The Front Porch

Season 3, Episode 18: Gail Dansby has left it all on the field for the City of Melissa. She has worked for the city for 21 years, starting out in finance and moving into the role as Executive Administrative Services Director. Over the last two decades, her intense loyalty has been driven by her heart for this community. On this episode of The Front Porch, Gail shares her passion for Melissa and the unwavering  love for her job – especially the people she works with. Because of her impressive tenure with the city, we ask Gail to capture the heart and essence of Melissa, Texas. She gave us a heart-felt answer.  #frontporch

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 3, Episode 17: Joey Mitnick is cutting to the heart of Melissa, Texas - literally. He is the owner of Buffalo Joe's Barber Lounge in Melissa, and he's excited for his small business to be a cornerstone of this community. Joey firmly believes that a barber shop has the potential to positvely impact the community it serves. He'll be quick to tell you ... it's more than just a place to get your haircut. On this episode of The Front Porch, Joey share his story, reveals his heart for Melissa and discusses the bold impact he wants to have on this community. There is a very cool energy and vibe to this conversation.  #frontporch

Links:

Buffalo Joe's Barber Lounge: Facebook

Buffalo Joe's Barber Lounge: Squire

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 3, Episode 16: Published author Tammy Osburn Oveross does not live in Melissa, Texas. She doesn't work in Melissa either. But she is the perfect guest for this episode of The Front Porch, because her roots run deep in this community, and Tammy Oveross loves family, history and legacy. During our conversation, Tammy shares stories of her family in Melissa, and she discusses her first published children's book, Cucumbers to Pickles. She'll also explain why family history is so important to her. #frontporch

Links:

Cucumbers to Pickles: Amazon

Podcast: Parris Hill Farm and Ranch: Listen Now 

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 3, Episode 15: Published author Jake Evans now calls Melissa, Texas, home. He loves this community, but it's his communities within the community that are starting to create impactful ripple effects - whether that's at his church, in his neighborhood or in his book club. On this episode of The Front Porch, we'll discuss Rise of the Oceanborn, Jake's book ... we'll talk about how he ended up in Melissa ... and he'll share his heart for this community.  #frontporch

Links:

Rise of the Oceanborn: Amazon

Rise of the Oceanborn: Audible

Podcast: Melissa Farmer's Market: Listen Now

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 3, Episode 14: The Melissa Farmer's Market is alive again - and it's thriving! That is thanks to the love and passion of Caitlin Trahan and Britney West. These two stay-at-home moms wanted to restart the farmer's market, and it has grown into so much more. These two sisters have built a community within a community. How did they do it? Again ... love and passion for small businesses in this community! 

Want to experience Melissa Farmer's Market for yourself? First, listen to this episode of The Front Porch. Then, make your way to City Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday (or next Saturday ... or the Saturday after that).  #frontporch

Links:

Melissa Farmers Market: Facebook

Melissa Farmers Market: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 3, Episode 13: When Rachel and Lance Buckley moved to Melissa, Texas, in 2019, they found exactly what they were looking for. But there is more to the story, because Lance Buckley - now a member of the Melissa Police Department - initially had his doubts. But in his defense, he was napping when his wife took intentional action to find a house in this unfamiliar community and start writing the next chapter in their family's journey. It's a heartwarming story that evolves into the best decision this family ever made. Now, Rachel and Lance have a heart for Melissa, and it's shining through in everything they do. #frontporch

Links:

The Red Feather: Website

Rachel Buckley Podcast: Listen Now

Melissa Police Department: Website 

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 3, Episode 12: When Marcial Marichalar put on his shorty shorts, boots and cowboy hat to run through the snowy streets of Melissa in 2019, he never imagined the impact it would have on his community. He just wanted to make people smile. That's really all Marcial wants to do in every aspect of his life. During our sitdown conversation, he even said: "I want to bring the energy and make people smile." On this episode of The Front Porch, we find out why this is so important to Marcial. This is a heartfelt and inspiring episode.  #frontporch

Links:

Marcial Marichalar on IG: Follow

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 3, Episode 11: It's ironic that Jennifer Nehls has an incredible story, because for the last nine years she has worked at the Melissa Public Library. Her plan going into college was to be a marine geoscientist. Now, she's the Library Director in Melissa. After sitting down and visiting with her, it's kind of hard to imagine her doing anything else, because Jennifer has a genuine heart for library services. She understands that it's more than books on a shelf. She'll quickly tell you that a library is a community within a community, and it's her mission to get the Melissa Public Library outside its walls. This is an engaging conversation with a woman who loves her job and the community she serves. #frontporch

Links:


Melissa Public Library: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 3, Episode 10: Jennifer Clark moved to Melissa, Texas, in 2019. She instantly fell in love with her new community. It didn't take her long to become very curious, too. So, she decided to scratch that curiosity itch by getting involved. It started with a tenure on Melissa's City Council, where Jennifer embraced opportunities to connect with fellow residents and contribute to the community she loves.
 #frontporch

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
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Season 3, Episode 9: Amy Mathews has a pretty intimidating title. She is the Development Services Director for the City of Melissa. But don’t be scared by her position with the city. This is an engaging episode that really captures how Melissa is growing - from the new grocery stores to the new downtown area. The Development Services Director plays a vital role in that process. Amy Mathews is new to Melissa, but she brings years of experience from other North Texas communities, and she already has a heart for Melissa, Texas. #thefrontporch


Podcast - Tyler Brewer: Listen Now

Podcast - Terrell Smith (Asst. City Manager): Listen Now

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com