Discover Brooklyn Bridge Park

Fans of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” recently viewed a depiction of the 1883 opening of the Brooklyn Bridge. This caught our attention for two reasons. First, the show is filmed at our sound stages and we love following its storylines and recreation of 19th century New York. Second, the structure is among the iconic symbols of our beloved city. Designed by John A. Roebling, the bridge was the first to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River, and was at one time the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Today, the bridge is the backdrop for Brooklyn Bridge Park, an 85‐acre sustainable waterfront park stretching 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s East River shoreline and providing a place where city residents and visitors can enjoy green space with city and river views. The park also provides a home for over 12,000 species of plants and wildlife, and boasts a horticulture program to beautify a former industrial site.

Some highlights of the park are:

Glide Ice Rink, which provides winter fun daily through March 1, located under the bridge in the historic DUMBO neighborhood.

Pier 2, which provides athletes with five acres of space to engage in a variety of sports including basketball, handball, ping pong, and pickleball. You will also find fitness equipment, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. Plus, there are even free, seasonal kayaking programs!

Pier 5 features playing fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Visitors can also experience views of lower Manhattan, Governors Island, and the New York Harbor from the promenade. And, boating enthusiasts should check out ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina, located north of Pier 5.

The Environmental Education Center offers programs to engage nature lovers of all ages. In addition to early childhood and teen programs, the center offers open hours planned around monthly environmental themes where visitors can experience live animals native to New York, a reading library, crafting, science-based games, and more (open for free, drop-in Open Hours four afternoons a week at 99 Plymouth Street).

The non‐profit organization that plans, builds, maintains, and operates Brooklyn Bridge Park is the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation. And the 501(c)3 non-profit that brings more than 500 innovative and engaging educational, cultural, fitness, and recreational programs each year is the Brooklyn Bridge Conservancy.

There are several ways you can join with others to support the Conservancy. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to ensure quality programming and volunteer opportunities. Or consider donating your time to volunteer to help with education, clean-up, tour activities, and more. Memberships are also available and come with discounts and other benefits.

Find directions to the park here, and learn more about all the park has to offer here. Read more about the history of the bridge on the NY Department of Transportation website here.

Broadway Stages Lights Up The Holidays!

As the holiday season ushers in its festive glow, Broadway Stages stands ready to help spread joy and cheer throughout the city. Not only are we providing coats, toys and food to local non-profits across the city, but also have the pleasure of sponsoring holiday lights! 

Two public menorahs in North Brooklyn hosted by the Chabad of Greenpoint, invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the luminous celebrations at the intersections of Franklin & Greenpoint Avenue and North 7th and Bedford. The adorned locations are significant hubs in their respective neighborhoods, ensuring that the holiday spirit radiates across the city.

Likewise, we hope you enjoy the holiday lights along Maspeth Avenue in Queens and Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint.  Broadway Stages’ commitment to making our streets "Merry and Bright" is a testament to our dedication to the communities where we live and work. The holiday lights bring a sense of warmth to the cold winter nights, and creates a festive atmosphere that invites everyone to share in the joy of the season.

During this festive time of year, we ask that you remember our neighbors who are less fortunate. We encourage you to consider giving back. Take a look at our GivingTuesday blog for ideas or check with your local place of worship, school or local eledted official to find out how you can help those in need during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Wishing everyone a season filled with joy, peace, and much happiness.

94th NYPD Precinct and Broadway Stages Join Forces for Community Christmas Party

In a heartwarming collaboration, the NYPD 94th Precinct Community Council and Broadway Stages joined forces to host a festive Christmas party on Saturday, December 9. Santa and his cheerful companions brought smiles to both young and old, making it a memorable occasion for the entire community. The event, a delightful blend of holiday spirit and community camaraderie, featured a generous toy giveaway from Santa himself. Families and children eagerly received gifts, creating magical moments that will be cherished long after the holiday season.

