A SPECIAL HOLIDAY PREVIEW:  The STRAND Theater 94^th Gala December 14^th AND My Day at The STRAND  by Calvin Schwartz   December 3^rd 2016

This article becomes one of those combination platter journalistic efforts, previewing the upcoming 94^th  Gala and delving into the inner workings and people behind the scenes at The Strand as well as reporting on my day exploring the sacred depths and heights of the theater, built in 1922.  I’ve said often, over the past five years, how much I love this theater, replete with that unique, rare, precious art deco ambiance. It was designed to be a Broadway theater because Lakewood back in the 1920’s and 30’s was a vacation destination and the thinking was to bring Broadway shows here, akin to previewing them. I’ve been to many shows and events at The Strand. The acoustics are magical; you can sit anywhere and it’s as if you’re sitting right up front.

Although I’ve been at The Strand often, as a reporter, I’ve never really sat down with the people that bring it to life nor have I gone to those depths in the pit below the orchestra where the music emanates from nor have I attempted to climb the multi-story ladder backstage to change ceiling light bulbs seemingly close to the clouds. Somebody in real life has to do it. I arrived at high noon on Tuesday November 22^nd

It was an old fashioned entry. I rang the street bell and was ushered in by Lori Davis, part of the team of programming energy, creativity and daily mechanics which brings life to the theater. Moments later, I was greeted by Fran Whitney, who’s also on that life line team. One of these days, I’ll write an article called “Women of The Strand” and include Dina Warren who also is part of the theater’s resurgence. Jesse Warren, account manager, walked with me up the front grand stair case. I could hear Annie singing at the top of the stairs. On December 2^nd and 3^rd, they’re staging ‘It’s A Wonderful Life.’  So my hero, George Bailey might also be waiting for me at the top.

Jesse and I sat in a second floor office, overlooking Lakewood’s main street. He’s always this young enthusiastic persona.  We talked 94^th Gala, and the amazing musical line-up for that night and other matters of greasepaint and roars. He thanked theater management, Scott MacFadden, Glen Harrison and Ray Coles for all their support.  Next, he phoned home, actually downstairs, to Chris Everett (absolutely not related to the former tennis player), and summoned him into the interview. Chris is the tech head, Jack of All Trades, the guy who makes people fly and who puts scenery and imagination into production. “This place would not be what it is. He brings this place to life,” Jesse added.

Chris told me, “We make shows happen. Caitlyn Nelson is our assistant. Emily Lovell is our house lighting designer. She puts on a harness, climbs to the ceiling, drops down and hooks to a cage. That’s how lights focus in every show.” Later they showed me the ladder at the rear of the balcony which leads into the ceiling and how she crawls into position. Did I want to climb up and be a good journalist and take some pictures?  “I’m always a good journalist, but a safe one with my two feet anchored firmly at ground level,” I softly responded.

Chris continued, “Tom Frayley does House Audio and Gianni Scalise is the flyman and rigger and positive vibe technician. He climbs a five story ladder and hangs out on a steel catwalk.”  Chris explained how this crew does the work of ten people. Adding to Chris’ all around versatility is the fact that in the production of ‘Beauty and The Beast’ he played a part.

My education of theater 101 behind the scenes continued. The crew has to learn everything before a production. Lighting and sound cues. They have five days to learn it all. That means 22-hour work days. “When it’s a musical production, we live for a week and a half here,” Chris proudly stated. He also reminded me that the technical director(himself) is also the house carpenter. His company is called Sound Foundation Productions.com.

Next was the inner sanctum walking tour to the basement level. Of course I flicked on the lights of the dressing rooms with all those light bulbs watching you put on make up. Imagination was quick to help me with my ‘Frankenstein’ make-up. Yes, I auditioned once when Reagan was President for that part.  An obscure doorway led to the orchestra pit and another small one led underneath the theater itself. It was a crawl space and I don’t crawl anymore. Gianni filled my sensibilities with lore of the theater; stories and legends of its rich history. Early on, a drug store occupied the area where the gallery is located now.   And we’ll leave it at that.  Back upstairs, Emily and Caitlyn were figuring out how to get the box of fluorescent light bulbs up to the clouds above to change the dim bulbs to new bright ones. When I stared up, I had to hold on to the wall for support.

It was time for Jesse to share info about the 94^th Gala which he’s been diligently working on. Big RoaD Productions would be responsible for the best musical line-up they’ve ever had including The Big Road All Star Band. This would be my third Gala attended. And as I do often at the conclusion of my emotional pieces, I exhort readers to get off their sedentary sofa and come on down to The Strand on December 14^th for a very special night. It really is.  Come for the Holiday Music and even the Dinner. Your choice. Here now the specifics of the night.

Wednesday December 14th Join BIG RoaD at The Strand Theater for “A VERY BIG RoaD Christmas” GALA NIGHT AT The Strand Theater!

The Strand Theater is proud to HONOR:

Thomas Jannarone, Owner Bar Anticipation/Attorney

Franke Previte, Academy Award Winning Composer (“Dirty Dancing”)

Steven Levine, Owner, WindMill Restuarants

Michael D’Elia, Committeemen, Lakewood Township

PERFORMING ARE : Bobby Bandiera, Lisa Sherman, Franke Previte, Jillian Rhys McCoy, Eddie Testa, Jobonanno, Joe Ferraro, Jt Bowen, Tommy Byrne

Band is: Ralph Notaro, Vinny Daniele, Joe Bellia, Arne Wendt, Tony Perruso, Bob Ferrel, Tommy Labella

Get your tickets now “A VERY BIG RoaD Christmas” GALA NIGHT AT The Strand Theater!

The Strand Theater

400 Clifton Ave

Lakewood, New Jersey

Tel: (732) 367-7789

Web: http://www.strand.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrandNJ

Produced and Presented by:

Terry Camp and Jesse James Warren for BIG RoaD

If you have any questions please feel free to call Jesse Warren at 732-367-7789, ext.204 or by email at jesse@strand.org.

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/105488179931786/

“A VERY BIG RoaD CHRISTMAS” GALA NIGHT AT THE STRAND THEATER!

The Strand Theater presents its 94th Anniversary Gala with “A Very BIG RoaD Christmas!” on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 – A night to celebrate this historic venue and enjoy lively holiday tunes with The BIG RoaD All-Star (Big) Band.

Tickets are $25.00 and doors open at 7:00 p.m. for the 8:00 p.m. show. Guests are also welcome for The Strand’s Gala Dinner and Cocktail Party at 6:00 p.m. – for which tickets are $100.00 (which includes an orchestra seat ticket).

The BIG RoaD All-Star Band is Mark Leimbach, Ralph Notaro, Joe Bellia, Vinny Daniele, Arne Wendt, Tony Perruso, Tommy Labella, and Bobby Ferrel. Vocals by Bobby Bandiera, JT Bowen, Franke Previte, Lisa Sherman, Jillian Rhys McCoy, Eddie Testa,Jo Boanno, Killer Joe and more!

The historic STRAND THEATER, a non-profit 501(c)3, is Ocean County’s premier entertainment venue. THE STRAND opened its doors in 1922 and it shines as brightly today as it did then. Located in historic downtown Lakewood, THE STRAND is easily accessible and offers a wide variety of live entertainment including concerts, dance, musicals, & theater, comic performances, and arts education.

