aol.com

• February or November – Hold a meeting at a local college with a “big-draw” guest speaker. Charge $10 to hear the speaker OR $40 to hear, meet, and get a picture with the speaker, as well as having refreshments and including an annual club membership.

• Spring/Summer – Combine membership drive/community outreach by having picnic in the park, diaper drive donation for a local facility, or host a patriotic celebration.

• Anytime - Hold a meeting at a local assisted living facility and include an annual membership. Great idea for those not able to travel to your normal club meetings. Invite elected officials.

• Annually November/December – A “big draw” event. Always invite elected officials to any event.

Also, enjoy ideas from President Debi Hays of Ector County [Odessa] RW. Contact for details: desisue@cableone.net

• Do a mail-out to registered voters, a list of which can be provided by the county election office for a minimal fee.

• Ask to put info about your club in the Chamber of Commerce Newcomers’ packets. • Ask to speak about your club at Rotary, quilting, book, forum, garden, Pilot clubs • Have a membership contest within your club offering prizes such as Visa gift cards, pedicures,

movie and dinners. ECRW recently held a Designer Cupcake Event at $10 apiece. A small ‘Elephant’ was baked in one cupcake. The winner received a beautiful donated necklace. The $$ was used to sponsor memberships. This is a wonderful way to reach out to young adults.

Add these great ideas to your membership challenge, bring in ONE MORE and have a wonderful time! AND SEND ME YOUR IDEAS FOR SHARING!

Rhonda Lacy * VP Membership * vpmembership@tfrw.org * 432-553-1593

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Happy New Year! Happy New President!

Ideas for Programs The Texas Legislature convenes in January to consider and pass new laws for the State of Texas, so clubs may want to have a program on proposed bills and how members can be involved in the process.

As our TFRW speaker Texas Senator Brian Birdwell discussed at our fourth quarter Board luncheon, he will be sponsoring a Constitutional Convention bill. That would be a great topic for the clubs.

Look at the other bills being proposed for your area/region. This may be a great draw to bring in visitors and engage them to want to become members.

As always be sure to look at the TFRW John Tower Award Application for programs which result in points for the club!

Another idea is to have a program reviewing the new President’s appointments:

• Who has been appointed? • What they are responsible for at that position?

Please send me information on your club’s programs!

Besa Martin * VP Programs * vpprograms@tfrw.org

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TFRW CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES Janis Holt VP Campaign Activities

I hope you have all had a wonderful holiday season celebrating with family and friends. It is now 2017 and we have just a few short months before we have to report our Campaign Activities hours to NFRW. If you have not reported your 2016 4th quarter hours, please do so now. They are due by January 15th. Please submit them to me at vpcampaignact@tfrw.org.

Also, I am offering a Campaign Hours Amnesty to clubs who have not reported in 2016. Please email me your club’s campaign hours from ALL of 2016 and I will get your numbers added to our total. Remember, we have a goal of 4,000,000 hours. This is EASILY doable if all clubs will report their hours. If every member in TFRW (9,818) reports at least 52 hours per quarter (that’s only 4.5 hours per week), we can easily make this goal!!! So please go back and check your activities and turn in all 2016 hours by February 15, 2017. Submit to vpcampaignact@tfrw.org.

Below is a list of clubs who have reported at least once in the first 3 quarters in 2016. If you don’t see your club’s name, please gather the club’s hours and report them by February 15th.

DISTRICT DIRECTORS and DEPUTY PRESIDENTS: Please follow up with your clubs, also. Thank you.

Alamo City RW Fort Bend RW Midland County RW San Patricio County RWAlamo Heights RW Friendswood RW Mission Hills RW Star RW Andrews County RW Fort Worth RW Montgomery County RW Tarrant Star RW Austin RW Galveston County RW Nacogdoches County RW Texas Strong RW Bandera County RW Georgetown Area RW Navarro County RW Texas Tea Party RW Bay Area RW Gillespie County RW New Braunfels RW The Woodlands RW Bexar County RW Golden Corridor RW North Hays RW The Yellow Rose of TX RW Brazosport RW Golden Triangle RW North Shore RW Tri-County RW Brush County RW Grayson County RW Northwest Austin RW Village RW Bulverde Area RW Greater El Paso RW Northwest Forest RW Walker County RW Burnet County RW Grimes County RW Panola County RW West El Paso RW Bush Legacy RW of Weatherford Guadalupe RW Pecan Valley RW West Pearland RW Canyon Lake RW Hardin County RW Plano RW Wichita County RW Central Texas RW Highland Lakes RW Reagan Legacy RW Williamson County RW Chambers County RW Hill Country RW RW of Milam County Wilson County RW Clear Creek RW Hutchinson County RW RW of Brazos Valley Young County RW Concho Valley RW Irving RW Club RW of Greater North Conner Harrington RW Johnson County RW RW of Gregg County Cooke County RW Kendall County RW RW of Harrison County Coppell RW Kingwood Area RW RW of Hood County Cowtown RW Kleberg County RW RW Club of Katy Cross Timber RW Lake Conroe Area RW RW of Kerr County Cy Fair RW Lake Highlands RW RW of Navarro County Dallas Downtown RW Liberty Bells RW RW of North Collin County Daughters of Liberty RW Lone Star RW RW of Northeast Texas Ector County RW Lubbock Area RW RW of San Jacinto County Ellis County RW Magic Circle RW RW of Trinity County Fannin County RW Magnolia Area RW RW of Wood County Fayette County RW McLennan County RW RW of Yoakum Area First Ladies RW Mesquite RW Club Salado Area RW First RW - Dallas Metroplex RW San Antonio RW

