$50 Fine for Texting While Walking – Maybe Not a Bad Idea      by John D’Amico

John D’Amico is a currently a Rutgers senior majoring in Journalism and Media Studies with a minor in Political Science. He briefly wrote for Brookdale Community College’s student newspaper “The Stall.” While at Rutgers, John has written for The Targum, and currently writes for the student arts and culture magazine “The Rutgers Review,” as well as for the Rutgers edition of TheTab.com. John’s interests include politics, film, television, and hopes to become a professional film or television critic. Contact John:  jjdamico123@gmail.com.

There has been a lot of controversy about the new proposed bill which would make it illegal in NJ to cross the street while on your phone. Perhaps it might not be as stupid an idea as a lot of people think.

The new law would impose a fine up to $50, 15 days behind bars or both for those caught texting while walking, CBS New York reported.

Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt proposed the new bill, citing a national increase in collisions between cars and pedestrians on their phones, according to NJ.com.

The bill has already been shown to be very controversial among NJ citizens. Is it really a good idea or not?

Part of the reason Lampitt proposed this bill comes from her concern for pedestrians. “Distracted pedestrians, like distracted drivers, present a potential danger to themselves and drivers on the road,” she said.

Is this really any of the government’s business? I understand that government should serve and protect the people. And in some situations, the government may even need to step in and protect people from themselves. But is this really one of those situations?

I understand there’s a problem with pedestrians getting hit by cars while on their phones. If someone is really going to be careless by putting themselves in that situation, then that should be their problem.

What’s the other issue here; concern for the drivers? When that is taken into account, I understand the appeal of a law like this. Keep in mind, this would specifically be for pedestrians crossing the street on the phone texting, not pedestrians in general.

If someone wants to be reckless and endanger their own life by being on their phone while crossing the street, that’s their choice. Once they start endangering the lives of others, it becomes a problem.

There is ample evidence that this is a real concern in New Jersey. Therefore, I don’t have a problem with it. Bear in mind, this op-ed comes from the mind of a COLLEGE student, also known as the “texting” generation.

NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: LINDA CHORNEY: Music, Passion and her film, ‘The Opening Act’ A Review bY Calvin Schwartz March 24, 2016

The refreshing documentary, The Opening Act, shoots from the hip. There is never a lull or lapse.  Linda asked with a Sally Field childlike enthusiasm and innocence, “You really liked it?”  Chorney, although secure with her musical ability, was not so sure if she had any business being in the film business. After viewing The Opening Act, she does.  I answered, “Yes, it was a purist form of frenetic Linda.” “What’s frenetic?” she asked. “Frenetic Linda means frenzied but in a good way. You are non-stop energy and spontaneity.” She creates a special microscope of a film dedicated to creative people like herself. Her energy coming to life in the film is purposefully, obviously for the armies of future musicians coming up; they should all see this film. She explains, “This is about independent musicians. You are not alone. It’s to show the ‘non-musician’ world how much time, money, pulling favors and groveling goes into the process and hopefully acts as a cheap therapy session for musicians.”

Since I watched the film a day before we talked, I was replete with emotional recall. I told Linda, “The film gives the audience a great picture of what life is like in the music business. It isn’t all Adele. It’s not really just about you.”

She dug my description, and continued, “Yeah, a lot of people were expecting this film to be about my story – ya know, the Grammy thing. That’s coming later, in a feature film with a bigger budget. But I thought this message was important and timely, as the music business has drastically shifted, causing musicians to be paid fractions of pennies, rather than dollars for their recordings.”

Linda Chorney is a muse of sorts; a force inspiring thought and creativity.  I know firsthand.

It seemed like old times; sitting down and chatting with her for this interview. It seems like only yesterday when Scott Fadynich, her husband, invited me to hear her sing at Olde Freehold Day. That was August, 2011. Scott saw my posts on Facebook and thought I was a quirky writer/blogger, so he reached out. He is always promoting Linda. It was also my second month as a journalist. A few months later, I did my very first journalistic interview with Linda in Sea Bright, overlooking a river with Jersey seagulls flying overhead. Perhaps the birds were harbingers. Linda’s interview that day helped to launch my new career. And now, five years later, there’s a full circle here.  And no treatise or interview with Linda should proceed without mentioning the fact she made history for being the first Independent artist to be nominated for Best Americana Album Grammy; after playing in bars for 30 years.

I told Linda right from the start of our interview that I wanted not only to share my adjectives about ‘The Opening Act,’ but it was quintessential to my thought process to highlight the unexpurgated Linda with my readers. Yes, I suppose a bit out of the ‘Private Parts’ school; people always want to hear what she has to say. I’d gladly go down the quirky question brick road. But taking a page from her book; I’m going to digress, egress, progress and jump into her movie and glittering, unique personality that radiates from Arizona to Jersey.

The film moved basically frenetically. (There’s that word again) Honesty was mirrored in a roller coaster of her emotions; you felt her depression worrying about weight gain or the long hard road for the film’s financial success. The fact she wore no make-up in many shots was a special effect in itself. She wanted it to be natural and real as possible. “I did everything including the editing. I had to cut out 37 minutes.  It was a challenge. I didn’t want it to be boring. I shot most of it myself, asides to the camera, “selfie-style”. I hoped there was a certain charm to that.”

There was. The film is charming; a perfect adjective to describe Linda’s labor of love. She also did the sound, color correction; and, of course, the music. She actually calls herself “Jackass of all Trades.”

I asked about the title of the film, The Opening Act. “The original title was actually ‘Why Bother?’  In this new millennium of streaming, hardly anyone buys albums anymore. Musicians are losing money recording these days, hence, at some point they have to ask themselves, well, at least I do, over and over again while bashing my head against the wall – why bother?” She reached out to her cousin Robin Russin, a successful screenplay writer and filmmaker in Hollywood, who also helped edit her book, “Who the F**K is Linda Chorney”, and asked him to screen the film before she released it. Expecting him to “rip her a new ahole”, she was pleasantly surprised when he called her with a rave review. There was just one thing; the title. “It has a negative connotation, and I found the film to quite frankly be inspiring. How about calling it “The Opening Act?”

While watching the film, you feel like you are right there in the passenger seat, as she recruits friends, family, and strangers to do a new wacky music video. In typical Linda panache, this wonderful song (full of messages, but in diversionary Chorney style) is called ‘The Cantina’ which describes inane Arizona laws where you can carry a gun but can’t drink a beer in public risking arrest. Her ‘embraceable you’ personality and spontaneity invites a local mariachi band, Mariachi Sol Azteca, to partake in the insanity. They are very entertaining.

