Life Connected. September-October 2023

CONTRIBUTORS

Joe Monaco, Director of Marketing & Communications

Kelly Blue, Marketing & Communications Manager

Stephanie Webb, Senior Digital Media Analyst

Life Connected.

7 RESIDENT RESOURCES

Utilities, water, waste management, resident dashboard and a look at Celina’s business dashboard.

31 LIFE IN CELINA PODCAST

32 IN THE KNOW VIDEO SERIES

Public Safety

19 POLICE DEPARTMENT

Celina jumps 16 spots on the list of Safe Cities in Texas!

21 FIRE DEPARTMENT

We’re gearing up for National Preparedness Month.

Special Events

29 SEPT/OCT EVENTS CALENDAR Touch-A-Truck and Beware! of the Square are back!

33 SPLASH & BLAST RECAP

Celina’s Biggest Backyard Bash brought us all together.

37 MUSIC NIGHT ON THE SQUARE

Tribute bands and local talent had us on our feet.

Ben Ritter, Senior Graphic Designer Marc Rylander, Chief Communications Officer (Gray Reed Advisory)

Cassie McKnight, Cassie Lee Photography

A special thank you to the City of Celina & Celina EDC for their contributions to this issue.

A NOTE FROM THE MAYOR

our hometown heritage

THANK YOU FOR TAKING A MOMENT TO ENJOY LIFE CONNECTED. MAGAZINE, the official publication of the City of Celina. Although the heat seemed unbearable during these past summer weeks, the only things more memorable were the several occasions we had as a community to enjoy many of the events that afforded us the opportunity to truly experience Celina’s motto: Life Connected. From Celina Cajun Fest in May to our Splash & Blast in July to the Friday Night Markets and Movies on the Square, enjoying the summer together was something for which we were all grateful.

Let me take a moment to welcome all of our students and their families in Celina back to school. In this issue, you’ll find multiple examples of Celina’s inextricable link between community, heritage and education. We look forward to enjoying the many achievements of our students this year—in the classroom, on fields of play, in fine arts, or wherever they participate. You will, undoubtedly, enjoy reading about the namesakes of our local schools in this edition as we look back on pioneer leaders and families who helped forged this community’s love and support for our schools, students, teachers, coaches, and administrators.

In our feature article this month, we asked one of our writers to take an in-depth look at cities like ours that are experiencing growth while working to guard the heritage and values that cradle their identity. I was intrigued by the actions of cities that have maintained their heritage through their growing years, and grateful to see that Celina is carefully on the same trajectory. We can gain everything that anyone would ever want in a city, but if we lose our soul in the process, we really forfeit and forsake the hard work and legacies of those who shaped the place we love and enjoy today. I hope you enjoy reading this piece and will join in preserving our heritage with us.

Throughout these pages, you will find helpful and useful information for all things, people, and projects related to Celina heading into the Fall season. From our sports leagues to our fabulous Fall festivals to our treasured Homecoming Parade on Celina’s Downtown Square and so much more, please plan to be a part of as much as you can and see why we believe that Celina is the best place to live, to work, and to raise a family.

Again, thank you for taking time to enjoy this edition of Life Connected. Magazine. If you are ever around town and see any of our City staff, our incredible public safety officials, or my colleagues from the City Council, make sure you stop us and let us know what you love about Celina and anything that we may do to make it better. Together, we will finish 2023 in a fun and exciting way and launch into the coming New Year expecting that it will be our best yet.

Yours truly,

MAYOR PRO TEM, PLACE 2 Jay Pierce

DEPUTY MAYOR PRO TEM, PLACE 4 Wendie Wigginton

PLACE 3 Andy Hopkins

PLACE 1 Philip Ferguson

PLACE 5

Mindy Koehne

PLACE 6 Tony Griggs

CELINA CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Celina’s City Council Meetings have been full of hard work, excitement, proclamations and awards. See what they’ve been up to this summer.

(1) Celina City Council appointed Assistant City Manager Karla Stovall as the interim City Manager while a national search will be spearheaded by Affion Public. Affion Public has worked with several cities in Texas, including Cedar Park, Frisco, and San Antonio, to identify the best candidates to fill its positions. Stovall, who has served

Celina since 2019, oversees the City’s Internal Services Department, which includes Human Resources, Finance, Purchasing, Marketing, and Technology. (2) The Celina Parks & Recreation Department was presented with a Proclamation declaring July as National Parks & Recreation Month. The Parks & Recreation Department was honored

The City of Celina is a “Home-Rule Municipality” governed by a Mayor and six City Council members who are elected by the residents. The City Council Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 PM inside City Council Chambers located at 112 N. Colorado St in Celina.

for winning the Field of Excellence Award by Pioneer Athletes for the Natural Grass Fields at Old Celina Park. This is the second major award that the fields at Old Celina Park have won in 2023. The City was honored with the Tree City USA Growth Award for the fourth consecutive year. This award was designated to the City by the Arbor Day Foundation and recognizes communities that have shown

outstanding commitment to effective urban forest management.

(3) The Celina Parks & Recreation Department honored its Coaches & Parent of the Year award winners for the Spring 2023 Youth Sports Season. Congratulations to Adam Woznicki (Soccer), Mario Castillo (Baseball), and Nick Inman (Softball) for being honored as Coaches of the Year. Congratulations to Amy McCandless for being honored as

Parent of the Year. (4) General view of the meeting. (5) Celina City Council adopted the Wilson Creek Park Master Plan, which will serve as a tool to guide to creating the City’s next major park. (6 & 9) Children who completed our Library’s Summer Reading Program.

(7) City Council (8) The Marketing Department was recognized for

winning four awards at the 2023 Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers Annual Conference. The Marketing Department won awards for the Life Connected. Magazine, Event Poster, Special Report, and External Newsletter. (10-11) General views of the meeting.

