NJ Discover will be filming Uncle Vinny’s Comedy Club TV  segment !

Stay Tuned!

The town of “Pink” Bank celebrated its annual Paint the Town Pink mission May 2012. In Red Bank, Riverview Medical Center’s team of volunteers began this fun and creative way to deliver the message to all women: “early detection is a woman’s best defense against breast cancer.”  Their goal: “to encourage women in our community, aged 40 and older, to have their annual mammogram; to raise money to provide underserved women in our community; and to make a difference in the lives of women in our community.”

The idea is for the entire town and neighborhood to show their support for the fight against breast cancer by displaying as much PINK as possible!

This year the theme is Men In Pink and the volunteers searched for men who have had breast cancer impact their lives.

In Pink Bank, on Monday night NJ Discover Team attended “An Unplanned Plan: An Evening with Bill Rancic” at the Count Basie Theatre. The reality television star, Bill Rancic, was the first to win The Apprentice and is also married to E! News co-host Guiliana Rancic. For the very first time he talked publicly about his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Bill met Guiliana after she interviewed him for E! News. They immediately hit it off and soon began dating. His love for Guiliana was apparent, and the fact that he adores her was visible in every story he shared about their life. Also apparent was his devastation on the diagnosis and the battle she had to endure.

Bill Rancic spoke to the audience with the intention of inspiring and empowering the “caretakers”. The very people who spend each day standing by the women they love who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

He spoke about life being a journey of experiences…Challenging us not to focus on the final destination, but to enjoy each stop along the way. Like a train stopping at a station, each stop being unique and new…Reminding us that each station needs to be enjoyed, and embraced…Encouraging us to live for the moment.

Bill talked about the caretaker, and how it is necessary to take on many roles: comforter, iron-man, comedian, sounding board, empowerment speaker and medical research investigator. Finding the right role to play that will generate the most strength can change at a moments notice.

Bill and Guiliana are optimistic and focused. They wake each morning and thank God for each new day and are grateful for each new experience and journey they are presented with. Surely it is evident that they are blessed because Guiliana is pregnant with their first child.

“Pink Bank” has inspired many more towns to join forces in the Paint The Town Pink mission: Atlantic Highlands=Atlantic Pinklands, Little Silver=Little Pink, Monmouth Beach=Pink Beach, Shrewsbury=Pinkbury, Fair Haven=Pink Haven, Holmdel=Pinkdel, Rumson=Pinkson.

Maybe next year we will see Marlboro=Pinkboro, Freehold=Pinkhold, Old Bridge=Pink Bridge and Manalapan=Manalapink and more!

Submitted by Tara-Jean Vitale

DANNY WHITE:  From Belmar to the National Stage:

Danny White has managed to steer his musical craft past the dangers of second guessing musical trends, sidestepping unimaginative pop mentality and laying down original rock and roll with smart intuition and sound.

DANNY WHITE:  From Belmar to the National Stage: NJ Discover Featured Musician. by Cal Schwartz

Through the magic of Facebook, I found Danny White late last summer and as synchronicity would have it, our concentric circles of commonality overlapped. I eventually listened to Danny’s music from his new CD, “A Beautiful Crazy.” And I liked it a lot. Then a luminescent light bulb: why doesn’t NJ Discover TV, which is omnipresent all over Monmouth County, begin to devote energies to musicians and artists in a featured format?

A month ago, Danny and I hung out in Belmar, found a place for fresh sweetened caffeine beverages on Main Street and talked an afternoon away. A wall in his music studio in Belmar is a bit of a who’s who in music. Two weeks later NJ Discover TV hooked up with Danny at a CD launch gig at the Saint in Asbury Park. And here is the video history! Enjoy!

DANNY WHITE:  Bio

In an ever-changing industry, steadfast vision can sometimes take a back seat to flavor of the month style. New Jersey artist Danny White has managed to steer his musical craft past the dangers of second guessing musical trends, sidestepping unimaginative pop mentality and laying down original rock and roll with smart intuition and sound.

Danny White is a consummate songwriter and has experienced much when it comes to interaction with the best in the music industry. White has shared the stage with such luminaries as Bruce Springsteen, Journey, North Mississippi All Stars, Pete Yorn, Foreigner, Live, Guster, Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse, John Mellencamp, Andy Summers of The Police, The Avett Brothers and so many other well-known artists. Whether touring as a solo act or with a full band, Danny White maintains an enthusiastic and fresh sound for listeners everywhere.

