Spring - 2017
From the President’s Desk
By Susan Walker
Everything has been moving so quickly, it’s been hard to keep up! President Trump certainly
hit the ground running since January 20, and so have New Braunfels Republican Women.
We’ve had a great response to our 2017 Patron Program but there is always room for more. A
Patron level donation is $100.00, in addition to your standard membership fee. As a donor, you
receive special recognition at our meetings, a Patron 2017 tag to add to your name tag, and an
invitation to our Patron’s luncheon in April. Our guest speaker at this year’s luncheon is Major General
Susan Pamerleau, USAF, Retired. In addition to her distinguished military career, she was also elected
as the first woman Sheriff for Bexar County.
In January, the Reverend Adam Cork, Grace Church, visited to bless our elected officials and our
membership. The Honorable Dib Waldrip, State District Judge of the 433rd Judicial District, spoke to
NBRW about the Comal County Challenge Court, an alternative program to standard incarceration for
low, level (non-violent) substance abusers. Our membership was very impressed with this program
and its success rate and we are collecting gift cards in the amount of $10-$20, to provide to the
participants as incentive rewards and/or graduation gifts. On March 19 I attended the graduation,
with our Issues/Legislation Chair, Diane Worley, and NBRW presented each of the four graduates with
Panera gift cards and a note of encouragement.
A similar alternative court is under the direction of Judge Charles Stephens, Court of Law #2,
and is a program specifically designed for veterans. Minnie Altum and I attended the first graduation
of the Veteran’s Treatment Court where we presented the graduates with military style “challenge
coins,” designed by the River Chase Veterans Association. The public is always invited to these
ceremonies and there is an excellent turnout of support. As there is no set date for these ceremonies,
watch our “Save the Date” emails for information. Ruth Chambers, 4th VP-Campaign Activities, is
collecting gift cards for the participants. This is a year round program; please bring your donations to
one of the meetings.
In February we were visited by the “old” and the “new”. Our “old” was a hereditary descendent
of a Revolutionary War soldier and whose family has fought in every war since. Major Stuart Hoyt,
USAF, Ret., is the president of the William Hightower Chapter 35, Texas Sons of the American
Revolution. He attended the meeting in full Revolutionary officer uniform and gave a very interesting
talk on the “Conscience of the Revolution.” The “new” were representatives from the Young Americans
for Freedom chapter at Canyon High School. We also had Claire and Jake from ACTION Speech and
Debate, requesting NBRW judges for the NB 500 Speech and Debate completion being held in New
Braunfels. Our future of the Republican Party is today’s youth, even more so than any other group. I
encourage all members to recognize and nurture the participation of the young persons in our
Conservative efforts.
NBRW completed its first Literacy Program of 2017 as we became Bronze Sponsors of the
Herald-Zeitung Newspapers in Education (NiE) Program. The H-Z delivers 1,500 newspapers, per day,
to any classroom in a Comal County school that requests participation. Sandy Wolfington was
absolutely amazing in pulling this together in a very short time frame and the project used only
donations from our members. We hope to continue this participation in NiE and you can donate
anytime this year for any amount you wish. Please make checks payable to New Braunfels Republican
Women and mail to our address: PO Box 310008, New Braunfels, 78131-0008.
March is the beginning of Spring, a time of renewal and growth. I was fortunate to attend the
Hays County Lincoln/Reagan Dinner with guest speaker Dinesh D’Souza! There were over 500 people
in attendance including NBRW members Laura Buske, Anita Valdez, Sharon Carlson, Caroline Gruebel,
Mary Lou Erben, Minnie Altum, and Ruth Pharis (NBRW member and Chairman of the Comal County
Republican Party). My favorite “Dinesh-ism” is his story of a woman who was foreign born but living
in the United States. She asked him if he was ever on a tightrope, balancing between his culture of
origin and the American culture. He told her he was not because his dream was to come to the U.S. and
live like an American. She asked him, “How will I know when I am truly an American?” His response:
“When you vote Republican.”