(12) Police Chief Cullison welcoming new police officers to the City.

All City Council Meeting agendas are posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Each meeting is livestreamed and recorded for those who cannot attend. Streaming information and agenda packets can be found online at celina-tx.gov/citycouncil.

RESIDENT RESOURCES

We’re here to ensure all information you need as a Celina resident is easily accessible! Check out our quick facts for your everyday resident needs.

Utility Service

BILL PAYMENT OPTIONS

PHONE: (877) 216-4105

ONLINE: www.municipalpayments.com/celinatx

AUTO DRAFT: Fill out the autodraft form and submit to the Utility Billing Department. Visit www.celina-tx.gov to download the form.

IN-PERSON OR MAIL: Mail or pay in-person at 142 N. Ohio St, Celina, TX.

Waste Management

3 WAYS TO SCHEDULE A PICK-UP

Brush and bulky trash is availble as a twice-a-month service through Waste Connections.

PHONE: (469) 452-8000

ONLINE: www.wasteconnections.com

WASTECONNECT APP: Available on Google Play or Apple App Store

Resident Dashboard

This interactive dashboard allows citizens to learn more about City of Celina services for their specific address!

1) Click on the search box in the upper right corner and type in an address.

2) Once an address is entered, please select from the drop-down options to identify which address you would like to select.

3) Once an address is selected, the map will automatically zoom to the searched address and display different information for that property such as HOA contract information, Code & Health Officer information, whether the property is in City Limits or not, and Waste Collection pick-up day.

MYCELINAH20

Monitor your water usage and set up alerts online. Set up your account today at MyCelinaH20.com

Scan to set up trash pick-up

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Scan to view Celina businesses or add your own! #CELINASUPPORTSCELINA

QR CORNER

STAGE 1 DROUGHT WATERING GUIDELINES

TWICE PER WEEK WATER SCHEDULE

RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ENDING IN 1, 3, 5, 7, 9

SATURDAY & WEDNESDAY

RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ENDING IN 0, 2, 4, 6, 8

SUNDAY & THURSDAY

Customers are required to immediately reduce landscape irrigation systems and hoseend sprinklers to a maximum of two days per week. Irrigation of landscaped areas and building foundations is still permitted at any time when using a hand-held hose, drip irrigation or a soaker hose. Customers are required to follow a mandatory time-of-day landscape irrigation schedule. No outdoor watering with automatic irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers can occur from 10 AM - 6 PM.

Celina Business Directory

The Celina Business Directory is a growing list of local businesses to help you find professional services, retail, and restaurants in Celina. This directory is a free resource from the Celina EDC in collaboration with Bludot.

CUSTOMIZABLE

Celina business directory listings are updated directly by business owners. Find current business information, photos, specials and more within each business profile.

SEARCH

Discover Celina businesses quickly using the search bar feature. Utilize the filter, area and category sections of the directory to narrow your search.

LOCAL

Businesses listed in the Celina Business Directory are exclusive to Celina. The Directory is the best way to keep up with all new businesses moving in.

MAP VIEW

Easily find business location through the map view.

HEART SOUL

Few places exist around the vast Celina footprint that fails to give the human eye a glimpse into the robust growth and development currently stretching every resident or passer-by.

Though there are traces of the City’s agricultural past, for instance, in beautiful pastoral settings nestled amidst the booming residential and business developments, the landscape is changing. Signs announcing the soon arrival of national retail and restaurant establishments adorn property lines of lands that have long been family farms and ranches. Many of these families were able to fulfill the dreams of generations gone by, selling off the land and cashing in on what is projected to be Dallas’ next booming suburb.

few have been emphatically opposed to the growth and development. After all, some of the town’s most notable residents had to let go of land for this next chapter to be written. Rather, most residents’ conversations quickly go much deeper than car washes, retail warehouses, and chain eateries. Their concerns even supersede infrastructure worries and provide services to all the people moving here.

At the core of surveying all that is so quickly changing, their common question always funnels to their greatest concern, “Despite the surging growth, will this city be able to guard the heart and heritage of our hometown?”

BY MARC RYLANDER

For most Celina faithful, who have called this place home for any decent amount of time, growth was expected; but the growing pains are real. Talking to people throughout the city, very

Having worked and guided multiple municipal and state entities around Texas through similar transformations, those individuals sharing this common worry may cautiously take great comfort knowing that the answer can be a resounding ‘yes.’ It can be.

How Celina grapples with surging growth while preserving the heart and heritage that defines the community

The community gathering in Celina’s Downtown Square on October 17, 1942.

Whether or not the heart and heritage— or soul—of a community will be guarded is the deeper question. To navigate the very fine line between can be and will be, the entire community must bear the critical weight of doing so. Expecting city employees or elected officials to accomplish this daunting task will quickly lead to failure. It’s too tricky to assign the preservation of who a community is and how it lives to a handful of people.

Instead, the task of safeguarding the community now shared, even as the City grows, takes every resident with a willingness to save the heart and soul of Celina to work with painstaking intentionality through everything happening all around. It is a fact: how Celina acts now will determine who it will be then.

Over the past three years, with a frontrow seat peering into the growth before us and around us, it is obvious that this critical work has been done and is being done. Careful attention to guarding and preserving Celina’s rich history and heritage, that of the place and the people who made it, has been given. Whether from city business meetings, halftime Bobcat locker room speeches, pitches at local service organizations, museum meetings, school assemblies, church celebrations, or a host of other platforms, a clarion call to preserve and protect that which has always made this place so special and unique may be resoundingly heard.

Now, the success of this stewardship rests on the shoulders of each person in every home, business, classroom, dining table, sanctuary, board room, construction site, or any other gathering place in Celina, Texas. It may seem impossible, but carefully and regularly engaging in these simple practices may make a difference in the future of this hometown.

