HEY, WE’RE RUNNING  OUT OF EARTH TIME. COMING ATTRACTION: THIS WEDNESDAY APRIL 22^ND EARTH DAY. ONLY NEW JERSEY SCREENING OF POWERFUL ENVIRONMENTAL FILM ‘PLANETARY’ AT CROSSROADS IN GARWOOD NJ.  READ ALL ABOUT IT.   CALVIN SCHWARTZ  APRIL 20, 2015

Somehow I feel a full circle coming on.  On April 22^nd 1970, a year after graduating from Rutgers University, the first Earth Day was held and I’ve been involved ever since. A few days ago, I met(for NJ Discover) with Dr. Lauren Laurino, ND and Lee Frankel of the Crossroads night club in Garwood, New Jersey. We three realized how critically important it was for New Jersey to join the other 90 theaters all over the world showing the environmentally haunting, poignant, beautiful documentary, ‘Planetary.’

Perhaps when you get to be a certain age, that critical epiphany about the planet Earth arrives at sensibility; I’ve been there actively for a few years to the extent, philosophically, that nothing really matters here on earth except the planet’s continuing existence and we’re really running out of time.  We all (7 billion of us) seem to live for the day in varying degrees of excesses. When and how do we really start making a lasting difference? Because it’s not working. From all I learned about ‘Planetary,’ this film  can be that emotional, spiritual realization to move us to more action before we run out of time.  Kind of like a ‘Moonstruck’ slap in the face.

So I think if you’re under 30 or even over 30, and a Jersey person living anywhere within 100 mile radius of Garwood, please please (2 ‘pleases’ together is as heavy as I ever get) make that effort to join us Wednesday night and begin your own arrival and spiritual elevation to making a difference here on earth. And bring friends and teenagers; it’s their inherited planet.  And this just in, world renowned mime, Janet Carafa is coming from New York to join us and present a special short mime act, ‘Gaia’ she created especially for our Wednesday together.

Calvin Schwartz  April 20, 2015

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE!!!!!   https://www.facebook.com/events/1600245936883099/

CHECK OUT FILM TRAILER:   http://www.xxroads.com/#!film/ct4g

OFFICIAL SUMMARY OF THE FILM:

PLANETARY is a feature length documentary that expands on the mind-blowing perspective shared by astronauts and indigenous elders alike – that each and every one of us is inseparable from each other, the planet and the universe as a whole, a realization that is both humbling and comforting. If more of us start to experience the simple truth of our interdependence and connection, we believe there is hope for the next stage in our human journey. PLANETARY is meant to inspire awe and wonder by seeing things as they are, placing our individual stories in the context of the larger planetary / cosmic story.

Ultimately, the film makes the assertion that we are in the midst of a global crisis, brought on by a disconnection from Earth and from each other. Stephen Apkon, president of associated production company Reconsider, said of the film, “At the heart of all of our environmental and social challenges is a profound disconnection with the natural world. Planetary deals with this magnificently – not from a place of fear, but of affection. For this planet we call home and for the experience of life itself.”

PEOPLE INVOLVED IN BRINGING FILM TO CROSSROADS IN GARWOOD ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 22ND :

LEE FRANKEL:  The Crossroads in Garwood NJ is a entertainment venue that hosts a over 100 events of various genre on and off site each month.  For the past 19 years, the owner Lee Frankel has utilized The Crossroads as a platform to bring community together through music festivals, comedy, shows, film and other events throughout New Jersey.

On Earth Day 4.22.2015 The Crossroads will be hosting the only screening in the State of the documentary film Planetary. The film will be screened in over 90 theatres Worldwide and has been brought to NJ by none other than NJ’s own “Dr Ren, America’s Holistic Sweetheart.”

DR.LAUREN LAURINO, ND: founded the State’s first Holistic Chamber of Commerce and currently hosts the first Holistic Lifestyle segment called “Think Healthy with Dr. Ren” on Public Access Television- UnionTV34. [ https://vimeo.com/channels/863110 ]  With 15 years in private and public event coordination, ‘Dr. Ren’ has been involved in various media and educational based projects independently and through the New York Open Center. (The largest Holistic Urban Learning Center in the World opencenter.org)  She is part of the films social media crew and is known for her ‘Holistic Health Crusade’ or Natural health advocacy. Dr. Ren recently won the Higher Achievement Award from the American Naturopathic Medical Association and a CA State Senate award for Outstanding Community Service.  ‘Dr. Ren’ hope’s this film will further encourage a sense of community and awareness that in this critical time we must come together to preserve our Garden State and ensure it’s sustainability.

CALVIN SCHWARTZ: is a novelist (‘Vichy Water’) and journalist for NJ Discover writing about homelessness, hunger, environment, music and co-hosts Rock on Radio.

LINKS TO THE ABOVE:     www.Xxroads.com            www.Laurenlaurino.com                      www.njdiscover.com

‘PLANETARY’ PEOPLE

JEFF GITTERMAN: Keeping it ‘Consciously Jersey’ Associate Producer ALSO of Gitterman Wealth Management in Iselin and co-author of  Beyond Success , which is a Holistic Approach to money management was one of the large driving forces in helping the film get off the ground.

GUY REID: ‘Planetary’ film director was on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.com/greenhouse/watch/interrupting-our-worldview-through-film-429137475580 ) the other day and spoke about the feedback Planetary Collective has received since the films world premiere at SXSW on 3/14/15. He and viewers have reported that the film is creating an emotional and cognitive shift globally.

