Longfellow memorial established
A memorial fund has been established at First State Bank for the family of Andrea Longfellow, who passed away on Saturday, February 15th. This fund will help the family with medical and funeral cost. The fund is under the name “Andrea Longfellow Memorial Fund”, account No. 4009155, at the First State Bank in Ennis.
Farmers Market coming soon
The Ennis Farmers Market is set to open April 26 in downtown.
Upcoming dates:
• A final meeting to assign booth locations, turn in last-minute paperwork and ask questions is set at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 22 at the library.
Lions’ bowling event nears
The Ennis Lions Club’s annual Bowling Extravaganza is set at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8 at All Star Bowl in Ennis.
Cost is $25 per person, covering the cost of bowling, with shoe rental of $1 per person as an additional charge. Each team should field four people, with each team bowling two games.
Awards will be presented to team members whose teams place first, second and third in the standings.
For more information or to enter a team, call Gary Hayden at 903-641-1390.
Carver alumni raising funds
The George Washington Carver Alumni Association’s leaders are raising money for as many scholarships as possible this year, starting with the group’s first fundraiser on Saturday, March 8.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul Baptist Church, hamburgers, hot dogs and chili dogs will be on sale with chips and a drink for $6. The church is located at 909 W. Brown St. in Ennis.
Waxahachie hosting gospel sing
Waxahachie’s Old Fashioned Singing Project will present “Heaven’s Front Porch” on March 7-8 at 7 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Historic Chautauqua Auditorium in Waxahachie. Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information call 972-923-2709.
Casino night to benefit Knights of Columbus
The Ennis Knights of Columbus Council 1353 will host the annual Casino Night, at 7 p.m. March 8 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ennis. Entry cost is $25 per person before the event, and $35 at the door March 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. Along with the Las Vegas gaming tables, there is a $10 raffle for chances to win a one of three gift cards valued up to $2,500, as well a silent auction. The funds raised from this event will be used to support charities of the Knights of Columbus Council 1353 in Ennis and throughout North Central Texas. For more information, call David at 214-336-6325.
Eddie Smith Benefit slated for March 9
The Eddie Smith Benefit is set from 1 to 7 p.m. March 9 at the Remington Event Center in Corsicana. Smith, husband of Shanda Brown Smith of Ennis, recently suffered a heart attack and will be out of work for many months. He has no health insurance and needs help from others to support medical bills so he can continue to receive care. He is known as a furniture craftsman, and the benefit will offer opportunities to buy his hand crafted pieces, as well as a silent auction and bands playing all afternoon. Among the performers are Jerry Hancock and the Faster Horses and Sissy Perry with Robert Horvath and the Groovetones. For more infomration, conctact Sandra Woods at 903-224-8754 or Shanda Smith at 903-477-2388.
EISD closing for Spring Break
Ennis ISD will observe Spring Break from Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14. There will be no classes. School will resume on Monday, March 17.
NARFE meeting March 11
The National Association of Active Retired Federal Employees Chapter 1991 will host its next monthly meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at the Grand Ennis Buffet at 201 S. I-45 in Ennis
Debbie Tahiri, mature driver program coordinator with Hillcrest Regional Trauma Services in Waco, is guest speaker. Those with federal retirement or who are current federal employees are welcome.
For membership information in Ennis, call 214-949-6197.
Knights of Columbus hosting fish fry
The Knights of Columbus Council 1353 will host a fish fry at the KC Hall, at 5 p.m. March 14. Fried catfish, cole slaw, French fries and hush puppies will be served at a price of $10 per plate.
Ombudsmen needed
Residents of area nursing homes and assisted living facilities are mandated to have access to an ombudsman, or advocate, to ensure their rights to quality of life are protected.
At present, seven facilities in Ellis County are in need of certified volunteer ombudsmen. With support from the North Central Texas Council of Governments, volunteers receive extensive pre-placement training to identify problems and resolve residents’ concerns. In addition, volunteers receive ongoing professional and peer support and become a member of the larger ombudsman community.
No prior experience is required to serve as a volunteer ombudsman, but volunteers must be at leasr 18 years of age and complete a free training course that consists of both classroom study and and training at local nursing and assisted living homes, lasting up to 34 contact hours. After training, volunteers serve an internship working two to three hours per week in an assigned facility. Hours are flexible and are determined by each volunteer.
For more information, call Laura Wolfe at 800-272-3921 or email lwo...@nctcog.org.
