Life in Celina

Elizabeth Thomas LOVES her job as the new Emergency Management Coordinator in Celina. That is very evident on this episode of Life in Celina. Elizabeth jumped into this new role in June of 2023, and she has embraced it – and the community – with both arms. She definitely has a passion for her job and a heart for Celina. What does an Emergency Management Coordinator do? She'll explain everything, but her biggest takeaway for the listeners ... "we're all in this together." #lifeconnected– Emergency Management: City Website– Emergency Management Notification: Sign Up– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Satyapal Chhabra plays cricket on a very high level. He's a member of the National Masters (over 50) Cricket Team. It gives him the opportunity to stay active and lean into his passion for a sport that he's been playing since he was a child in India. Now, SP calls Celina, Texas, home, and he's excited that his community is embracing the sport that he adores. On this episode of Life in Celina, we'll hear SP's story, and discover one of the main things he loves about Celina. Spoiler alert: It revolves around health and wellness. #lifeconnected– National Masters Cricket Team (over 50): Website– Celina Parks and Rec: City Website– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Kelly Thompson simply wanted to get to know Celina, Texas. So, she signed up for the Citizen's Fire Academy. She had a great exprience – such a good experience, she signed up for the Citizen's Police Academy after that. Why stop there?!?! When she found out there was a Citizen's Government Academy, Kelly completed the trifecta - investing countless number of hours into her new community. She said it was the best decision she ever made. On this episode of Life in Celina, we discuss how Kelly Thompson ended up in Celina, she shares her experience in each of the academies and we talk about the recognition Celina gave her for her dedication. #lifeconnected– Citizen's Fire Academy: Podcast– Fire Chief Mark Metdker: Podcast– Police Chief John Cullison: Podcast– Celina Academies: Website– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Steve Dini had the distinct opportunity to have his life come alive on the big screen. He co-wrote, produced and starred in a faith-based film called The Great Turkey Town Miracle. Most of the film was shot in Celina, Texas. Steve's newfound affection for his new hometown helped make that happen. After moving Celina, Steve Dini experienced "Christmas on the Square" and thought it would be the perfect backdrop for his first movie. The director and the production team agreed and in November 2023, The Great Turkey Town Miracle was released. On this episode of Life in Celina, Steve Dini talks about showcasing Celina on the big screen, and he shares why he has fallen in love with this community in a short amount of time. #lifeconnected– The Great Turkey Town Miracle: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15331620/– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

A natural disaster turned Meagan Dungan's life upside down. Her family was living its best life in the Golden Triangle of Texas when Hurricane Harvey completely displaced them. They moved to Dallas/Fort Worth looking for a new home; they were craving community. By leaning into their faith, they found it in Celina. Now, Meagan runs a small business in Celina (Achieving Milestones Pediatric Therapy) and she loves Friday Night Football at Bobcat Stadium. She definitely feels like she is home. #lifeconnected– Achieving Milestones Pediatric Therapy: https://achievingmilestones.net/home– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

More than likely you've seen Cassie Lee at event in Celina, Texas. She's the one capturing the moment through lense of her camera. Cassie shoots almost every event for the city, and her heart and passion for Celina shines through in every image. How did Cassie and her family end up in Celina? She will be quick to tell you that it wasn't by accident. Why did she fall in love with this community? You'll have to listen to find out. #lifeconnected– Cassie Lee Photography: https://cassieleephotography.shootproof.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Celina's new Assistant Police Chief, Brent Brown, had called Celina home for two years before joining the city's police department. He was working in The Colony. He loved his job and the people he worked with. Needless to say, he wasn't looking to make a switch to a different department. But according to Chief Brown, God had a different plan. Now, he's been on the job for almost 6 months, and his love for Celina has grown even more. Chief Brown said: "It feels like home." #lifeconnected– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Darlene Cmelka and Mohammed Yazdani already love Celina, Texas. After retiring early and moving from Chicago two years ago, they now call Celina home. And they are so excited and proud! From the smalltown charm to the people and the room to grow, Darlene and Mo said they express their joy and appreciation every single day. So what's next for these Celina newcomers? Spoiler Alert: They own and operate a unique small business in Chicago, and they have dreams of bringing that outside-the-box business idea to Celina. #lifeconnected– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Jill Parsons – a graduate of Celina High School – has come home. After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University, and exploring other career opportunities in bigger cities, Jill decided to return to her hometown. She has launched her own marketing company, and she couldn't be more thrilled to be back in Celina. Even though that wasn't the initial plan, Jill is whole-heartedly excited and energized about the growth in this community and is determinded to grow with it. On this episode of "Life in Celina," Jill shares her story and her perspective of growing up and moving back to Celina, Texs. #lifeconnected– Media High Ground (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediahighground/– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Ryan Tubbs was elected mayor of Celina, Texas, two months ago. Needless to say, there was a lot to unpack on this episode of "Life in Celina." We wanted to give Mayor Tubbs the opporutnity to share his story, talk about why it was important to him to run for mayor and what it's been like the first couple of months on the job. We also talked to him about his vision for Celina. (Spoiler Alert: We may have also put Mayor Tubbs on the hot seat with some hot-button questions, like his favorite place to eat in town.) This is an engaging conversation with the man now leading the charge for this community. #lifeconnected– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

