President Annette has advised that the dates for the NYSFRW Annual Conference are Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, April 18, 19, and 20, 2010.  Once again we will be enjoying the hospitality of The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, NY.  Menu prices have gone up 5%.  However, the room rates have gone down.  Single and double will be $129.00 plus 14% taxes.  This rate does not include gratuities.  The meal package cost is $165.00 per person.  Don’t forget your $25 basket from your club for the Chinese auction, and don’t forget to send in your journal ad to help support NYSFRW.

First Vice President Mary Reilly is planning an exciting program, including a panel discussion of prominent women from political. literary and journalistic venues.  The topic will be Republican Women -We Know Where We Are Today, But Where Are We Going Tomorrow?  We will also have a workshop on Domestic Violence-Proposed Legislation  conducted by Dan Donovan, District Attorney from Richmond County.  We will be electing a nominating committee.  A celebrity guest speaker will entertain us at the banquet, S. E. Cupp, author and FOX News Contributor.  Also, Sunday night’s dinner will feature Ellen Karis, a political comedienne and FOX News Commentator.  These are exciting plans that you don’t want to miss.  For further information please click here for your 2010 Conference Call.

President Annette also requests that the membership save the last weekend in July for a Summer Conference in Saratoga.  Third Vice President Jenny Scarano is working on the plans for this weekend, and like the April Conference, details will be published here as soon as they are available.

Members of NYSFRW joined other Women for McCain and Veterans for McCain at six simultaneous rallies held around the State of New York on Saturday, November 1^st . We proudly held signs to help show support for the Republican ticket.

NYSFRW point persons were: Linda Burkhardt and Karen Chestnut-Sayers for New York City; Linda Wagner for Syracuse; Camille Pryputniewicz for Utica; Jane Stevens for Buffalo; Jenny Scarano for Albany; and Carolyn Rapp for Rochester.

250 participants gathered at the USS Oriskany Memorial Park site and roared to a chant of “Four bits, six bits, eight bits, a dollar – all for McCain-Palin stand up and holler.” This Oriskany site was particularly significant because John McCain was flying off of the USS Oriskany when he was shot down over Hanoi 41 years ago.

At the Foley Square Park rally in New York City which is just in front of the NYS Supreme Court Building in Manhattan, Lee Zeldin, an Iraq War veteran and 1^st Congressional District (Suffolk County) candidate was one of the main speakers. The Asians for McCain also joined this rally. K. T. McFarland gave a rousing speech. NYSFRW members in this area were supplied with wonderful signs provided by Karen Chestnut-Sayers.

At the Albany site, Republican candidates for Congressional Districts and Assembly Districts were the main speakers. In the Rochester area our ladies joined the veterans at the Viet Nam Memorial in Highland Park. They were later viewed on Time Warner Cable’s R News Channel. More than 100 people participated at the Syracuse Rally. Along with the local Republican candidates, supporters from around the state carried signs saying “Kiss my lipstick: McCain and Palin” and “Don’t elect socialism.” Many of the rallies were covered in newspapers and on TV.

These rallies were an amazing show of support and grass roots unity for our Republican Party in New York State. We are very proud to have had members of the New York State Federation of Republican Women join this force. We will remain a force to be recognized in future politics as we go forward, holding our heads high.

NYSFRW joins with NFRW and declares Monday November 24^th Sarah Palin Appreciation Day. Sarah Palin has made history and she is a rising star in the Republican Party. She made history as the Party’s first female vice presidential candidate. With a direct approach and dynamic personality, she was a powerful force on the campaign trail. Sarah, as she is often affectionately called, is energetic, enthusiastic, intelligent, courageous and a strong leader.

She has endured numerous attacks from the media and the pubic, but has handled her attackers with dignity and grace.

Sarah, we are proud of you!

ACT NOW!

We are asking that all our members take the time to send Sarah a letter thanking her for her leadership and dedication to our principles.

We want her to receive a tidal wave of letters showing care and support from Republican Women across the nation. Please forward this to all your like-minded friends.

Governor Sarah Palin
P.O. Box 110001
Juneau, AK 99811-0001

As President and Mrs. Bush leave the White House for their "afterlife" we pause a moment to say Thank You to them both for their leadership and service to the United States of America. We will miss you and we wish you well in your future. (photo by AP)

Official Call to the NYSFRW 2009 Annual Conference is now available. 
Click here to view a copy.

The 2009 Conference will be held at the Desmond in Albany, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, April 25, 26, and 27, 2009.  Host Clubs for the events will be the Women’s Republican Club of Saratoga and Schenectady County Women’s Republican Club.  We listened to your requests and scheduled the conference for a weekend to accommodate the working gals, and you asked for a Campaign Management School, so we scheduled one for you.  Also, if you are attending the entire conference, you will have a choice of your meal on Saturday and Sunday nights.

We will be celebrating 90 Years of the NYSFRW.  All Past Presidents will be honored at the Saturday night dinner. We are expecting past presidents:  Grace Clench, Diane Haslett Rudiano, Joan Hudson, Annette Marchitello, Joan Staats, Corinne Routly, Inez Palladino, Geraldine DeAngelo, Lorraine Delaney, and Jill Jackson to attend.  We will be sharing their memories and celebrating their former leadership.  Background classical guitar music will be provided during the reception.  Don’t forget to purchase your special 90th Anniversary of the NYSFRW pins at the conference. 

Workshops on Saturday will be Membership and Fund Raising.  Sunday will be a NFRW Campaign Management School open to members and guests.  We will also be electing a new slate of officers for 2009-2011.  They will be installed at the Sunday night banquet.

Monday morning we will be awarding our prestigous Woman of the Year Award and enjoy our speaker, Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward as we dine on a breakfast buffet before leaving for home.

We have invited interesting speakers and our honored guest will be Jane Lane 2nd Vice President of NFRW.  Many other special Republican officials have also been invited.

Please consider a journal ad to help NYSFRW support Republican women candidates.  Send your reservations in now -- don’t miss another great NYSFRW Conference!

K. T. McFarland, NYSFRW Member, tv commentator and columnist (among other positions she has held) believes that the NYGOP should reform or perish - and that GOP reformers should challenge the others in primaries - and that the NYGOP needs to reach out to people throughout the state, especially upstate, and to women and other groups we normally hardly even tolerate.

To read more of her article published in the Albany Times Union click here.

ALBANY - September 29, 2009

Dear Friend,

This is normally the time of year when taxpayers look forward to some needed property tax relief through New York’s STAR property tax rebate program.

On September 29th of last year, the first of the STAR rebate checks were mailed out to homeowners across my district. Families, seniors, and all homeowners have counted on these rebates to provide a little relief from today’s high costs and New York’s crushing property tax burden.

However, the rebate checks will not be coming in the mail this year. The STAR rebate checks were cut from the 2009 New York State Budget enacted earlier this year.

At a time when state spending has increased by more than 8 percent, the decision to eliminate the STAR rebate check to overburdened property taxpayers cannot be justified. On average, the elimination of STAR rebate checks will cost individual homeowners $403 in my district.

That is why I opposed the 2009 State Budget and fought hard to pass an amendment that would have restored the STAR checks. Unfortunately, this amendment was defeated by just one vote.

In addition to doing away with the STAR rebate checks, the 2009 New York State Budget did not include language to enact tax caps to limit future property tax hikes.

Instead of cutting the STAR program, the State Budget should have focused on providing additional property tax relief to assist middle-class and working-class New Yorkers trying to cope with these economic times.

Because of the important tax relief these checks provided to hardworking families throughout Upstate New York, I am now leading a new petition effort to restore the STAR rebate check program.

You can join this fight to restore STAR checks by visiting my website at http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/catharine-young, and signing the on-line petition. You can also find out more about the petition by calling this toll-free number: 1-800-707-0058.

Have your voice heard. By working together, we can help to ensure that our region’s homeowners get the property tax relief they need and deserve.

Sincerely,

Catharine M. Young

(The above press release taken from Senator Young’s Facebook page)

Every two years, We have the unique opportunity to introduce a young lady to NYSFRW and NFRW   by inviting her to serve as a Page representing New York State during the NFRW Biennial Convention. Through this experience she will have the opportunity to see what we do “up close and personal,” and to meet other young ladies from all over the United States.

NYSFRW is recruiting a young lady between the ages of fourteen and seventeen to be our New York State Page. Pages are registered for admission to the Opening Gala, two lunches and two workshops along with the same convention kit that members receive.   Onsite Page registration will be between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10th, and from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11th.

Our Pages will practice the Parade of Flags for Saturday’s Opening Ceremonies on Friday, September 11th as well. Following this practice, we will have a group photo and are planning a fun outing for most of the remainder of the day.

Other fun events for our future members are being planned, so it won’t be all work and no play. We are encouraging the Pages to participate in a “get acquainted” time on Thursday afternoon where the girls will have an opportunity to meet the Pages from other states. With that in mind, we are asking each Page to bring 55 small exchange items to trade with the other pages.

