The ECA Fall Festival 2015

The town of East Stroudsburg, PA held their Annual Fall Festival alongside The Acme Hose Company Number 1 who celebrated their 125^th Birthday with a Block Party on Saturday October 10^th. A beautiful day met the festival goers and birthday celebrants as they entered the municipality. The Crystal Street area of the borough was filled with a lots of things to enjoy as was the town's David Miller Park www.srosrc.org/cms-assets/documents/10147-268931.0510shs018.ppdf and Historic Dansbury Depot www.facebook.com/historicdansburydepot?fref=ts.

I arrived in the town a bit late in the day but the joy of the festival was still prominent among the large number of people who were already enjoying the event. Displays and activities relating to Crime and Fire prevention were presented along Crystal Street by the local police and fire departments. Firetrucks, with many dating back to the mid 1950s and beyond, lined the street representing the many departments serving the area. Rides upon a firetruck were offered and many children gleefully partook of them. While watching the children, I remembered when I experienced a ride on a firetruck when I was a child and how excited I was to sit next to a ladder while the siren and bell sounded off during my adventure. It was nice to see some things never lose their magic even in the age of electronic and Internet games of distraction.

As I continued to explore the festival, I moved toward the Historic Dansbury Depot where Woodrow Woodrow www.facebook.com/wearewoodrow who consists of Brian Bramcamp on Guitar and vocals and Theresa Ratcliff on vocals were playing their excellent renditions of tunes upon the depot's stage. The familiarity of their repertoire never fail to bring a joy to those who listen to their thoughtful interpretations of the songs with their recollections. I moved among the vendors while listening to their sounds and met some great people who were associated with The Cat's Meow Antiques and Collectibles grsb10@verizon.net, Shady River Designs www.facebook.com/shadyriverdesigns?fref=ts, Plates for all occasions momosa@epix.net, Art Unlimited by Lisadro Rodriguez www.artwanted.com/lisandro, Paparazzi Jewelry and Accessories www.facebook.com/funfashionjewelsforless, Perfectly Posh www.facebook.com/brandybeautyskin, Kreations by Katt www.facebook.com/KatsKrazyKreations, Sandi's River Rock Jewelry www.facebook.com/SandisRiverRocks?fref=ts, Little Italy Cookie's LilItalyCookies@aol.com, Lower Level Studios www.lowerlevelstudios.com featuring Joey Shinobi www.soundcloud.com/joey-shinobi, and a table filled with information presented by PA State Representative David C. Parker of the 115^th Legislative District www.parkerforrep.com. I also saw some carnival rides for the children who attended the event and I visited the interiors of The Historic Dansbury Depot who presented the excellent works of Dave Sandt of Pocono Fine Art Photography www.poconofineartphotography.com along with historical items relating to the station. It was soon after this did I venture outside of the station to hear the music of John Lang and his guitar. His music was gentle yet lively and enjoyed by all who heard it. It was about this time I left the festival which I found to be an enjoyable experience. You'll find more photographs taken during the event in The ECA Fall Festival 2015 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154273383818761.1073741907.91146283760&type=3.

The Annual Fall Festival and 125^th Birthday Celebration of The Acme Hose Company Number 1 was co-sponsored by The Dansbury Depot Restoration Committee, The Eastburg Community Alliance, The East Stroudsburg RR Switch Tower Society www.esrrtower.org, The Acme Hose Company Number 1 www.facebook.com/Acme-Hose-Co-No-1-303239080255, The Stroud Regional Open Space and Recreation www.facebook.com/SROSRC-277034436384, The Borough of East Stroudsburg www.eastburg.org, The East Stroudsburg Crime Watch www.facebook.com/escrimewatch, The Stroud Area Regional Police Department www.facebook.com/stroudarearegionalpolicedepartment, and The Steamtown National Historic Site www.facebook.com/Steamtown-National-Historic-Site-151286568217222. In addition to co-sponsoring The Annual Fall Festival and 125^th Birthday Celebration of The Acme Hose Company Number 1, The Eastburg Community Alliance presents a number of events to delight and entertain the overall community. Their next event will be a Winter Holiday Celebration which is scheduled to take place Saturday December 12^th at the Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA. You’ll be able to learn more about The Eastburg Community Alliance by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EastburgAlliance or their Website at www.eastburgalliance.com.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Statues at ESU