Throughout the celebration, lively characters added to the merriment, spreading joy and laughter. The holiday crafts station provided a creative outlet for attendees to express their festive spirit, while yummy treats delighted guests and added a touch of sweetness to the occasion.

As we express our gratitude, a special thank you goes out to the President of the NYPD 94th Precinct, Betty Hulsen, the team of volunteers, and the dedicated officers across the city. Their commitment to ensuring the safety of our community and fostering fellowship is truly commendable. This Christmas party exemplifies the power of collaboration and community spirit, making it a shining example of what the holiday season is all about. Wishing everyone a joyous and peaceful holiday season.

Spotlight: Shop Local This Holiday Season

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. During the month of December, we encourage you to support local establishments - shop, dine, and be entertained or pampered locally. This week, we focus on a few local businesses featured this year in our spotlight series. 

Broadway Stages is deeply committed to our neighbors. And a big part of their well-being is a robust local economy. As previously mentioned, the money you spend at a locally-owned business is an investment in your neighborhood. So, we thought we would look back on a few of the businesses we featured this year for you to consider as you make your holiday gift list.

If your shopping efforts take you to Queens, check out St. Seneca in Ridgewood. This store features locally made goods, including ceramics, jewelry, apothecary items, pillows, and toys, stressing quality and craftsmanship over quantity. It is a priority for store owner Yuka Anziano to support local artists. So, she works primarily with small artisans and designers from the area. She also stocks pet items that give back to rescue groups. Saint Seneca’s “pet-friendly” products were even featured in Home & Garden magazine. St. Seneca is open Tuesday through Friday, 12 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For your holiday sweet tooth, visit Mark’s Bake Shoppe in Richmondtown on Staten Island. This bakery has been recognized by the Staten Island Advance, SILive.com, the College of Staten Island, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, and featured in our Spotlight series. Mark has even been featured on the Netflix program “Sugar Rush”!  But the true story of Mark’s Bake Shoppe is told in their cakes, cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes, and more. If you are like Broadway Stages, you enjoy a feast with your eyes. So, we suggest you follow the Shoppe on Instagram and YouTube. While you are at it, include Facebook for special deals and offers! When your have built up your appetite, give the Shoppe a call at (718) 668-2600, Order Online, or stop in Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If ordering online, consider the Brooklyn-born vegan apothecary Meow Meow Tweet. Co-founders Jeff Kurosaki (they/them) and Tara Pelletier (she/they) met in art school and work together as a collaborative artist team. Their creation, Meow Meow Tweet, is a small-batch skincare company that creates vegan products with pure, all-natural, and organic ingredients.  Meow Meow Tweet is committed to creating pure, all-natural, plant and mineral-based formulas, ranging from soap, natural insect repellent, and deodorant to a complete facial regimen. To this end, all of their products carry the Leaping Bunny International certification, showing no new animal tests were used in developing any product displaying the logo.  Additionally, their Plastic Negative certification confirms that they remove twice as much plastic from the environment as they produce.

Finally, to be entertained while shopping locally, check out the Greenpointers.com Holiday Market on Sunday, December 10, from 1 to 7 p.m. on the 5th floor Greenpoint Loft. The day will be filled with music from The Evergreenpoint Carolers, The Greenpoint String Quartet, the Shawtime Duo, and singer-songwriter Jacob Shipley. As you shop, you can craft your own holiday wreath with floral design studio Milk Weed Botanical and make a sachet of rooftop-grown herbs with our own Eagle Street Rooftop Farm to use in cooking or to add a pleasant holiday aroma to your home. If you are coming as a family, enjoy face painting and arts & crafts courtesy of the Greenpoint YMCA, and have Bianca add some sparkle to your smile with tooth gems. Finally, you can learn what awaits you in the new year with a tarot reading by Alexandra Neumann of Planet Womb and welcome it all with a personalized poem from Ars Poetica.

