Morgan Robertson
In what amounts to a Republican “President’s Day” event, many GOP counties host a “Reagan” (or Lincoln) Dinner in February. This year, some (Republican) LEAP Students volunteered to help, so Jessica Cuevas, Chrissy Biello, Ashlyn Parker, and I found ourselves assisting and enjoying the Walker County Reagan Dinner.
We received our direction from Linda McKenzie, Walker County Chair, and coordinated with other volunteers as guests began arriving. Chrissy and Ashlyn were the first to welcome people in and direct them to their tables or to the enticing array of baked goods.
Each year the Walker County Republican Women host a dessert silent auction to raise money for the organization, and supply guests with delicious desserts. This year, over 45 desserts were donated.
Jessica enjoyed perusing the donated desserts and snapping photos of some serious bidding deliberation.
Mrs. McKenzie began the evening by thanking everyone in attendance, thanking us for our assistance, and recognizing each elected official and candidate. Constable Gene Bartee gave the invocation and County Clerk Kari French led the Pledges.
This year, we were honored to dine with 10th Court of Appeals Justice, Matt Johnson and his wife Melissa and 12th Judicial District Court Judge David Moorman and his wife Christie. Our conversation varied between the upcoming 10th Court of Appeals Hearings at SHSU on April 3 and our favorite musicals– Melissa Johnson, it turns out, is a Professor of Musical Theatre Voice at Baylor University.
In anticipation of the second part of our volunteer duties, Mrs. McKenzie sent our tables to eat first, so we may deliver the desserts to the highest bidders. Dinner was catered by Humphrey’s American Grill and everyone was beyond pleased with the meal.
County Judge Colt Christian, and Congressmen Morgan Luttrell and Pete Sessions addressed the crowd briefly and thanked both the County Party and Republican Women for hosting such an event.
The keynote speaker this year was Dr. Robin L. Armstrong, MD and Galveston County Commissioner. Dr. Armstrong spoke on his experience as a doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic when a majority of is patients were in nursing homes. He spoke of some of the struggles he faced during the unprecedented times and how he overcame many of the challenges.
Dr. Armstrong concluded his speech by encouraging the crowd to continue to stay active and make sure to vote. Speaking of, early voting began on Tuesday, 2/20!
It wouldn’t have been a Walker County Reagan Dinner without a coordinated photo with the present elected officials and one with the candidates…
We were able to thank Dr. Armstrong for his time and even snap a selfie with him and some of our friends.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 