CLUB NEWS
REPUBLICAN WOMEN OF PRESCOTT SHARES HOLIDAY CHEER WITH VETERANS
Under the leadership of President Sue Davis, Armed Services Chair Valerie Ellis and a supportive Board of Directors , RWOP supports Adopt a Platoon by sending $1,540 so the organization can continue to send care packages throughout the year. In addition, RWOP members addressed over 900 holiday cards for mailing overseas with the care packages this month. Once again, RWOP is supporting Wreaths Across America by donating $1700 for 100 wreaths that will be placed at the Prescott National Cemetery in mid December. Volunteers place wreaths on each market of a fallen hero. RWOP is pleased to donate to this cause every year. This article was posted on Signals 
prescott-now.com/print/. found on page 74 RILEY GAINES AND KYLE MANN ROCK PRESCOTT WITH THEIR SANITY AND SATIRE
An enthusiastic audience was entertained by two young conservative influencers, Riley Gaines and Kyle Mann, at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center last Tuesday, September 17. Republican Women of Prescott hosted the event. Kyle Mann, Editor-in-chief of The Babylon Bee, took the podium first. His satirical headlines and articles had the audience erupting in laughter. The Bee uses humor and satire to expose censorship and wokeness. Kyle was followed by Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer with 5 SEC titles, who gained recognition when she was forced to share a locker room and then compete with biological male Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship. This uneven challenge was made even more traumatic when the NCAA officials insisted on giving Lia Thomas the trophy, despite tying Riley down to a hundredth of a second in the event. Now her call to action is to defend and protect America’s daughters against the woke left and their gender-denying ideology. The event concluded with a Q & A portion with both speakers. Attendees were very impressed with the warmth shown by the keynote speakers as they leisurely strolled through the VIP event shaking hands, giving hugs and posing for pictures. Prescott is blessed to be entertained by these outstanding conservatives and we support them in their plight for fairness not only in sports, but in all facets of our daily lives. JULY Volunteer of the Month
The 2023-2024 Nominating Committee
Republican Women of Prescott install 2024 Executive Committee
(Republican Women of Prescott/Courtesy)
Before a sold-out crowd on Dec. 12, the new Republican Women of Prescott (RWOP) Executive Committee was sworn in by Arizona State Treasurer, Kimberly Yee, at the Prescott Resort Hotel. Over 450 members attended the holiday luncheon. The new Officers are as follows: Cynthia McSwain - Secretary, Sue Tatar – Treasurer, Michele Hamer – 5th VP Education, Joan Lesko – 4th VP Communications, Elaine Janks – 3rd VP Membership, Marilyn Read – 2nd VP Ways & Means, Jill Martin – 1st VP Programs and President, Sue Davis. These EC officers assume their duties on January 1, 2024. “2024 is going to be a pivotal year for this country. With the help of our members, we can be instrumental in electing conservative Republicans to defeat the Democrats. Congratulations to the new RWOP leadership team! It’s an honor to volunteer with you” stated new RWOP President Sue Davis. Daily Courier - Originally Published: December 28, 2023 9:11 p.m. 
Published in the Daily Courier
RWOP Salutes Local Veterans During This Christmas Season Republican Women of Prescott adopted the entire platoon of 40 service members by donating $1,540 to AdoptaPlatoon who sends care packages throughout the year. RWOP also mailed 1,303 Christmas cards to AdoptaPlatoon to mail overseas with their care packages. These cards were written not only by Club members, but also U. S. Vets and elementary school students from Lincoln and Taylor Hicks. Once again, RWOP participated in Wreaths Across America program by donating $1,700 for 170 wreaths that were placed at the Prescott National Cemetery on Saturday, December 16, 2023. Volunteers placed wreaths on each marker of a fallen hero. RWOP is proud to donate to this cause every year. Founded in 1942, RWOP is the largest Federated Republican Women’s Club in Arizona and the nation, with over 1000 members. RWOP donates to help Tribal Police keep K-9 safe
Sherrie Hanna, president of the Republican Women of Prescott, presents a check for $8,500 to Yavapai Tribal Police Department Chief of Police Scott Desjadon, left, Lt. Dan Smith and "Bentley." The money will be used to outfit the EOD K-9's vehicle with special accommodations to help keep Bentley K-9 safe. (Courtesy) Daily Courier - Originally Published: December 27, 2023 
NFRW Awards received:
2022-2023 President Sherrie Hanna receiving the Diamond Award in Oklahoma City. Dennis Prager is coming to Prescott
The Republican Women of Prescott is pleased to host Dennis Prager on Tuesday, August 22 at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College. Mr. Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host, heard across the county on nearly 400 affiliates. He is also the founder of Prager U, the most viewed conservative video site in the world with over one billion views a year. An expert on communism, the Middle East, and Liberalism, he did his graduate work at the Russian and Middle East Institutes of the Columbia University School of International Affairs. He is deeply passionate about preserving America, the West, and the Judeo- Christian value system – yet he may well be the calmest voice on radio. Join us for a stimulating and enlightening evening. Tickets prices are $60, $50, and $40 and are available at the box office or online at YCPAC.com. Doors open at 6:00 and program begins at 7:15. Portions of the proceeds from the event go to RWOP’s Scholarship Program. Submitted by Barbara Ernst, RWOP Media Chair Charlie Kirk and Lindsey Graham - The Patriot Barbie – Rocked Prescott
Enthusiastic Republicans were entertained by two wildly popular conservative speakers recently at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center, sponsored by Republican Women of Prescott on May 17th. First at the podium was Lindsey Graham, notoriously named “The Patriot Barbie” after her public defiance of government overreach in 2020 which opened the Nation’s eyes. With vulnerability and candor, Graham openly details her colorful and powerful testimony, her fall from grace and her fresh start with strong faith and an unwavering conviction. Her boldness and unapologetic fight give her fans and followers hope, backbone and courage to boldly stand up for themselves, their families and their beliefs. Next came Charlie Kirk, Co-Founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, the largest and fastest-growing conservative youth activist organization in the country. Charlie is the host of “The Charlie Kirk Show” where he delivers in-depth analysis of political and cultural landscape, mixing in philosophy and history with his signature campus activism. Republican Women of Prescott, 1000 members strong, was founded in 1942 and is the largest Federated Republican Women’s Organization in Arizona and the Nation. |
Full Release below.