White’s immediately likeable sound has helped make him the artist to watch in the television and recording industry today. White’s compositions, “You Got A Good Thing Going” and “Ooh Yeah” have been used on at least two different MTV shows including The Road Home & Making The Tour. Danny White’s new song “Prisoners Of Hope” (from his latest CD titled, A Beautiful Crazy) is featured in the film Just Around The Corner. He also has an original song “Holiday Home” featured in Hwy 50 film’s Nothing For Christmas. Danny has been featured in numerous prestigious publications including The New York Times, Billboard Magazine, Philadelphia Inquirer and many others.

White’s ongoing success is also based in his ability to give back as much as possible. An active alumnus of The Light Of Day Foundation to fight Parkinson’s disease, White is also active with Musicians On Call, a music therapy program where artists play for children at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in NYC. He was the first musician to begin the program and to play for children at the hospital. He has also donated stage time for The Food Banks of Monmouth & Ocean Counties of N.J. and Manna House, a home for abused young mothers.

Danny White’s latest CD is titled, A Beautiful Crazy and was co-produced and mixed by C.J. Eiriksson (U2, Incubus, Phish, Live, Matchbox 20) as well as Mike Wanchic, John Mellencamp’s longtime guitarist & co-producer (who has also produced Bob Dylan, Black Crowes, Dave Matthews) Mellencamp’s band also backed White on some the CD tracks.

Other material has been produced & mixed by Shelly Yakus. A legend in the industry who has mixed and or engineered on John Lennon’s Imagine & Walls & Bridges, Music From Big Pink by The Band, Tom Petty & U2.

Fresh, Americana based rock and roll is what Danny White brings to the table on this latest and immediately likeable disc. For further information on Danny White and his latest CD A Beautiful Crazy, please go to www.facebook.com/dannywhitemusic or www.reverbnation.com/dannywhite

NJ Discover at 2^nd Annual Dog Day Afternoon. Marlboro NJ   by Calvin Schwartz

Saturday early afternoon was cool and overcast with rain threatening. Back in October, The 2nd Annual Dog Day Afternoon
was scheduled but a rainout and winter shifted the date. Canine and people support today was impressive; the event was held at Marlboro Township Recreation Center Dog Park and all for a wonderful cause: in honor of the late Mark Eric Levine who always wanted a dog. Donations received benefits the Ashley Lauren Foundation; ‘Hope and Help for Children with Cancer.’ For more information: http://ashleylaurenfoundation.org/events

Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik officially welcomed the assembled and then segues to the first event of the day, a dog trick contest. Several human booths were operated by animal related vendors. A representative of ‘Rose’s Fund’ illuminated us. “No one should ever have to choose between medical care and euthanizing their pet.” Rose’s Fund was created so this painful decision never has to be made. The fund reaches out to families of pets with medical problems that they can’t afford to pay for and provides funding. In their four years, they’ve helped 200 families.  Please check their website: www.rosesfund.org

We were able to get several photo-ops with the canine contingents who were mostly in motion or hanging out the water bar. It was a major fun event and no rain.

Calvin Schwartz  5-5-12

The Jersey Acoustic Music Awards on April 29th honored original artists who tirelessly perform around the state at small venues like coffeehouses. To prepare, on the Friday before the awards, I went to Point Pleasant’s Green Planet Coffeehouse to see Alexandra Inglis, a sixteen year old nominee for ‘Top 18 and Under Performer’ and was, as they say, ‘blown away’ by her voice and lyrics. During the awards program intermission, I interviewed Alexandra, who later won the award. “My mom and dad have been my greatest inspiration and support.” And she’d probably go home and listen to John Mayer.

As the hall filled it became evident to this first time Acoustic awards attendee that most everyone knew one another in this special community of Jersey Acoustic Music. Standing room only was quick. Eloquent Anton Daub, prolific in the world of hosting open mike night at Espresso Joe’s in Keyport was the MC and stressed the night was more about getting recognition from fellow musicians which convinced this was more of a family affair evening of amazing musician.

