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GALVESTON REPUBLICAN WOMEN “INFORMED, INVOLVED & MAKING A DIFFERENCE”
Since 1955
**John Tower Award for 2013 Irene Henry, Newsletter Editor
**Jane Rigsby, GRW Woman of Distinction Award 2014 www.galvestonstonrepublicanwomen.com
**Betty Henry, GRW Woman of Distinction Award 2015 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
*** JUNE 2015 NEWSLETTER ***
School is Out for the Summer and So Too is GRW (ALMOST)
Join us for our ending meeting June 17th
, 2015
Moody Gardens Hotel-Salon A
7 Hope Blvd. - Galveston, TX
Doors open at 11:00 AM - Meeting begins at 12:00 PM
Cost $18.00 per person & RSVP Required
RSVP to: [email protected] or call 713-408-7384 by June 14th
, 2015
Guest Speaker: Don Jans, author of “My Grandchildren’s America”
and guest speaker on regional and national media
broadcasts. Mr. Jans will be available before and after
the meeting to sign his book for those who have or plan
to purchase it.
If you RSVP and do not cancel by June 14th, you will be
Expected to pay, we hope you understand.
We will not have a meeting in July & August
Meet GRW Guest Speaker Don Jans
"My Grandchildren's America"…
WILL IT STILL BE
THE HOME OF THE FREE AND THE LAND OF THE BRAVE?
Don Jans, the author of "My Grandchildren's America", believes that
America is great because of its promises of individual freedom and
opportunity. Like most grandparents, he believes his grandchildren
will have the ability and desire to excel, if that opportunity is still
available. Will the changes promised and happening now, limit these
freedoms and opportunities?
Don has been a student of history for over 40 years. He has
concentrated in the study of European history with an emphasis on
Russian history. This led him to his study of Karl Marx and Marxism.
In addition to being a popular speaker on Marxism, Don has also had
articles published on the topic. He also has been a guest on regional
and national media broadcasts.
OFFICERS – 2015
President Betty Henry (cell) 817-996-3452 [email protected]
1st Vice President- Programs Yolanda Waters 409-655-5055 [email protected]
2nd Vice President-Campaign/Legislative JoAnn Helmer 409-539-5606 [email protected]
3rd Vice President, Publicity/Public Relations Irene Henry (cell) 281-844-0598 [email protected]
Recording Secretary Nancy Goodwin (cell) 409-795-9246 [email protected]
Treasurer/PAC Chair Janet Hoffman 409-621-6332 [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary Bernadette Foley 409-763-2650 [email protected]
Immediate Past President Brenda Gutierrez 409-908-9707 (cell) 409-789-3802 [email protected] President Emeritus Rose Farmer 409-763-2261
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 10th GRW/Pachyderm Mixer
#13, Pelican’s Rest Marina
7809 Broadway, Galveston (exit Teichmann Rd or 71st St)
Free appetizers, happy hour beverages
Meet your elected officials
Lots of fun & conservative chatter
June 13th 150
th Juneteenth Anniversary Celebration
Stringfellow Orchards, Hitchcock
June 18th 150
th Juneteenth Anniversary Gala
Ashton Villa, Galveston
August 7th
CCRW Membership Meeting
Location TBD
Guest Speaker – State Rep Greg Bonnen, MD
September 26th
GRW Annual Fundraiser – Evening Event
Moody Gardens
6:00pm Reception – 7:00pm Dinner
Theme: Viva Las Vegas
True Las Vegas Show
Speaker: TX Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman
November 5-7
TFRW Convention – Lubbock TX
STAY CURRENT WITH OUR REPUBLICAN WOMEN
AT THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL
National Federation of Republican Women
Visit: www.nfrw.org
Texas Federation of Republican Women
Visit: www.tfrw.org
President’s Message
June brings the close of school for the summer. So too, GRW will
break from its monthly meetings during July and August. However we
will still be ever present and involved in various events throughout the summer. We will
keep you posted on what’s happening locally, in Austin and in DC. Many candidates will
be holding events and we will do our best to keep you informed.
