Colonial Mount Vernon Republican Women’s Club – Year in Review
Dear Members and Friends,
What a remarkable year 2025 has been for the Colonial Mount Vernon Republican Women’s Club! Even though our website updates took a backseat to the whirlwind of activity (life happens!), we wanted to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything we accomplished together. From thought-provoking speakers to hands-on election work, scholarship celebrations, and good old-fashioned chili, 2025 was a year packed with purpose, patriotism, and friendship.
January
We kicked off the year with our always-welcome Welcome Back Brunch – a perfect way to reconnect after the holidays.
We kicked off the year with our always-welcome Welcome Back Brunch – a perfect way to reconnect after the holidays.
February – Celebrating George Washington’s Birth Month
Brenda Hafera from the Heritage Foundation’s Simon Center for American Studies inspired us with her presentation “George Washington & the American Character.” We also rolled up our sleeves for a petition-signing drive to help our Republican candidates secure their spots on the November ballot.
Brenda Hafera from the Heritage Foundation’s Simon Center for American Studies inspired us with her presentation “George Washington & the American Character.” We also rolled up our sleeves for a petition-signing drive to help our Republican candidates secure their spots on the November ballot.
March
Andi Bayer, the 2024 RPV Volunteer of the Year and founder of the Fairfax GOP Election Integrity Team, gave an eye-opening talk on election integrity in Virginia, ballot security, and how every member can get involved to protect our elections.
Andi Bayer, the 2024 RPV Volunteer of the Year and founder of the Fairfax GOP Election Integrity Team, gave an eye-opening talk on election integrity in Virginia, ballot security, and how every member can get involved to protect our elections.
April
We were honored to host Ellen Walter, Chief of Operations for the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence. She walked us through the massive operation of handling the President’s mail, shared volunteer opportunities, and personally thanked several of our own members who helped clear the backlog – true patriot service in action!
We were honored to host Ellen Walter, Chief of Operations for the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence. She walked us through the massive operation of handling the President’s mail, shared volunteer opportunities, and personally thanked several of our own members who helped clear the backlog – true patriot service in action!
May
Hollywood came to Mount Vernon! Actor Dwight Schultz (the beloved “Howling Mad” Murdock from The A-Team, Lt. Barclay on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and many more roles) gave a candid and compelling talk about life as an outspoken conservative in liberal Hollywood. From being un-cast and then miraculously re-cast on The A-Team to the real challenges conservatives face in the industry, Dwight reminded us that standing firm makes us stronger – and shows others the truth.
Hollywood came to Mount Vernon! Actor Dwight Schultz (the beloved “Howling Mad” Murdock from The A-Team, Lt. Barclay on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and many more roles) gave a candid and compelling talk about life as an outspoken conservative in liberal Hollywood. From being un-cast and then miraculously re-cast on The A-Team to the real challenges conservatives face in the industry, Dwight reminded us that standing firm makes us stronger – and shows others the truth.
June
Our annual Liberty Scholarship Reception was a highlight of the year! We awarded $2,500 to Jacob Nestor, who movingly recited his winning essay on “The Tapestry of American Exceptionalism.” We were also thrilled to welcome back 2024 recipient Tyler Pinkey (now a rising sophomore at BYU), who shared how the scholarship has impacted his freshman year.
Our annual Liberty Scholarship Reception was a highlight of the year! We awarded $2,500 to Jacob Nestor, who movingly recited his winning essay on “The Tapestry of American Exceptionalism.” We were also thrilled to welcome back 2024 recipient Tyler Pinkey (now a rising sophomore at BYU), who shared how the scholarship has impacted his freshman year.
September
Nothing says fall like our famous Chili Cook-Off! Seven delicious entries battled it out, with David Almasi taking home the grand prize – a $50 gift card to The Cut Butchery and two tickets to next year’s cook-off. Our special guest, Sean Spicer, brought words of encouragement and unity in the wake of the tragic Charlie Kirk assassination. Despite the sorrow of that moment, our club family came together with warmth, great food, and renewed resolve.
