Club Celebrates 40 Years Since Founding in 1985

February 23 marked the 40th anniversary of the founding of Virginia's Elizabeth River Republican Women's Club. Based in the Western Branch of Chesapeake, the club celebrated with members, associate members and friends with a dinner at the Riverstone Chophouse in nearby Suffolk.

Club member and Virginia State Senator, the Honorable Christie New Craig, presented the Senate Joint Resolution No. 338 of the Senate of Virginia commending the Elizabeth River Republican Women's Club. The resolution was agreed to by the Senate on February 6, 2025, and was agreed to by the House of Delegates on February 10, 2025. The resolution itself is beautiful, and it describes the club's contributions and value to the Commonwealth of Virginia over these many years.

We were honored to receive recognition from leaders of other Federation organizations. The National Federation of Republican Women commemorated the club with a document signed by President Julie Harris. Then, VFRW President Chelle Davis appointed Susan Cobb, Past President of VFRW, to read a letter on her behalf to the club and guests. Three Rivers Republican Women's Club honored the club by contributing $100 to the VFRW Women's Candidate Fund, and Central Chesapeake Republican Women's Club also expressed their congratulations and appreciation for the Elizabeth River club. These local organizations regularly participate in the activities of the other clubs and share many associate members.

Our club recognized these six members of long-standing: Carole de Triquet (a member since 1990), Miki Miller (a member since 1991), Nancy Parr (a member since 2005), Anna Van Laethem (a member since 2000), Judy Kunina (a member since 2007), and Angela Swygert (a member since 2011). Each woman continues to serve in leadership roles in the club, the GOP, and the community.

Carole de Triquet serves on the 3rd District State Central Committee, hosts the Young Republicans' Super Saturdays and campaign events, meet and greets, and fundraisers for candidates, and serves as campaign advisor and manager for candidates for Chesapeake City Council, School Board, and Virginia House of Delegates.

Miki Miller serves as Virginia's 3rd District Chairman and is on the Executive Board of the Republican Party of Virginia and the State Central Committee. She also serves on the Republican Party of Chesapeake Candidate Selection Committee. Miki is past president of the Virginia Federation of Republican Women and served many years as the club's president.

Nancy Parr retired after 17 years as Chesapeake's Commonwealth's Attorney since her election to the office in 2005. Nancy is a member of many boards and organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia and the Women's division of the Chamber of Commerce. She is a Child Life Volunteer and a NICU Cuddler at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. Nancy serves as the club's recording secretary and parliamentarian.

Anna Van Laethem is the VFRW 3rd District Representative and is on the City of Chesapeake Electoral Board. She has served many years as the club's president and is the current treasurer. Anna, a former U.S. Army officer and Army wife, leads the club's efforts to honor the armed forces.

Judy Kuniba is our first vice president and is the events chairperson for the Virginia Tea Party. Judy has held several club offices during her years as a member.

Angela Swygert has worked in numerous political roles as a volunteer, staffer, and elected official. She was elected to the Chesapeake School Board in 2020 and has been the chairperson since 2023. Angela, the special speaker for the event, spoke about the need for more Republican women in elected office with a presentation that was informative, entertaining, and inspiring.

The resumes of these women are too extensive to be listed in this format. We are blessed that they chose to serve our community, advance conservative principles, and support Republican candidates through our club. The Elizabeth River Republican Women's Club are few in number, but mighty in action.

CAPTIONS:

NFRW Past Presidents, Associate Member Susan Cobb and Member Miki Miller enjoy the evening of celebration.

The club displays awards, certificates and photo journals.