Welcome to the first episode of Tapped In, a podcast that intends to chronicle the path to revitalization for downtown Berlin, New Jersey. In this episode, entitled "They, is WE," Berlin Borough Councilman Len Badolato joins us to discuss his journey as a resident of Berlin and the founding of the Downtown Berlin Revitalization Corporation. He shares his vision for the town as the organization’s efforts progress.

We then shift focus to our host, George Kemery, who has been appointed as the new President of the DBRC. George is a teacher at Eastern High School and has a history of involvement in various non-profit and community organizations. He shares the Creative Placemaking success story of Lot 323, an arts, culture, and sustainable design initiative that he championed alongside a group of community heroes by founding The FAF Coalition in his previous hometown of Woodbury, NJ.

DBRC board members Ed and Michele Secrest, Stephanie Walls, and Kevin McElroy also join us at the table. Ed, Vice President of the DBRC, and Michele, owners of the Berlin Brewing Co., discuss their time in the neighborhood and their hopes for its future. Michele also shares her involvement in a few of the DBRC’s projects. Lastly, Stephanie shares her thoughts on what it will take to see success in the DBRC’s efforts and invites listeners to the Vision Board Meeting taking place on Sunday, March 12, 10:30 a.m. at the Comtekh building.

If you’re interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with the DBRC, come to our next meeting, which takes place every third Monday of the month. You can also visit our website at downtownberlinnj.com. We hope to see you at the next recording on Wednesday, April 5, at the Berlin Brewing Co. For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the links below.

Here are a few of the links relevant to our conversations.

• thefaf.net
• lot323.com
• cpcommunities.org
• starthealingtogether.com
• downtownberlinnj.com
• berlinbrewco.com
• secrestdesign.com