NCFRW – Thankful for the blessings of Liberty! | | |
From Kay Wildt, NCFRW Past President
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"Courage is a choice." Charlie Kirk
Our new NCFRW President Erica Vedeikis graciously allowed me to send out this, my final NCFRW newsletter.
I am eternally grateful to God. It has been my greatest honor to work with so many good women and men in the Party, and I thank all in our NFRW and NCFRW "sisterhood" for your support and love during the last four years.
'If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more,
do more and become more, you are a leader.' John Quincy Adams
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America The Beautiful
O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties,
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern, impassioned stress,
A thoroughfare for freedom beat, Across the wilderness.
America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
Happy Thanksgiving from NCFRW!
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Think Your Vote Doesn't Matter?
Tell that to Anita Moody, Past President of Forsyth RW, who won her race by just ONE VOTE for the Town of Walkertown Town Council. On election night, the votes were 198 to 197 with Anita edging her Democrat opponent. After a recount on 11/20, Anita maintained that one-vote lead, and she is now officially declared the winner!
Congratulations, Anita!
| | Charlotte Judiciary Hearing | | |
Chairman Jim Jordan
U.S. House Judiciary Committee
Deb DeLong, a member of Moore RW, attended the House Judiciary hearing in Charlotte on behalf of NCFRW, since Federation leadership was in Orlando at the NFRW Biennial Convention.
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance conducted a field hearing titled “Victims of Violent Crime: The Human Cost of Failed Policies” on 9/29/2025, in Charlotte. Chaired by Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH), the session focused on the consequences of perceived lenient criminal justice policies, including cashless bail reforms and early releases for repeat offenders. This event directly followed the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail system on 8/22, by an individual with a lengthy criminal history, underscoring broader concerns about public safety in urban areas.
Read additional information HERE.
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Exciting Speakers, New Officers
Speakers at our Saturday events and at our Sunday morning Prayer Breakfast were: Martha Jenkins, NFRW President-Elect; Dr Rita Renee; Gordon Chang; Don Brown; Judge Craig Collins; Catherine Herridge; Kyshia Brassington, NCGOP National Committeewoman; NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons.
Thank you to our generous sponsors whose support enables us to invite nationally known speakers and offer affordable registration.
White Level Sponsor
Terri Penzenstadler
Red Level Sponsors
Jennifer Dunbar, Felice Pete, Carol Ulrich, David Warren-Jack Lucas Consulting
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Our Fall 2025 Board of Directors' Meeting began with Martha Jenkins, NFRW President - Elect, installing our new Executive Committee:
- President Erica Vedeikis (Rowan RWC)
- VP Stephanie Broughton (Crystal Coast RW)
- VP Felice Pete (Wake Co RWC)
- VP Cara Dohner (Greater Greensboro RWC)
- VP Stephanie Franks (Gaston Co RWC)
- VP Toni Wall (Ashe Co RW)
- Secretary Sarah Wetherby (RW of Cary and Southwestern Wake)
- Treasurer Pam Keller (WR of Cleveland Co)
- Asst. Secretary Cooper Falls (RW of Pitt Co)
- Asst. Treasurer Heather Swift (RW of Cary and Southwestern Wake)
- Past President Kay Wildt (Moore RW)
| | (L to R: Pam Keller, Sarah Wetherby, Stephanie Broughton, Erica Vedeikis, Cara Dohner, Felice Pete, Heather Swift, Stephanie Franks, Cooper Falls, Toni Wall not pictured.) | | Gordon Chang spoke of China's latest efforts to undermine our nation through agricultural diseases, land purchases, fentanyl and challenges to our monetary policy. | Lydia and Gordon Chang, friends of NCFRW and NFRW, are patriots who work to protect America. | | Dr. Rita Renee showed her TedxTalk and spoke about why merit and excellence are vital to our nation. Her career focuses on working with and encouraging women in leadership. | Kyshia Brassington, NCGOP National Committewoman, announced her new PAC, “Women’s Leadership Initiative of NC” to identify, train and promote conservative women for the NC General Assembly and to support ‘America First’ ideals. NCFRW voted to donate to the PAC. | | We heard from Catherine Herridge, investigative reporter whose work to uncover corruption had significant outcomes for the military in Camp Lejeune's cancer case . | Dr. Rita Renee with copies of her books to inspire excellence and sparkly shirts to show our spirit. | We saw Dr. Rita Renee's TedxTalk that now has over 208,000 view. Dr. Rita speaks about women in leadership. | | A sample of the many honors we brought from Orlando to North Carolina, and they are all because of our focused, hard-working and diligent members and clubs. | | Distinguished Women Honored | | |
Honorary Lifetime Members Honored
Every two years NCFRW honors distinguished women chosen by their clubs to be named Honorary Lifetime Members at a special dinner. The eligibility criteria for the honor are very specific, and only women who have held the most responsible offices and have made significant contributions of more than five years of their time and talent are even eligible.
