My  Day at Rutgers 250^th Commencement- May 15th; President Obama Keynote Speaker.  bY Calvin Schwartz  May 26, 2016

There’s always a story in the naked Garden State (a play on words, naked city). My commencement adventure began in early April when Rutgers University credentialed me (as a reporter for NJ Discover) to cover Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor’s lecture at the Rutgers Athletic Center on April 11^th. That day for me was historic, wondrous and far from expectations. The Justice got off the podium and walked up into the steep stands to the top, engaging people, eloquently speaking, answering questions and shaking hands and surprising her security detail. In the press box, I sat next to the editor of Rutgers newspaper, The Targum, Dan Corey, on one side. Fox News on the row below. Coincidentally, Dan Corey would go on to contact the President and obtained a phone interview with him before the commencement, securing his place in New Jersey pop culture history and then meeting the President after he arrived via one of five helicopters flying over the stadium.

A month before commencement, Rutgers had not heard from the President regarding his speaking at the 250^th Commencement. As we all learned in President Obama’s address itself, Rutgers had been campaigning for three years for him to attend the event. Early in his speech, “I came because you asked.” Even the student body president, Matthew Panconi, got involved in the campaign. The President mentioned Panconi’s participation including Matthew’s grandmother, Diane Lampf Totten, who hand wrote three requests to the President. “His grandmother’s three letters sealed the deal.” I love synchronicity in the universe. I went to Weequahic High School in Newark with the grandmother. The President hugged Panconi as he was leaving.

Once the news of the President’s acceptance surfaced to speak at Commencement a few weeks before the event, the scene around Rutgers was frenetic beyond imagination. Tickets, usually unlimited for graduates’ family and friends, were now limited to three; parking also limited. Demand to see a sitting President for the first time speak at a Rutgers commencement was also beyond. Being at NJ Discover and covering Central Jersey for the past five years with relevant upbeat stories, I knew there was a place for me in the White House Press Pool. I also thought it “fitting and proper” that I should be there. I graduated Rutgers, mentioned Rutgers 92 times in my first novel, ‘Vichy Water,’ which is in the Rutgers library system, include Rutgers guests and stories in my NJ Discover LIVE TV Show programming and for many reasons, I find myself on campus 70 times a year. The White House concurred. With the help of Greg Trevor and Steve Manas at Rutgers Media, I had my little euphoric space designated on the camera riser literally a few feet away from the commencement podium. My state of mind knowing I’d be there for history and an extended playing (because of the sheer numbers of faculty and students) of ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ was concomitantly exciting.

A few things I knew about writing this article. I’m not national or regional press/TV coverage or even Jersey’s Star Ledger all of whom would inundate media channels about the commencement. “I got to be me” (like the lyrics) and talk about the emotionality of being there. Besides, the Commencement is on video for posterity. I did blast all my social media connections with the news of my attending Commencement as part of the White House Press Pool. I find it sociologically fascinating about some of the responses. As soon as I mentioned ‘Obama,’ some folks did their political rants which I gently and warmly addressed. I reminded ‘them’ that I am completely apolitical and all I care about is that a sitting President, the 44^th of the United States of America, is coming to Rutgers 250^th Commencement. That is history and the 12,000 graduates, (all sitting on white folding chairs on the field), 40,000 guests and faculty are thrilled and honored by that history and will cherish the memory for their lifetimes. Sometimes I inject into my comments, as the President did, that Rutgers is the eighth oldest college in America and ranks as one of the most diverse institutions in the country. (46.7% of students are minority and 7,000 foreign students attend Rutgers.)

The night before I went to bed at 11PM. That’s usually when I wake-up from a nap readying for the next several hours of late night writing or viewing. I tossed and turned waiting for the alarm. I wanted to be at Rutgers by 7 AM to begin absorption of the energy and spirit of the day. The alarm never made it. I was out of the house by 6:20 AM, dressed warmly as if there was a football kick-off a few hours away. It was really early as I pulled into the second row of parked cars in the grassy lot near the stadium. Seconds later, with no one around, I bumped into old friends and their graduating daughter; I liked that synchronicity.

Cumulus and stratus clouds and strong chilly winds; the weather for the day. Right away, you could feel that certain something in the air. The President was coming later. The energy and awe of the office was everywhere. There was a gripping power. The power of the office of President. Two days before, I came to campus to get my press parking pass and wandered into the stadium as they were setting up. A few workmen were around and a bike with a hard hat on the handlebar. Heading for home, I drove down River Road. There were several Piscataway municipal gardening crews pruning and sprucing. I thought the power of the office of President dispatched the crews and most likely the President would never notice the gardening detail work.

The stadium was closed until 8 AM. Barricades and fences everywhere. Security check points and metal detectors already manned at all the entrances. Event staff personnel huddled in a group. The press gate was at the west side. The press gathered in small groups after going through security. I talked with several Fox News cameramen. At one point, I thought I had cut ahead of them in the credentialing line. I invoked Curb Your Enthusiasm’s “conversation cut” and apologized. We laughed. They were stationed just to the left of me on the camera riser those few feet from the podium.

The stadium at 8:20 AM was virtually empty; A few students and professors properly gowned. I walked up and down the field aisles bordering a sea of white folding chairs. Again, the unspoken word. The power of the Presidency pervasive. You could really feel it. The intense security everywhere. Canines also doing their thing. I started taking pictures; wanted to capture faces; again the power of the guest speaker transposed to facial emotion.  There were bouquets of red flowers in the Porto-sans. The production people thought of every detail; the prestige of the guest speaker who was also getting an honorary degree.

Somewhere around 10 AM the press was informed that we were in lock-down. No more leaving the field for pretzels. You could sense the piercing eyes of security but couldn’t see them. The stadium was now mostly filled with a building air of excitement. Palpable is a good word.  I saw Professor Tim Smith, Rutgers Director of Athletic Bands, Mason Gross School of the Arts. We’re good friends; we hugged amidst the anticipation. Of course I made sure they’d be playing ‘Pomp and Circumstance’. Moments later, a graduate approached and asked if I was “Hildy’s brother.” Staggering odds for that to happen; we never met. He’s 50 and finished his Master’s Degree.

It was processional music time. First chords carpeted me back 47 years to my graduation in this stadium. Back then it looked way different; sometimes I don’t grasp the march of time. Dignitaries, trustees, faculty marched.  The cold wind was wild with their caps and gowns. For a brief moment, I yearned to be part of academia. If only, to be able to teach and inspire young minds. While in the processional, a professor threw kisses to the seated students. The Rutgers Wind Ensemble with Professor Kraig Williams conducting performed. I photo’d, from my spot as a rotating cameraman, an array of creative artful messaged individualized caps like, “Adventure is everywhere, so wish upon a star and go the distance.”

Chairman of the Board of Governors, Greg Brown spoke, setting the stage for the President.  “…. Our distinguished guest has made a conscious decision to lead with diplomacy and restraint in regards to many of our international engagements. And that too was a choice. But today he chose you.” Then it was ‘Hail to the Chief’ as President Obama and Rutgers President Barchi walked in stride.

The President was given an honorary degree along with S. Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Doctor of Science and Bill Moyers, Doctor of Laws. Speech time. I’m going to get out my college yellow highlighter.

To bond and embrace the New Jersey Rutgers audience there was Pork Roll versus Taylor Ham, Grease Trucks with mozzarella sticks and winners of the first college football game. “America converges here.” “Progress is bumpy but is this nation’s hallmark.” He was quite the engaging embracing speaker. To the students, he told them they have everything it takes to lead this nation to a brighter future and acknowledged his generation were better spellers. There were five suggestions to go out into the world.

One. He cautioned “someone longing for good old days, take with a grain of salt.” Don’t fear the future.

Two. The world is more interconnected. Building walls won’t change that.