Strand Gala Information- The Board of Directors of the Strand Center for the Arts are pleased to announce the celebration of the theater’s 94th Anniversary. We cordially invite you to join us for our Gala and Holiday Celebration on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. The Gala will begin in the Strand Gallery at 6pm followed by a live performance on our main stage at 8pm. Several area restaurants will be serving their signature dishes and cocktails will also be served.

SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: “COMEDY at THE HEADLINER” Neptune NJ November 12th    by Calvin Schwartz 

I continue to marvel at the exigencies of the universe with respect to synchronicity and commonality with fellow earth travelers. Three years ago, I bumped into Matt Swartz, energetic matrix behind Comedy Coach Productions, at a shore networking event. The meeting was perfunctory, pleasant, brief and seemingly permanently concluded with an exchange of business cards. Then, a few weeks ago, those aforementioned forces extant at Facebook, brought Matt and I together again; this time, with purpose and vision. Part of the forces were Matt’s comedic affiliations and pursuits. I love, love comedy. I need to laugh more than extemporaneously. Through the process of information gathering (not lurking) I discovered (I do write  for NJ Discover) that Matt is also a long time educator in Newark’s Public Schools. I am a product of Newark schools. The synchronicity deepens.

Lately, I’ve written about education and the future of planet earth so I am drawn to an educator’s aura. Matt and I met last week at the juncture of two Monmouth County roads for coffee and absolutely no donuts. I was keenly interested in his role as teacher, educator and track and field coach in Newark. And I was just as captivated with Matt’s comedic journey which began with his amazing comedian father Danny, who worked the Catskills and traveled around the country.

Finally, Matt told me about the special comedy show series he’s producing, “Comedy at The Headliner” which opens November 12^th. I was “sold” immediately. It features well known comedians Peaches Rodriguez, Mike Spade(also magician) and is hosted by the hilarious Dave Lester. It’s a fun night in Neptune on Route 35 at The Headliner along the banks of the Shark River, my favorite river on earth. I love to laugh and we’ll do plenty of that on November 12^th. So get off the sedentary sofa and come on down to the Jersey Shore.                        Calvin

Schwartz

FOR TICKETS CALL: Matt @ 732-397-4848 or Syasia at (848) 667-6338

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE:   https://www.facebook.com/events/1761886257406942/

The Legendary HEADLINER, the Shore’s Number 1 Night Club, along with Comedy Coach Productions presents the Shore’s newest, and hottest monthly Comedy Show starting Nov. 12th! Other dates to follow are December 10th, January 14th, and February 11th.

Doors open at 7 pm, Show starts at 8pm, and then when the show is over, dance and enjoy the rest of your evening with one of the shore’s best DJs. Nationally known comics from all over will be hitting the stage to bring the LOL. Comics from HBO, BET, TV, Movies, will be appearing each month.

Ticket price (only $20) to include admission to the show and all night to the Headliner. Plus, your first drink (wine, beer, or soda) is covered in your admission price. There will be food and drink specials all night!

More details to follow, but if you have any questions contact Matt Swartz at 732-397-4848.

PEACHES RODRIGUEZ:

Peaches is a Latina Diva of Comedy, who is a nationally touring comic, and a regular in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. She has appeared on CBS Paula Abdul Show, opened for Arsenio Hall at Caesars in Atlantic City, has performed at the world famous Apollo Theater and spoke at Yale University’s “Women in Comedy” panel last February.  Peaches is a veteran comic who is respected by her peers and all audiences she has performed for. She is a firecracker guaranteed to make the crowd explode with laughter.

MIKE SPADE:

A lifelong “Jersey Boy”, born and raised in Essex County, Mike has been entertaining audiences throughout the country for years, performing in comedy clubs, colleges, private parties, corporate events, and more.  He has been an opening act for Regis Philbin, Jeff Dunham, Chris Rock, Bon Jovi, and many others, including the entire cast of Celebrity Apprentice at their Season 12 finale. He consistently astounds audiences with his unrelenting energy and riotous Comedy-Magic. Mike’s show is filled with tons of amazing and hysterical routines.  With the perfect blend of Magic and Comedy, whether experiencing the sleight of hand artistry or the stand-up wizardry of Mike Spade, the audience will not believe their eyes! Cards, coins, and other objects vanish, re-appear, change colors, morph and materialize right before your very eyes!

MATT SWARTZ:

A lifelong public educator, and Head Varsity Track and Field Coach, Matthew formed Comedy Coach Productions in 2010, to bring Professional Comedy to the shore! His first show starred the legendary comedian HAMBURGER in Asbury Park. Matt has produced shows in Asbury Park, Ocean Township, Neptune, Brick, West Long Branch, and then expanded into Sayreville, Perth Amboy, and Newark. He has used his business to raise tens of thousands of dollars for College Teams, High School Teams, Breast Cancer Awareness, Autism, Little League Baseball, and most recently provide the entertainment for the Neptune Township Mayors Charity Ball that raised $20,000 for the Neptune Public Library.

Currently, Comedy Coach Productions has agreed to do four shows at the Shores Premiere Club, The Headliner, located on 1401 Route 35 in Neptune. The Jersey Shore’s hottest nightclub, The Headliner, is “High-Energy,” all the time. It is considered a favorite by locals and visitors alike due to its stellar entertainment lineup, close proximity to the Shore, and great hospitality. The Headliner is designed purely with the total entertainment experience in mind. You can have a drink, party with friends, get down on the dance floor, or grab a bite. Comedy Coach Production has joined forces with the Headliner to provide the Shore’s Best Monthly Comedy Show, featuring only A List Comedians.

FOR TICKETS CALL: Matt @ 732-397-4848 or Syasia at (848) 667-6338

SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: Lisa Sherman, ‘Broadway and Beyond’ with Kristin Cochran and Academy Award Winner Frank Previte. McCloone’s Supper Club  Nov 25^th 2016     by Calvin Schwartz  10-26-16

In the world of central Jersey music, there are a proliferate number of shows/concerts/tributes. Every so often, an upcoming show strikes that chord of promulgation and dissemination. Actually, any show with the extraordinary songstress/diva Lisa Sherman needs mention. Franke Previte, Academy Award winner adds to the special ambiance; as does singer Kristin Cochran. McCloone’s by the Atlantic in Asbury Park equals more ambiance. Then the magic of the holiday season and the day after Thanksgiving. The show is called ‘Broadway and Beyond’ and brought you by Boyd and Previte. Maybe get your tickets early.  Happy Halloween and Happy Thanksgiving.   Calvin Schwartz

The Evolution of October 17^th Show,  “NEO-LATINO ARTISTS COME TO NJ DISCOVER LIVE TV”  TUNE IN  8 PM.  Monday October 17th   Hint: “NOT to be Missed. Hugely RELEVANT”    by Calvin Schwartz  October 9, 2016

TUNE IN MONDAY OCTOBER 17^th  njdiscover.com  8 PM to 9 PM with your hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz

ALSO SEEN on YOU TUBE TV, LONG BRANCH COMMUNITY ACCESS TV CHANNEL 20, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY TV, MONMOUTH COUNTY CABLEVISION CHANNEL 77, MONMOUTH COUNTY FIOS CHANNEL 44

Evolution means how it came about. With our upcoming special Neo-Latino artist themed show, it was a few blinks of an eye, a gaze to a painting on a wall followed by a conversation with the curator, Monica Camin, of the exhibit Neo-Latino: Critical Mass now showing at Monmouth Museum (Brookdale College) until November 6^th.