FIRST, a community must know its history in order to preserve and protect it. Whether they came eight months

A COMMUNITY MUST KNOW ITS HISTORY TO PRESERVE & PROTECT IT.

Street near the historic Downtown Square. Located in the former Celina Record newspaper shop, the museum uncovers for its guests a broad scope of the community with artifacts and information from before the turn of the last century to the development of the Square, through the wonderful state championship years, and until now.

ago or 80 years ago, every resident of Celina has experienced so many special memories and has helped forge part of our exciting future.

Yet, to understand and preserve the contagious culture that has connected lives here for generations, each must do their part to discover the rich and fruitful past that instrumentally shaped the Celina that is known and loved today. The history of this place and her people is most beautifully enshrined in the Celina Heritage Museum on Pecan

Celina’s beautifully cared-for cemeteries are another place to learn about the pioneer families who worked across the generations to carry on the vision and values still cherished today. The Veterans’ Memorial on the Downtown Square introduces visitors to those who served and to those from here who paid the ultimate price of freedom. The museum has volumes of books about those buried in our cemeteries and those names eternally etched on the memorial. Downtown Celina’s murals are another way to celebrate the eras gone by. Living in the community for a self-prescribed period of time gives no one any special advantage in safeguarding the soul of the city. Only when people set out to learn about and fully understand the past, can they truly fight to preserve it.

Celina’s cotton gin and gristmill were one of the first establishments in the town.

SECONDLY, a community wishing to protect its heritage must identify and restore its iconic landmarks. Too often the arrival of growth and development and the need for every inch of real estate equates to the historic and iconic landmarks of a community facing the wrecking ball.

The demolition of such buildings and structures not only robs the landscape of their hometowns but also removes from the community key visual connections to the past. Driving through downtown Dallas, history buffs can still spend a night at the Adolphus Hotel, enjoy an evening of entertainment at the Majestic Theater, watch the Pegasus spin atop the Magnolia Building, or peer into the decorated windows at Neiman Marcus. Interestingly, none of these icons predate Celina’s historic Downtown Square. For over a decade, great intention and master planning has gone into preserving and protecting the historic nature of Celina’s Downtown Square, even while careful and methodical plans call for its expansion. That beautifully plotted place that has stood as this community’s gathering grounds for over 110 years will perpetually remain, drawing people to Celina’s past, even as it welcomes her future.

WHAT

CELEBRATE IS WHAT YOU WILL BECOME.

A THIRD and equally important component to celebrating a place’s heritage should include the preservation of historic homes and the collection of the stories that go with them. This is one of the critical reasons for the astronomical growth in housing prices in the downtown areas of suburban communities around America, including in Celina.

The Water Tower is another example of guarding a community’s treasures. The easier and less costly decision several years back would have been to dismantle the Water Tower that stands high above the Downtown Square. Yet, decisions were made to preserve the tower and strengthen it to last for generations.

Structures such as the school administration building, the icehouse, and the grain silos have also been spared to date. New construction is sure to change the look of the city, but these sacred monuments from yesteryear will forever stand in honor of the City’s past.

Every home that has stood the test of time, many of which have been beautifully restored, reflects the story of a community’s pioneer families. Longtime residents can recall memories of times visiting those properties and share details about the people who worked hard to own them. Renovations to such homes often uncover secrets from generations gone by told through uncovering early construction methods, archaic cooling and heating apparatuses, or hidden treasures tucked behind walls or under floors in these neighborhood gems. Communities can showcase these homes at various times during the year, and families now living in them etch their memories within their walls, joining the litany of stories of residents past.

When visiting Downtown Celina, folks today should pay careful attention to the architecture and

“

YOU

North Side of Square Actors early 1901.

restoration of the many grand, historic homes that line the streets. Walk their sidewalks and enjoy their captivating architecture. All the while, ask around and find out their story. Seeing the homes and knowing their stories will create a connection with generations now gone, as preserving those homes preserves a community’s history and identity.

FOURTH, guarding the heart and heritage requires residents and civic leaders to forever strengthen the bond between a community and its historic hometown schools. So many sprawling suburbs now have students attending multiple school levels in buildings all around town, and sometimes students attend schools in multiple school districts within the city, as is the case now in Celina. The arrival of highlyrated private schools filling up with local residents adds to the complexities.

Embracing the growth and expansion of education is a critical necessity for communities, but so is an intentional effort to preserve the buildings and humble beginnings of its past. In

nearby Frisco, for instance, a once-tiny farming town with one school building now boasts over 10 high schools and dozens of elementary and middle schools feeding them. Yet, people who grew up there and those who came after them can still make their way downtown and see that school building that once housed every grade.

Around Texas, old-time school traditions can still be seen on faded water towers. Championships from days past are still marked on scoreboards or marquee signs. Stadiums, where games were once played and young athletes’ most important lessons were learned, have been preserved into some monuments to the past. Celina is fortunate to have it all.

The one-building school that once educated all the students in the district is now the administration building. Marquee signs highlighting wins and championships and records for both stand guard over the old stadium where so many of those hard-fought contests occurred. That stadium,

recently acquired by the City for perpetual care and preservation, will now be the crown jewel of Ousley Park, a public space named for the family that originally owned the land and dedicated it to the district for athletic use.

And the beloved Celina High School Bobcats homecoming parade still winds its way around the historic Downtown Square every Fall, just as it has done for generations. Just as the relationship between the City and its schools was a foundational core of previous generations, it should be highly regarded as a community that exponentially grows.

A FIFTH factor in guarding the heart and heritage of a community is to understand that, as a community, what you celebrate is what you will become. For generations, the 3 F’s of Celina were commonplace in a discussion. Faith. Family. Football.

