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The Orange County Young Republicans host a hob nob every two years, as per tradition beginning in 2004 according to Eric Jontz. This year for the first time the club chose to host it at the Varsity Club at the Citrus Bowl on a clear, warm day.

Many campaigns arrived early to plaster the Citrus Bowl grounds with signs. Honorable mentions for most plastering include the Dan Fanelli, Deon Long, and Kurt Kelly campaigns.

Some say this was the most efficient entrance to a hob nob they had seen. What else would you expect with Hannah Wright, Matthew Klein, and Jessica Uzzell doing the job?

Here is a glimpse of the many tables setting up before 5pm. We were only now beginning to see just how big this hobnob would be.

Most fortunately, seen here with his Chief of Staff George Rodon and OCYR President Eddie Fernandez, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty agreed to host the hobnob!

State Representative Bryan Nelson is a popular man at hobnobs for his famed yellow roses, given to all the fair ladies.

The OCYR Hobnob was the event at which Kurt Kelly’s grassroots became known and feared as “The Green Machine.”

OCYR Vice President Rob Gidel, not pictured, did a superb job at getting media attention for the event. Here, State Representative Kurt Kelly speaks with WKMG Channel 6.

Did President Fernandez mention that we have sponsors? Please visit Disney World!

And the food at Cecil’s Texas Style Bar-B-Q is to DIE for!

Immediate Past President Christina Dixon took the lead in organizing the hobnob and the herculean effort was obvious for all to see.

We were honored to host the future Republican candidate for Congressional District 24, State Representative Sandy Adams!

Congressman Mica, a great friend of the OCYRs, also came and showed his patriotism.

Jason Brodeur, the future Republican nominee for State House District 33, is also a terrific friend of the OCYRs.

We could not have had a successful hobnob without Ed Crowley’s assistance setting up and vigilant food serving.

Terry Delahunty (left) interacts with future Republican nominee for State House District 36, businessman Greg Reynolds (right).

Bill Donegan, center, legendary Orange County Property Appraiser, joins a chat with future School Board Chairman Bill Sublette (left).

300 people voted at our hobnob out of 400 who attended! It was the largest hobnob of the season in the area, and by far the most fun.

OCYR Treasurer Matt Klein (left) laments the heat with Teresa Jacobs fan-in-chief John Dowles (right).

Future Republican nominee for Attorney General Pam Bondi (middle) attended and also convincingly won the straw poll.

OCYR Associate Vice President Christian Waugh (right) regales Diana Larsen, President of the Orlando Republican Women’s Network, with stories from adventures abroad.

Two-time Congressional contender Todd Long always makes an impressive appearance on the hobnob circuit due to his devoted following.

OCYR Secretary Jessica Sams, in addition to baking the most important items served at the hobnob (desserts), also represented the campaign fighting Amendment 4, which seeks to destroy development and living standards in the state of Florida.

After a tense period of ballot tallying, AVP Waugh and VP Gidel announce the results of the straw poll, available here.

Teresa Jacobs continued her impressive straw poll victory streak alive with one at our OCYR hobnob — which would foreshadow the massive primary victory she received.

Former OCYR President and current State Representative Eric Eisnaugle would not miss a hobnob!

The OCYR Hobnob Committee (L to R): Eric Jontz, Matt Klein, Tim Lesnick, Eddie Fernandez, Christina Dixon, Christian Waugh, Naeem Coleman, Jessica Sams, and Nikki DeSantis.

Congressman John Mica, the Republican Representative from Florida’s 7th Congressional District, generously invited the Orange County Young Republicans to his magnificent estate for a BBQ.

Either OCYR Treasurer Matt Klein is genuinely amused and surprised at someone taking his picture or he’s acting like it. Each way is a funny fail.

No one is invigorated by fresh air like OCYR Immediate Past President Christina Dixon, who spontaneously burst into a rendition here of “The Sound of Music,” obviously leading to some bemusement and awed observation.

Congressman Mica can lay down some wisdom. Here he contemplates revealing some of his secret adventures that would form the basis of the Dos Equis “The Most Interesting Man” commercials, later deciding better of it.