When I was at the Monmouth Museum researching emerging artist, Dion Hitchings, Laura Alexander, museum public relations, suggested I glance at the setting up of their new feature exhibit “Neo Latino: Critical Mass.”  As I walked into the exhibit, I first saw artist Ricardo Fonseca’s “An Act of Love-Trumpet.”  It was mesmerizing, relevant, cerebral and fascinating. I was captivated with all the art in the exhibit. Then I accepted an invitation to attend the opening reception on September 16^th.  I love saying, “the rest is history.”

Prior to the reception, I sat down, as an interviewing journalist, in the museum garden, for an hour, with four of the artists, Raul Villarreal, who coined the term ‘Neo-Latino,” Monica Camin, exhibit curator, Olga Bautista and Professor Jose Rodeiro. The collective of artists representing at this exhibit is ground-breaking. It was explained that 2016 is a crucial year for the Latino voice, especially in this year’s ‘relevant’ election.  The art in the exhibit is so expressive of the cultural and socio/political Latino experience. The artists featured have roots or ties to Argentina, Columbia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Portugal and Spain.

That light bulb of clarity, relevant and grasp suddenly went off in my vision. I’ve been on this mission to explore the exigencies of educating people. I was on that mountain top, seeing clearly, but not quite forever, and knew N J Discover could get involved in telling their story and exploring their art. The moment I suggested doing an NJ Discover TV LIVE TV Show, it was one of those simultaneous group moments of clarified vision. We all saw the light and possibilities to further bring awareness/ presence and voice of Latinos in the arts to mainstream. It’s a journey to education and understanding.

Come TUNE IN to the experience with a very special group of Latino artists on October 17^th 8 PM. Of note, I’ve mentioned the word, “relevant” often in this opening.

TUNE IN MONDAY OCTOBER 17^th  njdiscover.com  8 PM to 9 PM with your hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz

ALSO SEEN on YOU TUBE TV, LONG BRANCH COMMUNITY ACCESS TV CHANNEL 20, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY TV, MONMOUTH COUNTY CABLEVISION CHANNEL 77, MONMOUTH COUNTY FIOS CHANNEL 44

BIOS & RELEVANT INFORMATION ON APPEARING ARTIST GUESTS!!!

MONICA S. CAMIN

As an Argentine born, New Jersey and Texas-based artist, I experienced my upbringing in Latin America as a first generation Argentine. In the work presented here I examine my roots as the daughter of German-Jews who escaped the worst years of the Holocaust and found refuge in Argentina. The questions I explore in much of my work straddle the experiences of being brought up as the daughter of immigrants in Latin America and the experiences of personal immigration and identity in my adulthood as I emigrated to Israel and then the United States.

While the catalysts for the movement between countries differ vastly, the commonality that ensues is that the culture and communities that so strongly shape our identity and understanding of the world in which we live are uprooted, causing us to seek out and reinvent the stories that make us whole. I sift through my ancestral stories in order to connect to those roots that have been torn from their origins and to remember and pass on the stories of a living history whose survivors are aging.

DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTED ART: Between the years of 1976 and 1983, Argentina was governed by military rule steeped in austerity and cultural genocide. Leaders of the military dictatorship called this the “National Reorganization Process,” but the people called it “The Dirty War.”

During this time, the economy was in chaos, jobs were not available, poverty was growing, and human rights were ignored. Individuals who were considered a political or ideological threat to the military- largely young people fighting for social change- were abducted, imprisoned, tortured, and killed. One method of torture was called the “Flight of Death”- victims were injected with a fatal substance and thrown from an airplane.

30,000 people- known as los desaparecidos- disappeared during this war. An estimated 500 babies born in captivity were given up for adoption, and left with no real identity.

PERPETUALLY SETTLING DUST (EL REZO) is both a meditation on the repeated atrocities of state terrorism and a prayer for a different future.

The piece was created in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The embroidery of the names was a call to the community, a call which was responded to immediately by the young people in the community and by the relatives of the desaparecidos.

JOSE RODEIRO

Contact Info:  jrodeiro@aol.com    Relevant Websites:  http://www.duendeart.org/#!jose-rodeiro/c1x0m

http://www.rodeiro-art.com/

Jose Rodeiro was born in February, 1949 and was raised in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida.  Rodeiro’s ancestry is Cuban-American.  Rodeiro received his BA in Studio Art from the University of Tampa; and his M.F.A from the Pratt Institute in New York City (NY) and his Ph.D. from the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University, Athens (Ohio).  Rodeiro is a former Professor of Art and Art History and a former-Coordinator of Art History at New Jersey City University. Jersey City, NJ.  His academic/artistic awards include a Visual Artist’s Fellowship in Painting from the National Endowment for the Arts (1986-1987), a Fulbright Fellowship (as a Fulbright Scholar in Nicaragua) (1995), and a Cintas Fellowship in Painting (1982). Rodeiro has received major public art (mural) commissions from Tampa Arts Councils, Tampa, FL, and Maryland State Arts Council, Baltimore, MD.  He has lived and worked in Spain and Central America.  Nationally and internationally, he has exhibited in scores of acclaimed art exhibitions and his art is included within significant art museums, art institutions, and art collections.

DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTED ART: José Rodeiro.  “Picnic at Bath Beach.”     

Oil-on-canvas.   30” w  x  40”h.    2016.

ICONOLOGY:                                                                     

In early fall, 1890, during a friendly Bath Beach, Brooklyn, NY, excursion, José Martí entertained his goddaughter María Mantilla and her mother, Mrs. Carmen Miyares de Mantilla. Clearly visible, in the distance, are Admiral Giovanni da Verrazano’s “Narrows” (which were first discovered by the Florentine in 1524). However, because it was not completed until 1964, missing from the background’s calm Neo-Luminist seascape is the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.  Meanwhile in the forefront, all three figures and their picnic luncheon are shielded from Bath Beach’s sandy-dirt by a woven brown Dutch carpet, symbolizing Jan Rodrigues’s 1613 first Dutch settlement in the area, which became New Amsterdam (eventually New York City).   Held by Martí is the young child María Mantilla (a US-born citizen), who waves undersized Cuban and American flags that catch a brisk headwind, causing straw hats to be held tightly.  With a Masonic pin on his lapel, Martí sits on a portable metallic stool, dutifully embracing his goddaughter Maria Mantilla, who is the future mother of Cesar Romero Jr., the acclaimed Hollywood actor, who played the iconic DC Comics’ role of “The Joker” (from 1966-68) on the “Batman” television show.   Via Amnesis aesthetic theory, hiding behind a picnic basket, between two Cuban breads, a string-puppet of “The Joker” is held by Mrs. Carmen Miyares de Mantilla (the grandmother of Cesar Romero Jr. aka “The Joker”).  Carmen Miyares de Mantilla wears a lace mantilla, a visual-pun on her late-husband’s name: Manuel Mantilla, who had died in 1885.  Her mantilla is clasped by a cameo-broach depicting a white rose signifying Martí’s famous poem about friendship “Cultivo una rosa blanca.”

