Women's
REPUBLICAN
Club of Naples Federated
Dear WRC Naples Federated Sisters, Members and Friends,
Fifty years have passed since the final American military forces left Vietnam and our remaining prisoners of war were returned. Even after the passage of five decades, we still owe these veterans a large debt of gratitude during the conflict, political controversy and disagreement were sadly misdirected toward those who had admirably served our nation. When these brave warriors returned from Vietnam, they received neither a hero's welcome nor appreciation for their service that they deserved, but instead got apathy, anger and hate. Disappointingly, many were left to struggle alone with self-doubt, shame and the memories of those left behind.
Today there are approximately six million veterans from the Vietnam era - - more than 30% of America's veterans' population. March 29 - - National Vietnam War Veterans Day - - is dedicated to these heroes. You can honor these heroes by watching the National Veterans Memorial and Museum's Welcome Home Ceremony at 10 AM EDT by clicking on the link below. The keynote speaker will be Captain J. Charles "Charlie" Plumb (USN, ReT.), a Naval Aviator who was shot down and held prisoner in Vietnam for six years. He's legendary for his story "Who Packs your Parachute?" The 50th National Vietnam War Veterans Day IS a national opportunity to share our appreciation for the sacrifices made by a generation of Veterans. Thank you, Vietnam veterans, for your courage in war and service to our nation, both in and out of uniform
National Veterans Memorial and Museum's Welcome Home Ceremony Link
Kathi Lewis
President
Women's Republican Club Of Naples Federated
Campaign & Election Integrity Committee 2023-2024 ELECTIONS INFORMATION:
NEW VOTE-BY-MAIL RULES As of the 2022 general election (and implementation of Senate Bil 90), registered voters who wish to vote-by-mail must complete a new request for a vote-by-mail ballot with each midterm and Presidential election cycle. How do I request a vote-by-mail ballot? Contact the Supervisor of Elections office to request a Vote-By Mail ballot by selecting one of the following:REQUESTS FOR VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS TO BE SENT BY MAIL MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE IN THE COUNTY WHERE YOU VOTE NO LATER THAN 5 PM ON THE 10TH DAY BEFORE THE ELECTION.
You may pick up a vote-by-mail ballot at the Supervisor of Elections Office with one day's notice. In an emergency or extenuating circumstance, you may send someone to pick up your ballot with your written permission and qualifying identification (with the exception of those living in assisted living residences). If you are a disabled registered voter and wish to use the accessible vote-by-mail program, please contact the Supervisor of Elections Office. If you are out of town for the election (ballots are never forwarded), you may pick up a ballot or request one in writing (mail, fax or email) with your signature.
To track the progress of your ballot or request, go to www.colliervotes.gov or call the Supervisor or Elections Office.
UPCOMING ELECTIONS:
November 28, 2023 City of Everglades City Election
Only voters who reside within the city limits of the municipality (City of Evergaldes City, City of Marco Island and City of Naples) are eligible to vote in the respective municipal election. The City of Everglades City Municipal Charter states that their municipal election be held on the 4th Tuesday in November of each odd-numbered year.
March 19, 2024 Presidential Preference Primary
During the Presidential preference primary, voters who vote on Presidential candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties only unless there are also local and state issues and municipal elections consolidated to their ballot.
In the State of Florida, the Presidential preference primary allows voters to indirectly select who they want to represent their party during the general election in November. The outcome of this race will determine how many delegates each party's national convention will receive from the State of Florida. These delegates will the select their party's presidential nominee at each respective party's national convention. Voters residing within the City of Naples city limits will also see their mayoral and city council contest on their ballot.
For more information regarding the Republican Party, visit: gop.com
August 20, 2024 Primary Election
During the Primary Election, electors will vote for State and FederaL representatives (outside of the Presidency) within their party affiliations. If opposed within their own partiers. United States Senators, Representatives in Congress, State Representatives and State Senators will be on the ballot. Also, if opposed within their party - the five Constitutional Officers will appear on the ballot: the Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections and Tax Collector. Voters may also see county commissioners District 1, 3 and 5 and Precinct Committee men and women, depending on their jurisdiction. Voters may also see nonpartisan contests including Judges, School Board members, District 2 and 4 and local referenda items. Because Florida is a closed primary state, voters may only vote within their party. The winning candidates of the Primary Election who see opposition from another party will then go on to the General Election in November.
November 5. 2024 General Election
The general election ballot will list the candidates for the Presidency and the winning candidates of the August Primary Election. During this election voters will have the opportunity to vote for a candidate regarless of their party affiliation. Voters will also vote on statewide amendments and - based on their jurisdiction - local district seats such as Moquito Control and Fire Districts. Voters residing within the City of Marco Island city limits will also see their City Council contest on their ballot.
Join our Campaign Committee! CONTACT: Elaine Leppert, Chair (518) 421-1514 or leppertelaine@gmail.com
Joni Brickley, Vice Chair (239) 289-6319 or jbrickley14@gmail.com
COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT
WRC's Literacy and Education Committee experienced a major success with their Patriot Reader's Launch at First Baptist Academy last week. We were asked to partner with The Literacy Coordinator of Collier County Public School to read to their kindergarten and first grade classes!