Beautiful churches were built in and around downtown during the last century. They were a focal point in the community because they were the focus of the community. The Downtown Square was and is preserved and loved not because of the retail or entertainment spots around it, but because it was a gathering place for families. They shopped there, met to visit there, held celebrations there, worshipped there, and marked so many milestones around that parcel of land that is still cherished in the same way today.

The same can be said for the schools, which in Celina, rolled up into the third ‘F’ in that triad, football. This town has always rallied around its Bobcats. The old stadium still greets you when you turn into the city. The billboards with all the wins are still there. The iconic Water Tower, until a few years back, still had the faded Celina Bobcats artwork on the stadium side of the tower. And, as previously mentioned, the downtown homecoming parade is still

Celina’s 1931 Football Team

still attended by scores of fans.

The City has worked diligently to guard these tenants that have always mattered. The old Methodist Church is now the Council Chamber. The Downtown Square is more enhanced and inviting than ever. And the old stadium was recently acquired as a park, so that it may stand perpetually to honor its past. Yet, the city must grow, and quite a bit of change is inevitable. As it does expand, new residents should embrace the thing that attracted them here in the first place, and never forget that what we celebrate is what we will become.

A SIXTH principle, and perhaps the one that we find the least in this society today, is to recognize the inextricable correlation between the character of a community and its honor and respect for public servants. In those horrific hours just after the 9/11 Attacks on America, Americans rallied like never before in cities and towns across this land to honor police and firefighters. The aftermath of that tragedy yielded what many would recall as one of the sweetest moments in this nation’s modern history. Families were stronger. Communities were richer. Respect was reignited. The detestable lines of division blurred for a moment in time. America was better.

Today, many communities that have very little else in common generally have this trait of honoring and respecting public servants as a key value. Across Celina’s history, opinions have differed with the same fervor as opinions about playcalling on Fall Friday nights. However, people understood that beneath the uniforms and badges and oaths of office were people. They were neighbors. They were fellow Little League parents. They weren’t perfect, but they were people fulfilling a calling that few others cared to sign up for, and thus, they were to be respected. As a community like this one grows and pioneers its bright

future, much care should be given to guard the generational trend in Celina of honoring and respecting public servants.

A FINAL way that cities can maintain their attractive appeal that began when a place was much smaller is by carefully and intentionally developing parks and public spaces where people can gather that tie into the history and heritage of the community. Parks that include artwork of people or notable scenes from the past, signage that tells stories of the area from days gone by, or memorials to individuals or families—even in naming the public areas—prolongs the legacies of the ones who developed what we now enjoy even as new names and families and developments come along.

Parks inspire new friendships and rekindle others. Public spaces give people places to interact, away from technology that often holds them hostage. They are places for more festivals, more ball games, more memories, and more of what made Celina so great. Residents should take a look at the master plans that have been worked on fervently over the years. Plans for parks and trails,

entertainment areas, the arts, and for developments that seek to guard the heritage of the city, even as its population expands are at the forefront of this cause.

Yes, it is possible to protect the heart and soul of Celina, even as new pages of its story are written every day. It has been read and said that where there is no unity, the people perish. A season of unmatched growth yields a great opportunity to rally around that which guides a people rather than that which divides them.

Some of the deeply held ideologies and beliefs will evolve through growth and should be respected, but the core principles that have carried Celina to this point must also be forever acknowledged, respected, and preserved. Schools will grow and expand. Kids around town will be in different schools, multiple campuses, and different districts.

Yet the historical love for the hometown heroes—kids of the past, present, and future—can always be celebrated. Change is inevitable, but change is not fatal. Never forget, people are attracted here because of what Celina is and how the community lives.

Celina’s long history as the City of small business: Brewer’s Barber Shop in Celina

CONNECTED TO CONNECTED TO OUR

Celebrating the historic origins of our local schools’ namesakes

BY MARC RYLANDER

As the hallways of our schools in Celina are again bustling with students, faculty, and staff, multiple campuses in this city now bear the names of those whose families are inextricably linked to service and loyalty to this community and region of North Texas.

With students in Celina now attending school campuses in two different districts, the effort to know the stories behind the names on campus can be more challenging. This year, for instance, two new elementary schools opened—one in Celina ISD and one in Prosper ISD serving Celina families north of downtown and west of the Dallas North Tollway. In an effort to look back and honor the names and legacies of those now honored with

OUR

a school campus, Life Connected. Magazine wanted to offer a brief biological sketch of each notable name that adorns local campuses.

CELINA ISD MARCY LYKINS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Marcy Lykins wasn’t born in Celina, but few would have known it by her contagious community spirit and her love for the Bobcats. She received her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University and her Master of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin University. Lykins joined the faculty of what was then known as Celina Elementary School in the fall of 2012. Her husband, Kevin, had been called to serve as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Celina, and she and their kids immediately immersed themselves into their new home and schools. With a growing bilingual population at the campus, Principal Starla Martin tapped Lykins to spearhead opportunities in learning for that group of students. Along with serving as an elementary ESL teacher, she is credited with establishing the campus bilingual program at the school that now bears her name. Lykins was named Teacher of the Year in Celina in 2014. While teaching in CISD, Lykins was diagnosed with cancer and valiantly began her fight, with students, faculty, and staff praying and cheering her on through many months of treatments. Through the highs and lows of her battle, the school district and the entire Celina community rallied with t-shirts and other shows of support, and she was

given a personalized parking space near the front door of the school.

Despite her courage and resilience in the face of a devastating disease, she passed away in February 2018. While her tenure with the district was shorter than anyone would have ever wanted, the impact of Marcy Lykins on the community, the school district, and her deeply loved students is a living legacy today. The memorial plaque at Lykins Elementary notes, “She lit these hallways and our hearts with joy and laughter.”