Around and in the picnic basket are typical Cuban foods as well as a bottle of dark Cuban rum. The mysterious and menacing Atlantic Ocean connects Bath Beach to Cuba, as does the blue rubber kickball on which Carmen Miyares de Mantilla rests her right-elbow, which contains a green geographical image of Cuba.

TUNE IN MONDAY OCTOBER 17^th  njdiscover.com  8 PM to 9 PM with your hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz

ALSO SEEN on YOU TUBE TV, LONG BRANCH COMMUNITY ACCESS TV CHANNEL 20, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY TV, MONMOUTH COUNTY CABLEVISION CHANNEL 77, MONMOUTH COUNTY FIOS CHANNEL 44

RICARDO FONSECA

Contact Info:  rick@ricardofonseca.com    www.RicardoFonseca.com

Ricardo Fonseca has been a graphic designer for more than 20 years. He earned his MFA from New Jersey City University (Jersey City, NJ) and his BFA from William Paterson University (Wayne, NJ). He has been a graphic/web designer and photographer at Kean University (Union, NJ) for more than 12 years. He received design awards from the Arts Directors Club of New Jersey (ADCNJ) in 2010, 2011 and 2012. As a freelancer, he provides artistic consulting and creative solutions in design, fine art and photography.

DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTED ART: RICARDO FONSECA   “GREEN CARD”  Digital Manipulation.

Green Card is an artwork that explores the topic of identity, and how that identity relates to the individual and mass society in the United States. The artwork is a reflection of this most precious legal document, which has been reproduced to a colossal size, and easily appropriated with the use of a smartphone camera, to be replicated effortlessly, infinitely, and in real time; and possibly shareable through very public means, such as social media. Each person that steps up to the mirror in Green Card, is actually reflecting back his or her own situation and journey. But, it’s also an artwork of empathy, perseverance, and opportunity.

OLGA MERCEDES BAUTISTA

Contact Info: http://www.olgamercedesbautista.com

.Colombian-American sculptor Olga Mercedes Bautista has been awarded several certificates of appreciation from the mayors of Newark, Jersey City and Perth Amboy. She worked for the city of Perth Amboy as a Founder-Director of the Perth Amboy Gallery, as a curator of art exhibitions, organizer of the Festival of the Andes and art shows in the city for which she was in charge in securing grants. After receiving a Master in Fine Arts Education from Kean University, she became an art teacher at the Perth Amboy Education Center. Bautista has held this position for the past 17 years. Currently she is candidate for a Fine Arts Master degree from New Jersey City University

REPRESENTED ART: OLGA MERCEDES  BAUTISTA  “EL DORADO PROJECT”

“More than 113,000 trees were damaged or destroyed in the state of New Jersey two years ago due to severe winds and waves from Hurricane Sandy. Small branches, roots, and leaves among other debris were found scattered around through out the coastal area. Once the storm strong winds dissipated, organic materials could be found all around. They were laying on the beach sand after all the devastation.

A Colombian-American artist got inspired to make good use of those organic materials which although detached from their roots by mother nature were still blending in their new environment. She would assure us that those organic materials continued their own transformational process long after. In her own sculptures the artist tried to bring about an acute sensibility to the nature of the materials with which she worked. She wanted to show each minimal detail as if viewed under a microscope. Respecting their natural forms as she blended them together to combine raw materials of a variety of sources.

The viewer may recognize patterns and compositional elements in a new familiar form. Her sculptures intent to generate an appreciation and respect for a natural balance of nature”

TUNE IN MONDAY OCTOBER 17^th  njdiscover.com  8 PM to 9 PM with your hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz

ALSO SEEN on YOU TUBE TV, LONG BRANCH COMMUNITY ACCESS TV CHANNEL 20, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY TV, MONMOUTH COUNTY CABLEVISION CHANNEL 77, MONMOUTH COUNTY FIOS CHANNEL 44

LISETTE MOREL

Dominican-American artist born 1974 in Manhattan, NY.

In October Ms. Morel will participate in “Raw Forms Forum” curated by Artist Dominique Duroseau, Newark Museum, Newark NJ and exhibit in the group show “Accumulating Experience” curated by Betty Jarvis, Newark NJ 2016. Currently her work is included in the Neo-Latino group exhibit ”Critical Mass” Monmouth Museum, NJ. This past summer, Ms. Morel was awarded the First Sustainable Arts Fellow Residency, Gallery Aferro, Newark, NJ, 2016 and participated in the “Perspectives3” exhibits and workshops at Nurture Nature Center Easton, PA. She also co performed “Run to Your Friend Until You Can’t Anymore” an endurance performance with performance artist Ayana Evans 2016. Ms. Morel exhibited in the “I Kan Do Dat” exhibit curated by Daniel Simmons and Oshune Layne, Skylight gallery Brooklyn, NY.  In 2012 /2013 she was invited by artist Gregory Coates of Fuse Art Infrastructure to participate in experimental installations in Allentown, PA.

Ms. Morel was awarded the Artist in Residence at Soho20 Chelsea Gallery, NY in 2012. She was also invited to participate in the Aljira Emerge10 Program and at El Museo del Barrio Fifth Biennial: The (S) Files. She is a recipient of the prestigious Joan Mitchell Foundation MFA Grant. Lisette Morel received her Master in Fine Arts at the Tyler School of Art, Temple University and her Bachelor of Arts at Rutgers University.

REPRESENTED ART: LISETTE MOREL “STILLNESS AND SILENCE HANDS HELD IN HE DEEP BLACK”

“This art is an opportunity to think about space and time…what would happen if I mixed certain materials together and experiment….Pieces have been chaotic…my response to the world…How I am as a female, supposed to be viewed, act, or taking a cue….It translates to a variety of surfaces……the use of limitations…….What happens if I push my body.”  Lisette Morel in an Interview at Opening Reception, Neo Latino: Critical Mass September 167, 2016

HUGO X BASTIDAS

I am a painter/digital artist working in New York City. I received a state scholarship to attend Rutgers University where I was awarded a bachelors degree. I completed my graduate studies in fine art at Hunter College in Manhattan. I received a Robert Smithson Scholarship to attend the Brooklyn Museum School of Art where I studied sculpture in between obtaining my degrees. I am a Fulbright Fellow, a recipient of numerous awards. The Nohra Haime Gallery in NYC has represented my paintings for fourteen years now and recently I have began to show my digital work at the Gallery Boreas in Brooklyn. My artwork is in numerous shows yearly throughout the world and is in public and private collections worldwide. And it has been widely written about frequently in magazines, newspapers and stock literature including for example The New York Times, Art in America and Nexus Art. I am an Associate Professor at New Jersey City University and a painting instructor at The Art                                                                                             Students League of New York.

Time to Redefine A Senior Citizen & Hold On To A Moment: A Continuing Journey to Jersey Centenarians               by Calvin Schwartz       September 27, 2016

I love; tiptoeing through the tulips, having a warm gust of wind carry me back to a red mountain top in Sedona, Arizona, and a synchronistic meeting in a parking lot five years ago that got me an invite to Emily Cook’s 102^nd Birthday Party. As an aspiring journalist for NJDiscover back then, I accepted that invitation. Who knew that it would help change the course of relevance and create a better awareness to passages and stages of life.