You will come to appreciate her fortitude by working in 102-degree heat and many sleepless nights, as she creates. She is a perfectionist. And although you will laugh through her winging it style and journey, you may also shed a tear.

I am a movie snob; totally appreciate the art of making a movie. Movies helped change my life. I’ve walked out of movies that didn’t meet my expectations or wasted my time. So in critiquing movies, I must call it as I see it no matter what. There is my need of walking away from a film with knowledge and intestinal lining feelings; emotion. I remember the scene of her waiting to hear if she’d be opening for the Beach Boys. It was weeks. She was down and said, “People have important things to do and you’re not one of them, so get over it.” This sustained her. For me a riveting quote. Linda Chorney made a good film.

Not to give away the plot, but she did open for the Beach Boys. I asked how it felt.  She chuckled first, “It was awesome although I don’t know if Mike Love knew he was standing on top of my Mom’s ashes.” Her mother’s death was that recent. A typical Linda thing to do. “My mother was a HUGE influence on my music. Everybody’s parents; all they want for their kids is happiness and success. I’m sure parents of musicians, who supporting their kids learning an instrument, or any of the arts, will relate to the film.”

I told her it was quirky question time. “Be Linda.”  Q1 – What makes you cry? “Mostly tears of joy for beautiful things. Nature. When I see real family love. Friggin’ strangers in an airport greeting each other with hugs – like grandparents hugging their grandchildren. Waterworks. Then there are the sad ones; sometimes when I drove home from my gigs in smoky bars. I’d think why am I here?  When am I going to get my break? Then I did or so I thought. The backlash from the Grammy nomination made me shed a tear. Then I look at problems in the world. I make fun of myself. “Oh, poor Linda got nominated for a Grammy, wah wah. Shut the fuck up! Your life is good.”

Q2 – Is there a philosophy by which you live? She was quick to answer, “Keep it real.”  Q3 – Is there a best time in your life? “When I am creating.” Q4 – Is there a worst time? “When I am standing still, not creating.” Linda is often awake at night. “Everything keeps me up. My brain.” Q5 – Strongest childhood memory?  “Piano Lessons, listening to great music and dancing with my family, lots of Beatles, being bribed through quiet contests in the car, and rewarded with Chinese food every Sunday…I always lost.” Q6 – I wondered if there was a big misconception about her. “My honesty is misconstrued for being blunt or rude.” Q7 – fill in the blank. “Before I leave this earth, I won’t be satisfied until I _____________.” Also a quick response, “Make the movie about my book.” (She is currently working on the screenplay, and might do a little shooting while on the Jersey Shore in April.)

Of course I asked about her fondest memory of the Jersey Shore. I knew her answer. I’ve been there with her and Scott a few times. “Sea Bright Pizza!” She continues, “And that will be the first thing I eat when I get back for the film fest. Wanna meet us for a slice of eggplant?”

There are interviews and interviews. I’ve done my share. Musically speaking of course, my time spent with Linda Chorney for this interview was rare, precious and beautiful. I can’t wait for Saturday, April 9th for the premiere of “The Opening Act” at the Asbury Park Music in Film Festival at the Salt Theater at noon.  She will do a little talk, a little singing and Q&A. Yes, it seems like old times having her and Scott back by the Atlantic Ocean making music and sharing passions.

Film, Festival Tickets are available at http://apmff.com/schedule-tickets/

“Opening Act” Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZypajZ6_sA

Linda Chorney website:  http://www.lindachorney.com

Calvin Schwartz  website:  vichywater.net

Facebook:  Cal Schwartz    and  Calvin Schwartz-Cerebral Writer

NJ INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: A Review of “IN THE GAME” An Unconventional Soccer Documentary By John D’Amico February 26, 2016

Editor’s Note: It was perfectly synchronistic that John reviewed a soccer film at the NJ International Film Festival. For the second straight year, NJ Discover provides the live TV broadcasts for Sky Blue FC, New Jersey’s professional Women’s Soccer team competing in the National Women’s Soccer League and playing their home games at Rutgers’ Yurcak Field.  http://www.skybluefc.com/ Calvin Schwartz

John D’Amico is a currently a Rutgers senior majoring in Journalism and Media Studies with a minor in Political Science. He briefly wrote for Brookdale Community College’s student newspaper “The Stall.” While at Rutgers, John has written for The Targum, and currently writes for the student arts and culture magazine “The Rutgers Review,” as well as for the Rutgers edition of TheTab.com. John’s interests include politics, film, television, and hopes to become a professional film or television critic. Contact John:  jjdamico123@gmail.com.

‘Into the Game’ – An Interesting Soccer Documentary from NJ Film Festival at Rutgers

By John D’Amico

I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect with ‘Into the Game’. Honestly, before I watched it, I knew nothing about it other than that it was a documentary feature. As it turns out, I found it to be a pleasant surprise.

‘Into the Game’ is a sports documentary that recently played at the Spring 2016 NJ Film Festival here at Rutgers(actually held during Winter 2016) It tells the story of several recent members of Chicago’s Kelly High School’s girls’ soccer team. The part of Chicago these girls live in, is a relatively poor area, and also made up of mostly Hispanics. The movie takes place over four years. And it actually focuses more on the girls and their coach than it does on the sport itself.

The film follows multiple members of the team over four years. And writer/director Maria Finitzo really gives the film a very cinematic feel. It felt kind of like watching a typical narrative/fiction movie. And I mean that as a good thing. It felt like I was watching a very well-made and entertaining story. And at the same time, the fact that I knew that these were real people gave it even more weight. When the girls talk about their frequent financial struggles, you really feel sympathetic for them. When they talk about what they’re going through with their education, you definitely relate to their struggles. When the film examines the racial and gender-based issues that the girls experience, you can really understand what they’re going through. Yes, the film takes a look at some of those social issues. But the focus here was more on the people themselves.

In fact, in addition to the young athletes, the movie also follows the team’s longtime coach. He seems like a pretty interesting person as well. You get the sense that he really has a lot of passion for the team. But the thing is, he’s not so much concerned about how many games they win. He’s more concerned about his team feeling like a family. He even says as much. He’s a very likable person that way.

If I had one criticism to make of this film, it would be that the pacing could have been a little bit better at times. Even with its relatively short runtime of 76 minutes, there were moments when I found myself getting bored. But overall, I still recommend checking this documentary out if you get the chance. I give it 7.5 out of 10. It’s very good.

