Meet Barberton's Mr. Do-It-All, Tom Harnden!

This week on Magic City Neighbors on the Mic, we have the pleasure of chatting with Tom Harnden, a true pillar of the Barberton community. From pilot and legal counsel to executive director and volunteer extraordinaire, Tom's involvement with so many projects has given him a unique perspective on our city. 

Join us as we delve into:

*Tom's fascinating career journey: From soaring the skies to tackling legal challenges and leading organizations, Tom's passion for Barberton shines through every accomplishment.
*The heart of Barberton: We'll hear Tom's unique perspective on the city's past, present, and future, exploring what makes Barberton such a special place to call home.
*The importance of community involvement: Tom's dedication to volunteering is inspiring! We'll learn about his motivations and how you can get involved in making Barberton an even better place.
*Hope for the future: Tom shares his optimism for Barberton's growth and development, highlighting exciting new businesses, infrastructure improvements, and the importance of engaging younger generations.

This episode is a must-listen for:
*Barberton residents who want to learn more about their community's rich history and promising future.
*Anyone looking for inspiration to get involved in their own neighborhood.
*Fans of compelling conversation and insightful perspectives from a true community leader.

Subscribe to Magic City Neighbors on the Mic for more engaging stories about the people and places that make Barberton special!

Bonus: Don't miss Tom's "day trip" recommendations for showing off the best of Barberton to a first-time visitor!

Are you ready to dive into the world of financial literacy and discover how New Horizon Federal Credit Union is revolutionizing the way students learn about money? Then buckle up for an exciting episode of the Magic City Neighbors on the Mic podcast, where we sit down with Olivia Blanton, the school liaison for the credit union, to uncover the secrets behind their student-run, fully functional branch inside of Barberton High School.

Picture this: a full service bank branch that's staffed entirely by high school students. They handle real transactions, open accounts, and even provide financial education to their peers. 

In this episode, we'll delve into the heart of this remarkable initiative, exploring its origins, its impact on the student body, and the ripple effects it's creating within the Barberton community. Olivia Blanton will guide us through the intricacies of the student-run branch, shedding light on how these young minds are mastering the art of financial management.

The impact doesn't stop there. The student-run branch is serving as a beacon of hope for the Barberton community, demonstrating the power of financial literacy to transform lives. We'll explore how this program is fostering a more financially literate generation, equipping them with the tools they need to achieve their financial goals and contribute to the economic well-being of their community.

So, join us on this journey of financial discovery as we uncover the remarkable story of New Horizon Federal Credit Union's student-run branch and its profound impact on the Barberton community. Tune in to the Magic City Neighbors on the Mic podcast and prepare to be inspired by the next generation of financially savvy leaders!

Nestled in the heart of Barberton, Ohio, lies Common Threads Closet, a non-profit organization that has been quietly weaving a tapestry of hope and compassion for those in need for over a decade. This remarkable group, run by a dedicated team of volunteers, provides essential clothing, household items, and toiletries to those in need, as well as meals and a pantry full of great food, transforming lives one thread at a time.

In this episode of the Magic City Neighbors on the Mic podcast, we delve into the inspiring story of Common Threads, uncovering the magic that happens within its welcoming walls. Josh and Jack interview Cindy Bach, a passionate volunteer and the leader of Common Threads who embodies the organization's spirit of selfless service.

Cindy shares heartwarming stories of how Common Threads Closet has made a profound impact on individuals and families facing tough times. She describes the joy of seeing someone's face light up as they find the perfect outfit or discover a household item they desperately need.

Common Threads Closet is more than just a place to acquire necessities; it's a sanctuary where individuals regain their dignity and sense of worth. Cindy emphasizes the importance of choice, allowing those in need to select items that reflect their personalities and preferences.

If helping those in need wasn't enough, Common Threads Closet also has an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Cindy explains how Common Threads meticulously sorts donations, ensuring that items are either reused, repurposed, or responsibly recycled. This dedication to environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with the organization's mission to care for both the community and the planet.

From a first person perspective, Cindy highlights the transformative power of volunteering and how listeners to get involved, whether it's sorting donations, assisting with food preparation, or simply spreading the word about Common Threads incredible work.

Common Threads is a beacon of hope in Barberton, a testament to the power of human compassion. Through its unwavering commitment to serving those in need, the organization has woven a tapestry of hope that strengthens the community, one thread at a time.

Visit the Common Threads website or social media pages to learn more about their mission and how you can get involved. Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community.

To watch the Barberton Community Foundation Game Changers video for more information, click on the link below:
https://youtu.be/JL4K2ACLF1I?si=APuxq7B3wLAXcnJV

Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure as Josh and Jack talk with Brian Canale, a third-generation restaurateur and a man who's part of what Barberton is famous for with his delectable chicken!

Our conversation with Brian traces the rich history of Hopocan Gardens, a legendary restaurant that's been tantalizing taste buds for nearly eight decades. Part of that is Brian's unwavering passion for the industry, as he talks about how he's worked at the restaurant since age 12.