During the Environmental Film Festival in Washington DC at the National Geographic Theatre Director Reid commented that: “The best review on the film I have received as of yet was from ‘Dr. Ren’. Turns out she had a spontaneous Kundalini Awakening while Lawrence Ellis was speaking.” Luckily for Dr. Ren she was sitting in VIP between Director Reid’s mother, who flew in from London and a Holistic Nurse. When questioned as to what happened Dr Ren stated “I’ve been practicing Kundalini Yoga for a decade and a half and have only read about spontaneous awakenings. In the book ‘Kundalini Rising’ I remember reading that it can happen at any given time and sometimes in a crowded place. Thankfully the nurse next to me had a clue. I remember becoming very hot, lightheaded and my heart started racing. She took me outside into the hallway and monitored me until I felt grounded. I thought it was pretty cool that this happened during my third time watching the film in it’s entirety and have heard others report similar experiences since then.”

SPECIAL MIME GUEST JANET CARAFA: Is a founder of the NY Entertainment Connection and Art of Mime will be introducing the NJ exclusive premiere of Planetary at the Crossroads in Garwood. She will be performing a piece she has created for this special event called “Gaia”. Janet is a world renown Mime who was taught and directed by the legendary Marcel Marceau. With many notable productions to her name, Janet event produced the 911 memorials at Madison Square Garden and Ground Zero working with the Port Authority of NY and NJ. She even produced ‘NJ Welcomes the World’ to greet players and fans with her ‘YES Team’ during last years Superbowl week at Newark Airport.

“We are thrilled to have Janet Carafa introduce the film in Mime. Her silent movements speak a universal language which go beyond borders amplifying the message of the Planetary Collective.” -Dr. Ren, America’s Holistic Sweetheart at the NJ Earth Day Premiere

http://www.artofmime.com/

http://www.nyentertainmentconnect.com/allpages/gala.htm

https://vimeo.com/88357762 << Superbowl week welcoming video with yes team

COMING ATTRACTION: Sunday April 5th at 7PM “Authors in the Round: Armstrong, Schwartz and Rienzi”

NJ Discover’s feature writer and correspondent, Calvin Schwartz is one of three authors  participating this Sunday April 5^th at 7PM “Authors in the Round: Armstrong, Schwartz and Rienzi”  You can listen, tune in, chat or catch the video feed or even come on down to 40 Foot Hole Studios.

LISTEN HERE 7PM SUNDAY NIGHT APRIL 5^TH   http://page.cloudradionetwork.com/40foot/

VIDEO LINK:  WATCH IT LIVE:  https://new.livestream.com/accounts/3269343/events/3939192

Join us for a lively discussion with these talented authors. They will share bits of their latest novels, their journey to bestsellers, what makes them tick and anything else that comes up.

Come to the studio to meet them or listen/watch online and ask your questions in the chatroom.

Light fare will be available. BYOB.

Your host for this adventure into the world of writing is Karen Kenney Smith, author and President of Three Worlds Press.

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1067342579946268/

40 Foot Hole Studios

Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center

431 N Main St (Rt 9), PO Box 246, Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey 08734

MEET THE AUTHORS!!!!!

Let us introduce the first of our three authors: Franny Armstrong. Franny will be joining us live via SKYPE from Toronto.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Franny Armstrong has written creatively since she was a child. Her mother always told her to write down her feelings and she did. When she was ten, she started writing and acting out plays in her garage for the neighborhood kids.
When she became ill in her forties, she used her writing skills to create stories that took her away. Living in the country with her husband and mother, three dogs, and three cats, she loves the silence when working on her books, when she can get it. With three full grown children and four grandchildren, she has a full life.
Writing is her life now. Her main goal is to be a #1 Best Selling author and tour with book signings.

New Jersey, Homelessness and Charles Dickens; Awareness, Advocacy, Activism and Sherry Rubel    BY Calvin Schwartz    March 22, 2015

Four years ago, homelessness was a distant concept for me living in suburban Monmouth County. My only  realization that fellow humans were homeless came from TV news stories in New York City when the wind chill was zero and the police humanely gathered and deposited them in temporary shelters for the night. On expeditions to New York City, for a day at the museum or a family dinner, I’d see homeless people, sometimes sitting on the steps of a church, or lying on the cold concrete, passed out, inebriated or worse. Occasionally, I’d see an ostensibly homeless person with a sign and cup trying to raise money. Once on 33^rd Street, I saw a homeless woman and small child asking for money. I gave them a few dollars. What always hits me is that when every human is born, we arrive from the womb and are exactly the same in the hope and dream department for that brief moment in time.

I never saw homelessness here in Jersey because I’ve been sheltered in the suburbs most of my adult life.  Then four years ago, I transitioned into Journalism from a successful career in optical sales and management; quite a difference. Three years ago, I was asked to cover an Easter Sunday benefit concert in Lakewood, New Jersey for Tent City; a community of homeless people living in the woods in tents without power or heat for up to ten years. News of these horrific conditions began to trickle into local media. Rosemary Conte, activist, organized the event. At the end, Tent City founder, Minister Stephen Brigham brought a busload of residents of Tent City to receive donated clothing and food. It was a hard rain for me to see and process; homelessness. I had no idea or understanding.

A few months after Hurricane Sandy, Sherry Rubel, a photographer and activist, produced a concert in Asbury Park to raise money for victims. Rosemary introduced me to Sherry and a month later, I met Sherry for coffee on Route 18 and learned all about the realities and exigencies of Tent City. Then on cold cloudy morning in February, with patches of snow on the ground and smoke sneaking out from the tent’s wood-burning stoves, Sherry Rubel escorted NJ Discover’s Tara-Jean Vitale and me on a tour of Tent City; it was stark, inhospitable and brutally real. Homeless humans were living in conditions that made it seem like it was 1929 and Herbert Hoover was on the radio. We walked around and visited people in their tents; it was deathly cold.  A strange eerie silence followed us. My soul has never been the same since. These last few years, I see the world a little different and I’m  grateful to Sherry for the consciousness raising and awareness. She boldly continues her activism.

Recently I heard that Sherry went to N.J. Senate Speaker Steve Sweeney’s office last September and met with his staff to discuss how tiny homes could meet the needs of the homeless. That discussion led Legislative Senate Bill 2571, which has gained acclaim and is currently now being sponsored by Sen. Raymond Lesniak.

