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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
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 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  High Country Republican Women hosted Waynesville Alderwoman, Julia Freeman at their August 16th dinner. The event was held at the Haywood County Republican Party headquarters in Waynesville.
Welcomed by HCRW President Paula Eachus Alderwoman Freeman addressed the group and answered questions on issues of concern. The topics discussed were: taxes, low-barrier shelters, housing, road maintenance, town services, homelessness and the future direction of the town of Waynesville. Her positions on these issues were well received by the attendees. Freeman stressed the maintenance and enhancement of town services, support of law enforcement. She also stated she was supportive of existing facilities like Pathways and several other organizations which address the drug, alcohol, homeless, work force housing as they are all multi-tier issues. The evening was informative, lively and the dinner received many compliments. High Country Republican Women appreciated hearing these updates from a town leader. We hope to hear more from Alderwoman Freeman in the future. To learn of future events, please our visit website: HighCountryRW.com High Country Republican Women gifted 33 classroom flags and two ceremonial 7-foot U.S. flags to Shining Rock Classical Academy at the grand opening of its new school building Saturday, August 7, 2021.
The gift allows all students to be able to say the Pledge of Allegiance. They were unable to do so before this gift, as there were no flags in all the classrooms. High Country Republican Women President, Paula Eachus, congratulated Joshua Morgan, the head of school, and the board of directors, teachers, parents, and students on Shining Rock's accomplishment of getting the structure completed in time for the new school year during the pandemic. Eachus remarked how the school and the United States were both established through a common vision, personal perseverance and the freedom to pursue the better life. The cost of the flags, the poles and the mounting hardware and the two 7-foot freestanding ceremonial flags were raised by the members and friends of the High Country Republican Women, and did not involve any public monies. More information about High Country Republican Women is available at highcountryrw.com. Celebrating July 4th Today |
PAULA EACHUS
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