Three. Facts. Evidence. Reason. Logic and Understanding of science are good things. Listening to today’s political debate one might wonder where the strain of anti-intellectualism came from. “In politics and in life, ignorance is not a virtue…. It’s not cool to not know what you’re talking about.”

Four. “Have faith in Democracy…. it’s not always pretty…. I know.” I loved when the President told the graduates if you want to change things start participating. 2014 had the lowest voter turnout since WWII. Fewer than 1 in 5 young people showed up to vote. “Apathy has consequences.”

Five. “Gear yourself for the long haul…. Be persistent.”

And then he was gone. The graduates were formally graduated. The stadium exits grid-locked. You could hear the droning sound of helicopter engines. Once again that sound helped me feel the enormous power of the President. While waiting to ascend the steps of the stadium, I engaged a few graduates. They must’ve thought unorthodox things about me.  I wished them congratulations and said that I just have one word for them, “Plastics.” They stared quizzically. I lamented and told them it’s from a movie from the sixties, relevant when I graduated. Cordial smiles were strained then they disappeared into their future.

For the first time in 20 years leaving Rutgers Stadium, all for football, I didn’t mind the endless wait to get out of the parking lot. I just sat in my car, smiled and pinched my left arm. I whispered to my mother, “Mah, I was at the 250^th Rutgers Commencement.” She came to my graduation 47 years ago. Afterwards, I ceremoniously handed her my diploma; she earned it more than me. And so it goes.

A Night on the Red Carpet: Premiere of “Who’s Jenna…?” in Asbury Park NJ     bY  Calvin Schwartz  May 24^th 2016

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This article is comprised of three distinct sections. Firstly, my experience on the Red Carpet last Friday May 20^th evening in Asbury Park at the House of Independents; noting one of my pastimes is absorption of extant energy fields at special events. I take a couple of deep inhalations, pinch myself, and whisper, “look at where I am, Mah.” I was thrilled to have been invited as a journalist. Secondly, although I am just short of a light year AWAY from Siskel and Ebert, I will construct my review of the film. “Who’s Jenna….?” in my own inimitable style. Thirdly, I will reprise my article which appeared on NJ Discover last summer after I spent a morning on the Somerville, New Jersey set of the film.

PLEASE CHECK END OF ARTICLE FOR LINK TO TARA-JEAN VITALE’S VIDEO REPORT ON RED CARPET!!! 

SECTION ONE

It’s a funny thing how fast you can become an energy barometer at certain events. As soon as Tara-Jean Vitale, co-reporter and TV host with me at NJ Discover LIVE, arrived on Asbury Park’s Cookman Avenue House of Independents, a lengthy Red Carpet and backdrop secured along the façade, we both knew it was an electric night at the Jersey shore. We observed the early guests, splendidly dressed, were intermingling, smiling, hugging and posing. Yes, there was a certain air. The more guests arrived, more scenes of joy and hugs.  There were no ‘airs’ in the air around the theater. People were really glad to be there.  Bert Baron, (recent NJ Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Inductee) program director and morning drive show host from WCTC (1450 AM) was formally interviewing, freeing me to photo, absorb and mingle. Tara-Jean and I chatted with the film publicist and Lady in Red, Laura Madsen. She did good creating a sold-out event. By 7 PM, there was a flow through and around the Red Carpet of hundreds of people.

The cast arrived, euphoric and accessible. What I noticed when I spent time on the set and when some cast and young director Tom Baldinger appeared on NJ Discover LIVE TV SHOW and right in front of me on the streets of Asbury Park was that the cast and crew really liked each other; it was a real warmth, affection and respect.  I love hugs. I loved watching the cast at their premiere. I sensed the chemistry I was watching would translate to the film soon to be seen.

Suddenly a gust of wind blew a guest’s skirt over her head in a scene remindful of the iconic Marilyn Monroe picture. I actually caught it on camera (with proper permission). I sensed a true Hollywood evening. Cars on Cookman slowed down to check all the excitement. Slowly, the hundreds of guests, hugely anticipatory, made their way into the theater.

I’m jumping now to after the film. Cast and crew sat on stage graciously sharing and answering questions and always broadly smiling. The audience loved this. Then the iconic band, Slim Chance (Mario Casella) and The Gamblers, who did some of the original music in the film, performed at the after party. I’ve loved this band for years. They are simply electric just like the entire night had been. I moved to the front row while I had the chance. People started dancing. The cast were still hugging and posing. Then Slim Chance and The Gamblers performed “The Power.” One of my favorites. I pinched myself again.

SECTION TWO: A Review of “Who’s Jenna….?’

I’ve got a long history of movie watching and appreciation. It’s quirky and obsessive. Ten years ago, I was watching ‘Casablanca’ for the 44^th time and at the last scene, when Bogart shoots Major Strasser, Claude Rains picks up a bottle of Vichy Water, 1942’s version of our bottled water. Rains throws the bottle into the garbage. I let out a scream. There was a novel in my head in that one second. Five years later, ‘Vichy Water,’ my first novel, was published. I tell this story here to dramatize my affection with movies and how powerful an influence in my life. Over the years, I’ve developed my personal movie rating system. It’s simple enough and it works. I judge a movie by whether I would see it again; simple. I’ve seen ‘The Godfather’ again and again(embarrassed how many times) ‘Casablanca’ those 44 times. Sometimes I’ll see a movie again just for a particular scene.

Yes, I’d see ‘Who’s Jenna……?’ again. This was a delightfully funny film with adult film references, a little blackmail, frenetic dialogue (and well delivered) and romance. Without giving too much away, Bill Sorvino’s character, Jonathan has a girlfriend (Jenna)His best friend, Andy, is obsessively, therefore, comically convinced she looks like an adult film star and that leads to comedic romps. The plot thickens with a ‘familial’ twist.

I appreciate sharp dialogue in preciously funny situations. Tom Baldinger, writer, director, delivers that.  Some of the scenes were priceless like the  credit card commercial. That’s why I’ll see it again. The acting ensemble is quite accomplished which translates (for me) to a healthy infusion of their improvisational/ad libing skills in the filming. You can sense they’re having fun together filming and embellishing. Tom, I get the feeling openly welcomed their ‘addition’ skills.

I’m a facial expression guy. I pay attention to faces in situations. Their acting gives me my facial expression fix. It’s there. Props to this special cast including Tracey Birdsall, Bill Sorvino, Joseph D’Onofrio, Garry Pastore (who just makes me laugh throughout film), Edwin Guerrero, Lenny Venito, Vic Dibitetto, Michael Tota, Jill Christy Reiss and cameos including The Sopranos Vincent Pastore.   I’m a Jersey guy since birth. I love the fact it’s a Jersey film; familiar sights and sounds.

PLEASE CHECK END OF ARTICLE FOR LINK TO TARA-JEAN VITALE’S VIDEO REPORT ON RED CARPET!!!

SECTION THREE: SPOTLIGHT: ON THE NEW JERSEY SET OF FILMING “WHO’S JENNA…..?”   And A CONVERSATION WITH DIRECTOR TOM BALDINGER   bY Calvin Schwartz    September 9th 2015

Hooray for social media, networking and circles of commonality. For the last several years, Laura Madsen, publicist and innovative writer/blogger at http://www.theladyinredblog.com/ and I have travelled in similar circles of commonality (as I call it). Our energies and passions emanate from Jersey life and the arts. If you’ve read my musings over the past few years, I’ve postulated that Jersey has become the pop culture capital of America and Laura is always at the epicenter. For verification of the postulate, just look at ‘The Soprano’s’, ‘Boardwalk Empire’, “Jersey Boy’s’, ‘Jersey Shore’, ‘Jersey Housewives’, ‘Garden State’, and ‘Jersey Girl’.  Laura and I never had the opportunity for the sharing of notes and synchronicities; we never met formally.

