StarDust

By TaraJean McDonald

 There are stars all around us in the universe – After stars were formed, the intensity of their energies caused them to explode – their stardust traveled through the universe eventually clumping together to give birth to planets.

The earth is formed from stardust. Our bodies are formed from the earth – so in essence we are all made up of stardust. Every one of us is made up of stardust – the famous and the not so famous; the people who we look up to and admire, and the people who are homeless on the streets. I write about people who shine. Maybe you know them, maybe you don’t. But you are going to learn something about their lives, their passions and what motivates them. And in the end, I hope you realize that we all have the ability to shine, because after all – we are StarDust.

From Elizabeth to Marlboro to NYC – StarDust

Joey Merlo – poet, actor and playwright

This past weekend I took a full car ride into the Soho section of NYC to see an Off-Off-Broadway Play. I heard about this talented poet and playwright that wrote a new play called The Witch of St. Elmora Street. He grew up in New Jersey, he attended college in NYC, he travelled to Ghana where he completed his first Documentary and now he lives in Washington Heights and hosts a showcase for artists at Smalls Jazz Club in the West Village. I knew at once this young man was StarDust.

The Witch of St. Elmora Street – by Joey Merlo

There is a fine line between reality and myth that separates the stories Joey Merlo grew up hearing while sitting around his family’s holiday dinner table. Using some of what he heard whispered by relatives and some of what he watched unfold over the years he created a poignant play. This story encompasses an Italian family’s strong bonds along with their ageless traditions and superstitions. Joey was able to create characters that were endearing and at the same time disturbing. When I spoke to Joey after the play, I had to move between audience members who surrounded him with tears and hugs. Joey had touched on the emotions of everyone in the theater. This was immensely due to the storyline of his play, which portrayed both the main characters suffering through the debilitating effects of a broken heart. There is not a person alive who hasn’t lost someone they love or watched someone they love go through the madness that is triggered by a broken heart.

Shooting Stars
The talented cast that Joey brought together onstage and backstage came from near and far; two members originally from London, 1 from Ohio and another from the town of Marlboro, NJ. The talented Hair Designer, Ali Tritto, never complained when travelling to NYC and then back home to Marlboro, NJ each night of dress rehearsals and performances, because she knew she had found her niche. She along with the Director and Joey collaborated together to create the memorable styles of each cast member. Lead Actress, Vanessa Kopel, gave credit to Ali’s talents for helping her to bring the character to life on stage. Ali Tritto still works in Manalapan, NJ styling hair at Studio 455 but the doors have opened for her talents to shine in the NYC theater district and movie business. Watch for this shooting star from Marlboro: Ali Tritto.

StarDust Ahead

Closing night was Sunday for this staged play, but Joey Merlo hopes to take the next steps toward bringing The Witch of St. Elmora Street to the big screen. The reviews were astounding, the acting was remarkable and the script was extraordinary. The unforgettable journey this playwright takes us through during his 90-minute play will surely enable it to become a Fresh Tomato hit on the big screen. Keep your eyes out for Joey Merlo and The Witch of St. Elmora Street at Facebook: Wolfpack Theatrics, Instagram: JoeJoeMerlo, www.ElmoraStreet.com.

The Witch of St. Elmora Street is by Joey Merlo. Directed by Emylin Kowaleski.  Assistant Director is Brian Pollock. Lighting Designer is Mike Mcgee. Scenic Designer is Brooke Ban Hensbergen. Costume Designer is Lizzie Donelan. Hair Designer is Ali Tritto. Make Up Designer is Lea Maurer. Production Stage Manager is Caitlin Kellermeyer. Tech Director is Aaron Watson. Producer is Jordan Bean, with associate Producer Patrick Taylor. Produced by Wolfpack Theatrics and Dark Matter Productions. Graphics by Alexia Merlo. Photos by Bryan Berrios.

Cast: Caitlin Zoz, Chris Dunlop, Vanessa Koppel, Chinaza Uche, Nathaniel Peart, Nicole Pursell, and Enzo Ferrante.

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StarDust: From Elizabeth to Marlboro to NYC article written by TaraJean McDonald   Blog: YoursTrulyTJ.com

TaraJean is a versatile journalist who has produced numerous segments for NJDiscover. She is experienced in Production and Post Production of TV Commercials, Live News Coverage, TV Entertainment Segments and Live Theatrical Events. She runs the gamut from writing to shooting to scripting to editing to post-production. She studied Communications specializing in Advertising at Fordham University, New York City, but her passion for creativity and expression moved her beyond a Bachelor of Arts degree to where she also studied Theatre and Performance at both Fordham and Roundabout Theatre. Her incandescent spirit took her ultimately to the stage and television in Metropolitan New York as an aspiring actress. Along the way, with a few blinks of an eye, TaraJean was married and raising three young daughters. Next, TaraJean harnessed that spirited energy, becoming editor of Our Town, a Monmouth County newspaper and appearing as a TV host for local Channel 77. The next perfect fit for TaraJean was to channel her unlimited energy in central Jersey working with NJ Discover as TV Host, Reporter, Writer and Producer. She consistently brought a special warmth, caring, insight and humanity to her stories and her reputation flourished with on sight reporting about Hurricane Sandy, homelessness and Tent City, pervasive hunger in New Jersey, and Jersey’s iconic music and film scene. She is the epicenter of what’s happening around the county and state. Almost evolutionary, TaraJean went on to co-host NJ Discover LIVE radio and cable TV and still manages time (quintessential juggler) to be Reporter, SpokesModel, Copywriter, Producer, Journalist and now Sr. Editor for Fashion Haunts Magazine.

NIGHTMARE IN JERSEY
Although I love the idea of Halloween and dressing in outrageous outfits, I am not usually a big fan of being scared. Maybe it goes back to my childhood when my sister would race me up the stairs at bedtime and hide somewhere in my room or the bathroom waiting for the perfect opportunity to jump out and terrify me. But this year, with the help of my courageous 11 year old, I decided to see what the fright craze was all about in NJ.

Our first visit was to Asbury Park on the evening of the Zombie Walk. Some have called it the largest Zombie gathering in the world.

I decided I would dress in a CSI ball cap and sneakers, prepared and ready for a quick escape if necessary. Upon arrival I realized that I would be able to blend in with the hundreds of spectators mixed among the thousands of zombies, which relieved me. I was fully aware that zombies have a tendency to target fearful victims and I didn’t want to be their next meal. My sidekick and I stepped into the slow zombie crawl towards Cookman Avenue alongside an old decrepit man dragging his bloody leg. Looking in either direction I realized that I was surrounded by zombies with bloodied, half eaten faces, dragging their legs and arms and other body parts down the boardwalk.

The event was not just for the wild and outrageous lovers of gore, but it was also a fundraiser for brain cancer through the Gray Matters campaign and a blood drive with Central Jersey Blood Center.  I recently learned that over $3000 was raised for Brain Cancer Tumor Center and Camp Jinka – a free summer program offered by the David S. Zocchi Brain Tumor Center for kids and teens whose lives have been impacted by a loved one’s diagnosis of a brain tumor. The evening was a little surreal, and the experience I can take away from this event mostly was the unsettling feeling of what it could be like to actually live through a Zombie Apocalypse. As the sun set on the avenue at Asbury Park the zombies began to spread across the town and meander into some the stores. Bloody old women and half eaten children were standing on lines for cheese fries or a warm pretzel. The sidewalks could not hold all the zombies and they began spilling into the streets, slowly struggling to move in their tattered clothes and face prosthesis. Everywhere we looked decaying groups of people were sluggishly looking for their way home. An eerie night over all, both my little 11 year old and I decided next year we would dress as Zombie warriors and come back to join the crawl.

The following weekend I brought a small group of witches, cats and zombies with me to the Witches Ball in Mount Holly NJ. This event is referred to as wickedly cool and amazingly enchanted. Rather than experiencing the future omen of the apocalypse, we found ourselves propelled into the past within moments as we entered under the archway leading to the Historic Mill Race Village.

As we ambled through the darkly lit streets the atmosphere of magic and mysticism enveloped us. The town had transformed into an old witches haven, with fortunetellers, artists, musicians and vendors. My mood relaxed as I meandered amongst witches and goblins, and men and women of gothic, fantasy, medieval and horror. It almost seemed as though we were all out for an eerie moonlight stroll. After listening to the great sounds of Midnight Mosaic, a local NJ band, we gathered our broomsticks and headed for our next excursion.

The Casola Haunted Hay Ride in Marlboro, NJ on Rte 79 was our final stop for the evening.

Although there were many times I have taken afternoon hayrides through the cornfields, it could not have prepared me for the terrifying darkness that awaited us through the torch lit woods. As the rickety wagon with very little protection slowly waddled down the winding dirt road zombies, ghouls, and axe murderers threw their bodies against the sides of the wagon and clamored on board. They were moaning or screaming or laughing uncontrollably as they moved slowly through the horrified wagon looking for huddling passenger to petrify. Although my little sidekick was shaking in her boots, I felt that I could maintain my composure amongst all these horror film villains. After all, I knew that there was only one figure that could cause my skin to crawl and shatter my bravery. Specifically it was the little demon girl who wore the decaying antique nightgown and used her long dark stringy hair to hide her decomposing face, she was the character from the movie “The Ring”. Luckily, the ride seemed close to the end. Strangely, I sensed a quietness. As I lifted my head from the safety of my daughter’s hooded shoulders, I peeked a look around to see if the eerie villains had abandoned the ride. As I turned to my left I spotted something white and small that seemed to be slowly floating a few feet behind the wagon in the darkness.

As I looked closer my eyes focused on the silhouette of a little girl with long hair wearing a long white night gown following the wagon in her bare feet. My heart stopped. From her pace I was sure she could never catch up to our rickety old wagon. That’s when the wagon came to a halt. I looked at my brave little 11 year old and said, “They have got to be kidding.” Sure enough the little faceless child with the bloody nightgown and dirty feet climbed on board. Not sure how she knew, but she went directly over to me and sat beside me and began to creepily hum a twisted nursery rhyme.

Well…that was all she wrote! I was done and ready to go home.

That experience was, after all, my last Halloween adventure for this year. On my list of places I was to visit are some of the scariest and most terrifying in NJ:

Six Flags Fright Fest in Jackson

Brookdale’s Haunted Theatre in Lincroft

Asbury Park’s Haunted Hall

Brighton Asylum in Passaic

Field of Terror in East Windsor

Camp Evans Base of Terror in Wall

Ghost Tour of the John Fell House in Allendale

Corn Field of Terror in Egg Harbor City

Fear in the Forest in Browns Mills

Hollowgraves Haunted Manor in Keansburg

Evil Spirits Woods at Emerald Acres in Monrow

Nightmare at Gravity Hill in Jackson.

I hope you can choose a place to visit off this year’s October “To Do” list that will help you reach you scare limits this Halloween. Thanks to the creepy little faceless girl in the long bloody nightgown I will be holding off until next year, spending the next hundred sleepless nights regaining my courage.

So, maybe next year I will start with a ghost tour or and haunted asylum (or maybe not).

Happy Halloween!

And post your favorite spine chilling Halloween experiences.

TaraJean McD., NJDiscover.com

Benediction:
written by Rabbi John L. Rosove, Temple Israel of Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA

Eternal God, Source and Creator of Life: From the depths we have called to you and we call to you again for courage, strength and wisdom on this 12-year anniversary of our nation’s tragedy.

Grant us courage to confront our enemies. Comfort those who stand alone without spouse, parent, brother, sister, child or friend. Open our hearts to them and to the children orphaned 12 years ago today. Enable us to love more deeply all children who suffer. Accept with mercy our prayers of healing on behalf of the families of the victims and on behalf of the responders who became ill at Ground Zero.

Despite the horror and tragedy of 9/11, our country remains a shelter of peace, a symbol of freedom a beacon light of compassion and justice to the downtrodden and oppressed of the world.

Strengthen the hands of our people to defend this country and our common values of freedom and justice. Inspire our leaders and diplomats to act wisely and to pursue peace everywhere in the world.

May we teach our children to learn and to think, to consider and to reason, to be courageous in thought and in deed, and to nurture hearts of wisdom that they may do battle against fear, hatred and bigotry using weapons of the spirit and loving hearts.

We offer our prayers on behalf of our country and government, our President and judiciary, our officials and institutions, our soldiers and citizens, upon all who faithfully toil for the good of our country, to preserve democracy in our land, to advocate for civility between adversaries, and to treat every human being as infinitely worthy and dignified by virtue of being created in the Divine image.

Bestow upon us all the blessings of peace, and may we live to see the day when swords will be converted into plowshares and nations will not learn war anymore.

Amen.

Dan Marino, Hall of Fame Quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, attended the First Annual Charity Golf Event to benefitThe Dan Marino Foundation at the Bella Vista Country Club in Marlboro, NJ.

Corporate Resource Services, Inc., a diversified technology, staffing, recruiting, and consulting services firm, hosted the event that helped raise over $40,000 to support services for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Over 200 people attended the event at Bella Vista Country Club in Marlboro, NJ.

For more information on Corporate Resource Services, Inc visit their website at www.crsco.com.

John P. Messina, PRESIDENT, CEO

Mark S. Levine, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Michael J. Golde, CFO

Frank Vaccaro, PRESIDENT OF SALES

The Dan Marino Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization was established in 1992 by Dan and Claire Marino, motivated by their experiences in raising their son, Michael, who is diagnosed with autism. The Foundation’s mission is “empowering individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities through therapies, research, education, and employment in pursuit of a greater quality of life.”

For over 20 years, the Foundation has served individuals with disabilities in South Florida and raised more than $45 million to create unique and impactful initiatives in the community. Among these “first-of-their-kind” initiatives were the Miami Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Center, Childnett.tv, the Marino Autism Research Institute, Marino Adapted Aquatics, Summer STEPS Employment Programs, and now, opening in 2014, Marino Campus. For more information, please visit www.danmarinofoundation.org.

CRS is a leading recruiting and staffing provider that specializes in placing administrative, clerical, customer service, information technology and light industrial candidates.

For more information on Corporate Resource Services, Inc visit their website at www.crsco.com.

Yours Truly, Tara-Jean

She stood on the beautiful grounds of the Peppadew Fresh Farm in Morganville, New Jersey, surrounded by her family, friends and her neighbors. The tears in her eyes and emotion in her voice let us know how deeply moved she was by this incredible outpouring of love.  This past year Denise was diagnosed with cancer. Not only did she have the sole responsibility of caring for her twin boys who were only in 1st Grade, but she had begun to fight the battle of her life.  The words of thanks she spoke on this warm summer evening reflected the months of struggle she has already endured. Denise said, “I will never forget this time in my life.”

Carol Mazzola, Marlboro Township Councilwoman and member of the Kiwanis Club of Marlboro gathered together more than 100 neighbors, friends and family to give their support to this local mother during her time of need. Kiwanis covered the cost of hosting the event at the Peppadew Fresh Farms on Boundary Road in Marlboro, New Jersey. Local donations were offered by The Wine Academy, Abbate Bakery contributed their cookies and Peppadew Fresh Farms provided the space.  Other local businesses such as Investors Bank and Bella Vista Country Club donated monies to the fund that was set up by Kiwanis.

The Kiwanis chapter in Marlboro is one of 13,000 Kiwanis organizations established in over 80 countries. They are devoted to identifying and responding to the needs of their communities. In Marlboro more than 30 active and committed members meet once a month to explore ways they can assist with club service projects.

The event was a perfect representation of “Love Thy Neighbor” It gave many people the opportunity to open their hearts. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of Frank J. Dugan Elementary was in attendance as well as the boys’ teacher and her family.  When the school and PTA first learned of her diagnosis, the decision was made to organize a baked goods food chain to deliver to Denise’s home to ensure her children would always have a warm cooked meal and Denise would be relieved of the stress of shopping and cooking. Anonymously, mothers from the Dugan PTA cooked and delivered full meals to Denise’s home each day during her initial treatments and surgeries. Play dates were also scheduled with the twins so Denise could feel confident that her children were being entertained and supervised.

Now, months later on this summer evening Denise responded with overwhelming emotion as she expressed her gratitude. “This was a fight I never thought I would have to take,” she said, “and I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.” She expressed her pride in her community. She also acknowledged her friend and neighbor, Seth, who is also battling cancer and who has given her enormous inspiration.  The days ahead will still be a struggle for Denise, she has two more procedures scheduled this summer. Yet with the strength of her family, friends and community behind her, she and her children will have the ability to focus their energies on being brave and looking toward the future.

Last Thursday, I was thrilled to be walking around with a press pass in order to cover the roll out of Marlboro’s revolutionary and pioneering new ‘Shop Marlboro Property Tax Reward Program.’ Here’s the gist of  the program which has been in development for a year by Marlboro’s Economic Development Committee then I’ll throw some praise around, after all I’m a Marlboro resident. When Marlboro residents purchase goods (even gas) and services locally (here in Marlboro) from participating merchants, they receive credits against their residential tax bills. Obviously this incentivizes folks like me to frequent local businesses. I’ve got three letters that come to mind right now as I’m learning more. “Wow.”

In my headline, I alluded to the notion of Marlboro, New Jersey (population 40,000) being (probably) the very first place, town on Earth (therefore the United States as well) offering a reduction of (Marlboro) township property taxes based on a percentage of purchases during the year.

It’s not within the scope of this article to talk specifics, but certainly to applaud and praise Mayor Jonathan Hornik and the entire Township Council and their Economic Development Committee(David Faust) Jonathan Capp, Business Administrator and Investors Bank for visions and courage way beyond a central Jersey township’s limited reach and place in the universe; a refreshing and uplifting civic prideful thought for our 40,000 residents.

Speaking about refreshing: I love crisp lettuce. I’m enthused about dining in Marlboro so much more often now. You see, I’ve got this theory that lettuce is lettuce no matter where ever you go. I might as well eat lettuce close to home and pay less property taxes. It may be that simple.

Submitted by Girl Scout Leader Sandy Buccine & Senior Troop 1795

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The days events included:

On April 16, 2012 the USDA Rural Development awarded the Value Added Working Capital Grant in the amount of $259,625 to a new U.S. agribusiness, Peppadew Fresh LLC, which will grow Peppadew Goldew fruit on its 14 acre farm inMorganville,NJ.

 Peppadew Goldew fruit, part of the unique Peppadew family of pepper products, were discovered growing wild in South Africa about 15 years ago. Peppadew fruit are known across the globe for their special flavor – sweet and tangy, with just a touch of heat.

 Peppadew Fresh Farms located on Harbor Road is a family run business. Owners Pierre and Doris Crawley live in Marlboro.  Pierre Crawley, President of Peppadew Fresh LLC is presently growing the Peppadew Goldew fruit and will process them under the “Jersey Grown” program.

 Originally a flower farm, the Peppadew Fresh Farm will maintain a portion of the property for growing hydrangea and pussy willows for local markets in New Jersey. In addition, theCrawley’s are presently growing a wine vineyard and are designing a wine-tasting room in the spacious and authentic barn. The farm house is original and completely renovated, and will be the future space for cooking classes which will prepare recipes using the delicious Peppadew products.

 Attending the announcement was USDA Rural Development New Jersey State Director Howard Henderson and New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher and Marlboro’s Mayor Jonathan Hornik read a Proclamation stating April 16, 2012 is officially “Grant Award Day” for Peppadew Fresh, LLC in Marlboro. Also in attendance was Council President Jeff Cantor, Councilwoman Carol Mazzola and Councilwoman Randi Marder. NJ Discover covered the event for the NJ Discover TV Show airing in May.           Submitted by Tara-Jean Vitale, Producer & TV Host NJ Discover

Japan visits Marlboro, NJ

Malboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik and Mayor of Nanto City Japan Mikio Tanaka shared their enthusiasm and commitment to a tremendous program that has developed into a friendship and bond between 2 cities going back to the 1990’s.
The Marlboro-Nanto Youth Exchange Program gives Japanese and American students an opportunity to experience and appreciate their different cultures.

Students travel from Japan to spend time with host families living in Marlboro. For one week they enjoy typical daily activities in New Jersey and some sight-seeing in New York and Philadelphia.

 This non for profit organization is funded entirely by community donations. For more information go to www.marlboro-nanto.org.