The Towncast

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.

Chef Damarr Brown, James Beard finalist, Top Chef Houston Fan Favorite and co-owner of Virtue in Chicago, gave us a few minutes to talk about his influences in creating some of the most original and delicious meals in the midwest as well as the delicacy he prepared for the Housewares Charity Foundation fundraiser. Shop Amazon and help raise money for The Towncast Click here...  ⁠https://amzn.to/3T...

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.

Half way across America, we had the chance to catch up with Tommy Pasquale and his family on this special Christmas episode. Tommy is walking alone on Christmas Day but shared some time with his family the week before Christmas and shares his journey for the first half of his trip and concerns for the coming months.

This last week of Advent, before Christmas, we had the chance to talk to Pastor Wes Ifan, of the First Reformed Church of Hawthorne, one of the oldest churches in the area. The church was founded in 1895 and Pastor Wes shares his journey to becoming pastor as well as some of the programs their church offers to the community, especially this holiday season.

Garret Bedrin of the Bedrin Organization gave us the chance to t take a sneak peek inside the new construction.  The Hedges at Hawthorne, the new luxury apartment complex which includes Cube Smart and Planet Fitness.  The video tour can be seen on our You Tube channel, https://youtu.be/7YWP5fJmeJE

As the holiday are upon us, what better time to make your list of food centric films to watch when the family is together.  Kyle Reinfried, creator of the podcast Foodie Films, shares his favorite films that feature different types of foods.  This was taped live at the Bendix Diner in Hasbrouck Heights.

Eileen and Michelle Hillock and Robyn O'Hagan share their story of how they created the Dog Park in Glen Rock NJ and their involvement in the Bow Wows and Meows pet rescue.

As the Hurley brothers enter Louisiana, we had the chance to catch up with them and talk about their trip so far.  With roughly 2 weeks left in their journey, Frank shares a health issue that he had to deal with.  All of this for charity!

Joe Lorenzo, co-owner of Yella's in Hawthorne NJ and The Lorenzo Food Group sat with me to discuss how he went from driving in his dad's delivery truck in the 60's to opening one of the largest food company on the eastern seaboard. Such a great guy, incredible organization and delicious food!!

We had the chance to catch up with the modern day Forrest Gump, Tommy Pasquale, a New Jersey boy who is walking across America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, to help raise money for the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans.  He shares his journey to date, with six months to go before he reaches the west coast.

The Mehta family allowed me to join them as they celebrate the Hindu new year and the Festival of Lights, Diwali.  They shared some of their memories of Diwali from their home towns in India to Glen Rock, New Jersey.  To all who observe, Happy Diwali!!

After their amazing victory in San Diego, Rick shares his history with the Hawthorne Christian Academy choir and how they are raising money for their tour of England and Scotland in 2023.