In The Game – Maria Finitzo (Chicago, Illinois)   TRAILER:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk231Azot6k

In the Game is not a conventional documentary about a scrappy, inner-city girls soccer team that wins a championship through hard work and persistence. Rather, it’s a documentary about race, class, and gender as seen through the lives of inner-city girls. But this is not just a film about a soccer team dealing with loss and economic hardship. It’s an exhilarating portrait of girls who are learning to win in life. 2015; 76 min. Co-sponsored by the Rutgers University Centers for Global Advancement and International Affairs (GAIA Centers)!

INFORMATION   New Jersey International Film Festival

Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center
Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies
72 Lipman Drive   (#018 Loree Building – Douglass Campus)
New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901-8525 U.S.A.
(848) 932-8482 phone (732) 932-1935 fax;
NJMAC@aol.com, NJMAC12@gmail.com  e-mail;
Web Site: www.njfilmfest.com

NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT:  A Conversation with ROBERT COZMO CONSULMAGNO,  USMC, World Ranked Jiu Jitsu Fighter, PTSD & Bi-Polar Advocate & HIS MISSION to END STIGMA OF BIPOLAR      bY Calvin Schwartz   2-22-16

I constantly marvel at the exigencies and mysteries of the universe. Just the other day, Einstein was proven correct again; scientists detected gravitational waves from the violent merger (not Wall Street but perhaps some parallel) of two black holes in deep space. My excitement comes from how the universe and synchronicity bring special people into my life.  There has to be a reason. Sometimes I think it’s the involvement of a special Saint. Last summer, on a warm humid night, I got a call from my friend Mike Marino, one of the funniest comedians in the country, also known as New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy. He invited me to come to Rumson, where his brother Paul Marino and his band were performing.  I’d meet several of Mike’s Jersey City (roots) friends from the old neighborhood. The invitation appealed to me. I love roots, colorful people and anything Mike.

At a table in the rear were Mike Marino, John Freda, (a former boxer) Joe Weber, Bob Mattis and Cozmo. From a short distance, Cozmo looked fiercely ripped and intense; you could tell he worked out or something akin. I sat next and within an hour, knew he was a special guy with a personal history that they easily make powerful dramatic movies about.  Saying goodbye, I sensed a fast friendship forming. There was so much inside Cozmo that I wanted to learn about.  I sensed the ticking.

Slow forward a few months. Cozmo and I stayed in touch via Facebook, Twitter and a cell phone. I learned from all his videos, television interviews and print material as well as in his own voice, his incredible painful journey from a tumultuous childhood through the Marines, into PTSD, bipolar diagnosis and a world Jiu Jitsu ranking. He fights so well; productively channels all that strife and internal energy.  I’ve been watching Cozmo solely undertake a massive public relations program through social media to bring awareness to bipolar disease.  Quite impressively, he enlisted multi Emmy award winning  documentary film maker Glenn Holsten (OC 87 Recovery Diaries) to do a short video on Cozmo’s life roots in Jersey City called “Crazy Cozmo” — Veteran Marine With PTSD & Bipolar Disorder.”  This needs to be seen.

                                                                                                                                                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMdOk8EgXtc

Cozmo corralled a few high profile friends on social media also personally dealing with bipolar; Mauro Ranallo (WWE) and Carrie Fisher (yes, ‘Star Wars’). He is one of the most unrelenting, eloquent and sensitive people I’ve ever met. He swept me up into his energy field (to end the stigma of bipolar) and moved NJ Discover and me to do a short profile video interview at our studio. Cozmo is riveting in life and on camera. Before anything else here, please go watch this NJ Discover video. Take 7 minutes and a few seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo960SxQOSY

After the release of this video, Cozmo intensified his campaign to end the stigma of bipolar. He asked if I could do a follow-up article to our video. This was his life’s mission. I wanted to be there for him. But as a writer, my effectiveness has always been my personal involvement and commitment to a subject. Bipolar was ostensibly not in my life. It would be hard for me to dig into my intestinal lining. Then an epiphany arrived on a cumulous cloud that simultaneously covered a Middlesex County cemetery; it was a realization that a dear special unique cousin is buried (two years ago) nearby. An hour before they buried him, his son, my second cousin, told me that my cousin was bipolar. It hit me like a mallet on my cranial soft spot now hardened. The world was crystal clear and strangely painful because I never knew in the six decades we were living cousins that he suffered from bi polar. And then Cozmo’s life mission to end the stigma of bipolar really hit me hard.

Everything made sense now. The stigma of bipolar hugely affected the relationship I had with my cousin. There were times of unpredictability and erratic unexplained behavior. I was hurt, dismayed and pulled away from the cousin I loved so much; sometimes for a decade. My cousin was me. I was him. To be just like him, I changed my whole life career path. He was older and wiser and I had to do anything to be close to him. The stories I could tell. Not now.  Then a few years ago, I got a call he was passing. We hadn’t seen each other in years; more unexplained behavior on his part. I visited him for the last time. It was strained and awkward but I made him laugh. I was empty, sad and never could figure him out. I loved my cousin but he always pushed away. Now I know and understand. He was bipolar and it was a stigma so he could never confide in me.  I am so grateful to Cozmo for getting me to think, feel and grasp his life’s mission; to end the stigma of bipolar. I remember when Michael Corleone touched the hand of his father Don Vito (The Godfather) in the hospital and said, “I’m with you now pop.”  And I said to Cozmo when I realized all this, “I’m with you now Cozmo.”  If only there was no stigma, and I knew all about my cousin, what wonderful life moments we could‘ve shared with transparent understanding.  I’ve taken a lot of time to develop all this stuff lining my stomach with emotion; it’s to help Cozmo’s cause.

A few weeks ago, snow was flurrying around, Cozmo came and sat around my kitchen table and we talked his mission, emotions and deep feelings. It’s my job now to harvest those words. It’s not going to be a bumpy night but a fascinating look into an intense tough guy and where this mental stuff came from.

“How and when does all this turmoil in your life begin?”  I knew some of the general background. Cozmo’s voice kicked up an octave. ” My biological father commited 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.”

My wife, a former teacher, and preparer of lunch, asked, “What about school.” “I actually was a good student.” I wasn’t surprised about that. His eloquence and grasp are wonderful intellectual gifts.  “I was the guy that would hang out with the international students. I hate to say I felt pity but I wanted to protect them. My best friend was from Taiwan. We’d go to have lunch in a nearby cemetery to get away from the ghetto kids. He looked up to me. I was his protector. It made me feel better to help people.”

