TDW of Ellis County

November 18, 2025

The meeting was called to order by President Nancy Post at 6:08 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. There were 35 people in attendance.

Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:

The October meeting minutes are available online. Linda Baker made a motion to approve minutes. Joanne Hunt seconded. All ayes.

Treasurer Joanne Hunt reported a PAC account balance of $4,053.67 and a Scholarship balance of $7,095.42.  She stated there have been 34 renewals as of Nov. 17th.

Committee Reports:

Program – Next month will be the Christmas Party

Scholarship – Kathleen Bowen reported that Midlothian High and Midlothian Heritage counselors have been contacted and are enthusiastic about the upcoming scholarship.  The Scholarship Committee has been working to update the application and have agreed to increase the scholarship amount from $1,000 to $1,500 each.  The committee will meet on November 18th to finalize all documents and the process.  The application will be provided to each school no later than December 15th so students can apply over the holidays.

Community Outreach – Terri Crouch reported that a Food Drive is going on and to please contact each of the reps for your area.  Daphne Hajovsky stated that Midlothian Food Drive was a great success.  The Salvation Army will be at Wal-Mart collected money for those in need.  Nancy Post also suggested providing money to food pantries of your choice because organizations are able to purchase more food with money that we can as individuals.

Fundraising – Nancy Post reported that Billye Summers sent out Membership Renewal letters with 34 members renewing so far.  Be sure to renew your membership.

Advocacy – No report

Communications/PR/Marketing – No report

Voter Registration – Mary Brooks reported that 83 students registered to vote at a recent voter registration drive at Waxahachie High School.

Refreshments – Thank you to Nancy Post for providing refreshments.  Next month is the Christmas Party.  January refreshments will be provided by Kathleen Bowen.

Presentation:

Nancy Post introduced Madeline Clemons with the Family Resource Center in Ennis.  Madeline gave a presentation on the work of the organization which has been helping families for 2 years.  They work in Cooke, Denton, Tarrant and Ellis County.

Family Resource Center links families to resources and programs such as prenatal care, home visits, infant/early childhood development, mental health and trauma and other assistance.  The organization works in partnership with Ennis Cares.  Some of their programs include Parent Café, WOWTalk for teens, Little Sprouts to teach children about healthy eating, Mindful Me that teaches mental wellness with Yoga, and Tinkergarten that is a kids based play group.

They receive referrals from pediatricians, schools, foster care organizations and CPS.

How can we help?

  • Like so many other nonprofits, they have lost significant funding because of the current Republican administration. Money is always appreciated.
  • Diapers – especially Size 4
  • Tell others about the organization

Their address is 1503 County Club Road in Ennis.  Email:  communication@mhmrtc.org or madeline.clemons@mhmrtc.org or HelpMeGrowNorthTexas.org or HelpMeThriveNorthTexas.org.

Lynda Begnaud introduced Michael Lange who is running for Texas Comptroller.  Michael is visiting all 254 Texas counties.  Ellis County is his 57th so far.  Michael talked about his background and gave a fascinating story about his Father, who was a German immigrant.  Michael has extensive experience in the corporate financial and insurance area.  He is retired and is running for Comptroller because he believes that it should be independently run and not controlled by Greg Abbott. He believes that 1) Everyone should be treated with respect; 2) We should be kind to others; 3) Our job is to give back.

Michael discussed the great importance of the Comptroller role.  It is responsible for all of the Texas taxpayer money taken in and given out.  The Comptroller tells the government how much money they have and how much they can spend.  Texas has the 8th largest economy in the world.  It handles over $2.7 Trillion.  Every week, 10,000 people are coming to Texas.  He said the Financial world is coming to Texas.  Texas needs a Comptroller who knows how to manage money and will remain independent of political pressures.  He gave several examples where the current Comptroller is not acting independently but rather has been mismanaging taxpayer funds by giving our money to special interest groups and organizations with ties to Abbott.

How can we help Michael Lange?

  • Understand the importance of the Comptroller role
  • Tell others about him – TexansforLange.com
  • Vote

Nancy Post introduced Dr. O – Dr. Oyinkansola Jinadu who is running for County Commissioner.  Dr. O gave a brief overview of her qualifications and why she is running.

Nancy Post introduced Amy Salas who is running for SD22 representative.  Her main campaign focus areas are water rights, helping farmers and ranchers, and ensuring a good quality of life for everyone.  She is asking people to help by block walking, talking and educating others and telling them that everyday people can make a difference.

Nancy Post introduced Grant Waldeck who is running for County Judge.  Grant briefly discussed his desire to run for County Judge and his views on several topics.

Kelly Blackburn introduced Michael Myers who is running for HD10 representative against Brian Harrison.  Michael is retired from government service from AFES.  He has volunteered for Ovilla City Council, Red Cross and Texas Baptist Men.  His campaign will focus on what the Texas State representative is supposed to do.

Election of 2026-2027 TDW-EC Officers

A vote was taken to approve the upcoming officers:

Billye Summers – President; Kathryn Mossom – VP; Joanne Hunt – Treasurer; Kathleen Bowen – Secretary.

Mary Lou Shipley made the motion to approve the slate of officers.  Helen Brock seconded.  All Ayes.

Nancy thanked all of the outgoing officers and committee chairs:  Mary Lou Shipley – Advocacy; Julie Mendenhall – Community Outreach; Nancy Post – Fundraising; Ginger Cole – PR; Lynda Begnaud – Program, Membership and much more; Carol Young – Refreshments; Kathleen Bowen – Scholarship; Mary Brooks – Voter Registration.  All committee chairs have agreed to stay on for another year – many thanks!  Nancy Post will serve as Program Chair in the new year.

Democratic HQ Update

Kelly Blackburn stated that the Democratic HQ building project is making great progress and looks amazing.  She said it will be ready for the December holiday party.

Announcements:

Nancy Post stated that the Community Outreach and Voter Registration committees would welcome new members.  Please consider joining these committees.

Ellis County Democrats Holiday Party will be Friday, December 12th at the Democratic Headquarters 215 East Main from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Carol Young made a motion to adjourn.  Linda Baker seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

 

The minutes were prepared by Kathleen Bowen.