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From rising anxiety rates and social media to artificial intelligence and the pressure to choose a relevant career, high school students today are facing challenges unlike any generation before them. In today's episode, Newberg High School Principal Mark Brown shares how our local high school supports students as they navigate this period of their lives.

We also discuss Mark's path to becoming principal, the culture of the high school, what he wishes parents knew, advice for students, and his vision for the future of Newberg High School.

Links & Resources:

• To learn more about Newberg High School, visit their Facebook page.
• Subscribe to our newsletter for podcast notifications, Living in Newberg YouTube videos, local updates, and homeowner tips

This 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.

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Tom and Linda Vondrachek bought Jem 100 in 1989 and for 35 years they operated Newberg’s iconic 1950’s-style diner. Not only did they serve thousands of local families with amazing and affordable food, they were also some of Newberg’s most generous business owners. Today, the restaurant is under new family ownership, but all of the things that made Jem 100 special have remained the same. It’s not just a place to grab a burger or an ice cream cone, but a gathering place and a business that has consistently supported local schools, youth programs, community events, and fundraisers. In 2025, Jem 100 was recognized as the Newberg Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

In today’s episode, we’ll hear about the history of Jem 100, what it’s like taking over a restaurant with such a long history in the community, and the importance of keeping a local business connected to the people it serves.

Links & Resources:

• To learn more about Jem 100, visit their Facebook page.
• Subscribe to our newsletter for podcast notifications, Living in Newberg YouTube videos, local updates, and homeowner tips

This 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 Group

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

The recent levy for the Newberg-Dundee school district may not have passed, but it raised important questions throughout our community. What happens now? How will students, teachers, and families be affected? And what does the future hold for Newberg-Dundee schools?

In this episode, Newberg-Dundee School District Superintendent Dave Parker joins me to discuss the district's current financial challenges, what led to the recent levy, and what comes next. We also talk about the broader purpose of education, preparing students for an ever-changing world, and how artificial intelligence may shape the classroom of the future.

In our conversation, you'll learn:

• Dave's background and what brought him to Newberg-Dundee
• How Oregon school funding works and why districts across the state are facing budget challenges
• The factors that led to Newberg-Dundee's budget shortfall
• Questions surrounding administrative staffing and district finances
• What the failed levy means for the upcoming school year
• How the district defines a great education beyond reading, writing, and math
• The opportunities and challenges AI presents for education
• What gives Dave hope for the future of Newberg-Dundee schools

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, taxpayer, or simply someone who cares about the future of our community, this conversation provides valuable insight into one of Newberg's most important institutions.

Links & Resources:

• To learn more about the Newberg-Dundee School District, visit Newberg-Dundee Public Schools.
• Subscribe to our newsletter for podcast notifications, Living in Newberg YouTube videos, local updates, and homeowner tips

This 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 Group

Support the show