A wondrous array of singers performed in the round throughout the program in between awards. Jo Wymer’s singing ‘dazzled.’ She liked my one word description of her then went on to win Top Female Performer. Being a vintage folkie myself from the sixties, I carefully watched the category for Top Folk Act which was won by the husband and wife team of Keith and Shelli Aarden Monacchio. Shelli remembered my coming to see her last August at the SandWitch on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. Emily Grove won Top Female Vocalist and perhaps was taken back when I mentioned writing about her talent in my blog nearly two years ago, after seeing her sing at Asbury Park’s Clearwater Festival; comments still archived in my blog.

I’m beginning to think like an old ‘Beach Boys’ song, “I Get Around.’ A few weeks ago, I journeyed to the Strand Theatre for a Backstage event and saw Cat Cosentino sing. This night she won for Top Pop/Rock and deservedly so. Back to the intermission; I also got a chance to talk to Lo Kloza nominated for Top Female Vocalist and Top New Act. Exuberant and excited, she mentioned her much anticipated CD release party at ‘Downtown’ in Red Bank on June 20^th.  This is her first album and she dreams of going on tour. With Jon Caspi’s ‘the little ones’ I was noticeably moved by his song of children in the African war zones being kidnapped and made into soldiers. Right out of sixties protestation, I was really at home. As the night evolved, so I did as an absorber of such incredible talent. When intermission ended, it hit me; I wondered what folks do in Billings, Montana or near the Bridges of Madison County, Iowa, when they can sing but don’t have an Asbury Park, a musical mecca nearby. Kevin John Allen, nominated for Top Male Songwriter, performed the final song with an emotional moving twist. He brought a number of singers together in a choir like mode to sing, ‘Jesus Could You Call Me’ from his new CD ‘Life’s Lonely Rodeo.’  Sounds of silence filled the hall while they sang. For me it was a powerful ‘wow.’

Special thanks to Espresso Joe in Keyport’s Kishore who guided me through my first awards ceremony. I remain innervated and fully emoted over a magical evening of music and community which has fueled the blossoming of these words and the foundation of my future involvements with Acoustics. For more information on the criteria of the awards please go to: http://www.jamawards.org/home

For those interested, more of my writings and words can be found at my global cerebral blog at

http://vichywater.net/blog

Calvin Schwartz  May 4^th 2012

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A week or so prior to Marc Ribler and Friends, A Singer Songwriter/Classic Rock Tribute Night, appearing at McCloone’s in Asbury Park on Wednesday April 25th instead of the usual Tuesdays, I met Marc on Facebook of all places and we did the friending thing. I also asked to officially report and film his concert for NJ Discover TV. The digital age produces rapidity in response time and in the actual bonding (friending) processes. The next night we morphed from Facebook to cell phone and in our live voice communication phase, we discovered concentric circles of commonality; from ancestral homelands, spirituality, parallel universes, Ray Kurzweil and Singularity and Bob Dylan, who was one of the artists they were doing a tribute to on Wednesday. A special jetty at Belmar’s Shark River waits for a future communicative phase.

Marc is a singer songwriter, guitarist and a producer. Being a consummate groupie, I knew he sang with Carole King and Roger McGuinn and opened for Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, James Taylor and Sly and the Family Stone to name a few.Wednesday’s concert was billed as a tribute to Dylan, The Band and honoring the life of Levon Helm. Communicative chemistry is wonderful.  In addition to Marc Ribler’s amazing musical gifts, he exudes genuineness, warmth and a feeling you’ve known him all along; we finally met live without Memorex an hour before the concert. The venue at Mc Cloone’s overlooking Asbury Park’s ocean and Convention Hall from high on the second floor is purist perfect for my music absorption and appreciation. When lights later bathed Convention Hall, just beyond the rear window, in multi colors, a warm ethereal feeling evolves; maybe it’s the subliminal of a ‘working class’ rock star and son of Asbury Park’s first album scene.

Appearing with Marc this night were Jeff Kazee, John Conte and Lee Finkelstein. But in the air ducts, were particulates of notions of more of Marc’s surprise friends showing up. Suddenly Southside Johnny was on stage as one of Marc’s friends. I was just four feet and a few inches away from the stage and I was beginning to feel this heavenly notion that would sense surround me the rest of the night and take a time-released form for weeks to come. Earlier it was ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’ and I pinched my arm (I really do that for a reality check). Along came Glen Burtnik and the piece of heaven deal was sealed. A recurring theme for me as I discover: damn, how can anyone miss the talented magical concerts that Marc brings on Tuesdays; perhaps folks have powerful umbilical ties to their old 1960’s Castro convertible pull-out sofa. What I was hearing was such a gift. Then more ‘pieces of heaven’: ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door.’ And ‘The Mighty Quinn.’  Hearing ‘The Weight’ which was so powerful, it reminded me once again that after seeing ‘Easy Rider’ in 1969 and hearing that song, I was afraid to even travel to South Jersey. All renditions sublime this heavenly night.

