🌱 Tapped In Podcast: Unveiling the Power of Creative Placemaking through the Gibbsboro Community Garden 🌱

Join us in the latest episode of Tapped In, your go-to source for exploring the wonders of creative placemaking. In our mission to inspire community transformation, we're thrilled to present a case study that holds lessons for our very own Berlin Borough, NJ.

This time, our spotlight is on the success story of the Gibbsboro Community Garden. Often, we might wonder why we're discussing projects outside our town, like Gibbsboro. But here's the secret: these stories hold keys to unlock our potential in Berlin. We're sharing examples to learn from and ideas that could blossom into something beautiful right in our own neighborhood.

🌻 "Gotta Get Ourselves Back to the Garden" - A Journey to Gibbsboro 🌻

In this episode, we explore the journey of a garden that was brought to life by the power of ideas.

Hosted by DBRC President George Kemery and Stephanie Walls, this episode takes us deep into the roots of the Gibbsboro Community Garden. We begin with an insightful conversation with the garden's founder, Christina Ritz, a Camden County Certified Gardener and Rutgers Master Gardener.

But the magic doesn't end there. We introduce you to the faces behind the scenes who make this thriving oasis a reality:

• Donna Weston, a retired Rutgers master gardener, joined hands with Christina to sow the first seeds of this endeavor.
• Tom Melillo, a retired engineer, crafts garden structures from recycled materials, infusing sustainability into every corner.
• Beth Kern, the fundraising extraordinaire, ensures that the garden's growth is financially sound.
• Kathy Pantano, gardener, oversees plot inspections, nurturing a community of healthy plants.
• Janine Mason, the liaison for students and the garden, bridges the gap between education and nature.
• Jen Rothberg, a committee member with connections to the Boy Scouts, infuses youthful enthusiasm.
• Kent Warder, the artist, adorns the garden with his signage creations.
• Vanessa Timm, her tiny hands wield a mighty impact as she tends to the seeds that breathe life into this project.
• Art Merkh - Maintenance
• Jack Flynn - Team Lead & Environmental Committee
• Kelly Cressman - Fundraising
• Pam Campbell - Fundraising

🌿 The Secret to Success: Unity in Diversity 🌿

What's the secret behind Gibbsboro's success? It's the harmonious collaboration of dedicated individuals, each performing a specific role. This synergy averts confusion and burnout, often associated with volunteer work.

For more about the Gibbsboro Community Garden, visit them on Facebook. And to be part of Tapped In and DBRC, check out downtownberlinnj.com or join us at our monthly meetings every third Monday of the month at the Comtekh building on the White Horse Pike in Downtown Berlin.

Together, let's find inspiration, cultivate community, and "get ourselves back to the garden."

#TappedInPodcast #CreativePlacemaking #GibbsboroCommunityGarden #CommunityTransformation #BerlinBoroughNJ #PowerOfCollaboration

Tapped In, presented by the DBRC and hosted by its president George Kemery, invites listeners on a captivating exploration of arts, culture, and creative placemaking. With a focus on Berlin Borough, New Jersey, Tapped In aims to uncover the transformative power of these elements in revitalizing downtown areas. In this episode, George engages in conversation with two longtime colleagues and friends, Tara Moughan and J. Kenneth Leap, who have dedicated themselves to creative placemaking and non-profit work.

J. Kenneth Leap, a renowned stained-glass artist, shares his artistic journey that began with the opening of his studio, The Painted Window, in 1987. His stunning public art installations, including those at NJ Transit stations, have earned him a well-deserved reputation in the field. Beyond his own creations, Leap serves as an ambassador artist for the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center and a certified teaching artist with the New Jersey State Council of the Arts. He has also contributed to the development of innovative programs and initiatives, such as Bryn Athyn College's BFA program in the Building Arts. Leap's involvement extends to community advocacy, as seen in his work with the American Glass Guild, the county Cultural & Heritage Commission, and his community group, Reimagine Runnemede, which advocates for revitalization through the arts.