Before a sold-out crowd on Dec. 10, the new RWOP Executive Committee was sworn in by Sheriff Rhodes at the Prescott Resort Hotel. Over 450 members attended the holiday luncheon. The new officers are Sue Davis, president; Sue Tatar, vice president of programs; Charlotte Berryman, vice president of Ways & Means; Elaine Janks, vice president of membership; Liz Davidson, vice president of education; Cynthia McSwain, treasurer, Andrea Mauk, secretary. “Congratulations to the new RWOP leadership team! It’s an honor to volunteer with you” stated new RWOP President Sue Davis. We made amazing strides during the 2024 election year, and I look forward to making RWOP great in 2025. I thank all who served in 2024 and appreciate the commitment of the Executive Team for 2025. And most importantly, thanks to our loyal and dedicated membership.” Republican Women of Prescott was established in 1942, and is more than 1,000 members strong. 
Full release below.
Helping A Canine Hero Do His Job November 30, 2024 By quadcities
RWOP Executive Committee Views Bentley’s
“New Digs” Last December, Republican Women of Prescott presented a check for $8,500 to the Yavapai Tribal Police Department to be used to outfit the EOD K-9’s vehicle with special accommodations to help keep Bentley K-9 safe. At the September RWOP monthly luncheon meeting, the Executive Committee was pleased to view the refurbished vehicle.
Picture of RWOP Executive Committee and Tribal Police Officers
Left to right: Charlotte Berryman, Elaine Janks, Cynthia McSwain, Andrea Mauk, Sue Tatar, Lt. Dan Smith, Bentley K-9, Sue Davis – RWOP President, Chief of Police Scott Desjadon, Liz Davidson, Marilyn Read, and Joan Lesko.
Republican Women of Prescott was founded in 1942 and currently has over 1,000 members. RWOP is the largest Republican Women’s Club in the Nation. Submitted by: Barbara Ernst, RWOP Media Chair 9/23/2024 RWOP Contributes $1000 to two of its Student Members to participate in the YMCA Youth and Government Program
left to right – Kellie Walker, Makenzie Yowell, Marsha Holloway – YMCA Representative and Sue Davis – RWOP President.
At the September RWOP luncheon meeting, President Sue Davis presented high school students Kellie Walker and Makenzie Yowell $500 each towards the opportunity to experience government firsthand. YMCA Youth and Government is a dynamic program dedicated to empowering young leaders and promoting civic engagement among Arizona’s youth. Through hands-on activities, debates, and mock legislative sessions, participants will develop essential leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of our democratic process. Republican Women of Prescott was founded in 1942 and is the largest women’s Republican club in the nation, with 1000+ members strong. RWOP Awards $20,000 in Scholarship Funds to
Two Embry-Riddle Freshmen and Six Republican High School Seniors 
On May 14 th , Republican Women of Prescott was proud to award $20,000 to six outstanding high school seniors from Yavapai County and two Embry-Riddle Freshmen in front of a sold-out audience at Prescott Resort. RWOP started this program in 2015 and thus far, has awarded 104 deserving recipients with $144,275 in scholarships. Names of recipients are from left to right: Gage Cunningham – Prescott High, Brynn Thein – Prescott High, Kaitlin Roskopf – ERAU, Caleb Zorich – Trinity, Christina Muchow – ERAU, Jedidiah Rummage – Prescott High. (Not shown are Seth Stebbins –Prescott High and Briah Williams – Bagdad High.) Funding for this year’s Scholarship Program came from RWOP’s two main events last summer – Charlie Kirk and Patriot Barbie in May and Dennis Prager in August along with contributions from RWOP members, Scholarship Committee and the Rhodes Foundation. RWOP acknowledges the hard work of the Scholarship Committee which includes Sherrie Ragsdale, Elaine Janks, Karen Varela, Dian Tucker and Barbara Ernst, Chair. This committee evaluated each applicant’s transcripts, resume, letter of recommendation, 500 word essay and in- person interview. RWOP was established in 1942 and currently ranks the largest Republican Women’s Club in the Nation, with almost 1000 strong. 
Read the full article in Prescott Living Magazine here. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RWOP Offers Scholarships to Local High School Seniors, ERAU Students and Trade School Applicants Republican Women of Prescott is pleased to offer scholarships to seniors at high schools in Yavapai County and to Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors at Embry-Riddle and Trade School Students. All applications are available NOW on our website– RWOP.info. Just search for the “Education” category and follow the prompts to the “Scholarship” button. Requirements for submission are listed on the applications. Deadline is February 23, 2024. RWOP started the Scholarship Program in 2015 and to date, we have awarded 96 Republican students a total of $124,275. RWOP’s Mission Statement is to “inform and educate”, therefore these awards meet our club’s goals. Funding for our Scholarship Program comes from the hard work of RWOP’s year-long fundraising efforts as well as donations from our members. A special thank you to the Joseph and Peg Rhodes Foundation for their continuous and generous support of the scholarship program. The new Scholarship Committee is ready and waiting for applications. RWOP Committee members are Elaine Janks, Dian Tucker, Karen Varela, Sherry Ragsdale and Barbara Ernst, Chair. RWOP is the largest Federated Republican Women’s Organization in Arizona and the Nation, founded in 1942. 
Read the article in Prescott Living Magazine here. 
LINDA NICHOLS, Special to the Courier Callie Nichols, died on June 26 after living 13 happy years once she found her forever home! She was an energetic, obedient and very sweet guard dog who loved ice cubes almost as much as she loved Gary and Linda who were her “people” and Bella, her “dog sister.” You would never know by her demeanor and protectiveness that she was the one who needed protection the first year of her tumultuous life. Her first owners were unresponsive to any of her needs so she had the demeanor of a wild animal. She was malnourished and living on a beer diet. Her “Dad” found her abandoned in the 115-degree Tucson desert with birdshot throughout her body, cactus spines in her face and frantic from being left alone. He quickly became her savior and forever hero and she never wanted to leave his side. It took a couple of years to nurse her back to health and get her untamed spirit under control. This miracle dog put her past behind her, was extremely loyal, and didn’t have a mean bone in her body in spite of the abuse she suffered in her first year of life. In 2013, Callie became the face of the Nationwide Dream Dog Park, when her “Mom” Linda Nichols, entered a contest and became the winner of a $500,000 Dog Park for Prescott. Purina-Beneful built a beautiful dog park, opened in 2014 and dedicated to the Granite Mountain Hotshots, 19 of whom had perished June 30, 2013 fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire. The park replaced the otherwise fenced weed-ridden field that the city was leasing from APS. Callie posed for the camera, and seemed to instinctively know that this was her moment to shine. When at the park, the puppy that was deep inside her came bounding through as she greeted and welcomed all the other dogs. She felt she was the “Park Ambassador” and was duty-bound to make sure all was well on each of her daily visits. Callie was a living example that with enough love, discipline and patience, deep wounds can heal. She will be sorely missed by her “parents” Gary and Linda Nichols. She will also be missed by her rescued-dog sister, Bella as well as her dog park friends and all who were fortunate to know her. We are sure she will be greeting all the dogs at the Rainbow Bridge and making sure all is in order up there too. RWOP Awards $18,575 to 17 local Republican high school scholarship winners
On Tuesday, May 9, Republican Women of Prescott (RWOP) awarded $18,575 in scholarships to 17 outstanding high school seniors at the Prescott Resort. RWOP started the scholarship program in 2015 and awarded 96 Republican students a total of $124,275. RWOP’s mission statement is to “inform and educate,” therefore these awards lend themselves to accomplishing the organization’s goals. Funding for the scholarship program comes from the hard work of RWOP’s year-long fundraising efforts, as well as donations from our members. RWOP thanks the Joseph and Peg Rhodes Foundation for their continuous and generous support of the scholarship program. “Congratulations to the scholarship committee members for a job well done,” RWOP stated in a news release. Committee members include Chair Barbara Ernst, Linda Nichols, Michelle Dicandia, Sherry Ragsdale and Michelle Warburton. Recipients are as follows in alphabetical order: Mattea Carman – Prescott High School (PHS), Camerann Carr – PHS, Lindsey Carter – PHS, Jonah Dozier – PHS, Cole Gross - PHS, Cody Hanna – PHS, Logan Hawks – Chino Valley High School (CVHS), Caleb Inman – Trinity, Kayla Luedeman – PHS, Cian McKelvey – PHS, Lorna Pierre – PHS, Anna Olson – CVHS, Aubrie Passmore – CVHS, Kaitlyn Roskopf – CVHS, Natalie Stafford – Trinity, Breckyn Tubbs – PHS, Grace Watson – Tri City Prep Membership of 1000 strong, RWOP is the largest Federated Republican Women’s Organization in the Nation, founded in 1942. Republican Women of Prescott Is Pleased to Donate $11,886 to Honor Flight
In front of a packed luncheon on March 8, Karen Friddle of Honor Flight Arizona, graciously accepted a check for $11,886 from Sherrie Hanna – President of RWOP, Nancy Grigas – RWOP Caring for America Chair and Deb Robbins – RWOP Armed Services Chair. Honor Flight pays homage to veterans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars by providing a three-day all expenses paid trip to view their memorials in Washington, D.C. Two Prescott Veterans, Arthur Walter and Walter Barker, are being honored in April with a flight on Honor Flight to the Capitol. Honor Flight receives no government funding and is 100% volunteer-based, therefore they rely on charitable donations to maintain their operations. RWOP has been a significant supporter of Honor Flight over the past 10 years. RWOP was founded in Prescott in 1942 and is the largest Republican Women’s organization in the Nation. Submitted by Barbara Ernst, RWOP Media Chair - March 11, 2023 
From L to R: Sherrie Hanna, Karen Friddle, Nancy Grigas, Deb Robbins
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Former Prescott City Council member Billie Orr dies. Remembered as dignified civic servant/educator always seeking ‘to build bridges’ for good of all citizens.- Published in the Daily Courier
Dr. Billie Orr
As a stalwart civic servant and 25-year educator, former Prescott City Council member Billie Orr’s admirers hail her selfless dedication and tenacity to enhance life in Prescott, and across Arizona, always practiced with dignity and grace.
