Spotlight | Pilots To The Rescue

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to consider supporting these organizations to advance the local community. This week, we share the story of Pilots To The Rescue, based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn!

Animal shelters across the country provide our animal friends the opportunity to find loving forever homes. But what happens to animals when shelters are overcrowded? How can less crowded shelters in other communities take on these animals? This is the thought that spurred Michael Schneider to action. Schneider is the "Top Dog," meaning he is the Founder, Executive Director, and Chief Pilot at Pilots To The Rescue (PTTR). PTTR supports a network of trained volunteer pilots who transport thousands of animals from kill shelters to places where they can await adoption and find forever homes. In 2023, the organization rescued 1,003 homeless pets.

Schneider heard of a group of puppies abandoned in North Carolina in the summer of 2014. These foundlings were taken to a local shelter but were slated for euthanasia due to overcrowding. This was saddening, but what added to Schneider's frustration was his knowledge that the shelters near him had plenty of space.

"When it comes to animals, it's about making more space. When you make more space in these facilities, you allow an influx of these animals, whether temporary or permanent," Shneider told News12 of Westchester.

With resources being low, a timeline to save the puppies was too short to accommodate driving to North Carolina for a rescue. So, Scheider, a licensed pilot with access to a plane, jumped into action. Along with his longtime friend, Brian Orter, they flew to North Carolina, picked up the litter, and flew back in just a few hours.

Inspired, Michael combined his two greatest passions -- aviation and animal welfare -- to form Pilots To The Rescue. Over the next five years, Michael maintained his “day job” as a corporate events manager while saving lives with PTTR with the help of an ever-growing crew of selfless volunteer pilots who shared his love for animals. During COVID, Michael decided to commit himself full-time to his mission of preventing homeless pets from being euthanized and giving them the best possible chance at a better life.

"It took 45 years for me to realize what I wanted to do when I grew up. This is a real passion of mine, and it gives me such a sense of fulfillment. I love doing this work. It's tremendous," he told NBC News Now.

The nonprofit's work is sustained by the dedication of incredible donors, partners, and volunteers. No matter the size, every donation makes a difference in how many lives they can save. If you share PTTR's sympathies, you can donate here. Beyond the flights themselves, Schneider emphasizes the transformative power of hands-on involvement in rescue work. You can volunteer as a pilot, a driver, or many other ways.

A volunteer at a shelter with whom PTTR works told the website Great Nonprofits, "As a volunteer for Amazing Mutts Puppy Rescue, I see the challenges of being involved in saving dogs and finding them homes. Pilots to the Rescue provides a quicker and less stressful transportation for dogs located hours away. This helps the new dogs decompress faster in Foster and be available for adoption to their new homes sooner. Their help is invaluable to our organization."

Year-round, PTTR coordinates with rescue facilities all over the U.S. to find space for dogs and cats abandoned or returned to animal shelters by their previous owners. By transporting pets to available shelters by air, they are positioned to quickly find new homes and loving families. In October, PTTR flew over 6600 miles to save 89 dogs and 3 cats. This includes rescues prompted by natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Ahead of Hurricane Milton, PTTR partnered with the Humane Society of the United States to transport 25 dogs north to be adopted, as reported by News 12 Westchester. Later in the month, the Daily Star in Oneonta, New York, reported about a rescue that flew 13 dogs to safety from areas damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Animals are near and dear to our hearts at Broadway Stages. We know how vulnerable these creatures can be and how inspiring they can be when they become a member of our families. In this month of gratitude, we are very thankful that the dedicated Pilots To The Rescue team is applying their talents to a real need. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for inspirational stories and chances to help. And maybe drop them a line to let them know you are thankful, too!

Celebrate the Arts | Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company

A Google Review presented the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company (SIST) as such: “The best Shakespeare one can get on this island and holds its own with others in the surrounding area as well. Fun, inventive, and talented! Do yourself a favor and skip the trip to the city and watch one of their many productions. You will be pleasantly surprised and entertained.”

Since 1975, SIST has been bringing high-quality Shakespearean, classical, and original theater to the residents of Staten Island. The company presents Shakespeare and other classical theater works in “site-specific” locations throughout the Island to provide an environmental theatrical experience. It is the only theater company on Staten Island that presents at least one full production outdoors, free to the public.

While SIST embraces its nomadic circumstances, it has also partnered with the National Park Service as the official resident theater company of Fort Wadsworth, Gateway National Recreation Area. This alliance has created momentum, driving the expansion and growth of the theater company.

SIST is dedicated to the cultural enrichment and education of the borough and beyond. It strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences. However, it is also committed to providing artistic opportunities for the actors, directors, and designers who have chosen to make that community their home.

Today, the company forges ahead on a journey of artistic expression under the direction of Frank Williams. Williams is joined by a newly galvanized Board of Directors representing the youth, diversity, and success of the next generation of Staten Islanders, headed by Cara S. Liander. The momentum they are creating together is propelling the theater company toward a future of expansion and growth.

