Rock Island Today

The Republican Women of Rock Island County (RWRIC) recently held its annual membership luncheon, during which the group elected officers for the coming year, according to a post on the group’s Facebook page.

The group elected six officers during the meeting at Short Hills Country Club including Laura Evans, who served as president for the past year. Other elected officers include Karen English, another past president of the group; Susan Wynn Bence, president of the Illinois Federation of Republican Women (IFRW); Sherrie Diekmann; June Harroun; and Lois Gray, who helped staff the check-in table at the event, according to the Facebook post.

The annual luncheon featured Republican women of all ages, with Dr. Lois Frels, an RWRIC stalwart according to the group’s Facebook page, making an appearance, as well as the daughters of some members.

Also in attendance at the event were several prominent local- and state-level candidates, including Rock Island County Clerk candidate Russell Christ. Glen Evans, who is running for the 72nd House District made an appearance, according to Facebook photos of the event, as did former state Rep. Rich Morthland, who will join state Rep. Jeanne Ives’ (R-Wheaton) ticket in her primary challenge to Gov. Bruce Rauner as lieutenant governor, according to a report from WQAD.

The RWRIC does not fall under the umbrella of the Republican Central Committee of Rock Island County but is connected with the various Republican organizations throughout the county. It is part of the Republicans of Rock Island County, according to the group’s Facebook page. The RWRIC is a chapter of the IFRW, as well as the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) and has received awards from both groups based on the volunteer hours put in by RWRIC members. The women earned the Silver Award from the IFRW and a bronze award from the NFRW.

The group works to support the values and principles of the Republican Party, focusing particularly on voter education, according to the RWRIC Facebook page. Members work to ensure that voters are informed, pushing for a more educated voting base. Additionally, the group works with conservative candidates running in races related to Rock Island County, although the group notes that it is loyal to the GOP and puts aside differences to support whichever candidates win in primary races.

RWRIC also provides members with a chance to network with other area women and to learn from each other about policy and issues. The women meet at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, with a new guest speaker at each meeting to discuss issues that affect voters. The group does not run its typical meetings in January, July or November.

Those wishing to join the group can contact the RWRIC through its Facebook page. Membership fees for the upcoming year are set at $25 for full membership or $10 for an associate membership.