On a brilliantly sunlit day, East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of Pennsylvania held an Artists' Reception on Wednesday October 7^th in their Madelon Powers Gallery for their exhibition of sculpted pieces created by Ronald Gonzalez and Andrew Molinaro. A large gathering filled the space as overpowering beams of light streamed into the room causing a number of conversations inspired by the incredible work to be shared with eyes shielded or half closed. Yet, through the peerings, a brightness shown from the work which illuminated the wonder the exhibit attendees were engulfed in.

The pieces shown demonstrated the varied approaches a sculptor is able to employ while creating his/her three dimensional images. Mr. Gonzalez's works were communally titled, “Smalls” and consisted of miniatured forms which allowed the viewer, who looked closely enough, to discover a humorous correlation between each piece and the individual title it was given. Mr. Molinaro's work, on the other hand, were huge pieces that took on the enormity of their subject matters which included in depth explorations of spiritual and psychological topics. While the work of each artist may seem too far removed from one the other to bring a coherent meaning to the gallery goer, their complimentary aesthetic abilities allows the viewer to experience the all encompassing essence of humanity.

While jointly contemplating the smile inducing miniatures of Mr. Gonzalez and the thought provoking ironworks of Mr. Molinaro, one begins to discover their connectivity in that their diametrical countenance can be found within a single mind. Therefore, when we chuckle at the smalls or become in awe of the larger pieces, we are merely holding up an esoteric mirror to ourselves enabling us to see our inner perceptions much more clearly. And this, is what art does best. You'll find more photographs take during the Artists' Reception in the Statues at ESU Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154271022653761.1073741906.91146283760&type=3.

According to his biography, the work Ronald Gonzalez presented at the Madelon Powers Gallery reflects an “obsession with creating anthropomorphized objects.” He has been doing so from a very young age in which he would pick up small pieces of wood from the streets and make toys from his salvaging. As an adult, Mr. Gonzalez combines his “obsession” with the tradition of assemblage art to create figures with steel armatures and time worn objects. Mr. Gonzalez has had numerous solo exhibits at major galleries throughout the United States, South America, and Europe. He is a Professor of Sculpture at the State University of New York-Binghamton and is a recent recipient of the university’s Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. You can learn more about Ronald Gonzalez by exploring his Website at www.exh-a.com/ronald-gonzalez.html.

Andrew Molinaro is an artist-blacksmith who began as an apprentice at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire and later became its head blacksmith. He also apprenticed with the firm Stokes of England which is located in Charlottesville, VA. In the year 2000, Mr. Molinaro opened his own studio in Stroudsburg, PA known as “Artisans of the Anvil.” The establishment specializes in the fine craft ironwork for residential and commercial architectural in both traditional and contemporary styles. Although this economic aspect of technique is used to maintain the shops financial stability, Mr. Molinaro has recently been creating more individual and expressive pieces which are on display throughout the ESU Gallery. You can learn more about Andrew Molinaro and Artisans of the Anvil by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/artisansoftheanvil or his Website at www.artisansoftheanvil.com.

East Stroudsburg University’s Madelon Powers Gallery is located within the campus' Fine and Performing Arts Center which also houses theatrical and music facilities for performance and study. The Ronald Gonzalez and Andrew Molinaro exhibition will continue to be on display at gallery until November 6^th. The work brings together the elements of humanity through not only it's multidimensional format but through the seemingly different approaches to life each artist employs. It is recommended that one visits the venue to explore the work that is able to reflect oneself. The next exhibition scheduled to take place will be a Juried Holiday Craft and Art Market presented by the ESU Student Art Association www.facebook.com/groups/2208607072. An Artists' Reception is scheduled to be held on Wednesday November 18^th beginning at 4pm. The exhibit will continue to be on display in The Madelon Powers Gallery until November 23^rd. Please explore The Madelon Powers Gallery Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EsuArtGallery for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

A Life Touched by Tourette's

The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA hosted the premier of the documentary film titled, “My Life, My Story, My Tourette's” in a Private Screening on Sunday October 4^th. The film is directed by Peter Giunta and narrated by Daniel Ferron of whom the film is about. A great number of friends, relatives, and participants of the film along with members of organizations related to the syndrome filled the theater to capacity. Anticipation filled the gathering as Mr. Giunta and Mr. Ferron stepped onto the stage to share their welcoming and appreciative words before the showing the cinematic work.

