Life Connected.

Helping Hands of Celina: ’We are in this together’

You might not know it, but there is a tremendous need in this community. Hundreds of children within Celina ISD don't have the basic necessities to start having success at school. Helping Hands of Celina wants to offer these kids and their families a hand up, providing them these essential needs. Jennifer Cawlfield, one of the founders of Helping Hands, discusses this new organization and its mission for helping kids in Celina, Texas. Want to get involved? Make sure you check out the links below. #lifeconnected– Helping Hands of Celina: https://helpinghandsofcelina.com– Helping Hands on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HHOC4/– Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Never Stop Giving Back: Blue Santa

Celina, Texas, has a generous heart! That giving spirit shines through on this episode of "Life in Celina." We sat down with Chief John Cullison and Officer Chase Guidera from the Celina Police Department to discuss its annual Blue Santa program. This annual initiative provides a hand up to Celina families in need. It has turned into one of the community's most anticipated ways of giving back. #lifeconnected– Celina PD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CelinaPolice– Email for Officer Guidera: cguidera@celina-tx.gov– Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Suffering Finds Meaning: Brian Fleming

Brian Fleming's life completely changed in 2006 when he was blown up for the second time while serving in Afghanistan. It was a suicide bomber that left Brian bloody and broken in a ditch, wondering if he was going to live. Not only did Brian Fleming survive, but he maximized his second chance and found meaning in his suffering. Now, he travels across the country sharing his message of strength and resilience. When he's not on the road speaking, Brian calls Celina, Texas, home. #lifeconnected– Brian Fleming: https://www.briancfleming.com– Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic: Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

BBQ and Music: Troubadour Festival

The best of Texas BBQ and Texas music is coming to Celina, Texas! The inaugural Troubadour Festival will be Nov. 6th. On this episode of Life in Celina, we got the chance to sit down with the man behind this amazing event, Chase Colston. He shares his story and how the Troubadour Festival ended up in Celina. #lifeconnected– Troubadour Festival: https://www.troubadourfestival.com– Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic:Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Special Edition: Beware of the Square

Mark your calendars for October 23 in Celina, Texas. One of the community's biggest and most popular event is back! Beware of the Square is expected to be bigger and better than ever. This episode of "Life in Celina" captures the essence of this Halloween extravaganza.We visit with Phil Ferguson, who has helped shaped Beware! into the event it is today; we also get the chance to talk to Haley Gatlin, the new event coordinator in Celina. #lifeconnected– Beware of the Square: https://www.lifeincelinatx.com/beware– Little Wooden Penguin: https://littlewoodenpenguin.com– Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.gov

A Place to Heal: Jet Erickson’s Journey to Celina

Jet Erickson's story is heavy. It's littered with tragedy and grief. But the beautiful part of her narrative is the fact that it's not over; it's still being written. Her new story, which is full of strength and courage, is being written in Celina, Texas. But Jet's new community is more than just a backdrop to her new tale of peace and healing. Celina is playing an integral role in the next chapter of her story. #lifeconnected – Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic:Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Square Roots: Carolyn and Bob Harvey

Carolyn and Bob Harvey didn't want to be "the enemy." That is how they ended up in Celina, Texas (instead of Pilot Point) when they moved to Texas 21 years ago. Who is responsible for this power couple ending up in Celina? It was their granddaughter, a second grader in Celina schools at the time, who influenced their decision. The ripple effects of her "enemy" statement are pretty amazing, especially on Downtown Celina. Carolyn and Bob Harvey played a significant role in turning the historic square into a staple of this community. #lifeconnected – Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic:Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Maximum Impact: Homecoming Parade

Tawnia King has a passion for the Celina Homecoming Parade. That is why she's coordinated it for more than 20 years; and that is why she doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. Her dedication to the annual event – and the parade itself – exemplify Celina, Texas. It's all about community, and it's all about working together on something bigger than yourself. Tawnia gives us a behind-the-scenes look at this historic Celina tradition. #lifeconnected– Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic:Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Volunteers of the Year: Never stop giving back

There are a lot of different ways to give back within your community. Celina residents Philip Ferguson and Michelle Baggett are a testament to that. They have dreamed up some of the most popular events in Celina, Texas – from Friday Night Market to Beware of the Square at Halloween. On this episode, we hear their story, and they share why they have a heart to give back in the unique way that they do. #lifeconnected– Summer Moon Coffee: https://summermooncoffee.com– Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic:Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker

Dream Scenario: Summer Moon Coffee

How did Summer Moon Coffee end up in Celina, Texas? It's a wonderfully great story that started with a dream and an accountant with a strong faith. It also included a community that listens to its residents and is proactive about making things happen. Greg Richardson, owner of the new Summer Moon Coffee in Celina, shares this unorthodox – and inspiring – tale on this episode of "Life in Celina." Highlights of the story include a strong faith and a strong partnership with everyone involved. #lifeconnectedNOTE: This episode is being released only a few days before the official grand opening in Celina. – Summer Moon Coffee: https://summermooncoffee.com– Celina Economic Development: https://celinaedc.com– City of Celina: https://www.celina-tx.govMusic:Vocals by Jon Christopher DavisEngineered by Wextrax StudioMusic by Mark Metdker