First consideration will be given to the daughters and granddaughters of delegates who will be attending. Each Page must have a designated Chaperone who will be required to sign her in and out of all events. Pages will not be allowed to room together without adult supervision, so our Page will need to be housed with her designated Chaperone. It is crucial that the Page and the Chaperone have a friendly relationship to ensure the best possible experience for the Page. Please note that only credentialed attendees are permitted into the Convention events. The cost of transportation, housing and incidental expenses is not covered by the NYSFRW.

Specifics on dress and fun events will be provided to the Pages and Chaperones by separate communication directly with them.

Information for the selected New York State Page must be returned to NFRW by July 1, 2009, so if you wish to apply for this great opportunity please send your application information immediately to:

NYSFRW President Annette M. Collins-Ferrara
PO Box 278
Oyster Bay, NY 11771


PAGE INFORMATION
Page Selection Criteria:
High School age - between 14 and 17 years old.
Nominees for State Pages should be sent to the State President.
Must arrive in Orlando, Florida, in sufficient time to register prior to Friday morning’s Opening Ceremony rehearsal. Thursday arrival encouraged.
Must have a Chaperone who is registered for the Convention, and who will be personally responsible for supervision during the entire Convention stay.
Must be physically capable of carrying an 8 foot flag.

Page Duties during Convention:
Carry and present a flag during the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, September 12th.
Sit with a state delegation and perform duties assigned by the State Federation President during the Convention sessions.
Assist with other Convention duties upon assignment by the Florida Host Committee Page Chair or NFRW staff.
Be responsible for wearing the designated Page uniform and footwear each day. Specific uniform details will be provided to each Page and Chaperone prior to the Convention.

Page Duties prior to the Convention:
Complete the Workshop selection section on the Registration Form located in the Official Call.
Complete the enclosed Biographical Information form, Liability Waiver and Medical Consent
form and return them to our NYSFRW President.

PAGE INFORMATION:
Page’s Contact Information: Phone: ______________________ Cell: ____________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________ State: ____________ Zip: ________________________
Email: ____________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________
Page’s Parent(s): ______________________________________________________________________
Page’s Chaperone and Relationship to Page: ________________________________________________
CHAPERONE INFORMATION:
Chaperone’s Contact Information: Phone: ________________________ Cell: _____________________
Email: ____________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________

PAGE BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Name___________________________________________________ Date of Birth _________________
Phone Number _________________________ Email address ___________________________________
Representing (State Federation) ___________________________________________________________
Family Information (parents, siblings, pets):
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Educational Interests (favorite subjects and extracurricular activities, i.e., music, art):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Other interests or Organizations outside school (i.e., church, photography, scouting):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
When I grow up, I want to be:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE ATTACH A PHOTO TO YOUR BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

LIABILITY WAIVER AND MEDICAL CONSENT

The undersigned gives permission for my daughter ____________________________________
to attend the National Federation of Republican Women’s 35th Biennial Convention in Orlando,
Florida from September 11 through 13, 2009, and by my signature below hold NFRW and its
agents, officers or representatives harmless from any act, error, or omission associated with that 35th Biennial Convention, including accident, injury or illness.

I understand that, provided due care is exercised, neither the NFRW, the Florida Federation of
Republican Women, nor the employees or agents of these organizations, will be responsible for any loss, injury or damage to any person or property in connection with the activities planned for the Pages.

In case of medical need or emergency, I further understand that my personal health insurance
will provide coverage for any medical aid and services deemed necessary by the appropriate
Chaperones during the course of the event. I hereby give my permission to medical personnel
selected by any Chaperone or agent of NFRW to provide care and treatment of my child
including, but not limited to, hospitalization, medication, injection, x-ray or laboratory services,
anesthesia, or emergency surgery for my child as named below.

DATED: ___________________
Page’s Name _______________________________________ Date of Birth _______________
Medical Insurance Company______________________________________________________
Insurance Identification Number ___________________________________________________
Parent / Guardian (please print) ___________________________________________________
Contact Telephone Numbers: Home: ________________________
Work: ________________________
Cell: ________________________
Signature of Parent / Guardian ___________________________________________

TEA PARTY PHOTO of Freida von Schiller and Kimberly Morella was taken in front of NYC City Hall on Saturday February 28, 2009, where these ladies joined in on the "Tea Party" fun - As you know, the Tea Party Conception was borne on CNBC February 19th 2009 by financial commentator Rick Santelli on the floor of the Chicago stock exchange...a  movement that spread across the country - TEA PARTY’s brought together regular people from all walks of life to have their voices heard.  Cries of " No More Pork", "Give me Liberty, not more DEBT" and spontaneous singing of "God Bless America" highlighted the day.
 
