2020 Ann Roberts Scholarship

The Republican Club of the Palm Beaches’ Scholarship was named after a long-standing and active member of our Club, Anne Roberts.

The Anne Roberts Memorial Scholarship is available to any resident of Palm Beach County who is a full or part time undergraduate or graduate student seeking to further their education. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and plan to attend an accredited college. Applicants must be registered (or pre-registered under 18 yrs. of age) Republicans. Current members of our Club may refer applicants for this scholarship. The deadline for this application is May 31. The recipient will be eligible to receive up to $500 to be sent to the school they will attend. Award will be presented at the monthly luncheon June 24, 2020.

RCPB Scholarship application 2020

Previous Year Winners

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In 2019, our winners were:

Jenna Calderaio, one of 80 in the Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship at FSU. Jenna interned for Congressman Brian Mast last summer and this year is interning at Wright Patterson Air Force base in Dayton Ohio as a criminal investigator. She created her own business, SanMatic (an automated sensor bathroom stall door lock) and has been active in FSU Republicans and Turning Point USA. Jenna will graduate in 2020 and hopes for a career in product development.

Jessica Blakley, majoring in Economics and Public Policy at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, is in her senior year, to graduate this December. Among her achievements as one of the winners of the Palm Beach Post Pathfinder Awards, President of future Business Leaders, and 2nd place winner at PBA Entrepreneurship Challenge, she created her own business “Make Up Doctor”. At Belmont, she was elected Congresswoman in the Student Government and was chosen to intern last year in the Tennessee Legislature. Jessica has volunteered in Haiti Missions, Belle Glade Missions, Puerto Rico Missions, and the Christ Fellowship Office. Jessica has been interning with Laffer Associates, one of the key crafters of Reaganomics, in the health care policy division and has accepted a full-time position with Laffer upon graduation. Jessica aspires to study for a Doctorate degree to eventually work as an economic analyst for the Federal Reserve.

Ben DeHaan, from Ada, Michigan, is in his junior year at Palm Beach Atlantic University studying business management and political science. Because of his recommendation by Dr, James Todd of PBAU for an internship with the Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee, Ben was also recommended for our scholarship by the PB County REC Chair, Michael Barnett and our Club Member, Claire Jones. Ben is spending this summer in Michigan working for TGG Solutions, a business solutions company, specializing in Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance policies. Ben plans to join our Club on his return to school.

TWINS: Keelie and Rileigh Hanley—came to our committee as a pair and presented themselves to our membership as a duo. Both graduated from the celebrated SunCoast High School with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and plan to attend Embry Riddle Aeronautics University in Daytona Beach, studying Computer Science and Global Security with the intent to apply for the US Air Force Academy in 2020.

RCPB Scholarship application 2020

CANCELLED: Author Al Felzenberg Featured at March Lunch

Author of “A Man and His Presidents: The Political Odyssey of William F. Buckley Jr.”, Alvin Felzenberg served in several senior policy posts at the state and national levels and is a recognized expert on American politics, the American presidency, Congress, and political movements.

William F. Buckley Jr. is widely regarded as the most influential American conservative writer, activist, and organizer in the postwar era. The book is the result of seven years of research and writing, and delves into Buckley’s correspondence, interviews, and includes many rarely seen photographs. This account of one of the most compelling personalities of American politics will appeal to conservatives, liberals, and even the apolitical.

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Alvin S. Felzenberg served in two presidential administrations, as an adviser to the Departments of State and Defense; and was principal spokesman for the 9-11 Commission. From 2010 through 2016, he directed communications for the Joint Economic Committee of the United States Congress. In 2006, Dr. Felzenberg was a Fellow at the Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.

Since 2007, Dr. Felzenberg has taught communications at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also been a lecturer in communications and political science at Princeton, Yale, Johns Hopkins and George Washington Universities. He holds a PhD. in Politics from Princeton University.

His other books include: “The Leaders We Deserved and a Few We Didn’t: Rethinking the Presidential Rating Game” (Basic Books, 2008), “Governor Tom Kean: From the New Jersey Statehouse to the 9-11 Commission” Rutgers University Press, 2006), “Keys to a Successful Presidency” (Heritage Foundation 2000), and other works.

He is a former columnist for US News and World Report. Felzenberg has appeared as a commentator on major public affairs television shows, including CNN’s “Crossfire”, C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal”, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and “Hard Ball” with Chris Matthews, National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation”, a public affairs broadcast, and multiple others. His writings have appeared in the Washington Post, the Weekly Standard, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Boston Globe, Christian Science Monitor, Politico, and National Review.