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Awards It’s finally here!! It doesn’t seem like it, but the 2017 TFRW Convention is just right around the corner. Make plans now to attend, October 18th-21st in Dallas. Those of you who have attended in the past, share how important it is for members to attend. Especially how much fun we have! Are you planning for 2017? With the submission deadlines coming as soon as June 1st for the NFRW Awards be sent to your TFRW chairs, it’s time to get serious! Log on to the TFRW and NFRW websites for the applications and audit forms. Plan!! Plan!! Plan!! It’s my personal goal to have at least 50% more clubs receiving awards at this convention. Help me to meet that goal and in the meantime, you will have a very successful club following the requirements and bonus activities!!

Do your new officers know what is expected of them in regards to the club’s awards plan? Remember to make copies of the JGT Award application and highlight each section for those officers and committee chairs it pertains to. It takes the effort of your entire club to win!

As promised, we want to also include our new clubs in the awards process. For those clubs not federated by September 6th, 2016 you are not able to participate in the general awards…. BUT we want to award one of our new clubs with our new TFRW Shooting Star Award! Your Deputy Presidents and District Directors will nominate our new clubs and give examples of all the great things your clubs have done. This will include membership, fundraising, newsletters, and overall awesomeness!! Make sure you are sharing what your club is doing with your TFRW leadership! The deadline will be September 1st as well. I will be contacting your DD and DP for the new clubs. As always, I’m here for any questions.

Michelle Martin * Awards Chair * awards@tfrw.org 281-804-0147

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TFRW Patrons - Time to Renew

Thanks to those who have already renewed your Patron dues for 2017. For those who have not yet renewed or joined, it is not too late. Send in one of the 3 Patron membership forms

for TFRW member patrons (form is attached). Forms for associate members and Clubs are available online at www.tfrw.org.

There are two types of Club Membership.

Regular Club Membership - For $250, clubs will be able to:

• Send 2 members to any TFRW event as a Patron. • Will receive 2 Patron badges. • Will receive preferred seating for club members using the badges.

ELITE Club Membership (back by popular demand) -For $500, Elite Clubs will receive:

• All benefits of the regular Club Membership • Plus (this is a huge PLUS!) preferred seating for ALL club members at non-Patron events. For

example, in 2017 ALL club members attending TFRW Legislative Day and the TFRW Convention will receive preferential seating, not just the two with badges.

For $250 Patrons-Both Members and Associates Receive:

• At least 4 exclusive Patron events at TFRW Board meetings • Invitation to Patron reception at TFRW Convention • Preferred seating at TFRW board meeting meals • Patron name badge • An opportunity to support TFRW and its many projects and endeavors.

2017 Patron Events

• January 2017 (TFRW Board Meeting) • April 2017 (TFRW Legislative Day) • July 2017 (TFRW Board Meeting) • October 2017 (TFRW Convention)

Patron membership forms are attached. Complete yours and mail with your check before TFRW January 2017 Board Meeting.

Marilyn David & Debra Coffey * Patrons Co-Chairs

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TEXAS FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN

Patrons Program

2017 PATRON MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

New Patron Renewing Patron

Date Primary RW Club

Name to Appear on Badge

Address

City State Zip

Home Phone Cell Phone

E-Mail (This information must be furnished for reporting purposes.)

Occupation I (My club) pledge(s) to contribute $250.00 for the 2017 calendar year.

Enclosed is a check for $250.00 for the 2017 calendar year.

Enclosed is a check for $125.00, the first of two payments for the 2017 calendar year.

Please make check payable to Texas Federation of Republican Women PAC and note “Patron” in the lower left hand corner. Send checks to:

Texas Federation of Republican Women 13740 N Highway 183 Ste J4, Austin TX 78750-1832

We make it happen! www.tfrw.org

Political ad paid for by the Texas Federation of Republican Women PAC, 13740 N Highway 183, Suite J4, Austin, TX 78750.

A tax-exempt organization under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to TFRW PAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Corporate contributions are not permitted. Not authorized by any candidate or committee

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AMERICANISM JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2017

New Year’s Eve is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. However, not every country uses the Gregorian calendar. Some celebrate the New Year’s again using the Lunar or Julian calendar. Americans everywhere can relate to the ball-drop countdown in Times Square and the champagne toasts at midnight. Texans add to that with a bowl full of their black-eyed peas for good luck.