Prescott city leaders announced on Monday, Jan. 9, that Orr died over the weekend. The two-term elected Prescott City Council member stepped down from her role in July 2021 as she was moving elsewhere due to her health. In her terms on the council, she served three of her four years as mayor pro-tem.
“Billie was an extraordinary leader,” City Manager Michael Lamar said. “She was a great supporter of the city and staff, and she urged us all to be better at everything we do every day. She loved Prescott and was very proud of the work the city did to help improve it in every way.”
Former Mayor Greg Mengarelli said he was privileged to visit Orr this past Thursday. For much of Mengarelli’s tenure, Orr served as the mayor pro-tem.
Indeed, Mengarelli said she was something of a mentor to him and he admired how she could stand her ground yet still offer a listening ear to opponents with a dignity that valued all viewpoints.
“Her demeanor was amazing,” Mengarelli said. “She was always looking to build bridges. Her priorities were God, family and city, and she certainly lived those out in her life.”
Reflecting on Orr’s many accomplishments in Prescott, Mengarelli said he would suggest a highlight of her two terms was as a leader of the city’s successful “Yes for Prescott” campaign in 2017 that convinced voters to approve a three quarter of a cent sales tax to pay the city’s Public Safety Personnel Retirement System unfunded liability. At the time, Prescott’s portion was over $86 million and was just 30% funded. The proposition stated the tax would sunset after the liability was paid down to under $1.5 million, or after 10 years.
Mengarelli said that campaign helped save multiple city programs that could not have been afforded had the city not had the extra revenue to cover the pension program.
As of Jan. 1, 2023, the current City Council ended the tax years early as it is projected the balance has dropped below the $1.5 million.
Orr’s appointed replacement on the City Council, Clark Tenney, the Prescott Unified School District assistant superintendent for Human Resources, was also saddened to hear of the loss of this long-time public school administrator and city leader; Orr served as an associate Arizona superintendent of public instruction. Orr grew up in a small town in southern Mississippi and was the first in her family to go to college. She eventually earned master’s and doctorate degrees in educational leadership that propelled a career as a teacher in Phoenix, and principal in Scottsdale before earning a role in Arizona public education.
“She really understood the synergy between local government and schools and how schools strengthen community and vice versa, how communities strengthen schools,” Tenney said.
In her tenure on the council, Orr served as a council liaison to many city committees, including the Tourism Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Bicycle & Traffic Advisory Committee and was instrumental in creating the Mayor’s Committee for Community Well-Being.
Like Tenney, Orr was a moderate conservative; in her Prescott city life she served as a president of the Republican Women of Prescott. Orr, though, never let her politics prevent her from listening to others with a different perspective, Tenney said.
“It’s been an honor to serve on the City Council and to serve in her seat … I’m doing it for everyone in town, but I’m doing it, especially, for Billie Orr,” Tenney said.
In 2020, Orr was a finalist for the Prescott Athena Awards.
In the biography for that honor, Orr was cited for her local participation with Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters as both a “Big” and a board member and an active supporter of literacy that promoted her helping bring the national Imagination Library to Prescott’s Public Library. She was active in the Frontier Rotary Club, and served on the board of an Arizona state pre-K 12 funding advocacy group.
A health and fitness advocate, Orr was an avid pickleball player who with some fellow players raised private dollars to create the 12-court Prescott Pickleball Complex in Pioneer Park.
“We are very sorry to hear of Billie’s passing,” said Mayor Phil Goode of Orr, who is survived by her husband, Bob, and their son, daughter-in-law and three granddaughters. “She served the citizens of Prescott very well during her time here.”
“She’s going to be missed,” Mengarelli concluded.
Reach Nanci Hutson by email at [email protected] or call 928-445-3333, ext. 2041.
Prescott city leaders announced on Monday, Jan. 9, that Orr died over the weekend. The two-term elected Prescott City Council member stepped down from her role in July 2021 as she was moving elsewhere due to her health. In her terms on the council, she served three of her four years as mayor pro-tem.
“Billie was an extraordinary leader,” City Manager Michael Lamar said. “She was a great supporter of the city and staff, and she urged us all to be better at everything we do every day. She loved Prescott and was very proud of the work the city did to help improve it in every way.”
Former Mayor Greg Mengarelli said he was privileged to visit Orr this past Thursday. For much of Mengarelli’s tenure, Orr served as the mayor pro-tem.
Indeed, Mengarelli said she was something of a mentor to him and he admired how she could stand her ground yet still offer a listening ear to opponents with a dignity that valued all viewpoints.
