The Towncast

An incredible episode with Tom Gorman, superintendent of schools in Ridgewood and co-author of the book "I Called Her Mary", the O'Hagan family and Mary Boler, the book's namesake, share the story of the matriarch, Margaret O'Hagan, from growing up in rural Ireland, to pregnant at 17, giving her daughter up for adoption only to reunite with her 52 years later.  A story of anguish, pain, heartache,...

You do not have to be a fan of Irish Whiskey to appreciate what Chris Lescowicz, master blender, has created to help support one of the oldest and still existing regiments, the Fighting 69th.  Chris shares the incredible story of the 69th from the civil war, to bringing the "fighting Irish" to Notre Dame, to leading the St. Patrick's Day parade for well of 100 years.  And by the way, the whiskey i...

Joe Lorenzo, the owner of Yella's, shares his journey from sitting in his dad's delivery truck when he was a young boy to opening his first store in the early 2000s to resurrecting the concept in Hawthorne. They have a great menu highlighting family members and some of his signature sandwiches.

Had a great time talking to Denise, one of the owners of Mama Luke's Cafe, as she shares her journey from Garfield, class of GHS 1988, to working at a Montessori school, to opening an Italian cafe, with a great name!!  

As soon as you walk into the store you are swept away and landed in Italy.  With all of the authentic dishes they prepare each morning, daily specials and incredible soups, you will not walk away hungry.  John Occhipinti, HHS graduate class of 1998 and one of the owners of this family owned business takes us on his journey and that of his parents as they enjoy over 22 years on Lafayette Ave.

This episode was so good we had to play it again because so many people haven't heard it.  Don Everett Smith Jr. shares the story behind his book, The Goffle Road Murders of Passaic County, in great detail. He shares the facts he uncovered in researching this book. If you haven't purchased the book yet, we highly recommend it!!

Great way to start the year talking to middle school teacher and HHS Bears coach John Passero.  John shares his journey from growing up in Hawthorne, graduating HHS class of 1992 to becoming coach and leading the football Bears to several winning seasons!! Thank you John for all you do for the children in Hawthorne!!

New Year's eve is this Friday which means new year resolutions will be made Saturday.  Our guest Marissa Leonessa gives us some great tips on how to take care of our bodies and our minds as she shares her journey from experiencing a tragic loss to transforming herself, and so many others, and becoming one of the more popular health coaches in our area.

HHS graduate class of 1970, Howie Van Dyke shares his journey from selling bologna to bibles and eventually becoming pastor of the famed Hawthorne Gospel Church right on Rt. 208 in Hawthorne NJ.

With Christmas less than 2 weeks away, we caught up with Monsignor Kupke of St. Anthony's in Hawthorne NJ who also happens to be the archivist for the entire Diocese, as he shares his journey from growing up as a son of catholic parents to the Monsignor of one of the most beautiful churches in the area and the most iconic building in Hawthorne.

What a great episode with Marco Avila, pastor of this new church ministering to the latino and spanish speaking community, as he shares his journey from Honduras to Jersey City, to Michigan and eventually leading a growing church here in Hawthorne.

What a great episode with the legendary Joey Dee.  His tell-all book features amazing stories of the mob, racism he had to deal with, being ripped off by the record companies and having Starliters such as Jimi Hendrix, Joe Pesci, Felix Cavalieri and many more.  Great stories and a gentleman of a guy. Still the best dressed performer in the world!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! We have much to be thankful for and I'd like to thank all of you for listening and supporting our local businesses and entrepeneurs.  Also thankful for Camille for joining us on this episode and sharing her journey from Lincoln School to SVA and providing so many with incredible works of art.  Thank you!!

Harry shares his journey from growing up in Hawthorne, going into the Marines, being a police officer for over 50 years and everything in between.  One of the many Shortways in town and current mayor of Midland Park.  Thank you for your service Harry!!

This veteran's day episode honors Hawthorne High School graduate, class of 1974, Jack Anthony shares his journey from our small town to helping determine the cause of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster to working with NASA on some of our defense systems.  Thank you Jack for your service to our nation and a thanks to all of our veterans that dedicated themselves to serving this country. &nbsp...

Tomorrow, November 2, is election day.  We go over who is running for what office.  I encourage all of you to go on social media and look them up, their bios, who they are and what they believe in.  GO VOTE!!

Hawthorne High School graduate, Class of 2002 and National and Pan American Martial Arts Champion, Steven Ficca, shares his journey from growing up in Hawthorne to opening a world class Brazilian Jiujitsu Dojo in Las Vegas Nevada. An inspiring story of perseverance and never giving up!!

With so many questions and concerns, Garret Bedrin sheds some light to the new construction on Wagaraw Road. Garret shares his background and how he went from Sports Management to manager of the Hedges of Hawthorne.

What a great time catching up with this HHS graduate and a member of the Hawthorne football State Championships. He talks about growing up in Hawthorne and making the transition to neighboring Glen Rock and everything in between.

Great conversation with the Boneyard creator, Dominick Czyzewski, as he takes us through his journey from childhood to creating one of the coolest Halloween displays in town.  Don't let Halloween go by without seeing his creative work.

I learned a lot about what the Rotary Club does.  It's amazing how much they give to this town and most people aren't even aware of it. Fred takes us through his journey from growing up in Hawthorne, becoming an attorney in town and eventually taking over as the president of the club.  And make sure you get your tickets to come and enjoy an incredible evening at the Taste of Hawthorne, o...

Getting closer to Halloween, only makes sense to bring the Summit Ave Cemetary to the Towncast.  Sal Latrenta shares his journey to Hawthorne and how he got started developing his amazing characters.  Make sure to drive past this house!!!  

There is so much to talk to this guy about, it would take 50 podcasts.  What an amazing talent and great personality. Willie shares his journey from orphaned and living in a car as a teenager, to being the front man of Willie Wilson and the Willies on ESPN.

As the new school year started, it was good to chat with Abbey Goff to learn more about the role the BOE plays in our children's lives. She shares her journey from Greenwich CT., to Hawthorne NJ and eventually to the BOE. They have meetings, open to the public, the third Tuesday of each month.  We encourage everyone with children in the school system to attend or at least watch the stream or archi...

Great conversation with the Lieutenant about his journey to becoming a police officer, serving our community and heading up their social media including the upcoming Citizen's Police Academy.  A personal thanks to all of the police officers in Hawthorne.  Thank you for all that you do in keeping us safe.