The Glen Rock Towncast: Recent Episodes
Flavio Romeo
The Glen Rock Towncast is a podcast supporting the people and businesses of Glen Rock NJ. Every week we talk to a business or people of interest in the community and get to know more about them. We encourage residents to support each other and our local businesses.
From Saturday Night Live to the biggest Broadway shows to HBO, Apple TV and many more television shows, Emiliano Pares shares his story from going to school in upstate NY to running one of the biggest prop houses in the NY tri-state area, right here in New Jersey.Please subscribe and help keep The Towncast going strong!
The mayor of North Haledon NJ took some time out of his busy day to share his journey with us from growing up in neighboring Hawthorne to marrying, raising 4 daughters and being mayor for 26 years.Please subscribe and help support the Towncast.
Local resident shares her journey from building model airplanes as a child, to working on jets for Boeing and eventually putting in 25 years in NYC as a member of the IBEW Local #3. She encourages young people to consider the trades and consider joining the brotherhood of the unions.
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In this third installment of Guys Talking Sports, the guys talk about the baseball season at the All Star break. They make their predictions for the Home Run derby, the All Star break and, with the upcoming football season, they gave early predictions for the Jets and Giants' season.Make sure you subscribe and keep the Towncast going strong.
Sheri shares this incredible true story of what her and her family had to go through to help their son Christopher as he had to deal with medical mayhem and how their friends, church and their community rallied to help them through it.Please make sure you subscribe and help us keep the Towncast going strong.
Local resident Alessandra Curcio shared her journey from guessing puzzles when she was a little girl, to being on the 7,000th Wheel of Fortune show to being the big winner in June 2024 on The Price is Right. Congratulations Alessandra!!Please subscribe and help keep the Towncast going strong!!
What a great time with Jersey born and raised stand up comic Mike Marino. He shares his journey growing up in NJ, getting into stand up comedy and touring the country and other parts of the world. Not to mention his campaign to MAKE AMERICA ITALIAN AGAIN. There are some curse words in the short clip of his stand up at the end of the episode.Please subscribe and help keep The Towncast going strong.
On May 18, 2024, at 10:00 am, Passaic County dedicated the new Vietnam War Memorial Wall to everyone who served. All 58,479 soldiers who died during the are etched into the wall for eternity.
Thank you to all who served in Vietnam, and the soldiers who served around the world and sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.
God bless you all.
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Hawthorne (NJ) High School 2013 graduate, Ethan Ramos, talks about growing up wrestling and having the dream to make the Olympics. After achieving amazing success, Ethan will be going to the 2024 Olympics in Paris France.You can donate to Ethan Ramos and his family here,
https://www.spotfund.com/story/3d928b1f-9645-48cc-a7c8-382cf8a871f7
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These three doctors are working together to support and help us to live healthy, active lives well into our 70s and 80s. Dr. Jan Kasprowicz, Dr. Steven Geanopulos and Dr. John Puzio share their specialities and their focus and between the three of them, should put us on the path to a healthy long life!Please subscribe and help keep the Towncast going strong!
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.orgPlease 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.comPlease 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.orgPlease subscribe and help keep the Towncast going strong.
The executive director of the GSFF, Lauren Concar, joined me in the 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. To see the video version, go to our You Tube channel @thetowncast
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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
Please subscribe and help the Towncast keep going strong!
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 episode, visit our You Tube channel, @thetowncastPlease subscribe to this channel and keep the Towncast going!!
This is a brief episode to say thank you to all of our listeners 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 this episode 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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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.
Please subscribe below and help the Towncast continue to bring you great community events and interviews with people and businesses in our communities.
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/2469164Please subscribe and help keep the Towncast going!
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 the 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.
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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.
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.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and happy holiday season!
Garret Bedrin of the Bedrin Organization gave us the chance to take a sneak peek inside the new construction, The Hedges at Hawthorne, the new luxury apartment complex which includes Cube Smart Storage and Planet Fitness.
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.
Watch the video version of this interview on our You Tube channel, https://youtu.be/LrfXMouexkQ
Brothers Bob and Frank Hurley are biking over 3,000 miles across America for charity. Here they share their journey from growing up in a competitive family to joining each other and biking for a cause. Go to their Facebook page, Coast2Coast4Charity and send them some words of encouragement, your prayers and any donations to their charities.
