Caught Between a ROCK and a HEART PLACE

Documentary News

As we wind down 2008, there's plenty of "ink" devoted to the "best of" lists. They always surface around this time of year!

Here's two links on some interesting "list" articles you might find interesting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/movies/homevideo/30dvds.html?_r=1

http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/6112/the-ten-best-film-documentaries-of-2008

Enjoy - and Happy New Year.

-Michael

So this is Christmas . . . . . .

Couple of things to report on. We had our screening at the Linda Theater up in Albany. While not a sell-out, it was a great experience. It's the first time we've seen the film in its' entirety in a year. Proudly, it holds up quite well. Ironically, Tim McLoone mentions being at war - filmed in 2001. As always, the audience is impressed at the growth of Holiday Express and we were able to bring them up to date on the organization between the time of the film ending and their current operations.

The 2008 Holiday Express season is coming to a conclusion. 53 events in 30 days. The time still flies and it's good to return to some of the events and see old friends. Sad though to see the food lines increasing this year. Guess there will always be a need for Holiday Express.

Finally, the actual holiday is upon us. Stop worrying about shopping, racing around losing your patience. Spend time with your families and friends. They're far more important.

Merry Christmas.

-Michael

Rockin', Rolling and Reaching Out in Red Bank

Holiday Express rolls into Red Bank on Tuesday and Thursday this week to put on two fundraising concerts to the general public. Proceeds from the shows support the year-long efforts of the organization.

An article in the Red Bank Orbit today eloquently describes the private shows they put on in the 30 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas:

We’ve said this several times before, but it bears repeating that for many people, McLoone and his organization have come to represent a Good Neighbor Sam kind of America that many refused to believe had died; a place where artificial divisions of class, creed and corrosive ideology break down — and where even as goofy a tune as “Disco Santa” can itself break down all resistance with its message of brotherhood and generosity of spirit.

That's the spirit captured in ROCK and a HEART PLACE and the documentary is being used as an example of voluntarism and grass roots organizing by individuals and civic organizations across the country.

If you can, get over to the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank and watch a great Christmas concert by some of the Jersey Shore's top musicians. It'll be a show you won't forget.

-Michael

Clever Ideas for Holiday Volunteering

'Tis the time of the year when people turn their thoughts to charitable giving in one form or another. Here's an article from the on-line edition of the Wall Street Journal for some "tongue-in-cheek" alternatives to giving.

Have some interesting ideas of your own other than the "check-book" kind? Pass them along here in the comments section.

-Michael

An Appeal from Bruce Springsteen

A long time supporter of the Community FoodBank of NJ, Bruce Springsteen recently lent his visual support for an ad for that 20 year old organization.

It's ironic, how the world is so small. Bruce is also good friends with Tim McLoone and has appeared at a number of Holiday Express events. In fact, we managed to capture one of those unique moments in ROCK and a HEART PLACE.

Both Holiday Express and the NJ FoodBank depend on the kindness of volunteer armies to keep their operations moving. As demonstrated in the film, volunteering can be a fun activity rather than looked at as an obligation. Find the right fit with an organization for you and your family. Start your kids off young by teaching them that voluntarism can be as fulfilling as sports, video games, cell phone texting and computers.

Volunteer. Enjoy. Be thankful. Give and you'll get.

-Michael

Citizenship in the Community: the reality show

We’ve been excited to hear recently of scoutmasters who have recommended ROCK and a HEART PLACE as a great film to help earn the scouting ‘Citizenship in the Community’ merit badge.  The educational version, a mere 35 minutes long, is the ideal length for a screening followed by discussion.  An excellent example of how one person with an idea can make a difference in the lives of thousands, ROCK and a HEART PLACE can be counted on to offer plenty of thought-provoking dialogue. 

-Nancy

PS - we're offering a special 20% discount to scoutmasters on the educational version of the documentary. Click here to take advantage of this offer.