The annual Summer Potluck Picnic and Membership Drive of the Benton County Republican Women was held at Janet Paine's beautiful home on Monday, July 27, 2009. Janet is such a fine hostess and makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable. The view is an incredible series of Christmas Trees of various growth stages spilling over rolling hills. First Vice President, Hawthorne O'Rourke stood in for President Lou Copes who was out of state. Christine Strawn, Vice President of the Oregon Chapter of Operation Homefront, was the guest speaker. Christine explained that the recent deployment of National Guard Troops to Iraq was the largest deployment in Oregon's history and so Operation Homefront is committed to assisting a huge number of families of the deployed and she explained the many ways in which BCRW members can help.

The Benton County Republicans participated in the Philomath Frolic Parade on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Sid Leiken, Mayor of Springfield and 2010 candidate for U.S. Congress for Oregon District 4 and Andy Olson, Incumbent Oregon State Representative for District 15 and 2010 candidate, walked the parade route passing out candy and balloons with the help of Mayor Leiken's campaign assistant, Jenn Thompson and Linda Bartcher. Bob Bartcher expertly pulled the float again this year. We were pleased that John Bussell, race car driver representing Operation Homefront, and his son Gary joined us for the parade as well as Laurie Rentz as the Statue of Liberty. Others riding the float were Lee McLaughlin and his daughter Hailee, John Detweiler, Stella Guenther, Sandra Hickey and PJ Hunter. Philomath parade goers are so enthusiastic and always make this event such a pleasure. Our thanks to all!

This second AFP Tea Party held in Corvallis, Oregon in front of the Benton County Courthouse was one of thousands of Tea Parties held across the USA to let our elected leaders know that "We the People" are fed up with government spending and our eroding freedoms.

The 2009 Benton County Republicans' annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast was held in the parking lot at the NEW Republican Headquarters, 1760 SW 3rd St., in Corvallis, Oregon. It was a great way to start this Independence Day's celebrations. Wishing you all a wonderful 4th and thank you for having breakfast with us! Our thanks to all who helped prepare breakfast, including Jerry J. Jackson, Sr., candidate for Benton County Commissioner and to Sid Leiken, candidate for U.S. Congress in Oregon's 4th District, who attended with his lovely wife. We hope you all got to meet these fine candidates.

With the Oregon Federation of Republican Women, BCRW members made their annual visit to the Oregon State Capitol on May 21st. At registration, Sen. Ted Ferroli and Rep. Bruce Hanna briefed attendees on the major issues and compared Republican policies to those of the Democrats. On the program was a visit to both the gallery of the House of Representatives and the Senate while sessions were in progress. Republican legislators spoke during lunch and Holly Swanson discussed the green movement effecting Oregon. A choice of a 'historical' or 'secrets of the capitol' tours were offered. A group photo was taken on the Capitol steps to close this day of high interest.

The Oregon Chapter of Operation Homefront sponsored the 2009 Armed Forces Day Tribute and Flag Rally at 11:00 a.m. in front of the National Guard Armory, 1100 NW Kings Blvd. in Corvallis, Oregon. The Benton County Republican Women provided finger food and beverages. The rally was non-partisan and open to all who wished to participate in honoring the wonderful men and women of the Armed Forces.

The OFCR State Convention kick-off dinner was held Saturday, April 25th in the McKenzie Conference Center at Salbasgeon Suites in Corvallis.

On Tax Day, citizens gathered to make their concerns know and voices heard concerning government over-spending, corporate bailouts and mounting debt which is being placed on the shoulders of younger and future generations. Tea Parties were held across the nation as a grassroots movement of solidarity which easily crossed party lines.

This year the Benton County Republican Women helped with the 2009 celebration of President Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday and Oregon's 150th Anniversary of Statehood. A dinner and benefit auction was held on March 14th by the Linn and Benton County Republicans at Teen Challenge in Shedd, Oregon. U.S. Representative Greg Walden was the main speaker, State Representative Andy Olson served as Master of Ceremonies and Reece Hrizuk was the auctioneer. We thank our guests for joining us for this very special evening. Also, our thanks to all at Teen Challenge for their part in making this event a joy.

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The Benton County Republicans' float entry in the Philomath Frolic Parade, July 12, 2008

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OFRW District IV Directors' Meeting, June 21, 2008, at the Eola Inn Restaurant near Salem, Oregon.

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On Saturday, May 17, 2008, The Oregon Chapter of Operation Homefront sponsored a "Support the Troops" Flag Rally in front of the Oregon National Guard Armory on Kings Blvd., in Corvallis.

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Oregon Federation of Republican Women (OFRW) "Day at the Capitol," Friday, May 16, 2008

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Click here for photos from the Oregon Federation of College Republican's 2008 Convention Dinner

The Benton County Republican Women held their annual Christmas party with installation of officers and a fabulous potluck luncheon on December 17, 2007 at the lovely home of Jean Mater

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Benton County Republicans held their December 13, 2007 Christmas meeting
with an appreciation dinner to acknowledge volunteers

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Benton & Linn County Republicans Enter Float in Albany's Veterans Day Parade, Saturday, November 10, 2007. Dale Clark, Oregon Chapter president of Operation Homefront, pulled the float.

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The theme for Albany's 2007 Veterans Day Parade was "Veterans Give Us Freedom." With around 200 entries, and as many as 40,000 spectators, Albany hosts the largest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi. It was an honor for the Benton County Republican Women to assist with the joint Benton and Linn County Republican Float.