In this particular article: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/2015/03/08/manufactured-tiny-homes-affordable-home-options/24436415/Advocates

It states “Rubel fears her original vision of building a community with services as well as tiny homes is getting lost, and that the bill only provides for the construction of affordable homes.”

When a court resolution was finalized in 2013, Tent City in Lakewood was bulldozed and what was home for over a hundred homeless (un-housed humans) over a period of seven years was gone.  These Ocean County homeless no longer had a safe haven and temporary housing alternative. When Tent City went to Ocean County Court over a year ago, (I sat in court with them) to determine its ultimate fate, people were appalled and outraged with the decision which left no permanent resolution for the homeless of Ocean County. After this decision, Sherry Rubel was driven and determined to bring the spirit of ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ to fruition and bring about the realization of the “Tiny Home Pilot Program” legislation.

And so it all goes with no resolution, permanency or humanity. We are almost one year later and many Tent City people are homeless again and looking for a clearing in the trees to set up another tent. And so are many other homeless/un-housed humans falling into the darkness of a bleak unaffordable economy and housing environment.

Sherry Rubel spoke to me about the current state of homelessness. “The Tiny Home Pilot Program legislation was never about affordable housing as politicians, HUD and Social Services interpret it. I don’t speak political language full of policy and regulations. I speak from my heart. I don’t care about how things work in a system that’s already broken. I only care about finding answers and discovering new innovative ideas that work to assist in resolving a critical problem that needs to be addressed. I guess I’m an outside the box thinker; still believe that where there is a will there’s a way. That’s what I’m trying to do; assist in coming up with new innovative ideas and thinking. What I’ve discovered is how boxed in everyone actually is. Everyone seems to get in their own way.  Please don’t get me wrong. There are many organizations with great programs that are working and those organizations should be praised for their amazing work but so much more is needed. I want to take the best of them all and apply it to a practical workable program. I call it ‘REVIVAL VILLAGE’ www.revivalvillage.com  which is a three phase innovative, sustainable, holistic, and economically efficient approach to resolving a very critical issue; perhaps one of the most pressing issues of our time.  Everyone ultimately has something to contribute to a community/village. All we really need is land. We have the plans all laid out.”

As I wrap up this article and finished talking with Sherry, I need to send props to Steve Conboy from Eco Building Products who has generously provided a donation of 14 emergency shelters/ Tiny Homes for immediate use. Not only does Steve want to assist in this project but he would like to employ homeless residents of “Revival Village” with building jobs for the Tiny Homes. It’s important to mention that ‘Destiny’s Bridge,’ is also a wonderful documentary created by Filmmaker Jack Ballo that will be showing at Salt Studios in Asbury Park on Saturday April 11th. Jack spent years at Tent City in Lakewood telling their story. I’ve seen the documentary several times; it’s powerful, beautiful and riveting.

There is so much to say about homelessness; it’s overwhelming. I recall a recent study by NASA scientists that gives our species another 30 years or so. One of the culprits (also climate change, food, water) is social unrest on a global scale. Now I look back to when Charles Dickens published ‘A Christmas Carol’ in 1843. Scrooge asked “Are there no workhouses?” In Dickens’ writing, the Spirit of Christmas Present reveals two children representing Want and Ignorance.  The issues of homelessness (Want) in New Jersey are daunting and overwhelming. As I see it, not much has changed here in New Jersey (and Ocean County) since 1843.

Calvin Schwartz

PLEASE HELP  SPREAD THE WORD!!!

TRENTON HOSTS APRIL 15TH GLOBAL RALLY FOR THE HOMELESS

On April 15th cities in the U.K., Ireland, Canada and the USA will be rallying in solidarity for and with our homeless brothers and sisters around the world. The EVENT in NJ will take place at the State House in Trenton, beginning at 10:00 AM and running until approximately 2 PM.

https://www.facebook.com/events/788420991213835/

 “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.” – President Franklin Roosevelt

NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: SOS: BOSNIA and SERBIA:  Recently hit with the worst flooding and natural catastrophe in centuries.  Call for AID.   May 20, 2014   By Calvin Schwartz

Someone asked me why NJ Discover, nestled comfortably in secure confines of central New Jersey and  heretofore over the past few years having journalistically covered events, people and places so close to Monmouth County, would suddenly devote energy and attention to the catastrophic floods and  tragedy unfolding in Bosnia and Serbia. Interestingly as a feature writer for NJ Discover, I’ve been pondering world stages, human species, interconnectivity and global issues for the past several months, looking far beyond the geographic boundaries of Monmouth County.

And what I’ve concluded, with lots of help from my media friends, is that more than ever before in human species history and especially for the next three decades, we earthlings need each other more than ever before. Every one of us is connected to each other and there are many survival issues we need to face together. “He ain’t heavy he’s my brother” really works for the next few decades.

So it’s easy, not hard, to focus now on our brothers and sisters in Bosnia and Serbia.  The rains and floods there have been hugely catastrophic. They need food, medicine and clothing desperately. I marvel at how Bosnia and Serbia are working together now after political unrest and war years ago. They also need international help and our help right here in New Jersey. Jerseyans weathered Hurricane Sandy; we understand and feel. If there are folks out there who want to mobilize efforts in addition to the Red Cross, we’re here to help. I’ve heard up to 70% of the people there are not getting aid and up to 70 to 80% of the land is under water.

Calvin Schwartz    5-20-14

Here are compilations of news updates:

“Bosnia and Serbia were recently hit with the worst flooding and natural catastrophe in centuries. Three months’ worth of rain fell on the region in three days last week, creating the worst floods since records began 120 years ago. Thousands of homes were destroyed and many lives were taken- authorities said on Saturday that 25 people have died, but say the toll could rise. Tens of thousands of home are left without drinking water and electricity.