Also a video of this Tea Party can be found at:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OguDX00XfHU

Starting July 1st, 2009, individuals and businesses will have to pay a 2% State Assessment Fee on top of their monthly utility bills as part of the 2009-10 New York State Budget.

One Senate analysis estimated that the tax will cost the average upstate New York family $40 a year, while other estimates have placed the cost at up to $200 annually.

Overall, it’s expected to raise $557 million in the current fiscal year and more than $2.2 billion over the next four years it’s scheduled to remain in effect – all of which will be deposited into the state’s general fund.

In response to the outrageous tax increase on energy, Senator George Winner is calling upon Governor Paterson and Senate President Malcolm Smith to repeal this onerous tax.

We want New York State taxpayers to be able to join the Senator’s efforts and sign a petition calling for the repeal of the tax.

Here is the link where you can sign Senator Winner’s Petition and register your opposition.  http://www.senatorwinnerpetition.com/

Below are some very interesting comments in opposition to parts of the Obama Health Care proposed bills:

Sarah Palin’s article on Facebook --  Pelosi Health Plan should be DOA posted on 11/12/09.

Betsy McCaughey’s article in the Wall Street Journal -- What the Pelosi Health-Care Bill Really Says posted on 11/7/09.

From Eric Cantor’s website - a video by Republican Women expressing opposition and Republican solutions to the Obama/Pelosi Health Care plan -- posted 11/5/09:

From GOP.gov’s website - a video by Republican Congresswomen discussing the need for breast cancer screening -- posted 11/18/09

Rose Pascale, NYSFRW’s 1st JD Director died at the age of 92 on August 14, 2009.  She also served  as a community liaison to the Greenwich Village community board from 1969 until  she retired in 1986.  She was the daughter of Italian immigrants.  Rose’s daughter, Lulu Evans honored her with a eulogy at her funeral, remembering her many years of public service. 

In 1987, Rose joined an organization developing affordable housing for seniors and low-income families in East Harlem.  She worked for the SCAN/LaGuardia Memorial House also for years and was a board member until 1992.  Rose was a district leader out of the Uptown Republican Club since 1974, a delegate to the Republican National Convention that year and president of the New York County Republican Federation of Women.

She was honored in 1998 for six decades of community service, and in 1999 for service to the people of East Harlem. Rose was president of the Rosary Altar Society of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in East Harlem, where her funeral was held. In addition to her daughter, a son, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive.

First Annual RNC Women’s Summit. - Washington DC June 25, 2009

Attendees to the First Annual RNC Women’s Summit numbered close to 300, representing 48 states and commonwealths of the United States.

To explain the ‘vibe’ of the room, imagine a room full of “Alpha females” and you will get an idea of what the energy was like.

With an ambitious agenda, RNC Chairman Michael Steele and RNC Co-chair and host of the event Jan Larimer spoke of strengthening women’s contributions through the RNC Women’s Interactive Network. Co-Chair Larimer noted ‘women represent the majority in today’s politics and it is my goal to get them more involved in republican initiatives at every level. “Larimer continued “…we are focused on supporting strong grassroots organization, collaborating with our State parties, recruiting women candidates, and ultimately WINNING elections!”

Speakers included:

Dana Perino- Former White House Spokesperson

KellyAnne Conway- Owner of “The Polling Company”

Liz Cheney, Kate O’Beirne and a whole panel of Social Media experts and RNC staffers

Attendees were nominated by either a member of the Republican National Committee, which includes their National Committeeman and woman or state chair. New York attendees included Frieda VonSchiller, Rebecca Malone, Debra Leible, Lynn Krogh, and Jolinda Coughgan. Topics included; a real breakdown of women voters and how to direct your messages and candidates to them. Real statistics on voting trends, and how underutilized ethnic groups could be brought into the party

"NY women at RNC event" - Freida Von Schiller, (NYSFRW Immediate Past President), Kimberly Morella, (NYSFRW Special Projects Chair) Lynn Krogh- NYS Young Republican President, Rebecca Marino, Sr. Staffer to State Senator Betty Little

Great Advice:

KellyAnne Conway advised that women need to be able to have a ready answer for “Why I am a Republican” – Ms. Conway stated that we should all have a 7 second answer, then one a little longer then even one a couple of minutes long. Then USE it even when you aren’t asked the question, just work it into your conversation and especially with the press.