To complete my “little piece of heaven” journeyed experience was the auditory absorption of a few of Marc’s original songs.  He’s a songwriter, I said to myself . So when his lyrical originality flowed like an ornate fountain in front of a columned forum of collectivism, I was  innervated and moved. Movement continues into this writing. I’m  going to continue to explore Marc’s original music. And as they say in my journalistic profession; update at eleven, one day, down this incredible pastel yellow brick road I’ve found.

The rest of Marc’s friends sealed my piece of heaven: Marc Muller, Rosemary Conte, Tom Bowes, Paul Avrutin, Jake Nozek, Mary McCrink, Kristian Rex and Tony Pallagrosi whom it seems, I bump into several times a week.  Mary McCrink; her magical voice gave up, perhaps the best version of ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ ever for me. In the finale, with all the friends singing ‘Any Day Now;’ it was easy to feel/see a special love and magic on stage. Replete with emotion, I borrowed Marc briefly after the concert and thanked him for providing “this little piece of heaven.” Rarified ethereal sound pieces in this crazy world, I thought. I also thought about finding ways to yell to folks to lose sedentary sofa sitting and come to the musical Asbury boardwalk on Tuesday evenings; like I guess I’m yelling now.

Cal Schwartz   May 4th 2012

An intermittent rain added to the solemnity of the occasion and the history of the soil we were standing on. EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck along with project Manager Farnaz Saghafi, Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik, Congressman Frank Pallone and Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry assembled under a small white tent with mostly media present to announce the completion of a $50 million contaminated soil cleanup. This Superfund site at Imperial Oil in Morganville (Marlboro) was one of the most polluted in all of America. – On arriving, I did mention to several EPA officials that I attended the very first Earth Day on April 22nd 1970. So these events mean something personal. I wasn’t surprised to learn that New Jersey has the most Superfund sites in all of America.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wV_-A8Ue3EU

Industrial operations began in 1912 on this site, so I pointed out to the assembled this is the 100th anniversary. I can only wonder why, in the most densely populated state, they allowed an oil reclamation facility to operate from 1950 to 1969 removing metals and PCBs from waste oil. Another company operated on this site and made arsenic pesticides. The poor soil and underground water; an awful lot of it was excavated and disposed of in the cleanup beginning in 2004.

Superfund was established in 1980 to address the country’s most hazardous waste sites. The program was enacted in the wake of Love Canal and its toxic waste dumps back in the 1970’s. Tara-Jean Vitale and I represented NJ Discover TV. At the conclusion, as dignitaries sought car shelter from a hard rain, Farnaz Saghafi accompanied us on a tour of the grounds; the new top soil brought in, a myriad of varieties of newly planted grasses and trees, a pond fed by a nearby stream, sand pits where the newest residents of the site now live; turtles (not teenage nor mutant as the site is clean and constantly monitored by the EPA), a couple of geese surveying new digs and in the distance just beyond a fence, a new bike path( for humans) just beyond the “No Trespassing” sign. I asked Farnaz about the pond, pretending I was in the desert and it was the only water around. “Could I drink that water now?” “If you like muddy water, you can,” she answered scientifically, with an advanced degree in chemical engineering.

Earlier I asked Mayor Hornik about his recollections of this toxic site. “I was 13 and here with my father who was mayor and this place really scared me.” He smiled broadly and proudly throughout the press conference. When I greeted Congressman Pallone, I reminded him about our past meetings at the environmental Clearwater Festival in Asbury Park the last few summers. Consistency is a desired quality for a Congressman; he is a great supporter of environmental causes. During his comments, he mentioned Superfund losing dollars to the causes of funding jobs for Americans during this recession. Eloquently he said, “Superfund cleanup actually provides a lot of jobs, so it’s a misconception.”

