TDW of Ellis County
June 16, 2026 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Kathryn Mossom at 6:03 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 21 members and 10 guests were in attendance.
Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:
The May meeting minutes are available online. Mary Brooks made a motion to approve minutes. Rebecca Cockerham seconded. All ayes.
Treasurer Joanne Hunt reported a PAC account balance of $3046.88 and a Scholarship balance of $6635.92. Helen Brock made a motion to approve report. Florence Miles seconded. All ayes.
Kathleen Bowen read a Thank You letter from Mike Myers (candidate for HD10) thanking TDW-EC for their $400.00 donation to his campaign.
Deidre Hamid and Priscilla Parker from CARE Services thanked TDW-EC for their generous donation of baby items. They stated these items are in great demand and will go a long way to help those in our community. They stated this is truly “Neighbors helping Neighbors”.
Presentation
Coretta Graham, TDW Immediate Past President, spoke about the power of voting for progressive candidates. She gave a great talk about how we can move the needle by investing in women. After her talk, she answered questions from the group.
Highlights and What can you do?
- Vote!
- Build relationships with others who may not be as like minded as you
- Tie important issues to Republican leaders – issues such as data centers (no regulations and free-for-all for big businesses which Republicans have allowed, especially in Texas); high prices (which have occurred on Republican control) and so much more.
Special Presentation and Guests
Kathleen Bowen, Scholarship Chair, introduced the recipients of the Emma Wilson Texas Democratic Women of Ellis County from Midlothian High School – Olivia Alvarez who read her essay about her Aunt and Uncle and the struggles they had to overcome when they came to the US and Lauren Rodriguez who read her essay about Malala Yousafzai. Both recipients were grateful for the $1,500.00 they each received from TDW-EC.
Mike Myers discussed his HD10 campaign. He stated he is going to City Council, school board and county meetings to get out in front of others. He asked everyone to attend his next event: Mimosas with Mike on June 30th at 6:30. An email to RSVP will be sent out to all members.
Benedict Parks discussed his qualifications and why he is running for CD6 State Chair.
Rob Shelton discussed his qualifications and why he is running for CD6 State Chair.
Committee Reports:
Audit – Linda Baker
No report
Advocacy – Mary Lou Shipley
No report
Community Outreach – Julie Mendenhall
Julie thanked everyone for their generosity in donating to CARE Services (formerly Waxahachie CARE) fundraiser. Two SUVs were filled with baby diapers, baby wipes, pull ups, baby and toddler snacks, toddler good nights, toothbrushes, travel size soap, washcloths, travel size toothpaste, travel size bug spray and travel size mouthwash.
Elections (Nominating) – Nancy Post
Nancy asked that everyone please consider becoming an officer next year. There will be several openings. Contact Nancy if you are interested or have questions.
Finance – Linda Baker
No report.
Fundraising – Nancy Post
No report.
Membership – Deborah Hairston
Kat stated that Deborah is temporarily serving as Chair. Need someone to assist and eventually take over. Contact Deborah is you are interested.
Program – Nancy Post
July speaker is TBD.
August Speaker will be Judge Holly Taylor.
Refreshments – Carol Young
Thank you to Julie Mendenhall who brought snacks due to Barbara Lee having a family emergency.
Flo Miles will do July refreshments. September will be Becky LeBreton.
Scholarship – Kathleen Bowen
See above.
Voter Registration – Mary Brooks
No report.
Communications/PR/Marketing – Ginger Cole
No report
America 250 – Becky LeBreton
Becky stated there will be hot dogs and goodies (goody bags) for everyone after the Fourth of July parade. Starting at 11:00; ending at 3:00. An email will be sent to sign up and bring items. During the event, a VDR table will be set up.
Building Bridges – Mary Brooks
Mary stated that there will be a “Happy Hour” on July 9th for all Democratic groups in Ellis County 6:00-9:00 pm. Great opportunity to meet fellow Dems and see where we can help and learn from each other.
Old Business
Kathryn reminded everyone about the new TDW-EC business card. More have been purchased. These help to identify our organization and let people know there are Democrats in Ellis County. She also showed the new TDW-EC note cards that can be used for thank you cards. These will be stored at HQ.
New Business
Kat showed 4 options for T-shirt designs. A vote was taken for the T-shirts. They will be ordered and ready in time for the State Democratic Convention.
Kat provided 4 options for “What it means to be Democrat” cards that can be used to hand out to others during block walking and other purposes. A vote was taken for the card design. Kat asked to spend $232 for getting the cards printed. Nancy Post made a motion to approve spending $232 for these cards; Flo Miles seconded. All ayes.
Ellis County Democratic Party Chair Report – Kelly Blackburn
Kelly stated that Democrats will march during the Juneteenth parade. Consider joining them.
Kelly stated that the July 4th parade will have a trailer, bales of hay and people riding and walking. A sign up email will be sent. Lots going on – getting a projector screen; building porch is getting stained; need to get tags and do some TLS on trailer. Now that primaries are complete, focusing on grassroots efforts of block walking – starting July 10/11th, phone banking, post cards. She stated they need boots on the ground. Any help you can provide is appreciated and much needed. There are about 50 delegates going to the State convention. They have a bus if you want to attend, let Kelly know.
Announcements
Kat welcomed new members and acknowledged June birthdays of members.
Consider volunteering for the America 250 4th of July activities.
Consider volunteering for the July 9th Happy Hour for all Ellis County Democrats.
Consider helping the Ellis County Democratic Party in any way you can.
Adjournment
Helen Brock made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Flo Miles. All ayes. Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.