DONNY O’DELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Donny O’Dell was born and raised in Celina, Texas, and he spent much of his 42 years in education and service in his hometown school district. He attended grade school in the building that now serves as the Administration Building—the same building where he would later serve as the District’s Superintendent. He played football and ran track during his junior high and high school years before graduating in 1968.

O’Dell was hired to teach in the early 1970s by Celina Junior High Principal Jerry Moore, a friend from their childhood days here. Along

with teaching Math, O’Dell became an assistant to Celina’s legendary football coach, G.A. Moore. The Bobcats won their first of eight state championships during their tenure together. After a stint with Moore in Pilot Point and then on his own as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at S&S Consolidated ISD, he returned to Celina in the mid-1990s to serve as the high school principal.

In 2012, Donny O’Dell became the Superintendent of Celina ISD and served in that capacity until 2016. O’Dell is credited with building a foundation for the first wave of growth that hit the school district and the region. He oversaw the construction of the beautiful Celina High School on the historic Alla Hubbard School property, among numerous accomplishments.

Mrs. O’Dell taught for 30 years and was a beloved Celina schoolteacher throughout many of those years. Their daughters have given them eight grandchildren, and the O’Dells cherish their duties as grandparents while still supporting Celina ISD activities often.

JERRY AND LINDA MOORE MIDDLE SCHOOL

OUR HEARTS WITH

Jerry Moore moved to Celina in 1949, where he started first grade and continued his education through high school graduation in 1963. He went on to attend North Texas State University, now known as UNT, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1968. While there, he met the love of his life, Linda, who had graduated as valedictorian of Burleson High School in 1965. The Moores celebrated their 54th

“SHE LIT

JOY & LAUGHTER“

THE MARTIN FAMILY WERE DEVOTED SUPPORTERS OF ALL THINGS CELINA

anniversary on August 17, 2022. Only three weeks after they married, Mr. Moore was called to serve his country in Vietnam. After two years of service there, he returned and completed his Master’s in Education in 1971. Mrs. Moore served the Celina School District for 29 years, starting at Celina High School as an English teacher. She later taught business subjects, including typing, accounting, and shorthand. Later, she moved to the Junior High where she taught keyboarding until her retirement in 2006.

Mr. Moore has served the Celina District as a teacher, coach, administrator, and mentor to many students for over half a century. Thirty-five of those years were spent as the Celina Junior High Principal. In 2009, he was asked to create a transportation system for the district. He served as the CISD Transportation Director for the next 10 years. Beginning with the 20202021 School Year, he decided, in his words “to slow down a little,” and stepped down from his position as Director. He still wanted to work for the district and decided to continue to work as a bus driver running a morning and afternoon bus route which he still does today.

BOBBY RAY AND AFTON MARTIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Bobby Ray Martin was born on April 9, 1930, in Celina, TX. After high school, Mr. Martin served in the United States Air Force before returning to Celina where he farmed and worked as a rural mail carrier until he retired. Mr. Martin met the love of his life, Afton Stott, and they were married on March 6, 1953. The Martins had three children, Mark, Paul, and Brian—all graduates of Celina High School. The Martin family were devoted supporters of all things Celina. From academic meets to sporting events, the beloved couple dressed head-totoe in orange and white cheering on their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were participating.

Mrs. Martin also established a reputation for attending events with a bag full of gingersnaps, which would be passed around the bleachers for all to enjoy. Both loved this community and were highly regarded as contributing citizens serving on several school districts, church, and community committees. Mr. Martin was one of the founding fathers of the Celina Quarterback Club and his wife was

heavily involved in the creation of the Bobcat Moms organization.

In 1960, Mr. Martin served as a Trustee on the Hubbard Trust Board and Mrs. Martin served as a Treasurer. In 1961, he was elected to the Celina ISD School Board. During his 20 years of service, he served in the roles of trustee and president, stepping down in 1981 when his daughter-in-law was hired to teach for the school district. Mr. Martin passed away in 2011, and Mrs. Martin died in 2018.

PROSPER ISD SAM JOHNSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Sam Johnson was a native Texan and beloved public servant frequently hailed for his patriotism, commitment to our republic and strong conservative values, and efforts on behalf of the North Texas constituents he served. Johnson, a decorated war hero, ranked among the few members of Congress to fight in combat. During his 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force, he flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

In the Vietnam War, while flying the 25th combat mission of his second tour of duty, his plane

was shot down. Johnson endured nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War, including being in the infamous Hanoi Hilton and 42 months in solitary confinement after his captors labeled him a “die-hard.” He spent 72 days in leg stocks, 2.5 years in leg irons, and experienced severe starvation and torture. Johnson served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991-2018.

In 2009, his peers recognized him as the “most admired” Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, in 2009 the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor Society bestowed Johnson their highest civilian accolade, the National Patriot Award, for his tireless work on behalf of the troops, veterans, and freedom.

His love of God and devotion to his wife and family are also notable character qualities. Johnson was married 65 years to the love of his life, Shirley Melton of Dallas. By his side, Mrs. Johnson traveled with him each week to Washington D.C. so he could serve his constituents well. They had three children, ten grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren at the opening of Johnson Elementary. Congressman Johnson died in 2020.

DAN CHRISTIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Danny David Christie was born on May 8, 1944, in Dallas, Texas, to David P. and Mary Helen (Sandlin) Christie. He and his younger brother, John, grew up in Prosper and Dallas.

Mr. Christie attended Prosper Elementary and graduated in 1962 from Prosper High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He was also named a Texas Football All-Star. He attended North Texas State University where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1968.

After graduation, Christie coached and taught in the Dallas Independent School District for four years. He always wanted to work in real estate, so he left teaching to begin his journey as a real estate broker with the Collin County Land Company, which he founded and ran until his death. Along with serving as a member and president of the Board of Trustees at the University of North Texas, Christie served on both the Prosper ISD School Board and Prosper Town Council, as well as on the boards at several local banks. He received UNT’s coveted Outstanding Alumnus Award and Green Glory Award. Christie passed away on May 6, 2006.

