Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton NJ 🦙

Full EP page: https://www.bridgetonbeacon.com/bridgeton-invitational-tournament-2025/Play ball! Welcome to the 2025 Bridgeton Invitational Baseball Tournament, with Gary Fischer and Meg McCormick Hoerner. Transcript:Announcer (00:01)This week, the Bridgeton Invitational Tournament Spring Classic is in full swing at Alden Field in City Park. Played every year since 1967, this tournament is more than just a local tradition. We spoke with Gary Fischer the man who's kept this tournament going strong, to hear about its roots, its impact, and what it means to Bridgeton today.Meg & Gary (00:24)All right, welcome back to the Bridgeton Beacon. We are here with Gary Fischer at the 57th Bridgeton Invitational Baseball Tournament. And tonight is night one. We just finished our first game. Gary, how are things going so far? It's a good start. Game one went on time. So that's a good thing. Excellent. What's the lineup looking like for the week? Yeah. So tomorrow night we have ⁓ two more teams coming in. We have the Garden Seminoles from Vineland.And we have a new entry this year. The Jersey Bananas, they're out of Haddonfield. As far as the events go, Wednesday night starts off three nights in a row of different things. The Bridgeton Fire, Bridgeton Police started off. I believe that's also Dollar Dog Night, followed by Friday is the Philly Phanatic and that will be Philly Pretzel Night. Excellent. We just saw the DC Expos take care of Gildy's Raiders tonight.but both teams are coming back. it looks like you've got, everybody gets to play, what is it, twice? It's a double elimination event. All right, sounds good. Got some good concessions, we got some good baseball. We do. And we got some good weather. We're just, yes, we want to keep that weather going the whole week. Excellent. Now the question that everybody wants to know is any torpedo bats on the field? There is a few, yes.Yeah? Have you tried any out yet? You know what, my son got one, he'll be using his tomorrow night. All right, excellent. Feels good.Great. Well, thanks so much, Gary, for all that you and the entire committee do to keep this going. We appreciate it. And let's go play ball. Thank you.Announcer 1 (01:55)Here's what's coming up. Wednesday, May 21st at 6 p.m. The Battle of the Badges softball game. Bridgeton Police and Fire take on their Vineland counterparts. Friday, May 23rd at 6 p.m. A special appearance by the Philly Phanatic, the Phillies' iconic green mascot. Saturday, May 24th at 3.30 p.m. The Bridgeton Invitational Tournament Spring Classic Championship game. Please support local nonprofit media.You're listening to the Bridgeton Beacon podcast, shining a light on the people and stories that make our community special.Play ball! Welcome to the 2025 Bridgeton Invitational Baseball Tournament, with Gary Fischer and Meg McCormick Hoerner.

21 Maj 2min

This visit with Sandy Feddema highlights the legacy of Goldie Wulderk, who founded the Senior Thrift and Caring Center, emphasizing its role in the community. Sandy Feddema and Meg McCormick Hoerner discuss the thrift shop's operations, the importance of donations, and the community engagement fostered through the center. The tour showcases the various items available, the history behind them, and the ongoing efforts to support those in need.takeawaysGoldie Wulderk's legacy continues through the Senior Thrift Shop.The thrift shop serves as a vital community resource.Donations are essential for the shop's operations.The shop provides affordable goods to the community.Community engagement is a key focus of the thrift shop.Local history is preserved through the items sold.The shop aims to reduce waste by reusing items.Sandy emphasizes the joy of meeting new people.The center distributes food and other essential items.The shop operates with flexible hours to accommodate visitors.

9 Maj 12min

In this conversation, Sandy Feddema joins Meg McCormick Hoerner to share his experiences of adapting to a new culture in South Jersey, the treasures he has found through his unique treasure hunting endeavors, and the stories behind various artifacts. He discusses the significance of family heirlooms, historical insights related to his home renovations, and his artistic endeavors. The conversation also touches on community efforts and the importance of preserving properties and their histories.takeawaysCultural adaptation can lead to a richer life experience.Barter economies can emerge in response to economic changes.Friendships can flourish in diverse communities despite cultural differences.Every artifact has a story that adds to its value.Family heirlooms carry significant emotional and historical weight.Home renovations can reveal fascinating historical insights.Artistic endeavors can be a form of community engagement.Community efforts are essential for property preservation.Unique finds can come from unexpected places.Stories enhance the value of both art and artifacts.Chapters00:00 Cultural Insights and Economic Shifts02:14 Treasure Hunting and Personal Stories08:34 Historical Artifacts and Their Significance11:59 The Story of a House and Its History15:39 Art, Creativity, and Community Engagement17:55 Challenges of Home Ownership and Restoration

