Plymouth grad Starr ventures into the world of film making

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth grad Matt Starr has been busy on the set.

Several films featuring Starr have been making the film festival circuit, and a film he recently directed will hopefully be released later this year. Starr was in the film "Caleb's Gift" directed by Robert Bates which was recently screened at the Cleveland International Film Festival and had a part in John David Hartfield's film "Homecoming" that will be released soon.

Starr's own film "Neitzsche Ate Here" is also in the final stages of production and hopefully will be out before the end of the year.

"It started out as a one act play by Roy C. Berkowitz that we performed around Ohio and it was really warmly received everywhere we played it," said Starr who directed actors Gail Griffith and Bruce Jacklin in the stage play. "We were sitting around after the performance one night and Gail said 'Wouldn't this make a great short film?'. We contacted the playwright who has been incredibly supportive and great to work with and that's where it started."

The story brings to light the inner conflicts between two very different strangers who share common vulnerabilities. Cheryl, a sarcastic street-wise waitress, and Paul, an esteemed attorney from Washington D.C. collide in a run-down diner outside of Manassas. Both face their trepidations about each other and themselves as an event upsets their world.

"It's a story of forgiveness and not revenge which is what really drew me to it," said Starr. "We have a lot of stories about revenge these days and a story of redemption really attracted me. It has a message that sometimes wounds heal only when after they've deepened."

Starr would like to work on another project soon with the same team.

"I really hope this is just to first project for all of us," he said. "I hope that maybe this time next year we can be working on a feature film. From day one all these folks together there was just a great creative energy that was really positive."

"Directing is fun but I really think if I had to choose I prefer acting. I really like being able to relate to humanity through the character that I'm playing - giving him a background working with a director, getting a chance to connect through that character."

See the trailer and other information on the film "Neitzsche Ate Here" at the website http://www.neitzschefilm.org/ or on Facebook by searching "Neitzsche Film".

Plymouth Fireman will make a Blueberry run for kids

By Rusty Nixon
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH - In an emergency situation a fireman is known to be able to endure great hardship and trial to save lives. One Plymouth Fireman is taking that a step - make that a jog - further.

Plymouth Fireman John Pasley will be running the full course of this year's Blueberry Stomp. You likely won't be able to recognize him by his face because you probably won't be able to see it. In order to help Riley's Children's Hospital, Pasley will run the full 9.3 miles in full fire gear - including helmet and airpack.

"I'm going to modify the helmet a little bit," admitted Pasley. "The normal helmet we wear weighs three pounds all by itself and I had neck surgery a few years ago and I don't really want to do that again so I'll be wearing a modified helmet. That and running shoes instead of boots, but everything else is full turnout gear."

Pasley got the idea a year ago watching a fellow fireman from another city run the course in his gear.

"I really kind of felt sorry for him because he was out there all by himself, I thought somebody should be doing it with him," said Pasley. "I called some friends of the guy and found out he wasn't going to do it this year but I started thinking that I could do it by myself and why not do it to raise money for a good cause."

The cause is one that Pasley is close to.

"(Fellow Plymouth Firemen) Art Jacobs daughter Hanna has been helped there and Heath Neidig's daughter has been there," said Pasley. "Every time we are at a scene and something critical happens with a child the helicopter takes them to Riley's. I wanted to do something on a personal level to help."

He is under no illusions about setting any course records on the run.

"I ran this race about 18-19 years ago and in a little over an hour. It was like the Kentucky Derby," said Pasley. "I'm not a thoroughbred anymore, I'm a Clydesdale. And that air pack alone weighs 25 pounds. I did try running with it the other day and it was really tough at the start but it got easier and I was able to go about 6 miles with it.

"I'm not a runner but I am a competitor and if it's me and those kids against 9.3 miles I'm know we're going to do it."

To support Pasley you can call him at the Plymouth Fire Station 574-936-2156 or simply send a donation to the Riley Kid's Foundation to the Fire Station at 111 N. Center Street in Plymouth.