A few weeks ago, Laura contacted me via Facebook and asked if I’d like to cover the filming of a feature film, “Who’s Jenna…..?” which is a comedy  written by award winning producer, director Tom Baldinger from 624 Productions, LLC, a New Jersey based company. Laura hinted that the film title had something to do with an adult film star but that’s all she said. My response to her was immediate and decisive; “I’d love to hang around the set and do some absorbing and interviewing for NJ Discover.”

The next decision for me was where to surface for the best absorption opportunity. The filming was taking place at the Lakewood Country Club for an on-location golf scene or the following day at Verve Restaurant in Somerville.  I surmised that it’s best not to hang around a hot golf course as Jersey was in heat wave, so I opted for the cool basement confines of Verve for the shooting of a dinner scene. And I’d get a chance to hang a bit with actor Garry Pastore; I’ve been a fan for years.

Time constraints of being on set and getting a few minutes to chat (at the break) with director Tom Baldinger made me formulate a direction I wanted to take with this coverage. I’m quick to admit that my experience of being on sets is somewhat limited although I was on set back in the 90’s with Meryl Streep, William Hurt and Renee Zellweger and wound up in the Christmas scene in ‘One True Thing.’ My focus for “Who’s Jenna….?”  was the art of detail and precision in the film making process.

Laura’s phone messaging last Wednesday morning got me to Verve’s rear parking lot (on foot), through a rear kitchen door, down a steep stairway, through a narrow hallway to a basement dining room, filled with tables and patrons (all actors).  I never asked if this was an active part of the restaurant or just the basement set for a very funny scene. Seated at a large table, with cameras aimed, were actors Garry Pastore, Lenny Venito, Vic Dibitetto (also a very funny comedian whom I saw recently at Count Basie Theater at a Frank Sinatra Birthday Party), and Bill Sorvino, playing the lead role of Jonathan Burke. Next, Laura introduced me to the film director, Tom Baldinger; first and lasting impressions were that of an affable, intense, creative, focused force in the universe. It’s funny how fast you can “size” people. Waiters started bringing steaming plates of pasta, meat balls, chicken and foot long sausage in front of the seated actors; it was 10 AM.  Someone yelled, “Get the Dunkin Donuts coffee cup off the table.” Actor Michael Tota introduced himself. He and I have been part of central Jersey concentric circles; we never met live, but knew of each other.

Readers can go to the film website for more plot/story information. http://www.624-productions.com/#!whos-jenna/c6h0n

The basement area was relatively small; an additional eight tables or so had ‘diners’ (actors) to make for a perfectly realistic restaurant set; the table next had a woman and her young daughter. The small room size and 90-degree outdoor heat made the set challenging.  I watched the crew fill the four actors’ wine glasses half-way with grape juice.  The wine glasses would be an interesting focus for me; the exact level of the juice in the glass was maintained for the next 94 minutes (multiple takes) that I watched from the rear side behind the cameras where Laura and I were positioned. As they were ready to shoot the scene, I heard “Quiet on the set.”  I smiled. This was real.

I won’t give much away but the scene was hysterically funny as the four actors ate (pretended to eat as the sausage maintained its great length throughout), drank, conversed and laughed. I love watching eyes of the actors moving from person to person; just that small detail embraced me. Watching my friend Garry Pastore talk/act/move his eyes/laugh and then greet Michael Tota’s character when he walked over was perfectly real. There was a poignant albeit funny story going on.  Director Tom Baldinger meticulously instructed Michael Tota how to grab himself while talking and then look at Vic Dibetto’s character. It had to be the same grab in every take. The repartee with Lenny, Bill and Garry was priceless. I’d love to use their words the next time I go to my primary care physician and see how it’s received. I savored every minute of absorption.

Something else I noticed; about the crew; a special esprit de corps. They were a well-oiled machine, anticipating, performing, and functioning like the offensive backfield of a local college football team. They loved what they were doing and with whom; their director. I like to observe those elements. The body heat generated in the basement’s close quarters moved me to Main Street in Somerville for an hour until I caught up with director Tom Baldinger just before lunch.

I mentioned to Tom that I have a relatively undiscerning eye when it comes to matters of film making but I’m a HUGE movie fan going to back to 1939 vintage. Tom was engaging and thrilled to be chatting. Once I flipped on my reporter’s recorder, he started. “For me it’s very important that what’s said-dialogue is not just dialogue-there’s a purpose to why people say certain things. That’s why when I write my scripts, I try to be very careful with the words that are said. I try to make sure that the voices are separate from each other-that the characters are separate.  There is a voice in each one of them. When you are on set, everything has to have a place because I’ve seen tons of movies-big budget films; sometimes the detail is not there. For me there are a lot of people watching movies who will not like a movie because there is something wrong-a missing detail-or if dialogue doesn’t match up correctly-or characters not really synching together. That’s very important to me.”

I mentioned, “Translates down to your crew. I was watching them measure grape juice in a glass to make sure it was exact level.”  “It’s all about continuity. How many times have you seen a movie where the glass is half-full and in the next shot- it’s the same conversation- the glass is either empty or not there. I was watching a movie last night-‘Mission Impossible 3’ and saw where all the extras were and I have to give a lot of credit to J.J. Abrams. A lot of time you’ll see movies with extras. They are in the shot then they are not there. My crew; I have to be honest with you. The meticulous and tight atmosphere really comes from them because I think they see me as a visionary. I’ve built this and I’m not trying to sound egotistical but I’ve built this company and in some ways they look at me as their leader and so they are on the ride. They want-they feel this is going to be successful. They want to be on the same boat. I’ve always set goals and reached my goals. I think that’s why everybody on this crew wants to do everything perfectly because they want to take this next step into this industry.”

Taking it further I added, “I’ve watched a melding of you all there.” Tom said, “Yes.” “I was so impressed with the detail. When Michael comes over to Garry at the table, you tell him exactly what to grab and do.”  Tom added, “Yes, when we shoot the reverse, we need to see him grab himself and that action-when we’re in post, you see Vic’s reaction. It makes my editor’s job so much easier. And when you are sitting around the post, you are not saying we forgot that or look at that.”

The night before I heard interesting news about Apple and the film business; “Your work as an Indie film maker has an interesting future. Apple announced yesterday it may give money to Indies.” “I hope so. I heard a little about that. I work on Wall Street and I’ve been out of work mode for the last week or two. My father who actually works for Bloomberg said you have to check this out. When I get a moment, I’ll read about it; very interesting.”

I thought Apple wants to do what Netflix is doing. Tom was quick to comment. “That is where the market seems to be going; where the industry is going and I’m going to quote a famous actor hearing him talk about Indie films. Alec Baldwin was on Howard Stern show a few weeks ago. He was talking about how film has changed over past 20 or 30 years; that now big budget movies are all technical, special effects, CGI. Not that the big budget films don’t get into the story or content but they are more Marvel and super heroes. I love those movies and I’m there with the popcorn, but the Indie industry-that’s where you get down into characters, stories and dialogues and really get into it. What the Indie film industry has done-it has born the writer-director and sometimes that’s good-sometimes bad because studios say we only have $250,000 to spend. We can’t spend another $100,000 for a director, so let’s make the writer the director. That’s a bad choice but when you have a good script and a good writer who can be a director, studios need to take that into consideration. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime-all that stuff; it’s really starting to blow up. Quite frankly, ‘House of Cards;’ I said to my wife last year that they don’t have to win an Emmy; just be being nominated, Netflix was doing cartwheels down the hallway because they knew all of a sudden they got something and now everybody else is trying to do it.”

I asked Tom about quality. “Quality is better. I mean we’re shooting with a red camera where some of those shows you see with bigger name people are shooting with the same equipment. We’re trying to bring high quality products with lower budgets and eventually, hopefully somebody like Apple will say I like your product and I want to put more money into it and give us an opportunity to do even more.”