But it didn’t matter. Congressman Mica’s speech that night was still the best moment of Eric Jontz’s life.

The Orange County Young Republicans are certainly in Congressman Mica’s debt, not only for his generosity in terms of time given to the club, but also for his extraordinary hospitality in hosting the social event and providing tasty BBQ.

More people attended this social than any other social so far in 2010. It was a wild success.

Angels know as few others do the patterns of history and time. History, of course, is a knowing thing itself, as Matthew McCluskey’s (a Field Director for Rick Scott at the time of this writing) poem shows:

I see we meet again,
and I must stand to protest,
for your melodies will end,
no different than the rest!

> Stand aside and let us pass,
> “equality” is our only cure!
> our ideals will thee surpass,
> and the future we’ll secure!

Ten thousand years ago I too,
heard the siren you now sing,
but from your hopes soon grew,
a hate that only fear could bring!

> You have no right to judge,
> you forget, we know you well!
> You hold no lesson but a grudge,
> which is why we now rebel!

Fools! you forsake freedom,
for a maniacal charade!
repent now or soon succumb,
to evil in “equality” betrayed!

> We need not hear your lecture,
> for we know liberty’s faults,
> your certainties are mere conjecture,
> ’tis “equality” we now exalt!

You fools! in all my many pages,
and in all my complex works,
as I’ve lived throughout the ages,
’tis no price for freedom’s worth.

> Liberty be damned and lost!
> ’tis but a small price to pay!
> “equality” is never absent of cost,
> nor will it be in “our new day”!

Then go with all your longing!
I will once again take a seat,
and see ye mortals dying,
as I pause – and then repeat.

Heady stuff for the Mica BBQ, but I’m not the one who took the picture.

Not everyone gets to live life at it’s very edge, the point at which one can never go back from constant dares, thrills, and dangers without going insane. That’s where Diego Madrigal lives, having won numerous International Yo-Yo competitions. Here, he demonstrates “Chinese Four Finger” technique.

Night doesn’t stop a pack of red-blooded Americans from discussing their patriotic duty in stopping the Obama agenda. Nothing does.

While OCYR President Eddie Fernandez shows a picture of his latest Cuban sword-cane purchase to Jonathan Swift, who is nothing less than a professional sword-cane wielder, Matt Klein continues to ham it up for the cameras. Lee Ossin observes and Jessica Meyers just hopes that the photographer understands they mean well.

You might think judging by their happiness that someone had just told them Steak’n'Shake was bringing back lime freezes, just like the good old days, but no, that’s just how good BBQ at Congressman Mica’s is: it makes you forget the cold desolate 3am visits to Steak’n'Shake looking for some kind of feeling, ANY feeling, like… err, I mean… umm…

And by the way, Congressman Mica has zero tolerance for communists.

Congressman Mica really did open his home to us and we loved getting to know him.

OCYR All-Stars current President Eddie Fernandez and last year’s President Christina Dixon pose for a photo that they will later autograph for Congressman Mica.

But seriously, who is this guy?

And we’re off! OCYR President Eddie Fernandez calls the meeting to order.

Being patriots, of course, we say the pledge. And in the form of our leftmost personage, we have the triumphant return of stalwart OCYR Wade Vose, who serves as Political Director.

For this meeting, we welcome radio personality and long-time Central Florida politico Tico Perez.

Tico believes that anger is the theme of this election. Whoever shows the most anger will win.

Listen, we don’t skimp on gratitude. Here, the President gives the club’s customary gift to its guest speakers. Thanks for coming, Tico.

Res ipsa loquitur.

Adam Lovejoy, Vice Chair of the Orange County Republican Executive Committee (OCREC) and former OCYR VP, invites the YRs to get involved with OCREC.

Long-time OCYR Carolyn Johnson, at the time of this picture the Vice Chairman of the Florida Federation of Young Republicans, tells the YRs why they should support her for FFYR Chair. A few days later, she won in a landslide.

Eddie makes a President’s report, informing the YRs of a new opportunity.

Treasurer Matt Klein reports on the OCYR’s bountiful treasury.

Immediate Past President Christina Dixon tells the club about the exciting developments with the upcoming Hobnob, which promises to have dozens of campaigns and hundreds of guests in attendance at the Citrus Bowl.