And what holiday celebration would be complete without food and drink. Get your fill with Gimme Bop’s Korean rice rolls, Stanley’s Pierogi’s homemade pierogi (both vegan and non-vegan), or meat and plant-based sandwiches by Randwiches. Be sure to wash it down with something from Greenpoint Beer & Ale or (non-alcoholic) Anima Mundi Herbals.

With so many choices this season, you can’t go wrong when you keep your business close to home. So, go out and explore, shop, and be merry. And when you get there, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!. Happy Holidays!

"General Hospital" Leads Daytime Emmy Nominees

The 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards will air live on CBS at 9 p.m. ET on December 15, a full six months after its originally scheduled date. The awards ceremony was rescheduled from June 16 due to the recent Hollywood labor disputes.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to the legendary star of "All My Children" Susan Lucci and tabloid talk show host Maury Povich.

ABC's long-running soap opera "General Hospital" earned the most nominations this year with 14 in major categories and five creative arts nods. It will compete with "The Bay," "The Bold and the Beautiful," "Days of Our Lives," and "The Young and the Restless" for Outstanding Drama Series. "General Hospital" is the reigning champ of the last two years and has won the award 15 times, more than any other soap opera; second is "The Young and the Restless" with 11 wins.

"General Hospital" also earned 11 nominations in acting categories, including four of the five slots in the category Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. "The Young and the Restless" earned the most nominations in lead acting categories with five.

Women rule the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series race, with Ryan Seacrest the only male nominee in the category. "Live with Kelly and Ryan" will compete with "Today with Hoda & Jenna," "The Drew Barrymore Show," "The Jennifer Hudson Show," and "The Kelly Clarkson Show." From 2008 to 2022 this award was split into two categories: Talk Show—Informative and Talk Show—Entertainment. Clarkson's program has won the Entertainment category two years in a row.

Seacrest is also the only male nominee in the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host category, sharing his nomination with co-host Kelly Ripa. They will compete against Drew Barrymore, Kelly Clarkson, Tamron Hall, and Sherri Shepherd. This category was also previously split into Informative and Entertainment categories, with Clarkson dominating the latter and looking to win for a fourth year in a row. She faces stiff competition from Hall, who has won the Informative category two of the last three years.

The Daytime Emmys will also honor an Outstanding Culinary Show Host, Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program, and Outstanding Entertainment News Series. A complete list of nominees can be found here.

Congratulations and best of luck to all nominees! We are so excited that the awards season has finally started.

Schneps Media Brooklyn Power List

2023 Brooklyn Power List Honorees from L to R:  Monika Nowicka, Kendall Charter, Debbie Hootam and Monica Holowacz.

Schneps Media's Brooklyn Power List event took center stage on December 5, celebrating the influential individuals who have shaped the borough's landscape. The honorees, including our very own Director of Community Relations, Monica Holowacz, were nominated not only their individual successes, but also their collective strength that defines Brooklyn.

The event, hosted by Schneps Media, renowned publishers of The Brooklyn Paper, El Correo, Caribbean Life, and amnyMetro, went beyond a mere acknowledgment of achievements. It served as a powerful platform for forging connections, fostering collaboration, and building a community that continues to thrive beyond the event's conclusion. This gathering emphasized the enduring importance of community-building in Brooklyn's ever-evolving landscape. Beyond an annual celebration, the event is a testament to the commitment of our community - working together to ensure Brooklyn remains a powerhouse of culture, innovation, and community resilience.

Congratulations to all the honorees and a special shout out to Debbie Hootam, Apple Bank, Monika Nowicka, Apple Bank, and Kendall Charter, Greenpoint YMCA;  our sincere thanks for your collective leadership and commitment to community. 

Fun Things to Do in NYC this Month

New York City is always an adventure, but December is special. A chill in the air only adds to the thrill. Broadway Stages encourages you to go out and be merry! Below are just a few showcases of local talent and craftsmanship. No matter what you choose, you are sure to find a delight that is new to you.

In Queens on Sundays, December 10 and 17, from 12 to 6 p.m., find wonderfully crafted gifts at the Astoria Market. The handiwork of talented local artisans will be on display in the main hall of the renowned Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden. You’ll find art, jewelry, toys, chocolates, body care, handbags, clothing, stationery, scarves and hats, pottery, and more! Bohemian Hall will offer its delicious “Grandma’s Kitchen” menu – which includes a variety of homemade soups, platters, and apple strudel. There will also be eggnog, chestnuts, hot apple cider, and other holiday favorites.

If you are looking for something in Brooklyn, you should check out the DUMBO Holiday Pop-Up. Located at Empire Stores, this market will feature local makers, designers, and creative small businesses from November 27 to December 22. You can explore a variety of rotating vendors selling curated selections of handmade jewelry, stationery, bath and body care, tableware, artisanal packaged food and beverage items, home furnishings, and more! The holiday pop-up is open every day. The hours Monday through Friday are from 12 to  6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While in the neighborhood, visit Glide at Brooklyn Bridge, New York City’s newest ice rink. Take in the iconic Manhattan skyline views and work up an appetite on the ice. Then enjoy an extraordinary selection of café and beverage options. Glide’s operating hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Sunday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Saturdays.

On Staten Island, take a trip in time to Historic Richmond Town. Celebrate the holidays at NYC’s only living history village! On December 9 and 10 from 12 to 5 p.m., guests can enjoy living history demonstrations, holiday performances, and a visit from Santa and his helpers. There is also plenty to keep the shopper engaged, too. There will be gifts, crafts, commemorative items made by historic tradespeople, and plenty of sweets, treats, and local eats! You can purchase your tickets here!

Broadway Stages knows this city has so much to offer that it could never be contained here. You can check the links below for a more expansive listing of holiday markets and fairs.

●        Brooklyn

●        Queens

●        Staten Island

No matter what you do, don’t let cabin fever set in! Get out and enjoy this wonderful time of the year in our glorious city!

A Deep Dive Into the Costumes of HBO's "The Gilded Age"

HBO spares no expense in costuming the stars and designing the sets of "The Gilded Age." Currently in its second season, the period drama is filmed in locations across the state of New York, including a Broadway Stages set that serves as the beautiful interior of the van Rhijn/Brook brownstone. The new season took more than 100 days to film, and the production pumped more than $100 million into the local economy, supported more than 250 local businesses, and employed more than 1,500 people.

The New York Governor's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development and Warner Bros. Discovery recently hosted a webinar in which lead costume designer Kasia Walicka Maimone and members of her team discussed all of the hard work that goes into designing and creating the luxury threads that embodied the age of opulence in New York City in the late 19th century.

A period drama with a large ensemble cast such as "The Gilded Age" requires a surfeit of custom-made lavish costumes and accessories. Across two seasons, Maimone and her team (with lots of help from local artisans) have carefully crafted more than 1,200 women's dresses, 1,000 men's suits, 750 women's hats, 400 men's hats, 100 tiaras, and 4,000 pairs of shoes.

Maimone said that the creative process always starts with the material. In the case of "The Gilded Age," series creator Julian Fellowes established the time period, place, and characters while the creative team, led by director Michael Engler, determined how best to approach that period. Maimone said the team's main inspiration for the visual approach came from paintings.

"We looked at endless amounts of paintings, and that created very quickly this key to the door of how to approach this period, because the painters naturally heightened the beauty, heightened the contrast, heightened the colors, and we needed that language of heightened reality for our story," she said. "We know that we are not making a documentary. We know that we are creating new material, a new story, that has to live within the framework of the period and be very much inspired by the period."

The production employs a researcher who created a library of about 36,000 images from the time period (around 1877 to 1900). The team also had digital access to museum collections of garments and dresses as well as fashion magazines from the period to provide additional inspiration.

Maimone created a distinct look for each character, keeping in mind that old-money aristocrats such as Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) would have a very different wardrobe than the nouveau riche Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon).

