Texas Democratic Women of Ellis County minutes February 15, 2020
President Lynda Begnaud called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm. All pledged the flag. Secretary Thomas Cannaday read the minutes of the previous meeting. Treasurer Helen Brock read the financial report. The reports were approved and accepted.
Lynda gave a report of the TDW Convention which was held in Austin, February 7th – 9th.
• Lucinda Windsor received the Star Award from the Ellis County TDW Chapter.
• There were a number of 2020 candidates presented at the convention and each spoke briefly on behalf of their campaigns. Lynda said the group was very impressive.
Other events and information of interest to TDW members begin with the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade held in Waxahachie and several TDW members attended the celebration.
Early voting for the Democratic Primary begins February 19 and sample ballots are on the TDW website. The Democratic Candidate Debate will be held that evening.
Lynda said our upcoming TDW of Ellis County newsletter is still in need of a title and members are encouraged to submit ideas.
Members should sign up for refreshments for meetings in need of a hostess this year.
There are still outstanding 2020 dues – please check with Helen Brock after the meeting.
Jerome Begnaud reported voter registrations. He and Lynda have been calling to remind voters who received mail ballots about the election.
Barbara Turner has tickets for the TDW Tea to be held April 12th. There are a number of ideas as to where the proceeds of the event shall be used.
Lynda stated 7 million Americans did not vote in 2016. There is an urgent need to change this.
The TDW Retreat this year will be held in Decatur on July 31st – August 1st.
TDW received a thank you note from the Hispanic church which received the Thanksgiving Turkey Boxes donated by Ellis County members.
Reminder to members: each month TDW members lunch at the Reservation at Waxahachie High School and welcome everyone to attend.
The meeting was adjourned and refreshments were provided by Doug and Becky Cockerham.
The speaker for our meeting, Jesse Gibson, was introduced. In observance of Black History Month he told us of the history of Pea Island Station in North Carolina. Stations were set up to rescue seamen and cargo from damaged ships along the eastern seaboard. Pea Island Station was captained by Richard Etheridge, first African American assigned as a station Chief. On his retirement Benjamin Bowser succeeded him, who was the great grandfather of TDW member, Vivian Gibson. We enjoyed this presentation and are proud of these men who saved many lives.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Cannaday
Secretary