Maria Pecoraro, serving as this year’s Policy Director, delivers a summary of the just-passed Florida legislative session.

We ask that you do not feed him. But if you must, don’t encourage OCYR Associate Vice President Christian Waugh much beyond that — before long, he’s hamming it up for the camera.

Jason Brodeur, a candidate for State House District 33, introduces himself again, though he is by now well known to the club.

James DeCocq, also a candidate for State House District 33, introduces himself. Like Brodeur, he has been a welcome presence at OCYR meetings in the previous several months.

Besides his determination to take on Alan Grayson, something that everyone loves about State Representative Kurt Kelly is his sense of humor, which he deploys in his candidate speech to the club.

The club always enjoys the updates from Teenage Republican Harry Tsang, who is passionate about Marco Rubio.

The son of Craig McCarthy, a candidate for the State House, makes a presentation on his father’s behalf.

Anthony Bonna, who is the campaign manager for Karen Diebel, a candidate for Congressional District 24, informs the club about upcoming ways to help out.

The campaign manager for Bruce O’Donoghue, a candidate for Congressional District 8, tells the club about recent activities in the O’Donoghue campaign.

After meetings, the YRs typically gather for drinks downstairs at 310 Lakeside, though some grab a pizza or other dinner nearby.

As always, half the fun begins before the meeting ever does: OCYRs begin showing up at 6pm for the festivities, despite the meeting starting at 630.

From left to right, Bonnie Bisignano, Nikki DeSantis, and one of Bonnie’s friends amicably chat as the tension builds before the meeting.

I spy 28 dashing YRs!

In the left, Matt Kingsley and Alanna Buono chat with Ed Dedelow, a former candidate for Congressional District 24. Near the middle, OCYR Treasurer Matthew Klein chats with Kurt Kelly’s campaign manager Betsy VanderLey, and to the right, Dan Matthews, OCYR President Eddie Fernandez, and OCYR Associate Vice President Christian Waugh discuss the order of the meeting agenda.

The reality, and as it seems to most Americans, is that you have a fine upstanding, diverse group of young folks here who want to make a better world. Democrats look at this picture and see 30 people plotting to disenfranchise voters– nevermind that increased turnout usually supports the GOP.

<Rabble, rabble>

Most members of the YRs are persons of faith…

…but ALL members of the Young Republicans are patriots.

We were proud to host a guest speaker to talk about the legal and practical perils of Amendment 4 on this year’s ballot.

She gave an outstanding, clear speech on how Amendment 4 aka “Hometown Democracy” would change the way development occurs in Florida — not at all for the better.

President Fernandez gives a customary gift from the OCYR to the guest speaker in appreciation of her time.

Treasurer Matt Klein makes it clear to the membership that only members who have filled out the form he is waving and paid their dues will be able to vote in the straw poll.

OCYR Vice President Rob Gidel prepares to hand out the ballots and explains how the voting process will work.

As is his custom, Associate VP Christian Waugh gave his report with a solid helping of humor. To his right, Molly Cox identifies a threat to her privacy.

Nikki DeSantis, as Social Chair, also delivers a report. We’re not sure at all what Christian Waugh is saying or feeling in the background, but it was probably about one of his myriad obsessions: Douglas MacArthur, Margaret Thatcher, or Star Trek.

Eddie runs the meetings like someone who has attended six years of them — no surprise, since he has!

Justin Bissell, the Membership Chair, gives a report on all the new members who joined the club in the last month. It suffices to say that 2010 promises to be the year of the Republican. To his left, Matt Klein and Rob Gidel count ballots.

Betsy VanderLey is always happy to bring in YRs as volunteers for State Rep. Kurt Kelly, as he runs for the Republican nomination in Congressional District 8.

Tampa Bay YR President Andrew Dorsey addressed the club as a candidate for President of the Florida Federation of Young Republicans. We appreciate his courage in doing so, especially because it was Carolyn Johnson’s home territory — and we delivered for her in her successful election.

We were proud to welcome former Orange County Commissioner Teresa Jacobs, who addresses the club as she continues her campaign for Orange County Mayor.

