Candle light vigil for the Long Branch victims.

In mid October, Calvin Schwartz, writer, reporter for NJ Discover interviewed Linda Chorney, long before any Grammy buzz or nominations (which were announced on November 30th). So Calvin and NJ Discover therefore scooped the journalistic world and major media outlets. Perhaps good old fashioned NJ journalistic instincts but a great appreciation for the enormous talent of Linda Chorney. In the months since then, Linda has become the darling of the Grammy nominations and NJ Discover was commissioned by hooplaha.com ( a dynamic new site for smiles, thinking and upbeat motivational stories with daily updates)to do a video with Linda. And thanks to hooplaha.com for allowing NJ Discover to share this wonderful story about Linda’s journey.

By Calvin Schwartz:
A few weeks ago my personal blog was a copy of my interview with an amazingly voiced singer, Linda Chorney, who was just beginning the process of submitting her album ‘Emotional Jukebox’ for Grammy nomination consideration.

I consider that interview my finest hour and journalistic achievement since my whole ‘Woodward and Bernstein’(remember them?) shtick began on July 30, 2011; my first day as a journalist when I covered Old Freehold Day and heard this vibrant feisty singer (of course Linda) do a set before a crowd of people more intent that hot day of getting free rides on a hay tractor, back and forth to a suburban New Jersey parking lot. As Humphrey Bogart (Rick) said to Claude Rains (Louis) in ‘Casablanca’ it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

I’ve observed the process as Indie (no major record label) Linda Chorney has suited up with determination, drive, depth and spirit and presented herself to the establishment called Grammy Awards. I’m a visual literary guy: I see Joan of Arc, Althea Gibson (one of my life’s heroes. Go Google if you don’t know her), Annie Oakley, Susan B. Anthony, Marian Anderson, Molly Pitcher (Revolutionary War heroine. There’s a hotel near Linda in Red Bank named after her). You see, I like rugged individualists like Linda Chorney. She went out and used the extant tools to bring her musical message to the Grammy voters.

She’s an Indie. I look at her fellow nominees for Best Americana Album, most of them loaded with Grammy awards already. Linda has now been called the darling of the Grammy awards by many reporters and observers because of the fire of determination to bring awareness to her music far from the maddening crowd of big record labels and money. There’s always a Benedict Arnold, a Dathan (played by Edward G. Robinson in ‘Ten Commandments’) or just another political party on the other side of midnight or an aisle. So I smile sardonically and read the words of some ‘Bob,’ ‘Baker’ or ‘Houston’ guy who are upset because they don’t know her music and don’t think she belongs where she is. Then I look at the United Nations and its inability to reach agreement in ‘Kyoto Protocol’ and I know since the time my distant relatives, the Cro Magnons’ played a rendition of soccer right here in Jersey across the street from me, that there will always be towers of babble, ignorance and jealousy as some ‘Bob, ‘Baker’ or ‘Houston’ guys recently demonstrated and restored my faith in the old adage, “some folks never get it.” As I see it, as objectively as I can be, Linda’s music is wonderful, moving and passionate and deserves to be right in front of all of us with Grammy recognition. I do believe George Washington would’ve loved it too, especially her song from ‘Emotional Jukebox’ called ‘Cherries.’ George did chop down the cherry tree and was honest about it. That’s what I like about Linda Chorney.

The story of Mark Levine, his life and his burger has caught national attention. Through the Ashley Lauren Foundation and 709 Restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach, Mark is being honored with the “Mark The Shark Day” Friday January 27th from noon until close. Mark’s own burger will be a special on the menu and the proceeds will benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation, helping make wishes come true for local children battling cancer.

NJ Discover TV covered the world premiere of ‘Nothing For Christmas’ on December 1st in Red Bank by interviewing the director/writer Sean Guess, movie actors and singer Danny White who performed a song for the movie. It was a stirring, emotional and surprisingly well-acted movie along the lines of ‘It’s A Wonderful Life.’

During tough economic times, when working class families struggle during the holiday season, the Perry family struggle more than most. Jerry Perry’s hardware sales job has been phased out and he is facing eviction from his home. His daughter Betsy, who had vandalized neighbors Christmas decorations, now seeks guidance from a Rabbi to help her change her hatred of the holidays. His hope is to show his friends the true meaning of the holidays and make them realize sometimes, nothing is all you need.

RED BANK, NJ (Nov. 2, 2011) — Flavour is the newest endeavor from Red Bank’s diverse collection of restaurants, bars, and eateries to highlight the town’s vibrant and acclaimed culinary scene. Experience exquisite dining and nightlife destinations and celebrate Red Bank’s exciting Flavours. On November 2, 2011 Red Bank Flavour celebrated this holiday season at the first annual Holiday Flavour event.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Lunch Break and the newly opened Soul Kitchen.

We are a faith-inspired social services organization, founded in 1913 with a mission to alleviate human suffering. Annually, our staff provides more than 100,000 people in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties with support related to housing, food, mental health, specialized childrens’ services, addiction treatment and domestic violence services. A private nonprofit recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of the most fiscally efficient in the country, our organization uses less than 10 percent of our revenue for administrative costs. We comprise the 14th largest nonprofit in New Jersey and recently received recognition from NJBIZ magazine as an innovative nonprofit with respect to our demonstrated track record of financial stewardship and sustainability. Catholic Charities is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for staff as well as for people seeking assistance.