The Towncast

County Commissioner, Sandi Lazzara, shares her journey from growing up in Passaic County, her family's bread business in Paterson, to running for office and most recently developing the Vietnam War Memorial in Wayne NJ. Make sure you don't miss the dedication on May 18, 2024. Please subscribe and help keep the Towncast growing strong!

This episode contains mature subject matter. Gina shares her incredible story of being caught up in the world of human trafficking and how she ultimately found freedom from the feelings of worthlessness. She is now the VP of the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking. www.ginacavallo.org If you need help go to www.safernj.org Please subscribe and help keep the Towncast going strong.

What a great event with Italians and people who love the Italian culture, coming together to celebrate the heritage. There was entertainment each day, celebrities, vendors and beautiful accordion music. If you missed it this year, make plans to attend in 2025!! www.paisancon.com Please subscribe and help the Towncast keep going strong!

Jim shares his journey from learning his only son has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to running 10 marathons including running over 300 miles from Massachusetts to New Jersey, doing push up around the world and climbing Mt Everest, all to bring awareness to and helping find a cure for this terminal disease. www.jarofhope.org Please subscribe and help keep the Towncast going strong.

The executive director of the GSFF, Lauren Concar, joined me in the beautiful podcast studio at Brookdale College in Lincroft NJ to discuss this upcoming festival. She talks about some the great films that were selected from over 2000 submissions, including my friend Dan DeLuca's new film. Make sure you get your tickets very soon as they always sell out.

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Catching up with Dustin Scully, who performed with Sesame Street, The Musical, in addition to developing the Four's a Crowd production company is now working with Ricky Wood in the new live show, Mr. Wood's Safe Space. Had so much fun with these guys!! Please subscribe and help the Towncast keep going strong!

In this second part of a 2 part series, John Gray talks about the mountains he had to climb, literally and figuratively, to finally summit Mt Everest. Please subscribe and help the Towncast going strong!

This is part 1 of a 2 part series. John Gray shares his story of how he got into mountain climbing as well as the mountains he climbed before tackling Mt. Everest. He shares some amazing pictures of his journey.

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With pulmonary fibrosis and one lung, Adam Faatz achieved the impossible and created a new world record by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 9 days. He shares his story about why he decided to climb and the experience itself.

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The new GM of the NJ Jackals shares his journey from working as a radio disc jockey at 15 years old, to owning his own station, surviving a heart transplant and becoming the new general managers of the NJ Jackals. They have a lot of exciting things planned for 2024!Please subscribe and help the Towncast keep going strong!

For the video version of this episode, visit our You Tube channel, @thetowncast

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Publicist Kathleen Carter shares her journey from Suffern New York to becoming a leading publicist in the NY tristate area, working on some great books that are being released over the next few months. She talks about what the job of a publicist is for the author and for the publisher. For the video version of this interview, visit our You Tube channel @thetowncast Please subscribe to this channel!!

This is a brief episode to say thank you to all of our viewers and highlight some of the episodes in 2023. We are excited about the future of the Towncast and look forward to everyone being a part of it! You can view all of our episodes on our You Tube channel @thetowncast. Have a happy, healthy and blessed 2024. Please subscribe, spread the word and help the Towncast grow.

In our Christmas episode, we want to thank Patricia Rodriguez for the work she does in our community. What an amazing testimony to selfless giving, not only during the holidays but year round. Thank you Patricia for all you do for the children in our communities. Check out our You Tube channel for the video version of the podcast.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

We have had Adam Faatz on the podcast 3 times in the past year and a half and in 2 weeks he is going to climb the highest free-standing mountain and the fourth highest mountain in the world. At 19,340 feet, Adam is going to climb the mountain with 1 lung (and a little bit of his second one). This final episode before his ascent highlights the preparation and equipment necessary to make this historic climb. He will be the FIRST person to climb this mountain with one lung and is doing this to bring awareness to pulmonary fibrosis, of which he suffers.

What a great conversation with New Jersey Senator Kristin Corrado. We forget sometimes that they are moms, friends and neighbors. She shares growing up in Totowa NJ, working with her dad in their law office and ultimately winning her re-election as senator of the Legislative District 40 in northern NJ.