Spring also brings opportunity to learn more about School Choice and ask questions to help you
better understand what this means, as well as what it doesn’t. Peggy Venable, an advocate for school
choice, will address this issue and why she feels it’s the best option for all students including those
with special needs. I encourage all members with school aged children to bring your family members
and friends and PTO members to our April 17 meeting.
In May we will announce and meet our 2017 Linden Anderson Scholarship winners. One young
lady from Canyon H.S. and New Braunfels H.S. will each receive $1,000.00 from NBRW to help support
their college education.
As we shift into summer pull out your recipe books and make your best “take along” to our
annual June Pot Luck. NBRW will provide the fried chicken and our talented members are asked to
provide sides or desserts. It’s an indoor picnic and we won’t be bothered by rain or pests! Mark your
calendar for June 19.
Republican Women are some of the hardest working and most committed persons I have ever
met. Yes, we have Republicans in office, exactly as we had hoped, but we cannot rest on our laurels.
We NEED TO STAY INFORMED AND INVOLVED. Democrats in our County are small in number but
very committed and surprisingly well organized. Some of our Republican women feel we need to be
involved with the large marches and the big events. My personal feeling is we need to be involved
with knowing about all events and remaining visible.
Last week I participated in my first counter demonstration in front of Donna Campbell’s NB
office. The Democrats were there with signs, “kitty hats”, dogs, kids, etc. Not a huge number but they
put out a story to the HZ that they would be there and when. Thank goodness Don Johnson read this
and put out a call to action. Instead of just the “Say No” signs we held signs of support for school
choice, which is part of the Republican platform, and signs of support for our State Senator Dr. Donna
Campbell. Republicans from Comal County in District 25 were there: NBRW, CLRW, RCCC and CCRP.
I implore you all to be involved this year. Don’t wait until elections next year because that’s like
trying to accelerate after the car is in the ditch. Info@NBRW sends out a ton of information, our
Facebook page has information, and we have Twitter and Instagram. If you have questions or issues
about what is going on in Comal County but don’t email or use social media, call me at 830-237-6775.
Another way to get started with involvement is to become a Deputy Volunteer Voter Registrar
(DVVR). DVVR classes are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Comal County Elections Office,
178 E. Mill St. in New Braunfels. The class is about one hour and consists of a slide presentation and a
reference guide review. There is no cost and your DVVR certification is good through Dec. 31 of an
even numbered year (2018). Call Cynthia Jaqua (Jake-way) at 830-221-1352.
Another election note: if you voted by mail in the last election because you are over 65 or
disabled, your vote by mail application expired December 31, 2016 and you will need to complete a
new request to be able to vote by mail in any 2017 elections.
Ruth Pharis has re-opened the Comal County Republican Headquarters on Monday, Wednesday
and Friday, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The NBRW shifts are on Wednesday and have 2 persons each.
Please email me or call me if you can donate time to this effort. We hope to be able to provide election
information, information about the status of legislation (especially in Texas), and REGISTER PEOPLE
TO VOTE.
Plans are underway for our second Literacy Program, Community Outreach, and Youth
Outreach. We will keep you informed about these projects and how you can help.
We need fun(d)-raising ideas. Please send any ideas to me or Joyce Yannuzzi. An idea doesn’t
mean you’ll have to chair the fundraiser, but we have to start with a gleam and try to turn it into reality
(of course, if you want to chair something….!!!!)
I sure hope you’re enjoying our year so far and that it will only become more interesting.
Thank you for all you do to KEEP TEXAS RED!
Plan Ahead and Save the Date
For New Braunfels Republican Women events!
Monday, March 20 – New Braunfels Republican Women Membership Social, 5:30pm at Villa at
Gruene, 1190 Gruene Road. Bring a friend or two! Please RSVP to [email protected]
Tuesday, March 21 – Deputy Volunteer Voter Registrar Training, 10-11am, Comal County
Elections Office, 178 E. Mill Street. Call Cynthia to register – 830-221-1352. No cost for training.
