Cattaraugus Women Invited to Ellicottville to Form Affiliate Chapter of National Organization

Ellicottville. New York, November 30, 2022.  Wednesday evening, seventeen Cattaraugus County women met for dinner at an Ellicottville restaurant with the intent of forming a new chapter affiliate of the New York State Federation of Republican Women (“NYSFRW”) and the National Federation of Republican Women (“NFRW”).  

Named “Cattaraugus County Republican Women” the new club’s objectives include, among others, “increasing the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government, informing the public through political education and activity, and promoting the principles of the Republican Party.  

In attendance at the function were the current president of the NYSFRW, Trisha Turner, who also serves as the County Chair of the Ontario County Republican Committee as well as the President of the Ontario County Women’s Republican Club, Former New York State Senator Cathy Young, and Cattaraugus County Republican Chair, Mark Heberling. 

The inaugural group passed by-laws and elected a slate of officers. Ashley E. Smith, Esq, the County Attorney, was elected to the position of President, Kelly Andreano, a County Legislator for the Olean area was elected as Vice President, Theresa “Reese” Perry, founder of Freedom Lovers of Franklinville, was elected Second Vice President, Courtney Spittler, the Republican Commissioner for Cattaraugus County was elected Secretary and Haley Saunders, a law student and County Legal Intern was elected Treasurer.

Chair Heberling stated “when I learned that a Club chapter could be initiated with ten members, and that Cattaraugus County did not have a Chapter, I contacted NYSFRW President Turner and asked her to help get us started here. I offered to sponsor the first ten members by paying their dues for the first year and contacted a few active Republican women to see if there was interest.  I was very excited that so many women indicated interest.”  Heberling noted that the County’s Republican Website will have a tab for the Club in order to keep members up to date on activities. 

Newly elected President Ashley Smith stated that a number of women present at the inaugural kickoff noted that there were other women who had wanted to attend the night’s festivities but could not make the meeting.  “Plans are being made for the next meeting, which we will advertise in order to spread the word,” she noted.        

President Ashley Smith encourages any Cattaraugus County women who is interested in Republican fellowship to join the Club and noted that “the Club’s membership is open to any woman who believes in the philosophy of the Republican party and supports the objectives and policies of the organization.”  Women interested in Club membership can contact the organization at P.O. Box 791, Ellicottville New York 14731.