"Kellyanne Conway" PollingCompany President and Fox news contributor.

Dana Perino explained that social media and people networking within online communities are very powerful.

Liz Cheney implored everyone to read Mark Levin’s “Liberty and Tyranny” a blueprint of conservative ideals.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele said “The first lesson of leadership: Begin by Shutting up and Listening!”

RNC Chairman Micael Steele addresses the RNC women attendees

Overall, a great program that I was fortunate to have participated in- and as soon as the RNC releases electronic versions of the incredible information, we received- I’ll be passing it on to you!

Article and pictures submitted by: Kimberly Morella      

Westchester County Women’s Republican Club

NYSFRW member Robin Bridson went to Washington DC for the weekend of September 12, 2009. While there she participated in the 9/12 March on the Capitol because she loves her country.

Robin states, "Everyone has the right to their opinion, which is why this is America. It was more than just the health care today ... there are some good things about the health care, but some very scary parts too... and do we know it all - does anyone? They keep changing what "it" is. It was about government getting ... bigger and not listening. It was about our representatives who have been in their position forever and not listening to their people. It was about both sides not listening.  I was so proud to be there and love my country even more, if that’s possible.

One guy yelled at us from the street, but other than that, nobody gave us a hard time.  Everyone behaved and was very orderly for a "mob".  We had a great time. Lots of people (we’ve heard 10s of thousands up to 1.5 million) - everybody was peaceful. Great speakers and entertainment and  we walked at least five miles! I’m glad we made the effort to come and LOVE MY COUNTRY!"

Article and pictures provided by Robin Bridson - Republican Womens Club of Ontario  (Wayne Cty)

Several members of the New York State Federation of Republican Women joined more than 1,300 other Republican women leaders from accross the nation in Orlando, Florida, September 10 - 13, 2009, for the 35th biennial convention of the National Federation of Republican Women.  During the event, which was one of the largest national gatherings of Republicans this year, attendees participated in leadership training seminars, campaign management schools, and political and policy workshops taught by nationally-recognized political strategists.  They heard from Republican leaders and elected officials, policy experts, authors and other notable guests, including Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

Pictured at left are some of the ladies from NYSFRW that attended the conference.

Pictured to the right is Hana Phifer, our NYS Page (granddaughter of Linda Burkhardt, member of Brookhaven Town WRC).  Hana attended the conference and she was very interested in the speakers and events.  She will be doing a report from her perspective for our Newsletter.  Look for her report in the next issue of our NYSFRW Newsletter.

This picture is of Hana Phifer, our Page, Annette Collins-Ferrara, our President, and Angela Powers, seated with the other New York State Delegates

Our Immediate Past President Freida vonSchiller was honored with a recognition plaque as one of the five finalists nominated for the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award.  Freida and four other state presidents were selected as finalists based on overall leadership and initiation of new programs, increases in membership, participation in national programs, and excellence in public relations and campaign efforts. 

NFRW has thousands of active members in local clubs across the nation and in several US territories, making it one of the largest women’s political organizations in the country.  The NFRW recruits and elects Republican candidates, advocates the Party’s philosophy and initiatives, and empowers women in the political process.  The members of NYSFRW appreciate the opportunity to join with our sister organization in these worthwhile conferences.

NYSFRW Republican Women Attend State Committee Meeting

On Tuesday, September 29th, elected officials, County Chairs and State Committeepersons from across New York State gathered in Albany for the nomination of Ed Cox as our new Republican State Chairman.  The State Committee is made up of one female and one male from each Assembly District. Along with other Republicans, these representatives attend either in person or by proxy.

Chairman Cox with Linda Burkhardt and Sharon McClinchy are pictured at left.

Several of the NYSFRW ladies attended a Voter Vault Seminar, which preceded the Convention, including Linda Burkhardt, Sharon McCllinchy, and Freida vonSchiller. Also attending the Convention were NYSFRW members Debbie Preston, Annette Foley, Camille Pryputniewicz, Mary Ann Nicosia-McCarthy, Gert Penepent, and others. 

Luncheon speakers included Former Congressman, Rick Lazio, who reiterated his convictions to run for Governor of New York State.

New Republican State Chairman, Ed Cox, spoke eloquently about efforts to rebuild the party and help Republicans get elected this year and in 2010.

The entire Republican Committee hopes to take back the Senate and get a Republican governor elected.