Avalon ISD roundup coming soon
Avalon ISD will hold its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten round-up for children ages 3-5 on March 21. Children must be in one of these age groups by Sept. 1 to be eligible for the next school years. Each child’s hearing and vision will be checked. Parents must bring immunization records, birth certificates and Social Security cards to the roundup. Parents should call in advance to schedule appointments. Walk-ins will only be accepted if time permits. For more information about the roundup, call Avalon ISD at 972-627-3251.
Spaghetti supper set for March 22
Bowie Elementary School’s Spaghetti Supper, its annual PTO fundraiser, is set from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at the school, located at 501 Jeter Drive.
VFW Post hosting “Spring Stop and Shop”
The Ennis VFW Post 7106 Ladies Auxiliary will host a Spring Stop and Shop fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 at the post. Vendors will be on hand selling candles, custom jewelry, beauty products, wood crafts, embroidery, crochet items, boutique clothing, diet supplements, personalized glasware and more. The VFW’s Ladies Auxiliary will also be selling homemade baked goods, as well. The kitchen will be open to serve food while the event is going on, and raffles will also be conducted during the afternoon. Proceeds will help the ladies continue work helping servicemen and servicewomen, as well as veterans and their familes.
Czech Heritage Festival coming to State Fair
The 18th Annual Heritage Festival at the State Fair of Texas will take place at the African American Museum on Oct. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival is free with admission to the State Fair of Texas. Come enjoy ethnic music and dancing of the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Italy and more, as well as an exhibition of Sokol gymnastics. Czech sausage, cabbage rolls, kolaches and refreshments available in the dining room. Check out the cultural displays. For more information, call 214-641-6013 or 972-392-2431.
Sokol hosting heritage celebration
The Sokol Activity Center will host its annual Czech Heritage Celebration from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 25 at the center, located at 2622 E. SH 34 just east of Ennis. October is Czech Heritage Month. Come listen an dance to the music of the Ennis Czech Boys. Entrance is located in the back of the building. No cover charge. Klobase will be served. Bring a covered dish if you like. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.sokolennis.com or 972-875-7959.
Bridge games available
Ennis Friends Duplicate Bridge Club has ACBL sanctioned games at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Friday of each month at the Ennis Public Library, located at 501 W. Ennis Ave. Partners are welcome. Contact Judy Sanders at jud...@sbcglobal.net for more information or to sign up.
Hope Clinic offers ACA help
Hope Clinic offers free assistance with Affordable Care Act eligibility and enrollment. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact Della Martinez for an appointment at 972-268-0151 or amar...@call4hope.org.
Goff family benefit account open
The Ennis High School class of 2004 has sponsored a benefit account for the Goff family at Prosperity Bank in Ennis. Donations can be made at any Prosperity Bank. For more information, call Jenna Hartley at 972-589-2552.
Golden Circle programs available
The Golden Circle Senior Activity Center hosts programs throughout the week. “Step Up to Scale Down and Lower Blood Pressure” is set from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays. For more information about the free offering, call Marie Dyess, Master Wellness Volunteer at the Texas Agrilife Extension, at 214-789-2886.
Praise and worship with Gene Wilcox, Richard Roberson and Charlotte Roberson is from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, with a sermon by the Rev. Darrell Nelson following at 11 a.m. and a home-cooked meal at 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday features Joker Gals from 8 a.m. to noon.
Thursdays include a 9 to 10 a.m. Bible study.
Fridays offer exercises lead by Donna Summers from 8:30 to 9 a.m.
Meals on Wheels are served daily when lunch is not offered by the center. Fellowship, games and crafts opportunities are also offered regularly.
For more information, call Jean Nelson, center director, at 972-875-6101.
The center also needs Skip-bo, domino and 42 players.
Enjoy praise, worship and devotionals with the Rev. Darrell Nelson on Tuesdays, as well as a home-cooked meal, which are served daily.
New programs and activities include Beauty Day, Surprise Friday and Glamour Shots. The center also features Bible Study from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday mornings and Bingo every Friday.
ASL classes available at Ennis Public Library
Signing classes are being offered at the Ennis Public Library every week on Monday. All ages and all levels of participants are welcome to the free classes. The signing class is held Mondays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Learning Center. Students in the past have ranged from 7 to 92 years old. The two instructors have taught students that have gone on to sign at churches, Lion’s Club, for individuals, etc. The library also hosts weekly Bridge as 10 a.m. Monday, 42 dominoes at 1 pm. Monday and Friday, preschool story time at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and youth storytelling from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, call the library at 972-875-5360.