Had so much fun chatting with local resident Tim Gallin as he shared his journey from playing football in high school to being a stunt man for the past 45 years. We included some clips of his films on our You Tube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCap9MJ3JsGlW84qRT36fXNg
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Had the opportunity to chat with Christopher Padula, co-founder of the White Vulture Film Festival, featuring some of the best films from around the world, coming up on February 22 and 23, 2023, at the Hawthorne Theater. Christopher shares his story about how he founded this new film festival and his journey to find the people to help support him.
Julie shares her journey from raising twin boys with autism to writing her first book, "Severe Autism Kills." This book deals with tragic stories of how some families deal with their autistic children.
Great conversation with Ellen Levine, owner of Perfectly Kneaded as she shared her journey from wanting to be a teacher to opening her own spa in Glen Rock NJ. She offers a nice discount for our listeners and also talks about a great networking and social event coming up for women in the area. If you'd like to see the video version of this episode, visit and subscribe to our You Tube Channel.
I had the opportunity to be interviewed by the one and only Uncle Floyd. If you didn't see the video episode make sure you go to our You Tube channel. Uncle Floyd interviewed me for the September issue of the new publication, Our Town Hawthorne. We will have copies at Hawthorne Day on September 24th. Make sure you come see Uncle Floyd and Shortways Barn in Hawthorne, NJ on September 19th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm!!
Thank you Uncle Floyd!!
Episode segments Edit audio
What an amazing program this town has put together for elementary school students entering middle school. For over 20 years, Lincoln Middle School has been giving students the opportunity to learn all about their new school, meet new friends and get comfortable with their upcoming school year. EVERY town should have a program like this.
Anna Marie Sasso, president of the Mark Sasso Foundation shares how the foundation came to be, the purpose of the organization and the upcoming Mark Sasso Charity Softball game featuring ESPN's Don LaGreca and the ESPN All Stars.
Adam shares his incredible story from joining the army right out of high school to contracting pulmonary fibrosis to training to be the first person on earth, with pulmonary fibrosis, to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Visit our You Tube channel to watch the video version of this interview and make sure to subscribe.
The John W. Rea house, in Hawthorne NJ, was built in 1810. In 1999 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and today, is the home of the Passaic County Arts Center, celebrating and exhibiting local and international artists.
Did you ever wonder what the Shade Tree Commission does? Well Dria Lobosco and Kevin Alberta share, in detail, everything this volunteer team does of our community. Thank you to all who serve our communities and volunteer their time, energy and passion to make our towns a beautiful and pleasant place to live.
From playing professional soccer in England, to starting his own sports training and conditioning school in north Jersey, Matt Higgins shares his journey, his philosophy and what his training is all about.
The one and only Uncle Floyd Vivino shares his journey from growing up in Paterson, to almost graduating Glen Rock high school, to starting one of the longest running shows on television and everything in between. And he shares the origins of the legendary Oogie!
Recently retired NFL referee, Ed Camp, shares his journey from a referee for high school and college ball to the NFL and earning himself one of those coveted NFL Super Bowl Rings!! He has some great stories on his way up and gave us a close up view of his ring.
Host of Sunday Supper with Vito and Counter Intelligence on WOR radio and iHeart radio, Bob Kosch, joins us and shares his journey from growing up in Hawthorne New Jersey to selling cars to hosting a successful radio show and soon to be television show. You can watch the complete video version on our You Tube channel and don't forget to subscribe!!
Today is the 47th anniversary of the movie JAWS and we are joined by Brendan Anthony, singer, songwriter and resident expert on the actual attacks that took place in New Jersey that inspired Peter Benchley to write the book JAWS.
With so many activities and events coming up, I wanted to take the time to update everyone and make sure you have the dates and times. I also wanted to take the time to thank you for supporting us with your time. Please make sure you subscribe and follow us on all of our social platforms and our You Tube channel. To leave your reviews, Google The Towncast and leave a Google review. Thank you!!
Had the chance to sit with published author, high school junior and NJCSS student of the year, Paul B. Duerr. He shares his inspiration for his writings and celebrates his fellow HHS Marching Band members to whom he dedicated his book as well as a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the book. He has a book signing coming up on June 18, 2022 at Shortway's Barn in Hawthorne, NJ from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. You can see the video version of this interview on our You Tube channel. Make sure you subscribe!!