“Her demeanor was amazing,” Mengarelli said. “She was always looking to build bridges. Her priorities were God, family and city, and she certainly lived those out in her life.”
Reflecting on Orr’s many accomplishments in Prescott, Mengarelli said he would suggest a highlight of her two terms was as a leader of the city’s successful “Yes for Prescott” campaign in 2017 that convinced voters to approve a three quarter of a cent sales tax to pay the city’s Public Safety Personnel Retirement System unfunded liability. At the time, Prescott’s portion was over $86 million and was just 30% funded. The proposition stated the tax would sunset after the liability was paid down to under $1.5 million, or after 10 years.
Mengarelli said that campaign helped save multiple city programs that could not have been afforded had the city not had the extra revenue to cover the pension program.
As of Jan. 1, 2023, the current City Council ended the tax years early as it is projected the balance has dropped below the $1.5 million.
Orr’s appointed replacement on the City Council, Clark Tenney, the Prescott Unified School District assistant superintendent for Human Resources, was also saddened to hear of the loss of this long-time public school administrator and city leader; Orr served as an associate Arizona superintendent of public instruction. Orr grew up in a small town in southern Mississippi and was the first in her family to go to college. She eventually earned master’s and doctorate degrees in educational leadership that propelled a career as a teacher in Phoenix, and principal in Scottsdale before earning a role in Arizona public education.
“She really understood the synergy between local government and schools and how schools strengthen community and vice versa, how communities strengthen schools,” Tenney said.
In her tenure on the council, Orr served as a council liaison to many city committees, including the Tourism Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Bicycle & Traffic Advisory Committee and was instrumental in creating the Mayor’s Committee for Community Well-Being.
Like Tenney, Orr was a moderate conservative; in her Prescott city life she served as a president of the Republican Women of Prescott. Orr, though, never let her politics prevent her from listening to others with a different perspective, Tenney said.
“It’s been an honor to serve on the City Council and to serve in her seat … I’m doing it for everyone in town, but I’m doing it, especially, for Billie Orr,” Tenney said.
In 2020, Orr was a finalist for the Prescott Athena Awards.
In the biography for that honor, Orr was cited for her local participation with Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters as both a “Big” and a board member and an active supporter of literacy that promoted her helping bring the national Imagination Library to Prescott’s Public Library. She was active in the Frontier Rotary Club, and served on the board of an Arizona state pre-K 12 funding advocacy group.
A health and fitness advocate, Orr was an avid pickleball player who with some fellow players raised private dollars to create the 12-court Prescott Pickleball Complex in Pioneer Park.
“We are very sorry to hear of Billie’s passing,” said Mayor Phil Goode of Orr, who is survived by her husband, Bob, and their son, daughter-in-law and three granddaughters. “She served the citizens of Prescott very well during her time here.”
“She’s going to be missed,” Mengarelli concluded.
Reach Nanci Hutson by email at [email protected] or call 928-445-3333, ext. 2041.
RWOP Announces Scholarship Awards available to Quad City High School Students and ERAU Scholars
The Republican Women of Prescott is pleased to offer scholarships to local high school seniors and ERAU students. Applications can be found on the RWOP.Info website. On the Menu click on "Education" then "Scholarship". You will be taken to a page where you can download either the senior high school or ERAU application. Applicants must complete several requirements to be considered:
- 2023 graduating senior from a high school in the Quad City area (and Bagdad) or student at ERAU.
- Complete and submit the RWOP application
- Submit Official High School or ERAU Transcripts.
- Letter of Recommendation sent to Scholarship Committee.
- Submit a 150-word document outlining your background, skills, and accomplishments, along with a photo.
- Submit a 500-word essay on the topic listed on the application.
- Participate in a 15-minute personal interview with the Scholarship Committee.
All applicants or their parents or guardians must be registered Republican as of September 2022.
RWOP has been awarding scholarships since 2015 totaling 79 recipients totaling $105,000.
Last October, RWOP celebrated its 80th anniversary at the Prescott Resort. Founded in 1942, the Republican Women of Prescott is the largest Federated Republican Women’s Organization in the Nation.