We also welcomed former Verizon executive Karen Diebel, who is a candidate for the Republican nomination in Congressional District 24.

Leona Rachman is one of two Republicans vying for School Board Chairman, and we appreciate her regular support at our club.

Edward Dedelow makes a splash with some of his comments.

Former OCYR Sergeant-at-Arms JR Horan tells the club about his father’s campaign for Seminole County Commission.

Jean Jones gives us the latest on David Simmons, who as of the time of this writing, was re-elected without opposition.

Kathy Salerno, a FFYR officer, is a force of nature for the State Senate President Jeff Atwater as he runs for CFO.

Sorry, Young Democrats.

Organized by Nikki DeSantis (left-most person), this social was located at Blue Martini and gave new and old YRs a chance to get to know each other outside the confines of an office building.

Erik Lembcke (left) is all smiles now. Just don’t get him started on Timothy Dalton’s performances as James Bond.

Immediate Past President Christina Dixon (left) and Vice President Rob Gidel (right) know a thing or two about leadership, but that’s not what they’re talking about here.  No, this is Rob’s patented sell for a new genetically engineered type of kiwifruit, the sublime texture of which he is trying to convey.

As Milton Friedman might say, there are positive externalities to OCYR membership.

Rob Gidel and Thane Hutcheson are valued members of the club, not only because they’re fun to be around, but because together they were published as co-authors with Alan Sokal of “Transgressing the Boundaries: Towards a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity,” in the Spring/Summer 1996 issue of Social Text.

No, Catherine, Eric is actually just really happy to see you.

In the background, the beloved Mike Brown makes his presence felt alongside Diego Madrigal and Brouck Jacobs.

From left to right, President Eddie Fernandez, Dan Matthews, and Tim Lesnick won’t lie: they’re ballers.

We love meeting new members. Our President will even take a picture with you.

From left to right, the effervescent and incomparable Christine Johnson and Sara Bigalke.

We are one big happy family.

Andrew Ranck (left) lays down an irrefutable argument for the existence of God, based loosely on some Descartes Meditations, with a little Kierkegaard mixed in, to Anthony Bonna, who listens intently.

Dan Matthews (right) tells Ed Crowley (left) about what happened in the Eastern Himalayan village where they once lived as ascetics in the years between Ed’s departure and Dan’s.

Joe Culotta knows he owns the camera with his stylish light blue shirt and aggressive plaid tie. OCYRs begin gathering about 30 minutes before the meeting starts to chat and, apparently, represent.

Hannah Wright (left) and Immediate Past President Christina Dixon (right) show off the stunning diversity of the Orange County Young Republicans.

Good times roll at the OCYRs, where Bonnie Bisignano, Naeem Coleman, and Hannah Wright reminisce about the time George W. Bush danced in Liberia. It remains a cherished YouTube clip in many OCYR hearts.

2010-11 Treasurer Matthew Klein explains how he single-handedly fended off an invasion of Israel by covert forces of some of its more belligerent neighbors in the summer of ‘03.

Christina Dixon and Chris Morrison, the 2010 Legend-at-arms for the OCYRs, discuss how to get people’s attention in a primary season and hold it. The preferred method? Come to OCYRs and find out.

The OCYRs are always happy to host Dan Fanelli, a candidate for Congressional District 8, when he comes to discuss his campaign.

The Alliance of OCYR Campaign Managers (ACM) holds an informal meeting.

2010-11 President Eddie Fernandez brings the meeting to order. Eddie’s collection of ties is admired by many a working man– can you make out the 3-D pattern in this one?

Matt Klein tells the one about a rabbi, a priest, and a Malaysian sorceress. As he waits for laughter, Eric Jontz is unamused. If there’s one thing you have to know about Eric, though, it’s his appreciation for Malaysian sorceress jokes… so he must be on his phone. …or I could have made all that up and it’s just Matt giving a Treasurer’s report. Which caption did you prefer? Exactly.

Let it not be said that the OCYRs are without technological bona fides. This meeting we were honored to host two State Representatives during their legislative session. Here, Eddie Fernandez introduces our first speaker, State Rep. Steve Precourt, who was one of our 2009-10 Legislators of the Year.