“I lived in this little cubicle. No one messed with me cause I knew who I was. Maybe that’s part of bipolar.” Cozmo talked about travelling the world. He loves castles; maybe that’s why he’s going to Prague in June.  Suddenly he was talking about cutting two people out of his life because of negativity and hypocrisy. And he recently wrote President Obama in the White House three times. Cozmo wants to sit down and enlist his help to end the stigma of bipolar. He reasoned that his second term is winding down and that he’d have more time now. Yes, if anyone can accomplish that, it’d be Cozmo; I’m a believer in him.  “I’m all about defying odds in life. I sent him a DVD with all my movies. Your NJ Discover interview was part of it too.”

I love his stream of consciousness thought process; rapid fire and bipolar fire; I wondered. Next Cozmo expounded on entering Guinness Records for the AB-Wheel & trying for a  world record, being ranked second in the world in Jiu Jitsu. That should impress the President.  It was shout out time for Cozmo’s sponsor, Scramble Martial Arts, “based in the UK, bringing me on board and sponsoring an old guy. They love my story trying to end the stigma.”

Scramble links as per Cozmo: www.scramblestuff.com         https://www.facebook.com/scramblers/

I asked Cozmo about his social media and growing friendship with WWE’s Mauro Ranallo and fellow bipolar personality. “I’m really excited to meet Mauro and do his podcast. If you think I have energy, he is unbelievable. His retweeting is a by-product of his mania. He is living his dream on overdrive. People’s twitter walls are bombarded.  He flies all over the country. Vince McMahon from WWE hired him.” Since Mauro was five years old, he wanted to work with WWE. Here is that one minute You Tube ‘Smackdown’ video of his joy and excitement of Mauro’s first match as per Cozmo.  Amazingly they met through twitter.  When they do the podcast together, Cozmo can’t wait to see the energy when two bipolar guys get together.  “He is spinning positive light, man.”

 Mauro Ranallo:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZlaq_NUTWU

It was just a matter of time before Cozmo talked about his great- grandfather Mickey Taylor, who was really Michael Consulmagno, but changed his name to the Irish version in order to get paid as a fighter. “Five foot five 200 pound Italian guy; 175 fights; only got knocked out once; and mauled Max Schmeling who knocked out Joe Louis. He beat Schmeling so bad, he was sent out of the camp. He died young; heart problems.”  It was a good segue to talk about racism and what his great-grandfather experienced being an Italian immigrant. “I get along with everyone but racism exists. My great-grandfather was feared in every boxing division. They ran away from him. But he had to hide his Italian heritage and blend in pretend Irish because of racism.”

“What about bipolar; Are there tell-tale signs?” “I’m not a doctor. But it’s erratic speech; going off on a tangent, trying to get so much out.” I thought to myself, how that was Cozmo but in a peculiar way, that seemed to endear him to me.  “I got fired by one company three times and brought back a fourth time.  They couldn’t deal with my antics. But I made them money. Maybe I have a little anger now because I’m fighting so hard.”

“No one talks about hyper sexuality and it’s hard for me to be with one woman.  And going way back in my memory, there was something you could call sexual abuse. I remember my grandfather touching me inappropriately. My uncle got wind of it and we never saw him again. And no one talks about debt and erratic spending. I’ve been in debt multiple times and got out. Funny everyone talks PTSD to me but not bipolar and I can control PTSD by controlling the triggers but not bipolar. I’m pushing so hard because my story is 100% legit.”  He thought for a moment then fired away trying to define his bipolar for me. “The sleeping disorder; I broke two cribs as a kid. When my step-father pushed me down the stairs, I was in a body cast and maybe that led to PTSD. When I’m in bed now, I have my head phones on and rock back and forth. Even after training, I still have energy. I don’t know if it’s the bipolar.”

Going off on a tangent, catching me by surprise, he mentioned his mother. “They used to call her the black widow. Two men committed suicide over her. When I tell this, it almost sounds like a fairytale and I’m making it up.”    Cozmo chuckled sardonically for a moment.  So I asked, “Did your mother try to protect you from all your abuse by your father and step-father?”  “By the time she settled in with the third guy, she went after me, telling me to get out. She wasn’t like that prior.” I shook my head in disbelief. So did my wife. Cozmo picked up on the head-shaking. “My mother’s brother was a real pimp; had the big hat with the feathers and purple outfit. He looked just like the Captain Morgan guy. He got one of the hookers pregnant and he died of heroin in California.”

Swirling around sensibilities, staring at a smiling Cozmo, I marveled at his calm adjustment to such trauma while he talked to us. I again thought what an amazing driven person, devoting his life for others, trying to end the stigma, but having endured so much. I thought about the universe; being grateful to have met Cozmo; a lot of things in perspective for me. I told him there is a movie waiting to be made.  I wanted to just keep talking, absorbing him; many lessons about life now knowing Robert Cozmo Consulmagno.  All the while we talked, my mind wandered erratically. I remembered to ask him about meds and bipolar. He was firm, emphatic. He took meds for a short period but got permission to stop; needed his mind and body to be clear, functioning and natural as best it could be. He does counseling a lot. A special human being was sitting next to me; a new friend for the long haul.  I’ve done my due diligence here, painting his picture and sharing the etiology of his dream to end the stigma of bipolar. Next was how to end this interview/article.

Here goes.  “One last question for you, Cozmo;  “before I leave this earth, I won’t be satisfied until I…..”” He took just a second to answer, gently smiling, “Until I am the face of PTSD and bipolar.”

COZMO CONTACT INFO AND PLEASE CONTACT HIM:

supercrazycozmo(Twitter)

Website  http://www.supercrazycozmo.com

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

 CALVIN SCHWARTZ CONTACT INFO:

Calvin Schwartz:  https://www.facebook.com/cal.schwartz.5             http://www.vichywater.net/

Twitter:  @earthood    Instagram:  cal_schwartz  

  Linked In:  Calvin Schwartz    

A SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION:  “BIG RoaD Presents Terry Camp’s Friends in the House Birthday Bash” Stone Pony  February 19^th     bY Calvin Schwartz

Whenever I write about an event, I find that need to personalize it. This lends credibility and enthusiasm hopefully having the effect to motivate people to evacuate their sedentary sofas and come on down. On the personalization front, I’ve been following the team of Terry Camp and Jesse Warren at Big RoaD productions. They put on these magical, memorable events that embrace the musical culture of Central Jersey with a certain unmistakable flair.  You need to be there if you love purist music.

I’m reminded all of a sudden of the team of George M Cohan and Sam Harris that put on historic shows. Yes, that was way before my time (1904-1920) I write with free association; whatever comes to mind. So Camp and Warren remind me of Cohan and Harris. It works. They’re both great teams.

The event is “BIG RoaD Presents Terry Camp’s Friends in the House Birthday Bash” It’s on February 19^th at the Stone Pony. Check it all out. See you around. A lot of great music.