From the air- almost a third of Bosnia, mostly its north-east corner, resembles a huge muddy lake, with houses, roads and rail lines submerged. Another risk of concern are landslides triggered by the floods- these raise the risk of injury and death from land mines left over from the Bosnian war in 1992-1995.

The damage is being estimated to be in the billions. One thing that has been extremely impressive is how helpful people have been with each other!” 

More News Updates:

“Red Cross teams working in close cooperation with the emergency management sector and local emergency headquarters have been helping evacuate the population affected by severe floods in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The region has suffered unprecedented rainfall in recent weeks.

More than 4,000 have been evacuated so far as a result of what government sources have called the biggest Serbian disaster in recent history.

In Serbia, 420 Red Cross staff and volunteers assissted with evacuations in Valjevo and Lazarevac. 820 blankets, 130 rubber boots and 4,430 meat cans have already been distributed in affected municipalities. The operation was hindered in some parts of the country due to broken bridges and inaccessible roads. The urgent distribution of ready-to-eat meals, drinking water, blankets, mattresses, cots, rubber boots, hygiene items will continue over the weekend.

This is the third response operation the Serbia Red Cross has been involved in this year and the resources are stretched to the maximum as a result.

Depleted stocks:

In Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities have declared a state of emergency as hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes in 14 municipalities, including Doboj, Maglaj, Brcko District, Olovo, Bijeljina, Lukavac, Kladanj, Srebrenica, Gradacac and Zvornik. The Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina delivered food parcels and drinking water on foot where the roads are blocked but also by jeep and boat. The society said it would continue to provide daily meals and drinking water for the affected population.

In the northern part of Bosnia, the society’s multi-purpose rescue teams, in cooperation with the BiH Departments of Public Security, set up temporary accommodation for the people who were evacuated. In Brcko District, the Red Cross teams performed medical evacuations and built sand bag flood defences.

The worst flood was reported in the capital Sarajevo and Tuzla regions, in the central parts of the country, as well as in the cities of Gorazde and Bijeljina. More flooding continues to threaten other parts of the country blocking the road access to some of the main cities.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies appeals for funds for both countries to replenishing stocks and for early recovery measures and materials through the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, which will be used to replenish stocks and to cover early recovery measures and materials.

So far, the Serbia Red Cross has assessed the need for materials and additional equipment for water drainage, dehumidifiers assistance and replenishment of its depleted emergency stock of blankets, mattresses, cots, rubber boots and food items.”

How to Help Flood Victims in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia : (from the German Marshall Fund of the United States)

Of course check International Red Cross sources!!!

Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia have experienced floods of Biblical proportions since last week, the worst that the region has known since they began keeping records 120 years ago. In Bosnia, more than 1 million people  live in the affected areas. About 500,000 people have left their homes and at least 95,000 homes are without power. Over 1 million people have been cut off from clean water supplies. In Serbia, tens of thousands of people have lost everything. As many as 30,000 people have been evacuated to collective centers, and most 50 people have died. Landslides have moved land mines leftover from the wars in  the 20th century, estimated to be as many as 120,000. The floods hit Croatia on Monday; 15,000 people have been evacuated, and unfortunately there have been two confirmed deaths.

There is a great shortage of food, drinking water, clothes, hygienic products, and medicine for everyone, but the most immediate concern is for babies and their exhausted mothers.

There is danger of infection in the coming days as water supplies have been contaminated.

Support will be needed even more in the months ahead, since hospitals, schools, houses, and roads all need to be rebuilt.

We ask our international partners, colleagues, and friends to support the people in the Balkans with a donation of any size.

How to help in Serbia

Donate to the state institution solely for this purpose

Donate to the “General support” fund of the TRAG Foundation, the most respected foundation in Serbia.

How to help in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Donate to Red Cross of Republika Srpska

Donate Red Cross of the Federation of B&H

Donate to the MOZAIK Foundation, the most respected community foundation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

How to help in Croatia

Donate to Red Cross

Donate to Croatian Caritas

Links:

http://www.gmfus.org/archives/how-to-help-flood-victims-in-serbia-bosnia-and-herzegovina-and-croatia/

http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/sos-bosnia-serbia/

NOT TO BE MISSED SPECIAL COMING ATTRACTION: New Jersey International Film Festival at Rutgers University: Screening of Joe Basile’s first  film, “WEST END”  Voorhees Hall, Rutgers, New Brunswick, Friday June 6^th 2014 7 PM   By Calvin Schwartz      

To me, in my journalistic world here in central Jersey, I’m always looking for those events and happenings that have the power and magnetism to extricate me from my worn and tattered sedentary part metal sofa and to partake of life in the fullest. When those events materialize, I’m thrilled to report and promulgate them.  Going to a film festival at our State University of New Jersey, Rutgers, in the summer time to see Jersey film maker Joe Basile’s first film, about people and places right here at the Jersey shore is akin to extricative nirvana.

Nirvana I said. I’m thrilled about this event.  You should be too.  Get yourself on campus. Make a day of it.  Get to the Zimmerli Art Musuem, a short walk away from Voorhees. Have lunch or dinner before the movie. New Brunswick has dozens of college town ambiance restaurants and watering places. More nirvana for me; I met Joe Basile last year at the Garden State Film Festival. We talked for an hour; precious time.  I walked away thinking I had just been back to the future and spent the past hour with a young Sylvester Stallone. Joe is dynamic, dedicated, electrified and imbued with a passion for film making and storytelling.  I saw ‘West End’ that day; a riveting, exceptionally and surprisingly well done, wonderfully crafted story of a ‘special’ Jersey (mob) family but with a unique imaginative twist. I love creativity in plot; ‘West End’ delivered. I also love adrenaline stimulation; ‘West End’ delivered that too.  See you on campus on June 6^th.     Calvin Schwartz   5-19-14  1:11pm

For more information:   http://www.westendthemovie.com/

FILM FESTIVAL INFO:  http://www.njfilmfest.com/screening.html#info

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE:  https://www.facebook.com/events/697700243623605/

STORY LINE:

“WEST END is HAMLET revisited, Jersey style.