Thursday, March 23 – New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Texan of the Year Reception,
7:00pm, New Braunfels Civic Center. NBRW is an associate sponsor and has 2 tickets available for
purchase to this event on first-come, first serve. Contact [email protected]
Friday, March 24 – New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Texas Legislative Conference panel
discussions. Breakfast is at 7:45am, panels begin at 8:30am. Confirmed key note speaker is Texas
Comptroller Glen Hager. NBRW is an associate sponsor and has 2 tickets available for purchase to this
event on first-come, first serve. Contact [email protected]
Saturday, March 25 – TFRW Leadership Workshop at T-Bar M in New Braunfels, 9:00am to
3:00pm. Registration is $20.00 by March 17 at, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trfw-region-ixleadership-workshop-tickets-31947983278
Tuesday, April 4 – New Braunfels Republican Women Board Meeting, 4:30pm at the Comal
County Republican Headquarters, 265 Landa Street. Members are invited and encouraged to attend.
Monday April 17 – New Braunfels Republican Women Meeting at the Seekatz Opera House, 265 W.
San Antonio Street. Doors open at 11:00am, a link to order lunch from Jason’s Deli will be sent by
April 10. Peggy Venable will be speaking on School Choice and the value it brings to families, children,
and schools.
Tuesday, May 2 - New Braunfels Republican Women Board Meeting, 4:30pm at the Comal County
Republican Headquarters, 265 Landa Street. Members are invited and encouraged to attend.
Monday, May 15 – New Braunfels Republican Women Meeting and Scholarship Presentation at
the Seekatz Opera House, 265 W. San Antonio Street. Time and speaker to be confirmed soon.
Tuesday, June 6 - New Braunfels Republican Women Board Meeting, 4:30pm at the Comal County
Republican Headquarters, 265 Landa Street. Members are invited and encouraged to attend.
Monday, June 19 – New Braunfels Republican Women Potluck Supper at the Seekatz Opera House,
265 W. San Antonio Street. Doors open at 5:30pm, NBRW will provide fried chicken, members are
asked to bring a side or dessert; speaker to be announced soon.
New Braunfels Republican Women Patron Program
The New Braunfels Republican Women Patron Program provides a unique opportunity to take
your membership to the next level. This special sponsorship program helps NBRW complete its
mission by giving direct financial support to the organization.
NBRW uses funds raised through the Patron program for candidate contributions, scholarships,
supporting the Young Republicans, and other endeavors NBRW participates in throughout the
calendar year. You can join through our website, www.nbrw.com, or print and mail the below
application, along with a check for $100 to our PO Box.
A Patron membership term is from January 1-December 31 of the calendar year
and does not include membership fees for NBRW.
We recognize and thank the following members
for supporting the 2017 NBRW Patron Program
Sharon Carlson
Minnie Altum
Carolyn Bateman
Susan Sonier
Bonnie Walchak
Stephanie Bascon
Kay Walker
Henri Farmer
Ruth Chambers
Sandra Wolfington
Sandra Collier
Susan Walker
Laura Buske
Scott Haag
Joyce Yannuzzi
Charlotte Dunn
Cathy Talcott
Lisa Dunn
Jan Morton
Susie Le Canu
Toya Boyer
Roxolin Krueger
Sharon Lodovic
Sharon H. Monge
Date_____________________
Amount_________________
Cash/Ch #______________
PP__________SQ__________
New_______Renew______
2017 PATRON APPLICATION
New Patron _____________
Renewing Patron______________
Name______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________
City________________________________________________State__________Zip____________________________
Home Phone ______________________________________Cell Phone___________________________________
E-Mail_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Occupation _______________________________________________________________________________________
(This information is required by law for reporting purposes)
**Please note: The Patron Program is separate from, and does not
include, your NBRW Membership dues.
Please make checks payable to the New Braunfels Republican Women PAC, in the
amount of $100, and note “Patron” in the lower left hand corner. Send checks to:
New Braunfels Republican Women
PO Box 310008
New Braunfels, Texas 78131-0008
Patron dues are from January 1 – December 31 of the calendar year
Political ad paid for by New Braunfels Republican Women PAC, PO Box 310008, New Braunfels, TX 78131-0008, a tax exempt organization under Section
527 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to NBRW 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.