Submitted by: Barbara Ernst, Scholarship Chair
January 3, 2023
RWOP Donates $1500 Toward Wreaths Across America
Republican Women of Prescott is pleased to join a grateful nation in saying “thank you” to our veterans by donating $1500 to Wreaths across America. This donation will buy 150 wreaths which will be placed at the Prescott National Cemetery on Saturday, December 17 at noon. Please be advised that there is no parking at the cemetery, but you can park at the VA and they will run a shuttle to and from the cemetery. If you would like to donate to this cause, please contact wreathsactossamerica.org and this will take you directly to the Prescott National Cemetery site. If you would like to volunteer on 12/17, please contact Becky at 928 533-1897. Volunteers will lay wreaths on each marker of a fallen hero. RWOP is pleased to donate to this cause every year. Founded in 1942, RWOP is proud to be the largest Federated Republican Women’s Club in the nation, with over 1,000 members. Submitted by Barbara Ernst, Media Chair 858 229-4034 November 4, 2022 |
RWOP Salutes Local Veterans During This Christmas Season
The November 19 th Food Drive was a huge success, gathering 3,650 pounds of food at the U. S. Vets location. Also, RWOP donated $3,000 to U. S. Vets who help veterans with housing, food, clothing, counseling, training and employment. It’s a full service facility located at 1040 Whipple Street, Prescott. RWOP hosted nearly 100 veterans at our November luncheon and gave them a Salute to Veterans pin as a keepsake. In addition, RWOP donated to special military causes like VRW Bucky O’Neil Post 541 - $1000, DAV Chapter 16 - $1,000, and AdoptaPlatoon - $1540. AdoptaPlatoon sends care packages to an entire platoon (40 service members) along with Christmas cards. Founded in 1942, RWOP is the largest Federated Republican Women’s Organization in the nation, over 1000 strong. Submitted by Barbara Ernst RWOP Scholarship Committee December 21, 2022 |
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Since 2014, when the first annual John Hanna, Sr. Guns & Hoses Memorial Golf Tournament was held, more than $40,000 has been raised for local causes such as the Prescott Police Department’s Explorer program, the Shop with A Cop Christmas program and Prescott Firefighter Charities. This past week, the tournament’s founder Sherrie Hanna, reported to the Prescott City Council on the tournament, which takes place annually at Prescott’s Antelope Hills Golf Course. Hanna presented checks of $2,100 each to Prescott Fire Chief Holger Durre and Prescott Police Chief Amy Bonney to go toward the Prescott Fire Fighter Charities and the Prescott Shop With A Cop program. Hanna told the council that she started the tournament in memory of her husband, former Prescott City Councilman John Hanna Sr., who died in 2013. Since the first tournament in 2014, Hanna said, the Guns & Hoses event “has grown to be one of the largest tournaments at Antelope Hills.” She added that the growth of the tournament is a testament to local merchants and residents, who donate drawing prizes, purchase sponsorships and play in the tournament |
The Daily Courier ran a story about the success of Prop 443 which was passed in 2017 to increase sales tax to cover the $78 million PSPRS debt service. Prop 443 was scheduled to run for ten years, but will sunset in December, 2022. Past and present RWOP members were responsible for forming the PAC that successfully put the tax into effect. They include Billie Orr, Sherrie Hanna, Linda Nichols, Steve Sischka, and Ann Brechwald.
Prescott Palette: It starts with one
BARRY BARBE, Across the Street Columnist
Originally Published: October 12, 2022 7:32 p.m.
It was the spring of 2017 when I received a call from then-Councilwoman Billie Orr. She was in the process of creating a coalition of community members to address the City of Prescott’s PSPRS unfunded liability, which at the time stood at more than $78 million.
It was during a later meeting where Billie gave a brief TED talk of sorts on the pros and cons of defaulting on our liability. Not only were the pensions and security of public safety personnel at risk, so was the quality of life that we as Prescottonians have come to expect and appreciate.
If you have ever met Billie Orr, you know that she rarely takes no for an answer, and you simply don’t say no to Billie. Her tenacity, perseverance and determination to fight the good fight are unparalleled.
As a result of her servant heart, Billie was able to quickly assemble a group of bi-partisan individuals to do what many at the time felt impossible. The group, known as “Stand for Prescott,” all shared a common goal: to preserve the future of Prescott, by recognizing and respecting the commitments our public safety personnel had made to us, while guaranteeing that we, as a community would stand by our commitment to them.
There were those at the time who felt it was acceptable to deny this responsibility, and allow the city to file bankruptcy in order to avoid this obligation from the state board for PSPRS. “Doing nothing about the millions of dollars in unfunded liability the City of Prescott faced was not an option,” noted co-chair of the “Stand for Prescott - Yes On 443,” Sherri Hanna.
The long-term effects of such action could have been catastrophofic, especially when partnered with the future events of 2020.
The alternative to paying down the obligation addressed by Prop 443 was pretty bleak. The payments to the PSPRS liability were becoming a drain on the General Fund, and putting much needed public safety services at risk, as well as stymieing programs such as Parks and Rec, Library Services, and others that we as community members have come to expect and appreciate.
Billie, along with Councilman Steve Sischka, put out the call for action, and action is what took place.
Within seemingly no time, a committee of concerned citizens convened, with the group being co-chaired by Cecelia Jergenson and Sherri Hanna, both longtime community advocates. Linda Nichols was secretary, and Ann Buchwald was tasked with treasury duties. The group formed a Political Action Committee, and hit the ground running, never stopping for the next eight to nine months.
The balance of the core group was rounded out with Terri Teshner networking local business leaders, Bob Betts as community liaison, and Peg Travers, and Rita Kavanaugh arranging everything from promotional materials, house gatherings, coffee talks, town halls and communications. There were many, many more. Way too many to list, but it was a tireless team with a mission.
Marketing was handled by Tracey Horne of Helkin and Horne Ad Agency, which handled the creation of marketing pieces, TV spots, radio advertising, yard signs, bumper stickers, rack cards, buttons, and helped keep the message concise and on topic.
And through it all, there was Billie, who never wavered in her commitment, nor in her willingness to stump for the cause. And she did it all with grace and humility.
Everyone who was involved was committed, but we were all driven a bit more by the example that Billie gave. Her commitment to the future of her second hometown was genuine and heartfelt. Her commitment to those in public service was obvious and personally on display.