Tara Moughan, a respected leader within the Faf Coalition in Woodbury, NJ, showcases her commitment to social justice and civic engagement. With a degree in Political Science, Tara has been instrumental in spearheading campaigns and initiatives on various issues, such as affordable housing, education, healthcare, and the environment. Her ability to inspire and mobilize others, fostering collaboration and bridging gaps within the community, has made her an invaluable asset to the Faf Coalition and Woodbury as a whole.

George, Tara, and Kenneth discuss the projects and initiatives that have positively impacted their communities. Their shared passion for creative placemaking and community revitalization shines through as they explore the potential of the arts to shape a sense of place and drive economic growth. By highlighting the stories and experiences of these remarkable individuals, Tapped In aims to inspire listeners and unlock the true essence of community transformation through the arts.

To learn more and stay updated, listeners are encouraged to attend monthly board meetings and join the live broadcasts at the Berlin Brewing Company. They can also visit downtownberlinnj.com for contact information. The DBRC invites everyone to continue tapping into the power of community and keep the spirit of creative placemaking alive.

ReimagineRunnemede.org

TheFaf.net

We are thrilled to invite you to listen to our latest episode, filled with inspiring stories and interviews with some of the most talented and passionate people in our community. We had the honor of speaking with Loretta Mikulski, the incredible founder of the South Jersey Breast Cancer Coalition, who has been advocating for cancer patients and their families for over two decades. Her organization has accomplished so much, and we learned about their annual fashion show, "Survivors Always in Style," which is coming up this October. It's an event you won't want to miss!

We also had the pleasure of chatting with Howard Eichenbaum and Margie Mannion from South Jersey Pickleball. They enlightened us on the growing popularity of this exciting sport and how it's positively impacting our community, with new courts recently added to Berlin Park. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this interview is sure to interest you.

Finally, we spoke with Ed Secrest, the master brewer of Berlin Brewing Co., and Danny Provenzano, who have partnered on an exciting new project. They are teaming up with Hard Rock Café International, Inc., to bring specialty brews to their locations on a quarterly basis, each named after a celebrity musician, athlete, or entertainer. The first brew, JOE F****N PERRY, is a New England IPA made for the legendary Aerosmith guitarist, and we can't wait to hear about the other names coming up soon!

With such a diverse range of topics covered, there's something for everyone in this episode. We hope you'll tune in and join us as we celebrate the incredible work and accomplishments of these amazing individuals who are making a difference in our community.

Tapped In is presented by the Downtown Berlin Revitalization Corporation. If you are interested in getting involved with the DBRC, visit their website at downtownberlinnj.com, or attend their monthly meetings held every third Monday of the month. Join us for the next recording on Wednesday, June 7, at the Berlin Brewing Co., where we will continue to explore the stories of those who are making a difference in their communities. For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the links below.

southjerseybcc.org

meetup.com/southjerseypickleball

berlinbrewco.com

downtownberlinnj.com

Welcome to Tapped In, the podcast that explores the unique stories and perspectives of individuals who are making a positive impact on their communities. In this episode, "Come Together," we focus on individuals who are using their passion for the arts to bring people together.

You’ll hear interviews with DBRC board member Carri Alper, musician and producer Graham Alexander, and entrepreneur Keith Hohing. Host George Kemery and his friends from the DBRC speak with Carri Alper about her experience developing an Arts Council in Medford, NJ, and her insights into revitalization initiatives. Next, they sit down with Graham Alexander, a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and producer, to discuss the history of The Vault in our downtown and his approach to music production. Finally, they chat with Keith Hohing, drummer for the Vault band and owner of the Victor Bldg. 19 and the beautifully restored Comtekh building, about his leadership in the technology space and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Tapped In is presented by the Downtown Berlin Revitalization Corporation. If you are interested in getting involved with the DBRC, visit their website at downtownberlinnj.com, or attend their monthly meetings held every third Monday of the month. Join us for the next recording on Wednesday, May 3, at the Berlin Brewing Co., where we will continue to explore the stories of those who are making a difference in their communities. For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, please visit the links below.

• medfordarts.com
• comtekh.com
• graham-alexander.net
• victorrecords.com/thevault
• downtownberlinnj.com

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