If you know someone who has not renewed or would like to join, send them the
below membership application or let them know they can join through our
website.
www.nbrw.com
January Meeting & President Inauguration
NBRW started the New Year off with Pastor Adam Cork providing a blessing and prayer for our elected
officials while District Judge Dib Waldrip spoke on the Challenge Court. January 20 became a day
Republicans everywhere celebrated the inauguration of our 45th President, Donald J. Trump!
NBRW February Meeting
NBRW invited Stu Hoyt, of the Sons of the American Revolution, to speak on the Constitution. Mr. Hoyt
arrived in full Revolutionary War uniform and gave a valuable history lesson to those in attendance.
NBRW also made a donation to the Herald Zeitung’s Newspapers in Education.
NBRW Board 2017
President
Susan Walker
[email protected]
Vice President
Joyce Yannuzzi
2nd Vice President, Programs
Laura Buske
3rd Vice Pres., Membership
Jennifer Beckcom
4th Vice Pres., Campaign
Activities
Ruth Chambers
5th Vice Pres., Public Relations
Sharon Carlson
PAC Treasurer
Lisa Dunn
Recording Secretary
Minnie Altum
Corresponding Secretary
Toya Boyer
[email protected]
Chaplain
Sharon Lodovic
Caring for America
Sharon Carlson
Caroline Gruebel
Historian
Bonnie Walchak
Hospitality
Gangie Gonzales
Michelle Mueller
Issues & Legislation
Diane Worley
Linda Aycock Women’s Health
Fair
Mary lou Erben
Linden Anderson Scholarship
Brandy Webb
Literacy
Sandy Wolfington
Sandra Collier
Parliamentarian
Joyce Yannuzzi
Reservations
Lynette Kitchen
[email protected]
Tour of Homes
Joyce Yannuzzi
Laura Buske
Volunteer Hours
Sandy Wolfington
Youth Outreach
Jennifer Beckcom
Please support and thank
our 2017 advertisers
KEEP IN TOUCH
Texas Legislature Online
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us
Senator Donna Campbell
District 25
(512)-463-0125
[email protected]
Please support and thank
our 2017 advertisers
Senator Judith Zaffirini (D)
District 21
[email protected]
(512) 463-0121
Representative Kyle Biedermann
District 73
[email protected]
(512) 463-0325
Representative John Kuempel
District 44
(512)-463-0602
Federal Government
https://www.congress.gov/
Note: Please contact
Senators or Congressmen by e-mail or
by phone at their Washington or local
office. Due to security concerns, paper
letters must go through special
processing and testing and is not
recommended.
Senator John Cornyn
http://cornyn.senate.gov
DC (202)-224-2934
San Antonio (210)-224-7485
Senator Ted Cruz
www.senate.gov/senators/113th_C
ongress/Cruz_Ted.htm
Email: [email protected]
DC (202)-224-5922
San Antonio (210) 340-2885
Congressman Lamar Smith
District 21
http://lamarsmith.house.gov
DC (202)-225-4236
San Antonio (210)-821-5024
Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D)
District 35
http://doggett.house.gov
DC (202)-225-4865
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
(D)
District 15
http://gonzalez.house.gov
DC (202)-225-2531
Edinburg (956)-682-5545
TEXAS FEDERATION OF
REPUBLICAN WOMEN PAC
www.tfrw.org
President: Theresa Kosmoski
1st VP: Julie Faubel
Treasurer: Cindy Payne
Your business card could be here
for only $35 per year! (Feb 1-Jan 31)
You can now pay for/renew your advertising fees
on our website:
www.nbrw.com/sponsors-patrons.html
Political ad paid for by New Braunfels Republican Women PAC, PO Box 310008, New Braunfels, TX
78131-0008, a tax exempt organization under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to
NBRW 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.
New Braunfels Republican Women · P.O. Box 310008 · New Braunfels, Texas 78131
NBRW.com