58th Convention, 18th Biennial Convention REMINDER: MAY 26th is NATIONAL POPPY DAY to commemorate those soldiers fallen in battle. Please wear a Red Poppy on your left lapel! A small, but important and relevant tidbit of information in the tidal wave of information to be learned at a state convention of the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women.(Your full membership in HCRW gives you access to these conventions and websites.) Besides learning about other clubs’ activities from around the entire state of North Carolina, we also learn from the NCFRW board the legislative focus of the club on family issue: abortion no longer allowed after 12 weeks instead of 20 weeks; the need to keep the pressure on our legislators to save Title IX to keep biological women competing against biological women in women’s sports and School Choice. We are also advocating for Photo IDs to vote. We were asked to support Tricia Cotham who is being heavily attacked by the Democrats and keep our legislators in prayer as the governor called out the names of the legislators who voted on the abortion bill which isn’t ever done. Our speakers were NC Treasurer, Dale Folwell and A.P. Dillon from the North State Journal. NC Treasurer Folwell gave a glowing report of the financial status of our state. He is doing a great job. Economically we are in excellent shape. A.P. Dillon gave a chilling report of the number of child molestations and exploitation in our schools by school staff members. She cited the statistic that 1 in 10 children are molested or exploited by a school staff member. She said the state needs to hire more help in prosecuting these matters. NC has only 1 paralegal sorting through the reports. She cited several bills in legislation now we need to support like HB 142: Protect our Students Act to increase penalties on certain sex offenses.
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A GREAT SUCCESS!  After enjoying a lovely, relaxing lunch at Laurel Ridge Country Club, a group of 16 women and men attended a “Preparation, not Paranoia,” Personal Safety & Situational Awareness class at the Laurel Ridge Country Club Pro shop/exercise room area taught by longtime law enforcement teacher, Harry Katt. Everyone participated, taking notes in their individual Training Guides which Harry provided and in small groups, where Harry asks you to take action in an actual crime scenario. Mental awareness or vigilance was stressed as most criminals are opportunists. Always be on the “look-out” for anomalies in your surroundings. Always assess and reassess your surroundings looking at behaviors, not the person. Harry packs a ton of helpful information and hints into the three-and-a-half hour course. He has a wealth of stories from his own experience as a 30 year veteran of the police and teaching in the military, to help everyone with situations that are common in our daily lives. HCRW thanks Harry for his excellent, highly informative class and encourages anyone who is concerned about their personal safety in this day and age to take one of Harry Katt’s many classes. Harry can be reached at website: 4rceOptions@gmail.com or call 828.926.8265   On Tuesday, March 21st the High Country Republican Women enjoyed an informative evening featuring speaker, Marla Morris, a newly elected Haywood County School board member. Marla spoke to HCRW regarding the status of the Haywood county schools.
The schools have gone ahead and repaired some of the damage caused by the August 2021 Flood caused by T.S. Fred, but have not been reimbursed by FEMA. The Canton Paper Mill’s imminent closing has added additional stress to the school budget due to projected loss of tax base. Also, Marla stressed the need for additional funding as 500 students left the public school system during Covid due to the masking policies mandated by North Carolina. Marla said the board is currently voting on allowing the homeschoolers to attend a half day of classes, so they can join in the sports which should help with the loss of 500 students. All these events have left a “shortfall” of over a million dollars in the schools’ budgets. Marla wondered if a new and expanded jail should take priority and, though she supports parents’ rights on school choice, she said the Charter schools are proposing Bill 219 Charter School Omnibus in the general Assembly to gain access to a pool of funds the public schools have been using and need for extracurricular activities. Marla handed out several sheets of information; regarding school funding and school performance, parental rights, and the dates the schools were built and renovated. All this information is available to the public on the Haywood County schools’ website: haywood.k12.nc.us. Marla encouraged everyone to go on the website, then type in even a single word for a subject and the relevant information would come up. We thank Marla for covering many topics of concern about the schools and her gracious offer to get back to folk with specific questions. We know Marla and the school board and administration will continue to do their best for the school-age children and their families in Haywood County.  HCRW thanks Haywood County Commissioner and HCRW member, Jennifer Best, for speaking at Tuesday's Lunch and Learn hosted by Frankie's in Maggie Valley. Jennifer answered a list of questions posed by the membership and took questions from the floor. A very informative afternoon! High Country Republican Women are proud to have a strong women champion our conservative values with an eye to the future for our young folks on the Haywood County Board of Commissioners
 Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at GOP HQ High Country Republican Women hosted Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke, Chief Deputy Matthew Trantham and Public Information Officer, Gina Zachary.