"Bertha for sure was definitely a fun character to design. She's a character who breaks some rules. I mean, she's trying to belong to the society. She's desperately trying to belong... At the same time, she challenges the society. So my framework was quite specific. It has to fit within the norms of the historical reality."

For Bertha's look, her team drew from the latest European fashion of the time and looked beyond the precise year of 1882 so she would stand out.

"Her persona is so different than the old guard," she said. "For the old guard I chose those classic jewel colors, the deep maroons, deep, deep navies, the jewel tones, and for Bertha, it was the colors of newness and the colors of freshness."

She also raised the point that the nouveau riche didn't just dress differently to stand out and flaunt their newfound wealth, but also because they lacked traditions (such as precious heirlooms passed down from their ancestors) and were looking to establish new ones.

"I always compare the two guards like two museums that are here in New York: Metropolitan and Whitney Museum," she said. "They exist at the same time. We experience them both, but it's a completely different collection of art," she said.

Once assistant costume designers Isabelle Simone and Caroline Spitzer receive Maimone's completed design, it can take four to six weeks to create one dress. Head Tailor Sue Bakula makes many of the pieces in-house, but the team also relies on the hard work of local artisans to ensure that every sleeve, bustle, and bow is just right, and every button, fabric, and pattern fits the time period. In fact, these local artisans play a key role in helping the team authentically capture the period. In the 1880s, each character would likely have had her own favorite dressmaker with whom she would work to build out her wardrobe.

"We sort of approach it that there's one maker per character for the most part… there's one person making her clothes so you can see consistency through her entire closet," Simone said regarding each character. "It also takes about three fittings per dress, maybe four with the actor to get everything ready to be seen on camera."

Aside from the dresses, no woman of high society would dare be seen in public without proper accessories, like intricate hats, elegant jewelry, stylish shoes, and long gloves. The team works with local jewelry makers to reproduce iconic pieces from the era and create custom looks for each character — even the hundreds of extras.

For the first season, the team focused on creating the characters and figuring out the logistics of designing all the pieces. The new season provided the team with the opportunity to dig deeper into the time period and the emotional journey of each character.

"It became this really beautiful discovery," Maimone said. "I'm surrounded by designers, each one of them has this incredible talent and what they bring to the table. It really is this beautiful collaboration that made the show happen."

If you haven't watched HBO's luxe period drama "The Gilded Age" yet, what are you waiting for? Take a trip back to the opulent days of Manhattan and Newport in the 1880s. Broadway Stages is thrilled to be part of this stunning production that supports New York's booming film and television industry.

2023-2024 Winter Lecture Series | NYC Audubon

NYC Audubon’s 2023-2024 Winter Lecture Series theme is “Narratives in Nature.” The series features speakers sharing their stories and experiences to highlight their personal and professional identities. The lectures take place via Zoom from late fall through the winter. All lectures are free of charge and open to the public. NYC Audubon’s Lecture Series is made possible in part by the generous support of Claude and Lucienne Bloch.

On Tuesday, December 5, from 7 to 8 p.m., the series will feature BIRDING AS THERAPY FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL WITH BOB BELL. Bell’s book Out of the Lyme Light and into the Sunlight describes the author’s ordeal after developing a bizarre set of increasingly debilitating symptoms. In time, he would be diagnosed with Lyme disease. Bell tells of dealing with a chronic illness and chronic pain by using birding as therapy. He provides numerous tips on how to begin birding and enjoy it, regardless of physical ability.

Next in the series is THE LIFE OF A GAME HAWKER WITH SHAWN HAYES. From 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, the series will screen Game Hawker, a Patagonia film. The film is about more than training these majestic animals. It touches on what we can learn from the birds about living in partnership with wild creatures and places. Following the short film, its star, falconer Shawn Hayes, will join the audience for a conversation. Shawn is deeply connected to his falcons and the beautiful landscape they soar over. The discussion will touch on topics including wildlife conservation, identity, and belonging in the outdoors.

