The Front Porch
The American front porch represents the ideal of community in America. Just like on this community podcast, it’s where stories are celebrated. Welcome to The Front Porch – the official community podcast of Melissa, Texas. On every episode, we share the stories of the people who live and work in this community. We also capture the heart of Melissa, Texas. This is The Front Porch.
S2, E17: Chris Thatcher - All About the Residents
Season 2, Episode 17: Chris Thatcher was destined to work in city government. From his father to his brothers, public service has become a calling, and Chris Thatcher takes his role as Utility Billing Director in Melissa, Texas, very seriously. For many residents, his department is the primary source of contact with the City of Melissa. He totally recognizes that and understands the importance of that role. Chris Thatcher's No. 1 goal is to provide exceptional customer service to every resident of this community. #frontporch
Links:
Utility Billing: Website
City of Melissa: Website
S2, E16: Andrew Lowery - Service Above Self
Season 2, Episode 16: Andrew Lowery served our country for 34 years in the Army Reserves. When he got out, he made it his mission to give back and embrace the community that supported him and his family for so long. Melissa, Texas, has benefitted from his selfless spirit. One of the main giving back initiatives that Andrew Lowery supports is Wreaths Across America, which honors our fallen service men and women. #frontporch
Links:
Wreaths Across America - Melissa: Facebook
Wreaths Across America: Website
City of Melissa: Website
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S2, E15: Nolan Harvey - Building Community
Season 2, Episode 15: Nolan Harvey, the contracted city engineer in Melissa, brings a completely different perspective to this episode of The Front Porch. He has worked for the City of Melissa for almost 9 years, and he has been at the forefront of the growth and development. With every decision that is made, Nolan and his staff have the "good and growth of the community in mind." #frontporch
Links:
City of Melissa: Website
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
S2, E14: Alyssa Chaney - Celebrating Cardinal Pride
Season 2, Episode 14: Alyssa Chaney grew up in Melissa, Texas. She left to attend college in Stephenville, Texas, but as soon as she graduated from Tarleton State University, she came straight back home. Now, she is getting the amazing opportunity to celebrate anything and everything for Melissa Schools. Her role as Communications Specialist for Melissa ISD gives her the opportunity to tell the story of a school district - and a community - that she whole-heartedly loves. #frontporch
Links:
Melissa ISD: Website
Melissa Schools on IG: Follow
Tarleton...
S2, E13: Fire Chief Carl Nix - All in the Family
Season 2, Episode 13: Melissa's Fire Chief does not live in the community that he serves, but his love and passion for Melissa, Texas, runs deep. That love and passion - along with his heart for his fire family - is what inspires Carl Nix to spend two and half hours a day commuting from Sulphur Springs, Texas. On this episode of The Front Porch, we get the chance to hear Chief Nix story, discuss his leadership philosophy and find out where his servent heart comes from. #frontporch
Links:
City of Melissa: Website
S2, E12: Don Dykstra - Homeward Bound
Season 2, Episode 12: On this podcast, we tell the story of Melissa, Texas, by sharing the stories of the people who live and work here. This episode of The Front Porch is a little different. Our featured guest, Don Dykstra - owner of Bloomfield Homes, doesn't live in Melissa or have an office in Melissa. But his company is building high-end houses in this community, and he does have a huge heart for Melissa, Texas. Along with his story, Don Dykstra shares his affection for Melissa. He also talks about starting Bloomfield Homes and his thoughts on this community's...
S2, E11: Tyler Brewer - 'Providing a Place for People to Simply Be'
Season 2, Episode 11: Coming out grad school, Tyler Brewer's first "real" job was with the City of Melissa. Ten years later, he's never left. On this episode of The Front Porch, the executive director of development explains what he loves about Melissa, Texas, and why he's so proud to work here. Since he's also oversite for some many different departments within the community, he has some profound insight on how Melissa is growing. #frontporch
Links:
City Manager Jason Little Podcast: Listen Now
City of Melissa: Website
Music: https://www.p...
S2, E10: Joseph Armstrong - Forward Thinking & Raising the Bar
Season 2, Episode 10: Before jumping into commercial construction and owning/operating a local restaruant, Joseph Armstrong was a former youth pastor. During that season of his life, he learned the importance of focusing on other people. That life lesson continues to have ripple effects across his life, including with his role on Melissa's City Council. On this episode of The Front Porch, we hear Joseph's story, we talk about why he wanted to serve his community and he shares his hopes for Melissa, Texas. #frontporch
Links:
Mayor Northcut Podcast: Listen Now
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S2, E9: Tammy Davis – Ripple Effects of a Servant Heart
Season 2, Episode 9: Tammy Davis is a longtime resident of Melissa, Texas. She also has a huge heart for giving back. It’s safe to say that Tammy Davis is selfless, and you’ll quickly find out in our conversation where her kind heart comes from. On this episode of The Front Porch, we'll get to know this Godly woman who has a heart for serving others and positively impacting her community. #frontporch
Links:
25 Project: Website
Direction 613: Website
Kent Jones Davis Podcast: Listen Now
Mayor Northcut Podcast: Listen...
S2, E8: Bridget Saxton - Talking Up the Heart of Melissa
Season 2, Episode 8: It didn't take Bridget Saxton long to fall in love with Melissa, Texas. As the new communications manager for the city, Bridget has grown fond of this community in a very short amount of time. On this episode of The Front Porch, we'll discuss Bridget's passion for Melissa, and we'll discover how she ended up here. She also discusses some of the challenges facing Melissa, and she talks about her support staff in the industry. #frontporch
Melissa Communications Department: Website
City of Melissa: Website
Music: https...
