ELEPHANTIMESLouisiana Federation oF repubLican Women

P.O. Box 44268 • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-4268 • lfrw.org • Editor: Elly Harper

LFRW SPRING MEMBERSHIP CONFERENCEBOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

MARCH 25 & 26, 2006

Over 110 LFRW members enjoyed a very successful and educational weekend hosted by the Republican Women of Baton Rouge, held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, under the leadership of LFRW President Suzanne Crow, Conference Chairman Rhonda Perdue, together will Carolyn Hatcher, Pat Cabral, RWBR President Wanda Aizpurua and the entire RWBR host committee.

State Senator Jay Dardenne of Baton Rouge welcomed the members to our capital city and spoke of the important legislative issues in the upcoming sessions.

“Putting Protocol in Its Place” was the name of the workshop presented by Protocol Chairman Lucille Williams and Vice Chairman Dennise Aiello. Their slideshow presentation included the importance of meeting protocol, flag etiquette, seating and introduction of officers, guests and speakers. This powerful workshop gave local club officers and members guidelines for orderly and successful meetings.

“Hurricane Winds of Change: The Louisiana Response” was the workshop presented by the Legislative Committee led by Executive Vice President and Legislative Chairman Argiro Morgan. She reported on her committee work involving tracking legislative bills, sending CAP alerts and weekly updates to members via our website at LFRW.org. In addition Argiro reported on the plans for the annual LFRW Day at the Legislature, scheduled for May 18, 2006, when our membership spends the day in Baton Rouge attending committee meetings and House and Senate sessions. Cap Alert Chairman Rachel Chappellie and the Legislative Committee are working to build an active Legislative Team. Upcoming committee work will also include a new State Leadership Manual.

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Guest speakers of the Legislative Committee included the U.S. Representative Bobby Jindal addressing the federal response to the catastrophic effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. State Senator Walter Boasso of Chalmette addressed the Levee Board Consolidation of Southeast Louisiana and the hard work being done to bring that issue to fruition. State Representative “Pete” Schneider of Slidell discussed HB640 regarding property expropriation and HB36 involving emergency preparedness and firearm confiscation restrictions.

Both workshops reflected the hard work and preparation of these two committees and were very well received.

Saturday evening’s banquet keynote speaker was Judith Albertelli, immediate past president of the Florida Federation of Republican Women. Her topics ranged from increasing membership via the “One Plus One” program involving bringing a potential member to a local club meeting, publicizing the hard work of federation clubs, multiplying involvement in electing Republican candidates, and encouraging more women to run for office.

Following the banquet, State Representative Kay Kellogg Katz of Monroe hosted her “Irish Coffee Suite” and answered questions regarding the legislative session and encouraged lively discussions

(Cont. pg.2)Bobby Jindal & Argiro Morgan

on many topics.

2006

LOCAL CLUB NEWS LFRW local club activities were reported by Regional Vice Presidents. The scope of our influence in the State of Louisiana, our nation, and our military cannot be overstated! Local clubs throughout the state are busily spreading our news through speakers and educational presentations, community events, hurricane recovery projects, Republican candidate volunteerism, military and military family support, and scholarships. In addition, LFRW members through their local clubs included membership drives and receptions, financial support for CASA programs, Red Cross, Salvation Army, YMCA, Toys for Tots, Airmen’s Attic, and Americanism projects.

Fundraising projects included club authored and produced cookbook sales, teas, auctions, etc. to help finance receptions for naturalized citizens, art contest, War Hero support, Children’s Advocacy Center, Christmas parties including one at the Military Veterans’ Home in Jackson, LA Members donated books to schools and hospitals, wrote letters and sent packages to our military, raised funds for STARC.

The catastrophic aftermaths of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected the LFRW in many ways. Some of our clubs and their members are still struggling to repair their homes, plan for their futures and recover from those life changing events. Many of our LFRW members opened their homes to evacuees, volunteered at shelters and churches. Fundraising was directed to recovery organizations. The spirit of community and sisterhood shone throughout our state.

The generosity and hard work of the women of the LFRW are powerful forces for the state of Louisiana, and demonstrate how our individual and group efforts at the grass roots level can exceed our expectations. All clubs in our state should take pride in their efforts!

RWC of Jefferson Parish: “Battered and bruised, and sometimes down, but never out! Due to Hurricane Katrina many of our members suffered severe loss of property and our club lost several months of activity. But it is now safe to say, “We’re Back!” Our installation luncheon was held on February 16th at Chateau Golf and Country Club. Argiro Morgan, LFRW Exec. VP installed our 2006 officers. Betty Corbeille, President, Karen Mosca, First VP, Beverly Randazzo, Second VP, Joyce Burns, Treasurer, Estelle Reiner, Corresponding Secretary and Tia Russell, Recording Secretary.

RW of St. Charles: At the March 30th meeting this club was honored to have Mrs. Supryia Jindal speaking about her life as the wife of U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal.