Municipal Candidate Exposition at February Meeting

Along with the Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) on March 17, is a non-partisan election for municipal officers – Mayors, Councilmen and Commissioners in the cities, towns and villages in Palm Beach County. When you go out to vote for President Trump in the Republican primary, look toward the bottom of the ballot and vote for your municipal officials as well.

Since the municipal races are non-partisan, the candidates are not allowed to campaign as members of a political party. We as a Republican Club on the other hand, can offer our support to those candidates that share our Republican values. Those who meet that criteria have been invited to this forum. Some are running against each other, others are facing Democrats.

As of February 22, Wayne Posner, Cameron May, Darryl Aubrey, Rick Maharajh, and David Katz have agreed to participate.

City Councils and Commissions are the entry points for many civic leaders who go on to higher office. Even if you do not live in one of these cities, come and hear from the leaders of tomorrow talk about the issues in their jurisdictions. They all need volunteers, contributions, and overall support.

In the table below, click on the candidates’ picture to access their website (if available).

Boynton Beach Seat 4 D + 25	Incumbent	Rick Maharajh	David Katz
Jupiter Seat 1 R + 13	Wayne Posner (incumbent)	Cameron May
North Palm Beach Seat 3 R + 14	Darryl Aubrey (incumbent)	Kathleen Wallenhorst (Conflict)

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Cruise Line’s Efforts in Dorian Relief

At our December lunch, Anita Mitchell and her daughter Kimberly were on hand to describe the efforts of the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line to provide relief on Grand Bahama Island following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

Dorian, the category five monster that turned much of the Abacos and Grand Bahama into rubble in September, remained over the northern Bahamas for a day while we in South Florida hunkered down for the blow that didn’t come. We “dodged a cannonball” in Anita’s words.

Mitchell, who is the Corporate and Community Relations VP at the cruise line, described how their ship, the Grand Celebration, sailed shortly after the storm’s passage to initially provide evacuation assistance from Grand Bahama during a 12 hour stop. Later, they would ferry needed supplies, equipment and volunteers to the island to assist in the recovery. Other cruise lines were helping too, but their larger ships had to anchor out while the Grand Celebration was able to tie up to the dock, greatly facilitating loading and unloading.

Their ships were also involved in hurricane relief during 2018 in the Virgin Islands.

Kimberly Mitchell, Executive Director of the Everglades Trust and a former WPB Commissioner, spoke about the effort to set up a charitable organization to continue providing relief, described the efforts of the local business community in West Palm Beach, particulalry restaurant owner Rodney Mayo.

The businesses provided supplies and donations as well as loaning their employees to help in the efforts. A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Bahamas Relief Cruise (BRC) was created with the help of Gunster and former Senator George LeMieux. Donations are accepted at their website.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line operates two cruise ships from the Port of Palm Beach, providing 2 night trips to Grand Bahama and Nassau. Many of the club members have been on these trips and spoke well of the experience. Anita described what the ships have to offer in the way of accommodations, food and entertainment, and brought along two of the on-board performers who gave us a taste.

Vocalist Tamula Browning Helmuth entertained us with a variety of musical selections including Etta James “At Last” and a hearty rendition of John Fogerty and CCR’s “Proud Mary” as rendered by Tina Turner. She was accompanied by saxophonist Rashad “the SAX Man” Reckley.

Reckley, an Abacoan victim of the hurricane himself, performed with his leg in a cast as Helmuth related how he clung to a tree as the hurricane destroyed his home.

Also at the meeting was CD18 candidate Nick Vessio.

Large Field of CD22 Candidates Take the Stage

On December 5, the extremely large field of Republicans looking to retire Ted Deutch in Congressional District 22 took the stage at the South County Civic Center. The event was sponsored by the Republican Party of Palm Beach County.

This D+15 district is comprised of northern Broward County (413K voters, D+18) and a small part of Palm Beach in Boca Raton east of the turnpike (100K voters, equal number of R and D). Whoever emerges from this field will have a tough road as Deutch is sitting on a war chest of $488K while none of the Republicans have posted any funds.

That said, with many Independents and even Democrats strongly opposed to the partisan impeachment farce which Deutch is supporting, this may be the year to turn CD22 red.

Moderated by MaryAnna Mancuso, a moderate Republican strategist who appears on WPTV’s “To the Point”, the forum gave each of the candidates a chance to stretch their political legs and make an impression.

At the left of the stage was Kevin Boyle of Boca Raton. A “law and order” candidate, Kevin would like to close the southern border until it is under control, impose maximum penalties for human trafficking, and curb Iranian aggression through military force if necessary.

