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. The BCRW donated a copy of Holly's book, Set Up & Sold Out, to each Republican Representative and Senator with the exception of a few County RW clubs that elected to donate a book to their own legislator(s). The choice of a 'historical' or 'secrets of the capitol' tour was offered. A group photo was taken on the Capitol steps to close this day of high interest.

The "OFRW Day at the Legislature" counted as BCRW's May meeting for 2009. We have not received the official photos from OFRW as yet, however, you can see the unofficial photos on our Gallery page.

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Call to Order

Lou Copes opened the meeting by asking First Vice President Hawthorne O’Rourke to lead us in the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Officers present were: First Vice President, Hawthorne Ruth O’Rourke; Second Vice President, P.J. Hunter; Treasurer, Nancy Davis; Recording Secretary, Shirley Douglass; Corresponding Secretary, Anita Crowe; Immediate Past President and Awards Chairman, Maureen Russian; Stella Guenther, Chairman of the 100% Club and Public Relations Chairman.

Hawthorne O'Rourke: In order to have a sufficient amount of food available for our general meeting, please call in your reservation one week before the meeting. If your plans are uncertain and you need to call the reservation in later in the week please do so by Friday. We do allow for a meal or two extra but not a table full of ladies. Thanks for understanding that it could cost us if we try to guess how many ladies will be there.

Lou Copes: Forms were on each table to sign up for carpooling to OFRW’S Day at the Legislature. If you have a red jacket/sweater wear it. Cost is $20.00 per lady. A box lunch is provided.

Jeff Kropf is Chairman of the Americans for Prosperity and Freedom here in Oregon. He helps communities plan the Tea Parties in protest of the increase in taxes and “bail-outs.”

Stella Guenther: There is a mother of one of our National Guard Soldiers who wants to send Pizzas to our local unit in Afghanistan. Any donation toward this project will be appreciated.

The BCR Central Committee [Headquarters] is moving to 1760 S.W. Third Street, in the shopping center near Curves on the right hand side of the street going south. We will be helping with the move. Please call headquarters if you can help with painting and packing up equipment, and unpacking in the new building.

First Vice President, Hawthorne O’Rourke introduced our guest speaker, Chris Nusbaum, Sales Associate for Salbasgeon’s Hotel in Corvallis and former Mayor of Philomath, who most recently ran for the office of County Commissioner.

Mayor Nusbaum spoke to us about the challenges that we have in electing a Republican candidate in Benton County. He helped the city council in Philomath balance their budget and form a rainy day fund. In Monmouth, OR, he became the organizer for instituting a community Neighborhood Watch Program.

He shared vital information that he learned from his most recent campaign for County Commissioner. [Abridged minutes]

Jean Nelson gave an overview of the measures and candidates for the May 19, 2009, Election. Please read about the issues and candidates on the Benton County Republican’s web site.

President Lou recognized visitors and board members. She then asked for approval of the minutes for the general meeting of February 23, 2009. There being no corrections or additions, the minutes were accepted as posted on our web site. In lieu of the March general meeting, we had our Lincoln Day Dinner.

President Lou then asked for the treasurer’s report. Treasurer Nancy Davis reported that we have a balance of $8,256.49 on hand. On April 5, 2009 our CD for the Emily Weiser Trust was renewed at Citizens Bank for the balance of $1,425.39. We have twenty-eight Members and ten Associate Members. There being no additions or corrections, the report will be filed for audit. See attached copy of the report.

President Lou asked for a motion to adjourn. Tricia Graham moved and it was seconded that we adjourn the meeting.

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