Sheriff Wilke discussed the need for a new jail. He corrected a few errors in a newspaper article about the number of new jail beds (255 new beds versus the current 146 beds) and the costs for shipping out inmates from the overcrowded jail is $40 per day or more depending on an inmate's medical needs. He stressed the humane treatment and respect for the inmates, but didn’t want Haywood County jail to be referred to as the “Haywood Hilton” by criminals. Regarding the illegal drug activity, he believes “the needle exchange” program was not deterring but “enabling” the illegal drug community. As for “the early pre-trial release” and “low bail bond” issues, while somewhat helping the problem of overcrowding in the jail, lead many offenders to repeat previous offenses. He is asking for partnering with the other counties’ sheriffs through the Sheriffs’ Association and he is working with our legislator in Raleigh this week to find some solutions. As for criminal activity from Asheville, the homeless population tends to go to Florida in the wintertime, but the transient community in the Walmart area is being investigated. There is an uptick in public nuisance there, but fortunately, no serious problems yet. The Sheriff demonstrated several ways to ward off being targeted. Sheriff Wilke stated very clearly the differences between the non-compliant offenders and those seeking help. He believes Haywood county is a community of compassionate, loving folks, who don’t want to be taken advantage of by “non-compliant” offenders. He feels strongly in accountability for the illegal drug/ alcohol abuser community and sees there needs to be a clearer understanding of “mental health” as it applies to criminals. Lastly, Bill broached the subject of school safety officers or SROs which is a growing concern. He is implementing an emergency plan in the event of an “active shooter” event, as he wants to be proactive. Again, it seems to be a funding issue with a high price tag of over a million dollars to start-up and then the challenge of on-going funding. Sheriff Wilke, only in office for 52 days, is tackling these issues using multi-county and state legislature support. High Country Republican Women support his efforts and look forward to hearing from him later this year. We believe in law & order and justice for all Be Proud to be a HCRW Member. You make a difference in NC and the US!
On November 18-19th the NCFRW hosted the 2022 Tribute to Women and NCFRW Fall Board of Directors Meeting at the Richard Childress Racing Events Center in Lexington, NC. I was fortunate to represent our HCRW among the 32 statewide clubs. There were 163 ladies and gentlemen in attendance. Michael Whatley, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, couldn’t praise our clubs enough for all the hard work all our members did state wide for the midterm elections, both in our local communities and statewide. He cited the stupendous number of door knockings, phone calling, poll greeting and poll observing we provided. He said we will have a supermajority in our state government as we now have the courts and can re-district according to the NC and US Constitutions. He recognized our clubs for the fact that “North Carolina is a solidly red state!” Our NC State Treasurer, Dale Folwell spoke on the excellent health of our state’s economy due to his conservative fiscal policies. North Carolina is rated # 1 nationally for business outlook and we maintain an AAA bond rating under Republican leadership NC going from billions in debt to billions in prudent reserves. He said, “There would be no Republican Party in NC without the Republican women of the NCFRW” of which your membership in HCRW makes you a member! He now is fighting the secret contracts of the healthcare “cartels” and their weaponizing of credit scores. He concluded his remarks by saying to check the state website: “nccash.com” to see if the state is holding any cash that is yours and you can claim. (Check it out. Folks have found varying amounts of cash due them!) The NCFRW honored 15 women for outstanding service and gave top awards to Rep. Pat Hurley, Rep. Pat McElraft and NCFRW past president, Pat C. Smith. (I will bring the meeting brochure to the next several HCRW meetings, if you want to read more about these accomplished women.) Be proud to be a member of the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women or NCFRW! Your membership in High Country Republican Women automatically gives you membership with all its privileges and recognition at the state and national levels of the Federation of Republican Women. The NCFRW Winter meeting will be held in Raleigh, NC February 3-5, 2023. Gordon Chang will be our speaker. If you want to attend, please contact Paula. The National Federation of Republican Women Biennial Convention will be held in Oklahoma City, Ok. September 28 - October 1, 2023. More information will be available soon. You make a difference! High Country Republican Women Host Inaugural Lincoln-Reagan Dinner  On Tuesday night August 30th, High Country Republican Women held our first annual Lincoln/Reagan Fundraiser Dinner at the Clubhouse in Brannon Forest. We had a total of 66 members, associates, and friends contributing to our event. During cocktail hour there were 50/50 raffle tickets for sale as well as USATrumpStore patriotic jewelry was awarded for donations to HCRW.