It’s been over ten years since Vic Trevi has been home, back to the Jersey Shore. Vic ran away to escape the embarrassment of being a Trevi. It’s not an ideal place to grow up when your mobster father is convicted of racketeering and sent to jail and your name is smeared all over the news.

After his father was sent to jail, Vic’s father’s brother JOHN raised him like his own. Uncle John put Vic through college, through law school – no questions asked. Vic left and never looked back.

Vic returns to Jersey days after his father has been murdered, a mob hit. As much as home seems the same, things have changed. Uncle John now rules the family that once belonged to his father. Vic’s best friend, ANGELO “BUDDY” BUCCELLATO, is married to Vic’s high school sweetheart, LAUREN McKINN. The one thing that hasn’t changed, Vic’s strained relationship with his mother, MARY.

Now, standing on the boardwalk of Seaside Heights, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, Vic wonders if coming home was the right choice.

There are so many questions that still haunt Vic about his father and family. Will he be able to forgive his mother? Will he reestablish the bond with his Uncle John that was formed after his father went to jail? More importantly – will he find any clues to his father’s murder?

Vic needs to find out the truth about his family before his family finds the truth out about him. Vic is an undercover FBI agent positioned to go against the people he calls family. He’s caught between the age-old struggle between duty to the law and duty to the people he calls family.

As Vic digs deeper, he unearths secrets about his father, mother, uncle, and friends that will change all of their lives forever.”

SCHEDULE FOR JUNE 6TH!!!!!!!!!!

Friday-June 6-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM $10; $9; $8

Free Food courtesy of Jimmy Johns will be given out prior to this screening of the New Jersey Film Festival!

Coney Island Dreams – Andrew Serban (New York, New York)
Maggie is a troubled young immigrant who is at the end of her rope. Desperate to return to her native Ireland, she meets with a mysterious and vaguely sinister older man named Enzo, who offers to pay her plane fare in exchange for one last job: she must lure a young man to a deserted Coney Island street. . . 2014; 24 min. With an introduction and Q+A session by Director Andrew Serban! 

West End – Joe Basile (Los Angeles, California) 

Returning home to the Jersey Shore, after years of absence, Vic Trevi is an undercover FBI agent positioned to go against the people he calls family. Long ashamed of their mafia ties, he now must find the killer who murdered his father. Caught between the age-old struggle of duty to the law versus duty to family, he embarks on an increasingly desperate search to find the truth before his family finds the truth about him. 2013; 86 min. With an introduction and Q+A session by Director Joe Basile!

 SPECIAL MUSICAL COMING ATTRACTION: Vini Lopez, Acoustic Lounge,  Freehold, Thurs. May 29th 7 PM   By Calvin Schwartz   

The Acoustic Lounge has become a musical magnet in downtown Freehold with all its history and obvious links to rock and roll and now they are bringing, most appropriately, Vini Lopez, recent inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, original drummer in E-Street Band to host a very special night. For me, the consummate music groupie, when  Vini Lopez shows up with his band ‘License to Chill’ it usually foretells amazing music, friends, that certain special central Jersey palpable electricity conducting musical guests,  surprises and a priceless night.

Tara-Jean Vitale (NJ Discover producer) and me and Vini Lopez. more hanging out

Admission is simply bringing a can or box of food for St.Peter’s  Food Bank. And with the pulse of what’s happening and purist energy and creativity, the night is aptly co- sponsored by ‘Big Rooney Productions” and Freehold Recreation.  Not to be missed!!    Calvin Schwartz

“Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Party!!! Vini (from Bruce & the E Street Band) w/his band “Licence to Chill” and many, many special guests will be on hand to celebrate his award and his willingness to give back to the community. Admission is a can or box of food for our St. Peters (Freehold) Food Bank. Event co- sponsored in part by BigRooney Rooney & our Freehold Recreation (Olde Freehold Day staff) volunteers.”

 A MAJOR COMING ATTRACTION: ‘New Jersey-The State of Invention’ Symposium at Rutgers University June 28^th (free) featuring appearance by inventor (radio) Guglielmo Marconi’s daughter Elletra Marconi  by Calvin Schwartz

Those of you who have been following my writings about musings, journeys and adventures over the past two years for NJ Discover, should know I take great pride in discovering New Jersey and for the most part never sit still. My thinking is there’s ample time down the yellow brick road to sit in front of a television on a sofa with plastic slip covers or on a front porch with a glass of prune juice on the rocks. Point being; there is so much life to be lived. I do report here at NJ Discover’s website often on events which I believe makes life (here in Jersey) fascinating and unique. When I do report on an upcoming event, it’s tantamount to hugely endorsing and urging readers to attend; something of value and extraordinarily worthwhile so get off the sedentary sofa.  HERE IS THE LINK FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER (FREE) FOR THE SYMPOSIUM: http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/njinvents_agenda

A few weeks ago I found out about this most amazing event being held at Rutgers University called ‘New Jersey-The State of Invention’ to be held on the afternoon of June 28^th (Saturday). Those of you that know me also recognize I’m a consummate groupie; introduce a ‘celebrity’ to an event and I’m in line at 4 AM for tickets. So when I heard that world famous inventor Guglielmo Marconi’s daughter Elletra Marconi was coming to America and New Jersey and Rutgers to participate in this symposium in June, I was thrilled beyond words. So here are my words urging folks to attend this free event. By the way Guglielmo Marconi won a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909 and is known for his work on long distance radio transmission (the radio pioneer) And his daughter Elletra will be part of this wondrous symposium.