I went to Emily’s 102^nd party and her 103^rd and along the way became friends with her, visiting, sometimes randomly, but always managing to talk about her favorite President, Hoover. We didn’t see eye to eye on that. There was something precious about her; a living breathing Google trip back to the Depression. The foundation to seek out other Emily’s was secured. I began a series of interviews with other centenarians like the wondrous William Zimmerman, who told me about WWII, his Navy ship deployed at D-day and later in the Pacific theater. How vibrant and colorful their descriptions; how passionate and eager to contribute. How valuable their experience.

Deep inside my complicated cerebral cellular mechanisms, I began to focus on centenarians, senior citizens, assumptions, stereotypes and Charles Dickens’ Spirit of Christmas yet to be. Not yet a magnificent obsession, but this aging gig is on my mind. Yes, in 1965, I began taking my cocktail of between 40 and 60 supplements a day which I still do; some of which is designed to keep the cerebral faculties bristling with input and output.

There is a careful theme to this opening discussion. A few weeks ago, I spent the afternoon at one of the world’s largest social media companies. When finished, somewhat tongue and cheek, I remarked, “Eureka, there is no one over 30 here!” Not necessarily true, but ball park stuff.  I did write a two-page observation about what over 30 people could contribute. I also frequently reference the 1976 movie ‘Logan’s Run.’ In that world, no one over 30 is around. Your hand lights up when you hit that magic age and you are vaporized.

A few months ago, I got involved as a mentor of sorts to a young executive team (no one over 23) at PeduL (pedul.com), a brave new company/ world of crowdfunding college tuition. The involvement reason is that all my years of corporate world (mostly & wonderfully at Luxottica Group/eyewear) with its concentration on communicative (talking) pursuits which ultimately could open doors for this very young team. Their generation texts; mine talks.

I co-host Rock on Radio; a few months ago, our guests were a punk rock band. I noted before broadcasting that I was a half-century older than each band member but the interview flowed seamlessly; perfect bonding.  Our NJ Discover LIVE TV Show, which I co-host, was recently added to the lineup of Rutgers University TV; a young audience that is so easy to relate to. There’s never a thought about age. So maybe we have to re-define what a senior citizen is?

With my background of coverage and concern with older folks, my friend, Darci Voight Kennedy, from We Care Adult Care in Middletown, NJ, (http://www.wecareadultcare.com/ ) has invited me for the past two years to be a special guest to interact and interview. Their facility focuses on day care for Alzheimer’s and dementia and what a caring amazing staff of professionals. Of course I found my friend Malcolm Murray (WWII Vet) again and we talked after the musical guest finished. They were honoring Adult Care Week. I also talked to Reese Woods, another Army Veteran who served post WWII in Germany for six years before a career with National Lead; he was just so colorful, expressive with a great sense of humor.

The group sang God Bless America then I asked to say a few words to the group. My theme was simple; how valuable and precious they are and still can give so much back. I mentioned my new career as a novelist and journalist after turning 65 and fielded a few questions like how was I able to do that? The answer is in the paragraphs above.

Now to Malcolm Murray, 95, meticulously dressed, smiling broadly, who waited. Affability consumed his face. He jumped up to shake hands and a photo-op. Malcolm was born in North Carolina. “I didn’t have a father so my mother raised me and my three brothers, Otto, David and Willie. My mother had a laundromat. I helped put them through school.” He spoke proudly about that. It was easy to hear it in his voice. I forgot his age. “You have to respect family.” That resonated with me. It still does.

He mentioned a brother in the Navy, a para-trooper and the last brother was an engineer. He joined the Army in 1942 and was trained at Camp Robinson in Arkansas. In Mid-October, 1942, Malcolm was deployed to England. “In 1944, I went to France as part of D-Day. I didn’t know whether to be scared or not. I was in a tank battalion under General George Patton. We got to within three miles of Berlin. I loved General Patton. I met him. He called me ‘son.’ I loved being in a tank.” Then Malcolm said something profound.  “I think everyone should be in the Army to protect the country and learn discipline.”

After the war he came back to North Carolina and worked on a fishing boat. Again Malcolm moved me. “I wanted my kids, Maxine and Malcolm, to have an education so I worked hard. This is what my wife and I talked about.” Eventually Malcolm moved to New Jersey and joined a local labor union out of Matawan. When I asked him what the greatest change he observed in his life, he said, “labor unions.” His favorite President was Franklin Roosevelt. I told him he was in such good shape and so sharp to talk to. “How come?” I asked. “I worked hard all the time.”

Malcolm likes sports but mostly football and baseball and is a Dodgers and Mets fan. I like to probe techniques to longevity. He rarely ever smoked. As far as his favorite food, “Whatever I can get.” We both laughed. He likes Army movies because “I lived it.” “And music?” “I like everything. I like the Blues and Louis Armstrong.” I asked Malcolm if I could come back to talk some more. “I’d like that,” he said with authority. And then our handshake which lingered; it meant we liked each other and looked forward.  And I do. This was my second year in a row back with Malcolm.  I repeated some of our chat from last year. He was just as vibrant. And yes, maybe we should redefine.

YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN:  COMEDIAN MIKE MARINO IN CONCERT FRIDAY OCT 7^TH  at JERSEY CITY LOEWS  by Calvin Schwartz   

Going home again has been one of my favorite themes in life. I’ve been contentious with Thomas Wolfe’s novel, “You Can’t Go Home Again” which espouses “You can’t go back home to your family, back home to your childhood … back home to a young man’s dreams of glory and of fame … back home to places in the country, back home to the old forms and systems of things which once seemed everlasting but which are changing all the time – back home to the escapes of Time and Memory.” However, I know you CAN go home again and that’s exactly what comedian Mike Marino is doing on Friday October 7^th in concert in his home town of Jersey City at Loews Landmark Theater. To add to the special ambiance of the night is Vincent “Big P” Pastore from the ‘Soprano’s’. Mike back home is hugely special AND brought to you by CATCH A RISING STAR COMEDY and CONCERTS.  

THIS JUST IN: A TIMELY DEBATE WITH MIKE MARINO running for President vs Donald Trump  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCuGMyTMD6M

Mike introduces show: https://www.facebook.com/mikedmarino?fref=ts

“Bad Boy of NJ” and Comedian Mike Marino Talks Family and Comedy with Steve Adubato ‘One on One’   http://ht.ly/Kgyy303y9aZB  

I’ve been a huge fan of Mike Marino for the last three years since I first met him at the Asbury Park Comedy Festival.  Why not; I love to laugh for 90 minutes straight each and every time I see him; it’s this stressful world we live in. Mike has a unique handle, a release and grasp of our world.

It’s funny, every time (which is several times a week) I go in to one of those convenience stores, some with those strange birds in their logo, and I pass by the computer station to order sandwiches, I stop, stare, smile and think of Mike Marino. And I know customers see me smiling and they must think I’m a little out there. But Mike makes me smile and laugh even when he’s in California, a few thousand miles away.