Calvin Schwartz   2-9-16

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

February 19th at The Stone Pony, BIG RoaD presents

“TERRY CAMP’s FRIENDS IN THE HOUSE BIRTHDAY BASH!”

featuring

JOHN EDDIE and His Dirty Ol’ Band

AND!

The BIG RoaD All-Star (Big) Band, featuring appearances by

JOHN EDDIE
JoBONANNO
EDDIE TESTA
KILLER JOE
and more to be announced!

with special guests
MICHAEL PATRICK and THE SUBURBAN HILLBILLIES

February 19th

Tickets on sale TODAY! – Pony Box Office and Ticketmaster.com

$22 advance/$27 at door
Plus applicable surcharges
All Ages!

“‘Another unforgettable night of jamming and friendship ahead!”

AND MORE NEWS:

— SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT —

BIG RoaD TRIBUTE TO A 1982 NIGHT IN STONE PONY HISTORY – on FEBRUARY 19th!

February 8, 1974 marks the 42nd Birthday for The Stone Pony – and the legendary venue’s annual Anniversary month.

BIG RoaD proudly presents my Birthday show at The Pony on February 19th, with John Eddie and His Dirty Ol’ Band, The BIG RoaD All-Star Band and special guests JoBonanno, Eddie Testa, Killer Joe plus more to be announced. The night will feature a TBD opener early and then a set by The BIG RoaD All-Star Band with many special guests starting at 8:20 pm. John Eddie will hit the stage at 9:50 pm (for real – This is a unique night, with a solid schedule we will follow.) for a full, long set. Then, The BIG RoaD All-Star Band will rock from midnight on – and guests will include John Eddie for many songs, as well as several other special guests.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, as a nod to The Pony’s Anniversary month, which BIG RoaD and I are honored to be part of, the FIRST HALF of The BIG RoaD All-Star Band’s midnight set will feature:

The Cats on a Smooth Surface 4th Anniversary encore set of August 15, 1982. That night is an anniversary for me – the first night I ever walked into The Stone Pony. It’s simply the penultimate Summer (hot as Hell!)/Late (ending after 3:00 am in 1982)/Shore/Pony set – and will feature many guest artists (disclaimer: no, not Bruce). Here it is:

Ready, Teddy

From Small Things Mamma (Big Things One Day Come)

Around and Around

Jersey Girl

You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)

Havin’ a Party

Detroit Medley/Shake

Sweet Soul Music

All ages/21 to drink.

Tickets on sale now at The Stone Pony Box Office and at:

http://m.ticketmaster.com/event/0000502F923717FB

BIG RoaD is excited to announce that Jillian Rhys McCoy will be joining The BIG RoaD All-Star Band for Terry Camp’s Friends in The House Birthday Bash Friday February 19th at The Stone Pony!

BIG RoaD is excited to announce Eryn Shewell will be joining The BIG RoaD All-Star Band for Terry Camp’s Friends in the House Birthday Bash at The Stone Pony Friday February 19th!

NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO/TV SHOW: “A NIGHT IN THE ART GALLERY”; TUNE IN & MEET 3 UNIQUE JERSEY ARTISTS; KORTEZ ROBINSON, MARIA SAVARESE, SHEILA GRABARSKY; MONDAY FEBRUARY 8^TH 8PM with Hosts TARA-JEAN VITALE & CALVIN SCHWARTZ

TUNE IN MONDAY FEBRUARY 8^TH  8PM;    www.njdiscover.com

THE SHOW ALSO AIRS ON LONG BRANCH COMMUNITY ACCESS TV CHANNEL 20  EVERY NIGHT 9 pm Beginning Feb 15th

Art is always on our minds. Hosts Tara-Jean, Calvin and friends were together at an art party in Asbury Park this summer. They created art and knew it was time to delve and explore. Recent trips to Rutgers Zimmerli Museum, Monmouth Museum, Princeton Art Museum, MOMA and art galleries of Central Jersey solidified the motivation and content for February’s show.  The artists appearing represent a broad panoply of art, background, arrival, courage and commitment; fascinating stories and its way more than just art. Maybe a little Hollywood thrown in, shaken not stirred.

Also check You Tube for our last show on “Adoption” with special guests playwright/ singer/ songwriter Zara Phillips and Broadway actress & documentarian Nam Holtz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoEio5gn6aI

TUNE IN MONDAY FEBRUARY 8^TH  8PM;    www.njdiscover.com

MEET THE ARTIST GUESTS: 

KORTEZ ROBINSON:

Kortez, a fine artist residing in Freehold, New Jersey, uses mixed media collage, acrylic, watercolor and works on paper, wood and found objects. The art of Kortez is one of a kind as he is able to find inspiration and unconventional medium upon which to use as canvas. The subject matter of his work comes through vividly. Vibrant colors and provocative topics such as race, politics, social commentary and pop culture break through his art with bright colors and vibrant deliberate lines. Exhibiting a strong hand and intentional shapes, Kortez makes his point through bright colors and bold lines.  His art is currently being show at Vonda’s Kitchen  and Duke’s Southern Table in Newark NJ. Palette Arts space and At The Table in Asbury Park NJ.  In his residing home town Kortez has art at The Freehold Art Gallery and a restaurant called Uncle Ralston’s Home Style Cooking also has a few of Kortez’ paintings.

Esotericurbanism is the title and description for some of the art created by Kortez.  The journey is an ongoing exploration into visual art via mixed media collage, drawing, painting, sculpture, print making and photography.

      http://www.esotericurbanism.com

MARIA SAVARESE: 

Mixed Media Artist, Maria Savarese  has been creating since she was a young girl.  She started with weaving potholders and painting trinkets for her mother, and now weaves beautiful silver and copper pendants and is a professional potter.  Maria also paints and creates wall art out of found objects, has been in juried art shows and has had her work presented in galleries in PA, NY and NJ.

Maria works year round at Yellow Duck Preparatory School and runs the Ceramics/Pottery and Jewelry Programs at Country Roads Day Camp in Manalapan.  She also gives private and group lessons in her studio at home.  You can find her on Facebook on her Art Page, Mia Art, and on her website,

                                 www.MiaArtOnline.com.

She specializes in creative paintings and art that have deep personal and emotional meanings. She bridges the gap between self-taught and professionally driven skill that has taken her on a journey starting from early childhood, to college, and diving into her own creativity with professional pottery, lessons, fine art, and crafts.