This week, the Prescott City Council voted in recognizing the success of the many individuals who stood for Prescott, who stood for our commitments, and who stood to help guarantee the future of Prescott. When the vote to sunset the three-quarter-cent sales tax that was approved by voters in November 2017, and came into effect in January 2018, the longest the tax could run was 10 years, or 2028. Since that time, our city and country have experienced financial and social challenges like never before.
Now, in December of 2022, after only five years, the tax will go away. The obligation of the PSPRS will have been satisfied to fewer than $1.5 million. Another chapter will have passed, and another ever brighter one, is on the horizon.
Billie and others in the group had hoped, at best, the tax would sunset in seven years. Despite the challenges of 2020, and with additional contributions made by the city, a debt once contemplated by some to be addressed through bankruptcy, will have been satisfied. And we community members and our city will be able to stand proud. “The Stand for Prescott group was a true grassroots-style campaign and an amazing collaboration of community leaders and concerned citizens. Honestly, in political advertising, relationships such as these are not often seen. I’m proud to say we can now look back to our message we campaigned on, and say we were true to our word. ‘Promises given, promises kept,’” said Tracey Horne of Helkin & Horne.
For myself, and everyone involved in “Stand for Prescott,” it was a challenge I’m glad we all accepted, and we are all glad that Billie Orr took the position of not just leader, but mentor, advocate, councilwoman and community member.
With the payment of this debt, comes one to you.
Cheers, and thank you.
Originally Published: October 12, 2022 7:32 p.m.
It was the spring of 2017 when I received a call from then-Councilwoman Billie Orr. She was in the process of creating a coalition of community members to address the City of Prescott’s PSPRS unfunded liability, which at the time stood at more than $78 million.
It was during a later meeting where Billie gave a brief TED talk of sorts on the pros and cons of defaulting on our liability. Not only were the pensions and security of public safety personnel at risk, so was the quality of life that we as Prescottonians have come to expect and appreciate.
If you have ever met Billie Orr, you know that she rarely takes no for an answer, and you simply don’t say no to Billie. Her tenacity, perseverance and determination to fight the good fight are unparalleled.
As a result of her servant heart, Billie was able to quickly assemble a group of bi-partisan individuals to do what many at the time felt impossible. The group, known as “Stand for Prescott,” all shared a common goal: to preserve the future of Prescott, by recognizing and respecting the commitments our public safety personnel had made to us, while guaranteeing that we, as a community would stand by our commitment to them.
There were those at the time who felt it was acceptable to deny this responsibility, and allow the city to file bankruptcy in order to avoid this obligation from the state board for PSPRS. “Doing nothing about the millions of dollars in unfunded liability the City of Prescott faced was not an option,” noted co-chair of the “Stand for Prescott - Yes On 443,” Sherri Hanna.
The long-term effects of such action could have been catastrophofic, especially when partnered with the future events of 2020.
The alternative to paying down the obligation addressed by Prop 443 was pretty bleak. The payments to the PSPRS liability were becoming a drain on the General Fund, and putting much needed public safety services at risk, as well as stymieing programs such as Parks and Rec, Library Services, and others that we as community members have come to expect and appreciate.
Billie, along with Councilman Steve Sischka, put out the call for action, and action is what took place.
Within seemingly no time, a committee of concerned citizens convened, with the group being co-chaired by Cecelia Jergenson and Sherri Hanna, both longtime community advocates. Linda Nichols was secretary, and Ann Buchwald was tasked with treasury duties. The group formed a Political Action Committee, and hit the ground running, never stopping for the next eight to nine months.
The balance of the core group was rounded out with Terri Teshner networking local business leaders, Bob Betts as community liaison, and Peg Travers, and Rita Kavanaugh arranging everything from promotional materials, house gatherings, coffee talks, town halls and communications. There were many, many more. Way too many to list, but it was a tireless team with a mission.
Marketing was handled by Tracey Horne of Helkin and Horne Ad Agency, which handled the creation of marketing pieces, TV spots, radio advertising, yard signs, bumper stickers, rack cards, buttons, and helped keep the message concise and on topic.
And through it all, there was Billie, who never wavered in her commitment, nor in her willingness to stump for the cause. And she did it all with grace and humility.
Everyone who was involved was committed, but we were all driven a bit more by the example that Billie gave. Her commitment to the future of her second hometown was genuine and heartfelt. Her commitment to those in public service was obvious and personally on display.
This week, the Prescott City Council voted in recognizing the success of the many individuals who stood for Prescott, who stood for our commitments, and who stood to help guarantee the future of Prescott. When the vote to sunset the three-quarter-cent sales tax that was approved by voters in November 2017, and came into effect in January 2018, the longest the tax could run was 10 years, or 2028. Since that time, our city and country have experienced financial and social challenges like never before.
Now, in December of 2022, after only five years, the tax will go away. The obligation of the PSPRS will have been satisfied to fewer than $1.5 million. Another chapter will have passed, and another ever brighter one, is on the horizon.
Billie and others in the group had hoped, at best, the tax would sunset in seven years. Despite the challenges of 2020, and with additional contributions made by the city, a debt once contemplated by some to be addressed through bankruptcy, will have been satisfied. And we community members and our city will be able to stand proud. “The Stand for Prescott group was a true grassroots-style campaign and an amazing collaboration of community leaders and concerned citizens. Honestly, in political advertising, relationships such as these are not often seen. I’m proud to say we can now look back to our message we campaigned on, and say we were true to our word. ‘Promises given, promises kept,’” said Tracey Horne of Helkin & Horne.