Before dinner service, HCRW member Pat Carr gave the Invocation. Effie Atkinson representing the DAR (our coordinator with HCRW for the Charters of Freedom Project), led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. We also recognized our county commissioners & candidates, Jennifer Best, Tommy Long (and his wife April) and commissioner candidate, Terry Ramey who were in attendance. Bob Persons, Elder of Hazelwood Presbyterian Church said grace over the meal. A fabulous Kanini’s buffet dinner was served by members, Bev & Charlie Boatright. During dessert, Kay Wildt, President of the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women gave a brief history of the club and urged women to join our club and get involved in this crucial midterm election year. Vice-President of NCFRW, Doris Hawkins, also joined Kay in her enthusiastic support of our dinner. Doris is tireless in her devotion to attending all her mountain region clubs’ events. We were truly honored by their attendance. After dinner, our NC Senator and candidate for U.S. Congress from NC District 11, Chuck Edwards, took the podium and gave an update on his service in the NC Senate then translated his actions into how he will implement his efforts as an US Congressman from NC. Senator Edwards stressed the need for biblically based values, accountability, and common sense fiscal responsibility. A lively Q&A from the dinner guests ensued followed by hearty applause! President Lincoln took over the podium with jokes, tall tales, and excerpts from his speeches. The dinner guests were surprised by President Lincoln with a Lincoln Trivia Questionnaire Contest. The winner was Kay Wildt, President of NCFRW! (Also, a native of Illinois.) HCRW President, Paula Eachus presented her with the highly acclaimed and much applauded book, “Abe, Abraham Lincoln in his times” by David S. Reynolds published in 2020. Our Honest Abe drew the winner of the 50/50 raffle. A very happy Terry Ramey won the drawing with over $150. The evening was enjoyed by everyone. It was a great opportunity to meet our Republican candidates and club officers in a relaxed and intimate setting. We cleared, after all donations and expenses, over $2300. These donations go directly to support our Republican candidates running in the crucial 2022 November midterm elections. Thank you all for attending. I look forward to seeing everyone at our next regular HCRW meeting Tuesday, September 20th, “Exposing Crimes of Socialism” by Jonathan Uzcatequi, Vice Chair of the NC Republican Hispanic Coalition. Please see HCRW calendar of events for details on our website: HighCountryRW.com. The first quarter of 2022 was chock-full of events for High Country Republican Women.