Get ready to meet a true community gem, a man who's not only feeding the soul with his delectable dishes but also nourishing the hearts of those in need. Discover how Brian's involvement with the Ben Curtis Foundation's Birdie Bag program is transforming the lives of countless children in Barberton.

Brian has built unbreakable bonds with customers and the community through the years that has created a loyal following for both Hopocan Gardens and White House Chicken.

Embark on this delectable adventure with us and meet Brian Canale, a man who's not just a restaurateur but a community hero, making a difference one delicious bite at a time.

https://youtu.be/Y_GZvvIXth4?si=ty5YzCP140MrvLHi

#MagicCityNeighborsOnTheMic #BarbertonCommunityFoundation #GameChangerAwards #BarbertonChicken #CommunityImpact #FlavorfulRevolution

Join your hosts, Josh and Jack, as they bring you an exclusive interview with the  Barberton Police Chief, Vince Morber. In this episode, Chief Morber shares insights into his life, from his humble beginnings in Barberton to his inspiring journey in law enforcement. There's great stories of service, community building, and camaraderie that make the Barberton Police Department stand out from other departments in the area. We've got laughter, wisdom, and a deep sense of community spirit in this episode that shows why Barberton is the great community that it is. Barberton is more than just a town—it's a vibrant, caring, and united neighborhood that shines bright as the Magic City! Hit play and get ready to be entertained! ✨🚓🎙️

Welcome back to the Magic City Neighbors on the Mic podcast, episode 11! In this exciting episode, we have a special guest, Tiffany Peters. Tiffany is the Interim Executive Director and the Director of Finance at the Barberton Community Foundation. Her impressive job title is just the tip of the iceberg, as she shares her incredible journey from being a "boomerang" to her career in corporate finance and her transition into the nonprofit world.

Tiffany's passion for making a difference in her community shines through as she discusses the Foundation's role in economic development, saving taxpayers millions, and providing scholarships to students.  Jack has Tiffany unravel the mystery of how the Community Foundation operates and how it helps the City of Barberton thrive. Tune in to discover the inspiring story of how one organization is helping Barberton grow thanks to the dedication of the foundation remarkable individuals in the area. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your Magic City neighbors.

Hey everyone, welcome back to another electrifying episode of Magic City Neighbors on the mic! We're in for a rollercoaster ride of stories and laughter because we have Mr. Joseph Vernacotola, the legendary GOAT of Barberton High! If you're questioning this, you have to hear the very last thing he says in the podcast...because it's a doozy.

 Imagine unearthing a photograph from 1907, the Barbertonc High School's very first graduating class! We're talking serious time-travel vibes here. Plus, hold on to your seats as we delve into the first-ever Barberton High School yearbook from 1914 – it's a true treasure trove of the past.

Mr. Vernacotola spills the beans about how connecting with his former students is like uncovering a time capsule and how he was quite the legend in the classroom with a transformation from 'mean teacher' to 'cool mentor'

Get ready to mark your calendars because this Labor Day weekend, the buzz is all about the Barberton Labor Day Barbecue and Music Fest down at Lake Anna. Old school tunes in the gazebo, rib burn-offs, jaw-dropping fireworks – it's a feast for your senses!

This week, guest Denny Liddle talks about the Barberton BBQ Rib and Music Festival that happens Labor Day weekend. Denny sheds light on its evolution, purpose, and local charity contributions. Discover the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into gathering mouthwatering rib vendors and top-notch bands. From its humble beginnings as a single-day event, the festival has blossomed into a multi-day extravaganza featuring live music, delectable food, and engaging activities. Denny unveils plans to hand over the reins to Main Street Barberton, ensuring the festival's vibrant future. Tune in to unravel the logistical intricacies, sponsorships, and community spirit that make this festival an annual highlight!

As we look to the future, it's tough to find someone that sees more of the future than the school superintendent, Jeff Ramnytz.   We talk with Jeff about his philosophy of doing what's best for kids and providing them with opportunities and experiences to find what they're good at as part of the "Do Your Job" curriculum.  "Do Your Job" focuses on soft skills and preparing students for adulthood as he shares his personal experience of transitioning from a teamster to becoming a teacher.
It's no secret that Jeff has a passion for helping kids in Barberton and he's grateful for the community's support. We talk about the importance of communication and making connections. 
Additionally, we talk about leading through the pandemic and the challenges it posed such as staying connected with students during online learning. Finally, we find out what Jeff's retirement plans are and we're pretty sure that if you know him, you know what they'll look like.  Make sure to watch the whole thing to find out!

We had the chance to talk with Melanie Black-Amato as she is the newly appointed director of the newly formed Main Street Barberton program.   Main Street Barberton is a 501c3 that is setup to help reinvigorate downtown Barberton on Tusc and 2nd street. 
She explains that the Main Street program is a template that's been proven successful by having been used in over 2,000 cities throughout the United States. This partially possible with collaborative efforts with The City of Barberton, The Barberton Community Foundation, and numerous other donors. 
Make sure that you take a listen to this as there is a ton of great information about the future of downtown Barberton and the city itself in this weeks episode!