The National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 1191 held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, 13 November 2018, at the Sirloin Stockade in Corsicana.

The guest speaker was Dr. Bruce Brazell, Director of the Cook Center Planetarium at Navarro College in Corsicana.  The Cook Center, located at 3100 W. Collin St., has been open since 1997 and has hosted a very large number of visitors.  Dr. Brazell has been the director of the center for 17 years and has been involved in astronomy for 25 years.

Dr. Brazell discussed the solar system we live in, its planets and the earth we live on.  The criteria for, and characteristics of, the planets in our solar system were described along with the unique nature of our host planet which supports life. The various number of moons for the planets, asteroids and other space materials were discussed including the Big Bang theory, dark energy, gravity and expansion of the universe.

Current emphasis for the Planetarium is fund-raising to upgrade the facility. Other planetariums in the area include those in Killeen and in Ft. Worth. Information on programs and presentations at the Planetarium may be obtained at 800-988-5317 or 903-874-1211.  The presentation was followed by a question and answer session.

NARFE Chap. 1191 covers Ellis, Navarro and adjacent parts of the surrounding counties. Membership in NARFE is open to all active and retired federal employees and their spouses, former federal employees, and former spouses who are entitled to a federal survivor annuity.  For more information, please call Midlothian at 972-268-5793 or 972-775-2463, Waxahachie – 469-939-8102, Ennis – 214-949-6197, Red Oak – 412-722-6307, or Corsicana – 903-874-3092. You may also go to www.narfe.org  or see NARFE Chapter 1191 on Facebook.