The Dictionary Project

BCRW volunteers have given nearly 7,000 dictionaries to Benton County fourth-graders during their six years of participation in the Dictionary Project. From an exciting demonstration, students learn how to use their new personal dictionaries; how to increase their vocabulary in a fun way; and how to glean interesting facts and other valuable information from the fascinating resource pages. The dictionary BCRW distributes includes the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The Dictionary Project is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. The goal of this program is to assist all students in completing the school year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing students with their own dictionary. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come. Reading is the most important skill of all. It is the starting point for all the economic and social opportunities this world has to offer to an individual.

A Project to Establish a Constitution Center in Benton County

BCRW is in the process of establishing a Constitution Center in Benton County in cooperation with the Republican Central Committee. The Benton County Democrats have been invited to join our effort. We have established the name of the center to be the “Ross Conklin Constitution Center.” Ross was the Republican Central Committee Treasurer, and a Constitution Center in Benton County was his dream and goal. Just imagine a Constitution Center that encourages knowledge of and an appreciation of our country and its unique beginning. Presentations and speakers regarding our Founding Fathers and their goals and challenges will be sought after to enhance the education of our history for both our youth, and the general public.

BCRW's Constitution Day Trunk Show for Schools and other Venues, Est. 2006 (See Events for more information)

The Mamie Eisenhower Library Project

The BCRW participates in the Mamie Eisenhower Library Project (MELP), which was established by the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) in 1961. As a memorial honoring the former First Lady, BCRW Members donate books and videos that reflect Republican philosophy, present outstanding Republican personalities or have historical significance to the public library and local school libraries. MELP is the Federation's longest running program

Download the 2009 Recommended Book List (.pdf) .

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National Scholarships

The BCRW contributes to three national scholarships for young women through the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW). Find application forms here.

The Betty Rendel Scholarship - The NFRW established the Betty Rendel Scholarship Fund in September 1995 in honor of NFRW Past President Betty Rendel's extraordinary leadership skills and dedication to the Republican Party in her home state of Indiana, as well as at the national level. The three annual scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to undergraduates who are majoring in political science, government or economics and have successfully completed at least two years of college coursework. The recipients are chosen from applicants from across the nation. Scholarship winners may not reapply. Deadline: Applications due to State Federation Presidents by JUNE 1.

The Dorothy Kabis Memorial Internship - The Dorothy Andrews Kabis Memorial Internship honors the former president of the NFRW (1963-67) who later was appointed U.S. treasurer by President Richard Nixon. The internship gives young undergraduates the opportunity to spend part of the summer working at National headquarters in Alexandria, Va. It includes a small monetary allowance, roundtrip airfare to and from Washington, D.C., and housing in the D.C. metropolitan area. Applicants must be at least a junior in college or a college student 21 years of age or older. They should have a general knowledge of government, a keen interest in politics, campaign experience, and sufficient clerical office skills that are adaptable to a busy office. Internship recipients may not reapply. Deadline: Applications due to State Federation Presidents by FEBRUARY 20.

The Nancy Reagan Pathfinder Scholarship - The National Federation of Republican Women established the National Pathfinder Scholarship Fund in 1985 in honor of First Lady Nancy Reagan. The three annual scholarships of $2,500 provide financial assistance and support to students seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees. Undergraduate sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as students enrolled in a master's degree program, are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Recent high school graduates and undergraduate freshmen are not eligible. Scholarship winners may not reapply. Deadline: Applications due to State Federation Presidents by JUNE 1.

OFRW 100% Club - Essay Contest Scholarships

Benton County Republican Women are also very active in the Oregon Federation of Republicam Women (OFRW) 100% Club Essay Scholarship program. This program is unique to the state of Oregon. Those participating must be senior high school women. The theme for the essay is, "The Constitution-19th Amendment: The History of Women's Suffrage." We are in the seventh year of this program and for the last two years Benton County students have been the recipients of the $1000.00 scholarship prize.

