This project is near and dear to my heart because Coronado is my hometown. I’m honored and happy to collaborate with the non-profit organization that brings free concerts to the community and visitors every Sunday Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.

Different from telling one person’s story, I wove in the many facets of several people who have made the concerts grow and evolve over the five decades. They began thanks to high school’s choir and music director in 1970 and then shepherded by another local, Mary Carlin, and eventually by her husband and a volunteer board of the 501c3. Plus, interviews with fans of all ages and a variety of music.

Those many dimensions meant a lot of scrapbooks, notebooks, and research to visualize the early years; and then at the opposite end of the archive spectrum, sorting through thousands of digital pictures and video (including with the various bands playing) captured since 2010. I embraced the story of the concerts and the tradition not just as a “thing” but as an experience where families have grown up, come together, celebrated birthdays, and just enjoyed a few hours of music in the park. Much credit goes to my fantastic and long-time work partner and editor, Dan Roper, who can interpret my script and voice and make it all come together, together!

Having videotaped many of those personal moments (with my phone and being the producer!) I wrote the script to include a few poignant visual moments including “we watch our children grow…” (Lily from wobbling to dancing!) and “our old parents stay young” (my mom dancing with others and her walker as she was into her 90s!).

The concerts are free, but dependent upon sponsors, donors, and weekly donations from attendees. Whether you’ve been to Coronado for a concert, or just appreciate a beautiful small-town story, I hope you’ll watch and enjoy my latest piece… that continues through the credits!

The post Coronado Concerts in the Park 50th Anniversary Documentary appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

Junior is one of my favorite interviews, athletes, and people… and is part of the montage on the cover and is a full section in the book. And he wrote about his own experiences of being interviewed, and why he valued my approach to shairing athletes’ stories.

Whether you saw the One on One shows featuring him or not, this book with the transcripts are an additional way to understand his journey from those humble beginnings, hearing his father’s prayers, why he worked so hard to succeed, and so much to give back.

This book makes a perfect gift for a youngster who has a dream, a long time fan, or someone who wants to encourage both the Good Sports Story… what Junior was all about… and his good works.  Plus, other standouts are within the pages filled with photos, as well.

I will continue to do my part. I hope you will be inspired to participate… to Perpetuate the Positive… and in a little way, help me honor Junior, too.

Remember what Junior often said: “Work for today. Build for tomorrow. Pray for the rest.”

Thank you.

Jane

The post Seau #55 Memorial Special: $5.5 to Junior’s Foundation appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

This time, I spent most of the evening interviewing athletes, kids, and Junior, about why this event is so special. 250 kids from Boys and Girls Clubs from across the county, paired with 250 athletes and media personalities. In order to participate, the kids had to write about how they would spend the $100 Target gift card… what they would buy for those in their family, and why. To hear them list their mothers, siblings and grandparents… and the presents they’ve thought about giving them… is a tangible lesson in sharing, caring and gratitude. They really want to do something nice for those they love, and in the process, have a good time with the volunteers who want to do something nice for them, too. Tons of fun with food, music and shopping (most even getting a little something for themselves with the encouragement of the mentor shoppers!) Santa and his helpers were on hand… and surely were happy and proud.

Please watch and enjoy some of the videos  I did in conjunction with www.SocialSweetSpot.com and support the Junior Seau Foundation and the various professional, college and Olympic athletes who are part of the Good Sports Story and also doing good things the other 364 days a year! (links below)

Perpetuate the Positive… with a holiday twist!   Jane.

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