Maria is many things, a potter, fine artist, crochet enthusiast, to durable and functional artist. From teaching classes to one on one art fun, Maria is much more than just an artist sitting in a studio. She loves people, loves engaging with art, and loves teaching and working with children and young adults. From pottery to learning how to mix paint, have fun with art, and create masterpieces, Maria teaches with a level of whimsy that keeps her students coming back for more.

SHEILA GRABARSKY:   

Sheila is a seasoned, classically trained, national award-winning artist with biographies in numerous Who’s Who’s. She has worked and exhibited across the U.S. for over 25 years in corporate, educational, commercial, and healthcare venues as well as museums and online.  Her work is in numerous private / public collections. She is currently showing works in a Hollywood film to be released this year, American Pastoral, based on Philip Roth’s novel of the same name starring Dakota Fanning and Jennifer Connelly. Sheila also recently published a back cover testimonial for a book of poetry entitled Leaves of Absence by Sally Brown Deskins.

“Color creation is very exciting. As a small child I painted a yellow watercolor sun into a blue sky and was thrilled to have accidentally created green, which hadn’t been there before! I remain awestruck, still, at color creation.”

Classically trained at Syracuse University, Sheila’s work evolved from expressionistic portraits into gestural abstraction.” I do not have a preconceived notion as I approach my easel. I work in multicolored, multi-textured layers. Lately I’ve been adhering dried skins of acrylic residue off my palette, as I find them incredibly beautiful and inspiring. Watching as forms literally present themselves as foreground is an amazing experience, always requiring hours of concentrated studio time. I am fascinated by the discovery and the mystery of harnessing chaos into a cohesive composition.

                         http://Grabarskystudio.com

TUNE IN MONDAY FEBRUARY 8^TH  8PM;    www.njdiscover.com

                                                                                THE SHOW ALSO AIRS ON LONG BRANCH COMMUNITY ACCESS TV CHANNEL 20  EVERY NIGHT 9 pm Beginning Feb 15th

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

WINDMILL RESTAURANTS  http://www.windmillhotdogs.com/home

          NEOS ZOE WELLNESS CENTER  http://www.neoszoe.com/      

   THE FOOD BANK OF MONMOUTH & OCEAN COUNTIES

http://www.foodbankmoc.org/about-us/

Did you know that 1 out of 10 people living in Monmouth and Ocean Counties receive food from the FoodBank? In addition to food, we provide services that help to solve hunger.   It takes community support to build food secure communities. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the 131,000 men, women and children who struggle with hunger.

NEED TO LAUGH: A COMEDY SPOTLIGHT COMING ATTRACTION: CATCH A RISING STAR PRINCETON; HEIRESSES OF COMEDY, JILL KIMMEL BRYAN, MINDY RICKLES and SHEBA MASON, FEBRUARY 5^TH and 6^TH   and MORE  bY Calvin Schwartz   January 28, 2016  

Comedy and I go back a long way to the days of Milton Berle, Jack Carter and The Honeymooners. Of course, the aforementioned becomes a parsimonious helping of “dating myself’ but who cares?  I was a little kid learning to laugh at silly people on a black and white television with rascally rabbit ears. Late one summer, I went to college, grew up and liked comedy even more. I exited the sixties with a couple of Rutgers college degrees and a growing fascination with comedian Lenny Bruce. I bought all his vinyl albums, saw a Broadway play about his life and came to terms, with some personal pain, with his death and my missing the essence of his career because I wasn’t aware of the world around me. I also missed Dr. King and the March on Washington in 1963. Along came a vow to absorb, grow, learn, partake of the world and keep my rear off the sedentary sofa. It’s my way of life these days of climate change.

All these formative years, I marveled at the minds and talents of comedians; rare, precious and beautiful people. Yes, beginning with Lenny Bruce, wondrously funny and hip with social causes, I immersed myself with as much comedy as I could ingest.  There are many people who talk about Lenny as a champion of free speech. Funny, I’m going to a lecture at Rutgers tonight about free speech. Then Richard Pryor arrived and how I just simply laughed hysterically at his bits,  facial expressions and what he had to say in a serious way. What a gift he was. And I missed him too; never saw him live.

Do you see where I’m going? I don’t want to miss comedians any more that arrived or are on the way up. No more. I want to be there, laughing, learning and wishing I could be on stage.  A few years ago, I became friends with Mike Marino, New Jersey Bad Boy of Comedy. Now I see him perform often and laugh for a couple of hour’s straight non-stop; incisive contemporary brilliant humor. A week after Christmas, Mike called and invited me to come to ‘Catch a Rising Star’ Comedy Club in Princeton to see headliner Kevin Downey Jr and comedienne Pam DeButts. It was a magical night; a lot of laughing and a discovery; How close geographically and structurally (the stage is so close to all the seats) ‘Catch a Rising Star’ in Princeton is to my world which simply is New Jersey.

‘Catch a Rising Star’ was the place that launched the careers of Jerry Seinfeld, Dane Cook, Chris Rock and many others and it has been providing Comedy of Legendary Proportions since 1972. Now I’m a huge fan, groupie, supporter and attendee. There’s plenty of great shows coming; the one that caught my eye right away is February 5^th and 6^th; Heiresses of Comedy, Jimmy Kimmel’s sister, Don Rickles’ daughter and Jackie Mason’s daughter.  Check it all out. See you all around.    Calvin Schwartz

Catch a Rising Star website: http://www.catcharisingstar.com/index.php

Reservations can be made:

Catch A Rising Star box office at 609 987 -8018 or by visiting catcharisingstar.com

​For Press Passes and further information, please call us at 201-433-6705 or mike@catcharisingstar.com

Catch a Rising Star @ Hyatt Princeton is located at 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ 08540. Free parking is available.

Tickets Hyatt Regency:  Generally, Tickets are $19.50 Fridays and 22.00 Saturdays.  There is a Two Drink Minimum for All Shows. All ages are welcome (16 and under with Adult).

COMING ATTRACTIONS:  THE HILARIOUS “HEIRESSES OF COMEDY”, BUDDY FITZPATRICK AND MARLA SCHULTZ FOR A VERY SPECIAL VALENTINE’S WEEKEND

“Heiresses of Comedy” Jill Kimmel Bryan, Mindy Rickes and Sheba Mason

February 5 – 6

Jill Kimmel Bryan was the only female in The Comedy Squadron, a group of five very funny comedians who were selected by Armed Forces Entertainment to perform for the U.S. military. In the spring of 2013, the group traveled to Germany, Belgium and England to provide some much-needed comedic relief and help boost morale at 8 different military bases. It was the experience of a lifetime that Jill cherishes as one of her greatest comedic accomplishments to date. The summer of 2014 brought Jill and her own group, The Comedy Battalion, to Italy and Turkey for yet another military tour, which was just as rewarding as the first. October 2015 was time for a third tour which included England, Belgium, Germany, Kosovo and the Netherlands with another group, World Class Comedy. She will be embarking on her fourth tour in April 2016.