Tom smiled, took a deep inhalation and was ready to go on talking. It was I who suggested that he eat lunch but that down the road a spell, he should come on NJ Discover Live Radio/TV show with the cast and Laura Madsen and continue our chat. After a firm hand-shake cementing the deal and a photo-op of course, I was on the road again, heading to Yurcak Field on Rutgers campus with NJ Discover broadcasting the television coverage of the Skye Blue FC Professional Women’s Soccer match against Kansas City. A bunch of questions suddenly popped into consciousness on Route 287 to ask Tom and the cast. It would wait until October 5th for NJ Discover’s Live Show with them. We move fast here in Central Jersey.

Who’s Jenna…? Red Carpet – AsburyPark 5.20.16

IMDB “Who’s Jenna…..”  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4317858/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm

Jersey Shore Retro Blog Kevin Cieri:  https://jerseyshoreretro.wordpress.com/2015/10/15/nj-discover/

624 Productions:  http://www.624-productions.com/

Laura Madsen Blog:   http://www.theladyinredblog.com/

Calvin Schwartz  www.vichywater.net

NJ DISCOVER Credentialed to cover RUTGERS 250^th Commencement on Sunday May 15^th. President Obama is Commencement Speaker   bY   Calvin Schwartz  May 14^th 2016

Two days ago, I received an email from the White House Media Affairs that I was credentialed (for NJ Discover) to cover Rutgers 250^th Commencement featuring President Barack Obama (44^th President) as Commencement Speaker. I was thrilled beyond.

Citing a phrase from the Gettysburg Address, “It is altogether fitting and proper,” that this historic opportunity was given to me. Back in 1969, I graduated from Rutgers and subsequently am on campus some 70 times a year for a variety of reasons; art, history, music, lectures, athletics, film and ‘sociology’. NJ Discover LIVE TV show (which I co-host with Tara-Jean Vitale) often features Rutgers ‘guests’ and programming topics. My first published novel, ‘Vichy Water’ uses Rutgers as a geographical backdrop.

I’ve been known to listen to Elgar’s ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ often and for long periods of time; there I’ve said it; I’m a huge sentimentalist.  Commencement is one of the most emotional events in the life; a beginning(commencing) of life as we know it. Yes, I am thrilled beyond. I hope to absorb, photographically capture and report back here on my wondrous journey to emotionalism and history tomorrow.

In the meantime, here is the Rutgers link to information and video streaming to watch ceremony tomorrow.  http://commencement.rutgers.edu/

THE STRAND THEATER LAKEWOOD REVISITED and EAGLEMANIA SAT MAY 7 bY Calvin Schwartz May 4th 2016

I’ve got a solid five-year history of warm affectation with The Strand, so I figured a few moments ago, to revisit one of my earlier explorations (of which there were many) and do the salient features bit here at NJ Discover website, a few days before their special show this Saturday May 7^th EAGLEMANIA-The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band. More on the show to follow.

The Strand was built in 1922. What a wonderful venue to listen to music, dream, drift back to the future for a few moments. Yes, I love the Strand. I also love when the message gets out to the world embraced by NJ Discover to get off your sedentary sofas and take full advantage of all that New Jersey has to offer, i.e. The Strand.

Some four years ago, I really discovered The Strand in Lakewood; this magical, beautiful, historic place of theater, music, comedy and acoustical wizardry. Three years ago I attended the Strand’s 90th Gala and walked away meeting people who have influenced and changed the course of my life. That Gala event was followed by so many other events I attended at The Strand; from Sandy relief concerts, to intimate and memorable ‘Backstage Pass’ events to great music and endearing holiday shows.

A few months ago I got the chance to spend some time with Anthony D’Amato (known on stage as ‘Remember Jones’) He was named the new producing artistic director of the Strand. His responsibilities include working closely with management, giving input in production and show prospects, producing his own theatrical and music events and probably a myriad of other job descriptions.  His persona was electric, dynamic, indefatigable and youthful. Actually he is very young.  I asked Anthony about his history. “I used to usher here when I was 12 years old. I would pick up trash in the aisles. From there, I became a performer then a director and recently put on my own music events here. In the past I’ve been able to turn small theaters-outdated- into something with a social scene. That’s my goal for here. The artistic vision for me is NOT to put on musicals and plays yet, but first we need to establish this area again as some sort of social scene; a hang-out for all ages to be comfortable which is not easy.”

I also spoke to Chris Everett (not the tennis player) who’s the technical wizard at The Strand. “We want to insure this beautiful building continues to be a center for artistic endeavors…. Everything technical that happens here is my job; staging, lighting, sound, making people fly, all the fun stuff. If no one notices us, we did our job right because that is the magic of theater…. It was designed to be a Broadway theater…. In the 20’s and 30’s Lakewood was a vacation destination…literally it is a replica of a New York City theater.  We can do all these Broadway shows right here; One of the top four acoustically designed buildings in America.”

I love shout outs; To The Strand  ‘family’ for keeping me informed and enamored with the theater. Scott McFadden, Lori Gilmore, Fran Whitney, Dina Warren and Jesse Warren.

http://www.strand.org/

https://eaglemaniaband.wordpress.com/

And now show information for EAGLEMANIA-The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band.

May 7, 2016 at 8:00 PM

Strand Center for the Arts

Lakewood, NJ

Get Directions

Doors open 6:30 PM

BUY TICKETS ONLINE  http://www.strand.org/

James D’Amico Productions & Tommy’s House Present:

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Tickets $40 Orchestra & Loge, $35 Mezzanine, $25 Tier (Plus $5 fee per ticket).

Music : Genre: Classic Rock

 A VERY SPECIAL HISTORIC COMEDY WEEKEND: Princeton’s Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club presents MARC PRICE (Family Ties) and MARSHA WARFIELD (Night Court) Friday April 29th and Saturday April 30th. MY CONVERSATION with MARC & MARSHA    bY Calvin Schwartz  April 26^th 2016

I have a long winding road history of being a comedic snob going back to the sixties when I heard Lenny Bruce for the first time. I’ve come to many circles and forks in roads, but always HUGELY appreciate the specialized art of comedy; making people laugh. And yes, an historic comedic upcoming weekend when two stars from 80’s iconic sitcoms share the stage.

When Princeton’s Catch a Rising Star told me Marc Price and Marsha Warfield were appearing together, I was thrilled to chat with them. I pinched myself ceremoniously; my wife thought I was losing it.

If I was losing it, I found it again when I started talking to Marc. What immediately ran through my mind; I was really talking to Irwin Skippy Handleman from the highly successful sitcom, ‘Family Ties.’ The night before, I prepared by exploring You Tube and Marc, watching old episodes of ‘Family Ties’ and clips from his stand-up act. He is a refreshingly funny, sharp and innovative comedian.

I asked Marc about being on the road and who his heroes are.  This year he’ll wind up spending 40 weeks on the road. “Jay Leno goes to all the places comedians don’t normally go to. I do that too…. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many of my heroes…. George Carlin and I were on the same plane once…. Seinfeld’s opening act, an old friend of mine, was sitting next to George…. He introduced us so I sat next to George…. Carlin loved the art form so much. He loved doing stand-up…. Bill Maher once said, “You could take the jokes out of Carlin’s show and it still would be an interesting show.””

Lenny Bruce was good friends with his father, comedian Al Bernie and even wrote together. I was very impressed. “My dad even worked with Sammy Davis Jr.; they wrote some music…. My dad was on The Ed Sullivan and Fred Allen shows…. In 1956, he did an impersonation of Elvis on Ed Sullivan. One week later, Elvis is on the show. It makes my dad the first Elvis impersonator.”

“What about your show with Marsha next week in Princeton?” “This is historic. Marsha Warfield is a tremendous comedy icon…. Started performing in the seventies…. Worked with Richard Pryor and was on ‘Night Court’…. One of the great female headliners of all time…. Broke down a lot of doors…. She stopped doing comedy for many years and just started again…. We bumped into each other in Las Vegas…. Then she joined me on stage…. did a guest set…. the audience flipped out. She’s still got it…. Didn’t do old jokes but new material…. Very relevant. Very much about now. Very powerful. Speaks the truth. It is extremely exciting for me to be a part.”

I pursued Marc’s background. “People watched me as a nerdy teen. Now I am in my awkward adult years.”  He was born in Bergen County but loves California and the North West; Washington State. Oregon and lives in Southern California. It’s the best of all worlds for him to come visit New York and New Jersey. Then I asked about googling him and discovering he was into hydroponics.

“It is sand hydroponics. It practices water conservation techniques. Using 70% less water…. Because of the Hoover Dam, the Colorado River doesn’t make it to the ocean anymore…. People manage their own rain water…. Even the driest part of California gets 4 to 5 inches of rain a year…. Trick is to save water in winter.” Marc co-produced a show for Showtime, ‘Green Collar Comedy’ where he learned about hydroponics. The show was “politically not so correct but environmentally correct.” As I’m writing this, how synchronistic; it is Earth Day, April 22^nd.

Marc continued to impress with his caring, depth and passion. “It seems people resist massive change. As long as people have hoses and can turn them on at will, they don’t care.” Then it was suddenly back to George Carlin. He was on that roll. “I’ve always aspired to his kind of comedy. It surprises people. They don’t expect it from Skippy from ‘Family Ties.’ I’m excited to perform to people who have not seen ‘Family Ties.’ Comedy Club audiences are younger and don’t remember the show.”

I get a kick out of the next question. “What’s your relationship now with the cast of ‘Family Ties’? “We check in often. Most recently with Scott Valentine. Michael J Fox is my ultimate hero and mentor. Michael Gross, Justine, Meredith, Tina; I love them all…. I love George Burns, Don Rickles; he is still so sharp, Sam Kinnison. My influences are very varied over many centuries.” He laughed. I got it immediately. “I’m a student of comedy/history…. My dad was at George Burns’ Friar Club Roast…. I used to drive back from the Catskills with Jackie Mason…. My dad used to sneak me in to Catch a Rising Star back in the seventies when comics had this great respect for the Catskills. Young comedians today don’t get that same reaction that Catskill comedians got.”

This interview seemed full circle. Marc did some of his first comedy shows at Catch a Rising Star. He’ll be back this weekend in Princeton. I’ll be there hugely anticipatory. This is also part of the circle. To implore all you folks to come on down and laugh for a few wholesome hours. Get off the sedentary sofa.

This past Saturday morning in Atlantic Beach, Long Island, far from my central Jersey domicile, I spoke to Marsha Warfield. She had an early afternoon comedy gig out west so we had some quality time. I spent several hours beforehand just as I had done with Marc, going back to the future on You Tube, checking out ‘Night Court,’ some stand-up gigs and when she performed on a Richard Pryor roast. Yes, I’m a comedic snob and here I was talking to Marsha Warfield. I ceremoniously pinched myself again.

Firstly I asked how she got involved in comedy. Marsha is from Chicago. She was married and divorced by the time she was 20 and worked at various jobs. One of the jobs was working with her mom at the phone company. “It was back in the days when you dialed 11 for long distance. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I saw an article in the paper. A feature on comedy night…. At a place called Pickle Barrel…. A deli with a bar…. Tom Dreesen, a comedian, was running the showcase and had just broken up with his partner Tim Reid; the comedy team Tim and Tom…. I read about the showcase and told my friend I was going…. My friend drove me…. It was the first time I did stand-up…. By the time I went on, it was 2 AM and they were putting chairs on the tables…. I went on and said I was Marsha Warfield and I am a virgin. That was the start of it.”

“And your comedy and life heroes.” She answered in a milli-second, “My mother was always my hero. Never looked up to anyone more than her.” From the time Marsha was a little girl, she was always drawn to comedy like Lucille Ball and shows like Ed Sullivan and Jack Paar. “My early memories of women doing comedy weren’t so much stand-up…. Women at the time were usually characters; Moms Mabley, Totie Fields and even Joan Rivers assumed a character…. The men were themselves…. I was drawn to Eve Arden, her delivery, Our Miss Brooks…. No nonsense, dead pan, the authority she brought to the screen which was not seen in a lot of women at the time…. It seems the only woman who had a “this is me talking” attitude was Elaine Boosler.” Listening to Marsha was like a rolling comedy history lesson.

“I just love stand-up comedy. My first comedy crush was Flip Wilson…. I liked his intellect”  I mentioned Flip Wilson doing a routine called “ugly baby” on an early Johnny Carson show filmed in black and white. Marsha repeated the last line, “and a banana for your monkey.” We both laughed; it helps being ‘contemporaries.’

I praised her unique cynical facial expression. “I always find it interesting what people observe. In my performing, I still try very hard to be like the conversation we are having now.  I try to be myself. It’s all me. The stuff I write. The way I see the world. My sense of humor. I want to be honest.” Next I praised her performance in the movie, “Mask.” She played Rocky Dennis’ homeroom teacher. That warmth and sincerity easily came across the screen. “I give director Peter Bogdanovich the credit.”

Being the movie romantic, I was curious what movies she was inspired and moved by. “Early on you didn’t see a lot of blacks in movies. Then in the early 70’s there were more.”  She loves ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ and ‘Claudine.’ “Instead of going to work, I’d sit all day in the theater and watch. I’ve seen them both often enough to quote in my sleep…. Right around the time I was thinking of stand-up.”

I thought about throwing in some Jersey humor. “You’re coming to Princeton next weekend. What’s the first thing that comes to mind thinking Jersey?” Marsha answered, “Stephanie Plum, from the Janet Evanovich series. She was a bounty hunter with attitude based in Jersey.”

I found a video on You Tube from the old Richard Pryor Show where Marsha and Richard are in a hysterically funny bit called “Uncensored Food Foreplay.” I watched it twice, yes, LOL.   Marsha added, “At the time, I was a rookie; he was an established comedy legend. Richard’s gift was that he spoke in a voice that wasn’t heard yet…. An urban street voice…. He elevated it to part of our vernacular…. He gave life to all of us who spoke that way…. Richard was the guy down the street…. He brought such a brilliance to that kind of expression…. In that restaurant scene you watched, there was no dialogue, no direction, no rehearsal and a blank script. I played a beautiful woman which was a stretch for me.” I disagreed immediately. “They seduce each other with food. I must’ve been 22 or 23 years old…. Fresh off the plane from Chicago and in awe of this man…. He showed up late…. He just got married…. Shows up in a white suit…. We shot it in one take…. You see me shaking.”

I asked about best and worst times in a life. “I don’t self-analyze much. People will judge you however. I try to be me. But I do want to say a couple of things. I haven’t done stand-up in almost 20 years. I am just now getting back into it. I happened to run into Marc(Price) last year at Improv where I was doing five-minute guest spots and he very graciously volunteered to get me on. He told me to work out stuff and get my stage legs back. This is part of the process he opened up and gave me the opportunity to reconnect and re-energize. I owe him a lot of gratitude.”

Gratitude is a perfect universal word to finish; To Mike Tommasino from Catch a Rising Star in Princeton for lighting my comedic journalistic fire and connecting me to Marc and Marsha. And much gratitude to both of them for opening their memory banks, hearts and souls. And perhaps gratitude to NJ Discover readers who should find their way off the sedentary sofa and come down this weekend to laugh.