This year, clubs chose the six women shown below to receive that honor.
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Eleanor McGinnis
Fayetteville RWC
Sadly, Eleanor passed away just before the event, so members of her club accepted the honors and will give them to her family in remembrance.
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Mariann Benway
Moore RW
Recent surgery prevented her being with us; however, Mariann will receive her honors and gifts at a later meeting.
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Gay Dillard
Greater Greensboro RWC
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Stephanie Broughton
Crystal Coast RW
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Martha Miller
Greater Greensboro RWC
| | U.S. Border Patrol Christmas Wishes | | |
Craven Co RWC
Caring for the U.S. Border Patrol Officers
Per Candace Sullivan, CCRWC President, Craven Co RWC volunteers gathered to write Christmas cards to send to Border Patrol Officers serving on the southern border. The ladies really stepped up in our Border Care Project, and 739 cards were sent to Texas.
Incoming NFRW President Martha Jenkins had suggested the project that was explained in our October and November newsletters.
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Brilliant Tool for Members!
If you want excellent information to share at your club meetings or to train your members, look no further than the new NFRW Advocacy Manual - online now!
There is so much information packed in the Manual that its content can be used over many sessions to instruct and train your members in the best practices, so they may confidently tell our real Republican "story."
The NFRW Advocacy Training Committee developed and just released their outstanding manual, and it is found on the NFRW Digital Library portal. Log onto NFRW, go to Members, then General Resources, then Forms Publications.
Under the leadership of Chair Deborah Tilden and Vice Chair Joannie Miller with advice from NFRW Member-at-Large Jennie Frederick, the committee has made a valuable resource for NFRW members to use for many years to come.
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NCFRW does not endorse in a Primary when more than one Republican is running for the same office.
For more complete information about the NC State Board of Elections website is HERE.
- December 1, 2025 Candidate Filing Period (2026 Primary)
- December 16, 2025 Withdrawal of Candidacy Deadline (2026 Primary)
- December 19, 2025 Close of Candidate Filing Period (2026 Primary)
- March 3, 2026 Primary Election
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Some recent conversations about fundraising for the Federal 2026 Senate race were based on wrong information. That race is expected to be the most expensive we have ever had. Therefore, it is imperative to begin raising money now.
A Joint Funding Agreement with the RNC and the NCGOP allows for the raising of significant funds at higher levels now, but the monies cannot be used in the Primary and shall only be used after the Primary for the 2026 general election Republican nominee.
Any candidate who plans to run for that federal seat is welcome to enter into a Joint Funding Agreement agreement with the NCGOP. However, if the candidate loses in the Primary, then all funds raised through the Joint Funding Agreement shall be used in the 2026 general election only for the Republican nominee.