The film, “My Life, My Story, My Tourette's,” is a very well made documentary that not only reveals information about the syndrome but shares how life can be lived to its fullest by those who is inflicted with it. Numerous individuals ranging from Doctors to Actors in the film overcame their affliction and fulfilled their vocations with a high degree of proficiency. This point was made clearly through the narrative provided by Mr. Ferron whose stories of his life as a model, actor, and artist proved to be very illuminating and served to dispell many of the misconceptions the syndrome has accumulated throughout the years.

The film's conclusion was met with a well deserved standing ovation which inspired Mr. Giunta and Mr. Ferron to retake the stage to reiterate their appreciation to the audience for attending and for their very warm reception of the film. This was followed by a drawing for the door prizes that were offered to those who bought a ticket to participate. Screams of delight filled the theater as the final digit of the winning ticket were uttered and the ticket holder rushed to the stage to collect his/her coveted item. Soon, the final prize was given out and a fond adieu was shared by Mr. Giunta and Mr. Ferron to the crowd who proceeded to leave the theater in order to chat with the men and one another. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the screening of “My Life, My Story, My Tourette's” in the A Life Touched by Tourette's Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154259793308761.1073741905.91146283760&type=3.

The Film “My Life, My Story, My Tourettes” is directed by Peter Giunta and produced by Primodio Studios. Daniel Ferron serves as the documentary's narrator, interviewer, and focal point. The film consists of a series of interviews along with personal anecdotes designed to enlighten it's audience to the source of Tourettes Syndrome, the myths surrounding it, advocacy groups designed to dispel the myths and to gain funding for medical research relating to the condition, and coping mechanisms people afflicted with the syndrome has used in order to live a productive life. As mentioned earlier, the film is a well made one which intertwines factual information with personal point of view very well.

The only criticism I have for the film is that there are some points it makes that are unnecessarily repeated. Perhaps another look by the filmmakers would reveal this repetition and the film could be fine tuned accordingly. However, this is a minor criticism as the film is a good one to see and I recommend doing so as it is presented throughout the festival circuit. You'll be able to view a trailer of the film at www.vimeo.com/123151240. In the meantime, you can learn more about Tourettes Syndrome by exploring the PA Tourettes Syndrome Alliance, Inc. Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PA-Tourette-Syndrome-Alliance-153637774670161 or their Website at www.patsainc.org.

In addition to hosting the screening of “My Life, My Story, My Tourette's.” The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center presents a variety of films both popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past such as the film “Night of the Living Dead” on Sunday October 11^th along with “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Halloween II” on Monday October 19^th. The Pocono Community Theater also hosts special events such as their Book Club Series which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown in the theater as well as special events like their Comedy Cabaret - Open Mic Night on Sunday October 11^th, a screening of the film “Adelante” followed by a Question and Answer session with director on Thursday October 15^th as part of the 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival www.facebook.com/ESULatinoFilmFest?fref=ts&ref=br_tf. a concert with the Bovine Social Club on Saturday October 17^th, a screening of the film “Fed Up” on Sunday October 18^th, and an exploration of the book titled, “Your Face in Mine” in conjunction with The East Stroudsburg University One Book, One Campus program. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater or their Website at www.poconocommunitytheater.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

Viva La PCT

The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center (PCT) in East Stroudsburg, PA hosts the 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival which began on Thursday September 24^th and will continue until Thursday October 15^th. The festival is presented by the East Stroudsburg University of PA's Department of Modern Languages under the auspices of Assistant Professor Annie Mendoza, Ph. D. The variety of films reflecting the Hispanic culture are shown during the course of the festival in two venues which are The Pocono Community Theater and Room 113 located within the campus' Stroud Hall Building.

