Ninety of the 119 members of the Republican Federated Women of The Villages (RFWTV) gathered at Coconut Cove on Thursday for a Spring Fling Fundraiser and Fashion Show to celebrate their 10th anniversary.
Three of the charter members Barbara Qualls, Ellen Hoffman and Jo Weber and another member Barbara Hinebaugh who joined the first year were honored.
“I think we are the most active, dynamic group of Republicans in the Villages. You can quote me on that,” Qualls, a very active member and current treasurer said of the organization.
Hoffman serves as program chair.
“The good leadership both in the beginning and now is why this group has flourished.” she said.
The RFWTV is a chapter of the state and national organization of Republican Federated Women. Ten members are required to get a charter; this group stated with 11 members in January 2006.
The Villages chapter is very involved in community activities. Chapter president Joanne Cooper encourages outside the box thinking. “We have gained recognition as the go-to group. We are respected in the Villages. People know if they want something done, this is the group to come to,” she said.
The chapter sponsors two scholarships for high school seniors that focus on the students’ community involvement as well as academics. They sponsored the Blue Lives Matter Rally in 2015. Their Mission 2016 involves understanding opponents and educating members on the political process. They will help staff the Villages Republican Headquarters starting in July.
Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Bacall Recreation Center. Speakers meant to inform on the political process and candidates seeking local or state level office speak at each meeting. May’s speaker will be Glo Smith, Florida Federation of Republican Women 2016 campaign chair.
Chapter President Joanne Cooper started the program by giving a brief history of the chapter and then membership chairman, Elaine McPherson called up the charter members and Hinebaugh.
“I have been a dyed in the wool republican since I was knee–high to a grasshopper,” said Hinebaugh who moved to Leesburg in 1946 because of her husband’s military assignment and is now a Villager.
Not all members are vintage Republicans. Tina Ahearn, a life-long democrat, switched her party affiliation recently and joined this group in January.
“I want to increase my knowledge base and become more educated,” she said. “You get to meet great women and see their passion. It has been really eye-opening to see the women’s voice in politics.”
A fashion show sponsored by Anthony’s followed the program and lunch. Chapter members served as models. After the fashion show Cooper said she wanted to give a shout out to special guest Justin Grabelle for sitting through it. Grabelle is running for Congress in the 11th District.
Given the tumultuous Republican primary season, Cooper said their group is stressing the fact that all support must go to the eventual candidate. Past president Marina Woolcock is attending the National Federated Women’s convention as are some other members. The convention is in Cleveland at the same time as the Republican National Convention. She is looking forward to being able to participate in some way in the process.
“This is not a spectator sport, especially this year,” she said. “You can’t stay home and be angry afterword. You have to get involved today for the sake of our grandchildren.”