This episode of Life Connected takes you on a journey through the life of Ralph O'Dell, the beloved Celina resident whose name graces the local Senior Center. Discover Ralph's cherished childhood memories on The Square, his wartime experiences in WWII, and his hopes for the future of his hometown. We delve into his "life list" travel dreams and share the heartwarming conversation we had with this extraordinary man. Get ready to be inspired by Ralph's story!

Follow City of Celina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityofcelina
Follow City of Celina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celina_texas/
Follow City of Celina on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CityofCelinaTexas
Follow Life in Celina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeInCelinaTX/
Follow Life in Celina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeincelinatx/

Stay updated on the City of Celina: https://celina-tx.gov/
Stay updated on Life in Celina: https://www.lifeincelinatx.com/

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 Davis
Engineered by Wextrax Studio
Music 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 Davis
Engineered by Wextrax Studio
Music 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 Davis
Engineered by Wextrax Studio
Music 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 Davis
Engineered by Wextrax Studio
Music 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 Davis
Engineered by Wextrax Studio
Music 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 Davis
Engineered by Wextrax Studio
Music 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 Davis
Engineered by Wextrax Studio
Music 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 Davis
Engineered by Wextrax Studio
Music 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 Davis
Engineered by Wextrax Studio
Music by Mark Metdker