SHOW INFO:  April 29^th and April 30th

CATCH A RISING STAR WEBSITE:  http://www.catcharisingstar.com/index.php

Hyatt Regency Princeton

102 Carnegie Center

Princeton, NJ 08540

To purchase tickets

visit the Hyatt box office,  

http://www.ticketweb.com/venue/hyatt-regency-princeton-princeton-nj/44754#

visit

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or call 609.987.8018

APRIL NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH: Another Journey to Awareness: Autism, Aging Out, Rutgers and Hope Autism Solutions. bY Calvin Schwartz April 18th 2016

I call this article another journey to awareness. These journeys began innocently enough four years ago as I slowly evolved into journalism; a long story. A capsule view. I’ve lived in comfortable, staid Monmouth County for nearly a quarter century surrounded by sprawling homes and upbeat ethnic eateries. One day, after Hurricane Sandy, I met Sherry Rubel, a homeless activist. Two weeks later, with Tara-Jean Vitale, my co-host at NJ Discover Live, Sherry took us into Tent City, Lakewood, New Jersey, where up to 112 people lived in tents without heat, power, running water for up to 12 years. Ocean County had no provisions for the homeless. I wound up spending days there, learning, feeling, emoting and wondering how 112 people lived like this, 22 miles from my house on the east coast of America. My consciousness was forever raised and hardened. I helped promote the work of documentarian Jack Ballo, whose film ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ starkly tells the story of Tent City.

There was a logical segue to homelessness; hunger in America. I soon learned that in 1980, there were 40 food pantries in America. Today there are 40,000. I wondered how this can be in America. I spent several learning days at the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. My consciousness was raised and hardened again. I would never be the same after these journeys. It is overwhelming for me to comprehend then to write about it. But I always will. There is an old spiritual saying, “He who saves a life, saves the world.”

Segue. I try to be an absorbent sponge with current events; my mother impressed it upon me. From a distance, I’ve seen stories about autism; the debate about early childhood vaccinations as a causative to the explosion of incidence. That was the extent of my awareness. I have a friend, Lew Preschel and his close friend Ira, who watch/follow my NJ Discover Live radio/cable TV Show. Our show mantra is to elevate the people and places of New Jersey; to discover, as our name suggests, so we look for unique guests/stories that the major networks can’t devote the needed time. Another long story.

For a future show, Lew suggested following a red brick information road that would take me to Florida and then to Rutgers University where I’d begin my next journey. I set up an appointment with Mary Chrow, Development Specialist at Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology who has been working on a pioneering project with Autism.  Time was budgeted for an hour. Two and half hours later, we finished talking and my new journey was under way.

Like an old Pete Seeger and Tom Paxton folk song; “What did I learn in school today?” Mary outlined some of the basic facts. An estimated one in 68 children nationally and one in 45 in New Jersey are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder(ASD) which is a developmental disability that can cause significant communication, behavior and social roadblocks. Through high school, children with autism get the services and resources for their special needs. What shocked me was this next aspect.  Once they leave and age out of the public school system, services are dramatically reduced, leaving these young adults with little support outside of the family structure. How could this be? Then I thought about homelessness and hunger and how could that be?

Before meeting with Mary, I did my journalistic due diligence. I read about Mel Karmazin and Rutgers. Now mix in (gently stirred) a little synchronicity; one of my favorite indulgences. Karmazin is one of my media heroes; a founder of Infinity Broadcasting and CEO of CBS and Sirius. I watched a recent TV interview heralding Karmazin’s involvement with autism.  He started off by saying, “There is a tsunami coming with all of these children (up to 500,000) becoming adults and what services and arrangements have been made to take care of them?” His words reverberate awareness. He is partnering with Rutgers University to raise funds for the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services; that pioneering project. Karmazin realized that a major university as an epicenter makes perfect sense; they have all the support systems in place and offer so many job opportunities for these young ASD adults. Karmazin met with Rutgers President Barchi.

Mary went on to explain what the center (approximately three years away) will focus on. There are two core on-campus programs. One is a workday program that gives 50 to 60 adults training (pre), vocational and recreational opportunities. The second is a pilot residential program which provides residences and services for 20 ASD adults who will live with 20 Rutgers graduate students and of course work on campus. I was exuberant; my alma mater was at the forefront of a revolutionary program that could be a model for the whole country. “Can we do some NJ Discover LIVE TV shows and help to create awareness to enlist broad based support?  It’s about making people aware of those 500,000 young adults who need.”

It’s always the case of people not grasping the depth and breadth of need. People need to know. I didn’t know about autism and aging out. I’m a just regular middle American, Jersey guy. I like my college football, tuna subs and an occasional visit to MOMA in New York City. My reasoning, deductive, if I didn’t know the present state of adults and autism, then so many others wouldn’t know.

There’s a process before undertaking a TV show together. Mary suggested my learning about Hope Autism Solutions and meeting with Danielle Lumby, a Rutgers graduate who is at that epicenter of local family involvement. Danielle and I went through the discovery process on the phone; more extant synchronicity; we’re both from Maplewood. My first novel, ‘Vichy Water,’ has a picture of the Maplewood train station on the cover; she laughed. We knew great chemistry going forward.

While I was driving up to meet with Danielle and the team from Our House Inc.; a dynamic, well respected service provider, that journalistic epiphany consumed me. I knew my mission; I was in a phone booth; the old fashioned kind that Superman was partial to. If you’re reading this now, so much help is needed; awareness is needed. Get off the sedentary sofa and help, support and get involved. It’s good for the soul. My mission here is to raise awareness and promote involvement in the cause of autism.

Media needs to get involved to bring these young adults and their families into recognized awareness. There is power in knowledge. Knowledge is good. Later that afternoon, Danielle, would tell our group around a conference table that when the Rutgers Today story came out about (http://news.rutgers.edu/feature/caring-those-autism-they-grow-older/20151201#.Vv7HSuIrKUk  ) Danielle and husband Jeff and their work with autism, she was contacted often. A woman in Missouri called her about the work of Hope Autism Solutions. “One article possibly started a similar program in Missouri. I think that woman will actually do it.” I thought to myself as I got off Route 287, there is so much power with the media to teach, inspire and move people off a sofa or to reach into their pockets to help financially. Life is short.

The facility in Basking Ridge for Hope Autism Solutions was bright, upbeat and replete with particulates of energy of caring and devotion. In 2010, a small group of families in Basking Ridge, New Jersey became aware of the critical need for meaningful programs that gives adults with autism the opportunity to lead productive lives after they aged out. Hope Autism Foundation was born. In early 2012, the program model, Hope Autism Solutions (HAS) was created and approved by the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities. Our House Inc. currently operates two HAS sites in Somerset and Union County caring for 42 adults with autism.  In January, a third location was opened.

One of mankind’s greatest innovations is the conference table. That’s where I sat down with Danielle Lumby, President, Founding Trustee, Michele DelCorsano, President & CEO of Our House, Danielle Langford, Director and Katie Brown from Our House.

We started talking about the cost factors of the center. Danielle began, “The foundation helps to offer more programs. But that is a manageable number. The real cost is construction, furnishing and technology. Those are the big dollars…. A yoga program, nutritional is easy to raise money for.” Michele added, “Because we make every space handicap accessible…. barrier free.”

I heard that perhaps no other service provider is expanding programs like this. I was listening intently and feeling a special amalgam of emotion around the table; the palpable stuff.   I asked, “How did the impetus evolve to embark on this path?” Danielle added, “My son (21) can’t be left alone. So what do parents do (a single parent). The whole family structure is effected…. What does a parent now do? …. Not many opportunities provided…. Here at least we offer transportation, pick-up at house…. The message here is it helps the whole family…. My school system called me in, “We can’t find anything for your kid that’s close in the Basking Ridge area which means my son would be home or without the right staff ratios…. One parent was told we can’t service them because they don’t have the right staffing…. They live in Warren area which meant travelling to Monmouth County every day.” I said, “that’s three plus hours of driving a day.”