Nothing says fall like our famous Chili Cook-Off! Seven delicious entries battled it out, with David Almasi taking home the grand prize – a $50 gift card to The Cut Butchery and two tickets to next year’s cook-off. Our special guest, Sean Spicer, brought words of encouragement and unity in the wake of the tragic Charlie Kirk assassination. Despite the sorrow of that moment, our club family came together with warmth, great food, and renewed resolve.
October
Our traditional Candidate Help Night was all about action! Valerie Wohlleben trained members on phone banking, texting, and door-knocking. House of Delegates candidate Richard Hayden (HD-16) joined us and invited everyone to his big door-knocking weekend. We also rallied volunteers for early-voting and Election Day poll greeters and introduced the 2026 officer slate (thank you to everyone who stepped up to serve!).
Our traditional Candidate Help Night was all about action! Valerie Wohlleben trained members on phone banking, texting, and door-knocking. House of Delegates candidate Richard Hayden (HD-16) joined us and invited everyone to his big door-knocking weekend. We also rallied volunteers for early-voting and Election Day poll greeters and introduced the 2026 officer slate (thank you to everyone who stepped up to serve!).
On the Ground All Year Long – Boots-on-the-Ground Victory
From mid-April through the end of October, our members proudly staffed the Red Tent at the Sherwood Hall Farmers Market almost every week—smiling, answering questions, and spreading the conservative message to thousands of neighbors. When early voting opened, you were there in force as poll greeters at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center and Lorton Community Center. And on Election Day, Colonial Mount Vernon Republican Women were a highly visible, cheerful, and effective presence at polling places across the entire Mount Vernon District. Your countless hours of service have not gone unnoticed – thank you!
November
We proudly elected our 2026 board (official installation coming in December!). Our speaker, J6 political prisoner-turned-advocate Adam Villarreal, delivered a powerful testimony of resilience, faith, and the fight for truth. Pardoned by President Trump on January 20, 2025, Adam shared his family’s painful journey, the support of the “J6 Underground Railroad,” and his continued mission to reveal the full story of that day. His new book, The Truth is Inevitable, was raffled off as a door prize – a moving end to a moving meeting.
We proudly elected our 2026 board (official installation coming in December!). Our speaker, J6 political prisoner-turned-advocate Adam Villarreal, delivered a powerful testimony of resilience, faith, and the fight for truth. Pardoned by President Trump on January 20, 2025, Adam shared his family’s painful journey, the support of the “J6 Underground Railroad,” and his continued mission to reveal the full story of that day. His new book, The Truth is Inevitable, was raffled off as a door prize – a moving end to a moving meeting.
December 9th – Save the Date!
We close the year in style with our Annual Holiday Celebration & Officer Installation at beautiful Cedar Knoll. This is our biggest fundraiser for the Liberty Tree Scholarship, featuring an exciting raffle and silent auction. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Reince Priebus, former White House Chief of Staff and RNC Chairman, for a special fireside chat.
We close the year in style with our Annual Holiday Celebration & Officer Installation at beautiful Cedar Knoll. This is our biggest fundraiser for the Liberty Tree Scholarship, featuring an exciting raffle and silent auction. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Reince Priebus, former White House Chief of Staff and RNC Chairman, for a special fireside chat.
Tickets are $75 per person. Don’t wait to purchase your tickets as seating is limited!
Purchase here:my.cheddarup.com/c/2025-holiday-celebration-cedar-knoll-copy
Purchase here:my.cheddarup.com/c/2025-holiday-celebration-cedar-knoll-copy
It’s also time to renew (or join for the first time!) for 2026 – You can join/pay your dues by clicking HERE: my.cheddarup.com/c/2026-annual-dues-copy-69215
As we reflect on 2025, we are filled with gratitude – for inspiring speakers, for members who give countless hours to candidates and causes, for generous scholarship donors, and for the friendships that make this club feel like family. Together, we educated, activated, and celebrated the values that make America exceptional.
Here’s to an even stronger 2026!
With patriotic pride,
The Colonial Mount Vernon Republican Women’s Club
The Colonial Mount Vernon Republican Women’s Club
