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: A MAJOR COMING ATTRACTION: The 3rd Annual New Jersey Home & Business Expo Comes to iPlay America’s Event Center, Sunday, April 6, 2014

NJ Discover is proud and thrilled to be part of this extraordinary event on Sunday April 6th at iPlay America. Our Radio and TV hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz will be “working” our booth to introduce the many facets of production, advertising, social media, commercial/sponsor availability on our programming and our video production capabilities for all your business needs. And most importantly we are quite excited to be part of the vast array of successful and diversified businesses represented. So yes we call this a MAJOR COMING ATTRACTION and it’s free and open to the public and we’ve checked; it’s a very light sports Sunday, spring is full blossom and we’d love to meet  many of our ‘friends.’ And you might win a lease for a Lexus. And you’ll meet sports legends. And interact with many business people who can offer so much.  Here’s looking at you all and see you next Sunday!!!!   

EVENT INFOMATION/HIGHLIGHTS

The 3rd Annual New Jersey Home & Business Expo sponsored by Bella Vista Country Club will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the Encore Events Center inside iPlay America located at 110 Schanck Rd in Freehold, NJ.

The expo, co-sponsored by iPlay America, Ray Catena Lexus and Athletes & Business Alliance (ABA), will showcase the best home and business products and services from Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex counties and outlying communities.

Previously, the New Jersey Home & Business Expo was held at Bella Vista Country Club, however, due to overwhelming success and an increase in participating exhibitors and public attendance last year, Encore Event Center has been selected to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors and attendees. In addition, Synergy Event Planners has been brought on to handle event production.

“I believe this year’s expo will be our biggest yet. We have implemented a full marketing and public relations campaign which includes a Cablevision campaign,” said Anthony Beshara, tradeshow organizer. “Commercials will be running on major Cablevision channels promoting exhibitor spaces as well as public awareness to for maximum participation.”

High profile sports figures, Nick Fotiu, Joe Klecko, Dan Klecko and Fred Baxter, will be on hand to interact with vendors, fans and attendees. This was made possible by Peter Grandich, President of ABA.

Expo highlights include raffle drawings available to all attendees on behalf of the participating exhibitors. Ray Catena Lexus is giving away a 24 month lease on a 2014 Lexus. Home Entertainment Systems will be raffling off a 50″ HDTV and Bella Vista Country Club will be giving away a free country club membership.

There will also be hundreds of exhibitor giveaways and prizes. Attendees must be present to win these prizes. “I cannot think of another home and business expo that has Superbowl Champions and gives away a free Lexus at the end of the event,” continues Beshara. “A lot of thought and planning has gone into this event; we wanted to create an experience for both vendors and attendees.”

Admission to the New Jersey Home & Business Expo is FREE of charge. For more information and to book your vendor package please visit www.bellavistaccevents.com. For event information contact Anthony Beshara 732- 616-7300 or John Bruzzese, Synergy Event Planners, 848-667-1378. For the latest news and updates and to join the conversation, find the NJ Home and Business Expo on Twitter @BellaVistaCC and on the Facebook

If You Missed It- New Jersey Film Makers Garry Pastore (“Destressed”) and P.j. Bracco (“goin down”) both films entered in Garden State Film Festival. Video & Podcast

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY MARCH 24TH  8 PM       http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

With great anticipation we look forward to Monday March 24^th when NJ Discover’s Tara-Jean and Calvin spend a precious hour with two dynamic and extraordinary talents. We’re thrilled to have Garry (who’s incredibly busy these days with his acting career) and whose film “Destressed” premieres in Garden State Film Festival( April 3-6^th) (he produced, wrote and directed) and P.j. who also proudly premieres his first film, “goin down” at the Garden State Film Festival which he also wrote, produced and directed. Indeed, hugely special multi-talented guests and much behind the scenes ‘stuff’ to ‘discover’ on Monday.   Calvin Schwartz

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY MARCH 24TH  8 PM     http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL ON APRIL 3-6TH  VISIT:  http://www.gsff.org/

MEET GARRY PASTORE

Garry Pastore was born in New York City in the early 1960’s, a middle child in a family of six.  His parents were both born in New York and are now deceased.  Currently, Mr. Pastore resides in Central New Jersey with his wife, Melody and four children.   Garry has appeared as an actor in well over 50 television productions and feature films since his career began in the early 1980’s.  His passion for film has driven him to cultivate skill in almost every aspect of the business.  He was nominated for a SAG Award in 2012 and was an “Ensemble” Emmy Winner in 2006 for his work on “30 Rock”.

At this time, he is in the development stage of ten screenplays he has written for film and television, with his company Willowcreek Entertainment.  His original film, “DESTRESSED” which premieres at the Garden State Film Festival on April 5, 2014, is his sophomore directorial effort.  His first,  “Waiting for… Budd”, earned him a total of eight “Best Director”, “Best Producer” and “Best Film” awards during its debut in 2009.

Garry Pastore can be seen currently in the feature film, “Rob the Mob” and in a recurring role on the CBS smash, “Blue Bloods”.

All media inquiries should be directed to his publicist:  

Brigette Lutz  Artist Development Group  C -908.309.7887  F- 732.612.3949   artistdevgroup@gmail.com

DESTRESSED article:  http://www.newjerseystage.com/articles/getarticle.php?ID=3156

DESTRESSED MOVIE TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHavA3G_nuc

Here’s a look at SOME of  Garry’s acting credits:

2014Rob the Mob Sammy         2013-2014Blue Bloods (TV Series)  Stavros       2013The Wolf of Wall Street  Rao’s Patron

2011Tied to a Chair Eddie Fos      2009A Secret Promise Officer Prlaine     2005-2006Law & Order: Criminal Intent (TV Series)

2004The Sopranos (TV Series) Jerry Basile    2004Everyday People     2001100 Centre Street (TV Series)

2000Everything’s Jake  Sergeant Steiner     2000Growing Down in Brooklyn  Mike Redface   2000The Yards  Detective Tommasino

2000It Had to Be You   Witness to the Mob (TV Movie) Frankie Hearts   1997Cop Land  Core Cop ‘Johnny B’

1997Cosby (TV Series)    Sergeant Rayes       1997Donnie Brasco Carmine Galante’s Bodyguard (uncredited)

1994Hand Gun Earls Man Tommy (as Garry Blackwood)    1993Carlito’s Way   Copa Wiseguy (as Garry Blackwood)

1993A Bronx Tale Chez Bippy Customer (as Garry Blackwood)   1990Goodfellas  Henry’s 70’s Crew (as Garry Blackwood)

1989Do the Right Thing  P.O. Bonamo (uncredited)    1988Cocktail Well Dressed Man (uncredited)    1985Prizzi’s Honor Usher #2 (uncredited)

MEET P. j. BRACCO

P.J. Bracco, an Alumni of Boston University’s School of Theatre Arts, started his post college career tending bar at Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Grill, while producing theatre in NYC’s Alphabet City.  Shifting his focus midtown to work at The Ensemble Studio Theatre, ultimately lead to the launching of his own motion picture production company Red Hook Films (www.redhookfilms.com) in 1997.  Bracco has since been working on the fringes of the independent film scene producing, directing and/or acting in movies, commercials and music videos.  Some of his credits include; “Ursa Minor”, “Raimo’s Price”, “The Watchmaker”, “The Goner”, Smoker in “The Gambler’s Club”,  and the documentary “Stocks Bonds and Notes”.  P.J.’s latest projects include the music videos “When I Sing” for Grammy Nominee Linda Chorney, “After Life” for newcomer Camryn James, along with his revamped directorial debut feature film “goin down”, all of which are premiering in The 2014 Garden State Film Festival in April.  Bracco currently has several feature projects and music videos in development, along with a newly started Web Series Screenplay Competition (www.redhookfilmsseries.com) that will ultimately turn one script into a completed Web Series.  In addition to making movies, P.J. is the harmonica player with The Red Bank Blues Band (www.theredbankbluesband.com) and can be caught once a month playing at The Downtown in Red Bank.

“goin down” MOVIE TRAILER:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3qjDI-yJ90   

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY MARCH 24TH  8 PM     http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

ALSO OF NOTE: P.j. Bracco has two music videos in Garden State Film Festival. One with recent author and Grammy nominee Linda Chorney called “When I Sing”

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NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO SHOW: MON JAN. 27  SPECIAL GUESTS, ED JARRETT, MICHAEL SCHWARTZ: ED, recent Guinness World Record Holder, Builder of World’s Tallest Sandcastle (in Point Pleasant) and MICHAEL, Founder, Hometown Heroes, (based in Toms River)  a most amazing New Jersey, National and Global charity dedicated to helping neighbors. Forget the polar vortex. Warm-up with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz at 8PM

TUNE IN MONDAY JAN 27^TH  8 pm RIGHT HERE:  http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

AND PLEASE CHECK OUR PODCAST ARCHIVES (IF YOU MISSED ANY SHOWS):

http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

FOR MORE INFO ON HOMETOWN HEROES: http://usahometownheroes.com/

and ED JARRETT: http://jarrettscastle.com/

NJ DISCOVER SPECIAL EDITION LIVE RADIO SHOW: TUESDAY DECEMBER 10TH 8 PM: With Special Guests and Live Music including Nick Clemons, JT Bowen, Jo Bonanno: Highlighting upcoming January 11th “Big Man’s West Reunion Show” in Point Pleasant Beach.  It’s ALL about CLARENCE CLEMONS!! Don’t miss this LIVE SHOW with hosts Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz

FOR TUESDAY’S  LIVE RADIO SHOW TUNE IN HERE 8 PM:

NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: You’ve Got a Friend; Steve Conboy, CEO, ECO Building Products and the World’s Tallest Sandcastle at Jersey Shore and Lumber and so Much More.   By Calvin Schwartz    November 9, 2013

Three weeks prior to the October 29^th ceremony with a representative from Guinness World Records adjudicating the World’s Tallest Sandcastle at Point Pleasant Beach, I had a chance to interview the world renowned sculptor Ed Jarrett, who had just started construction of the sandcastle. I also knew that much of the practical realization of this most amazing accomplishment came from the sponsorship and support of Steve Conboy, CEO of ECO Building Products. As I walked around the circumference of the base of the sandcastle, I saw a red wood sign structure on the adjacent beach acknowledging the essence of this magical company, ECO Building Products, who’ve been supportive of rebuilding the Jersey shore after Sandy. The sign radiated the message, “Fire, mold, termite, and rot protected lumber.” “The best defensive lumber in the industry”  Maybe a hundred seagulls congregated just behind the sign as if they sensed being in a safe environment.
ECO CEO Steve Conboy’s Segment at the Sand Castle Evevnt

As a journalist, I set my future sights on spending time interviewing charismatic Steve Conboy. And that opportunity came on the celebration day on October 29^th, when the intricate 40 foot sandcastle was being measured by Philip Robertson from Guinness World Records to certify yet another world record accomplishment for Ed Jarrett. Several hours before the start of proceedings, while a chilly pre-winter wind blew in off the Atlantic Ocean, Steve Conboy, Steve Cassidy, from New York City Fire Department and I stood in front of the sandcastle, squinting in bright sunshine and talking about ECO Building Products and a new ‘wood’ world.

Conboy and his company came here to support the Jersey shore’s rebuilding efforts and the sandcastle too. They’ve got an amazing product and believe passionately in giving back and sharing. When Conboy started to explain his philosophy, I watched intently as his face exploded in emotion; his hands painted a picture for me that ECO Red Shield coatings on lumber is an eco-friendly (which I really love, being an environmentalist) and cost-effective alternative for protection against mold, termites, rot and fire. He told me there are no hazardous chemicals involved. His hands swept in a full circle as he talked about his goal; the protection with his ECO Red Shield lumber replacing raw lumber to become the standard in future wood construction projects. Of course I added an, “Oh wow.” It is a wow. Steve Cassidy from New York City Fire Department explained how Red Shield treated lumber in new construction projects and even applied to existing wood structures can save lives and property by resisting fire; a huge no brainier, as I thought immediately.

Good reporters do research. I knew about Steve Conboy spending time and giving ECO products to people and projects in Haiti and in New Orleans. Giving back is a soulful expression and his unique way to build a successful company. Conboy, who is a native New Yorker, has had nearly 35 years in the lumber business world and started ECO in 2007. He explained that there is this great need for change in the industry.

I asked about his treated lumber being embraced by the retail world. Indeed, retail loves Red Shield as it protects wood from mold growth while on retail storage shelves and therefore reduces financial risks. And Conboy reiterated to me that his coatings can be applied to existing structures very cost effectively.

This blew me away. Raw lumber sales in 2012 approached $94 Billion which means there is a huge opportunity for incredible growth. It also means lots of lumber today on shelves may have mold growth. Then I told both Conboy and Cassidy an interesting anecdote. I love relevant anecdotes in the middle of an interview with the sun shining on my face.  When I wrote my original article for NJ Discover’s website and Facebook page link about the Sandcastle and ECO Building Products sponsorship, one of our Facebook friends was intrigued and googled ECO. Based on everything he read, the next day he purchased several thousand shares of ECO stock. A week later, he met NJ Discover’s producer, Tara-Jean Vitale for lunch and convinced her to buy stock in ECO. Our Facebook friend just celebrated his 80^th birthday.

I could’ve talked with Steve for another hour but the celebration was near. I watched Conboy’s face light up as a color guard raised the flag for the National Anthem. He’s as passionate and dedicated a CEO as I’ve ever met in my travels. His passion is contagious. The ceremony continued with Frank Dicopoulos’ upbeat emceeing and introductions of Ed Jarrett, Hometown Heroes (a New Jersey based amazing charity) Michael Schwartz and Jennifer Barna, of course Steve Conboy and Steve Cassidy and then comedian Mike Marino and a moving musical performance by Nick Clemons. Perhaps six hundred people gathered on the beach for the lighting ceremony commemorating the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.  I sensed that in the very near future every one of those folks on the beach will have an awareness of ECO Building Products and I started to think  about the song, ‘You’ve got a Friend.’ I know most of the words. “You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am.” It kind of sums up what Steve Conboy and ECO Building did to make this special day in Point Pleasant possible. I looked; the seagulls were still there by the ECO red wood sign.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ECO BUILDING PRODUCTS GO TO:   www.ecob.net    or     info@ecob.net

and Cal Schwartz, writer:   NJ Discover.com    and   vichywater.net   and Facebook: Cal Schwartz

On My Way to See a Wizard Building a World Record Sandcastle On Point Pleasant Beach by Calvin Schwartz.  October 6, 2013

On Thursday morning October 3^rd I got a call from the head of NJ Discover (my boss) inviting me to experience a new world of record breaking sandcastle construction and imagination launching points. I’ve never really seen sandcastles other than the ones I built myself on Belmar beach when President Eisenhower was playing golf on the news and the Everly Brothers started singing ‘Bye Bye Love a long time ago. The castles I built seemed to last less than ten minutes and vanished quickly in wind and ocean wave.

Thing is; I had no concept about the scope and enormity of the project being built on Point Pleasant Beach by Jenkinson’s in conjunction with Superstorm Sandy One Year Anniversary. So as I walked the steps from the boardwalk to a patch of sand then through a makeshift office,  public relations and souvenir booth to the site of a 30 foot partially existing sand structure, I stood in awe as a towering spire of sandcastle dwarfed my 6’5” height.

I was overwhelmed and walked around the circumference. Built into the side of the castle was a ‘sand’ car in the Holland Tunnel with a license plate, ‘Brzy Pt.’ Was I in the Metropolitan Museum of Art? The detail work on the sculptured castle was incredible. I looked around the beach. It was a warm day for October; a handful of people in beach chairs were still clinging to last vestiges of summer.

Then I spotted a figure way on top of the castle who waved and invited me to come on up the ladder but I’d wait for his descent. NJ Discover’s chief introduced me to the artist, sculptor, culinary artist and world record holder, Ed Jarrett. “Could that sand castle hold my weight if I climbed up?” “Sure.” Of course I was still in denial and retrieved my reporter’s microphone; it was time to interview Ed Jarrett.

“How did you evolve into all of this sand sculpting?” I powered-on the microphone. Ed’s mother advised him that if he went to art school, he would become a starving artist so he went to Culinary Arts School at Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island. In one class, he learned how to ice carve. He remembered when an instructor walked out with a chain saw. “Standing in a puddle of water, I learned ice sculpture.”

While a junior student, he got into a seafood cooking challenge and beat out the instructors and best chefs in the state. Later he did a New York food show and took first place in pastry. He had his own ice carving and catering business before he graduated. Along the academic way, Ed took management courses and ended up managing private golf courses but still practiced snow and ice carvings. “I got into wood carving eight years ago and sand sculpture 11 years ago. I just finished a 22 foot totem pole for an Iraqi War veteran who is blind. He wanted his kids to see it. We became best friends.”  He doesn’t do ice sculptures for weddings anymore. “I have to do bigger projects with a meaning behind it.” Just then a helicopter flew overhead. We both looked up smiling.

Ed was born in Maine. Somehow I thought he was a Jersey native. I wondered how he wound up in Jersey on Point Pleasant Beach. His best friend from college called him after Hurricane Sandy but couldn’t really explain or comprehend what happened like his neighbor’s house resting in the middle of the street. His friend, in the tile business, was out of business for a while. So Alan suggested to Ed about building a sandcastle on the NJ beach. He knew lots of people and they could bring in lake sand and make it happen.

“I came to Jersey to build one castle and now I’m building a second one to get the Guinness record for the 2500 school children that helped me on the first one. I’ve gotten world records every time I tried and been out here every day now to make this happen.” He pointed to the wood foundation; it’s the same technique how a bucket is used to build a small beach sandcastle. “This new  Sandy castle is already six feet in the air. It goes fast now. By this weekend it’ll be double size on its way to over 40 feet high which just beats my record.” Then Ed paused a few seconds and took a deep breath. “It’s not about beating a record but all the community that comes out and helps. I want to see these kids wear the tee shirts with pride that they had a chance to sign official Guinness log book. It becomes a family and sense of community.” People walking by on the boardwalk stop and ask, “Can I help?” And yes there is even a bucket brigade system used to move the 1.6 million pounds of sand.

I had to ask Ed, “Is there something special about us Jersey folks?”  He was quick to respond as if he’d been waiting for this question. “There’s an incredible energy. I’ve never wanted to do two sandcastles in any one year. It’s been the biggest high and energy level right here from all the people volunteering and coming back for more. We are Jersey Strong. Of all the builds I’ve done, this is the most fulfilling. Best karma with all the people here.”  Ed’s lived all over the world but has fallen in love with Jersey.

I asked about the sand used for his sandcastles and reminded him that all my sandcastles as a kid at the Jersey shore never lasted more than ten minutes or made it over 12 inches high. He laughed at my childhood ‘deconstruction.’  “In my three world records in Maine, I used lake sand which is powdery sifted sand. Every one of the grains is sharp because glaciers over time have roughed them up. Beach sand here is rounded by ocean currents and it becomes like marbles together. My sand is sharp and edges interlock like Velcro. Rain sucks the water in and pulls it tighter. I can walk on the castle. Of course I do design my castles with moats to drain the rain water.”

Then Ed’s voice got louder and prideful. “I’m the greenest sculptor out there. People sometimes think there is wood or binders or glue holding my castles together. But not; you see I don’t want to contaminate the sand so I can use it again.” The new castle which will be finished by October 29^th for a huge celebrity filled celebration at Jenkinson’s will have a gothic feel and be part haunted for Halloween and ready for Guinness’s new category, ‘World’s Tallest Sculpture.’

I felt invigorated and spiritual. I’d spent an hour with a very special artist and world record holder. The best way to finish this article right now is to remind EVERYONE that NJ Discover is LIVE STREAMING the entire sandcastle building process, day and night(24/7) for everyone to follow right up until October 29^th.  Check NJDiscover.com website for info on Oct 29th celebration!!  Here is the link to watch live streaming of the sandcastle:
Watch Ed Jarrett and his volunteers LIVE as they build a world record sand castle! Tune in everyday to see the progress.

Please support our sponsors! Eco Building Products, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Sandy Castle 2013 & NJ Discover !

Live Video Provided By These Sponsors!

The Leader in Lumber Protection

Eco is the premier manufacturer of proprietary wood products coated with Eco Red Shield™, our exclusive eco-friendly chemistry that protects against mold, rot-decay, termites and now fire. We believe lumber is back as the best building material and invite you to learn more about our products, as well as what makes today’s framing lumber different and more susceptible to mold, termites and fire.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk offers your family a wide range of activities. Whether you are visiting for the day or the entire summer, you will always find something to excite every member of your family. From free weekly events to yearly festivals, there is always something extraordinary to experience here at Jenkinson’s.

Sandy Castle 2013, Second Edition. The current structure will remain in place until Labor Day. After that, it will be dismantled and we will begin packing sand into forms for a second attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record for the Tallest Sandcastle.

NJ Discover, a New Jersey based production company that produces TV commercials, Web commercials, Local TV Show and Social Media Ad Delivery and Management Company that specializes in getting your video seen by your targeted audience. NJ Discover proudly serves the entire state and is dedicating to positive programming for New Jersey.

And on Facebook (The Sandy Castle Foundation): https://www.facebook.com/sandycastlefoundation

A PLACE TO DONATE AND VOLUNTEER:  http://jarrettscastle.com/

  Film Documentary ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’  Due to Overwhelming Demand: A Second Screening Thursday September 19^th 2013 Middlebrook Cinema 7PM Ocean Township, NJ

By Calvin Schwartz

On August 7^th the premiere of ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ was held at Two River Theatre in Red Bank NJ. It was a complete sell out. I worked on the committee to put this premiere together. The overwhelming demand for tickets was beyond expectations. Hundreds of people were turned away. Because of the important message of the film and on-going real life story of the people still living in Tent City in Lakewood, film maker Jack Ballo will be bringing a second screening of ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ to Middlebrook Cinema 1502 Route 35 South, Ocean Township, N.J. on Thursday September 19th 2013 at 7PM

Calvin Schwartz

Tickets are only $10 and can only be purchased ONLINE (Print your own ticket) at www.DestinysBridge.com 

As with the premiere, after the film, there will be a Q&A, with filmmaker Jack Ballo; Tent City Founder, Minster Steve Brigham; and Tent City residents featured in the documentary film. This segment is as emotional as the film is.

In case you missed my article on NJ Discover website in August heralding the premiere of ‘Desinty’s Bridge’ and my personal involvement/feelings, I’ll re-print here:

Tent City in Lakewood. The Movie Documentary ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’  A Movie Review and Personal Journey to Involvement. Premiere August 7th at Two River Theatre in Red Bank   By Calvin Schwartz  August 1st 2013

Journeys to sensitivity and understanding sometimes begin innocently with little fanfare and symphonies. On Easter Sunday 2012, I attended a concert of awareness for the people of Tent City in Lakewood passionately put together by Rosemary Conte. With my son, we filmed the event for NJ Discover. I had no concept of what Tent City was and the fact that around 100 humans were living in tents for years without electricity, heat or basic amenities because Ocean County has no shelters for the homeless. Tent City was 24 minutes from where I’ve lived for 24 years but that didn’t register in my frontal lobe. While listening to the music close to the staging area, a bus of Tent City residents arrived at the far end of the plaza for food and clothing donations. Minister Stephen Brigham brought the tent residents in his yellow school bus; that scene was still far away from me in several ways. I stayed with my son but saw people holding empty plates waiting on a food line. An image of President Herbert Hoover’s Great Depression flashed across my unsympathetic retina. Close to the musicians I remained.  It seemed the thing to do. When I got home that night, I forgot about the hungry homeless and talked to my family about the special Jersey musicians I heard for the first time.

Cut to January. Hurricane Sandy relief concerts were happening all over the Garden State. My past written words of support and admiration for Rosemary Conte and her wondrous musical and life contributions caught up to her; we became friends. She invited me to cover a Sandy benefit concert at McCloone’s in Asbury Park for NJ Discover. I interviewed her and then came an introduction to Sherry Rubel, concert organizer, photographer extraordinaire and Tent City activist.

Now it’s February. I’m at a place for coffee and conversation on a busy highway in East Brunswick, N.J with Sherry Rubel. Two weeks later on a very cold sunny day, Tara-Jean Vitale (NJ Discover producer) and I met Sherry across the street from the entrance to Tent City in Lakewood. We were packing TV cameras and microphones for our day in a new world. Patches of pure white snow from the night before looked like special effects. The dirt road was frozen; so was I emotionally. A thin veil of disbelief at my surroundings settled subtly around me. It was numbing; humans in the second richest state in America existing like this. Then I met Angelo, an endearing eloquent resident who invited me into his tent, briefly excusing himself, while I stood immobile and incredulous on how cold it was in the tent.  He went outside to chop wood for the wood burning stove which was not warming the tent well.  His bed was made perfectly. At that moment, in such brutal cold, where humans sleep and exist in the Lakewood winter, I thought about never being quite the same again. And I’m not. Something inside me aches (a soul?) from being overwhelmed. An hour later we interviewed Minister Stephen Brigham, a twelfth generation American. Illuminating and inspiring to us, he’s been devoting much of an adult lifetime to the cause of ‘Destiny’s Bridge;’ a journey to finding suitable and dignified housing in a self-sustainable community of homeless humans. I like using the term ‘humans.’

It’s not within the scope of this article to do self-intestinal excavation and journalizing my time at Tent City.  But a few months later, I was back there with filmmaker Jack Ballo and had a chance to meet residents and talk and listen. Uncovering his wealth of character and poignancy, I met Michael, a long time Tent City resident with his wife Marilyn. He was able to bring a piano from his home before it was lost and kept it under a tarp like on a baseball field in a rainstorm. He played Beethoven and Procul Harum, ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ for me. Enamored and drawn to his depth and warmth, I drifted far away standing close to Michael; I was still numb from months earlier at Tent City. It was cloudy and mild this day; easier for Michael and all the residents to sleep at night. But it is all hard; a very hard rain. I need to yell; maybe it will help me understand how and why in 2013 here in New Jersey this exists. Everything I saw that day after listening to Michael play the piano was visually a whiter shade of pale; hard to explain; perhaps a perfect segue to review the documentary, ‘Destiny’s Bridge.’

REVIEW:  DESTINY’S BRIDGE

I’m not a Siskel or Ebert. On the other hand, I have evolved over my tech noir years of ‘Casablanca,’ ‘From Here to Eternity,’ ‘On the Waterfront;’ where perhaps I’m now a contender to talk about movies. Part of the evolution side effect is a bit of snobbish attitude to viewing movies; can’t waste time watching ineptitude in film making and storytelling. Movie making is an art form and a great gift. The works of quintessential movie makers fascinate me. I’ll notice eye-brows moving and the wispy windy sounds of a tree next to a window as two characters are staring at the moon. I take it all in; pure cinematic absorption. I need to learn, emote and feel. Looking back, motion pictures have helped congeal my views of the world and changed my life. Watching ‘Casablanca’ for the 44th time some years ago formed the basis of my first novel.

So when I previewed the movie ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ a few weeks ago, I found myself instantly riveted into the world of Tent City. My emotional ties developed quickly with the residents; sensitive caring humans looking for dignity and respect in a cold world. Jack Ballo seamlessly weaves their stories and interconnectivity of existence; how they depend on one another. I can say it was beautiful film making; vivid photography heightened the stark reality. You will learn about the harsh human condition of homelessness from this documentary.

Yes, it is an exquisite film which means sensitive, emotional, real and poignant.  Back to my being a snob about movies; I’ve since watched it again. You may need to do the same; the film delivers a powerful message about homelessness and Minister Stephen Brigham’s vision for a future. Then Jack Ballo’s treatise on the lives of some of the people; you grow fond and bond with them, maybe wanting to reach out and help. You care about their lives. The film is beautiful because it makes you feel something inside. It evokes. I love when I’m evoked to emote by a film.

It was a painstaking meticulous project for Ballo; a year of his life for the desire to make a difference. I look at myself right now at this point in time somewhere in a universe. ‘Destiny’s Bridge’ has innervated and moved me; therefore a brilliant work. There’s sadness in the final scene looking down from high above; in some ways leaving that homeless world below but also heralding an awareness that much needs to be done.  All my above criteria for good movie making have been met; I call it a contender. Here’s thanking and looking at you Jack Ballo.

Important Links:  http://www.destinysbridge.com/

http://www.ultravisionfilms.com

https://www.facebook.com/DestinysBridge

 NJ DISCOVER LIVE RADIO SHOW: MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH from 8 TO 9 PM FEATURING Hosts TARA-JEAN VITALE AND CALVIN SCHWARTZ with Special Guest DANNY COLEMAN (Rock on Radio)

Welcome to our third live show on NJ Discover Radio.
Danny Coleman continues an illustrious career as host of his own radio show ‘Rock On Radio’ having had a myriad of musical guests (a Who’s Who of Jersey and National musicians) as well as feature writing for the ‘Trentonian’ newspaper. We are thrilled to have him for our hour show. Of course with a few surprises for all. even Danny.
TUNE IN LIVE HERE!!!!!!!!!!! From 8 to 9 pm Monday September 9th (before Monday night football )

NJ DISCOVER RADIO SHOW:  LIVE Monday Aug 19th 8 pm.  Hosts:Tara-Jean Vitale & Calvin Schwartz  SPECIAL GUEST: MIKE MARINO ‘NJ’s Bad Boy of Comedy’

This Monday. Aug 19th 8 pm LIVE NJ Discover Radio Show with Tara-Jean Vitale and Calvin Schwartz with SPECIAL GUEST MIKE MARINO, “New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy”

ALL PREVIOUS SHOWS/PODCASTS AVAILABLE HERE AS WELL:

http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show