Here’s “what’s happening” in June:
• GRW and Pachyderm are having a mixer June 10th
at # 13, Pelican’s Rest Marina in
Galveston. Come enjoy food, beverage, music and fellowship.
• June brings many festivities as we celebrate the 150thAnniversary of Juneteenth.
June 13th
GRW will be joining the celebration at Stringfellow Orchards in Hitchcock,
where we will present a check to their scholarship fund.
• Our LAST MEETING before summer break will be held June 17th
at Moody Garden’s
Hotel, Salon A. We are excited to have Don Jans, author of “My Grandchildren’s
America” as our Guest Speaker. Mr. Jans will have copies of his book at the
meeting for purchase and will be available (before and after the meeting) for book
signing.
• June 18th
will find GRW again joining in the Juneteenth celebrations, this time at a
gala being held at Ashton Villa.
Our Fundraising Committee remains busy shaping up plans for our September Annual
Fundraiser. This year it’s a “Viva Las Vegas” theme. You will be talking about this event
long after it’s over – a true Las Vegas show AND lots of exciting auction items. Mark your
calendars for this special occasion – SEPTEMBER 26TH
, 2015.
As many of you take vacations and travel near and far we hope and pray you have a safe
journey.
God Bless All of You, God Bless America, and
God Bless our Men and Women who keep us FREE.
As always, your president,
Betty Henry
CHAIRPERSONS 2015 6
STANDING COMMITTEES
Parliamentarian Jean Jardine 409-933-9832 [email protected]
Political Action Janet Hoffman 409-621-6332 [email protected]
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Audit Committee Brenda Bock 409-938-8923 [email protected]
Jean Jardine 409-933-9832 [email protected]
Bylaws Revisions Brenda Gutierrez/Jeannie Koenig
Chaplain Carol Greaney-Wurst 409-763-5682 [email protected]
Hon. Barbara Roberts, Judge 713-516-5333 [email protected]
Fundraising Chairwomen Yolanda Waters 409-655-5055 [email protected]
Historian Kris Ann Vogelpohl
Hospitality Tina Kirbie 281-482-2786 [email protected]
Membership and Directory Jeannie Koenig (cell) 512-567-8975 [email protected]
Jane Rigsby
409-908-0805 [email protected]
Newsletter/PhotographerWebsite
Irene Henry 281-844-0598 [email protected]
Outreach Brenda Gutierrez 409-908-9707 [email protected]
GALVESTON REPUBLICAN WOMEN
May 20th, 2015 60th Anniversary Meeting Minutes
Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant, Galveston, Tx
Call to Order: By President Betty Henry 7:00 p.m.
Invocation & Pledges to the Flags: Vocalist Amy Brennan Larison
Welcome: Elected Officials recognized. Tina Kirbie and her entire hospitality
team, Janice Broussard, JoAnne Helmer & Brenda Gutierrez recognized for
the beautiful decorations. Grateful thanks to members of the Directory
committee: Gaylene Miller, Jeannie Koenig & Jane Rigsby for the beautiful
diamond commemorative directories. Past Presidents of GRW recognized.
Jane Rigsby, last year’s “Woman of Distinction recipient, presented this year’s
award to Betty Henry. Congratulations Betty on being this years “Woman of
Distinction.” Brenda Gutierrez gave a presentation of GRW’s history.
Program: Jeanne Koenig introduced the evening’s speaker, Dr. Gerald R.
Callis. Anesthesiologist at Anesthesia Associates in Beaumont, TX. His topic
was “Diamonds are Forever.”
Announcements: Betty reminded everyone of GRW’s participation in this
year’s Juneteenth Celebration. Betty has tickets for sale to fill 2 tables at the
Ashton Villa Gala on June 18th, and also GRW will be participating in the
children’s activities at Stringfellow Orchard on June 13th.