The membership really enjoyed the chance to get an insider’s perspective on how the legislative process was unfolding, especially at such a tumultuous time for the state politically.

Another view of our various members. ( I will be updating this page again with a picture featuring our other guest speaker, State Rep. and former OCYR President Eric Eisnaugle, soon. He was another of our 2009-10 Legislators of the Year and we appreciate his continued interest and friendship with the club. )

While the OCYRs formally convene around 1830 for business, most arrive early, starting at 1800, to chat with fellow members.

The night’s guest speaker, Orange County Commissioner Fred Brummer, poses with outgoing OCYR President Christina Dixon.

And the chatting continues.

The club says the Pledge of Allegiance before anything else.

Commissioner Brummer shares some of his wisdom with the club.

Another action shot. POW!

During her year as President, Christina Dixon mastered the art of thanking good guest speakers both in words and gift.

Seen here giving his candidate speech, former OCYR Vice President Eric Jontz ran for the 2010-11 Vice President position.

Rob Gidel, who had performed as the Policy Chair previously, is also seen giving his candidate speech for Vice President.

Haitham Mellouli (left) drinks water as the Parliamentarian, Chris Carmody (center) obtains ballots from the club members. Rebekah Hurd and outgoing VP, Marc Levine, look on. Soon thereafter, Chris returns and announces: Rob Gidel won.

Deon Long, a candidate for Congressional District 24, talks a little bit about what  he is about.

Jason Brodeur, a candidate for State House District 33, shares information about his campaign too.

As the meeting wraps up, President Dixon allows Joe Culotta to speak.

Mayor Ken Bradley of Winter Park

The OCYRs enjoyed hosting the Mayor, who explained some nuances of Winter Park politics.

From left to right: 2009-10 OCYR Vice President Marc Levine, Ryan Hillary, Whitaker Leonhardt, Eric Fraser, Matt Fraser, and Diego Madrigal watch the Mayor speak.

This meeting featured standing room only attendance– many people wanted to hear the Mayor speak and many more were called to participate in the presidential election.

2008-09 OCYR President and 2009-10 Immediate Past President Chris Carmody was appointed the Parliamentarian by 2009-10 President Christina Dixon to manage the election.

From left to right: T. Cason watches Christian Waugh discuss constitutional intricacies with the parliamentarian (not seen), as Tim Lesnick and Eric Schmitz look on.

From left to right: Will Hawthorne and Matt Fraser listen to Diego Madrigal as he also discusses constitutional intricacies with the parliamentarian (not seen).

Christian Waugh listens to the parliamentarian explain his interpretation of controversial election procedure.

Parliamentarian Chris Carmody listens to former OCYR VP Eric Jontz (not seen) express an opinion regarding constitutional intricacies.

Beloved OCYR member Mike Brown also expresses an opinion in what might be remembered as a fairly controversial, but highly entertaining evening.

After listening to those who support and disagree with his interpretation, the Parliamentarian decides: “Rules are rules.” Accordingly, the club acclaims its new President (Eddie Fernandez) and Treasurer (Matt Klein).

The President, Christina Dixon, takes the podium back to run the business of the club.

Marc Levine, Whit Leonhardt, Christian Waugh, Eric Fraser, and Matt Fraser look on.

2009-10 Associate Vice President Eddie Fernandez is humbled to accept the OCYR Presidency for the 2010-11 term.

Rob Gidel listens as Jessica Sams makes an important point.

2010-11 OCYR President Eddie Fernandez shows the club how to achieve the utmost grace while obtaining strikes in bowling. We only have one picture from this event because how could anything else compare?

From left to right, 2009-10 OCYR President Christina Dixon, OCREC Vice Chair Adam Lovejoy, and Eddie gather in wait for the upcoming State of the Union address from President Obama. Adam is trying to convince a skeptical Eddie that the Lost finale, scheduled 4 months hence, really can live up to the hype.

In the foreground, Connor McFadden and Marty Berman listen to 2010-11 OCYR Secretary Jessica Sams discuss the pros and cons of Indian versus Indonesian-made yarn. Meanwhile, in the background, Adam is horrified to hear Christina say that Sayid is actually a much better character than Locke on Lost.