2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory
Republican Women Club

Republican Women Club

Valley Center’s Republican Women’s club is a big force in local San Diego politics. "We do a lot!" says President Peg Ohlson. "We are part of a dynamic group of women actively engaged in the political process."

It has been recognized nationally with the Diamond Achievement Award from the National Federation of Republican Women. This award factors in a number of achievements, which included the club’s Caring for America program done in conjunction with the AVID program at the high school.

The branch includes members from, not only Valley Center, but Escondido, Pauma Valley, even Vista. There are 66 members this year, including 16 new ones.

The club made a big splash in the Western Days Parade when its float of a life size blue elephant, Liberty, received one of the top parade honors.

This years officers are Peg Ohlson, president; Phyliss Colter first vice president; Gloria Pellom, second vice president; Mimi Van Koughnett, third vice president; Joanne Spanovich, secretary; and Belle Onorato, treasurer.

They meet every Third Wednesday from August-May, at the Escondido Country Club, 1800 Country Club lane, Escondido.

Meetings are a mixture of informational and educational. Speakers include Republican men and women who keep the club abreast of state and national politics.

According to Mrs. Ohlson, "We believe in a diversity of opinion, experience and culture and in the power of grassroots political activism and in developing political leaders for the future in active citizenship in government that requires personal responsibility while protecting the worth of the individual.

It also sponsors TARS (Teen Age Republican Students) at the high school. These students in turn help with voter registration, election day telephoning and with fund-raisers.

The club has an annual fund-raiser that supports political activities as well as the high school scholarship program. This year the club gave three $1000 scholarships to the high school at large and seven $500 scholarships to TARS members.

In the summer the club sponsors the Day at the Races fund-raiser at Del Mar. In October they have the Wine & Cheese fund-raiser at a local estate. This includes dynamic local political representatives who will talk about the election. Their legislative chairman keeps them informed on local, state and national issue and they contact their representatives to show their support or disapproval for legislative initiatives.

All during the year members register voters, at booths, local malls, the fair, at the citizenship ceremony and Western Days. They contact voters to update the list and urge them vote. On election day they are poll watchers. The club has a very active precinct chairman in Marcia Townsend.

Dues are $25 a year, $10 for associate members such as spouses. Mrs. Ohlson urges area women to join. "Our programs will keep you informed and make you a more responsible citizen. You will enjoy the camaraderie of a committed group. Our theme is, ‘We make a difference.’"

Contact them at: 749-1044, 26757 Calle De Encinas, Valley Center, 92082