Betty reminded everyone to please submit their volunteer hours to Nancy
Goodwin or JoAnne Helmer.
Barbara Meeks, Republican Party GOP Chairman, presented a resolution on
behalf of Texas State Representatives Wayne Faircloth & Greg Bonnen &
Texas State Senator Larry Taylor, congratulating GRW on 60 very successful
years. A resolution of congratulations was also read from TFRW
representative Sherry Peterson.
GRW June meeting will be held on the 17th at Moody Gardens. Don Jans,
author of “My Grandchildren’s America” will be our featured speaker.
Door prizes provided from 3 very generous donors.
Amy Brennan Larison concluded our program by singing “How Great Thou
Art.”
President Betty Henry reminded everyone to pray for our military and
especially the families as we celebrate Memorial Day this month. Those who
gave their all so we might be free. Pray for America and all elected officials
every day.
Betty thanked everyone for coming and celebrating our joyous 60th
anniversary with us.
Meeting adjourned 8:15 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
Nancy Goodwin
Recording Secretary
JUNE LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Jo Anne Helmer: 2nd
Vice President – Campaign/Legislative
U.S. Congress
National Defense Spending bill (NDAA) has
passed the House and has majority Senate
support going forward. The bill is 612
million dollars and authorizes the exact
amount the President requested. It would
give our troops a raise, update their
benefits and reinforces the mission to
defeat ISIS. The President has threatened
to veto the bill because he wants more
money to be assigned for domestic
spending.
From Senator Larry Taylor’s office:
Sr. Larry Taylor and Representative Greg
Bonnen passed Senate Bill 900, the Texas
Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA)
reform legislation. This bill shores up the
funding structure, demands that the
association be prepared to cover the loss
of a 1 in 100 year storm and provides for
no clear majority of interest in the board of
directors. These changes make the fund
sound, requires the board decisions to be
made as a result of true deliberations, and
ensures that coastal protection is not
subjected to the arbitrary interests of the
insurance industry. The bill has been sent
to Governor Abbotts’ desk for signing and
to become law.
SB 498 by Senator Larry Taylor and
Representative Greg Bonnen passed the
legislature earlier this session. This bill
insured the Windstorm Waiver Program
did not expire at the end of the year.
Without this legislation over 40,000 TWIA
policies would have been non-renewed
and left without windstorm coverage.
From Rep Wayne Faircloths office: SB 695 companion bill to HB 1687 by
Representative Wayne Faircloth passed
both Senate and House and is now before
the Governor for signing. The bill
commissions a study to create and
maintain a Coastal barrier system that
includes gates and barriers to prevent
storm surge damage to beaches, coastal
ports, industry and property.
Representative Faircloth has co-authored
HB 3567 which prohibits a religious
organization or anyone employed by a
religious organization including clergy or a
minister from being required to perform
any marriage or provide services or
accommodations, facilities, goods or
privileges related to the formation or
celebration of any marriage if the actions
would violate a sincerely held religious
belief. This bill establishes that refusal to
provide such services is not a basis for civil
or criminal actions. This bill has passed the
House.
HB 2181 designates that Interstate 45
Causeway to Galveston be designated the
George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial
Causeway. This bill has been sent to the
Governor for signing.
HB 1605 expresses a commitment to
eliminate illegal fishing in our sovereign
waters. Estimates from the U.S. Coast
Guard suggest that illegal fishermen likely
take millions of dollars of U.S. fish annually
and this has a negative effect on the Gulf of
Mexico’s commercial and recreational
fishing industries to the tune of more than
30 billion dollars annually. Rep. Faircloth
has authored a resolution to name shrimp
caught off the Gulf Coast of Texas the
“Official State Crustacean of Texas”. The
purpose of the resolution was to draw
attention to the Gulf Coast of Texas and the
many contributions it makes to our state.