North Jersey native, musician and author shares his journey from growing up in Jersey City and Secaucus to touring up and down the Jersey coast with his band and now releasing his sixth book, "Me & George." Jon will also have a virtual book reading June 2nd at 8:00 pm eastern at the Hawthorne library and online, and a book signing at Shortway's Barn on July 16 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For information on how to Zoom in on June 2nd, go to www.louisbay2ndlibrary.org.
So fortunate to have the chance to chat with Dr. Brianna Fowls as she opens her family medical practice. She is bringing the old "hometown" feeling back to medicine by offering to come to your home and even gives you her cell phone so you have easy access to your doctor. We wish her much success in her new practice.
Had the chance to meet up with Virginia Lincoln, resident of Glen Rock NJ and president of the New Jersey Choral Society. She shares her journey from growing up in Massachusetts to settling down in Glen Rock. They have their final concert of the season coming up in June. Make sure you get your tickets in advance because they usually sell out, www.njcs.org.
We had the chance to meet with Nicole and Lindsay, or the Kessler Rehabilitation Center, as they discuss the various forms of rehabilitation in which they specialize. This includes orthopedic as well as vestibular and patients with all degrees of scoliosis.
Since 1937 The Rispoli family has been serving some of the best Italian pastries in northern New Jersey. Today Gabrielle (Gaye) and Peter Rispoli share their journey from West New York to opening up their newest location in Hawthorne, New Jersey.
We had the chance to sit with John Carlo, president of Pantheon Construction and Pantheon Kitchen and Baths, and talked about his journey from growing up in Hawthorne, to starting his own business and now, his newest endeavor, Ten86 Cigar Lounge with its own golf simulator. He offers some nice discounts for any of you golfers and cigar aficionados!
With mother's day just around the corner, we had the chance to talk to Barbara Bruce Ross, owner of B. Witching Bath Co. Barbara shares her journey from financial executive to owner of one of the best bath and body shops in New Jersey!
I enjoyed this episode with Blaine, the owner of Breeding Ground Fitness. He shares the challenges he was up against, opening his gym during covid. He also offers a great discount for high school students in Glen Rock, Hawthorne and any town who mentions the Towncast.
Denise shares her journey from being a little girl and seeing spirits to starting her own company, Halo Readings. As a skeptic, Denise helped me understand exactly what a psychic medium is, what they do and how she got to where she is today. She also offers a nice discount on her artwork.
This conversation is actually in two parts, while this was recorded some time ago, it's very timely with the Academy Awards being last night. Edward, calling from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences museum, shares some awesome Hollywood stories including the murder of George Reeves, the original Superman.
It's encouraging to see the store fronts on Rock Road start to open up again. Today we had the chance to talk to Mike Trasso, who just opened up Trasso Jiujitsu in Glen Rock. Michael shares his journey from Lyndhurst, to competing nationally and finally realizing his dream and opening up his own gym in Glen Rock. If you would like to see the video version of this podcast, make sure you visit the Towncast YouTube channel and subscribe so you don't miss any of our upcoming shows.
Being chosen as one of the top 10 greatest Irish pubs in New Jersey for St. Patrick’s day, I was able to catch up with Dave McGoldrick, co-owner of The Celtic Corner in Hawthorne, NJ. Dave talks about his journey from the northwestern part of Ireland to moving to the US and meeting his future partner, Roy O'Donovan, which is a great story! Wishing you all a very healthy and happy St. Patrick's day!!
We had the pleasure to meet with Michael McGowan, owner of Carrick Mor, a beautiful store with incredible authentic Irish apparel, food and gifts. He shares his journey from being born in Carrick, Ireland to moving to the US and settling in Glen Rock.
A yummy episode with one of the oldest deli's in town. Pat Stewart shares her and her late husband's journey from working at Wilkes' to operating Stewart's Deli for over 36 years. They also share some delicious daily specials and their upcoming St. Patrick's day meals.
Part two of the 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, hope, faith and above all, love.
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, hope, faith and above all, love.
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 is real good!! $1.00 of EVERY bottle sold goes back to help the families of the 69th regiment! Thank you Chris!!
Dee Stevens, owner of this amazing store, shares her journey from Long Island to New Jersey and running this store for over 29 years. They have gifts, games and toys for children and adults of all ages.
Local author, Kendall Smith, shares his journey from growing up without a father in his life to writing a "playbook" for first time dads. It's a great read for any first time fathers who want to be the best dad, husband and man they can be.
