Interviews Episodes

From aquaculture to zucchini, clams to Christmas trees, 🌲 hops to horticulture, firewood to farm land preservation, nurseries to nectarines, the agricultural industry has been the backbone of the economy in Cumberland and Salem counties - and throughout South Jersey - for hundreds of years. In this multi-part series, Meg speaks with NJ Department of Agriculture Secretary Doug Fisher. Join local conversations with the "beacons' of Bridgeton, New Jersey at https://bridgetonbeacon.com YouTube: h...

Welcome to part 2 in this series. Meg continues her conversation with David Wilson, Director of Marketing for Overdevest Nurseries, LP. Since 1952, when the nursery was founded by John and Jean Overdevest after they left Holland and settled in Bridgeton, Overdevest Nurseries has been a family-owned, wholesale-only nursery dedicated to providing the highest quality plant material by growing and selling over 2,000 varieties of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, and patio plants to garden centers...

Meg continues her series on the agricultural industry in the Bridgeton and Cumberland County area by speaking with David Wilson, Director of Marketing for Overdevest Nurseries, LP. Since 1952, when the nursery was founded by John and Jean Overdevest after they left Holland and settled in Bridgeton, Overdevest Nurseries has been a family-owned, wholesale-only nursery dedicated to providing the highest quality plant material by growing and selling over 2,000 varieties of trees, shrubs, vines, per...

Almost 100 years ago, Jacobus Geradus Akerboom brought his passion for Horticulture to Bridgeton, NJ from his native Netherlands and J.G. Akerboom was born. Jacobus's daughter Rachel Elizabeth Sherman, and her husband James E., took over the operations in the mid-60's and moved to the current location in Cedarville, until their sons, John and Brian Sherman took over in the early 1990's. Meg kicks off The Bridgeton Beacon's series on the importance of the agricultural industry to Cumberland Co...

Almost 100 years ago, Jacobus Geradus Akerboom brought his passion for Horticulture to Bridgeton, NJ from his native Netherlands and J.G. Akerboom was born. Jacobus's daughter Rachel Elizabeth Sherman, and her husband James E., took over the operations in the mid-60's and moved to the current location in Cedarville, until their sons, John and Brian Sherman took over in the early 1990's. Meg kicks off The Bridgeton Beacon's series on the importance of the agricultural industry to Cumberland Co...

Welcome to part III in this series with Bob Woodruff, of Bridgeton, NJ. For over 150 years, five generations of the Woodruff family have serviced the South Jersey community’s fuel needs. In this three-part series, Bob Woodruff Sr. shares with Meg the history of the Woodruff family and the Woodruff Energy company, the long-standing tradition in the Woodruff family of service to the community, and his love for and support of the Arts. -Rotary -NJ State Board of Education www.woodruffener...

For over 150 years, five generations of the Woodruff family have serviced the South Jersey community’s fuel needs. In this three-part series, Bob Woodruff Sr. shares with Meg the history of the Woodruff family and the Woodruff Energy company, the long-standing tradition in the Woodruff family of service to the community, and his love for and support of the Arts. -Rotary -NJ State Board of Education www.woodruffenergy.com Join local conversations with the "beacons' of Bridgeton, New J...

For over 150 years, five generations of the Woodruff family have serviced the South Jersey community’s fuel needs. In this three-part series, Bob Woodruff Sr. shares with Meg the history of the Woodruff family and the Woodruff Energy company, the long-standing tradition in the Woodruff family of service to the community, and his love for and support of the Arts. www.woodruffenergy.com https://BridgetonBeacon.com Join local conversations with the "beacons' of Bridgeton, New Jersey at https://b...

On December 8, 2021, the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce honored individuals and businesses who demonstrate a “Hometown Heart” through their work sustaining and strengthening others. 🪑 It should come as no surprise that Billy Sharp, owner of Tracy’s Corner, received one of the “Business Hero” Awards. Billy has owned a number of businesses in town, including Tracy’s Corner which he has owned and operated for over 50 years. Most significantly, Billy is a friend to everyone, and devotes ev...

