The Front Porch

Season 2, Episode 2: Kelton Brewer drowned when he was two years old. Based on accounts from the incident, Kelton said he actually died. But thanks to a neighbor, and Plano Fire and Rescue, he was revived and survived the near-tragic accident. Since that moment, the Melissa High School graduate has wanted to pay it forward. And that's exactly what he's doing as a firefighter and paramedic in Melissa. His journey, which carried him away from Melissa for a short stint, has been lined with countless blessings. Now, Kelton Brewer's goal is to leave this community better than he found it. #thefrontporch

City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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

Season 2, Episode 1: Erik Stokes hasn't been the Police Chief in Melissa, Texas, for very long. But he already has a heart for this community – and according to him, it starts with the people. After a long tenure – and working up the ranks – in Farmer's Branch, Chief Stokes finally got the opportunity to put his policing philosophy and his leadership skills to the test. After listening to this one-on-one conversation, you'll see why the City of Melissa hired him as its new Police Chief. #thefrontporch


City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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

Episode 30: Mike Demsky has started a new chapter in his life. After spending many years in the golf industry – working at some of the best courses and clubs in North Texas – he decided it was time for a new adventure. That's when this 11-year resident of Melissa, Texas, was handed the keys to the Doug Out Sports Grill. Not only is he the general manager of Melissa's newest restaurant and lounge, he is playing a major role in the newest phase of the Z-Plex.

Doug Out Sports Grill : https://dougoutsportsgrill.com

City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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

Episode 29: The importance of relationships in Melissa, Texas, keeps coming up on this podcast. Symmetry Sports Construction, which has played a significant role in almost every sports facility in Melissa, wholeheartedly believes in that philosophy. On the company website it says: "We believe in the relationships we cultivate and the synergy it creates." That is why Wayne Poage, director of sales for Symmetry, was recommended as a guest for "Heart of Melissa." On this episode, we discuss Wayne's story and how Symmetry continues to leave its mark on this community. #powerofcommunity

Symmetry Sports Construction : https://www.symmetrysports.com

City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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

Episode 28: Lynn Vanlandingham, owner of Five Tool Baseball, has a passion for baseball. The cool part of his story is that fact that he has partnered with a community – Melissa, Texas – that has a passion for the game as well. On this episode of "Heart of Melissa," Lynn shares how that partnership was formed, but more importantly how it has grown into something special. He also talks about what drives him every day. #powerofcommunity


Five Tool Baseball: https://fivetool.org

City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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

Episode 27: Kent Jones Davis has called Melissa, Texas, home for more than 14 years. He has a heart for this community, but we wanted to bring him on the podcast to talk about the amazing ripples he's generating across the world with The 25 Project. Kent, the executive director for the global ministry, has a heart for Jesus, and his organization is spreading that love to underprivileged children in countries like the Dominican Republic, Sierra Leone and South Asia.

The 25 Project: https://www.25project.org/overview-mco/

City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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

Episode 26: Dena Norton has a servants heart for Melissa, Texas. She is the Director of Community Outreach, which runs the food pantry in Melissa. When Dena talks about the food pantry, and the amazing people they serve, she lights up. It was very fitting that we recorded this episode of "Heart of Melissa" at the place where her and her volunteers are changing lives.

Also on this episode: We discuss Melissa Schools ... what it's like raising twin daughters ... and what's next since she and her husband are now empty-nesters.

The 25 Project: https://www.25project.org/overview-mco/

City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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

Episode 25: Teenagers provide a completely different perspective about community. On this episode of "Heart of Melissa," we got the chance to visit with Carson Ross and Kadyn King, seniors in the Class of 2021 at Melissa High School. They discussed what they love about their hometown and what they're going to miss the most when they leave for college. #powerofcommunity

Melissa ISD: https://www.melissaisd.org/

City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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

Episode 24: A series of powerful events led Marcus Eckert to Melissa, Texas. It started with a high school football game ... next came a hug from Duke Sparks ... then an answered prayer in the form of bird that landed on his back fence. That bird was a cardinal, and when Marcus Eckert saw it, he knew his life was about to change. Now, Marcus is the principal at Melissa Middle School. Just like everyone who works for Melissa Schools, he is passionate about his job, the kids he gets the opportunity to impact every single day and the community itself. #powerofcommunity

Melissa ISD: https://www.melissaisd.org/

City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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

Episode 23: Stacey Piyakhun doesn't mix her words. She has a heart for the people in Melissa, Texas, and she does a beautiful job expressing that love and admiration. On this episode of "Heart of Melissa," Rev. Piyakhun – lead pastor at Melissa United Methodist Church – she puts on several different hats to explain her passion for her community. Spoiler alert: She has a handful of drop-the-microphone moments. #powerofcommunity

Melissa United Methodist Church: https://melissaumc.com

City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/

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