February’s series installment will occur on Tuesday the 6th from 7 to 8 p.m. In the event, EMPOWERING YOUTH IN CLIMATE ACTION WITH AJANI STELLA, the speaker will discuss his experiences as the founder and leader of Kids Fight Climate Change. This unique organization is an education group dedicated to teaching young people about the climate crisis. Ajani Stella is a 17-year-old climate activist living in New York City. He will tell of his journey in creating this organization. Moreover, he will discuss becoming an advocate for climate justice and action starting when he spoke to the New York City Teachers Retirement Fund Board of Directors about divesting from fossil fuels at ten years old.

Finally, esteemed author Amy Tan will host THE BACKYARD BIRD CHRONICLES: A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH AMY TAN on Tuesday, March 5, from 7 to 8 p.m. Amy Tan is well known as an award-winning and New York Times best-selling author. Her works include  The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen God’s Wife, and The Chinese Siamese Cat (later adapted to the beloved animated series Sagwa). What may not be as well known is that Tan is an avid birder! Her fireside chat will cover all things birds, ranging from their conservation, learning how to illustrate them, and Amy’s newest book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, set to release in April 2024.

The NYC Audubon is active on social media. So, if there is a previous talk or lecture you want to view or you miss one of these events, the most recent lectures are available to view on YouTube. Also, with something of interest always happening, Broadway Stages keeps an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages. We recommend you do, too!

Spotlight | Flower Cat

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth.

On September 22 of this year, Suzanne Agbayani took a giant leap in following her passion. That day was the official grand opening of Flower Cat. Flower Cat is a combination of a floral shop and a café on Noble Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Suzanne has always had a passion for flowers. From arranging bodega flowers to share with her friends to helping her grandmother tend to her flower garden during her childhood in Hawaii, she has always found peace working in this artistic expression. But this has not always been her vocation.

Early in her life, Agbayani immigrated from the Philippines to Hawaii. And after 24 years of living there, she ventured to New York City to study at Pratt Institute for her Masters in Architecture. In no time, she realized she had found a home in the City, but eight years in architecture had her longing for something else.

She turned her energy back to what had always brought her peace and decided to master the art of floral design. In no time, she was shopping for locations for her own shop. After considering a few options, she came across the space on Noble Street and fell in love with the community.

Of her shop, she said, “This is my baby. I want it to feel lived in — my friend said it feels like my living room.” To this end, she has furnished the space with several antiques either passed down from family members or from Agbayani’s own home. Other items include decorative end tables from Mother of Junk in Williamsburg and a counter made of discarded tables from Brooklyn Brewery.

Agbayani would eventually like to fill up the whole gallery wall. Grab-and-go flowers and astrology-inspired bouquets are just a few of the ideas she is considering. Her floral selections range from bright to more muted selections. And, of course, she has pet-safe options. She self-identifies as a crazy cat lady who adores her two cats, Shrimp and Lilith. “I want people to sit and stay awhile,” Agbayani said. “I want to encourage lounging like a cat.” Hence the name Flower Cat.

But this is much more than just a great place to shop for flowers. The space also incorporates a café’ staffed by poet, writer, and barista Savannah James. James can pour you a cup of java or craft something more in keeping with the flower theme, like their signature drinks, rose pistachio and honey lavender lattes. And if you are sitting down, you might as well enjoy some locally sourced baked goods (like the best-selling cinnamon rolls from Bushwick Bakery). You can peruse the entire café menu here.

Flower Cat is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on Mondays. If you want to preview the arrangements and café goods, check them out on Instagram before stopping in person. You might just catch a glimpse of Shrimp and Lilith, too!

Broadway Stages loves shopping locally all year round. And with this being the prime shopping time of the year, we encourage you to consider a seasonal arrangement from Flower Cat. And maybe a latte, too! And when you stop in, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

CCSO - Food Bank of Corona Thanksgiving Celebration

In Corona, Queens, on a crisp, sunny November morning, the community came together for a remarkable Thanksgiving Celebration complete with hot meals, turkey distribution, and cloting giveaway. The event, hosted by the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) aka Corona Avenue Food Bank on November 20, 2023, from 8 am to 12 pm, was a beacon of hope and compassion, showcasing the strength of unity within the neighborhood.