For me, I thought it was incredible with Hope Autism Solutions that someone comes to the door and gets their child and the drive is no more than 15 minutes and they get to do meaningful things and the child (young adult) is brought back to their door. On a facility tour later, they told of some of the activities; computer, yoga, cooking, nutrition, soccer, art, etc.  “When we were setting this up, kids need to come back home happy and tired and wanting to come back here.”

Parents were telling them that their kids want to come back here. It is a life altering/saving thing; from having nothing to something five days a week. “It’s HUGE!” A lot of what they do is volunteer. Autism Speaks gave a small grant to help pay for a nutritionist. They are a great resource once a child is diagnosed. But Our House, the service provider here makes such a difference.

I could keep writing but I think the point is made how much these devoted people at Rutgers and Hope Autism Solutions and Our House are doing. There is a tsunami coming as Mel Karmazin said; 500,000 children with autism entering young adulthood with nowhere to go.  We live in a brave new world where groups of concerned people can make such a difference in quality of life. There is so much to do. I hope these words can move a few people or light a few fires. Yes, I’ll be heading back with a film crew; this is my beginning.  Earlier I mentioned Pete Seeger. Perhaps a perfect way to close this chapter in my journey is to partially quote Pete again. At the appropriate place, think autism. He said this at a 1963 Carnegie Hall concert before singing the Civil Rights song, “We Shall Overcome.”

“If you would like to get out of a pessimistic mood yourself, I’ve got one sure remedy for you: Go help those people…. There’s all kinds of jobs that need to be done. Takes hands and hearts and heads to do it. Human beings to do it. And then we’ll see this song come true.”

IMPORTANT LINKS TO CLICK AND ABSORB:

http://www.hopeautismfoundation.org/

http://gsappweb.rutgers.edu/

Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. To learn more contact Mary Chrow, Director of Development at Rutgers University Foundation   chrow@rci.rutgers.edu

http://www.ourhousenj.org/

Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services:  http://www.rcaas.rutgers.edu/

A VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX: SUPREME COURT JUSTICE HONORABLE SONIA SOTOMAYOR VISITS RUTGERS EAGLETON INSTITUTE   bY  Calvin Schwartz    April 13, 2016

Over the years I’ve discovered the mind expansive joys of Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics. After one lecture, I told Watergate-famed John Dean, Nixon’s counsel, that he contributed to the break-up of my first marriage because I spent three weeks as a newlywed watching his testimony and nothing else. He laughed and asked if I re-married. I remember lectures with Doris Kearns Goodwin, Governors Whitman and Codey, Michael Beschloss, David Gergen.  Senator Cory Booker was at Eagleton a few weeks ago. Actually Senator Booker called on me for the last question; it was my omnipresent Rutgers hat and “over-abundance of hair” which garnered his attention. When it was announced that Justice Sotomayor was coming on April 11th and registration was at 9 AM on line, I set the alarm for 8 AM. I filled out the form at 9 AM sharp. Seconds later, it was closed out and so was I. The demand to see the Supreme Court Justice was beyond.

Eagleton reacted and moved the venue to the Rutgers Athletic Center(RAC) to accommodate.  I remembered I’m a journalist here at NJ Discover and got press credentials for the event. Arrival was two hours early to set up in the press box yet even that early, you could feel a special air of excitement and still hear echoes in the empty RAC. I walked around absorbing. The doors opened for the spectators; such a diverse and smiling demographic. I knew it wasn’t basketball season or Kansas. This was a special day.

Dr. Barchi, Rutgers President spoke briefly and acknowledged some past Jersey officials. Ruth Mandel, head of Eagleton and Justice Sotomayor walked across the gym floor to the stage and two comfortable chairs. A very skilled eloquent Ruth Mandel began to ask questions.

Justice Sotomayor remarked, “Who I am is an amalgam of experiences.” Mandel asked, “What did you hold onto from early days?”  “I have a Puerto Rican heart….my culture is who I am….my values that I was taught…. love of family, community, country….”  Once I heard her words, I knew she was a very special exceedingly humanistic Justice; a rare precious and beautiful person. This audience was in the presence of greatness. Isn’t it funny how fast you can tell qualities. She was born in the Bronx, went to Princeton and Yale Law.

“Has the court affected people close to you?” She missed that first Christmas; couldn’t leave the court. “Sure it changes you.”  She went on to say, “I studied and studied…. never cut corners with education…. I worry students who are involved in everything…. involved with too much…. should concentrate on passions…. Don’t do any work that you’re not passionate about.” Yes, she was on a college campus with many students listening.

I loved this next segment. Justice Sotomayor mentioned that she doesn’t like sitting for long periods of time and walks slowly but she’d walk into the stands all the way up to the rafters answering questions. “I was called “hot pepper” by my mother. I can’t sit still.”  How wondrously real. She shook hands with some of the appreciative audience. I was in the second level press box; she was three feet away. Yes, thrilling.

“Every night before I go to sleep, I ask what did I learn new today. How did I extend an act of kindness? If I can’t answer, I don’t go to bed…. I go on the internet.” I turned to Dan, Editor of the Rutgers Targum, sitting next and whispered, “A very special person. Wow.”

Fittingly she spoke about more diversity on the Supreme Court can help to better understand the cases but wouldn’t necessarily change outcomes. “In every case we’re announcing a winner. One side comes away vindicated…. One loses…. It makes this job hard.”  I liked the air in the gym; no questioning on prevailing winds of politics and the court. There is a time and place. I just wanted to hear her humanity and personal expressions.  Back on the gym floor, after students asked questions and a photo-op, Ruth Mandel and Justice Sotomayor were quickly gone. I think she had to catch a train.

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Last night I had the privilege of honoring some of New Jersey’s BEST at Asbury Park’s magnificent Convention Hall Theater. My co-host Calvin Schwartz and I enjoyed greeting the honorees on the red carpet. The New Jersey Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates Garden State Citizens for their outstanding accomplishments. I am always impressed with the diversity of over achievers that are chosen for each year’s ceremony. Year’s passed the Inductees have included Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Dizzy Gillespie, Martha Stewart, Joyce Carol Oates, Tony Bennet, Whitney Houston, John Travolta, Dionne Warwick, Michael Douglas and Bruce Willis. And this year’s honored were equally impressive:

Class of 2015

James Fenimore Cooper – America’s National Novelist – “Last of the Mohicans”

William Fox of 20th Century Fox – His first film studio was in Fort Lee New Jersey

Lewis Katz – Founder and Director of Katz Foundation

Kool & The Gang –  “Jungle Boogie”, “Funky Stuff”, “Ladies Night”, “Celebration”

Jack H. Jacobs – Medal of Honor, McDermott Chair of Humanities, On-Air Analyst for NBC

Derek Jeter – Five Time World Series Champion, Yankees All-Time Career Leader

Frank R. Lautenberg – Represented NJ in the United States Senate for five terms.

Bernard Marcus – Co-Founder of Home Depot

Christie Rampone – FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion & 3 time Olympic Gold Medalist

Jon Stewart – Television Host of The Daily Show – winning 18 EmmyAwards

Dick Vitale – American Basketball Sportscaster & Analyst, ABC, ESPN, NCAA, Olympic Games

Carla Harris – Vice Chairman, Global Wealth Management, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley and Gospel Singer

The evening began with the theater booming from the tremendous sound of the Glen Burtnik Band. Soon after we were treated to a wonderful rendition of Theme from New York, New York sung by Joe Piscopo, the Hall Of Fame’s Host. Among laughter and cheers Joe Piscopo sung about New Jersey’s greatest and most memorable places to love and avoid. Throughout the evening one by one the Honorees and their families accepted the prestigious awards. All who attended the ceremony that evening could sense the great privilege that each inductee felt who stood on the stage that night.

