In this episode of the Faces of Grand Prairie podcast, Jenna Pecor interviews Emily Linares and Kelly Edelman from the Grand Prairie Parks, Arts and Recreation Department. They discuss their roles, the history and growth of the department, and the innovative events and programming that enhance community engagement. The conversation also covers the challenges of event planning, the importance of community feedback, and the future plans for Grand Prairie's parks and recreation initiatives.#grandprairie #parksandrecreation Jenna Pecor, Realtor, 214-558-4410Coffee News Grand Prairie: https://www.coffeenewsgp.com/My Jennarocity Estate Sales: https://myjennarocityestatesales.com/Amanda Herrera, Ameliorate Counseling, PLLC, https://amanda-herrera.clientsecure.me/Timestamps: 00:00Introduction to the Guests and Their Roles06:27Personal Histories and Career Paths09:19The Evolution of Parks and Recreation in Grand Prairie12:09Community Engagement and Real Estate Perspectives15:30Collaboration Across City Departments18:27The Role of the Parks and Recreation Commission21:32Upcoming Events and Community Programming31:40Exciting Changes Ahead for Local Events34:34The Challenge of Event Planning36:48Navigating Event Challenges and Adaptations42:23Creating Memorable Experiences for Families44:16Overcoming Obstacles in Event Management51:43Marketing Strategies for Community Engagement56:08Upcoming Events and Community Involvement

Join Jenna and co-hosts Emily Aquino and Cadence Williams from Dubiski High School as we get to know our new GPISD Superintendent! Emily and Cadence are student leaders from the Media Technology Pathway. They prepared the questions for today's episode, and it was wonderful hearing how Dr. Trujilio answered them! This episode is full of advice and wisdom from our new superintendent and it was a pleasure to have a full studio today! Special thanks to the following people for making today's episode happen! School Board Trustee Emily LilesGay Lynn Broom, GPISD Communications DirectorAniska Douglas, Chief of Career & Technical Education and Innovative ProgramsTyler Case, Dubiski Teacher, Media TechnologyMeghan Wiggins with The Epic was our Production Engineer for today's episode. To donate to the podcast: https://facesofgrandprairie.org/support-local-journalismSponsors for today's PodcastJenna Pecor, Realtor, Bancroft Realty, 214-558-4410Coffee News GP, genesis@coffeenewsgp.comGrand Prairie United Charities, https://gpuc.org/Amanda Herrera, Ameliorate Counseling, PLLC, https://amanda-herrera.clientsecure.me/My Jennarocity Estate Sales, www.myjennarocityestatesales.com#GPISD #grandprairie #education #DubiskiHighSchool

This conversation explores the life and experiences of Ray Jean Bush, a Vietnam veteran and active community member in Grand Prairie. Ray shares his journey from growing up in Grand Prairie, his involvement in local sports, and the impact of his military service during the Vietnam War. He discusses the importance of community support, education, and the role of veterans in society. Ray also reflects on his personal life, including his family and the purpose he finds in helping others. The conversation highlights the significance of honoring veterans and the contributions they make to their communities.

Vietnam Veterans of America, GP Chapter #1013

https://vva.org/chapter/vva-chapter-1013/

Run for the Wall, Honoring Veterans

https://rftw.us/

Grand Prairie Memorial Day Celebrationhttps://www.gptx.org/Community-Calendar/Memorial-Day-Celebration-2025Episode Sponsors:

Jenna Pecor, Realtor

https://jennapecor.com/

Coffee News GP

https://www.coffeenewsgp.com/

Honor Guard Flags GP

https://www.yardbook.com/hp/131402

Jennarocity Estate Sales

https://myjennarocityestatesales.com/

Nonprofit Spotlight:

Grand Prairie United Charities

https://gpuc.org/

In this episode of the Faces of Grand Prairie podcast, host Jenna Pecor interviews Mary Dominguez Santini, the founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Grand Prairie. They discuss the importance of community engagement, the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses, and the need for business education and access to capital for entrepreneurs. Mary shares her experiences in founding the chamber, the significance of cultural understanding, and the challenges faced by small businesses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and supporting the next generation of business leaders in the community.Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Grand Prairiehttps://grandprairiehispanicchamber.org/Episode SponsorsMy Jennarocity Estate Saleswww.myjennarocityestatesales.comCoffee News GPhttps://www.coffeenewsgp.com/Mansfield Driving Academyhttps://mansfield-drive.com/Jenna Pecor, Realtor Bancroft Realty https://jennapecor.com/

In this conversation, Coach Gary Bartell shares his journey from growing up in Grand Prairie, Texas, to becoming a successful college football coach. He discusses his early athletic experiences, the transition to college football at Texas Tech, and the challenges he faced in his personal life and career. Bartell reflects on the importance of mentorship in coaching and the impact of his experiences on his life and career. He also shares insights into the evolution of coaching styles and the significance of community in sports. Bartel discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a football program, the impact of COVID-19 on athletics, and her transition from coaching to becoming an athletic director.