David Siegel shares his journey from growing up in Queens to traveling the world as the #1 George Clooney look alike to selling real estate and window treatments in Glen Rock NJ and everything in between.
What an honor to get the chance to talk to the 8th Degree Black Belt and Grand Master of Taekwondo, Gary Stevens. Gary shares his journey of how we went from down hill skier to achieving the title of Grand Master, not only in the US, but also in Korea, where Taekwondo was founded.
Starting the year off with a great conversation with the Chief of Police, Dean Ackerman, as he shares his journey from growing up as the son of a NYC Mounted Police officer to 35 years on the Glen Rock police department. Thank you Chief for all you and your officers do to keep our town safe. Happy New Year everyone!
New Years eve is this Friday which means new resolutions will be made Saturday. Our guest, Marissa Leonessa, gives us some 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.
We recorded this last year on the Hawthorne Towncast but it's so worth sharing again. Karolyn Grimes, who played the little girl in the movie with the famous line, "every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings" share her story of working with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed and how this movie has affected her life growing up and as an adult. A wonderful woman! Merry Christmas everyone!!
This third week of advent we met up with the Pastor of Grace Redeemer Church on Harristown Road. He shares his journey from being born in the Bronx to Pastor in Glen Rock.
Such a wonderful conversation with Terrence O'Brien, pastor of one of the oldest churches in the area. Pastor Terry shares his journey from being an actor on cruise ships to leading the congregation in Glen Rock and everything in between.
What an amazing guest, an amazing talent and just a great guy!! Joey Dee shares his journey from Passaic New Jersey to touring the world with Jimi Hendrix, Joe Pesci, Felix Cavalieri and so many other great names. His tell-all book, The Peppermint Chronicles, includes stories of his fight with racism, record companies and the mob.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! This week we give thanks to YOU, for listening and supporting our local businesses. We also give thanks to stores like The Curious Reader on Rock Road in Glen Rock NJ for doing everything they can to provide young readers with some GREAT alternatives to TV and digital content. Keep supporting our local businesses!! Thank you!
Casey, the owner of this "iconic" barber shop shares his journey from cutting hair in high school to opening one of the coolest barber shops in New Jersey and all under the age of 30! Much success to you Casey!
Suka Jewelry celebrates their 1 year anniversary and Supriya Kapur shares her journey from New Delhi, India to Glen Rock and brings with her some beautiful jewelry designs. She is also a big supporter of Glen Rock and heads up the Glen Rock Guild. She also offers a generous discount for listeners...perfect timing for the holidays!
Voted the Best Cheesecake in New Jersey, Marc Silverberg shares his journey traveling all over the world and settling in Glen Rock and supplying people from all over New Jersey with the best cheesecakes and ice cream around!!
Garret Bedrin, one of the owners of this 3 generation family Glen Rock business, started over 70 years ago, shares the family's journey from storming the beaches at Normandy to building one of the largest family owned businesses in the area.
Great conversation with the Mayor of Glen Rock, Kristine Morieko, as she shares her journey from growing up as the third generation in Glen Rock to raising her children and becoming the mayor of the town she loves.
What a great time with this graduate of Hawthorne High School and state football champion, as he made his transition to Glen Rock. He shares his journey from growing up in the neighboring town to becoming involved in the Glen Rock schools and town politics.
What a great conversation with these gifted writer and illustrator as they share their journey from traveling across the country to settling in Glen Rock and creating some amazing children's books and cartoons for The New Yorker magazine and several other editorial cartoons and illustrations.
Great conversation with Victor Quinn as we discussed his journey from growing up in Glen Rock, his family business in Hoboken that ultimately led them to Glen Rock and opening the Glen Rock Inn in 1948.
Great conversation with the head of the Glen Rock Historical Society, Kathleen Walter, as she shares her journey from growing up in nearby Fair Lawn to moving to and teaching in Glen Rock until eventually giving her time to this precious resource.
Great conversation with the Town Council president, Mary Barchetto, as she shares her journey from the Bronx to raising her children in Glen Rock and eventually getting involved in town politics.
So much fun talking to Salvatore and Eddie at Francesca as they share their journey from their respective homes and jobs to opening this great restaurant. Sal offers a terrific discount for you listeners. Make sure you listen to get yours!!
For our inaugural Towncast, we spoke to Maria Dolan, resident of Glen Rock, who shares her journey from moving to GR, raising her children in the community and running for town council later this year.