Next up was Jessi Melton of Delray Beach who has an interest in health care. She supports health insurance across state lines and reducing the power of the FDA.

Jim Pruden, also from Boca, would push to pass Kate’s Law, reduce the national debt, and support the Trump Administration’s plans for the middle east.

To Jim’s right was Christine Scott of Boynton Beach. She would reduce our trade with China as we “don’t really need them”, applauds the “Right to Try” legislation and allowing drug importation from Canada. Seeking to qualify via petition, Christine has been out and about in the district since August, meeting thousands of voters.

Next was Joe Smith. His interest is criminal justice reform and supporting medical innovation.

To his right was Darlene Swaffer. Darlene is known as the “Medicare Lady” (her registered trademark) and runs a large Insurance agency in Deerfield Beach. She is interested in stopping the Algae Blooms in our waterways and revising Obamacare. Noting the Democrat lean to the district, she has already won the support (including endorsements) of some Independents and Democrats in Broward.

At the end of the stage was Dr. Eddison Walters of Boca Raton, a financial professional who believes that the 2008 real estate bubble was a hoax. His interesting hypothesis is backed up by a paper he wrote for the Journal of International Business and Economics. He believes that concern for the national debt is overblown, and focusing on growth is what we need to do.

With, eight months to go before the August primary, it will be interesting to see how this field shakes out. Besides these candidates and Ted Deutch, there is also an NPA candidate in the race, Omar Reyes, and Imtiaz Ahmad Mohammad is challenging Deutch in the Democrat primary.

Bahamas Relief and Some Holiday Cheer at our December Lunch

The Mitchells will describe the work of the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line in providing post-Dorian relief on Grand Bahama Island.

As Co Founders of the 501c3 charity Bahamas Relief, they will report on why the charity was formed, the process to develop the organization, how it got its start, the mission of the group, what has transpired since then, what relief has been sent to the Bahamas since Hurricane Dorian hit in September and what work there is left to do.

We will also hear some holiday tunes from a surprise artist and her saxophone accompaniment.

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Anita Mitchell, a former Chairman of the Republican Party of PBC,is the owner and president of The Mitchell Group in West Palm Beach, one of Florida’s best known marketing, event planning, and corporate relations firms. The firm has provided government relations, new business development, and communications services to a wide range of statewide and national clients. Mitchell has also worked such prominent organizations as Florida TaxWatch, Walt Disney World, and the American Film Institute. Currently, she is Vice President, Corporate and Community Relations, with the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL).

As an active leader in the community, Mitchell has served in numerous high-level civic roles. She has been a board member with the Leukemia Society, the American Cancer Society, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, and the Florida Department of Children & Families Health and Human Services Board. She was the first woman elected President of The Forum Club of the Palm Beaches.

Kimberly Mitchell is a former West Palm Beach City Commissioner who served from 2002 to 2015. During her tenure on the Commission, Kimberly was a leading proponent of water supply management for the City and region. Having been a leader during numerous droughts, water shortages and polluted water releases from Lake Okeechobee, she understood that in order to assure a lasting water supply, with good quality water at an affordable price, a comprehensive restoration of the Everglades system would be required as part of the solution for water supply.

Kimberly has a well-rounded career that includes working as a governmental affairs professional in Tallahassee where she specialized in local and state representation – and managed local, state and national campaigns.

Probably her most memorable client was the iconic Everglades protector George Barley. In 1994, Kimberley cut her teeth on Everglades restoration when she was part of the team that got Everglades Forever passed in the Florida legislature.

For the past 13 years, in addition to serving as a prominent City Commissioner in Palm Beach County, Kimberly was a managing director for a national investment bank and served accounts throughout Florida, including the South Florida Water Management District.

Congressman Brian Mast at Veterans Lunch

Fran Hancock, President of the Republican Club of the Palm Beaches, on November 6th honored the Veterans in attendance and celebrated them by providing a free luncheon. Keynote speaker was Congressman Brian Mast, who is currently serving in his second term for District 18. Brian is currently a member of two committees:
– The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and
– United States Foreign Affairs Committee.
He lives in Palm City, FL with his wife, Brianna and four children.

Brian opened up his presentation by honoring the Veterans and recalling the time he spent in the military. He mentioned by name his close friends that served with him and some of which gave their lives for our country. He expressed how proud he was of the men and woman who put on the uniform and served in the military.

Brian went on and discussed how the impeachment process was a sham and nothing else will likely get accomplished in the House of Representatives in the foreseeable future. The following is an excerpt from Brian’s presentations:

I’ll be blunt – this impeachment investigation has become an embarrassing circus, completely disconnected from real America, with Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Schiff as ringmasters.

After weeks of closed-door meetings and cherry-picked testimonies, the House passed a resolution to formally launch an impeachment investigation into President Donald Trump. This resolution gives Chairman Schiff complete control over this investigation including the schedule, witnesses and hearings, including whether they are open or closed to the public.

This publicity stunt vote is a brazen attempt to stack the deck even more in favor of the narrative Democrats want to be true, instead of trying to find the actual truth — it gives Chairman Schiff unilateral power to decide what facts to tell the American people and which ones to hide from them.

The bottom line is that House Democrats have made it clear time and time again that they’re more interested in putting politics and hatred for the President ahead of our country’s best interest. It’s time to end this sham.

Congressman Brian Mast concluded his presentation by taking questions from the floor. He mentioned one of his areas of focus and passion is clean water for the residents of Florida.
and thanked the Republican Party of Palm Beach for all of their continued support.

Congressman Brian Mast on Impeachment

I’ll be blunt – this impeachment investigation has become an embarrassing circus, completely disconnected from real America, with Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Schiff as ringmasters.

After weeks of closed-door meetings and cherry-picked testimonies, the House passed a resolution to formally launch an impeachment investigation into President Donald Trump. This resolution gives Chairman Schiff complete control over this investigation including the schedule, witnesses and hearings, including whether they are open or closed to the public.

This publicity stunt vote is a brazen attempt to stack the deck even more in favor of the narrative Democrats want to be true, instead of trying to find the actual truth—it gives Chairman Schiff unilateral power to decide what facts to tell the American people and which ones to hide from them.

The bottom line is that House Democrats have made it clear time and time again that they’re more interested in putting politics and hatred for the President ahead of our country’s best interest. It’s time to end this sham.

Congressman Brian Mast

We Stand with the President !

The leaders of Republican Club of the Palm Beaches, on behalf of our membership, stand with President Trump against the soft coup being attempted by Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff and any House member of either party who supports what is erroneously being called an “Impeachment Inquiry”.

This is just the latest attempt by the deep state, also known as “The Swamp”, to rise up against this man that has the courage to oppose the corruption that is rampant in Washington, DC.

They fought him during the election with fake news, fake polls, and an overwhelming media bias. They tried to overturn the election by questionable recounts in states where the outcome was close. They tried to subvert the electoral college, pressuring electors to vote against their state’s choices. They boycotted his inauguration, and mobilized thousands of protesters in “vagina hats” to “RESIST” the choice of the American people. They created a witch hunt tribunal led by Robert Mueller and “13 angry Democrats” that destroyed many lives, wasted millions of dollars and two years of precious time in a failed attempt to bring him down.

Now, with the stark realization that he will surely be re-elected by a landslide in 2020, the Congressional Democrats and their co-conspirators in the mainstream media have decided to go all-in for a last desperate attempt to remove him from office. With their secret witnesses, secret “star chamber” hearings, made-up evidence, and total exclusion of the Republican minority from participation in the farce, this is not an “Impeachment”. It is a bald-face uprising by a cabal of deep state conspirators to invalidate a national election that has been an existential threat to their power.

The battle lines have been drawn. Those who would subvert the constitution in an attempt to remove a sitting President under false pretenses must be defeated. They must also be held accountable for all they have done to the country in this dangerous threat to our Republic.

Armand Grossman on Being Successful

The featured speaker at our September lunch was Armand Grossman, former Vice Mayor of Miami Springs, FAU Trustee, PBCGOP board member, and current President of the Boca Raton Regional Republican Club.

Sharing with us anecdotes on a wide variety of subjects, including ‘rule of law’, the experience of driving in the Presidential motorcades, and ‘male/white privilege’, Armand opined that the real privilege is having been born in America.

Speaking on the “DNA of the Flag”, he characterized much of our history as being driven by Freedom. Today, while those of our persuasion see threats to that freedom which must be opposed, the left has a much different view. They see the three major threats to our country as “The right wing”, “Climate Change”, and Capitalism. Freedom has no place in their agenda.

Armand also spoke about his upcoming book on the traits of successful people.

Leading the list is the “privilege of adversity”, relating his rough and tumble upbringing leaving him better equipped for future challenges. Another way of saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, I guess.

He also counsels “never let anyone else define you”, and that the #1 trait of the successful is engendering trust.

Armand’s book should be available later this year.

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Our October/November meetings are being combined into a single lunch on Wednesday, November 6, featuring Congressman Brian Mast. With all that is going on in Washington these days, expect an interesting session.

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