Discover the insights from Brian Bondy, the new President of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, as he shares his vision for local business growth and community engagement.Episode Sponsors: My Jennarocity Estate Sales: https://myjennarocityestatesales.com/Coffee News GP: https://www.coffeenewsgp.com/Mansfield Driving Academy: https://mansfield-drive.com/Jenna Pecor, Bancroft Realty: https://jennapecor.com/Faces of Grand Prairie Website: https://facesofgrandprairie.org/Sign Up for the Monthly Faces of GP Newsletter: http://gem.godaddy.com/signups/9ff78e46af114e63ac1c4bdbea3489cf/join00:00 Introduction to Brian Bondi and the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce05:54 The Business Landscape of Grand Prairie09:10 Networking Opportunities and Community Engagement11:57 The Role of Small Businesses in Grand Prairie15:09 Sales Skills and Overcoming Challenges18:00 The Importance of Follow-Up and Customer Relationships27:38 The Weight of Responsibility in Business29:04 The Rise of Entrepreneurship Post-Pandemic31:02 The Importance of Local Business Expertise33:25 The Hard Work Behind Success34:19 Chamber of Commerce: Structure and Purpose35:44 Empowering the Next Generation through Education38:40 Innovative Education and Career Pathways40:06 The Shift Towards Trades and Technical Skills42:27 Chamber Events: Networking and Growth Opportunities44:22 Community Leadership and Vision46:48 Navigating Challenges in Business48:42 Connecting with the Chamber of Commerce#chamberofcommerce #grandprairietx #grandprairie #localbusiness

Join us as we sit down for a candid interview with Alex Dave, founder of Dave's Legacy nonprofit organization, to delve into the rich history and family legacies of the Dalworth community. Learn about the stories and experiences of one family that have shaped this vibrant neighborhood in Grand Prairie. Episode Sponsored by:Jenna Pecor, Bancroft Realty, 214-558-4410 https://jennapecor.com/Jennarocity Estate Sales https://myjennarocityestatesales.com/Dave's Legacy Nonprofit Website: https://www.daveslegacy.org/D Magazine "History of Dallas Food: The Legend of Eltee O. Dave and Dave’s Barbecue" https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2011/08/history-of-dallas-food-the-legend-of-eltee-o-dave-and-daves-barbecue/

This was a fun, albiet far too short, episode. My guest is one of the most recognizable alumni of SGPHS, JB Williams. JB tells how his passion for SGPHS football started his sophmore year and continued for years after graduation, running the famous SGPHS touchdown flag down the field for many years after. JB loves this city and loves our shared Alma Mater and it was a pleasure speaking with him on this very cold day! He will be back again to talk local Grand Prairie sports as soon as possible! This episode is sponsored by me! I am a Realtor with Bancroft Realty and own My Jennarocity Estate Sales, an estate liquidation company. Give me a call at 214-558-4410! But I'm looking for more sponsors!! If you're a business who'd like to sponsor the Faces of Grand Prairie, you can do so at our website, https://www.facesofgrandprairie.org!

My guest today is Tony Shotwell, Grand Prairie City Council Member, Place 5. Our episode is sponsored by Jenna Pecor with Bancroft Realty and Jennarocity Estate Sales...if you're looking to downsize for yourself or a parent, this is Jenna's specialty! 214-558-4410

My guest today is Grand Prairie City Council Member Junior Ezeonu. Junior is the youngest council member ever elected in the history of Grand Prairie. We discuss issues all over the political spectrum, from term limits to being a partisan representative in a nonpartisan elected position. This video is sponsored and hosted by Jenna Pecor. Jenna is a Realtor with Bancroft Realty in Grand Prairie and provides estate sale services through her company, Jennarocity Estate Sales. If you are in the market for either of these services, reach out to Jenna at 214-558-4410!

