The Giving Town

Send us Fan MailHousing in Oregon has become so expensive that many teachers, nurses, firefighters, and tradespeople can’t afford to own a home in the communities they serve. In this episode, Ryan Olsen, development lead for HIVE and founder of Elemental Building Technologies, and Amy Snyder of the Missing Middle Housing Fund share how a new 10-home community in Newberg is testing a different way to build homes.HIVE (Housing Innovation Village Experience) brings together factory-built modular homes, mass timber, steel panels, and carbon-negative concrete blocks, with some homes going from foundation to nearly move-in ready in about two days. We talk about why housing is so hard to build and afford, what “missing middle” housing means, why Newberg was chosen for this project, the challenges of financing innovation, and how the community can get involved.Learn more about HIVE at https://www.letsbuildhive.org/.Learn more about Missing Middle Housing Fund at https://www.missingmiddlehousing.fund/Interested in buying a HIVE home, or buying or selling a home in Newberg? Reach out to The Joyful Roberts Group!This podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home anywhere around Newberg and beyond, we would love to serve as your real estate advisors. Feel free to learn more about us at TheJoyfulRobertsGroup.com.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

Send us Fan MailFrom rising anxiety rates and social media to artificial intelligence and the pressure to choose a relevant career, high school students today are facing challenges unlike any generation before them. In today's episode, Newberg High School Principal Mark Brown shares how our local high school supports students as they navigate this period of their lives.We also discuss Mark's path to becoming principal, the culture of the high school, what he wishes parents knew, advice for students, and his vision for the future of Newberg High School.Links & Resources:To learn more about Newberg High School, visit their Facebook page.Subscribe to our newsletter for podcast notifications, Living in Newberg YouTube videos, local updates, and homeowner tipsThis podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home anywhere around Newberg and beyond, we would love to serve as your real estate advisors. Feel free to learn more about us at TheJoyfulRobertsGroup.com.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

