Massachusetts Federation of Republican Women - Winter 2006 Newsletter

From the President's Desk

Dear Members and Friends:

We have embarked on an expansive election year in Massachusetts. It's important that we all help to elect more Republican candidates to office at every level around the state. There's so much at stake for our commonwealth and its citizens.

Lt. Governor Kerry Healey formally announced her candidacy for Governor on Wednesday, February 8th. Many of our members were there with me at the Parker House in Boston. We sent Kerry off with great enthusiasm. Her address was strong and right on target. She's an intelligent, experienced candidate. Her many trips around our Commonwealth have prepared her to tackle our problems and carry on the positive changes started by the Governor Romney-Healey administration. GO KERRY!

Lt. Governor Healey was a great speaker at the November meeting of the Lower Cape Cod Club of Republican Women. We're looking forward to supporting her candidacy and seeing her at one of our Massachusetts Federation of Republican Women meetings.

In October, the Winchester Republican Women's Club hosted our Annual Meeting in their historic country club. The setting and food were fabulous. President Mary Pace welcomed members from all around the state. The Worcester Club decorated the tables, and Pat Knox ran a successful basket raffle which resulted in a profit of over $200. State Committeewoman Ann Blackham entertained us with stories from MFRWC's past history. State Representative Susan Pope of the 13th Middlesex District was introduced by State Representative Bob Hargraves. She informed us of the important bills and meetings taking place at the State House. We need more strong Republican candidates to boost our votes and bills in the legislature. Representative Susan Pope was elected "Outstanding Legislator of the Year." She has a record of perfect voting attendance. Please give Susan and Bob your vote and support in November. We must re-elect such conscientious loyal Republicans.

The Women's Republican Club of Melrose, organized in 1921, invited me to speak at their November Tea and Luncheon meeting. It was a pleasure to meet such loyal members. They're great cooks also. The luncheon was delicious! President Louise Yates ran a well-organized meeting, including a sincere discussion about future plans for their club. Their membership handbook is outstanding.

I traveled into the State House with a large contingency from the Needham Republican Women's Club to attend the ceremony honoring Alice Morrison "Women Veteran of the Year." We were thrilled to support Alice and very proud of her service as an Army nurse during WWII. She's a great leader in our MFR Women's Club also. She's a mentor for me and I appreciate her wisdom and support.

In December, my husband and I drove down to Danvers for the Lower Cape Cod Women's Republican Club Christmas Party and "An Infant Christmas" to benefit the Emerson House members. It was a big success and lots of fun.

The Winchester RWC invited me to attend their Annual Christmas Tea. The setting was exquisite and the food delicious. It was a chilly afternoon so the blazing fire, Christmas tree and hot tea were perfect! There was a large turnout and during the Tea, MAry Pace presented a donation on behalf of the Club to the Angels of Mercy Group. There was a great feeling of the Christmas spirit among the members.

On January 17th, my navigator and Republican Woman of the Year, Muriel McGrann, and I drove to the Manor House in West Boylston to install the Worcester Club's new officers. Past President Betty Eddy was honored and all the members participated in the ceremony. The leaders of this club are experienced and devoted Republicans.

On February 4th, I was delighted to install the officers of the Middlesex Republican Women's Club during a Buffet Breakfast at the Westford Regency Hotel. There was a great turnout and the members and guests enjoyed our speaker and member Representative Susan Pope. She's delightful and an expert on happenings at the State House. She's volunteered to host our Legislature Day at the State House on Tuesday, MAy 2, at 10:00 a.m. Please put this event on your calendars.

Remember to keep our great President, George W. Bush, and our brave troops in your prayers.

Respectfully yours,

Carol Sneden