8 Apr 21min

In this conversation, Dr. Flavia Alaya discusses her journeyto Bridgeton, the founding of Chaba, and the importance of historic preservation. She emphasizes the need for community engagement inpreserving local history and the challenges faced in balancing development with preservation. The discussion also highlights the significance ofBridgeton’s historic district and the role of industrial history in shaping the community's identity. Dr. Alaya advocates for a people-centered approach topreservation, aiming to connect the past with the present and future. This conversation explores the importance of communityengagement in historical preservation, particularly in Bridgeton. The speakers discuss the challenges and opportunities inpreserving the architectural diversity of the area, the intersection of academia and activism, and the role of cultural heritage in fostering community bonds. They emphasize the need for a proactive approach to engage with local history and its relevance to present and future community development. takeawaysSupport the Bridgeton Beacon by subscribing to the YouTube channel.Dr. Flavia Alaya founded Chaba to promote historic preservation.Historic preservation is crucial for community identity.Bridgeton has the largest historic district in New Jersey.Community engagement is essential for successful preservation efforts.Forgetting history is easier than remembering it.Local history informs national history.CHABA aims to bridge cultural communities through preservation.Guidelines for homeowners are available in multiple languages.The city government needs to foster better support for preservation initiatives. The district commission should be more proactive in supporting applicants.Historical preservation can drive community development.Bridgeton's architectural range is diverse and significant.Modernist architecture is often undervalued in historical contexts.Community engagement is essential for effective preservation efforts.Cultural heritage connects past, present, and future.Activism and academia can coexist and enhance each other.Local history is integral to understanding national narratives.Collaboration with diverse communities enriches preservation efforts.Preservation is about more than just buildings; it's about stories. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bridgeton Beacon and Dr. Flavia Alaya02:57 Journey to Bridgeton and Founding of Chaba05:57 Historic Preservation in Bridgeston08:59 The Importance of Community in Preservation12:09 Challenges in Historic Preservation14:58 Bridgeton’s Historic District17:56 People-Centered Preservation21:01 The Role of Industrial History23:57 Chaba’s Initiatives and Community Engagement27:02 Guidelines for Homeowners and Community Support32:35 Community Engagement and Support35:07 Historical Preservation and Community Development37:11 Bridgeton's Architectural Diversity42:13 The Intersection of Academia and Activism52:00 Cultural Heritage and Community Bonds

28 Mars 1h 2min

In this conversation, Dr. Baptist discusses the evolution and mission of Complete Care, a healthcare organization dedicated to serving the community. He highlights innovative programs aimed at improving health outcomes, such as prenatal incentives and free dental care for veterans. The discussion also covers the importance of the Legends Dinner, a fundraising event that honors community heroes, and emphasizes Complete Care's comprehensive services that cater to a diverse patient population.takeawaysComplete Care has been serving the community for over 40 years.The organization has expanded significantly, now serving 60,000 patients annually.Innovative programs incentivize health visits, improving outcomes for mothers and babies.The Legends Dinner honors community members who contribute selflessly.Complete Care provides free dental care for veterans through the VetSmiles program.The organization operates multiple facilities across southern Jersey.Staff at Complete Care are dedicated to community service despite lower pay.The Legends Dinner is a key fundraising event for the organization.Complete Care aims to educate the community about its services.The organization is committed to addressing the entire medical needs of its patients.

24 Mars 9min

This conversation explores the rich history and evolution of Fralinger Engineering, a family-owned civil engineering firm. Full episode page & video: https://www.bridgetonbeacon.com/fralinger-engineering-in-bridgeton/Chuck Fralinger joins Meg McCormick Hoerner to share insights into the company's beginnings, its growth over the decades, and the importance of community engagement. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the business, the legacy of hard work instilled by Chuck's father, and the future direction of the firm as it embraces new technologies while maintaining its commitment to local knowledge and service.takeaways• Fralinger Engineering was founded in the 1960s by Chuck's father.• The company has evolved significantly with advancements in technology.• Reputation is crucial for obtaining municipal clients.• Fralinger Engineering serves 19 municipalities across several counties.• The firm balances small and large projects effectively.• Generational involvement has been key to the company's success.• Hard work and dedication are foundational to the business.• The company has survived various economic downturns.• Future growth will focus on technology and community service.• Knowledge and skill are essential for success in engineering.Sound Bites• "It's all about your reputation."• "We have records back to the 1700s."• "Hard work and dedication are key."Chapters00:00 Celebrating Fralinger Engineering's Legacy02:51 The Evolution of Civil Engineering05:59 Municipal Engagement and Community Impact08:51 Generational Growth and Family Legacy11:48 Challenges and Resilience in Business15:06 Future Directions and Technological Advancements