On December 8, 2021, the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce honored individuals and businesses who demonstrate a “Hometown Heart” through their work sustaining and strengthening others. It should come as no surprise that Billy Sharp, owner of Tracy’s Corner, received one of the “Business Hero” Awards. Billy has owned a number of businesses in town, including Tracy’s Corner which he has owned and operated for over 50 years. Most significantly, Billy is a friend to everyone, and devotes ever...

Meg continues the conversation with Kate Lairson. Learn more about Black Bird Local, a new farm to fork catering option for the discriminating South Jersey palette. Formerly the executive chef at the Red Eyed Crab in Port Norris, she has ventured into a fabulous new model that utilizes fresh local ingredients and personal touch. From savory to pastry, this conversation has you covered.

Kate Lairson joins the Bridgeton Beacon Podcast to discuss Black Bird Local, a new farm to fork catering option for the discriminating South Jersey palette. Formerly the executive chef at the Red Eyed Crab in Port Norris, she has ventured into a fabulous new model that utilizes fresh local ingredients and personal touch. From savory to pastry, this conversation has you covered.

In this episode, Meg and Paul J. Ritter III discuss the history of the PJ Ritter Company and Cumberland Mutual in the context of why “embracing opportunity” has always been - and always will be - the key to turning a business into a thriving industry in Bridgeton. Topics include: PJ Ritter Co. - Cumberland Mutual Insurance - Lester Brown - Owens Illinois - Sea Brook Brothers & Sons - Jersey Tomato - Catsup - Paul Hunsberger

The 53rd annual Bridgeton Invitiational Baseball Tournament just wrapped up its Spring Classic last month at the iconic Alden Field. The legacy and impact of the BIBT is indispensable - not just to the history of Bridgeton - but also to the history of baseball. Dave Hitchner sat down for breakfast with Meg at the Golden Pigeon Diner for breakfast to discuss the history of this tournament. Dave has been involved with the tournament since its inception, first as a player, then as a committee mem...

In this episode, Meg and local rehabber Austin Headrick test out the new Bridgeton Beacon podcast studio and brainstorm with friends about potential future guests. What Austin didn’t share, is that he is exceedingly generous with his time and talents to anyone and everyone (who needs any kind of help) and for that – he’s a Bridgeton Beacon Topics include: Bridgeton NJ Canoe House | JD's BBQ Bridgeton | Billy Sharp | Dave Price | Tom Daly | Daly's Hardware | Renovation in Bridgeton NJ |Bob ...

Retired reporter and educator Dave Price describes his approach to teaching and communication and why he believes Bridgeton is filled with real-life "Batmans" and other Super Helping Heroes. Topics include: John Fuqua - Bridgeton High School - Bridgeton Evening News - Paul Hunsberger WSNJ

John Fuqua 1996 graduate of Bridgeton High School. John has a Bachelors in English from William Patterson. As the founder of the Life Worth Living nonprofit, and an advocate for Stronger Families nonprofit, John is a genuine beacon of Bridgeton.  He  lives a life centered around purpose and community, and we're proud to feature him on the podcast.

Meg sits down with Karen E. Barnett, Director of the Bridgeton Municipal Alliance - Youth to Youth group, since it's formation in 1991. Ms. Barnett describes the ingredients and recipes to create the menu of programs and platforms to help kids lead drug-free, bias-free, violence-free lives. Ms. Barnett shares how she draws on her mentors including her parents, Bridgeton legend De Edwin Hursey - and others - to keep the program evolving as it enters its 30th year.

Meg zooms with Deacon Arnaldo Santos, a former Bridgeton Detective turned youth-group leader. Join us on all the popular podcast apps, or right here at the BridgetonBeacon.com For those who don't know.. The city of Bridgeton rests on the banks of the Cohansey River, in Cumberland County, NJ.