HCGOP News

July 2008

HCGOP News is published by the Hamilton County Republican Party

~ Hamilton County Republican Women ~

The Hamilton County Republican Women held their annual picnic on June 2 at the Greenway Farm in Hixson with 100-125 people attending—including HCRW members, spouses, guests, elected officials and candidates.

Sumptuous food was prepared by the membership and served by our able committee composed of Bettye and Marilyn Parker and Betty Lou Stone.

Thanks goes to Patsy and Larry Henry for setting the most attractive tables—white linen cloths with pink geranium centerpieces.

Dot Sertel and Marty Fairbanks presided at the registration table. Bettye Ficken and Billie Whiteside sold tickets for the beautiful quilt which was given to the lucky person—that person being Fran Coleman.

Dean Jackson drew the crowd to her display of baked goods. All the goodies were sold and were a great fundraiser. Last, but not least, was the jewelry table managed by Genendal Fratantuono. Many pieces were sold and another order was placed. By the way, she came to Chattanooga because of Katrina. Welcome to our city! You are a real asset to our city and club.

Following our meal, the president recognized the guests, officials and candidates. Each candidate was asked to speak briefly.

Then the “Entertainment” began. The “McCain Girls” who had been performing on the road for several weeks with the candidate, took a few hours off to perform for our club in Chattanooga. They were dressed in appropriate red, white and blue and danced and sang to the new recording of “OBAMA, OBAMA”—you don’t want him. You had rather have the cable guy. The girls who were in the troupe were Bettye Ficken, Eva Jo Smith, Patsy Henry, Billie Whiteside and Genendal Fratantuono and managed by Janelle Merritt. Two reporters from Times Free Press were there to interview and report (guess you saw the articles).

Next on the program was J. C. Barker, who is well-known in Chattanooga for his sense of humor. He kept everyone in stitches with his jokes. I highly recommend him for any club program.

After an evening of fun and fellowship we said goodnight. We shall see our members at our next meeting on Tuesday, July 15, at 11:00 at Country Place Restaurant on Shallowford Road (Board Meeting at 10:30).

P.S. Thanks to all who worked behind the scenes at the picnic.

Janelle Merritt, President
Hamilton County Republican Women
janellemerritt@aol.com.