First Lady Parson Speaks To Republican Women

The Benton County Republican Women's Club hosted First Lady Teresa Parson on March 6, 2023 to speak on the initiatives in which she is involved. JAG – Jobs for America’s Graduates, there are 104programs throughout Missouri as an in-school elective to get students ready for employment. Mrs.Parson also advocates for special needs children by hosting events that allow the children to come to the Governor's mansion, such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt. She is involved in promoting the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, which works with disadvantaged children in the state. She spoke of seeing the joy on the faces of the children, knowing that many of them will go home at night to a car which they live in. Upon arrival at the Governor’s mansion Mrs. Parson declared the Mansion the People’s House and has opened access to the public, as much as possible through special events. Shethen took questions from the attendees. One of the questions asked of the First Lady was how did her children handle the move to the Governor's Mansion. She answered that it was a big adjustment for their entire family, a sacrifice they all had to make. She spoke of how it was 6 months before she thought of it as home. The event was put on as part of the Benton County Republican Women's Club monthly luncheons in which guest speakers in leadership in Missouri are invited to share about their work in our state. It was a special treat to have First Lady Parson at the March luncheon. There were 40 people in attendance. The event was held at the Terrace Alley event room north of Warsaw. Lunch consisting of soup, salad, and quiche was catered by the owners of Terrace Alley. We thank them for presenting a lovely luncheon for us, and the food was second to none. Benton County Republican Women's Club is part of a nationwide organization: National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW); Missouri Federation of Republican Women (MoFRW), and the 4thDistrict MoFRW. After a brief intermission, there was a door prize drawing with a gift donated by RiOak of Cole Camp.Maria Cavin was the winner. Then some trivia questions for other door prizes. A presentation by First Vice President Janelle Mullen followed about the importance of membership, and local and county legislation reports. A short business meeting followed with announcements of upcoming events. If you would like to become a part of a growing club of like-minded women, we meet the first Monday of every month (unless a holiday, then the second) at 12:00 noon in the basement conference room of the downtown location of Equity Bank in Warsaw.