The success of this heartwarming initiative was spearheaded by CCSO Executive Director, Evelyn Heilbron, and the generous support of lead sponsors New York State Senator Jessica Ramos, Broadway Stages, and local gem Latino Bites from Jackson Heights, Queens, demonstrating their mutual commitment to giving back. In addition, multiple other local organizations provided support to help CCSO provide a dignified helping hand to residents in need. In collaboration with over 100 volunteers the following organizations, and others, shared in the success of this day of Thanksgiving. 

●       34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition; Betty’s Catering; El Rey de la Birria; Evelia Tamales; Las Doña’s Academy; Metro Plus Health;

●       NY Mets Foundation; NYPD; Peruvian Civic Center; Productos Mexicanos La Guadalupanan; Queens Chamber of Commerce; and others.

A hot and delicious thanksgiving meal, prepared by Peruvian Chef John López, was offered, complete with turkey and all the trimmings.  And there were many other offerings including amazing homemade tacos, and tamales. In total, more than 1,000 meals were served.  Among the highlights of the day, was the distribution of 300+ turkeys, ensuring that families in Corona could enjoy a traditional and hearty holiday meal! The event truly resonated with the community, and the presence of a DJ added a festive atmosphere, turning the food giveaway into a celebration of unity and compassion.

The CCSO Thanksgiving celebration was more than just a charitable event, it was a testament to the strength of community spirit. We thank all who helped to make this happen and especially to CCSO Executive Director, Evelyn Heilbron, for her deep rooted commitment to community.  This initiative, and her daily community outreach offering food, clothing, coats and more, have made a lasting impact on those in need.   For that we are eternally grateful. 

As we reflect on the holiday season, may this heartwarming event serve as a reminder that together, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, one act of kindness at a time. If you would like to donate to CCSO please click here. 

"Past Lives" Wins Big Prize at Gotham Awards

Celine Song's feature directorial debut "Past Lives" triumphed at the 33rd annual Gotham Independent Film Awards Monday night, winning the top prize Best Feature. The romantic drama film follows the relationship between two childhood friends (Greta Lee and Teo Yooover) as they grow apart then reunite over the course of two decades.

Entering the evening, the British sci-fi romantic drama "All Of Us Strangers" led all films with four nominations, while "The Zone of Interest," "A Thousand and One," and "Past Lives" each earned three. "A Thousand and One" director A.V. Rockwell beat out Song for the coveted Breakthrough Director award.

Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winner "Anatomy of a Fall" won both awards for which it was nominated – Best Screenplay for Justine Triet and Arthur Harari and Best International Feature. The courtroom thriller about a woman on trial for the suspected murder of her husband is also generating Oscar buzz for star Sandra Hüller.

The Arabic-language Tunisian documentary "Four Daughters" took home the prize for Best Documentary Feature.

In 2021, the Gothams stopped splitting their acting award categories by gender, leaving just two winners for film – Outstanding Lead Performance, won by Lily Gladstone for her performance in "The Unknown Country," and Outstanding Supporting Performance, won by Charles Melton for "May December." Gladstone is expected to earn an Oscar nomination for her lead role in Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon."

This year the Gotham Film & Media Institute made another major change, removing its $35 million budget cap requirement for potential nominees. This opened up the competition to more mainstream films, but many big-budget productions did not submit nominations. "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "Barbie" were among the major films to receive tribute awards.

The Gothams also celebrate television with three awards, two of which were won by Netflix's "Beef" – Breakthrough Television Under 40 Minutes and Outstanding Performance in a New Series for star Ali Wong. "A Small Light" won the award for Breakthrough Television Over 40 Minutes.

Congratulations to all winners and nominees! We are so excited to kick off the awards season!