For myself, and everyone involved in “Stand for Prescott,” it was a challenge I’m glad we all accepted, and we are all glad that Billie Orr took the position of not just leader, but mentor, advocate, councilwoman and community member.
With the payment of this debt, comes one to you.
Cheers, and thank you.
Republican Women of Prescott regained title of “LARGEST FEDERATED REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB IN THE NATION”
The Executive Committee is pleased to announce that RWOP is now the largest Republican Women’s Club in the Nation. This is due to the incredible growth in 2022 to over 1000 members. The Club serves the quad-cities of greater Prescott including Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt.
Plans are underway for the celebration of RWOP’s 80th birthday at the Prescott Resort in October. RWOP was founded by Dora Heap in Prescott in 1942.
RWOP 2022 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(Front – Left to right) Joan Lesko – Communications, Judy Blake – Programs, Sherrie Hanna – President, Sue Davis – Ways & Means, Heather Densmore – Membership
(Second Row) Linda Nichols – Secretary, Sue Tatar – Treasurer, Elsie Tyree – Parliamentarian, Jill Martin – Education
Submitted by
Barbara Ernst, Media Chair
August 24, 2022
(Front – Left to right) Joan Lesko – Communications, Judy Blake – Programs, Sherrie Hanna – President, Sue Davis – Ways & Means, Heather Densmore – Membership
(Second Row) Linda Nichols – Secretary, Sue Tatar – Treasurer, Elsie Tyree – Parliamentarian, Jill Martin – Education
Submitted by
Barbara Ernst, Media Chair
August 24, 2022
For Immediate Release - July 11, 2022
For Immediate Release - July 11, 2022
Gert LaFaso, Nancy Grigas, Sherrie Hanna, Diane Franzese, and Deb Robbins.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RWOP Donates $7882 to Honor Flight
Diane Franzese, director of Honor Flight Arizona, accepts a check for $7882 from Sherrie Hanna, president of the Republican Women of Prescott (RWOP). Honor Flight pays homage to our veterans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars by providing a three-day all expenses paid to their memorials in Washington, D.C.
Honor Flight receives no government funding and is 100% volunteer-based, therefore they rely on charitable donations to maintain their operations. RWOP
has been a significant supporter of Honor Flight over the past 10 years and the $7882 donation will be used to send six worthy veterans to our Capitol.
Assisting in the presentation are RWOP members (from left) Gert LaFaso, Nancy Grigas, Sherrie Hanna and Deb Robbins.
RWOP was founded in Prescott in 1942 and is the largest Republican Women’s organization in Arizona.
RWOP Donates $7882 to Honor Flight
Diane Franzese, director of Honor Flight Arizona, accepts a check for $7882 from Sherrie Hanna, president of the Republican Women of Prescott (RWOP). Honor Flight pays homage to our veterans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars by providing a three-day all expenses paid to their memorials in Washington, D.C.
Honor Flight receives no government funding and is 100% volunteer-based, therefore they rely on charitable donations to maintain their operations. RWOP
has been a significant supporter of Honor Flight over the past 10 years and the $7882 donation will be used to send six worthy veterans to our Capitol.
Assisting in the presentation are RWOP members (from left) Gert LaFaso, Nancy Grigas, Sherrie Hanna and Deb Robbins.
RWOP was founded in Prescott in 1942 and is the largest Republican Women’s organization in Arizona.
Daily Courier Article - 1/4/2022
Daily Courier Article
Copperstate News Article
CONGRATS to RWOP for winning 7 awards at the AzFRW Biennial Convention in 2021
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CONGRATULATIONS RWOP!
Thank you to our Awards Chair, Judy Blake for making this award possible.
It takes an amazing team of leadership and RWOP has rockstars!
From our Vice Presidents, Committee Chairs, Special Committee Chairs, Chaplain, Historian, Secretary, Treasurer and Parliamentarian I was so honored to represent you ALL at NFRW in Florida.
Onward to AzFRW to bring home more awards.
Thank you so much! - Kathy Wade Schulte-President
Thank you to our Awards Chair, Judy Blake for making this award possible.
It takes an amazing team of leadership and RWOP has rockstars!
From our Vice Presidents, Committee Chairs, Special Committee Chairs, Chaplain, Historian, Secretary, Treasurer and Parliamentarian I was so honored to represent you ALL at NFRW in Florida.
Onward to AzFRW to bring home more awards.
Thank you so much! - Kathy Wade Schulte-President
Kathy Wade Schulte receiving the Diamond Achievement Award at Nationals.
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Daily Courier Article
Aug-Sept Prescott LIVING - Republican Women of Prescott, Local Scholarships
ROX INTERVIEW: BILLIE ORR
RWOP AWARDS $20K in SCHOLARSHIPS to 10 Prescott-area Students 2020
Republican Women contributes $8,630 to Honor Flight in 2019
Republican Women contributes $8,630 to Honor Flight in 2019
February 15, 2018 Courier article - Keep the state red rally cry at RWOP luncheon
Read the news clipping
Read the news clipping