The genius of Marino’s humor is to take our modern (expletive omitted) lives and shove it under a comedic microscope.  And when you see him in concert, you get a chance to see the ‘Marino’ face; how he loves to laugh with the audience at his own humor; that genuineness and warmth draws us in and embraces. Even more than that, my being a comedic snob, countless times looking at Mike on stage, I can’t help but see Jack Benny, who had one of the greatest comedic facial expressions as well as incredible timing. Benny was Johnny Carson’s all-time favorite; Mike Marino’s expressions and timing is right there with Jack Benny.  Remember his concerts are a comedic happening especially when he’s back home in front of a Jersey audience.

SPOTLIGHT COMING ATTRACTION; ACADEMY AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR CHRIS TASHIMA, with showing of his Academy Award film ‘VISAS AND VIRTUE,’ IN FREEHOLD SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH 2 PM by Calvin Schwartz

If you’ve been reading my musings and explorations over the past five years (that long already!), often themed subliminally or rather directly, is the notion to extricate/elevate yourself from the sedentary sofa and discover your local (county/state) world and take advantage of the myriad of mind expanding cultural offerings. It’s endless. When something of value crosses my desk, I’m quite responsive to share it here on njdiscover.com. Sometimes (like right now) I’m in disbelief at the quality of enlightenment being presented. Maybe I’m old school (and I am) but a program such as what I’m writing about here, should be filling up arenas and college gyms.

What we have here is a hugely special program (film) with a presentation by Academy Award winning director (for the film being shown, ‘Visas and Virtue’) Chris Tashima, who also acts in the film. Tashima won that Academy Award for Live Action Short Film with producer Chris Donahue, for ‘Visas and Virtue’ in 1997 which he directed, co-wrote (adapting the one-act play by Toyama), and starred in.

To produce ‘Visas and Virtue’, he co-founded Cedar Grove Productions in 1996, with Toyama and Donahue. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch, and belongs to the Directors Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Actors’ Equity Association and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He is also an accomplished stage set designer.

Now to the film being shown on Sunday September 18^th at 2 PM at The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County in Freehold with Chris Tashima.  Admission is $10 non-members, $8 members. There will be a Question & Answer session after the film screening. For more information or to make a paid reservation (non-refundable), call the Museum at 732-252-6990, or visit www.jhmomc.org.

‘Visas and Virtue’ tells the story of Japanese diplomat, Chiune Sugihara, who served as Vice-Consul for the Empire of Japan in Lithuania. During World War II, he helped 6,000 Jews to leave Lithuania by issuing transit visas so that they could travel to Japanese territory, risking his career and his life (and family’s life.) The Jews who escaped were refugees from German-occupied Western Poland and Russian-occupied Eastern Poland, as well as residents of Lithuania. In 1985, Israel named him to the Righteous Among the Nations for his actions, the only Japanese national to be so honored. Sugihara was too ill to travel to Israel, so his wife and youngest son Nobuki accepted the honor on his behalf. Sugihara and his descendants were given perpetual Israeli citizenship.

On a personal note (and synchronistic), I was in Israel three weeks ago, at Yad Vashem, and learned about Sugihara’s great deeds and his being named to the Righteous Among the Nations. I never knew about him before. And now I’m about to see Chris Tashima and his film, ‘Visas and Virtue’ on Sugihara. Purist synchronicity.

When asked why he risked so much, Sugihara explained that the refugees were human beings, and that they simply needed help. “You want to know about my motivation, don’t you? Well. It is the kind of sentiments anyone would have when he actually sees refugees face to face, begging with tears in their eyes. He just cannot help but sympathize with them. Among the refugees were the elderly and women. They were so desperate that they went so far as to kiss my shoes, Yes, I actually witnessed such scenes with my own eyes.”  Sugihara died in 1986.

Tashima also directed, co-wrote and starred in the award-winning short film, “Day of Independence,” which depicts the life of Japanese Americans imprisoned in internment camps during World War II. He has appeared in numerous independent feature films, most recently “Under the Blood Red Sun,” a screen adaptation of the award-winning young adult novel by Graham Salisbury.

Hopefully, there’s been sufficient energy generated in the above paragraphs about Chris Tashima to help provide the impetus and sofa lift-off to bring you to Freehold next Sunday and get that chance to absorb his unique aura of accomplishment.

by Calvin Schwartz   9-9-16

Sunday September 18th at 2 PM at The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County in Freehold with Chris Tashima.  Admission is $10 non-members, $8 members. There will be a Question & Answer session after the film screening. For more information or to make a paid reservation (non-refundable), call the Museum at 732-252-6990, or visit www.jhmomc.org.

‘VISAS AND VIRTUE’  film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXJ0SQJpGyQ

Our annual Labor Day Weekend festival moves from its long-time home at Allaire State Park to the beautiful and spacious Horse Park of NJ in Allentown, September 3-4 from noon to 5 p.m. The rain date is Monday, Sept. 5. The event will feature two separate band stands showcasing non-stop musical entertainment.

Advance discounted tickets are now on sale for $20 + fee by clicking here. This price will only stay in effect through August 14. Then, the advance price will be $25 + fee through August 28 and then $30 + fee the week of the event and on-site. GSWGA WandM Experience FB

Our event will feature two bandstands allowing for non-stop musical entertainment that will be headlined on Saturday on the Main Stage by the famed Roomful of Blues Band, the American blues and swing revival band with a recording career spanning over 40 years. Long Gone Daddies will perform on the Local Stage and Burning Bridget Cleary will open on the Main Stage. Sunday’s musical entertainment will be headlined by The Slambovian Circus of Dreams on the Main Stage as well as Rogues on the Run performing on the Local Stage and Hot Jazz Jumpers opening on the Main Stage.

In addition, we are also pleased to announce a special VIP opportunity for the Wine & Music Experience.

GSWGA Membership Card VIP Treatment at Wine & Music Experience

Those customers purchasing one of our new GSWGA membership cards will receive special VIP treatment at the Wine & Music Experience. GSWGA card holders will receive the following:

– VIP parking

– VIP express entry through the gate

– Guaranteed seats inside a GSWGA-membership card-only tent located close to the main stage

– Special Wine Seminars inside the GSWGA membership tent

– Tastings of reserved wines not available at winery tents and meet the winemaker opportunities

– Light fare

– Wine deliveries brought right to your vehicle

In addition to the festival package, take advantage of special offers available only to GSWGA card members in July and other months by purchasing a Membership Card. This card gets you special winery offers and multiple day access to all of our fall festivals. The price for the card $100. Buy two and get 25% off the second card. All cards are numbered and members will need to show their card for admission to festival events and special winery offers.

Visit

www.newjerseywines.com

NJ HOMELESSNESS: A FILM REVIEW AND COMMENTARY OF “THE NEW DESTINYS BRIDGE 2016’ by JACK BALLO:  PREMIERE AUGUST 17th Asbury Park !! By Calvin Schwartz 8-10-16

I just finished watching film maker Jack Ballo’s ‘The New Destiny’s Bridge 2016’ for the second time in as many days. I had to; it’s above and beyond being a journalist, but being more a humanist. I reckon it would’ve been just as easy to take my review of the first version a couple of years ago, dress it up a bit with some Roget’s Thesaurus substitute words and present it to you. Who’d know? Better to take that review as it was, and maybe re-issue it down this paper a spell. Because much is the same. It is Jack’s enduring commitment, devotion to the homeless people of Tent City and to humanity’s unending scourge of homelessness that is so evident in this beautifully crafted story. It’s a candle that burns beyond its oil. There is no beauty in homelessness, but in the soul of people who see it, and try to solve it.