Special thanks to Celina ISD, Prosper ISD, and the archives of the Celina Record for their contributions to this feature.

Right: 1923 Celina School

Left: 1939 Graduating Class

POLICE DEPARTMENT

SAFETY IN CELINA

The Celina Police Department is excited to meet the challenges of keeping the residents we serve safe. Beginning in the fall, the Celina Police Traffic Division will help fulfill that mission by keeping motorists safe through Engineering, Education, and Enforcement.

ENGINEERING

Working closely with city engineers, the Traffic Division will monitor vehicle accidents, trends, and data to focus on the safest, most convenient, and most effective transportation routes for citizens. Collecting accurate data helps us identify problematic areas and locations that create hazardous road conditions, which allows engineers to allocate resources for road improvements and the appropriate designation of traffic control signals and devices.

EDUCATION

The Traffic Division is dedicated to educating drivers on traffic-related laws and road hazards to increase traffic safety, improve driving behaviors, and raise awareness.

ENFORCEMENT

Utilizing traffic-related data allows officers to focus enforcement on areas with high accident rates or traffic violations. In preparation, Sergeant Jeremiah Phillips and Officer Nick White have been working and training with the Frisco Police Department to become the City’s first motorcycle patrolmen. A special thank you to Officer Alan Rogan and Officer Tyler Tibbitts for working with our officers and allowing them to use their motorcycles and training facility.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The theme for this year is Preparing for Older Adults.

CODE RED

The City of Celina has an emergency notification system for citizens to sign up for to be notified in case of an emergency event. This is not a realtime alerting system. This phone and email system is designed to provide emergency messages to you quickly and effectively, should a need arise. You can include several locations in the City of Celina to receive notifications, like your home, workplace, schools, and more. When an emergency or disaster occurs, authorized City of Celina personnel can notify you using this community alert system. This does not preclude you from calling 911 for emergency requests; it simply provides a means to disseminate critical information to the public via a mass notification system when needed.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and supplies last several days. A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Some supplies to include in your kit:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.

• One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket and sleeping bag per person

• A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.

• Emergency tools, including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.

• An extra set of keys and a credit card or cash

• Sanitation supplies

• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members

• An extra pair of glasses

• Important family documents

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

The City of Celina is committed to being smart and strategic in how we grow. One of the ways that we show our commitment is through Capital Improvement Projects, which are partnerships between the City and contractors for facilities, roadways, waterlines, sanitary sewers, stormwater, and drainage improvements.

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS

OUSLEY PARK DESIGN

OLD CELINA PARK PLAYGROUND DESIGN

SUNSET LIFT STATION CONSTRUCTION

PRESTON RD LIGHTING PHASE 2

SOUTHEAST PUMP STATION DESIGN

PARVIN ROAD ASPHALT PAVING

LEGACY HILLS WASTEWATER

RECLAMATION FACILITY CONSTRUCTION

RALPH O’DELL SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER DOWNTOWN PATIO PROJECT

DOWNTOWN INNER LOOP

Scan to view the Capital Improvement Projects Map

CELINA POLICE HEADQUARTERS

CELINA FIRE STATION 3

PARKS & RECREATION

OUSLEY PARK MASTER PLAN

In July, the City of Celina unveiled two conceptual renderings of the future Ousley Park, which will be a linear park that follows the Doe Branch corridor near downtown Celina. The City has partnered with Freese and Nichols on the development of the future Ousley Park.

This nine-acre downtown urban park will bring a city park to the downtown residents and will incorporate the original Bobcat Stadium, Ralph O’Dell Senior Citizens Center, and Parks Administration Building. In addition, Ousley Park will improve the existing Doe Branch Creek through stream restoration and will include a 12foot trail that will follow along the creek. For more information, including the Ousley Park Master Plan, please visit www.celina-tx.gov/ousleypark.

CONCEPT 01

In the first conceptual rendering, Ousley Park would incorporate an Art/Sculpture Walk at its northwest entry point and would include a Splash Playground along with a Dog Park that would be located west of Doe Branch Creek. A Community Garden would be highlighted east of Doe Branch Creek with parking lots located both east and west of the Bobcat Stadium. Some of the additional features of this rendering, include a NatureBased Playground, Parks & Recreation Facilities, Pollinated Gardens, Pickleball Courts, Observation Deck, and Food Truck Rodeo.

KEY FEATURES

ART & SCULPTURE WALK

SPLASH PLAYGROUND

DOG PARK

Ousley Park Master Plan - Draft Master Plan - Alt 1 City of Celina, Texas

Ousley Park Master Plan - Draft Master Plan - Alt 1 City of Celina, Texas

NATURE-BASED PLAYGROUND

POLLINATED GARDENS

PICKLEBALL COURTS

Renderings courtesy of Freese and Nichols, Inc.

CELINA PARKS & RECREATION STORY MAP

Curious about what is on the horizon for Celina Parks & Recreation? Make sure you visit their new Story Map that showcases all of the existing and future parks! This interactive map allows you to see where all of our current and future parks are planned to be with some awesome aerial footage. The Story Map highlights existing park amenities, touches on the vision for the future, and shares available recreational sports and activities. For more information, visit bit.ly/celinastorymap

CONCEPT 02

In the first conceptual rendering, Ousley Park would incorporate an Art/Sculpture Walk at its northwest entry point and would include a Splash Playground along with a Dog Park that would be located west of Doe Branch Creek. A Community Garden would be highlighted east of Doe Branch Creek with parking lots located both east and west of the Bobcat Stadium. Some of the additional features of this rendering, include a NatureBased Playground, Parks & Recreation Facilities, Pollinated Gardens, Pickleball Courts, Observation Deck, and Food Truck Rodeo.

