They started meeting in living rooms. Now they've been shaping civic life in Shelton and Mason County, Washington for more than 55 years.

In this Focus on Shelton conversation recorded at the historic Mason Hotel, Jeff Slakey sits down with Leslie Peterson, April Pooler, and Jayni Kamin of the Mason County Republican Women's Club to talk history, community, and what it actually looks like to build bridges across political lines in a small town.

From Peggy Johnson's grassroots campaigns and her trip to meet President Reagan, to candidate forums in the park that invited every party, to a brand-new blood drive being co-organized with Democratic women under the banner of the Peacemakers, this is a conversation about what community service looks like when you set the partisan stuff aside and focus on the people in front of you.

You'll also hear about the club's expanded speaker program, their presence at the Mason County Expo, charitable giving to Gethsemane Ministries and Care Net, and the upcoming Liberty Dinner on May 16th at Ridge Motorsports Park.

If you've ever wondered what actually happens at a local civic organization meeting, or if you've been curious about getting involved, this is a good place to start.

MEETINGS: 1st Friday 12:30-2pm | 3rd Wednesday 6pm @ The Mason Hotel, Shelton WA
LIBERTY DINNER — May 16 | Ridge Motorsports Park | https://mcrwclub.wixsite.com/mcwc
PEACEMAKERS BLOOD DRIVE — March 31st

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More local conversations at KMAS.com