(Submitted by the Ohio Federation of Republican Women)
The 2016 Fall Ohio Federation of Republican Women’s (OFRW) Conference was held recently at the Mound Builders Country Club in Newark, Ohio. The Conference theme was, “Harvesting the Gifts of Republican Women.” Beverley Hirzel of Walbridge, Ohio and a member of the Wood County Republican Women’s Club was in attendance at the event.
“This OFRW Fall Conference was a fast paced, educational and inclusive conference for all attendees. We had great representation from throughout Ohio. Our speakers were well informed and inspiring,” said Hirzel.
The keynote speaker, Ohio Representative Dorothy Pelanda (R-86), reminded attendees that accountability is reciprocal. We each need to build relationships with our elected officials. She recommended inviting them into our homes and sending them notes of appreciation. Pelanda was joined by Joy Padgett, OFRW East District Vice-president LeeAnn Johnson and Katrina Pierson from the Trump Campaign, urging continued support for the Republican Presidential candidate.
Ohio’s Seventh District Court of Appeals Judge Mary DeGenaro gave an impassioned speech about the foundations and principles of our Constitution.
OFRW Treasurer Mary Beth Kemmer, Political Education Chair Kate Burch, First Vice president Janet Kushlan and Membership Co-chair Cindy Bias presented information on Documentation, Political Education Advocacy, and Member Recruitment, respectively. Public Relations Co-chairs Sarah JanTausch and Linda Casey provided the group insights into communicating with media, club members and the community. Fundraising Coordinator Julia Blankenship led an informative workshop on fundraising.
Secretary April Cohagen-Gibson explained the “Wreaths Across America” program and invited OFRW members to participate in the December 17 trip to Arlington National Cemetery. For more information, please contact Cohagen-Gibson at aprilcohagengibson@ohfrw.com
Leadership Chair Jeanne Bolton notified the group that there will be a Women Candidates School offered in the Spring and invited interested members to contact her.
The OFRW, founded in 1929, is Federated under the National Federation of Republican Women. OFRW is a statewide organization of hundreds of members in constituent clubs. It is the largest, most powerful women’s political organization in Ohio and provides the avenue for women to influence policy, develop candidates, and elect the leaders of Ohio. The OFRW is a multi-generational, multi-cultural organization that provides the structure and support for political activists to learn, engage, and flourish.
For more information, please visit www.ohfrw.com. For further information regarding the Wood County Republican Women’s Club, please contact Beverley Hirzel at njoyeachday1@sbcglobal.net