I was and am unable to view all of the films being presented in the festival, but, if the entirety of the cinematic works are favorably comparable to the film I've experienced, it would be safe to surmise that the screenings are both satisfying and enlightening to those who love the meaningfulness of quality films. The film I did see on Sunday October 4^th was titled, “Gypsy Barcelona” which is a documentary on Flamingo Dancing directed by Eva Vila. The cinematic techniques employed in the film were of a very high quality that made the life evolving narrative of the work much more engaging to the audience. Even though the subtitles translating the Spanish Language into English was inoperable in this screening of the film, one could still relate to the actions and emotions being felt throughout as the images communicated with a universal lexicon that was understood by all who viewed it. This was especially true as the camera showed the reactions of a young girl who aspires to be a flamingo dancer while she was watching professionals perform.

After the film, Ms. Mendoza expressed her appreciation to those who attended the screening and introduced Christina Luna Zabih to the gathering. She shared her experiences of living in Barcelona, Spain and her comprehensive understanding of the art of Flamingo Dancing including its varied international origins. Her talk was followed by some thoughtfully asked questions whose answers enhanced the perceptions of all who heard them. It was after this session did the afternoon end with many eager to partake of future films presented during the festival. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Sunday October 4^th afternoon screening of the 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival in the Viva La PCT Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154259679928761.1073741904.91146283760&type=3.

The 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival takes place from September 24^th to October 15^th and is presented by the East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of PA's Department of Modern Languages. The department's primary focus is to teach the students of ESU to communicate effectively in their target language while allowing them to gain inter-cultural competencies that serve their professional and personal goals. The Festival is co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the ESU Center for Research and Economic Development, Inc. The film festival continued with a screening of the film “Mr. Kaplan” in the late afternoon of Sunday October 4^th at the PCT and which will be shown once again on Thursday October 8^th at 2pm in Room 113 at ESU, another screening of “Gypsy Barcelona” on Tuesday October 6^th at 2pm followed by a Question and Answer session with the director via Skype, and the film “Adelante” at The Pocono Community Theater on Thursday October 15^th at 5pm followed by a Question and Answer session with director. You can learn more about The 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival from their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ESULatinoFilmFest?fref=ts&ref=br_tf or from their Website at www.esu.edu/academics/departments/modern_languages/film_festival.cfm.

Christina Luna Zabih was born in Barcelona, Spain to a Catalan father and an Iranian mother which provided her with an inter-cultural perception of life. After graduating in the field of public relations in her home country, she studied Communication Studies at the University of East Stroudsburg of PA. She then began broadcasting on the University's Radio Station, WESS 90.3 FM Www.tunein.com/radio/WESS-903-s28605, on a program known as “Your voice with (Tu Voz con) Christina” which was designed to give a voice to the Hispanic community through the presentation of entertainment, music, and interviews. The program can now be heard on WABT aka Pocono 96.7 www.Pocono967.com every Sunday beginning at 8am. She is also a columnist in the daily publication of the local Newspaper, “Pocono Record” in which she expresses the experience of being an immigrant in the United States. You can learn more about Christina Luna Zabih and her contributions to the community by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/tuvozconchristina?fref=ts or her Website at www.tuvozconchristina.com.

In addition to hosting the 3^rd Annual Latino Heritage Month Film Festival, The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center presents a variety of films both popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past such as the films “Night of the Living Dead” on Sunday October 11^th along with screenings of “Halloween” and “Halloween II” on Monday October 19^th. The Pocono Community Theater also host special events such as their Book Club Series which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown in the theater as well as special event like their Comedy Cabaret - Open Mic Night on Sunday October 11^th, a concert with the Bovine Social Club on Saturday October 17^th, a screening of the film “Fed Up” on Sunday October 18^th, and an exploration of the book titled, “Your Face in Mine” in conjunction with The East Stroudsburg University One Book, One Campus program. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater or their Website at www.poconocommunitytheater.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.