TDW of Ellis County
January 21, 2025 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Nancy Post at 6:04 p.m. with 23 members and 1 guest in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Program:
Julie Mendenhall introduced Chris Aguilar, Co-Chair of Unite Ellis, a ministry to children, families, veterans and seniors to help connect people in need to resources. Chris discussed how Unite Ellis is part of a greater UnitetheChurch.org group, based in Dallas. There are also Unite Navarro, Unite Collin and Unite Tarrant. They have monthly meetings that anyone can attend. Building community is at the forefront of all they do. They will be having a Leadership conference and need volunteers as well as attendees.
How can you help and learn more about Unite Ellis?
- Go to UniteEllis.org
- Go to About Us; See when and where the specific group meetings are being held
- Go to their YouTube page
- Sign up to attend or volunteer at their leadership conference THRIVE ’25
- Contact Chris Aguilar at chris@uniteellis.org
Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:
The November meeting minutes are available on the TDWEC website. Mary Lou Shipley made a motion to approve. Mary Brooks seconded. All ayes.
Outgoing Treasurer Mary Brooks reported a PAC account balance of $4,687.82 and a Scholarship balance of $6491.86. Joanne Hunt made a motion to approve. Billye Summers seconded. All ayes.
Committee Reports:
Program – Lynda Begnaud
Lynda stated that Ricardo Miller, a public speaker and member of the Red Oak City Council will be the speaker at the February meeting to discuss why Black men are moving away from the Democratic Party.
Scholarship – Lynda Begnaud
Lynda stated there will be 2 $1,000.00 scholarships this year. Both will go to Red Oak graduating seniors. Lynda stated that the Scholarship Committee will look into the viability of increasing the amount in the future.
Community Outreach – Julie Mendenhall
Julie stated that annual events include Baby Shower for Hope Health, a food drive, a toy drive.
Fundraising – Nancy Post
Nancy stated that annual membership dues are due now and those go toward funding the TDW-EC work. There is also a Bakeless Bake Sale that helps with funding the scholarship account.
Refreshments/Social – Carol Young
Thank you Kathleen Bowen for refreshments.
Carol asked everyone to sign up to bring refreshments to each meeting.
Communications – Ginger Cole
Ginger stated that she is working to get more pictures and write-ups out in newspapers. She suggested we all wear our TDW-EC T-shirts when volunteering.
Voter Registration – OPEN
This committee is also in need of a Chairperson. This role will work closely with the Ellis County Democrat group. Let Nancy know if you know someone to fill this role.
Installation of 2025 TDWEC Officers:
Mary Lou Shipley, Past President, read the responsibilities of each of the offices and each of the following officers replied that they understood the role and will serve as a TDWEC Officers for 2025:
President – Nancy Post
VP – Billye Summers
Treasurer – Joanne Hunt
Secretary – Kathleen Bowen
Nancy Post thanked outgoing officers Mary Brooks and Vivian Gibson.
Ellis County Democratic Info:
Kelly Blackburn stated that she is still meeting with contractors on the building repairs. She said a big focus for 2025 is Building Community and Legislative Advocacy. We should all get in the habit of reaching out to our legislatures.
Other Business:
Nancy Post read portions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as quotes from Alice Walker and Cecile Richards. We are stronger than we think. Do everything you can. Nancy brought postcards, stamps and markers for everyone to write to an elected official. She said the best anecdote to feeling helpless is to do something.
Ginger Cole stated she went to a Brian Harrison Town Hall which was enlightening. She suggested that we all attend these townhall meetings, ask legislative questions, let them know we care and have concerns. We must become better advocates.
Nancy Post encouraged everyone to let all members know if any TDWEC member is in need (sick, new child, etc.) so that we can provide help and support. We are a community organization.
Refreshments:
February – Nancy Cannady
Next Meeting:
February 18th at the Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming Actions and Announcements:
The TDW Convention will be in Austin February 7-9. Nancy Post will be attending.
Adjournment:
Kelly Blackburn made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Carol Young. All ayes.
Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
The minutes were prepared by Kathleen Bowen.