Send us Fan MailTom and Linda Vondrachek bought Jem 100 in 1989 and for 35 years they operated Newberg’s iconic 1950’s-style diner. Not only did they serve thousands of local families with amazing and affordable food, they were also some of Newberg’s most generous business owners. Today, the restaurant is under new family ownership, but all of the things that made Jem 100 special have remained the same. It’s not just a place to grab a burger or an ice cream cone, but a gathering place and a business that has consistently supported local schools, youth programs, community events, and fundraisers. In 2025, Jem 100 was recognized as the Newberg Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.In today’s episode, we’ll hear about the history of Jem 100, what it’s like taking over a restaurant with such a long history in the community, and the importance of keeping a local business connected to the people it serves. Links & Resources:To learn more about Jem 100, visit their Facebook page.Subscribe to our newsletter for podcast notifications, Living in Newberg YouTube videos, local updates, and homeowner tipsThis podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home anywhere around Newberg and beyond, we would love to serve as your real estate advisors. Feel free to learn more about us at TheJoyfulRobertsGroup.com.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThe recent levy for the Newberg-Dundee school district may not have passed, but it raised important questions throughout our community. What happens now? How will students, teachers, and families be affected? And what does the future hold for Newberg-Dundee schools?In this episode, Newberg-Dundee School District Superintendent Dave Parker joins me to discuss the district's current financial challenges, what led to the recent levy, and what comes next. We also talk about the broader purpose of education, preparing students for an ever-changing world, and how artificial intelligence may shape the classroom of the future.In our conversation, you'll learn: Dave's background and what brought him to Newberg-Dundee  How Oregon school funding works and why districts across the state are facing budget challenges  The factors that led to Newberg-Dundee's budget shortfall  Questions surrounding administrative staffing and district finances  What the failed levy means for the upcoming school year  How the district defines a great education beyond reading, writing, and math  The opportunities and challenges AI presents for education  What gives Dave hope for the future of Newberg-Dundee schools Whether you're a parent, grandparent, taxpayer, or simply someone who cares about the future of our community, this conversation provides valuable insight into one of Newberg's most important institutions.Links & Resources:To learn more about the Newberg-Dundee School District, visit Newberg-Dundee Public Schools.Subscribe to our newsletter for podcast notifications, Living in Newberg YouTube videos, local updates, and homeowner tipsThis podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home anywhere around Newberg and beyond, we would love to serve as your real estate advisors. Feel free to learn more about us at TheJoyfulRobertsGroup.com.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Newberg Public Library Director Korie Buerkle shares how the library serves our community, how it has evolved over the years, and why public libraries continue to play such an important role in helping people learn, grow, and connect.In our conversation, you'll learn: How Korie's journey led her to become Director of the Newberg Public Library  The many services and resources the library provides beyond books  How the library supports children, families, students, and seniors  The role libraries play in promoting literacy and lifelong learning  Some of the library's most popular programs and hidden gems  How the library is adapting to changing technology and community needs  Ways community members can get involved and support the library's mission Whether you're a lifelong library user or haven't stepped through the doors in years, this conversation offers a fresh look at one of Newberg's most valuable community resources.Links & Resources:To learn more or to support Newberg Public Library, visit: https://www.newbergoregon.gov/library/Subscribe to our newsletter for podcast notifications, Living in Newberg YouTube videos, local updates, and homeowner tipsThis podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home anywhere around Newberg and beyond, we would love to serve as your real estate advisors. Feel free to learn more about us at TheJoyfulRobertsGroup.com.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Leo Keelan from Hope Chaplain shares about his world as a Public Safety Chaplain. From collaborating alongside our local first responders to filling the critical gaps in crisis care, this episode will help you understand what it truly means to show up for people when they need it most.In today’s episode, Leo shares:How Hope Chaplain got started and the personal journey that led to this crisis work.What a typical week looks like when your job revolves around navigating trauma.The art of how to actually show up for someone in their worst moments.How they work hand-in-hand with our local police and fire departments to build a community safety net.The gaps we currently face in community crisis care and how Newberg benefits from filling them.Practical, actionable ways that you can get involved and support this critical mission.Links & Resources:To learn more or to support Hope Chaplain, visit: www.hopechaplain.comSubscribe to our newsletter for podcast notifications, Living in Newberg YouTube videos, local updates, and homeowner tipsThis podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home anywhere around Newberg and beyond, we would love to serve as your real estate advisors. Feel free to learn more about us at TheJoyfulRobertsGroup.com.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Scott Bradley shares the story behind 5Rock Ranch, a nonprofit located on a 108-acre property in Yamhill County that provides a place of healing and refuge for families and individuals facing extremely difficult circumstances. In our conversation, you’ll learn:How the ranch got started and the vision behind itThe kinds of experiences and programs they offer for kids and familiesStories of lives that have been impacted and transformedWhy spaces like this are so needed in today’s worldSome unique challenges being faced by the ranchHow you can get involved and support the missionTo learn more about 5 Rock Ranch or find ways to get involved, visit their website at www.5rockranch.com.This podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. To subscribe to our newsletter, click the link.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Newberg Mayor Bill Rosacker and City Manager Will Worthey join the podcast to talk about the current state of our city. We discuss what’s going well, what has changed over the past several years, some of the the challenges Newberg is facing, and how decisions are made when it comes to growth, infrastructure, housing, and the city budget.We also talk about the roles of the City Manager and Mayor, how residents can stay informed and involved, and what both leaders are hopeful about as they look ahead. If you’ve ever wondered how city government works behind the scenes and how it impacts your everyday life, this conversation will give you a better understanding.Some of the other topics discussed include:Collina housing project densityUrban growth boundaryTraffic light camerasNewberg's focus on debt reductionWill's new contract with the cityThe old mill siteNewberg water bill costsRiver Street projectRiverfront master planTo learn more about the City of Newberg, visit www.newbergoregon.govThis podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. To subscribe to our newsletter, click the link.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

Send us Fan MailChapters Books & Coffee has been a cornerstone of downtown Newberg for two decades, and in this episode, Owner Maureen Rogers shares the story behind it. We talk about how Chapters originally got started, how she and her husband Bill became the owners, and what it’s been like to run a community-minded bookstore and coffee shop while raising a family.Maureen also shares how she chooses the books they carry, why having books is still essential in a digital world, and the role Chapters plays in Newberg today. We dig into some of her favorite memories, the businesses Chapters has helped support along the way, and what the 20-year anniversary milestone means to her. This podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. To subscribe to our newsletter, click the link above.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show

Send us Fan MailGeorge P. Edmonston is a writer and historian who spent years writing stories about Newberg's history in his Newberg Graphic column, "Tales from the Grubby End." He then collected many of those stories and included them in his book, Stories from the Grubby End. He was also the editor of OSU’s alumni magazine, the Oregon Stater for many years.In this episode, George shares some of his favorite stories and characters from Newberg's past along with the inspiration behind the series. We also discuss how George became fascinated with history from a young age and how his life journey brought him to write historical stories about Newberg. You can buy his book online or check out a copy at the library. This podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. To subscribe to our newsletter, click the link above.The Joyful Roberts GroupSupport the show