The mission of the Faces of Grand Prairie Community Podcast is to put the well-being of the local community ahead of personal or political agendas and create a space for civics education, trust, and mutually beneficial discussions between city officials, business owners, nonprofit organizations, notable residents, and engaged citizens. Join Jenna Pecor as she has uplifting and informative discussions with Grand Prairie residents who are doing amazing things in her community of Grand Prairie, ...
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On this episode, we talk about COPE, an initiative through the Grand Prairie Police Department that stands for “Community Outreach Partnership and Education.” I talk with City Councilman Jeff Copeland, Supervisor Of the Crisis Support Unit Courtney Runnels, and Officer Greg New about how this unique initiative came to be. This innovative informatio…
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Mentors Care - Dena Petty and Crystal Gaither
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Today, my guests are Dena Petty and Crystal Gaither with Mentors Care. Mentors Care is a 501C3 organization whose mission is to connect high school students who are at risk of not graduating with mentors, tools, and resources to help lead them toward graduation and purposeful, fulfilling lives. Mentors Care works with school districts that are hist…
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Esmerelda Rodriguez, District Director of the Grand Prairie Host Lions Club
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Today my guest is Esmerelda Rodriguez. Esmerelda retired recently from the Grand Prairie Independent School District as the Parent Involvement Facilitator. Today we talk about her job responsibilities within the district and how she would help parents be involved with their children's education, as well as helping them discover resources when they …
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Grand Prairie Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member Mike Del Bosque
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Today my guest is Grand Prairie Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Mike Del Bosque. Council Member Del Bosque was elected to represent District 3 in May 2017. We talk about mentorship and how community members like Ms. Ruthe Jackson came along and encouraged him to get involved more in his local community and in politics. We also discuss the new Mi Famil…
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Today my guest is Vandella Menifee. Vandella is retired from a career in the Department of Justice, first starting in the Atlanta Penitentiary System then eventually transferring to the Grand Prairie Office Complex in 2005. Vandella has become a professional volunteer in her retirement, working locally in Grand Prairie and Arlington with local elec…
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My guest today is Shebra Hackett. Among many things she is involved in, Shebra owns an Allstate Insurance Agency in Grand Prairie and we talk today about how she got into the insurance industry and then came to own her own office. We discuss the great things that come from owning your own business and some of the challenges that come from balancing…
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CIVICS SERIES: The Declaration of Independence
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In this mini-episode, Jenna reads aloud the Declaration of Independence. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/facesofgrandprairie/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/facesofgrandprairie/support…
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Candidate Interviews, Grand Prairie June 5, 2021 Runoff Election District 6
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Incumbent Jeff Wooldridge answers interview questions for the upcoming run-off election for District 6 in Grand Prairie's City Council Election. Challenger Kurt Johnson declined to participate in the interview. To learn more about Jeff Wooldridge: https://www.facebook.com/Jeff-Wooldridge-for-City-Council-District-6-206384646167158 To learn more abo…
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Martin Cabellero, President and CEO, Bon Air Service Co. Inc.
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Today, I talk to Martin Cabellero, President and CEO of Bon Air Service Co. Inc. I caught up with Martin after he was named "Citizen of the Year" for 2020 from the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce. Martin took ownership of Bon Air after his mentor Cal Brundrett, retired. We talk today about mentorship and the importance of taking young people unde…
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Candidate Interviews, Grand Prairie June 5, 2021 Runoff Election District 8
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Incumbent Greg Giessner and Challenger Junior Ezeono answer questions in an interview to help voters know about them prior to the June 5, 2021 City Council Election for District 8. To learn more from Greg Giessner, go to his Facebook campaign page: www.facebook.com/greggiessnerG To learn more from Junior Ezeono, go to his Facebook campaign page: ht…
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Scott Jeffries, Director of the Library, Dallas Baptist University
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My guest today is Scott Jeffries. He’s the Director of the Library at Dallas Baptist University. Today, Scott and I talk about the job of a librarian at a university and some of the day to day help they give students. We talk about how to think critically about what you read in the news and discuss the obstacles students face in the current online …