Days to Fly the Flag: Jan. 01 New Year’s Day Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Day Jan. 20 Inauguration Day Feb. 12 Lincoln’s Birthday Feb. 20 President’s Day (George Washington’s Birthday) George Washington was inaugurated on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. Thomas Jefferson was the first President to be inaugurated in Washington D.C., in the Senate Chambers. New Years’ Eve around the world: The International Date Line is the beginning of the time zones. Through television we can see the various countries celebrating 2017. At our time (EST) of 7:00AM Australia is one of the first, followed by China at 10:00AM, our troops in Afghanistan at 2:00PM, London at 6:00PM and Alaska 3:00 AM the last of the United states to enter 2017. It’s interesting to note that if you are aboard a ship and cross the International Date Line you can celebrate your birthday twice and not age a year. However, two April fifteens are a bit more stressful! Countries using the Lunar Calendar: Asian countries such as China and Vietnam (Tet) use the Lunar calendar. They will celebrate the New Year on January 28th. The Chinese from New York to San Francisco will carry lanterns and participate in the parades led by dragons, throwing firecrackers. These dragons represent a symbol of strength. The animal designated for this year is the Rooster. On September 20th the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah will be celebrated. A ram’s horn (shofar) will be blown before and during this day. Families celebrate tradition through food such as honey balls and slices of apple dipped in honey. This is symbolic of having a sweet New Year. Other foods consumed are chopped liver and chicken. Traditions: Brazilians believe that lentils signify wealth. In Rio, boats with jewelry, candles and flowers are pushed to the ocean to bring good luck. In Wisconsin the German and Polish people consume potatoes and herring for good luck. Wassail, the Gaelic term for “good health” is served in some parts of England. New Year’s Folklore: Some customs and beliefs are passed down through the ages. Here are some of our age-old sayings and proverbs. On New Year’s Eve, kiss the person you hope to keep kissing. If New Year’s Eve night winds blow south, they betoken warmth and growth. If the old year goes out like a lion, the New Year will come in like a lamb.

Americanism Co-Chairmen June Rentmeester and Jeannee O’Neill

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Please provide this form to your clubs. We would like to see as many clubs as possible participate in this award.

2016-2017 TFRW Americanism Award

What has your club done to celebrate and embrace Americanism? • Have you supported the troops? • Have you presented a program on the Constitution or Flag Protocol? • Have you done community service? • Have you participated in local parades?

Submit this completed form along with an outline of your activities for Americanism programs or projects to be considered for the 2016-2017 TFRW Americanism Award. Please also submit documentation such as photos, news articles, records, and programs. This may be submitted in paper form or e-mailed. These are to be submitted with a postmark no later than September 3, 2017.

Please send to: June Rentmeester

440 Independence Parkway #2129 Plano, Texas 75075-8039

or e-mail it to johnren1936@gmail.com Name of Club:

Club’s Senate District #

Name and address of member submitting for club award:

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Size of Club (One award will be given for each Club Membership Level):

Small Club - 10-30 Members

Medium Club - 31-60 Members

Large Club - 61-100 Members

Jumbo Club - 101-200 Members

Super Jumbo Club - 201 Members and Up

June Rentmeester * 469-585-8387 & Jeannee O’Neill * 214-215-7730 * Americanism Co-Chairs

2017 Important Calendar Dates and Deadlines

January 10 First day of the 85th Texas Legislative Session

January 19 Pre-Inaugural Open House at NFRW Headquarters

January 20 Postmark deadline for first quarter membership submissions

January 28-29 TFRW 1st Quarter Board of Directors Meeting and Legislative Luncheon

March 1 Club dues are Delinquent

March 15 New Clubs must in good standing for six months prior to the NFRW

Convention to be eligible for representation at the NFRW Convention

March 16-18 NFRW Spring Board Meeting – Memphis, TN

April 5 & 7 TFRW 2nd Quarter Board of Directors Meeting

April 5 TFRW Belles & Boots

April 6 TFRW Legislative Day

April 20 Postmark deadline for second quarter membership submissions

June 1 Postmark deadline for membership submissions - This is the last submission

that is used to calculate delegate strength to the NFRW Convention.

May 29 Sine Die for the 85th Texas Legislative Session

June 1 Applications for NFRW National Pathfinder & Betty Rendel Scholarships due

to State President

July 14-15 TFRW 3rd Quarter Board of Directors Meeting

July 20 Postmark date for third quarter membership submissions

August 16 Club credential forms for NFRW convention must be postmarked to NFRW

and to State President

September 14-17 NFRW 39th Biennial Convention - Philadelphia, PA

October 18 TFRW 4th Quarter Board of Directors Meeting

October 19-21 TFRW 31st Biennial Convention - Dallas, TX

October 20 Postmark deadline for final 2017 membership submission

December 1 Applications for NFRW Kabis Internship (Summer 2018) due to State

President

PERIODICALS

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