JUNE LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Jo Anne Helmer: 2nd
Vice President – Campaign/Legislative (continued)
From the Office of Dr. Greg Bonnen:
The first of Dr. Bonnen’s bills for the current
legislative session to be signed by the
Governor accommodates the expanding
presence of commercial spaceports in
Texas. SB 458, the companion to HB 1984
filed by Dr. Bonnen, will foster new
developments: revitalization of
underutilized infrastructure, and allowing
private industry to step into a field once
dominated by federal government.
HB 2027 and 1927 filed by Dr. Bonnen will
prohibit the practice of “rolling polling”
and authorizes that voting clerks actually
deliver annual ballots by mail ballots to
eligible voters. Both bills await approval by
the Senate.
HB 574 cuts out an insurance practice
known as “de-listing” which is used to
intimidate doctors and patients. As a result
of the bill passage, your doctor will now be
able to refer you to both in-network and
out-of-network providers as needed
allowing for the patient’s best interest to
come first without retaliation from an
insurance carrier.
Around the State Legislature:
HB 2804 passed and was sent to the
Senate. This is the new accountability
system that gives schools the opportunity
to have input on which data is included: it
has more than standardized test results,
and aligns accountability with HB 5, passed
last session. The bill rates schools on an A-F
scale of accountability instead of the old
“Recognized”, “Exemplary”, “Needs
Improvement” grading scale used in the
past. This bill brings accountability to
schools and will display school rating
systems in a format better understood by
the public.
Finally both chambers negotiated a final
version of the budget in conference
committee. The current version falls well
below the constitutional spending caps. It
leaves 8 billion unspent, leading to the
largest balance in the history of the “rainy-
day fund” – 11 billion. Taxes are being cut
and the state’s debt service falls below the
5% maximum allowable by our constitution
with no new debt authorization
anticipated while limiting government
growth, the budget provides for increased
pay-as-you-go spending on critical
transportation infrastructure, public and
higher education, and critical safety
initiatives demanded by residents of
Galveston County. No budget is perfect,
but the final product negotiated by our
legislators over the last 131 days is a sound
proposal that Governor Abbott is expected
to sign.
The current session of the Texas
Legislature ended on June 1.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Greg Bonnen: Ph: 512-463-0729
Wayne Faircloth: Ph: 512-463-0722
Larry Taylor: Ph: 512-463-0111
Senator John Cornyn - Ph: 202-224-2708
Rep. Randy Weber - Ph: 202-225-2831
Member Orientation
Dear Members and Associates:
If you are a renewed member, thank you! If you are
a NEW Member – welcome! You should have the
Galveston Republican Women’s informative 2015
Directory to refer to. IF you have not renewed, it is
time to do so and make sure you are in the “news”.
Our Club Objectives are:
1. To promote an informed electorate (that is you
and me) through political education
2. To increase the effectiveness of women in the
cause of good government through active
political participation;
3. To facilitate cooperation among women’s
Republican organizations;
4. To foster loyalty to the Republican Party and to
promote its principles and candidates in all
elections including non-partisan elections; and
5. To work for the election of the Republican Party’s
nominees.
Our club structure is set up as most clubs with a
President, Three (3) Vice Presidents (Programs,
Campaign/Legislative and Publicity), a Recording
Secretary to record minutes, a corresponding
Secretary to send cards and letters, and a
Treasurer/PAC (Political Action Committee) Chair.
We also have several Committees such as:
Parliamentarian – we follow Robert’s Rules
Audit
By-Laws Revision
Chaplain
Hospitality
Membership and Directory
Newsletter
Photographer
Telephone
Website
Historian
Mixer
Awards – keeping up with local, state and national
requirements of NFRW and TFRW in order to
compete for Certificates of Commendation
Community Outreach – our efforts to support local
charities with time, talent and finances. At the
present time our main charity is the Salvation Army
followed closely with Hope Academy, Family Crisis
Center, Pregnancy and Parenting Support Center,
Galveston Food Bank and any others that our
officers/members choose to support and Juneteenth
Celebration. If you know of a worthwhile cause,
please bring it before the Board’s for consideration.