Linked HERE is a Memorandum from Alton Absher, NCGOP General Counsel, that explains how the Joint Funding Agreement works.
| | Mary Frances Forrester Honored | | |
Mary Frances Forrester
NCFRW Parliamentarian and Author
Our esteemed NCFRW Parliamentarian, Mary Frances Forrester was honored recently with the 2025 Athena Leadership award for advancing the cause of women in leadership.
Mary Frances was honored in 2020 by NCFRW with its Tribute to Women State Award given to our most outstanding member that year.
Mary Frances is the author of the poignant book, For Such a Time as This: The Life of Senator James Forrester and His Fight for Marriage in North Carolina. This lovely book recounts her husband, NC Senator Forrester's, fight in NC for traditional marriage and for protection of the nuclear family and Judeo-Christian values.
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- Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2026: NCFRW Winter Meeting, Beaufort Hotel, Beaufort
- March 12 – 14, 2026: NFRW Board Meeting & Legislative Day, Alexandria, VA
- May 1-3, 2026: Spring Board Meeting, Doubletree, Raleigh
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026: NCFRW Legislative Day, Raleigh
- CHANGED: June 11 - 14, 2026: NCGOP Convention, Koury Conv. Center
- Aug. 15-16, 2026: Summer Board Meeting (new this year) Village Inn Events Ctr, Clemmons
- Sept. 17, 2026: Constitution Day
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Nov. 14-15, 2026: Fall Board Mtg (Tribute to Women) Koury Conv. Center
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Clare Lopez
Now that New York City has chosen its unfortunate path, educating ourselves on the latest information from the intelligence and terrorism community is a must. Over the past four years, we have featured several expert speakers on terrorism to educate our members about threats to our security.
Clare Lopez, former CIA operative and terrorism expert, has been a frequent guest of NCFRW. over the years. Clare's experience is in examining the threats posed by radicals. We link below to her recent broadcasts.
To reach Clare Lopez: clare@theunitedwest.org
Links to seven recent radio interviews and podcasts are linked HERE.
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Jan Grube
Crystal Coast Republican Women
Stephanie Broughton, Vice President of the Coastal Region, wrote the following about her grandmother.
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Jan Grube, a cherished leader, mentor, and friend to so many within our organization and across the 3rd District.
Jan served as Past President of the Crystal Coast Republican Women and went on to serve as Chairman of our 3rd Congressional District GOP from 1997–2002. Her leadership, steady guidance, and unwavering dedication helped shape the direction of her local party for many years. Jan was honored as an NCGOP Hall of Fame recipient, a well-deserved recognition of her lifetime of service, commitment, and conservative values.
Beyond her official titles, Jan was known for her gracious spirit, sharp wit, and tireless work ethic. She had a gift for bringing people together, encouraging new leaders, and investing personally in the growth of our clubs, volunteers, and community. Many of our members had the privilege of learning from her, working alongside her, and witnessing firsthand the impact she made through her service.
Jan was also my grandmother, and her loss is deeply personal. I am grateful to have learned from her example, and I know her influence lives on in the work we continue today.
Her legacy will continue to live on in the organizations she strengthened, the leaders she inspired, and the countless volunteers she uplifted along the way.
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Eleanor McGinnis
Fayetteville Republican Women
Eleanor was the quintessential FRWC president - inviting, organized, informative, elegant and professional in her demeanor and unselfish as she mentored up and coming coming officers. Her tenure in 2008 grew to 100 members due to her engaging, "Come HERE !" greeting
when manning the empty Walter Guy jewelry store on Hay St during 4th Fridays.
She offered popcorn and beverage to curious voters and enticed them to learn more about the FRWC and the GOP. Eleanor would sit them down and give a classroom lesson.
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Harriet Pursley Bradley
Moore Republican Women
We send our deepest condolences and prayers to Michael Bradley of Pinehurst and the family and friends of our long-time member, Harriet Pursley Bradley. Moore RW members are shocked and saddened by Harriet's untimely death in a traffic accident.