Stand-up comedian and actress, Mindy Rickles was recently featured in Jeff Garlin’s theatrical release, Dealin’ With Idiots, and has been performing stand-up at clubs around Los Angeles, including as an emcee at the Laugh Factory. She was featured on episodes of In the Heat of the Night with Carroll O’Conner and grew up as the daughter of one of the all-time greats of comedy, Don Rickles. Her act reflects her unique and unusual life growing up, her husband and family which includes two boys and her own particular obsessions. Mindy’s notably adept at working the room and applying her improvisational experience into her comedy.

Born into a theatrical family – with parents, Jackie Mason (comedian) and Ginger Reiter (playwright) – Sheba Mason has been performing since the age of two as a stage prop in her mother’s play where she sat in her high chair and drank from her bottle. Eventually the bottle turned into a microphone, and Sheba  has not left the stage since.  She has appeared in comedy clubs and for events throughout the country. Currently Sheba performs nightly in comedy clubs in Manhattan spouting her unique witticisms, on everything from politics to Grandmas to being single in New York. She stars as her mother in 702 Punchlines & Pregnant: The Jackie Mason Musical a full cast, musical-comedy depicting the tumultuous love affair of her off-beat parents.

SPECIAL EVENT
Valentine’s weekend Buddy Fitzpatrick and Marla Schultz

February 12 – 13

Philadelphia may have been where  was born, but it was in a Philadelphia Comedy Club where he came to life. And as any true Philiadelphian, he now lives in New Jersey.

​Buddy’s stand-up made him a regular on Comedy Central with appearances on ABC and A&E.

Buddy can be seen in the Damon Wayans’ film, Harlem Aria, and in The Business of Strangers, starring Julia Stiles and Stockard Channing.

​His television credits include HBO’s “Sopranos.” Buddy has written, produced and performed his biographical play “Sides” at various NYC theatres.

Originally from Long Island Marla Schultz is a headlining stand-up-comic, actress and public speaker. She toured the country opening for comedian Chelsea Hander, Jim Breuer and other top comics, entertained the troops overseas and guest starred on several television shows. Schultz is also an inventor of The Racktrap (www.theracktrap.com) a one-size-fits all bra pocket. Marla began her standup career in New York City where Alan King hand-picked her for the inaugural Toyota Comedy Festival. She was recently inducted into The New York Friars Club, and the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs nominated her for a MAC Award for ‘Outstanding Female Comedian.’ LA beckoned and Marla spent the past decade in Los Angeles performing regularly at The Hollywood Improv, Comedy Union, Comedy Store and The Ice House. Marla is a regular on the festival circuit- you can catch her this summer the Nantucket Comedy Festival, a semi- finalist in Ladies of Laughter, featured in the LA Comedy Festival and New York’s She Devil Festival. Since moving back east, When not performing in theaters, casinos, festivals or private appearances, you can catch Marla at New York’s top comedy clubs. Television credits include a second appearance on Comics Unleased, Who Wants to Date a Comedian, Girls Behaving Badly, E! Entertainment Television’s The Entertainer with Wayne Newton. Offering commentary on E! Entertainment Television, Jim Breuer’s Sirius Radio Raw Dog Comedy, TV Guide’s Hollywood 411, Fox News Channel’s Redeye, MSNBC’S Your Money and WPIX Morning News as a lifestyle expert.

Reservations can be made:

Catch A Rising Star box office at 609 987 -8018 or by visiting catcharisingstar.com

​For Press Passes and further information, please call us at 201-433-6705 or mike@catcharisingstar.com

Catch a Rising Star @ Hyatt Princeton is located at 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ 08540. Free parking is available.

Tickets Hyatt Regency:  Generally, Tickets are $19.50 Fridays and 22.00 Saturdays.  There is a Two Drink Minimum for All Shows. All ages are welcome (16 and under with Adult).

A SPECIAL NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: Healthy Pursuits, NEOS ZOE (New Life) and MARYANN CASTELLO , Holistic Health Practitioner      bY Calvin Schwartz   January 25, 2016

Those that know my writings and musings these last few years, probably also know I’m always looking to define and redefine myself. A couple of Decembers ago, I learned about a new word being admitted into the dictionary; the ceremony of sorts was taking place on the ‘Today Show.’ The word was ‘flexitarian;’ someone who doesn’t really eat animals with four legs but poultry and fish. Hey, that’s me since 1975. I suppose a flexitarian is a flexible vegan if that makes sense. Why mention this here and now? Because part of my defining journey is to shoot for transhumanist status or finding ways to live healthfully and productively until you’re 150 and doing the stuff you like to do and keeping asterisks handy for the things you can’t do. So, since 1965, I started taking 40 supplements a day; today it’s up to 60.

My defining quest is active and broadened. These past few years, I pursue a wide variety of healthful courses. I’ve got myself a research Conestoga wagon, and am always revolving around learning and researching. I’ve also come to realize that we all need to be our own health advocate. We live in a busy world of input and overbookings and excessive waiting room times. The inevitable by-products for me are discovering personal asterisked practitioners; essential for becoming that elusive centenarian.

Over a year ago, I had a whole new shoulder with titanium put in; they sawed out my tired old bones. This was done at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. Seventeen months since the operation and I’ve yet to take one pain med for the shoulder.   A year ago, electro-physiologically, renegade atrial-fibrillation cells were removed. I needed dental implants done a few years ago, but my jaw bone had receded so my friend and periodontist, implanted cow bone and the three implants are functional and wonderful. A year ago, I had some normal aches and pains around the body, and saw a bio magnetic practitioner to tune me up. In July, I saw a renowned integrative physician on Park Avenue, New York City.  Extensive blood tests, hour long consultations and putting me on the paleo-diet; three months later, I had lost 30 pounds and took my cholesterol down to 129; almost too low.

There is a new practitioner for me to add to my repertoire; the preceding paragraphs begin to set up my introduction of Maryann Castello, from Neos Zoe Wellness Center in Cranford. How I met Maryann, is for me, fascinating. I was co-hosting Danny Coleman’s Rock on Radio; the show is also streamed. A few months ago, Maryann called in to speak to our musical guest, Ryche Chlanda. She saw me engaging our guest; I was upbeat and charming. A few weeks later Maryann messaged during the show and asked Danny what was bothering me; she could see I had issues of discomfort and pain (from the video stream) I did but I thought I acted normally. Her insight and introspection from watching the live stream was almost haunting.