THE MAMIE EISENHOWER LIBRARY PROJECT

This project asks NFRW clubs and members to donate books and videos that reflect Republican philosophy, present outstanding Republican personalities or have historical significance to local public libraries or schools libraries. Go to the NFRW.org for the official Mamie Eisenhower list, and contact LFRW Chairman Peggy Gehbauer at 504-220-9433 to obtain bookplates. The plate will list your club name, state federation and will identify if the item is given “in memory of” or “in honor of”.

THE TRUNK LINE NOTESFROM ELLY:

1. LFRW Office in Baton Rouge is staffed by Pat Harris. She is a dedicated employee who serves as our Office Administrator, and works with our Communication Central lfrw.org, but there are some “wish list” items that would be appreciated. Please contact Pat at the office at 225-939-9941 if you like to help.

2. Members must subscribe to receive notices from lfrw4u@aol.com until further notice.

3. Our new website is in development. Watch for it later this spring.

4. NFRW.org is a valuable resource for many club needs. You may also refer a friend to any local club by zip code! New feature!

Sunday morning began with a prayer service, followed by the LFRW General Meeting where business was conducted and committee reports were presented. Fundraising Chairman Barbara Cenac (RW of SELA) spoke of upcoming state fundraising events, and encouraged members’ input. Community Service Committee Chairman Anne Price (RW of Bossier) reminded us to remember our primary focus in political and to include service projects for our military, supplies for our LFRW office in Baton Rouge, college scholarships and voter registration. Mamie Eisenhower Library Project Chairman Peggy Gehbauer (WRCNO) asked clubs to contact her to donate books to this project. PowerPac treasurer Greta Jones (RW of Ouachita) presented the POWERPAC program to the members, regarding this candidate financial support committee and encouraged applications. Awards Chairman Diane Hollis (Metro Club) distributed Awards Packets to the clubs for submission at our 2007 convention.

Region Three Vice President Tammy Dugas (RW of Bossier) and her committee gave a PowerPoint presentation offering Shreveport-Bossier as the host site for the 2007 LFRW Convention. This was heartily approved by the membership.

Ginny Martinez Chairman Joyce Sherlock (RWJP) spoke of the work of her committee in examining scholarship applications from qualified candidates for our LFRW Ginny Martinez Scholarship. The winner this year is Miss Laura Springer, a student from LSU, from the Shreveport-Bossier area, who, in the company of her mother, received her scholarship. Her outstanding scholastic standing, and her admirable citizenship won her this honor and we are so proud to give financial support to this young Republican woman.

The 2006 Fall Board Meeting and Membership Conference will be held in October in Monroe, LA. Details will be forthcoming from the host club and will be posted on the website lfrw.org.

(Cont. from pg.1) NORTHEAST LOUISIANA LADIES Early morning on April 25, 2006, 11 Northeast Louisiana ladies, who were guests of Mrs. Nancy Alexander, wife of 5th District congressman Rodney Alexander, headed to Washington, D.C. for “Louisiana Ladies on the Hill.” Joining Mrs. Alexander were Tommie Seaton, Legena Gore, Carolyn Ledet, Carolyn Johnson, Mary Jo Mansour, Patsy Alexander, Linda Blount, Bobbie Smith, Ruth Ulrich, Carolyn Whitfield, and Jo Ann Womack. Events began as the ladies accompanied Mrs. Alexander on a congressional tour of Mount Vernon and took part in a special memorial service in honor of the first President. Ouachita Parish Republican Women’s Club President and LFRW member Jo Ann Womack led the service with a prayer written by President Washington. LFRW members Legena Gore of Alexandria and Ruth Ulrich of Monroe then placed a boxwood wreath on the President’s tomb.

Following lunch at the Mt. Vernon Inn, the ladies toured the World War II Memorial. This tour was made more poignant with the viewing of OPRWC and LFRW member Bobbie Smith’s memorial listing of her husband and family members that served in the war. The fast paced day continued with a visit to the Library of Congress, following by a gathering at the offices of Congressman Rodney Alexander where the ladies enjoyed a casual update on political topics of the day with the Congressman.

Evening found the Ladies at the Republican Congressional Club at a reception where they met Mrs. Supriya Jindal, wife of 1st District Congressman Bobby Jindal. Before the reception ended, the ladies were able to spend quality time talking to both Congressman Jindal and House Majority Leader Dennis Hastert. Congressman and Mrs. Alexander hosted a wonderful dinner that was the perfect ending to an extraordinary day.

Day 2 started with a tour of the White House followed by Breakfast at the famous Willard Hotel. The Highlight of the trip was attending the First Lady’s Luncheon at the Washington Hilton in honor of Mrs. Laura Bush. The luncheon was hosted by the Congressional Club and has been an annual event to honor the President’s wife since 1908. The Luncheon’s theme was “The First Americans” and featured American Indian themed food, American Indian Hoop Dancers, American Indian singer songwriter Jana, and the President’s Own Marine Corps Band. Following lunch with the First Lady, the Louisiana Ladies on the Hill visit continued with a Congressional Staff led tour of the Capitol where they were delighted to happen upon Senator David Vitter testifying ab out Louisiana’s seafood industry.

Pete Schneider & Argiro Morgan