KEY FEATURES

SPLASH PLAZA

BASKETBALL PAVILION

ART/SCULPTURE GARDEN

SAND VOLLEYBALL COURTS

NATURE-BASED PLAYGROUND

OUTDOOR FITNESS CENTER

FOOD TRUCK RODEO

THAT’S A WRAP

SUMMER READING PROGRAM WAS LIT!

Our goal was to not only get the kids ready for school, but to also encourage them to read and explore a world within worlds.

Friday Story Times with books, singing, scarf play, bubbles and music!

412 SIGN-UPS 68,318 MINUTES

Our Summer Reading Program this year was an exciting success! The Summer Reading Program ran from May 30th through July 28th. People of all ages committed to read a total of 660 minutes in order to complete the program. Out of the 412 people who signed up, 53 finished the program. Those 53 people read a total of 68,318 minutes! Our goal was to not only get the kids ready for school, but to also encourage them to read and explore a world within words.

Each Tuesday, we had a special Summer Reading performance put on for the children and their families. Professor Brainius kicked off the summer with science fun, complete with balloon art from Stretch and Company. Celina Police Department put on a show-and-tell with patrol vehicles and taught children and families about car safety. Our Public Works read a story about monsters who, of course, worked in Public Works! The team showed off construction vehicles like diggers and other equipment.

The biggest hit of all might have been Marshmellow the Dairy Cow who, with the help of our friends from Southwest Dairy Farmers, taught the children all about how dairy cows are milked. Dino Bo stopped by to show off an impressive fossil collection, too!

The Celina Fire Department read a book about what it’s like to be a firefighter and even let the kids climb into the fire trucks. Gregg Ka-zam! filled our program and children’s hearts full of magic. To round out the summer, Krithika Subramanian Mukund and her family performed traditional Indian dances as learned in her native home of India.

It was a fun-filled learning adventure this summer, and we’re grateful to all the children, families and special guests who made each week such a memorable experience. We can’t wait to do it all again next year - we hope to see you there!

STORYBOOK TRAIL

OCTOBER

ON THE SAME PAGE

BOOK CLUB

Join us as we celebrate the one-year book club anniversary with October’s theme “BYOD Party!” where you’ll Bring Your Own Dish from the cookbook of your choice.

SEPTEMBER & EVENT CALENDAR

9/1 FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET | 6 - 9 PM

Celina’s Downtown Square

Friday Night Market is a great way to get outside, shop local, eat delicious food, and listen to live music – all held in Celina’s Downtown Square. Friday Night Market features a fantastic variety of vendors with something for everyone. Make sure to #ShopLocal and support our homemade, handmade, and homegrown vendors. September’s musical guest is Courtney Istre.

LIFEINCELINATX.COM/FNM

9/12: CITY COUNCIL MEETING | 6 PM City Council Chambers

Celina City Council Meetings occur on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 PM in the City Council Chambers located at 112 N. Colorado St. City Council Meetings are livestreamed and recorded.

CELINA-TX.GOV/LIVESTREAM

9/16: TOUCH-A-TRUCK | 9 AM -12 PM

Celina’s Downtown Square

Touch-A-Truck presented by Cook Children’s Health Care Systems is a “wheelie” exciting, family-fun event that gives attendees an opportunity to explore the ins and outs of the City equipment and tools that the staff uses to keep the City running. This free Downtown event offers kids of all ages an interactive and fun-learning experience. Representatives from various City departments will be on-site with their vehicles to answer questions and hand out goodies.

LIFEINCELINATX.COM/TOUCHATRUCK

9/18: RESIDENT WORKSHOP – RESUME BUILDING

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Collin College – Celina Campus (Room 110)

Life Connected. and Collin College Career Center are partnering together to offer a resident workshop designed to provide residents with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to create a powerful and effective resume that stands out in today’s competitive

job market. This workshop is suitable for professionals at all career stages from recent graduates to seasoned executives. Register at the link below!

CELINA-TX.TICKETLEAP.COM/RESUME-BUILDING

9/21 CITY OF CELINA TOWN HALL | 6 PM

Topic: Downtown Celina

Two 29 on the Square, 229 W. Pecan St

Mayor Ryan Tubbs and Interim City Manager, Karla Stovall will host a Town Hall to hear your thoughts on all things Downtown. Have a question about what businesses are opening soon? Want an update on the road construction? Have some thoughts on Friday Night Market or Movies on the Square? Attend to get in-depth information and learn about projects, programs and special events.

9/22: CISD HOMECOMING PARADE | 9 AM

Celina’s Downtown Square

Come out and show your Bobcat Pride with the annual Celina ISD Homecoming Parade that will begin at 9 AM on the Downtown Square. The Parade will feature floats with some of our youngest athletes and cheerleaders to our current Bobcat gridiron stars and cheerleaders. This annual tradition is a must-see event in Downtown Celina.

9/30: CLEAN SWEEP | 8 AM - 12 PM

10165 CR 106, Celina

The City’s Public Works Department puts together three Clean Sweep events during the calendar year. The City will host a fall Clean Sweep where residents are invited to bring their bulk trash, household hazardous waste items, and more for disposal. This event is open to all Celina residents with proof of residency.

CELINA-TX.GOV/CLEANSWEEP

10/3: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT | 6 - 9 PM

Celina’s Downtown Square

On the first Tuesday of October, the Celina Police Department will host its National Night Out, a free event on the Downtown Square,

& OCTOBER

to promote police-community relationships. While this event occurs in various neighborhoods around the City, the Celina Police Department will host the City’s biggest block party on the Downtown Square.

LIFEINCELINATX.COM/NNO

10/6: FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET | 6 - 9 PM

Celina’s Downtown Square

Friday Night Market is a great way to get outside, shop local, eat delicious food, and listen to live music – all held in Celina’s Downtown Square. Friday Night Market features a fantastic variety of vendors with something for everyone. Make sure to #ShopLocal and support our homemade, handmade, and homegrown vendors. October’s musical guest is Keaton Adams.