Paul Israel, one of the symposium organizers and speakers emailed me some comments on the historical talks that are part of the symposium. “These include a talk by myself on the evolution of invention and innovation from the machine shops of Speedwell Village, that spawned the Morse telegraph, to the industrial laboratories innovated by Thomas Edison.  The other two talks are by staff of the IEEE History Center, which joined us in developing the proposal.  Alex Magoun, former director of the Sarnoff Library (the successor to RCA Labs) will talk about research and innovation at RCA Labs and Sheldon Hochheiser, formerly corporate historian of AT&T will discuss the rich history of innovation at Bell Labs.

The goal of the symposium is to explore New Jersey’s rich history of creating and commercializing telecommunication and electrical technologies as part of a larger effort to develop the industrial history of New Jersey and to make this largely neglected but vital aspect of the state’s history more widely available.”

Please register early. I did. And to think we all get a chance to get back on campus and hangout in a college library and spend a perfect afternoon. Once again, HERE IS THE LINK FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER (FREE) FOR THE SYMPOSIUM: http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/njinvents_agenda

Calvin Schwartz, May 9th 2014   11:11 am

Now here is some quick information on the symposium and an agenda. 

Saturday, June 28, 2014
1:00-4:30
Scholarly Communication Center, 4th Floor, Alexander Library
Exhibit and Reception: 4:30-6:00

AGENDA:

Moderator: T. Corey Brennan, Associate Professor of Classics, Rutgers University

 Program Organizers: Grace Agnew, John Brennan, Paul Israel, T. Corey Brennan, Linda Langschied, and Francesca Giannetti.

Contact Grace Agnew, Conference organizer, for more information: gagnew@rutgers.edu

NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: SPECIAL COMEDY COMING ATTRACTION: May 17^th, Mike Marino, Sunda Croonquist, Michael ‘Wheels’ Parise  and hosted by Ronnie Marmo. Union County Performing Arts  Center, Rahway NJ   By Calvin Schwartz

THIS JUST IN:  The entire concert cast (Mike Marino,  Sunda Croonquist, Ronnie Marmo, Michael Parise) and Cylk Cozart will be in New Jersey a week before the May 17th concert  shooting  a TV pilot called “Reconstructing Jersey” which is the story of Mike Marino growing up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.   April 30^th 2014

Let me share the reasons why you all should catch this very special night of comedy. This event is celestial with the perfect alignment of the moon, earth, stars and Garden State Parkway which helps you to get to Rahway and this special comedy show.

Website for tickets and info:  www.ucpac.org

Perhaps the best way to begin a serious comedy announcement/article (oxymoron?) is to credential myself in order to strive for the utmost credibility with a growing global readership. So here goes. Back in the late 1960’s (it was so late, the summer of 1971 slipped in quietly) the Broadway play ‘Lenny’ opened to critical acclaim. Being a recent college graduate, I needed to expand my cultural horizons and saw the play and in the process discovered the genius of comedian Lenny Bruce, who thereafter set my standard of excellence in social contemporary comedy. Then 41 years later (2012), almost to the day, I discovered the genius of comedian Mike Marino in Asbury Park, a mere 55.8 miles from where I saw ‘Lenny’. Mike was performing at the first Asbury Park Comedy Festival.

Why I mention Lenny Bruce is my metamorphosis (since buying all his vinyl albums) into a 6’5” comedic snob. I need sharp incisive cerebral worldly comedy to laugh. Mike delivers that. And concomitantly (along the way), I’ve become a huge fan of Mike Marino. Why not; I love to laugh for 90 minutes straight each and every time I see him; it’s this stressful world we live in. Mike has a handle, a release and grasp of our world

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

Then last summer, I had the opportunity (which became a thrill) to see Sunda Croonquist perform at the Second Annual Asbury Park Comedy Fest. Sunda dazzled with her sharp, quick wit (cerebral intelligent humor) and I got a chance to chat with her back stage. Sunda’s humor is rare, precious and beautiful as she is. What’s particularly meaningful for me as a comedic snob is Sunda’a ability to reach (in an extremely personal way) every single person in the audience. Hemingway wrote effectively because he lived each and every story. He drove an ambulance in World War I and then wrote ‘A Farewell to Arms,’ about an ambulance driver.

So what does this Hemingway reference have to do with Sunda Croonquist?  Of course I should (and will) emphasize you need to be there at the May 17^th concert to absorb the humor of Sunda. Shortly into her act, you’ll understand how she so effectively and personally reaches you (makes you identify) She’s this dynamo of personality and like the Hemingway of comedy(she  constructs comedy from her so many varied viewpoints of life) just made this up because I saw her last summer and I get it.

This is pretty cool and right out of my synchronistic spiritual world remembering I’m writing about this comedy show on May 17^th and in the first paragraph here, I made reference to my attachment to Lenny Bruce. Well Ronnie Marmo is the host of this comedy  evening. He’s quite an impressive producer, actor, and writer. A few years ago The Edison Valley Playhouse staged the one man show “Lenny Bruce is Back (and boy is he pissed).” Of course Ronnie Marmo had the lead in the play and of course I sat in the fifth row and I was riveted by his acting and the play and now I get a chance to see him again. Synchronicity is alive and well.

I have not had the pleasure to catch Michael ‘Wheels’ Parise in concert yet. May 17^th will be my first exposure and I’m hugely looking forward. Michael is a comedic pioneer going back to his touring with one of the most controversial comedians of the day, Andrew Dice Clay.

The preceding paragraphs help to answer and expound on my original statement; let me share the reasons why you all should join us on May 17^th at the Union County Performing Arts Center for a very funny night.

CALVIN SCHWARTZ  April 29, 2014

SPONSORS OF THE COMEDY SHOW

Mike Marino BIO:

Mike Marino – affectionately known to thousands of his fans as New Jersey’s Bad Boy – is one of the most unique comics of our time. He has performed in every major comedy club from New York to Los Angeles including: The MGM Grand, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, The Improv, Rascals and The Icehouse. Mike, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, can be seen nightly as a top headliner at both the world famous Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

Mike was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He entered the world of theatre at an early age, and is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Mike has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many Prime Time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Pizza with Bullets, Hangin’ in Hedo and Steven King’s Lucky Quarter

Sunda Croonquist BIO

At a chance encounter in New York City, Croonquist was joking around at a party when she met Jackie Mason, who told her to seriously consider doing stand-up comedy and with her husband’s encouragement, took a comedy class and had her first paid gig within weeks. Her first performance was at a club called Don’t Tell Mama.

Croonquist has produced her own comedy shows including: “Femmes Fatales” one of the longest running female comedy showcases for NY’s Toyota Comedy Festival for eight years. She is also the Chairperson for the Annual “Laugh Off”, an event that brings awareness to Gilda’s Club in Northern New Jersey. This is a cancer support group that was formed by comedian Gilda Radner.

Ronnie Marmo BIO

Ronnie has produced 30+ stage plays including the critically acclaimed Bill W and Dr. Bob (which has enjoyed hundreds sold out performances over the last nine years, West of Brooklyn with Jerry Ferrara, Bent with Tyler Christopher, What the Rabbi Saw with Eva Longoria, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and  Subway Series.

Ronnie’s feature films include West of Brooklyn with Joe Mantegna (available on DVD), Limbo Lounge with Tamara Braun, Fish Without A Bicycle with Brian Austin Green, and Another Happy Ending. He also starred in the short film, Stage 4, filmed at Theatre 68.

Some of the plays Ronnie has directed include Bill W. and Dr. Bob, Love, Sex and the IRS, 68 Minutes, Saint Nick, Something About Something That Means Something, Life in Session, Resting In Pieces, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and Subway Series.

Ronnie has guest starred on Jag and Young and the Restless. He enjoyed a three-year run on ABC’s General Hospital in the role of Ronnie Domestico.

He has also starred in over 30 stage plays including two six-month runs of the one man show Lenny Bruce is Back (and boy is he pissed). He toured with the Broadway National touring company as Tony/Barry in Tony and Tina’s Wedding.

Michael ‘Wheels’ Parise BIO

25 year veteran comedian Michael Wheels Parise. ‘Wheels’ has been the opening act for Andrew Dice Clay for over 20 years stemming from their Brooklyn days back at Pips Comedy Club on Emmons ave in Sheepheads Bay.as well as numerous appearances on HBO, and Late Night Talk Shows. Wheels has starred in movies such as “Meet Wally Sparks” with Rodney Dangerfield as and “A Low Down Dirty Shame” with Keenan Ivory Wayans and Jada Pinkett Smith, just to name a few.

Wheels Also Costarred in a VH-! Reality Show called “Dice Undisputed” with Andrew Dice Clay in 2008. After spending 20 years in Hollywood California at the World Famous Comedy Store as a house favorite, he decided to make Las Vegas his new home with his family. Still having a passion for comedy and acting he decided to bring his act to Vegas and can be seen headlining all the clubs Las Vegas as well as all over the country.

Michael Wheels Parise just launched “Parise Group Productions”, a production company/marketing group. PGP Studio is located at 2790 East Flamingo Rd. Ste F Las Vegas Nevada, 89121. PGP is currently seeking podcast productions and video productions to be produced on location.

Michael Wheels Parise has been a comedian for over 25 years, most of those years, touring with the most controversial comedian of our time, Andrew Dice Clay. Starting in the comedy trenches in New York to becoming a International favorite as well at the # 1 comedy club in The world, the Comedy Store in Los Angeles CA. Wheels had one thing on his mind “Making it”. Now is his time!

NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO(VIDEO) SHOW: MONDAY APRIL 21ST 8 PM; A Really Big Show:  Featuring Director(Chris Eilenstine), Producer(Bob Cleary), Cast Members of THE SOULLESS.  A NJ based film premiering soon. “Forget Everything You Know About the Living Dead- THE RULES HAVE CHANGED!”   With hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz  

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY APRIL 21^st 8 PM  NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO(VIDEO): http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

YOU CAN ALSO CLICK THE LINK HERE FOR YOU TUBE VERSION OF SHOW!!!

THE SOULLESS  MOVIE TRAILER:   https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10203092016851633

I met director Chris Eilenstine nearly three years ago when I was covering the premiere of Sean Guess’s film ‘Nothing for Christmas’ in Red Bank. We had a chance to talk and Chris mentioned a dream film he’d be making in the near future.  Months later, the future lapsed into a wondrous reality; I was on the set of ‘The Soulless’ covering the production of Chris’s film with Tara-Jean Vitale, NJ Discover producer. And then suddenly I was offered a cameo role as a television reporter, Cal Schwartz (me) interviewing a scientist (Dr. Hans Ryker) played by Michael Chartier. On camera we went at it rather intensely. I was in the movie, ‘The Soulless’ playing myself which I do well and so grateful to Chris for this celluloid opportunity.

Obviously there’s a special element to my fascination and attachment to this Chris Eilenstine film. But there’s so much more; over the years I’ve come to know and respect Chris, his intensity, creativity, depth and film making craft and what goes around comes around. Now I’ve got a radio show and it’s the perfect celestial alignment to be able to talk to Chris, Bob Cleary (producer), and actors Kaylin Iannone, Joe Parascand, Michael Chartier, Edward X Young, Alex Gonzalez and other surprise guests who will all be joining our LIVE hour show on Monday April 21.^st

Indeed this is quite a happening as The Soulless heads to its premiere. Tara-Jean and I are hugely excited about this extraordinary opportunity to bring so many of the people, who made this Jersey based film possible, together for this special one hour NJ Discover Live Radio (Video) Show on Monday April 21^st  8 PM.  Truly NOT to be missed.          Calvin Schwartz  4-17-14

The Soulless:  Forget Everything You Know About the Living Dead- THE RULES HAVE CHANGED!

The Soulless Official Website:  http://thesoullessmovie.weebly.com/characters.html

TUNE IN MONDAY APRIL 21^st 8 PM  NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO(VIDEO): http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

YOU CAN ALSO CLICK THE LINK HERE FOR YOU TUBE VERSION OF SHOW!!!

Now for some excerpts and links relating to the movie AND OUR SHOW GUESTS to pique your curiosity; please join us on Monday night!!

Director Chris Eilenstine has been making movies since he was 14. His mother traded a washing machine for a Super-8 camera and he has been making films ever since. His first film was entitled Galactic Voyage which featured sets made from Tupperware and poster board and aliens covered with aluminum foil.

Joe Parascand Talks About Sgt. Benton in The Soulless:

http://biffbampop.com/2014/01/19/joe-parascand-talks-about-sgt-benton-in-the-soulless/

Bob Cleary: Bob Cleary is an actor and producer, known for MacGuffin (2013), Fans Anonymous (2008) and Nothing for Christmas (2011).

Kaylin Iannone

Kaylin is a NJ based actress who has been performing since the age of 6. On the stage/screen is where she loves to be! She is managed by Eileen DeNobile of Noble Talent.

Jason Propst is an actor, known for The Soulless (2014) and MacGuffin (2013).

Michael Chartier is an actor and writer, known for The Soulless (2014), The Bench (2014) and Natural Selection (2011).

Jennifer Teska:  Jennifer Teska is an actress, known for The Soulless (2014), I Sense Danger (2010) and Magnetic Personality (2013).

ww.jenniferteska.com/Jennifer_Teska/Welcome.html

 THE SOULLESS  January teaser  TRAILER ON YOU TUBE  CHECK IT OUT!!!!!

A new 3 minute teaser for THE SOULLESS  featuring the music of Russ Bucci and starring Kaylin Iannone, Jason Propst, Jennifer Teska, Jake Ottosen, Jenn Gonzalez, Pamela Sutch, Michael Chartier, Billy J. Brown, Michael Zarella, Jeff Caplan, Jenny Hill, Kendra Kay Zimmer, Christie Fraser, and many many more. —

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10203092016851633   CHECK THIS TRAILER OUT

More to check out about the film:  http://www.horrorsociety.com/2014/01/18/the-soulless-2014/

TUNE IN MONDAY APRIL 21st 8 PM  NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO(VIDEO): http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

YOU CAN ALSO CLICK THE LINK HERE FOR YOU TUBE VERSION OF SHOW!!!

NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: An Afternoon with Singer/Songwriter Robin DeLorenzo at Jankland Recording Studio. April 13^th 2014   By Calvin Schwartz

I always marvel at how events and wondrous connections in the course of my life develop. What am I saying? A few weeks ago I got a phone call from my friend Rock N Tommy, acclaimed oldies disc jockey who invited me to a recording session at Jankland Recording Studio (a fabulous story and place in itself) with Americana singer/songwriter Robin DeLorenzo, who was recording her new CD due out in May, “Walkin Miles in My Shoes.” My journalistic sense governed and I was grateful and accepted the invite. Tara-Jean Vitale (NJ Discover producer and my co-host on our NJ Discover Live Radio Show) and I embarked on a unique journey to the studio.

I love walking through a regular unassuming door into a magical musical historic world of recording expertise; yes a little like Calvin or Alice in Wonderland through that rabbit hole portal. Suddenly Tara-Jean and I were in a special world. Steve Jankowski, whose music resume and historic accomplishments are daunting, (current Musical Director for the legendary horn band Blood Sweat and Tears) greeted us with warm hospitality. The walls surrounding the outer office were museum like with Steve’s many musical achievements; we were indeed in very special environs. Tommy introduced us to Robin DeLorenzo who just walked in from the tracking room and iso- room beyond. Instant chemistry and bonding; we were drawn into her warmth and sincerity; her voice magnetized; indeed a singer. Soon three accomplished classical artists arrived; Claudia Chopek and Hillary Castle (violins) and Jennifer DeVore (cello). I wandered around awe-struck as they warmed-up; the music emanating for Robin’s song, “Pink Ribbon Angels” was haunting. A week later Robin sent me the instrumental version from this classical segment; I keep listening and getting magic carpeted away.

Just before Robin’s disappearance to the iso-room in the back for the recording of “Pink Ribbon Angels” we had a chance to chat briefly on a sofa in the office. Her new CD, “Walkin Miles in my Shoes” is due out in May. There are 12 songs which detail the last four years of her life including the breakup of her 23 year marriage. Her effervescence and exuberance was evident. She talked about a song “It Does Something” which she co-wrote with Manny Charlton from Nazareth, the Scottish hard rock band. “It’s about a woman feeling frisky and being the aggressor. The way you move, the way you groove. It does something.”

Then she talked about the song I was going to hear recorded, “Pink Ribbon Angels,” co-written with John Rehmel. “It’s about cancer. You fight with love. Live by faith. Do whatever it takes. Cancer won’t make us break.” Funny thing; you can tell people things from a few intense minutes sitting eye to eye; Robin is passionate, soulful and something intrinsic grabs and holds on to you as you listen. Minutes later I heard a few takes of the song; it did hold you and the music accompaniment and her resounding heartfelt voice kept me standing in the corner listening to take after take. I didn’t want to overstay my welcome but I didn’t want to leave. It was an extraordinary musical interlude for me. Robin and Steve and I are now friends; my time there was poignant and possessed beyond wildest dreams. As I was leaving, Robin still in the iso-room, I turned to Steve Jankowski and said “I’ll be back.” He said “I’d love that. Just let me know.”  And I marveled about my day all the way home.

Robin DeLorenzo contact info:

http://www.RobinD.com

YouTube.com/robindelorenzo

http://www.facebook.com/robindmusic

http://www.myspace.com/robindmusic

http://www.twitter.com/robindelorenzo

http://www.reverbnation.com/robindelorenzo
http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/robindelorenzo

Steve Jankowski and Jankland Recording Studio Contact Info:    http://www.stevejankowski.com/index.html

http://janklandrecording.com/