Comedian Jim Breuer: Know Your Chester Neighbors

Actor, comedian and Chester resident Jim Breuer hosted the first Chester Family Film Festival Saturday night at .

Jane Shatz, founder and director of the Morris County Arts Workshop, said the program, formed in 2003, has "the mission to spread the arts to everyone and make it part of everyone's living."

"I grew up in a huge community, people gathering, everyone knew each other.  I want to see more of that in Chester," Breuer said. "There are so many people that run into me and I run into in town that don't know me. You should have to love your neighbor, but you should know them."

A Chester resident for 13 years, Breuer believes strongly in community and giving back. 

"You start building a strong community when you do stuff like this," Breuer said. He has also been responsible for a Wiffle ball tournament and has put on a number of benefit shows for community orgainzations.

"This is wild. The turnout is more than I anticipated. I think next year is going to be even better. I want to add a barbecue buffet, a tent and maybe add games during the day, we'll figure it out."

Breuer took the stage and discussed and introduced the films, adding a few of his own that were not included in the competition. The films were shown on an inflatable screen.

Scott McCarthy for his video, "Survivorman," was named the winner.

The evening began with performances by students involved in the MCAW "Rock Band" program designed to bring together musicians who can play instruments and are looking for bandmates. 

Basement Sunday, a MCAW 'Rock Band' playing together for about a year, performed next. The members of the band have an average age of 14 and have been playing their respective intruments for as many as 10 years.  Saturday was their second opportunity to play before an audience. The hope for the band is to "become rock stars and make lots of money."