28 Feb 19min

In this episode, criminal trial attorney Jim Leonard sits with South Jersey Criminal Defense attorney and former prosecutor, Louis Casadia.Jim recounts his involvement in the tragic discovery of four murdered women in Atlantic City. Leonard shares insights into the complexities of the case, including the initial investigation, witness testimonies, and the emergence of a new suspect known as the 'River Man.' He reflects on the challenges faced in the legal process and the ongoing efforts to solve the case nearly two decades later. The conversation delves into the complexities of a murder investigation involving multiple victims, exploring themes of misleading confessions, the discovery of bodies, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the impact of technology on modern investigations. The speakers reflect on the victims' stories, the marginalization they faced, and the ongoing efforts to solve the case, emphasizing the importance of remembering the victims and their families.takeawaysJim Leonard has been practicing criminal law for over 23 years.The case involved the discovery of four murdered women in Atlantic City.Leonard believed his client was innocent based on initial impressions.Witness testimonies played a crucial role in shaping the investigation.The 'River Man' emerged as a potential suspect in the case.Leonard's client was never formally charged with any crime.The prosecutor's office had a divided opinion on the case.Leonard held a press conference to clear his client's name.The case remains unsolved nearly 20 years later.There is ongoing interest from law enforcement to solve the case. Confessions can often be misleading and require thorough investigation.The discovery of bodies can reveal critical information about the timeline of events.Circumstantial evidence plays a significant role in murder investigations.DNA evidence can be compromised, affecting the investigation's outcome.Victims' backgrounds and lifestyles can influence public perception and investigation focus.Modern technology significantly aids in solving crimes compared to past methods.The passage of time complicates cold cases, making it harder to gather evidence.Law enforcement's approach to marginalized victims can impact case resolution.Ongoing investigations require collaboration between defense attorneys and law enforcement.There is hope for justice, but it requires persistent effort and advancements in technology.Unraveling the Terry Olsen CaseThe Tragic Murders of Atlantic CityInside the Mind of a Criminal Defense AttorneyWitnesses, Suspects, and the Pursuit of JusticeThe River Man: A New Lead in a Cold CaseA Lawyer's Journey Through a High-Profile Murder CaseChapters00:00Introduction to the Case and the Guests02:09The Discovery of the Bodies05:58Initial Client Meeting and Impressions09:57Developing the Suspect Profile11:51Witness Testimonies and Their Impact20:01The River Man and New Leads30:03Prosecutor's Office Response and Ongoing Investigation35:14Confessions and Misleading Leads37:24The Discovery of the Bodies39:21Circumstances of the Murders41:10The Investigation's Challenges43:29The Victims' Stories46:01Marginalization of Victims48:22Investigative Techniques and Technology52:02The Role of Technology in Modern Investigations56:24The Future of the Investigation01:01:14Reflections on the Case

18 Feb 1h 5min

In this conversation, Tom the Producer reports to Beacon founder, Meg McCormick Hoerner on adding various fundraising initiatives to the website of the Bridgeton Beacon.They discuss local media, working with Bridgeton youth, and a new project called "Memory Podcasts", which allows you to sponsor the recording session for a local beacon of the community.The dialogue explores the legacy of Paul Hunsberger and the importance of preserving local history through storytelling. The speakers highlight the potential of using AI to enhance storytelling and the significance of crowdsourcing community stories to connect the past with the present.takeawaysThe Bridgeton Beacon now has multiple fundraising channels to support its initiatives.Engaging the community through memory projects can foster local connections.Preserving local history is essential for future generations.Every individual's story is valuable and worthy of preservation.Utilizing technology can enhance the storytelling process.Crowdsourcing stories can help build a richer community narrative.The legacy of influential figures like Paul Hunsberger is crucial to local history.AI can assist in organizing and presenting community stories effectively.Community contributions should directly support local content production.Encouraging feedback from the community can guide future projects.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bridgeton Beacon's Initiatives02:18 Fundraising Channels and Community Engagement04:25 Memory Podcasts: Preserving Local History07:20 The Importance of Oral History10:00 Community Contributions and Nonprofit Goals12:38 Facilitating Conversations Across Generations15:24 Leveraging AI for Engaging Interviews19:19 Exploring Creative Questions for Engagement21:50 Innovative Ideas for Memory Preservation24:18 The Hunsberger Project: A Legacy of Stories29:48 Building a Digital Archive of Memories35:23 Connecting Past, Present, and Future Stories

17 Feb 7min