(Special thanks to photographer: Richard Elliott Hoynes)

After a great evening in Asbury, rubbing elbows with my long-lost cousin Dick Vitale, and serenading “Ladies Night” to Kool & the Gang, I am settling down with my better half to rent the “Last of the Mohicans” in honor of New Jersey’s Hall of Fame. Looking forward to next year’s Ceremony and finding out who will be chosen from the many supremely talented Jersey Citizens. Congrats to all New Jerseys Hall of Fame Inductees and Good Luck to all the Hopefuls!

TaraJean McDonald Vitale

Journalist & Radio Host & On-Air Personality, NJDiscover

yourstrulyTJ@wordpress.com

NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO/TV SHOW with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz TUNE IN/WATCH Monday April 11^th 8 PM  “TOUGH GUYS WHO ACHIEVE’ with very special guests:  16 time Emmy Award winner/ director GLENN HOLSTEN and ROBERT COZMO CONSULMAGNO, Marine, Bipolar Advocate, World Ranked Jiu Jitsu Fighter. 

Show Note: We are thrilled to bring these fascinating, dynamic, accomplished guests to NJ Discover for an hour of introspection, motivation, drive and achievement. A very special hour especially for young and old viewers and everyone in between.

  TUNE IN:  www.njdiscover.com  Monday April 11^th  8PM

THE SHOW ALSO AIRS ON LONG BRANCH COMMUNITY ACCESS TV CHANNEL 20  EVERY NIGHT 9 pm Beginning April 18th

INTRODUCING GLENN HOLSTEN:

Glenn Holsten is an award-winning director who creates compelling documentary story experiences for screens of all sizes – from the IMAX to the iPhone.

His latest documentary, Hollywood Beauty Salon, portrays life at an intimate beauty parlor inside of the Germantown Recovery Community, a non-profit mental health program in Philadelphia, where staff and clients alike are in the process of recovery. By gathering together to get their hair done, share stories, and support one another, they find a way to rebuild their lives.  Hollywood Beauty Salon will have a theatrical release in New York City and Philadelphia in June 2016.

The Barefoot Artist, about global artist Lily Yeh, was filmed on four continents and had its theatrical premiere in New York and Los Angeles in December, 2014 and is currently available on Netflix. His most recent national broadcast on PBS, The Barnes Collection, follows Dr. Albert Barnes’ remarkable rise from Philadelphia’s working-class neighborhood to the top of the modern art world. SEE, a film that he created in collaboration with painters Bo Bartlett and Betsy Eby premiered at the Camden Film Festival in 2013.

He directed an eight-part series titled Women In Chemistry, about pioneering women chemists for the Chemical Heritage Foundation. Women In Chemistry appeared on public television as a one-hour television special, as will Scientists You Must Know, a documentary about the people behind the discoveries that changed our world.

Other long-form documentary directing credits include OC87: The Obsessive-Compulsive, Major Depression, Bipolar, Asperger’s Movie, (theatrical release, 2012, Netflix); Seductive Subversion: Women Pop Artists, 1958-1968, (OVATION, 2010); Saint of 9/11, about Father Mychal Judge, the beloved chaplain to the NYC Fire Dept. (Tribeca Film Festival, IFC theatrical release, 2006, Netflix); Gay Pioneers (PBS, 2005); JIM IN BOLD, which harnesses the power of young voices to reveal the challenges and triumphs of being young and gay in America; Thomas Eakins: Scenes from Modern Life (PBS, 2001), a lyrical examination of America through the eyes of the 19th century painter; and HOUSE, a 30-minute film about The Korman Residence in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania that was famed Philadelphia architect Louis I. Kahn’s final residential commission.

He was commissioned by both The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Pew Charitable Trusts to create a series of moving portraits about artists and their work processes.  Glenn is a recipient of a Pew Fellowship in the Arts, an Independence Foundation Fellowship in the Arts, and a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Fellowship. He has been awarded silver and gold awards from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for innovative television production. He has been honored with sixteen Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.  A collection of his work was exhibited in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s 20th Century Video Gallery.

Glenn has directed films in China, Portugal, Kenya, Rwanda, Northern Ireland, Poland, Bosnia and the Republic of Georgia. In 2000, he traveled to Mongolia, where he conducted a workshop for television professionals that explored creative methods for storytelling on television.

Glenn graduated from The University of Pennsylvania in 1984 with a B.A. in English.

LINKS:  LATEST FILM:  http://hollywoodbeautysalonmovie.com/      HOLLYWOOD BEAUTY SALON portrays life at an intimate beauty parlor inside of the Germantown Recovery Community, a non-profit mental health facility in Northwest Philadelphia, where staff and clients alike are in the process of recovery. By gathering together to get their hair done, share stories, and support one another, they find a way to rebuild their lives. The documentary-which was work-shopped at the Salon over the course of four years-is also part of the recovery process, and the subjects of the film played an active part in shaping their own narratives and determining their unique individual styles.

http://www.barefootartistmovie.com/     THE BAREFOOT ARTIST

A visually stunning and deeply emotional film, THE BAREFOOT ARTIST chronicles the long and colorful life of Lily Yeh, a Philadelphia-based artist who has committed herself to creating community-based art projects in some of the world’s most troubled areas. The film explores two sides of Lily’s life that are connected parts of the same journey: her international ventures helping to heal weakened spirits in communities around the world, and a personal journey within to repair her own fractured family.

GLENN HOLSTEN:  IMDB    http://bit.ly/1Ybkcv2

INTRODUCING  ROBERT COZMO CONSULMAGNO

I’ve written often about ‘Cozmo’ since I met him last summer down the Jersey shore. It was, as they say instant chemistry. I’ll include links to NJ Discover articles and videos we’ve done with Cozmo; tantamount to a totally fascinating personality and a nice guy who fights. Glenn Holsten, also our guest on the show, did an award winning documentary on Cozmo, filmed in his hometown of Jersey City.  ‘OC 87 Recovery Diaries’ Robert Consulmagno  “The Good Fight”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMdOk8EgXtc

NJ Discover Video with Cozmo:  http://bit.ly/200iCO4

In a composite nutshell; this is the stuff they also make full length movies about. I wonder who’ll play Cozmo? He was born over 40 years ago in Jersey.  ” My biological father committed suicide by hanging himself. I’ve seen my first step father beat my mother. They were together for many years but never married but he also forced himself on her. He even threw a TV stand at his own mother; the product of a violent environment. I’ve seen him beat a guy over a parking spot. My first stepfather shot my second stepfather with a 22. Later the same day, he drove up to Mooanchie, New Jersey and killed himself inside of a Pontiac Bonneville with the same weapon. My first stepfather was the guy when my mother yelled, “Dad wants you,” I started crying. I didn’t know what was going to happen. That’s where my problems dealing with people and authority figures came from. That’s all I knew, how to survive.”

To escape, Cozmo enlisted in the Marines, honorably discharged five years later, but with severe PTSD and diagnosed bipolar disorder. He has notably become a dynamic spokesperson on his life’s mission to end the stigma of bipolar. Travelling and exploring America some years ago, with a permanent disability, he was approached in the locker room at his local gym in Florida and was asked if he evere thought about studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Testament to his drive and perseverance, he went on to become a world ranked, purple belt Jiu Jitsu fighter, channeling all that energy.

READ NJ DISCOVER INTERIEW WITH COZMO: http://bit.ly/1L7tDdr

COZMO CONTACT INFO AND PLEASE CONTACT HIM:

supercrazycozmo(Twitter)

Website  http://www.supercrazycozmo.com

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/supercrazycozmo

TUNE IN:  www.njdiscover.com  Monday April 11th  8PM          THE SHOW ALSO AIRS ON LONG BRANCH COMMUNITY ACCESS TV CHANNEL 20  EVERY NIGHT 9 pm                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beginning April 18th

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