There’s a wooden horse outside my window. I’ve just ceremoniously put on my western hat and ran outside to jump on. I’m galloping into the sunset of introspection and homelessness. We are a funny species. I’m not laughing. I think we’ve been in the Garden of Eden all this time; we just don’t know it. There have been fellow humans talking about homelessness, poverty and hunger for a little over 2000 years. It doesn’t go away it, just gets worse, on a grander scale. I don’t know anymore. I never did. We need the Jack Ballos’ to keep fighting, sharing, and moving us emotionally and spiritually.

I worry about a recent study by a couple of government scientists that give the good old human species about 30 more years. They came up with some formulas taking into account food, water, climate change, energy, and the most important, social unrest. How is it the top 88 richest people in the world have their combined wealth exceed the poorest 3 ½ billion fellow humans. This creates social unrest all around the world.

Homelessness is part of the formula. Basic human rights of food, shelter and medical care from a very rich world. My story of enlightenment begins four years ago when I never understood homelessness. It was abstract, distant and the subject of a two minute NYC TV segment a week before Christmas. It was very cold and someone living in a cardboard box died from exposure. I felt bad.  I do know that every human starts out life the same way.

Four years ago, my new friend Sherry Rubel took Tara-Jean Vitale and me as NJ Discover reporters to visit Tent City in Lakewood. It was another cold snowy day. We met Minister Steve and eventually Jack and many residents. Tara-Jean and I debated homelessness in the car going home that day. Tent City was 22 miles from our comfortable insulated suburban worlds.  I’ve never been the same since.

I needed to feel, be involved and understand and to be more human and less suburban. I entered a brave new world of social conscience. That’s why I marvel at Jack Ballo’s work. It’s all fitting and proper that I reviewed the first film a few years ago. I love the institution of movie making and its illumination of our world with the ability to teach, educate, and bring our world closer together. Hey everybody, go see this movie and set yourself up to feel what it’s like to be homeless and be filled with despair.

Jack painstakingly took a different approach to storytelling of Tent City from the first version. He looks more into the lives, souls, hopes of the residents. They’re just like me and you; no difference except circumstances of privilege and perhaps luck. There is a theme more easily recognized in the new version; the desire of people to have basic shelter, self-respect and dignity. President Lincoln lived in a log cabin and he was fine with that. In essence, it was a tiny house and the film exposes us to the promise of tiny houses; the concept growing in practicality every day. And our friend Sherry Rubel very much involved in the state wide quest to build tiny house communities.

The movie themes carefully the importance of making people feel they are part of society with its concomitant feeling of self -esteem. Jack Ballo strives to teach us that. Inherent in Jack’s film, is the message to be promulgated; we all need to see this; to feel the pain of homelessness. One of the most moving scenes for me (Jack was brilliant in documenting this) was the lit Christmas tree at night, ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ playing gently. The scene could’ve been anywhere. A simple beautiful Christmas scene. But it was a homeless tent in obscure corner of Tent City.  Riveting for me. It should be riveting for you. Homelessness hurts us all.

I liked the slow seasonal transition from the warmth of summer to the desolation and futility of cold winter. It was a passage for me. When I let my guard down and drifted into the lives of these precious people, Jack reminded us that the courts were constantly after Minister Steve and the residents. There are many scenes when cops in traditional uniforms or shirts and ties are there to arrest and act on the wishes of the town. Eventually the township and the county won out. I remember going to court with them at Ocean County Court House and hearing the judge’s decision.

Jack’s ending is powerful and destructive and I’ll leave it at that. He craftily infuses wonderful music to accelerate our emotions.  I was riveted by his story telling and sensitivity. Actually I want more. I need to know about these fellow humans. One more comment that had me thinking and delving deep into the strains of my cellular honesty. The film tells the story of Lakewood, NJ, but in reality, it’s the story of any town in New Jersey or America. I’m reminded of a quote from ‘Casablanca,’ my favorite movie of all time. Humphrey Bogart is Rick, and Ilsa comes into his bar in Casablanca. He drinks almost to oblivion and says, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”

Of all the towns in New Jersey, they walk into Lakewood and set up Tent City. I was honest with myself. If Tent City appeared a mile from my house how would I feel? How would you feel? Is there any suburban town that would welcome them? I am upset with myself. I’m not perfect. Jack’s film continually makes me think and feel. It will do that to you and carpet you through many human emotions. So go see it and celebrate humanity’s hope and promise as well as the harsh realities of our existence. Jack leaves many uncovered, undraped soulful mirrors for us. Thanks Jack.   I just got off my wooden horse. My hat is gone. I brushed the suburban dust off.

INFORMATION ON THE PREMIERE OF “THE NEW DESTINYS BRIDGE”

Facebook LINK: https://www.facebook.com/events/291612337843030/permalink/307555146248749/

Wednesday, August 17 at 7 PM – 9 PM

House of Independents

572 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712

TICKETS AVAILABLE:  Ticket Web

http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=6794395

NJ DISCOVER EXCLUSIVE: PeduL:  A New Company Changing the Way College Is Funded. A Brave New Young World.  By  Calvin Schwartz   August 8, 2016

Sitting in my office, early August, my thoughts racing to a Big Ten (Rutgers) college football field with its concurrent September dreams, I just ceremoniously slapped myself to “snap out of it” (Cher did that to Nicholas Cage in the movie ‘Moonstruck’). It worked. I’m concentrating now on PeduL, the incredible young minds that conceived this college funding game changer; the giant telecommunications company, IDT, which is nurturing them in Newark, New Jersey, my birthplace.

I’ve envisioned a series of articles, interviews and other media events to bring PeduL to journalistic light. They’ll need all of us come launch time. And funny thing, all of us, past, present and future have college kids in our lives. So don’t go away. One more point at the outset. Here is the PeduL link.  Check it out.   http://www.pedul.com

If you’ve checked it out and saw their TEAM, then you saw Chisa Egbelu, as their Business Operator. Chisa was my illuminating connection to the company. Chisa and I have an interesting history which now becomes relevant. Cut to three years ago, the Garden State Film Festival in Atlantic City. Chisa interned on a film that I needed to see. After the Q and A, he saw my Rutgers cap, magnetically approached, mentioned he was a sophomore at Rutgers, asked my connection and the rest is a precious history of alma mater and commonality.

As we discussed PeduL, their vision, energy and dedication, I knew my course of involvement. For decades, I’ve been watching ‘the news.’ So much of our extant world, the condition thereof, is a function of education. It’s so simple but not. What always blows me away, is the fact that a considerable number of eye-blinks ago, I went to Rutgers. My tuition was $500 per year and I managed to get a partial scholarship (They must’ve been plentiful as I resided in the middle of my class). End result, I personally (not my parents. I had two younger sisters to worry about) paid for my entire Rutgers education. No lifelong loans to pay back. No chains on hands or feet. I was debt-free when I left Rutgers with two degrees. I even managed to save my summer jobs money.