Finally it was announced that the land here is for sale. Part of the sale proceeds goes back to the federal government and Marlboro Township. I stared at the landscape and wondered if I could get a good deal on the property with all I know now.                                        –           Calvin Schwartz  May 2nd 2012

Submitted by Girl Scout Leader Sandy Buccine & Senior Troop 1795

“This was our 3rd year working with Jeff Weiss and the Shade Tree Committee, and we feel each year it gets Bigger and Better!

“It all started when we asked our retired GS leader Pat Ondar, part of the Shade Tree Committee, if we could sit in on a meeting to fulfill a requirement in the “Breathe Journey”. Our girls became inspired and asked if we could assist, as well as Participate in Arbor Day.”

“We make the activity booklet, posters, and assist with the set up and planting of trees. Everyone on the committee is so appreciative and kind, we feel blessed that they welcome us back year after year!”

“If you look closely, you can see that our tree was made completely out of recycled materials. The trunk is an old brown paper bag, and the leaves were cut out of colorful old magazines. The grass consists of last year’s activity booklets. Troop 1795 wanted to send the message that … Recycling is a good thing, and when we recycle, we help save trees.”

“Thank you Mr. Jeff Weiss, the entire Shade Tree Committee, and Mayor John Hornik for making this special day possible, and making Marlboro a Peaceful and Beautiful town I’m Proud to live in!”

For this central Jersey writer, novelist, reporter, the notion of sitting in for a live global broadcast with  accomplished radio disc jockey (Rock N Tommy) was particularly thrilling; this was my first time in a radio station. I brought my NJ Discover TV camera to record for posterity.

Tommy  has been doing radio since 2001, firstly on a station called Top Shelf Oldies then briefly at WRBG in Delaware. Of course he loves music and sharing that love. Funny, within the first few minutes of being there and listening to him, I closed my eyes and was transported into the movie ‘American Graffiti’ when Richard Dreyfus (Curt) meets the famed disc jockey ‘Wolfman Jack’ in that famous ‘Popsicle’ scene at the radio station. I told Tommy thinking and feeling this was the highest compliment I could give him. Then he actually offered me a ‘Popsicle.’ Talk about back to the future.

He started his own station www.njkewl98.com  four years ago which has grown dramatically. He’s interviewed many artists ranging from the ‘Dixie Cups’ to BJ Thomas. Another love for Tommy is playing local and rising talent’s original music. He devotes a lot of energy into promoting local talent and plays original  music on his stream and mentioned if any local talent is interested, they can send  a CD by contacting  Rock N Tommy at  tommy@rocknoldies98.com

The following Sunday, I sat glued listening to Tommy for three hours on his oldies show; I just love being magic carpeted back to the malt shop memory days which his impeccable music selections did to me. Also fun was the musical chat room with world -wide listeners, although being somewhat shy, I mostly lurked. Hey, I’m a Jersey guy.   Tommy on Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/rockntommy )  www.njkewl98.com

Tommy’s  programs on the station is Rock N Tommy Live Wed nights, Rock N Oldies Spot Saturday Nights and Malt Shope Of Memories Sunday Nights.  Other programs to check out are Mike Bollea’s Jukebox Party, BJ’s Soul Shack, and Tea Time with Paul Anthony.

When I left,  I hit Tommy with one of my better Arnold Schwarznegger impersonations, “I’ll be back.” I need oldies for my vascular cerebral circulation. This was a great night.

On April 22, 2012, in Marlboro, NJ, thousands of supporters attended the STOMP The Monster™ 5K Run & Festival.

Stomp the Monster, Founded by Seth Grumet, provides financial and daily needed support to cancer patients, their families, and caregivers when they need it most – during their fight with the  disease.

Whipping winds and chilly rain could not prevent the thousands of dedicated and generous supporters from attending the annual event held at Marlboro’s Recreation Center. The official USATF Offical event run gave many the opportunity to show their support for the New Jersey Not-for-profit Corporation, STOMP The Monster™ , which is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization.

Many arrived prepared to “Stomp” for their sister or their Father who is battling Cancer. Others came to “Stomp” for those loved ones who lost their battle. Still others came to celebrate their survival. Every one who attended can be sure their monies go directly toward helping the families of those who need it most.

With an committed volunteer staff and dedicated Board of Directors, Seth Grumet’s vision of helping, providing and supporting struggling cancer patients and their families has become a reality.

Congratulations to everyone who attended and who helped create such a poignant day!

The days events included: