Remarks of Doraine Riley, President
Good evening and welcome to the 50th anniversary celebration of the Old Saybrook Republican Women's Club. Anniversaries are always happy occasions. And, the larger the number, the more pride there is in their endurance and effort. It takes a lot of caring and work to get to #50, whether in a marriage or an organization.
We can all pat ourselves on the back for this achievement tonight but naturally the credit and kudos go to the women who came before us. Those who had a vision and decided they wanted to be a part of the process, that is, the way in which we elected people like Dwight Eisenhower for President, John Lodge for Governor and George Benway for First Selectman. Incidentally, one of the two selectmen who served with George Benway was John Torrenti, Sr. Republicans all. Those people were elected into office when this club was in its infancy and I feel sure our members played a meaningful part in those victories.
Our long, productive history is one of support - financially and enthusiastically. We have offered a platform to those who asked for it so they could "spread the word." Victory, when achieved, has been our only reward.
The Old Saybrook Republican Women's Club has also been involved in sending countless young people to Washington as summer interns. Some of their thank you notes are on the table of memorabilia. For most of them, it was their first introduction to the workings of government and hopefully inspired some of them to also join in the process.
Tonight we are very fortunate to have at these tables, several past presidents and other long term members. We have built on their hard work and have re-dedicated ourselves to their mission. We hope they are proud of the organization we have become. We honor all of you and I ask now for all the presidents to stand so we can thank you for all your past good work.
Kelli Boothman, Barbara Maynard, Pat Cronin, Madge Fish, Eileen Torrenti, Betty DelGiorno, Jan Fenger and Shirley Cortsen.
Our Club is growing monthly as new members come into the fold and new opportunities to support candidates present themselves. Tonight we have such an opportunity as a special guest, Kerry Knobelsdorff, who is running for Judge of Probate, joins us.
Thank you to all who contributed to making this evening such a success. Especially Kathy Ledwith our Hospitality Chairman, Fran Freedman, who created all the beautiful centerpieces, (which, as you know by now, you can take a chance to win), Carol Mack Voigt, who purchased all the elephants to get us started, Gloria Sparaco for sending out invitations, June Wilson and Sylvia Schmitt for helping with the favors, Gerri Lewis who purchased the beautiful, delicious cake, Corrine Graeb for transportation favors and Marilyn Giuliano, who procured the various letters and proclamations from President Bush, Governor Rell, Congressman Simmons, the Connecticut General Assembly and First Selectman, Mike Pace.
It has been said that the past is but a prologue to the future, and so to our newest members and future members we pass the banner of our Club and hope that our diligence will inspire them to carry on our work. Thank you.