To see the video version visit our You Tube channel, @thetowncast.

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Author Ben Purkert takes us on his journey from growing up in Bergen County NJ to graduating Harvard and NYU and publishing his first novel. You can find him at www.benpurkert.com

You can watch the video episode on You Tube @thetowncast

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Our third video of Hedges at Hawthorne brings you inside the completed and 70% occupied upscale residence in the quiet and beautiful borough of Hawthorne NJ. Garret Bedrin of the Bedrin Organization takes us through the new cafe that's opening up, Cube Smart as well as Hedge at Hawthorne.

Mayor Kristine Morieko shares her journey from growing up in Glen Rock to running for council and eventually mayor of this Bergen County gem and the challenges and rewards that comes with this position.

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The former cartoonist from the National Lampoon magazine, Dave Shelton shares his journey from growing up in northern New Jersey to moving to LA and working with many celebrities on his way to being an award winning writer, musician, podcaster and author.

You can see the video of this interview at our You Tube channel, @thetowncast.

You can learn more about Dave on his website, www.psychedelia1.wixsite.com

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We had the chance to meet with the mayor of Paterson NJ, Andre Sayegh, who shared some of the incredible revitalization projects they have completed as well as planned for the future. He also addressed many of your questions and concerns about guns, drugs, roadwork and much more.

To see the video version of our podcast, click here, https://youtu.be/8a7BVcMVTqw

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A great conversation with Cheryl Demartino, owner of Junk Chick Designs in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Cheryl shares her passion for refurbishing furniture and gathering some great collectables, vintage clothing, old record albums and so much more. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram and Threads under Junk Chick Designs or call/text her at 201-852-4871.

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Great conversation with Ryan Moore from Montclair film. He talks about what Montclair Film is, the Montclair film festival, shares his background on how he got involved with Montclair Film, as well as sharing information on his very first feature film release! You can see his movie here, https://www.vudu.com/content/browse/details/Marijuana-Minutes/2469164

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Brandon talks about his new book, "From the Bull Pen to the State Pen," and how we went from Major League Baseball, to serving a few years in prison. Now he is a coach and motivational speaker. To see the video of this episode, go the our You Tube Channel @thetowncast

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Detective Sergeant James Calaski, of the Glen Rock police department, shares his incredible wealth of historical knowledge with us, especially about the German American Bund and the Nazi that lived in Glen Rock, heading up the Bergen County division of the Bund. More information available at www.hunting-history.com Please subscribe and help keep the Towncast going!

For almost 70 years, Wild West City has been entertaining children and adults alike. I had the chance to relive my childhood when I visited at the age of 10 with the owner Frank Benson. He and his sister are the third generation operating Wild West City. He offers an amazing discount for anyone mentioning the Towncast. Check out www.wildwestcity.com. Visit our You Tube channel to view the video version of this episode.

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We met Adam last year when he first announced he was going to climb Mr. Kilimanjaro, the fourth tallest mountain in the world. Adam was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a rare disease that affects your lungs. He will attempt to climb over 19,000 feet with one lung. Dr. Jan Kasprowicz, a training specialist, is helping him prepare for this challenge. Support Adam @adamfaatz35 and follow Dr. Jan @drjan_eptPlease subscribe and help the Towncast continue to produce these podcasts.

Anna Marie Sasso and Don La Greca join us to talk about the upcoming charity softball game for the Mark Sasso Foundation that offer scholarships to local area children. Don shares the athletes and celebrities that will be joining the ESPN All stars.To sign up your team or for more information go to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066550181933 or call 973-214-2236

We had the chance to talk to the executive chef of the NY football Giants about his journey growing up in Summit New Jersey, graduating from the Culinary Institute of America to becoming the chef for this storied football team. Please subscribe, it helps us keep this podcast going!

See our video version on You Tube @thetowncast

Marie Ciolleti and Pat Carnevale joined us to talk about Holy Bones, the ministry they started at St. Mary's church in Pompton Lakes NJ, hiring employees who are intellectually challenged and baking all natural dog treats. What a great ministry and great treats...I ate one myself! Please subscribe and help the Towncast.