Robin Brown is a wealth of knowledge on many subjects, but today we discuss the assassination of John F. Kennedy Jr and what led Robin to begin doing JFK tours in Dallas 12 years ago. We discuss the historical events leading up to the assassination and even incorporate some Grand Prairie history into the discussion. This episode is sponsored and hosted by Jenna Pecor, Realtor at Bancroft Realty in Grand Prairie, TX. Jenna has been a Realtor in North Texas since 2014 and looks forward to helping you with your real estate needs! Call her at 214-558-4410.To listen to Robin's first interview on the Faces of Grand Prairie podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show...To book a tour with Robin: https://www.jfkcustomtours.com/00:00 The Genesis of JFK Custom Tours10:37 The 1963 Lincoln Continental and the most recent anniversary16:30 Yearly Visitors to Dealey Plaze and the impact of the assassination on world history18:30 President Trump and the JFK/RFK/MLK Files30:13 The Disbelief of Baby Boomer Generation, will opening the files change anyone's mind? 34:23 The Military Industrial Complex, JFK Jr and the Vietnam War42:38 The Supply and Demand of the War Machine47:07 Bureacratic Control and Local Goverance49:26 What made Kennedy unique and dangerous to the people in Washington DC52:41 The Kennedy Family Legacy and Political Ambitions1:01:23 The 1960 Presidential Election1:05:44 JFKs 1960 Grand Prairie TX Campaign Stop and the Famous Picture on Main Street1:07:20 The Blue Political Landscape of Texas in 1960 1:21:20 Why No One In Washington DC Wanted Kennedy to Become President1:25:00 Kennedy and the Vietnam War1:38:00 Kennedy's Executive Order NSAM263, South Vietnam signed October 11, 19631:42:14 LBJ's Executive Order NSAM 273, November 26, 1963-A reveral of policy 1:46:00 Air Force General Ed Lansdale and CIA Director Alan Dulles1:52:00 No Live Coverage by the Press of the Motorcade and the Zapruder Film1:55:28 Public Perception and the Conspiracy Narrative 2:02:45 Lee Harvey Oswald: The Patsy2:16:45 The Warren Commission's Report2:19:285 The Impact of the Zapruder Film2:25:08 The Importance of a Private Citizen Documenting History2:32:14 The Public's Reaction to the Zapruder Film Upon it's Initial Release in 19752:40:15 Congressional Investigations and Findings2:49:33 Revival of Interest in the Assassination after Oliver Stone's 1991 Film2:53:09 Grand Prairie High School's Championship Win Against Witchita Falls on night after Kennedy's Assassination in November 22, 1963

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 historically underserved to enlist, train and equip adult volunteer mentors who care about and believe in the kids they serve. Crystal and Dena discuss how Mentors Care came to be and how it works within each school. We discuss the success stories from the organization and how mentors are trained throughout the process, how this differs from other mentorship programs and how it can greatly fill a need as students return back to school after the pandemic. Groups like this need you and other citizens who want to help students through this time and this episode will encourage and inspire you to do just that! I will have links to Mentor’s Care on the episode details so you can learn more about how to get involved. And now, here’s Crystal and Dena.

To find out more about Mentors Care, go to https://mentors.care. 

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 Familia playground, the different features it will offer the community and how it was designed to encourage meeting more neighbors. Enjoy!

To watch this interview via YouTube, visit the Faces of Grand Prairie on YouTube. 

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 elected officials, nonprofits and citizens to connect people to one another. She works hard at being a community advocate and on the day of our recording, she had received a proclamation from Jeff Williams, the Mayor of Arlington. Vandella talks to me about her journey to Grand Prairie and her first job as a community advocate – as an elementary school student fighting to keep her elementary school open! Vandella is a breath of fresh air and I can’t wait to speak with her again soon!

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 family and community priorities with running a successful business. Shebra is also involved in several local community advocacy and networking groups such as the Soroptimist International of Grand Prairie and the Grand Prairie Metro Rotary Club, where today she’ll be installed as the 2021-2022 President. Shebra is always so delightful to talk to and I’m so glad to have had her on to share some of her experiences as a business owner, a mom and a volunteer in her community.

To find Shebra Hackett's business information, click here.

In this mini-episode, Jenna reads aloud the Declaration of Independence.

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

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 about Kurt Johnson: https://www.facebook.com/KurtForGPCouncil

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 under our wings to help them find their place in our community and in the world, as well as how Martin got into the air conditioning business to begin with. Martin is just one of the nicest people to speak with and I was fortunate to have had this time with him!   

To learn more about Bon Air, go to http://www.bonairservice.com/

To learn more about the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, go here: https://www.grandprairiechamber.org/