When I visited PeduL last week with my wife, a former three-decade educator, and Yolande Edme, a recent Rutgers graduate, Big Ten and NJ Discover broadcast intern, my first words of exclamation were how much the country and world needed what PeduL was doing. Then I asked Chisa what happened over the years that witnessed tuition going from $500 a year to $15,000. Chisa’s response was rapid fire, “The government doesn’t do what they used to anymore.”

Next I brought up how relevant and timely PeduL is. Their mission is front page global headlines. Bernie Sanders campaign in part focused on paying for all public colleges. LeBron James, a few weeks ago, gave $41 million so that 1100 kids could go to college. PeduL is right at the epicenter. Chisa totally agreed and was well aware.

I’d spend nearly three hours talking with Chisa and Murtala Aliyu, Developer and math genius in the vibrant atmosphere of IDT. Kayla Jackson, Project Manager and source of vast amounts of energy was out of the office that day. As journalistically sharing the thrill and vision of PeduL’s development will be an ongoing project; it’s that important for all of us; my purpose in this first installment is to summarize the inception and birth of PeduL and to begin to enlist readers and believers.

Chisa spoke about IDT, a global telecommunications company and their visionary executive. “He seemed like a one on one individual. A cool person to talk to. Like your friend’s grandfather.” IDT provides PeduL with space, legal team and great support, advice and consent in development. “They are international phone calling, entertainment companies, animation for ‘The Simpsons,’ and even look for oil. What I really respect about IDT is that they don’t stay in their own lane. Howard Jonas is Chairman, his son Samuel, CEO. His son has been great to me, really kind. The thing I respect most about Howard; he figures out what he wants to do and just does it.” I smiled remembering I worked for the same type of man, Leonardo Del Vecchio, for 25 years at Luxottica Group who operated the same way. IDT has branched out. It’s also why they have this venture aspect to the company which is PeduL.

I like to be a balanced interviewer; some heavy, some light approaches. “Chisa, where are you living?” I sensed he was all over the place just like he was at Rutgers; from playing Quidditch (Harry Potter), Rutgers radio and TV, excelling academically and being tapped for Rutgers’ highest honor, Cap and Skull, Senior Honor Society. “It depends. Tonight I’m in New Brunswick. Murtala and I have a meeting tomorrow in NYC. Sometimes I’m in Harlem or Morris Plains.”

I asked about a general overview how this all came about commenting, “It’s unusual for an undergrad to become a CEO?”  “It is unusual but more commonplace than you think.” He spoke about his roommate and best friend, Jarrett, a computer science genius (top 2% of class) but more passionate about music so he left Rutgers and enrolled at Berklee College of Music, his dream come true. The following summer, Jarrett came to visit and asked to move back. He couldn’t afford to stay at Berklee. “At this point, we were deep into Reddit culture, Kickstarter and cool things on the internet. Then the statement, “I wish there was Kickstarter for school.” But why isn’t there? From there, the roots started taking shape.”

Murtala had just walked in to our cubicle meeting. Chisa continued, “So before we got here, we had a great Business to Consumer aspect, and now Business to Business. That is our biggest leverage point on top of competitors.”  I interjected, “What about Jarrett?” “He moved in back then; our double became a triple. It was quite the year. He works at Lockheed-Martin now. He’s so good at computer science and realized music was a pipe dream if he can’t afford it.”

It was difficult to develop PeduL and find the right team. “It’s a lot especially doing it between classes, activities, internships, part-time jobs, events, parties. It was a lot of work. It’s also the reason no one has done this before. It’s overwhelming. There are so many different aspects, so much red tape to cut dealing with the bureaucratic system, education at one end matching with tech culture. Two different worlds. But that’s our culture now, embracing difficulty.” I love that phrase.

Chisa next dealt with media and how the business side leads the way. “When I was interning at NBC, the business side led the way. If they said it won’t work, that was it. I thought of trying to recruit the smartest kids in business school. I said we have this idea, are you interested. It seems a lot of them thought we could just throw it up and people would use it. My naiveté. But it moved me to go forward. We were 4, 5, 6 maybe 7 business partners at the beginning. They dropped it; too much work.”  Moving forward, Chisa took off a whole semester, interning and focused on looking for a team. “That’s how I found Murtala. Commitment and loyalty trumps everything else. We needed individuals passionate about the project which led us to Kayla in business school.  She is a superstar.”

“What’s the practical side of how this works?”  Chisa looked skyward for a moment; a sign of serious intention. “We are for profit. We made that decision. It was a difficult trade-off, weighing pros and cons. We were looking to creating a non-profit aspect within the company. Why we went profit? We decided to rely on what our features can bring. We are dealing with angel investors, putting in money, taking a certain percentage. It gets complicated with government involvement and transparency.  We’ll move faster and smoother because non-profit is cumbersome and full of regulations.”

I thought it was all about giving back and caring about the future of America and helping kids to get educated and not worrying about tax deductions which is really nickel dime stuff. Chisa liked my thinking.  “We are not cutting out attempts to get big donors and doors are open for millions of people to give something. Grassroots marketing is where we’re going. It’s who we are as a company.”  He explained what is best for them is a million people giving a few dollars.

There are two aspects to donations. One is to donate to an individual campaign. Secondly, you can donate to an institution page, a university, youth organization or high school.  I like to think of myself as a student of human nature so I asked, “What have you learned so far?” “The number one thing we learned is that in business there are no true favors. It’s all business.

They go to New York three to four times a week for meetings. They have learned how to dictate and move faster. They know there are no such things as favors. They are giving their supporters an opportunity because they are growing. IDT funds their lawyers.  Hugely important is how much money out of $1000 gets to the students. “We only take 4.9% off and are fans of transparency.”

“Can students come to you. Who decides?” “We’re starting off with students in need and academically deserving. They can make a campaign when coming to our website. We will also have University pages. Individuals can donate to that page (school) and allocate that to students. Money is sent off as a scholarship to those students.”  They are actually building a calculator now to find who is in need. Then you’re in and start soliciting money. They have the help on the business side and now need help on the education side. My mind was firing away on all the people I know in education. I was thrilled my wife became part of the discussion.

I also realized that their education journey required learning how to get to the decision maker; something I learned for 25 years at Luxottica. The other positive outcome, is the more they create awareness, the more it spreads around; the social media aspect as well.

Next we talked about the infinite amount of small businesses so perfectly suited to be involved. PeduL gives every small business owner, every company in existence an opportunity to give back to their communities. On local levels, they’ll involve Chamber of Commerce. “Ideally, we’d love every kid on our platform to be sponsored by a company. For example, the bakery down the street sponsors a student. The student is given tasks to do; for instance, getting people to like the bakery on Facebook, sharing bakery posts, watching their video, doing social media marketing for them. Out of the business marketing budget, they would pay $4 to 5 each time it takes place.” I realized it’s really not charity for the business; they are getting marketing. Regional companies have capital and need exposure. PeduL is a perfect win-win situation.

I told Chisa, Murtala and Yolande that my head was spinning and that is a good thing. It doesn’t spin often these days. I marvel at PeduL. There is such a need for their product, for educating our youth and insuring America’s future. I marvel at these kids from Rutgers and IDT. I believe I just enlisted and maybe got to some of you out there. Best to say now, to be continued. This article has not been personal but strictly business.