Going from Wall Street to your street, Bob Major shares his journey and how he ended up the handyman who specializes in those odd jobs that no one wants to do.

Just in time for Father's Day (or any other day), Mark Braff's new book has just been released. There are wonderful stories about Major League Baseball players and their sons including Yogi Berra, Ron Guidry, Cal Ripken Jr. and so many more. You don't have to be a sports fan to appreciate these great stories.

This new ceramic studio in Glen Rock NJ brings some fresh creative opportunities In Bergen/Passaic counties. From teens to retirees, this studio offers group lessons, one on one classes and the chance to use the studio as your own. Check out the video version on You Tube, @thetowncast.

May is mental health awareness month and Tanvi Mathew, owner of Emerge Counseling and Coaching, shares some ways we could identify mental health issues in ourselves and our loved ones. We include some resources for people to reach out and get the help they need.

We had the chance to meet with Pat DeMarco, one of the new co-owners of Bogies Hoagies in Hawthorne NJ. He shares his journey from growing up in North Haledon NJ to owning one of the best sandwich shops in New Jersey.

From a small town on Long Island, Paul Cartier, a retired air traffic controller, shares his journey from learning to play the piano at 9 years old, to becoming the organist for the NY Islanders and the NY Yankees.

For 50 years Steven Singer has been in the jewelry business and for the past 40+ years, in his own store in downtown Philly. You've heard him on the Howard Stern show, you've seen the billboards, and now he shares his journey from getting into the business at 17 to becoming the most successful single jewelry store operation in the country.

In December of 2021, during the heart of the pandemic, graduates of Glen Rock High School, in New Jersey, got together and performed in front of a sold out crowd. This included some of the most talented musicians in the world, and Barry Rubinow captured and documented the entire event, including honoring the legendary music teacher, Joe Sielski.

Eric Orsek, president of the Glen Rock Athletic Club, takes us through the history of this wonderful organization which includes Whitey Ford as the pitcher of their semi-pro baseball team. He shares the upcoming events and how you can help preserve this incredible social club.

2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of this small town in New Jersey called Hawthorne. Jackie Walsh, president of the historical society, shares some of the history of the town and discusses the many upcoming events throughout the year.

In the wake of the tragedy that hit Highland Park, Illinois in 2022, Steve Sarowitz is bringing some joy back to the community by purchasing and renaming the Renaissance Place Theater to the Wayfarer Theater.  As the co-owner of Wayfarer Studios, a movie production company, Steve talks about bringing great movies, premieres and wonderful family events to this beautiful community.

Nancy Labov, founder and president of the Alumni In Recovery charity organization, shares her journey from going into recovery at age 26 to helping young people across northern New Jersey in hopes of expanding this program across the country.

For 25 years the Housewares Charity Foundation has been helping people across America and working with some of the most incredible foundations in the country. Barbara Westfield shares her experience as a board member of the foundation and their upcoming gala event fundraiser.

Life long resident John Lane shares his journey from growing up in Hawthorne to completing his first year as mayor and the results of his campaign promises.

We first met with Moe during the pandemic and had the chance to meet with him again, post pandemic.  Moe shares his journey from growing up in a musical family to struggling through the pandemic and now expanding to include an in-house luthier.

With so much awareness to the mental health crisis in our country, Tanvi Mathew shares her journey from growing up in Clifton New Jersey to opening her own counseling center in Bergen County and donating her time to the Stigma Free initiative in Hawthorne New Jersey. She even offers a free phone consultation and virtual and phone sessions.

On January 24, 1975, terrorists bombed the Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan.  Joe Conner's father was one of the 4 people murdered that day. This is his story and how the terrorists were ultimately granted clemency, and released from prison.

With over 35 years of interview preparation and career coaching, Jim O'Hagan, shares his journey from high school coach, to coaching men and preparing them for fatherhood at Lighthouse PRC, to starting his own business helping others be their best professional selves.

We had the unique opportunity to visit with Paws in Hand, a great organization that works with foster and rescue dogs and brings them to schools and other organizations, such as the Bear Cave. They work with special needs children and prepares them for everyday life.