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Why should local news and local community matter? Jenna talks about why the podcast is GP focused. If you like what I am doing and want to support more of my local interviews with interesting residents and officials click here https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/facesofGP! https://youtu.be/M2AgIPXpNDc--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spot…
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Julie Harding, How We Can Create Intentional Relationships with our Neighbors
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My guest today is Julie Harding. Julie and I were friends at a very young age, when we met as across the street neighbors in Grand Prairie as young kids. We talk today about being neighborly and what we feel are some of the reasons that neighbors in communities have gotten away from getting to know one another. We discuss the negative impact it has…
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CIVICS SERIES: Duane Strawn, Director of the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department of Grand Prairie
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Today my guest is Duane Strawn, director of the Parks, Arts, and Recreation department of Grand Prairie. Duane talks to me today about his background as a landscape architect and how that fits into planning for a city. We talk about the unique vision of the grand prairie parks and recreation department compared to other cities and the city’s innova…
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You might be asking yourself, “where is she going with this podcast? What’s the goal?” They are good questions and I want to answer them. I also discuss my mission of keeping the podcast positive and uplifting and how I would love to teach others to record interviews as well. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/face…
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Monica Gonzales, Executive Director of the Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Prairie
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Today my guest is Monica Gonzales. She’s the new executive director of the Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Prairie. Monica and I sat down at the center to discuss what this nonprofit does for our community. We discuss the center’s mission of helping women make informed decisions when facing an unplanned pregnancy. We discuss the center’s partner…
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Matthew Loh, Owner of Asia Times Square
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Today my guest is Matthew Loh, owner of Asia Times Square. Asia Times Square at Pioneer and Great Southwest has been in Grand Prairie for about 13 years with Matthew leading its’ vision and mission. Matthew and I talk about his background before his family opened Asia Times Square, the value in overcoming adversity and being passionate about your p…
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CIVICS SERIES: Linda Ellis, Superintendent for Grand Prairie Independent School District
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My guest today is Linda Ellis, superintendent of Grand Prairie Independent School District. She talks with me today about her background in business and education before becoming the superintendent for GPISD. We discuss coming into leadership during times of crisis and how the district handled unexpectedly losing its’ leader and the pandemic within…
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Jenna Answers the Question: "Why Are You Doing This Podcast?"
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To find out more about the podcast, visit www.facesofgrandprairie.com! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/facesofgrandprairie/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/facesofgrandprairie/support
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CIVICS SERIES: Candidate Endorsements and Why They Matter
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In this mini-episode, I explain political action committees and why they matter in local candidate endorsements. I give 3 questions to consider when researching the endorsements a candidate receives before voting. I also explain why I wasn't able to interview local candidates this year but why I hope to do so moving forward in future elections. Gui…
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CIVICS SERIES: Emily Liles, GPISD Trustee Place 6
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Today my guest is Emily Liles. Emily is a Grand Prairie School Board trustee for Place 6. Emily and I talk about a wide variety of topics today including the role of a school board trustee and how she came to run for a seat, the evolution of GPISD over the last decade and the importance of districts to keep up with the needs of the community to gra…
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CIVICS SERIES: Greg Giessner, Grand Prairie City Councilman At-Large
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My guest today is Grand Prairie City Councilman Greg Giessner. Councilman Giessner holds one of the at-large positions which serves the entire city. Recently, he initiated the new Government 101 section on the city of Grand Prairie’s website, a space that allows citizens to learn more about the basics of their city government. We talk today about t…
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Derrick Kinney, Host of the Podcast Good Money with Derrick Kinney
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My guest today is Derrick Kinney, host of the podcast Good Money with Derrick Kinney. Derrick is a financial advisor and author, and he talks with me today about his goal of changing people's mindsets about money. He is focused on helping people change their attitudes about money, by encouraging people to not only like making it but also to see it …
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CIVICS SERIES: Savannah Ware, Chief City Planner for Grand Prairie