Mother's Against Meth

In 2005, BCRW members served on the WCJC Methamphetamine Taskforce to bring awareness of and solutions to those most at-risk in our community. Later, BCRW members joined Mother's Against Meth (chaired by Marcy Gregg), an organization based in Philomath, Oregon, which is extremely proactive and effective. This groups' first act was to raise funds to purchase a drug sniffing dog to assist law enforcement officers.

Women-In-Need Project

BCRW assist young women who need a fresh start in life and in their careers by donating neat, clean business type clothing to the Career Closet where women needing work clothes can find a free wardrobe.

Support the Troops

BCRW Members participate in Support the Troops rallies which are organized by rally coordinator, Mark Johnson, and are usually held at the corner of 9th Street and Circle Blvd. in Corvallis, Oregon. Rallies are held from 12 Noon to 1 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Occasionally, rallies are held in front of the National Guard Armory, 1100 NW Kings Blvd. For dates, call Republican Headquarters at (541) 754-9155 and ask to be added to Mark's 'Rally Notice' call list.

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• The BCRW partners with Operation Homefront. See our Troops Support page for details.

• The BCRW Club and individual members support the Soldier's Angels Valour-IT Project. Contributions go toward supplying injured troops under treatment for arm and hand injuries or amputations at major military medical centers with voice-activated laptop computers so they may keep in touch with friends, loved ones, buddies still in the field, and surf-the-net without having to use computer keys or a mouse.

• BCRW also contributes to Spirit of America, a citizen support group which responds to the requests of soldiers in the field and more.

  

• BCRW Members supported the Dolls for Iraqi Children Project while Cpl. Ernest Zacher (pictured right), initiator of the project, served in Baghdad.

• BCRW participates in "Cell Phones for Soldiers" - When Maureen Russian, 2006-2007 BCRW President, decided to replace her cell phone she discovered an organization, "Cell Phone for Soldiers", which collects and reconditions cell phones to send to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Maureen invited BCRW members to participate and to let others know about this cause to help the troops keep in touch with their loved ones here at home. Cell phones (with accessories) have been collected for our soldiers at Republican Headquarters (980 NW Circle Blvd. in Corvallis) ever since.

BCRW Donates Flag

Benton County Republican Women donated a United States Flag to the Corvallis School District at the regular meeting of the 509-J Board of Director's on October 9, 2006. The flag was presented with a certificate to show that it had officially flown over the U.S. Capitol. The poem Old Glory was read and a document explaining the meaning of the 13 folds of the flag was also presented to complete the short ceremony. The flag was secured by Sen. Ron Wyden at the request of Stella Guenther.

Attending the presentation were members and associates, Maureen Russian, Stella Guenther, Jean Nelson and John Detweiler. Dawn Tarzian, School Superintendent, expressed her thanks and appreciation for the flag that replaces the old flag used in the board room.

Politics

A thank you from the Benton County Republican Central Committee

The Benton County Republican Central Committee extends its gratitude to BCRW members and associates for their service to the party throughout the years. You have participated in every honorable aspect of politics in Benton County. You've helped the party make its presense known in the community; you've contributed and helped with fundraising; you've supported and provided a platform for candidates at your meetings and; you've educated us all by bringing interesting speakers to Benton County. You've volunteered for task after task. You've folded, stuffed, licked, sealed and stamped to process mailings and campaign literature. You've helped man the HQ. You've participated in phone banks and spent countless hours entering data. You've canvassed and served in precincts. All your efforts are truly appreciated. Your organization is a quality asset to the Republican Party and to Benton County.
Thank you.

2006-2007 Biennium: Congratulations BCRW - You've earned two very impressive Awards!

For the 2006-2007 biennium, the Benton County Republican Women were presented with certificates for Caring for America 1st Place Award and a "Gold" Club Achievement Award from the National Federation of Republican Women. Diamond is the highest club achievement award and the BCRW came very close.

Keeping track of club members' volunteer hours and club achievement points is a complicated and tedious job so be sure to thank Maureen Russian and Whitney Lindquist for their effort. They did a terrific job.