Well, we did it again! Our Retama Classic was more succesful than ever before. Sorry if you missed it. Mary Fox and her team of volunteers did a superb job. Thanks Mary. As you will see elsewhere in this newsletter, we received some wonderful gifts from our election officials and members. We also really appreicate our very generous supporters and attendees. The table decorations were superb thanks to Tommye Crabb. This year the centerpieces consisted of huge colorful boots filled with flowers surrounded by western hats, scarves, stars and other patriotic "stuff". They were all sold, many before we even began eating! Even the Retama staff asked if they could purchase them if they didn't sell. Fat chance!

I know the weather is hot but please remember to keep yours eyes and ears open to all the political events going on this summer. We will be co-hosting another "Meet The Judges" event with South Texas Republicans on August 31st. We have another new Texas Supreme Court Justice to introduce to you plus you will get to hear Judge Joe Brown, one of our newest District Judges.

I am sure most of you read Roddy Stinson's column recently where he mentiond we are living in a Republican state but Bexar County is still a Democrat stronghold. That means you and I still have lots of work to do, so please talk to your friends and neighbors about what the Republican Party and we stand for. Invite them to join Alamo City Republican Women and be prepared for their response. Some may immediately say "okay, sign me up." You do not have to have an application form in hand. Simply write their name, address, telephone number, etc. on a piece of paper and attach it to their check or cash. Others may say something such as "How would I find time to fit something else in my schedule?" Think about what you will say such as, "I know you are so involved in the community/church and that is why we need people like you." Use the sales technique of the three "F's": I understand how you feel, I felt the same way but I have found this great organization so rewarding and I know I am making a difference. Engage them in ways which they could be involved in Alamo City Republican Women however little time they have. Just being a member, even if they can't attend luncheons, is supporting our cause. Eventually there will be some event they will be able to attend or get involved with. Belonging to a group really does keep people connected. We have telephone committee members who have never attended a luncheon, but their job is very important just as every position is within the organization.

We have a wonderful group of speakers lined up for the rest of the year, so mark your calendars now. Some meeting dates have been changed due to conflicting events at Oak Hills Country Club. The October meeting has been changed to the 25th and the December meeting to the l3th.

Please do contact me if you have any questions.

Freida Wright