Fundraising Committee: This is an important
function. Once a year we host an event to raise funds
that are distributed to our candidates in election
years. We encourage your participation.
Any other committees which our President and
Board wish to appoint.
We encourage you to volunteer for a committee. The
more involved you become the more like-minded
friends you will develop and the more you will enjoy
club functions and the work we embrace. During
election cycles we bring all conservative candidates
before you for a forum or debate. You will get to
know them very well. We ask you to volunteer your
time to block walk your neighborhood, make phone
calls at the phone bank, hold a meet and greet for
candidates in your neighborhood and, of course,
donate to the candidate’s campaign fund. And
VOTE!
Welcome to Galveston Republican Women. You are
on the forefront of your county/state and nation’s
political force. You are an activist.
Brenda Gutierrez
Immediate Past President
INFORMED * INVOLVED * MAKING A DIFFERENCE
At a recent meeting of the Galveston Republican Women Dr. and
Mrs. Elmer Vogelpohl were surprised and thrilled to receive the
county's original copy of their marriage certificate, framed and
presented by County Clerk, Dwight Sullivan and County
Commissioner, Ken Clark. Mr. Sullivan announced that the county is
transferring all marriage records to electronic storage. Any persons
who were married in Galveston County may contact the Clerk's
office to see if an archived copy is available. The current Galveston
County marriage licenses are in color, high-definition print, and
designed with some of the historic art work."
(L-R Kris Anne Vogelpohl, Commissioner Ken Clark, Dr.
Elmer Vogelpohl, and Galveston County Clerk Dwight Sullivan)
In an evening that sparkled from start to finish, the Galveston Republican Women celebrated their Diamond
Anniversary- 60 Years of Service. President Betty Henry welcomed distinguished guests Texas Federation of
Republican Women Deputy President Sherry Peterson, State Republican Executive Committeemen Tanya
Robinson and JT Edwards, and featured speaker Dr. Ray Callas, Anesthesiologist in Beaumont, Texas and current
chairman of the Legislative Committee for the Texas Medical Association. Dr. Callas commended the GRW history
of achievement, leadership and service in his address titled "Diamonds Are a Forever". Betty Henry, the current
president of Galveston Republican Women, was selected by the members as their 2015 Woman of Distinction, and
is pictured here accepting the award from Jane Rigsby, last year's recipient
(L-R Tanya Robinson, Betty Henry, Dr. Ray Callas, (L-R: Betty Henry and Jane Rigsby)
Sherry Peterson, and JT Edwards)
It was a great day for “lemonade” as our future entrepreneurs made ready for Lemonade Day!
GRW-PAC MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION 2015 Dues for the 2015 Membership Year are payable NOW.
Please complete the membership information and
Return this form with your check payable to GRW-PAC to:
Janet Hoffman
P.O. Box. 55171
Galveston, TX 77555
(No business/corporate checks please)
Name _________________________________________________ Spouse______________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________
City and State ____________________________________________ Zip Code _________________
Primary Phone # ________________________________ Other Phone #_________________________
Employer __________________________________________ Occupation ________________________
E-mail _______________________________________________
Newsletters are sent electronically.
Select Type of Membership:
Regular Member ($35) _________
Associate Member ($15) ________
• Women who are a member of another TFRW organization. Please give name______________________
• Men who wish to be associated with GRW.
• Young women (Age 13 thru 17 years) designated Young Affiliates
Referred By: ___________________________________________________________________
I am willing to help with the following committee(s):
_____Awards _____Finance _____Membership
_____Bylaws _____Fund Raising _____Phone
_____Campaign Activities _____”Get Out the Vote” _____Program
_____Community Service _____Legislative _____Public Relations
_____Other (please specify your interest) ________________________________________________
For GRW use only.
Cash/Check amount:____________Check #. ______________ Date: _________________
_____E-mail List
_____TFRW Submission #
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