News and Notes from our President Ella Ennis
January 2008
We hear a lot about candidates for President of the United States from the media and their web sites. On February 12 we will have the opportunity to vote too! At that time we also will elect Delegates to the Republican National Convention. Other important races that day will be for candidates for the 5th Congressional District and the Calvert County Board of Education. They are not getting much attention from the media. To help us be ready to exercise our vitally-important voting privilege, RWLC is hosting Republican candidates for Congress and the Calvert County Board of Education on
January 7.
Thanks for Holiday Pleasures!
RWLC had two great events in December to celebrate the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays—RWLC Christmas Party and RWLC White House Candlelight Tour.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Darcey Clark and Joanie Martin for hosting the RWLC Christmas Party on December 3. Darcey’s beautiful home was warm and welcoming with its lovely Christmas decorations and Joanie’s gourmet cooking was exceedingly delicious. RWLC members were in the true Christmas spirit and brought many children’s books for the children staying at the Safe Harbor Abused Families Shelter. RWLC presented a check for $250 for Safe Harbor to Della Stull Chair of the Safe Harbor. It was a delightful evening full of good cheer!
White House Candlelight Tour
On December 26, RWLC members and guests--55 strong--had the pleasure of participating in a Candlelight Tour of the White House. The theme of a “Holiday in the National Parks” made the White House almost magical. The 391 hand-painted ornaments on the giant tree in the Blue Room were decorated by local artists selected by each national park or landmark featured. They were really beautiful. It is always a special treat to see the gingerbread version of the White House displayed in the State Dining Room. This year the south view of the White House complete with the Bush family pets was featured. Enchanting! We even had Christmas cookies to nibble on the way home!
A very special thank you and our grateful appreciation to Judy MacWilliams and Linda Woods for organizing the tour and shepherding us before, during and returning from the tour. This tour requires a lot of careful, time-consuming arrangements and persistent pursuit of an approved visit date. We loved it! Thank you Judy and Linda.
February Activities
No RWLC Meeting in February. There will not be a business meeting of the RWLC in February due to the two important events listed below. We urge your participation in both the Primary Election and the MFRW “Red Scarf” Legislative Day in Annapolis.
In December, the State Board of Elections reversed their inappropriate decision and will allow 17 year-olds who will be 18 by the General Election, to vote in the Primary. Is your eligible 17 year-olds registered to vote?
Candidates
Board of Education members represent a specific District, but they are elected county-wide. Every voter can vote for all members of the Board of Education. Since this race is “non-partisan”, candidates’ party affiliations are not listed on the ballot. There are more than two candidates for the Board of Education in Districts 1 and 2. The top two vote-getters in each District in the Primary will oppose each other in the General Election regardless of party affiliation. In District 3 there are only two candidates and they will automatically be on the General Election ballot. At this time Culver Ladd, District 1 has accepted our invitation, and RWLC member Ron Miller will represent Rane Franklin, candidate in District 2. We are awaiting responses from others.
There are three Republicans running for the 5th Congressional District nomination. They all have accepted our invitation to speak at the RWLC January meeting. They are:
Collins Bailey of Waldorf, Jesse James Dann of Dunkirk, and Mike Hethmon of Upper Marlboro.
In addition to the Presidential candidates on the Republican Primary ballot, there will be candidates for Delegate to the Republican National Convention and Alternate to the Republican National Convention. You can vote for up to 3 individuals for Delegate and up to 3 for Alternate. If available by Monday, RWLC will have copies of the names of these candidates and the Presidential candidates they are pledging to support.
MFRW Red Scarf Legislative Day in Annapolis - February 19
The 2008 Legislative Session of the General Assembly begins next week. MFRW members will again actively participate in the legislative process by voicing our support or opposition to specific legislation. Change happens when we make our voices heard!
Red Scarf Day offers an important opportunity to view the legislative process, talk with our legislators and be briefed by them on current issues. I hope you will join Republican women from across the state in Annapolis on February 19. Please watch for the registration and schedule information that will be sent to you within the next few weeks.
RWLC Birthday Brunch and Election of Officers – March 1
Republican Women Leaders of Calvert will celebrate its fifth birthday with a Brunch on Saturday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. RWLC member Estelle Arscott has graciously agreed to host this delightful event at her beautiful home in Dunkirk. Please reserve this date. You will receive a detailed invitation soon. The RWLC election of officers will take place at the Brunch – Annual Meeting on March 1.
Outreach to New Voters
RWLC members Mary Smith and Nancy Watson prepared and sent 120 letters to newly-registered Republican Women in Calvert County in November-December inviting them to join RWLC. Thank you Mary and Nancy for helping RWLC reach out and welcome new voters.
Sincerely,
Ella Ennis, President RWLC
August 2008
Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. In August we held a summer celebration at Commissioner Susan Shaw’s home. What fun we had along with a short business meeting. An important issue was approving revised Bylaws for RWLC. We also heard from Crystal Zorbaugh, McCain Campaign Chairman for Calvert County and Patt Parker Chairman, Maryland Women for McCain on how we can help elect John McCain our next President.
5TH ANNUAL RWLC WINE TASTING
Our 5th Annual RWLC Wine Tasting and Italian Dinner and Auction was held September 13 at the home
of Frank and Catherine Grasso. Everyone enjoyed this very special evening which was held outside under the stars (and tent). The wine tasting was presented by Port of Call Wine & Spirits. There were great live and silent auction items along with a wonderful Italian Dinner. This year we had two tubs of cheers. Great job and well done by the RWLC members. Thank you Catherine and Frank.
September 2, 2008 - RWLC meeting was held at Jerry's Place Restaurant in Prince Frederick. The Program included a presentation on the MD Consitiutional Amendments on the Nov. 4 Ballot and a discussion of imnportant issues in the Presidential Campaign