CCPS has designated five schools for us to read to from October 2022 through April 2023. Each school has anywhere from 4 to 6 kindergarten and first grade classes which could easily calculate to 50 to 60 classes for the Patriot Readers to read to during this school year. The Patriot Readers will continue to read from the authorized books we have purchased and will continue to request donations towards purchasing more of these books.
This announcement means we must all be ready and signed up through the CCPS VOLUNTEER PAGE by next Monday, if you will be reading during the months of October through December 11.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FROM THE CCPS VOLUNTEER PAGE:
Current Volunteers: All volunteer applications expire every June 30th. If you wish to volunteer during the 22/23 school year, please submit a new volunteer application by clicking the link VOLUNTEER SIGN UP.
Effective July 1, 2022 the District implemented some significant changes to the volunteer program to simplify and enhance the application and screening process. These changes include:
If you are a current or former volunteer, these changes will require you to complete a NEW volunteer application form. You will be issued a new volunteer badge once approved. Former Level 2 volunteers will NOT be re-fingerprinted unless participating in an overnight or out-of-county trip.
The five designated CCPS schools are:
Palmetto Elementary Shadowlawn Elementary Lavern Gaynor Elementary Poinciana Elementary Parkside Elementary
Time is of the essence to become certified by CCPS if you want to volunteer from October through December of this year.Please contact Lytra Wilson with any questions.
The WRC Naples Armed Services Committee would like to provide a home cooked meal for the residents of the recently opened Alpha House, which is transitional housing for Veterans recommended by the David Lawerence Center, St Matthews House and the Hunger and Homeless Coalition. These Veteran residents take care of the home, and assist their community by initiating food drives, seasonal gift baskets and helping elderly neighbors.
To learn more about WWCC visit WWCollier.org.
If interested in making a meal once a month for the residents of Alpha House, please contact Laura at munksmom96@yahoo.com.
A message from our Faith Engagement Committee
WRC Faith Column Hope #8
As we search for answers and accept the awesome responsibility to preserve our American values, it is necessary for us to be reminded of our strong American foundation as stated in the Preamble of our Constitution: "WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Our founders were at the nascent stages of a brand-new experiment. They ventured to create a "republic" and they were not even sure as to what that meant! However, They were faithful believers in the God of Love who sent his only begotten Son to open the doors of eternal life for mankind with an inheritance in His Kingdom. They were men of courage and conviction, servants of the people, shepherds of the flock. The longing in our American hearts can be satisfied with the truth found in Scripture that shows us the way and classic literature that encourages us to hope.
Joshua 1:7 "Above all be firm and steadfast, taking care to observe the entire law...do not swerve from it either to the right or to the left, that you may succeed wherever you go."
Seamus Heaney: "History says don't hope on this side of the grave. But once in a lifetime, the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up, and hope and history rhyme."
Please pray on this National Day of Prayer that our country's leaders will embrace our founding principles that were so divinely inspired, and in doing so, foster hope for us all. God bless our great country on the National Day of Prayer and every day.
Marilyn Romeo
If you are interested in more
information and joining this committee
please contact Lisa McGowen at mcgowanlh@gmail.com
The State of America: Nowhere to Go But Up, Watch it Rise
Brought to you by the WRC Legislative Committee
"Opportunities come infrequently. When it rains gold, put out the bucket, not the thimble." - Warren Buffett
Arizona's No Label's Party, Afghanistan, Assault on Riley Gaines
President Biden, Biden Administration, BLM and Woke Corporations
Governor DeSantis, Rep. Donalds
Florida Bills Passed and Awaiting Signature by Governor DeSantis:
Legislation we are tracking in the Florida House:
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/bills.aspx
Legislation we are tracking in the Florida Senate:
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bills/2023
The Legislative Committee is training liaisons to assign to certain legislators and to track legislation. If you are interested please contact Tana Page or Vicki Lubben. WRCLegis@gmail.com
TO JOIN THE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
EMAIL WRCLEGIS@GMAIL.COM
TANA PAGE, CHAIR
VICKI LUBBEN, VICE-CHAIR
ELAINE LEPPERT, SECRETARY
WE NEED YOUR HELP
The Caring for America Committee needs your help to bring Hurricane Relief to the communities of Harmony Shores Mobile Park and Palm Lake Mobile Park. These communities lost everything and they need our help. They are currently without electricity.
I would encourage gift cards but if you have items then I would be happy to pick them up. The gift cards give us the ability to buy WHAT IS NEEDED.
If you are unable to give gift cards the basic items needed are: toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, cleaning tools, blankets, hygiene products, baby diapers, baby wipes, etc.
We will give you a full report and account for every penny spent. Thank you so much!
Please contact:
YVETTE BENARROCH
2nd Vice President
Florida Federation of Republican Women
239-253-8507