Two weeks later, I drove up to Cranford to meet Maryann at Neos ZoeWellness Center in Cranford. We talked all kinds of shop for several hours which was preamble for my visit in early January when I’d spend seven hours exploring “new life through balanced healing.”  Prior to my day long visit to experience much of what she provides, Maryann emailed me 20 pages of medical and nutritional history and information forms to fill out. The thoroughness and exacting nature of technique was impressive. I wondered how the information would be inculcated into my ‘appointment.’   Maryann devised the form over years of training.

She showed me listings of courses she has taken, education completed. I remarked that it’s enough for two Master’s Degrees. Officially she is an LMT, HHP, CL.N and Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner.  Next up, I was in a room, dimly lit and surreal in feel; an exam room. I asked what a Licensed Massage Therapist means. “You deal with discomfort (not pain),” she answered. Then I was shoeless and sockless facilitating the immersion of my feet into a warm aroma therapy foot bath. Lavender was used to relax muscles in feet and calm the body.  Each step, Maryann carefully explained. While this was going on, Maryann went over the pages of my medical and nutritional history. I liked that hands-on, meticulous  approach.

Perhaps an hour elapsed with my feet in the warm bath with probing conversation. Next was applied kinesiology. I was intrigued as she measured the strength of my arm as I pushed hers. She kept a hand on my head and turned it over and my strength was weaker revealing a negative energy. I continued to be transfixed with her thoroughness and expertise. She performed a palpation response; checking muscle points for proper nutrition. Next was ‘Energy Work’ and Jin Shin Jyutsu(JSJ) which was chosen specifically for me. As she explained, “creates a flow of energy in certain pathways.”  She used fingers with minimal pressure, redirecting energy flow to help eliminate stress and relieve discomfort. Indeed, I was hugely relaxed.

There was a neuro-muscular evaluation referencing the form I filled out and we discussed. Hours had passed; I was in a special zone, quiet, twilight and healing; it was omnipresent. I liked it.  And I suppose it’s always about the best for last. Maryann performed a combination of medical, Swedish and Shiatsu massages leaving me in that euphoric elevated state of well-being (hard to describe) but so well worth the trip.

It’s because of how I felt before, during and after my session with Maryann Castello did I decide to do this ‘Spotlight’ article on NJ Discover as well as my commitment to exploring health, body and mind care. I’m very snobbish when it comes to medical and personal care; that was the point of the beginning of this article. There are several different ways to look at the care and services Maryann provides; it’s an affordable necessity or affordable luxury. It all works. She works. Neos Zoe works.

Neos Zoe, LLC “New Life Through Balanced Healing” 230 Centennial Avenue Cranford, NJ 07016

www.neoszoe.com          info@neoszoe.com

GIVING BACK FOR NEW YEAR: A COMING ATTRACTION: LUSTGARTEN FOUNDATION “PARTY WITH A PURPOSE” JANUARY 21ST bY Calvin Schwartz

I often marvel at the synchronicities in the Universe.  Many of you who read my musings and words know of my affectation with synchronicity. Two weeks ago, I came into contact with an events staff member from the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research in New York City. It was one of those instantaneous incandescent light bulb events; I knew I had to be involved along with NJ Discover. As I mature, I’ve come to understand the nature of my commitments; origins are always energized by personal experiences; it’s the soulful fuel of proactivity.

I knew all about the dedicated amazing work of the Lustgarten Foundation. I know all about pancreatic cancer. It took the lives of my precious cousins; a husband and wife coincidentally. My older cousin was such an integral part of my life. I had to be just like him so I changed career paths in college to be like him. His wife was the light of our family. And pancreatic cancer took them both away much too young.  Now I can give back, always thinking about my cousins and that devastating disease.  I’m about to spread the word about a great event, “Party with a Purpose,” (cocktail reception) Part of the 4^th Annual Winter Gala.

The other theme in my writings is for people to get involved in causes and give back. We are in the times of giving back. Our earth species needs just that. It’s also a healthful pursuit to be involved, to partake, explore, absorb, expand horizons and grow. Lustgarten is a perfect opportunity for  expressing the aforementioned verbs.   And have yourselves a Happy HEALTHY New Year.

Calvin Schwartz  January 4, 2016

LUSTGARTEN WEBSITE:    http://lustgarten.org/homepage

MISSION STATEMENT:

To advance the scientific and medical research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer by:

• Increasing funding and support of research into the biological mechanisms and clinical strategies related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer;
• Facilitating and enhancing the dialogue among members of the medical and scientific communities about basic and clinical research efforts that relate to pancreatic cancer;
• Heightening public awareness of pancreatic cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and providing informational support for pancreatic cancerpatients, their families, and friends.

A SPECIAL JANUARY COMING ATTRACTION: Robert Santa  Presents “Happy Birthday Elvis Tribute by Richie Santa” Strand Theater January 9^th    bY Calvin Schwartz

I’m often in that emotional hyper-sensitized state of music, vintage, sentimentality with concomitant  passionate needs to explore and expand horizons. So if YOU seek a combination of all those worlds, firstly you find a perfect theater, resplendent in history and art-deco and it’s The Strand Center for the Arts. Then you combine that ambiance with music that became part of the matrix of a generation which wondrously endures; Elvis Presley of course.  There’s a method to the construction of this paragraph; it’s to highlight a perfect night. We’ve got the theater and now a most amazing performer; a quintessential Elvis transformation; an uncanny resemblance and a powerful Elvis voice; and here’s Richie Santa. So you’ll have it all that night.  And it’s Elvis’ Birthday. And as I often say, get thee off the sedentary sofa and come on down. And yes a 10 piece band AND Comic John Pizzi.

Calvin Schwartz   December 28, 2015

Here is the Facebook Event Page: Robert Santa  Presents “Happy Birthday Elvis Tribute by Richie Santa”

https://www.facebook.com/events/223808067950183/

“Elvis Presley is the reason Brooklyn born Richie Santa became an entertainer and has made a career as a Tribute Artist. The resemblance is amazing, then add the power of Richie’s voice and the transformation is complete! Come join us celebrate the Birthday of the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ with Elvis Tribute Artist RICHIE SANTA and a LIVE 10 piece band! AND John Pizzi, one of the hottest rising comics in the entertainment industry, with his unique brand of comedy, will start the night off with some laughs“

Tickets are $55 VIP Meet & Greet with Premium Seating, $45, $35 and $25. (Plus $5 fee per ticket).

Purchase Online: http://ow.ly/VrptN      Phone: (732) 367-7789