Harriet was an active member of MRW, much loved by her friends and family, and will be sorely missed. Our understanding is that her memorial service will be held in the spring as her family deals with this tragic loss.
| | NCGOP Meeting and Hall of Fame Dinner | | |
NCGOP Hall of Fame
Members of our NCFRW joined in honoring NCGOP volunteers chosen for recognition at the 2025 Hall of Fame dinner.
(Pictured L to R: Michele Nix, Asst. Secretary; Erica Vedeikis, NCFRW President; Martha Jenkins, President-Elect NFRW; Kay Wildt, Past President NCFRW; Stephanie Franks, VP Foothills Region.)
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NCGOP Executive Committee Meeting
Kay enjoyed meeting with members of the Frederick Douglass Foundation of NC from New Bern at the NCGOP Executive Committee meeting preceding the Hall of Fame Dinner.
(L to R: Pastor Daimon King, NCGOP 3rd District Member-at-Large; Alice King, VP Craven Co RWC; Kay Wildt, Nadine Buchanan, NCGOP Precinct Chair)
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Hear ye, hear ye...to help celebrate our America 250th year and our great Regent program, join or renew now for year 2026! Bronze, Silver or Gold.
We currently have more than 85 members including a few Club memberships.
We will have new gifts for 2026, new events and special recognition!
Remember you can make payments or pay all at one time. I would love to have 100 Regent members in 2026. Let's get started on that now! Remember, our 250th celebration for our Country and another great year for our Regents! Join here.
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JOIN THE NCFRW REGENTS PROGRAM
Heartfelt thanks to our members and friends who support NCFRW through our Regents program. You enable us to achieve our goals.
We are excited to announce that your club may be a REGENT CLUB.
Thank you to our Founding Regent Clubs:
SILVER REGENT CLUBS
BRUNSWICK COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB
CRYSTAL COAST REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB
ONSLOW COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN
BRONZE REGENT CLUBS
CATAWBA COUNTY LEAGUE OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN
EAST CAROLINA REPUBLICAN WOMEN
FAYETTEVILLE REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB
NCFRW Regents for 2025:
GOLD - Sarah Absher, Dena Barnes, Elaine Bologna, Kyshia Brassington, Stephanie Broughton, Debbie Dennis, Gay Dillard, Mary Frances Forrester, Dr. Rita Renee Gibson, Cornelia Groce, Barbara Harrison, Didi Hedrick, Kristine Hunt, Martha Jenkins, Senator Dana Jones, Diane LeBlanc, Sandra Patterson, Felice Pete, Pat C. Smith, Celeste Stanley, Carol Ulrich, Angela Vacek, Ceil Wasserman, Jackie Weyhenmeyer, Kay Wildt
SILVER - Christine Adams, Jeanna Benoy, Nancy Brinkley, Christine Card, Jo Clark, Janice Craig, Ellen Donovan, Stephanie Franks, Kelly Gallimore, Angela Hawkins, Linda Hill, Margeaux Holland, Bonnie Joyner, Pam Keller, Linda McAlister, Susan Mills, Dr. Gail Morfesis, Michele Nix, Patsy Penuel, Terri Penzenstadler, Linda Petrou, Evelyn Poole-Kober, Brenda Rembert, Leisa Rowe, Cat Stash, Brenda Teague, Charli Thyne, Erica Vedeikis, Sarah Wetherby
BRONZE - Pauline Bruno, Lari Bubile, Laura Cox, Erika Dills, Cindy Edwards, Kathy Flanigan, Melissa Freeman, Kathy Gleeson, Pam Higgins, Mary Anne Huggins, Ann James, Lisa James, Carolyn Justice, Martha Miller, Anita Moody, Misty Nagy, Elizabeth Nutley, Janet Nutley, Becky Porter, Debbie Ressler, Peggy Smetana, Donna Stewart, Candace Sullivan, Marge Swierz, Toni Wall, Nancy Woody
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