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Today I'm talking with Savannah Ware, Chief City Planner for the city of Grand Prairie. Savannah talks with me today about a variety of topics, including zoning, long term planning, and moratoriums. She does a great job of explaining what these things mean to give us a deeper understanding as citizens about how this part of our city government func…
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Monica Saldivar, Nominee for Best New Female Artist - 2020 Tejano Music Awards
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Today my guest is Monica Saldivar. Monica grew up and lives in Grand Prairie and is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University. She is currently a nominee for Best New Female Artist at the Tejano Music Awards on December 19, 2020 at 7 pm. Monica is also a piano teacher and a singing coach. We talked today about how her life changed by going to a perfo…
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My guests today are Terry Brooks and Charles Luckert. Terry Brooks is the trustee for Place 1 of the Grand Prairie Independent School District. Charles Luckert is the founder of the Grand Prairie At a Glance Facebook groups. Terry and Charles graduated from South Grand Prairie High School in 1974 and are lifelong Grand Prairians. I talk with them t…
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CIVIS SERIES: Bryan Parra, Grand Prairie ISD School Board Trustee
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My guest today is Bryan Parra. Bryan is a current Grand Prairie ISD School Board Trustee representing Place 2 and an elementary assistant principal in DISD. Bryan grew up on the East Coast but moved to Texas in 2003, graduation from South Grand Prairie in 2005. He went on to get his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and his masters in educational le…
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Gold Medal Olympian Jennifer McFalls, Head Softball Coach at University of Kansas
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Today my guest is Jennifer McFalls. Jennifer is a South Grand Prairie High school alumni and one of it’s most accomplished athletes. She was a softball player who went on to play for Texas A&M University She then played for the USA Olympic Softball Team as an alternate in 1996, then won the gold medal in the 2000 games in Sydney, Australia. She is …
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CIVICS SERIES: Rodney Anderson, Former Texas Representative
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Today my guest is Rodney Anderson. Rodney is a life-long Grand Prairian who graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1986, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate from UTA in 1990. In 2010, he decided to serve his city and was elected to serve in the Texas House of Representatives. During his time in office, he fought for the private p…
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Carson Kidd, Co-founder and Co-owner of Moravian Coffee
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We are continuing our Entrepreneur Week with a discussion no entrepreneur can live without – coffee! Today, I welcome Carson Kidd, Cofounder and CoOwner of Moravian Coffee. Carson and two of his childhood friends and fellow graduates of Oklahoma University started a coffee roasting company right out of college and decided to open up shop right here…
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Sophia Whitehead, Owner of Local Bunny Farm, "Dallas Bunny Love"
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Hello listeners and welcome to Entrepreneur Week! My guest today is Sophia Whitehead. Sophia has a dear place in my heart – she is my daughter Avery’s sister...I met her when she was 4 and since the day I’ve met her, she has loved animals! She’s always talked about raising animals and recently, she’s been raising and breeding rabbits. Today, we tal…
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Todd Mayo, Financial Advisor with Farmers Insurance
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Todd Mayo has a history of working with the community of Grand Prairie in the financial planning industry. Todd talks to me today about a variety of financial topics, including estate planning, investing, how to read headlines relating to financial information and how to have perspective about the things going on currently with the economy. We look…
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Tiffany and Nathan Ross, SiteGuard Inspection Services
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Today, I'm talking with Tiffany and Nathan Ross, owners of Siteguard Inspection Services in Grand Prairie. Nathan was able to join us at the end after he was finished with an inspection. Tiffany and I talk about running a business, starting a business from scratch online, juggling running a business with your spouse as your business partner, and cr…
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Christian Pryor, SGPHS Class of 2020!
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Today on the podcast I welcome Christian Pryor. Christian is a senior at South Grand Prairie High School. He's spent his high school career in a number of activities, from Theater, to DECA, National Honor Society and more. He talks with us today about his plans after graduation, his interests while he's been in school, and how he's been keeping him…
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Coltrane Lins, GPHS Senior Class of 2020!
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Welcome back to GPISD Seniors Week on the podcast! Today, I’m welcoming Coltrane Lins. Coltrane is a Senior at Grand Prairie High School. He’s a member of Show Choir and has been involved in Scouting since he was little. He talks to me today about what he’s missing the most during this shelter in place and what he and his friends have been doing to…
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Samantha Vargas, SGPHS Senior Class of 2020!
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Welcome to GPISD Seniors Week on the podcast! Today, I’m welcoming South Grand Prairie High School senior Samantha Vargas. Samantha is Senior Lieutenant for the Cheyennes, a member of the National Honor Society, and was a BETA Club member for the for SGP Early College High School. Not only is Samantha graduating this year as a Warrior, but she is a…
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Randy Jennings, Sports Writer for the Dallas Morning News and Alumni of GPHS
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Before we were social distancing, Randy Jennings and I sat down on a beautiful day outside the Summit to talk about his long career as a sports writer and journalist. He worked for The Grand Prairie Daily News after graduating from Grand Prairie High School, until it closed in the 2000's. Since then, he's contributed to publications such ESPN Onlin…
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Jonathan Richards, SGP Alum and Emmy Winning Event Cameraman
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Today, I'm joined by long-time friend Jonathan Richards. Jonathan and I have known each other from when we were youth at Inglewood Baptist Church. Jonathan has been in television production and camera work for quite some time, recording sports games for the Mavs, Stars and Rangers, television events such as the George Bush Memorial Service, and has…
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Dr. Bill Skaar, Pastor at First Baptist Church Grand Prairie
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Today, I talk with Dr. Skaar, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. Dr. Skaar has been with FBCGP for many years and has a deep connection to this city. He and I talk about how COVID-19 has changed the landscape of attending church services, including participating in the Lord's Supper and Easter Sunday. We discuss how we should reac…
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Cleve Doyen, Managing Partner of Brothers Transport, LLC
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Today, we have a special episode starting our third season, an interview with Cleve Doyen, co-owner and Managing Partner of Brothers Transport. Cleve is a graduate of South Grand Prairie High School, he is a veteran of the US Marines, and an entrepreneur and businessman who has now put his expertise into logistics. Cleve and I spoke over the phone …
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We are nearing almost 1,000 downloads - it's so very exciting! As I get ready to start Season 3, I wanted to go back through the episodes and find my favorite parts of the interviews. I want to thank you for being such loyal listeners and I hope you keep coming back for more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/face…
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Join me today in a mini-episode where I talk about things coming up in the city of Grand Prairie over the next few weeks!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/facesofgrandprairie/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/facesofgrandprairie/support…
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Robin Brown, GPHS Alum and Owner of JFK Custom Tours in Dallas, TX
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Today, I welcome my guest, Robin Brown. Robin is a proud 1972 Graduate of Grand Prairie High School, and has a long history with the city of Grand Prairie. His family were the first morticians in the city, and he followed in their footsteps by becoming a funeral home director himself over 40 years ago. Robin also has an interesting hobby, he runs J…
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Out of Town Guest Mike Geer, Manager of the Aransas County Airport in Rockport, TX
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On today's episode we have a special out of town guest, Mr. Mike Geer. Mike is the manager of the Arasas County Airport in Rockport, TX, as well as a veteran of the United States Airforce, and was the one of the key point people in Hurricane Harvey, and in the cleanup and rebuilding of the city after. He talks with me about how he got into a career…
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Albert Sanchez, Co-Owner of Betos Mexican Restaurant
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My guest today is Albert Sanchez. Albert is a co-owner and founder of Betos Mexican Restaurant, a lifelong Grand Prairie resident and graduate of South Grand Prairie High School. Today, Albert talks to me about how Betos started and the growing pains along the way. He also talks about lessons he learned as a very young entrepreneur and business own…
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Mike Medrano, Managing Partner of the Texas Roadhouse in Grand Prairie
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Today, my guest is Managing Partner of the Texas Roadhouse in Grand Prairie, Mr. Mike Medrano. Mike has been the managing partner of the GP Roadhouse for the past 19 years - and as a sidenote, he was the first person to give me my first grown-up job with a salary when he promoted me to be his Service Manager in 2002. Mike and I go back a long time,…
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Bonnie Cockrum, President-Elect of the Grand Prairie Historical Organization
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Today, I am talking with Bonnie Cockrum, a long-time volunteer and President-Elect of the Grand Prairie Historical Organization. Recorded at the new GPHO Museum, we talk about the recently renovated building and the goals of the organization. Bonnie tells us about the importance of digitizing documents and how they set-up their digitizing room, as …
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Rick Herold, Retired Director of GP Parks and Recreation
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Today, my guest is the very interesting and entertaining man, Rick Herold. Rick is the retired Director of the Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation Department, and has been instrumental in creating facilities like the Epic, Epic Waters and The Summit, and events like Prairie Lights. He talks with us about graduating for North Texas and his career in …
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Steve Pryor, Former GPISD School Board Trustee and 1310 The Ticket Alum
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Today, I am interviewing Steve Pryor. Steve is a Grand Prairie resident, an original employee of the Ticket radio station and a former GPISD School Board Trustee. He talks to us today about how he got into the radio industry and how the forum of radio has changed over the years, as well as what it is like, day to day, to be an elected official in h…
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On today’s episode, I invited Lana Kluge to talk about being an active and involved alum, as well as her super-cool job as a travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations. This episode is spotlighting our alumni associations, specifically the newly organized South Grand Prairie High School Alumni Association! Find Lana at https://www.facebook.co…
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