GOP Float in OSU Homecoming Parade, Corvallis, Oregon, October 27, 2007

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The Benton and Linn County Republicans joined with the OSU College Republicans to participate in the Oregon State University Homecoming Parade held October 27, 2007. Sponsored by the OSU Alumni Association, the parade started at 10:30 a.m. from 1st Street and Jefferson Avenue in Corvallis, proceeded to OSU and then wound through campus. The Benton County Republican Women took responsiblity for float design and led the joint decorating work parties. The parade theme was, "Home is where the Orange is!"

Maureen and Stella attend the National Federation of Republican Women's 34th Biennial Convention
Palm Springs, California, September 27-30, 2007

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The Benton County Republican Women of Oregon were represented at the 34th Biennial Convention of the National Federation of Republican Women by Maureen Russian, 2006-2007 President, and Stella Gunther, Immediate Past President. The event was held September 27 through 30, 2007 in Plam Springs, California. More than 1,500 Republican women leaders from across the nation attended this event to prepare and train for the 2008 elections. Mayor Rudy Giuliani, 2008 Presidential candidate, addressed the group at the general session on Saturday, September, 29th. As a side trip, Maureen and Stella visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Benton County Republican Booth at Corvallis Fall Festival, September 22 & 23

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The Republican Pasta Booth at the 2007 Corvallis Fall Festival was once again a smash hit and a successful fundraiser for the Benton GOP. Jean Nelson chaired the event. Fall Festival was held on September 22nd & 23rd in Central Park. Many thanks to all who volunteered!

BCRW Members participate in Operation Homefront's Freedom Walk 2007 on September 11th

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Representative Andy Olson seeks information on health care innovations at the August 21st Health Fair in Corvallis

Rep. Olson meets with GOP Seniors in front of the Medicare Bus
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With some fanfare, the Medicare Bus made a stop at the Health Fair held at the Corvallis Senior Center while on a national tour promoting preventive health care. The spectacular graphics, which cover the bus from stem to stern, made for an irresistible backdrop for a group photo. Front Row L to R: Anita Crowe, Rep. Andy Olson, Dorothea Rampton, Catherine Waterman, and Christie Sullivan, Legislative Assistant. Back Row L to R: Nancy Davis, Shirley Douglass, Roman Guenther, Whitney Lindquist, Birdie Reetz, Maureen Russian, Leo Reetz, Betty Robidart, George Mears, Jean Nelson, Charles Nelson, Merle Waterman and Mark Johnson.

Benton County Republican Picnic, August 8, 2007 with Senator Gordon Smith
Photos for this event were taken by Jennifer Rosenbalm of Jennifer Photography

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The Benton County Republican Picnic was held on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 in Lions Kitchen at Avery Park in Corvallis, Oregon. As keynote speaker, U.S. Senator Gordon Smith gave a powerful talk on capitalism and what it has allowed Americans to achieve. He warned against the creep of socialism in our economy suggesting that if people want to live in a socialistic country, they should go elsewhere. He touched on many conservative issues. Bill and Faye Fryer served as co-chairs for this event and they put together a fabulous team. The food was wonderful, the ambiance was friendly and the weather was absolutely perfect.

Republican Booth at the Benton County Fair, August 1-5, 2007

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WANTED: Photos of volunteers in the GOP fairbooth, contact PJ here.

Thank you to all who helped man the Republican Booth at the Benton County Fair: Stella Guenther (Fair Booth Chair), John Detweiler , John Wilder, Herb & Dona Hansen, Mark & Arlene McNabb, Donna Sapp, Reece Hrizuk, Mark Johnson, Maureen Russian, the Wills Family, Janet Hendrix, Jeff Kubler, Ron & Heather Wright, Birdie Reetz, Jane Buck, Evelyne Hendrix, Betty Robidart, Bill & Faye Fryer, Jeannine Gay, PJ Hunter, Leo Reetz, Dorothy Sarnoff, John Titman, Charlie Kratsch, Hilary Michelson, Heidi & Mike Neuffer, Charles & Jean Nelson and Dave Ware. As always, it was a pleasure to work with Dale Clark, President of the Oregon Chapter of Operation Homefront who shared boothspace with the Benton County Republican Party.

BCRW Summer Potluck Picnic, July 23, 2007

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We'd like to thank Charline King for hostessing the BCRW Summer Potluck Picnic at her lovely home. From the moment we arrived we were treated to Charline's warmth and graciousness which is reflected throughout her house and beautiful grounds.

Benton and Linn County Republican float entry for the Philomath Frolic Parade, July 14, 2007

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Our gratitude to all who helped make the July 14th Philomath Frolic Parade so much fun! Many thanks to Stella Guenther and her son, David, for designing and constructing a float structure. Our thanks also to Ron and Barb Hartz for providing a staging area at Landmark Realty; to Stella, Leo and Birdie Reetz, Jean and Charles Nelson and PJ Hunter for decorating and; to Bob and Linda Bartcher of the Linn County Republicans for offering their beautiful new truck to pull the float. Leo, Birdie, Stella and PJ rode the float with Bob driving, while Linda, Stella's grandchildren, Madison and Carson Guenther, joined Representative Andy Olson to help pass out candy along the parade route.

4th of July Pancake Breakfast & Yard Sale 2007

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BCRW Lincoln Day Dinner, February 11, 2007 at the Corvallis Country Club

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2006 Benton County Republican Women

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