The Citizens Fire Academy has been featured on "Life in Celina" before, but this is a personal story of how that program changed a life. Our featured guest on this episode is Landon Schroeder. After going through the Citizens Fire Academy, he knew exactly what he wanted to do and where he wanted to serve. His journey – and all the people who played a role in his trajectory – exemplify the city's tagline of "Life Connected." This is a heartfelt conversation with a remarkable young man who grew up in Celina and now wants to give back in his hometown. #lifeconnected– Celina Fire Department: https://www.celina-tx.gov/874/About– Citizens Fire Academy: https://www.celina-tx.gov/1420/Citizens-Fire-Academy – Citizens Fire Academy Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/user/lifeincelina/citizens-fire-academy-podcast – City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Growing up in Plano, Audrey Henvey didn't even know that Celina, Texas, existed. But now this budding journalist has a special place in her heart for this community. She has wrapped her arms around Celina and refuses to let go. This episode of "Life in Celina" is full of drop-the-mic moments from someone who now has her finger firmly on the pulse of Celina. NOTE: Since recording this episode of "Life in Celina," Audrey Henvey has been promoted to News Editor for Star Local Media. – Celina Record: https://starlocalmedia.com/celinarecord/news/ – Star Local Media: https://starlocalmedia.com – City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

When Andy Glasgow and Gabrielle Milam started working for Celina's Engineering Services Department, they had no idea what they were getting into. They knew Celina was growing at a fast and furious pace, but they didn't initially realize how strategically and intentionally the city was doing it. They do now ... and they love it! Both Andy (Director of Engineering) and Gabrielle (Construction Manager) are relatively new to Celina, but they already have a heart for this community and they’re excited to play a vital role in building on the solid foundation that's already been established. #lifeconnected– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov– Engineering Services: https://www.celina-tx.gov/1068/Engineering-Services Music: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Celina native Shain Hunn has found his calling! After serving on the Celina Fire Department – and randomly finding a book that changed the trajectory of his life – Shain discovered how passionate he was about servant leadership. Now, as the city's Director of Organization Leadership, Shain gets the opportunity every day to pour into Celina's city staff, and the ripple effects of his passion are being felt across his hometown. Shain understands the importance of being "connected at the heart," and he's doing everything in his power to stoke that fire across Celina. #lifeconnected– Podcast (Brenda and Erik Spencer): https://www.spreaker.com/user/lifeincelina/spencer-podcast – City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

After Mindy Koehne graduated from Celina High School, she was ready for big-city living. Like a lot of teenagers who grow up in a small town, she claimed she was leaving and never coming back. But after falling in love, jumping feet first into her law career and starting a family ... moving home was a no-brainer. What brought her back? The people. And now, she's serving the people as a proud councilwoman in Celina. When asked if her journey back home seems sureal at times, she said ... well ... just listen. #lifeconnected– Gigabit Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/user/lifeincelina/corb-howard-podcast – City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Have you ever dreamt of being a firefighter? Well, here is your chance ... kind of. Once a year, the Celina Fire Department hosts its Citizens Fire Academy, giving local residents the chance to get a sneak peek behind the curtain of the fire service industry. It's a tremendous hands-on opportunity to learn what it's like to serve on the Celina Fire Department. On this episode of "Life in Celina," Jacob Talley and Justin Beamis share the ins and outs of the popular program. They also talk about the increible feedback they've received from Celina's CFA, and they give us some hints of some cool things on the horizon. #lifeconnected– Celina Fire Department: https://www.celina-tx.gov/874/About– Citizens Fire Academy: https://www.celina-tx.gov/1420/Citizens-Fire-Academy– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Cory and Remy Yow kept getting signs, validating their big decision to move to Texas. (Spoiler Alert: One of those signs involved a lawnmower.) They were living in New York City when they decided to make a radical change. They now call Celina, Texas, home, and they couldn't be happier with their decision. From the moment they stepped off the airplane to start looking for their next forever home, they have been given reassurance that this is exactly where they're supposed to be. #lifeconnected– The Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Terramania is located just off the Square in downtown Celina, Texas. Owners Traci and Andrew Miller will be the first ones to tell you that God played a huge role into making that vision come to life. On this episode of "Life in Celina," we'll get the chance to hear the Miller's powerful story and find out how they fell in love with this community. We'll also discuss the one-of-a-kindness of Terramania, where passion and purpose have collided in a beautiful way. #lifeconnected– Terramania Website: https://terramaniashop.com – Terramania Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrmaniaShop– Terramania Subscription Boxes: https://terramaniashop.com/products/subscriptionbox– The Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

It was time to get an update on major projects happening in Downtown Celina. We turned to our experts, Kim Brawner (assistant city manager) and Andy Figueroa (director of public works). We discussed everything from current detours downtown to exciting projects on the horizon. We even talked about potholes. Coming Soon: The city's "Clean Sweep" initiative, which is scheduled for April 1. #lifeconnected– Celina Service Requests: https://www.celina-tx.gov/1443/Service-Requests– Clean Sweep: https://www.celina-tx.gov/1232/Celina-Clean-Sweep– Celina Map Galleries: https://celina-public-gis-celinatx.hub.arcgis.com – Celina Strategic Plan: https://www.celina-tx.gov/1257/Strategic-Plan– The Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Kim and Cleveland Wickliffe are living proof of God's perfect timing and the power of love. From their rekindled romance to moving to Celina to start a small business, their story has been nothing short of beautiful. There was a definite theme that kept coming up on this episode of "Life in Celina" ... love. It starts with their personal love story and carries over to the love that Cleve pours into his baked goods, especially his cinnamon rolls. That love has carried over to the community they now call home. #lifeconnected– Swirls Bakery: https://www.swirlsbakery.com – The Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker