The Giving Town

Hosted by Daniel Roberts

Business Education Religion Spirituality ChristianityInterviews guests

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Episodes

112

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Giving Town Podcast is dedicated to sharing stories of hope and generosity in Newberg, Oregon. We interview the amazing people who are dedicating their lives to make Newberg and the surrounding area an amazing place to live. The Giving Town Podcast is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local, family-run real estate team dedicated to serving the Newberg community and beyond.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 8958 min

More Than Books: Newberg's Public Library - with Korie Buerkle

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

May 27, 2026Episode 8859 min

Providing Hope for the Hurting - with Hope Chaplain

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

April 28, 2026Episode 871 hr 10 min

The Story of 5Rock Ranch - with Scott Bradley

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

February 11, 2026Episode 861 hr 30 min

State of the City 2026 - with Newberg Mayor Bill Rosacker and City Manager Will Worthey

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

December 12, 2025Episode 8554 min

Celebrating 20 Years of Chapters Books & Coffee - with Maureen Rogers

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

October 23, 2025Episode 8452 min

Fascinating Stories from Newberg's History - with Author George P. Edmonston

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

October 2, 2025Episode 8352 min

Inspiring Youth and Encouraging Families - with See Ya Later Foundation

Send us Fan MailThe See Ya Later Foundation began with a simple phrase from Scott Banke, who would say “See ya later” instead of goodbye during his battle with cancer. His courage and positive attitude left behind a legacy of hope, courage, and faith. After his passing, his mom, Carmen Banke, and their family launched the foundation to carry that spirit forward.Today, the foundation awards scholarships to students, hosts youth inspiration camps, and supports families facing medical crises — impacting thousands of kids and parents in Newberg and beyond.In this episode, Carmen shares:The story of her son Scott and how his words became the foundation’s missionWhat makes See Ya Later youth camps and scholarships uniqueStories of encouragement and lives changed through the foundation’s outreachThe role of faith, family, and community in carrying forward Scott’s legacyHow you can get involved and support this mission of hopeTo learn more or get involved, visit seeyalater.orgThis episode 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.Support the show

September 3, 2025Episode 8251 min

The Story of Newberg’s Volunteer Superintendent – with Paula Radich

Send us Fan MailIn mid‑2024, the Newberg-Dundee School District uncovered a multi‑million‑dollar budget shortfall and the sitting superintendent went on leave. With the school year looming and finances in shambles, the school board needed someone who knew the community and could restore stability. Retired educator and former superintendent Paula Radich volunteered to serve as interim superintendent from June through October 2024. She led the district through deep budget cuts, worked to balance the books, and helped staff and parents refocus on students—all while declining a salary for her work. For her efforts, Paula was named as Newberg’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year by Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce.In this episode, Paula shares her experience stepping up to volunteer as the Newberg-Dundee School District’s superintendent and what led to her decision.In our conversation, you’ll learn about:Paula’s lifelong journey in educationWhat compelled her to step into the superintendent role without payHow she and a small volunteer team stabilized the budget, navigated divisive politics, and kept students at the center of every decisionWhy she believes volunteering is part of a full lifePractical advice for parents and community members looking to support schools What gives Paula hope for Newberg’s future and its childrenTo learn more about the Newberg School District and explore volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.newberg.k12.or.us/.This episode 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.Support the show

July 29, 2025Episode 8158 min

The Legacy of George Fox University - with President Robin Baker

Send us Fan MailPresident Robin Baker has been leading George Fox University since 2007 and in that time, George Fox has grown to become the largest private university in Oregon. George Fox is also consistently ranked among the top 3 Christian universities in Oregon. President Baker has also won numerous awards and in 2023 was named by Portland Business Journal as one of its top executives of the year. Baker also sits on numerous national commissions and committees, and is widely recognized as a leader in Christian higher education.In this episode, President Baker shares about the history of George Fox University and how the university impacts the city of Newberg.In our conversation, you’ll learn:How George Fox University beganWhy George Fox the person was such an important figure in historyHow George Fox impacts the city of NewbergDetails on the new childcare center being built in partnership with A-decChallenges facing Christian colleges around the countryHow AI is affecting higher education and how George Fox is adaptingTo learn more about George Fox University, visit https://www.georgefox.edu/This episode 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.Support the show

July 1, 2025Episode 8056 min

CPRD’s Exciting Plans for Newberg/Dundee in 2025-26 – with Superintendent Clay Downing

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Clay Downing, Superintendent of Chehalem Park & Recreation District (CPRD), breaks down the upcoming projects for Newberg and Dundee over the next few years.In our conversation, you’ll learn:What CPRD is and how it worksHow Clay’s background in planning will help in his new roleCurrent timelines for projects like the Bypass Trail, The Ewing Young Bridge, Renne Field, and Dundee’s new park with a splash padWhat’s ahead for Chehalem Glenn golf course, including a potential new clubhouse and nine more holesHow CPRD utilizes tax dollars, grants, the CPRD Foundation, and community partners to make projects happenHow residents can get involved and stay up to dateTo learn more about CPRD and explore current projects, view board meetings, or learn how to get involved, visit https://www.cprdnewberg.org/.This episode 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.Support the show