As the late State Senator Mike Johnson was nearing the halfway mark of his 12 years of service to the citizens of Oklahoma, his wife, Judy, began an effort to organize and recruit members for the first Kingfisher County Republican Women’s Organization.

Calling the first meeting to order on Oct. 13, 2003, eight members gathered to elect officers and begin the organizational process.

Those elected or appointed at the group’s first meeting were Judy Johnson, president; Annenda Reynolds, first vice president; Nancy Jech, second vice president; Judy Grellner, secretary (and reporter); Claudette Brownlee, treasurer; Annette Parham, chaplain; Sara Boeckman, parliamentarian; and Flo Hellwege, historian.

Having quickly added four more members including Marie Cooper, Vonnie Dow, Karen Mueggenborg and Toni Pickle, the group received its charter membership shortly thereafter in the Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican Women.

At a celebration of the group’s 20th anniversary on Monday, more than 20 KCRW members and guests gathered at the Interbank Community Room for a meal and special program.

Former state representative and current Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders served as master of ceremonies and introduced special guests, including former chair of the Republican Party of Oklahoma Pam Pollard, State Rep. Mike Dobrinski and Peyton Burns, field representative for U.S. Senator James Lankford.

In the welcoming address, Pickle, the current KCRW president, expressed her appreciation to all those involved in the organization and the group’s excitement of celebrating 20 years of service.

Membership has swelled over the years to as many as 70 at times and continues to serve on the local, state and national level, Pickle said.

The group is involved in state and national conventions and campaigns for office as well as volunteering in community activities and events.

In addition, KCRW also awards scholarships to county students who are selected as the winner of the annual essay contest revolving around the U.S. Constitution.

Expressing his thankfulness to the members, Sanders said, “I’m honored to have had your support during my 12 years in office.

“It’s the best women’s club in the state of Oklahoma and 20 years is definitely something to be proud of.”

He also lauded the many faithful members who have contributed a great deal to the organization, but since passed on.

In his introduction of Pollard, Sanders said she has dedicated many years of service to the Republican Party in a wide variety of leadership roles.

Pollard praised the group’s ability to “get things done,” and said that at one time Kingfisher County was a solid blue county, but now is solid red thanks in large part to the KCRW.

In her presentation, Pollard also discussed some of the attributes of Republican women.

They must have strength, courage, boldness and be emissaries for the platforms and conservative issues of the Republican Party, Pollard said.

“We can bring light and truth to our neighborhoods, our state, to our nation and to the world,” she said.

“Let’s fight for what is right and everything will fall into place.”

She expressed her appreciation for the group’s strong membership and applauded its being presented the Gold Achievement Award during the 42nd Biennial Convention of the National Federation of Republican Women.

As Jech was unable to attend, Dobrinski presented a citation on his behalf as well as himself and the State of Oklahoma recognizing the 20 years of service by KCRW.

The citation said in part: “Whereas, Kingfisher County Republican Women strive to build leaders, energize communities and keep America strong through informingthepublicthrough political and legislative education, training and activity; …and whereas, Kingfisher County Republican Women have served their community through increasing the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government, and promoting the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; and whereas on the occasion of the Kingfisher County Republican Women’s twentieth anniversary, the Oklahoma Legislature does hereby commend the Kingfisher County Republican Women for their many accomplishments and years of service to the citizens of Kingfisher County and the State of Oklahoma.”

Expressing his appreciation for KCRW, Dobrinski said it was a tremendous honor and privilege to be able to present the citation that Jech initiated.

Stressing the value of the organization, Dobrinski said, “It’s appropriate that you as a group of ladies 20 years ago organized to get informed, to educate yourselves and start educating others to get involved and control your destiny.

“If you’re a member, you’re a leader, not only in Kingfisher County and your communities, but most imtion portantly in your homes, in your churches,” he added.

“We could not achieve the successes we have as a state or country without the grassroots effort that you ladies provide.”

Burns also spoke briefly about the recent conflict in Israel as the U.S. is one of its strongest allies, as did the other guests, and on the prevention of government shutdowns supported by Lankford.

Many of the early KCRW members are still active today, along with others who’ve joined since the founding of the group.

Currently, those serving as officers along with Pickle are Shilah Jerkins, first vice president; Barbara Mc-Cune, second vice president; Denise Boots, secretary; and Tamara Hopkins, treasurer.

In closing, Sanders commented on how special Kingfisher County Republican Women’s group is and will continue to be for decades to come.

“Ican’tthankyouenough for the work you’ve done, not only on the political side, but more importantly on the educational side… the scholarship side, the community side,” Sanders said. “It’s more than just an activist party, you’re a community party.

“You make a difference, not only politically, but in the community as well.”