January. The HCRW Board met on its first “zoom” meeting. We submitted our 2022 membership list of 32 members to the National Federation of Republican Women from our December Membership Drive & Christmas Party. We changed our regular meeting times to the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Our schedule this year has been affected by redistricting court battles vis-a-vis the availability of if the GOP headquarters. Please note: the primary elections will be held May 17th 2022. Please try to attend the many candidate forums listed on the Haywood County website: haywood.nc.gov. February. On Monday February 7th Jason Hughes, Tony Cope, and Bill Wilke, the 3 Republican candidates running for Sheriff of Haywood County met for a panel discussion at the Haywood County GOP Headquarters. The candidates were given questions culled and compiled from questions submitted by the membership, their friends, and families. The headquarters was filled to capacity with 88 people. The audience participated with the Sheriff candidates in a lively conversation, so we had a closer look at the candidates. March. On Tuesday March 8th we enjoyed a luncheon at Ian and JoJo’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant in Waynesville. Jennifer Best, incumbent running for Haywood County commissioner; Judge April C. Wood, running for NC Supreme Court judge; Judge Donna Forga, running unopposed for district court judge for the 30th Judicial District; and Michele Woodhouse, former chair of the 11th Congressional district running for U.S. Congress, joined us to discuss the challenges of “Women in Politics.” Judge April Wood emphasized the need for experience, a thick skin, a sense of humor, persistence, and, of course, charm as key elements for being a women in politics. Michele Woodhouse agreed adding the necessity for high voltage energy. Judge Donna Forga stressed the importance of experience for the job. And Jennifer Best expressed the “precious” nature of our right to vote. On Tuesday March 22nd, HCRW hosted a panel discussion on “Grandparents’/Extended Family’s Rights" in custody of grandchildren of drug/alcohol impaired parents. We had 3 speakers: Ellen Pitt, co-founder of Grandparents Coalition; Madalyn Skiles, 45 yr. veteran Foster Care parent & MAPPS Trainer; and Karla Wood, Family Practice attorney. The issue was presented from 3 different points-of-view which sparked many questions. The panelists generally agreed it is better for families to step-in before the Department of Social Services is involved. “Stepping-in” can be tricky, as school teachers are required to report any suspicions of child endangerment, as soon as possible, catching grandparents and extended family often unaware of a quickly deteriorating situation. The 3 panelist encouraged HCRW members and concerned friends to reach out to them with any further questions or for more information. Contact information: Ellen Pitt, Grandparents Coalition email: ellen.t.pitt@gmail.com Madalyn Skiles, 45 yr. Foster Care parent & MAPPS Trainer (tel.) 828.479.1256 (best way to contact) email: madalynskl@gmail.com Karla Wood, Family Practice attorney (tel.) 828.734.6910 email: kmwoodlaw@gmail.com April. The next meeting of HCRW will be on Tuesday, April 26th. We are hosting the judges running for two Appeals judge seats and one NC Supreme Court seat. This may be a zoom meeting so more judges can attend. If you are unsure or unable to zoom on your computer, laptop, or i-phone - we will also be meeting in person at the HCGOP headquarters where you can see and hear the meeting on a large screen. May God Bless our country, our leaders, our families, and our club. Paula  Twinkle Patel, a resident of Maggie Valley for 23 years, High Country Republican Women's treasurer and founding member, successful and responsible business owner, mother and current MV Alderwoman did a stellar job at the candidates' debate this evening. She drew the first spot to respond to the moderator's questions followed by Jeff Lee, John Hinton and Jim Owens. She stated her positions clearly and with enthusiasm for the responsible development and respectful growth of Maggie Valley. Twinkle feels strongly about keeping the residential mountain charm and encouraging ecotourism while also promoting wholesome family entertainment and fun. She stated her support of the food truck project and helped institute the trial period to keep business in Maggie Valley. She spoke to several restaurant owners for their opinions and found them in favor of the food truck experience especially for young families. She stressed the need to pay town staff a better wage to keep them from going to other higher paying nearby towns. If Maggie Valley has a higher tax base with new development, Twinkle would like the Aldermen to lower taxes for residents and businesses. She also felt that there needs to be more transparency regarding the Aldermen's town meetings and decisions which recent technology would allow. She felt technology would keep so many more Maggie Valley folks better informed especially in this era of COVID and ultra-busy schedules for many hard working families. Twinkle was the youngest candidate, the most open to gathering information from all parties concerned on an issue, and the most willing to seek solutions to better the town while keeping the delicate balance between the old and the new. She will be an excellent Alderwoman for Maggie Valley. Please vote for Twinkle Patel. Early voting starts on October 14th and the last day to vote is November 2. She is running for a four year term as Maggie Valley Alderwoman.
 As a HCRW primary member, one of the fabulous rewards of being part of a 63,000 women-strong grassroots political organization, is being able to attend not only state conventions, but also, national conventions. Approximately 167 women representing every state in the USA attended the NFRW 41st Convention in Orlando, Florida.