LIFEINCELINATX.COM/FNM

10/9: WELCOME TO CELINA WORKSHOP | 6 - 7 PM City Council Chambers

Join other newcomers to our City as you learn all about City services and how you can engage in your neighborhood and the community. A one hour workshop introducing the most helpful information to equip new residents with all the facts and resources they will need to be a successful and engaged resident. Register at the link below!

CELINA-TX.TICKETLEAP.COM/WELCOME-TO-CELINA /

10/10: CITY COUNCIL MEETING | 6 PM City Council Chambers

Celina City Council Meetings occur on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 PM in the City Council Chambers located at 112 N. Colorado St. City Council Meetings are livestreamed and recorded.

CELINA-TX.GOV/LIVESTREAM

10/14: CELINA OKTOBERFEST | 11 AM - 10 PM Downtown Square

The Fifth Annual Celina Oktoberfest celebrates German culture, but with a true Texas twist. Oktoberfest, which is presented by the Celina

Chamber of Commerce, allows attendees to enjoy authentic food, a bountiful selection of imported and locally-brewed craft beers, live music, dancing, contests, and so much more.

CELINAOKTOBERFEST.COM

10/18: HOA QUARTERLY MEETING | 6 - 7 PM City Council Chambers

HOA quarterly meetings are designed to provide a regular meeting for various City Staff to share information about programs and services that the City provides which may be of value as well as to hear your input and ideas. Our Life Connected. Department is excited to host these quarterly meetings for leaders within the various communities in the city. For more information or to be added to this meeting, please contact Life Connected. at lifeconnected@celina-tx.gov.

10/21: TROUBADOUR FESTIVAL | 10 AM - 11:30 PM Old Celina Park

Troubadour Festival is a multi-location Texas BBQ and music festival that pays homage to the traveling songwriter and the State’s BBQ scene. This year, Troubadour will bring 40-plus of the best and most celebrated BBQ joints from across the State of Texas. Country music star Chris Young will be the headliner for this year’s festival while attendees will enjoy performances by Randy Houser, Kevin Fowler, Cory Morrow, Bart Crow, and many more!

TROUBADOURFESTIVAL.COM

10/28: BEWARE! OF THE SQUARE | 4 - 9 PM Celina’s Downtown Square

Beware! of the Square draws thousands of zombies, superheroes, princesses, and anime characters to the Downtown Square for one spooky and sweet event. Come find out why Celina is recognized as the Halloween Capital of North Texas with our abundance of free activities, including a haunted house, trick-of-treating, kids zone, live entertainment, and so much more. LIFEINCELINATX.COM/BEWARE

We have a little something for everyone!

LIFE IN CELINA PODCAST

About the Podcast

SHARING STORIES THAT CONNECT OUR COMMUNITY

Life in Celina is the official community podcast of Celina, Texas. Hosted by motivational speaker and author Drew Myers, Life in Celina is a storytelling podcast through the eyes of the residents that make our community so special. The podcast regularly shares stories behind the amazing people, businesses, and groups that make Celina home. It’s aimed to inspire our residents to live a Life Connected.

RECENT GUESTS

RYAN TUBBS, Celina’s Mayor

LANDON SHROEDER, Citizens Fire Academy Graduate

AUDREY HENVEY, Star Local Media News Editor

ANDY GLASGOW & GABRIELLE MILAM, Celina Engineering Dept.

SHAIN HUNN, Celina Director of Organizational Leadership

BE OUR NEXT PODCAST GUEST!

We all have a story to share and we’d love to hear yours! If you or someone you know would like to join us as a guest on the podcast, please submit your information at: LIFEINCELINATX.COM/PODCAST

LISTEN NOW AT LIFEINCELINATX.COM/ PODCAST OR ANY PODCAST PLATFORM.

PREVIOUS GUESTS

PUNK CARTER, Legendary Horseman

BILL ELLIOTT, Celina Head Football Coach

BRIAN FLEMING, Celina Resident and War Hero

RACHEL BATY, Owner of Annie Jack

TORII HUNTER, Former Major League Baseball player

RYAN MERRITT, Former Major League Baseball player

DR. TOM MAGLISCEAU, Celina ISD Superintendent

NATALIE IMHOFF, Owner of Buff City Soap

+ Celina Residents, Council Members, and City Staff

IN THE KNOW

VIDEO SERIES

The City of Celina introduced its new “In the Know” Video Series earlier this summer, and these videos will keep our Celina residents informed and you guessed it… In The Know. These videos, which are on the City’s social media channels every other week, cover topics that are important for our residents to understand. Be sure to check out these videos and continue to be “In the Know” in the Celina.

THESE VIDEOS WILL KEEP OUR CELINA RESIDENTS INFORMED AND YOU GUESSED IT… IN THE KNOW

PREVIOUS TOPICS

STOP SIGN SAFETY

OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS

BUILDING PERMITS

HOW TO GET A LIBRARY CARD

GOLF CARTS

HOW TO REPORT A POTHOLE

POLICE DEPARTMENTS’S C.A.R.E.N. TRAILER

TONS OF FUN AT SPLASH & BLAST TONS OF FUN AT SPLASH & BLAST

Celina’s Biggest Backyard Bash of the Summer!

VIEW EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AT: INSTAGRAM.COM/LIFEINCELINATX | FACEBOOK.COM/LIFEINCELINATX

MUSIC SQUARE ESCAPE WITH ON THE MUSIC SQUARE ESCAPE WITH ON THE

Summer music nights brought the heat...and the Square down!

Music Nights Presented by

Featured bands included ESCAPE, a Journey Tribute Band and Aurora Bleu.