The Giving Town

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The 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 mission
• What makes See Ya Later youth camps and scholarships unique
• Stories of encouragement and lives changed through the foundation’s outreach
• The role of faith, family, and community in carrying forward Scott’s legacy
• How you can get involved and support this mission of hope

To learn more or get involved, visit seeyalater.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.

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In 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 education
• What compelled her to step into the superintendent role without pay
• How she and a small volunteer team stabilized the budget, navigated divisive politics, and kept students at the center of every decision
• Why she believes volunteering is part of a full life
• Practical advice for parents and community members looking to support schools 
• What gives Paula hope for Newberg’s future and its children

To 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.

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President 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 began
• Why George Fox the person was such an important figure in history
• How George Fox impacts the city of Newberg
• Details on the new childcare center being built in partnership with A-dec
• Challenges facing Christian colleges around the country
• How AI is affecting higher education and how George Fox is adapting

To 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.

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In 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 works
• How Clay’s background in planning will help in his new role
• Current timelines for projects like the Bypass Trail, The Ewing Young Bridge, Renne Field, and Dundee’s new park with a splash pad
• What’s ahead for Chehalem Glenn golf course, including a potential new clubhouse and nine more holes
• How CPRD utilizes tax dollars, grants, the CPRD Foundation, and community partners to make projects happen
• How residents can get involved and stay up to date

To 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.

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In this episode, Jeff Kosmicki, Police Chief of the Newberg-Dundee Police Department, offers an inside look at what it takes to keep Newberg ranked among Oregon’s safest cities.

In our conversation, you’ll learn:

• How Jeff started his career in police work
• What it’s like being behind the wheel of a patrol car
• What it was like in the wake of the “defund the police” movement
• The department’s overall philosophy
• How new technology makes officers more effective
• Common misconceptions and myths
• How the D.A.R.E. programs build trust in the next generation
• And much more

To learn more about the Newberg-Dundee Police Department, visit https://www.newbergoregon.gov/police/

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.

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In this episode, Amy Wolff, founder of the Don’t Give Up Movement, explains how a May 2017 initiative to place 20 encouraging yard signs around Newberg evolved into a global campaign.

In our conversation, you will learn:

• The origin story: what compelled Amy to act on that rainy afternoon
• The “Science of Hope” framework she outlined in her TED Talk—hope, pathways, agency
• Key lessons from scaling an at-cost, volunteer-powered operation to 50 states and 27 countries
• Life-saving testimonials from individuals transformed by the signs
• How small, unexpected gestures can cause large-scale impact
• The role of personal agency in creating and sustaining hope
  
  

To learn more or to support the Don’t Give Up Movement, visit dontgiveupsigns.com

Watch Amy’s TED Talk!

Buy the book!

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 semi-monthly newsletter, click the link above.

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In this episode, Russell Mark, President and CEO of Juliette’s House, shares about the life-changing work happening at Yamhill County’s child abuse intervention center.

In our conversation, you’ll learn:

• What Juliette’s House actually does and how it supports children and families
• How early intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life
• The long-term impact of untreated childhood trauma on communities
• Common misconceptions about child abuse—and the real statistics behind it
• How schools, churches, and community members can play a role in prevention
• Stories that reveal just how critical this work is
• Practical ways to support Juliette’s House or get involved
• How Yamhill County is setting an example for community collaboration

To learn more about Juliette’s House or to support their work, visit www.julietteshouse.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 semi-monthly newsletter, click the link above.

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In this episode, Di Endicott and Peggy Kilburg share about the Newberg Community Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. 

During our conversation, you'll learn:

• The history and origins of the Newberg Mayor's Prayer Breakfast
• How the prayer breakfast works
• The importance of prayer in bringing the community together
• How the event promotes unity despite differing beliefs and perspectives
• Stories of how prayer has tangibly impacted the lives of community members
• The vision for the future, including greater inclusivity and involvement of younger generations
• Practical details on how to get involved or attend the event

To learn more about the Newberg Community Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, visit their Facebook page.

If you have questions about the event or would like to attend, please contact [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts.

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In this episode, Michelle Bolliger with Dobbes Family Winery and Wine by Joe shares how they are using their passion for wine to make a difference in the community. Beyond making great wine, they have created a culture of generosity, supporting both local and national causes and making a meaningful impact.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The backstory of Dobbes Family Winery and Wine by Joe 
• Why giving back is a core value of their company
• How they engage employees in the giving process
• The difference between writing a check and actually making an impact
• How generosity strengthens company (and community) culture
• Practical advice for businesses looking to have generosity become part of their mission

To learn more about Dobbes Family Winery and their partners, click here.

To learn more about Wine by Joe, click here.

This episode is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. To learn more about the Living in Newberg YouTube Channel, click the link above.

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In this episode, Seniors Real Estate Specialists John and Karen Roberts share some of the many resources available to seniors in the Newberg area. Many elderly seniors in our community face significant challenges, yet often feel isolated, alone, and are unaware of the resources available to them. John and Karen's hope is that no senior has to face these challenges alone.

This episode is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. Visit TheJoyfulRobertsGroup.com to learn more.

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