Friday night, we had the great pleasure and excitement of hearing (possible 2024 presidential candidates?) the Honorable, Tim Scott, US Senator from South Carolina and also, the Honorable, Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, who both gave strong speeches. Senator, Tim Scott gave each of the ladies a long-stemmed, thornless rose and a passionate speech about his modest background and the fight in the US Senate. Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis gave a rousing speech about the challenges he’s overcome in Florida and how we need to take our country back from the current Democrat-Socialist policies. Both men emphasized the need to take back our country and stand up for our Constitutional rights and American liberties. Saturday morning, Ann Schockett, NFRW President from New York, opened the 41st Biennial Convention. Remarks were made by Mike Huckabee, one among many government officials presenting. Huckabee acknowledged that the efforts of the women in the room were the main reason he was at the podium and the reason many Republican government officials got elected. He has great respect for the NFRW organization and told us to keep our government officials accountable. Don’t back down. We need to ask for support from the leaders and county officials we support. Our featured speaker for the Saturday luncheon was Governor, Kristi Noem of South Dakota (another possible 2024 presidential candidate?) She spoke of the victories of keeping her state opened during the Covid lockdown, the challenges South Dakota faces now and her beliefs. She stressed strong families, strong faith, freedom to pursue the American dream of opportunity and justice for all and emphasized the necessity of a woman’s perspective in government. She was direct, had a good sense of humor and exuded confidence in herself and her family and pride in her state. Following the speaker luncheon, we were treated to a sneak preview of the film “Reagan” by the producer, John Sullivan. To be released in 2022. Dennis Quaid as Reagan does a masterful job. Then, we broke into workshops. You could chose one from: communications, fundraising, membership (which I attended), or leadership. If issues are your passion you could chose either workshop: critical race theory or election integrity. Each workshop had experienced and knowledgeable presenters. I regretted not being able to attend all of them. The awards ceremony topped off a great day. I’m so proud of our High Country Republican Women’s club. In our first six months and with our slate of projects for September through 2021year-end, we managed to get the Silver Achievement Award! This is usually not achieved until the second year at the earliest. Way to go ladies! Keep up the good work! I am proud to report that North Carolina clubs got awards in nearly all categories, so as a state we rock! The North Carolina Federation of Republican Women celebrated the day dining together Saturday night. The NCFRW hospitality room and dinner attracted many guests and government officials who had presented. We are known through the federation for our hospitality. On Sunday, NFRW Faith Coalition Chair, Janis Holt, led the “Be the Light” prayer breakfast, with an uplifting gospel singing group. The general session opened with traditional patriotic music by The Spirit of ’76, a Hispanic group which truly got the convention up and moving. The speakers were Katie Hopkins, a British conservative media personality with an awesome message (Please research her.) She’s been banned from South Africa for speaking up against racism towards whites, deported from Australia for criticizing the lockdown, arrested in UK for her views and the target of a jihadi plot to behead her. A 6 foot 2 inch tall blond, no less! Gordon Chang, author and China expert, spoke next on the threat from China. He made several recommendations: severe relations with China, cut trade, stop giving money to their military, close their embassies in the US, stop Chinese spies, cut the technology agreements and biological technology research with China which have led to the Covid and Fentanyl epidemics in America, don’t allow their DNA storage and ban Confucius Institutes from our university campuses. Business was concluded with the election of the new NFRW board and passing the gavel. It’s a magnificent occasion to be part of a group of women dedicated to getting women with strong moral and conservative values involved in politics to champion our Republican values. I got to swap state pins (see above photo) with many ladies from New Hampshire to California, Arizona to Wyoming. I heard about their clubs, their communities, their ideas and the challenges they face not only politically, but also in their own families with children, grandkids and great-grandkids. I sat next to a member from Texas and heard first-hand what she’s seeing with the flood of illegal immigrants and how it’s impacting her community. I discussed with the VP from New Hampshire the epidemic of drug addiction invading their area. I learned how a member from Florida was helping the poor of her community stay out of poverty and how Covid numbers were being doctored in Florida. I listened to a club member from California share how her club membership was rocketing due to the liberal policies and governance in California. I encourage you to take advantage of the rewards of membership. Get involved in HCRW locally. Meet other ladies from North Carolina at the state conventions and from around our great country at the biennial convention with the same passions and dedication as yours. Help our voice in government grow stronger and elect officials who truly represent us. Thanks to all of you for the opportunity to serve. Paula Eachus President, High Country Republican Women |
PAULA EACHUS
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