Board games available
Avid board game player Edward Fudge, who has been playing for more than 50 years but is homebound, is available for chess, chckers and other board games over the phone. Fudge said he is particularly interested in helping impart joy for the games to younger players, but all are welcome. He also offers an outlet for improving gaming skills. For more information contact Fudge at 972-937-8466, by email at fudg...@gmail.com, or by mail at Ed Fudge, 817 Williams St., Waxahachie, TX, 75165.
Bingo games offered
Jack Lummus VFW Post No. 7106 and the Ladies’ Auxiliary will have bingo at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights. The kitchen will be open to cook food at 6 p.m. The public is invited. Tell your friends to come out and have a good time and win good prizes. Come out and support your veterans. There are still some from World War II. Come out and thank them for our freedom of today.
Flags for sale
The Ennis Rotary Club is selling flags to be put in your front yard five different times throughout the year for five different holidays and the best part is, they’re going to install them. For $35 the Ennis Rotary Club will provide a flag to help participants show their patriotism at Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veteran’s Day. For more information on how to get a flag for your yard, contact Jimmy Boon at 214-906-5462.
Friends of the EPL to meet
The Ennis Friends of the Library meet the second Tuesday of each month at noon in the Learning Center of the Ennis Public Library. Those who want to support the local public library are urged to join.
Navarro County Depression and Bipolar Support
Navarro County Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance meets at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in the fellowship hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 101 N. 14th St. in Corsicana. All are welcome to learn to give and receive support at the weekly meetings. On the first Tuesday of the month, Dr. Tom Sheriff, licensed psychologist, conducts a study of The Depression and Manic Depression Workbook: A Guide for Living with Depression and Manic Depression. For more information, call 903-872-6302 or 903-874-6815.
Masonic Lodge No. 369 meets
Ennis Masonic Lodge No. 369 meets the second Tuesday of the month. The group eats at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. The group practices at 7 p.m. on the first, third and fourth Tuesdays and every Saturday at 9 a.m.
Chapter and Council holds meeting
Ennis Chapter and Council meet the fourth Thursday of the month. The group eats at 6:30 p.m. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. The group practices every third Thursday at 7 p.m.
Eastern Star holds meeting
Order of the Eastern Star meets the second Thursday of the month. The group eats at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Hospice volunteers needed
Family First Hospice is looking for people with free time to sit with loved ones of families that use the hospice service. Families need volunteers to help care for their loved one by sitting with them or talking to them while the caregiver runs errands. Volunteers are needed in Ennis, Italy, Waxahachie, Midlothian, Blooming Grove, Cedar Hill, Red Oak, Duncanville, Lancaster, South Dallas, Corsicana, Kaufman, Kerens and Mansfield. For more information, contact Margie Norum at 972-878-2273.
Big Brother/Sisters needed within EISD
Big Brothers Big Sisters, in partnership with EISD, are here in Ellis County to serve as mentors for children. There are a large number of children on the waiting list who could use a caring adult (16 and older) in their life. To find out more about how you can make a difference in the life of a child, contact Joannie Conger at 972-872-9466 or e-mail jcon...@bbbstx.org.
Volunteers needed at ERMC
If you have at least four hours a week to give, you too can be an ERMC volunteer. Call 972-875-3686 for more information, and join the ERMC Volunteer CARE Team.
Grace Recovery Group is there for you
Grace Recovery Group meets every night at 8 p.m. at 2075 N. Kaufman St., Suite F in Ennis. Groups also meet at 1 p.m. Sunday and noon Mondays and Thursday.
Visit www.gracerecoverygroup.com for more information, or call 972-825-9174.
Ennis curbside recycling days
Mark your calendar! Curbside Recycling takes place on the second Wednesday of each month. Yellow bags are available — free of charge — at City Hall for residents to bag their recyclables. No sorting is necessary. For more information, about the program, call Ennis City Hall at 972-875-1234.
AA meetings scheduled
The Alcoholics Anonymous Ennis Group meets at 1301 S. Kaufman (Business I-45) in Ennis. It is the new location where the old skating rink used to be. Entry is the north side door.
Meeting schedule:
• Tuesday — big book study, 8 p.m.
• Wednesday — newcomers, 8 p.m.
• Thursday — 12×12 study, 8 p.m.
• Friday — closed discussion, 8 p.m.
• Saturday — open discussion, 8 p.m.
• Last Saturday of the month — birthday night, 8 p.m.