Entering its 50th year, SIST hopes to commemorate the occasion by raising fifty thousand dollars. The fundraising campaign will fund programming to keep the classics alive and well on Staten Island. To support the cause, click here or become a sponsor by clicking here. Also, keep an eye on the company’s online calendar for upcoming performances and special events. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for event information and member profiles.

October is National Arts and Humanities Month, a collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. Broadway Stages recognizes the value the arts add to our lives, communities, and economy. And the stories told in the theater help us understand each other better, creating a better world. We encourage you to share an evening with your friends, family, and the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company. And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Catching Up With the Reagans: "Blue Bloods" in the News

On Friday, October 18, "Blue Bloods" returned to CBS for the second half of its 14th and final season. One day earlier, cast members and showrunner Kevin Wade appeared at New York's PaleyFest to talk about the final season and share memories from the previous 13.

In front of a sold-out crowd, Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Vanessa Ray, Len Cariou, and Marisa Ramirez joined Wade and moderator Vladimir Duthiers of CBS News for a panel discussion and an advanced screening of one of its final episodes. Duthiers also recently sat down with the cast at the Reagans' favorite meeting spot – their dinner table.

Among other subjects, the cast talked about filming all of those family dinners, and how to not lose their appetites during multiple takes. Moynahan would mash her potatoes, while Selleck buttered his dinner rolls. Broadway Stages has been there for every Sunday dinner with the Reagan family since 2010, providing facilities for nearly 300 episodes.

Cast members also spoke about what they will miss most about working on the show, with everyone agreeing that it will be the people they've come to know as family over the last decade and a half.

"I'll miss every one of these people. It's been a wonderful time for me," Cariou said. "I'm proud to have been part of this thing. It's a wonderful legacy."

Selleck echoed his sentiment, saying, "It’s hard to let go because coming to work was a joy."

Selleck also thanked CBS for supporting the series for so long, and he shared hope for broadcast television as networks struggle to compete with streaming services for viewers.

"I don't think everybody in the world wants to spend an hour on their remote control looking for what they might want to see," he said, adding that he appreciated that fans made it a point to tune in on Friday nights for the show.

This Friday, the sixth-to-last episode will air. CBS has announced that the episode titled "Bad to Worse" will see Frank (Selleck) intervening when tensions rise between the mayor and the fire commissioner. Erin (Moynahan) will be blindsided when Henry (Cariou) agrees to testify for the defense in a case she is prosecuting, and someone will discover human remains in a storage unit.

With only a handful of episodes remaining, Wahlberg recently joined Andy Cohen on SiriusXM to talk about the series finale. He promised "a lot of tears" but also "a hopeful, forward-thinking finale" that will make audiences happy.

We are so proud of the cast and crew for their success and the massive economic impact that the show has had on New York City's film and television industry. And we are especially honored to be their production partner-of-choice. If you need to catch up before the "Blue Bloods" finale in December, you can watch all episodes on Paramount+.

Staten Island CoC YEA! Program | Apply by November 8

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) guides students through fulfilling their American dream. Once again, we at Broadway Stages are proud to sponsor this great opportunity! The 2025 6-week after-school entrepreneurship class is available to Staten Island high school students in grades 9 through 12 from public, Catholic, or private schools.

The ultimate goal of all YEA! classes is for each student to successfully launch their own business. This is no small feat. To achieve this goal, YEA! provides a focused introduction to the business world that bridges the business and educational communities.

The unique program combines a dynamic, proven curriculum with the experiences of local industry leaders, community members, educators, entrepreneurs, and mentors. Learning about real-world business experiences and how to create their own businesses is invaluable as the students consider their future career choices.

By way of the program, students will brainstorm business ideas leading to a formalized business plan. The students will pitch their business plan to local investors and potentially advance to a national competition. Once the young entrepreneurs legally register their businesses, they will launch and run their own businesses or social movements. When they graduate from the program, they will be equipped with lifelong leadership and business skills. Check out the National YEA! website for more information and success stories.

YEA! 2025 classes will meet from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from December 2024 – April 2025. Classes are scheduled to take place at the Chamber’s office. If you are interested in participating or know of someone who is, start the application process today by clicking here. The application deadline is Friday, November 8. If you want to share your business wisdom with aspiring young entrepreneurs and help them get started on the path to success, please get in touch with Danielle Wiseman at (718) 727-1900 ext. 1001 or e-mail at dwiseman@sichamber.com.

Broadway Stages is honored to invest in the student participants and our community as a sponsor of the Staten Island YEA! Program. We are excited to help these young adults on their journey to fulfilling their very own American dream. We know that whatever the participants do, their experience will enrich their future and lead to a better city and progress for all.

2024 Reel Works Film Festival | November 9-10

Reel Works is presenting its 3rd Annual Film Festival on November 9 and 10 at the SVA Theater in Chelsea. With nearly 50 films by emerging young talents, the Festival promises countless stories!

Reel Works inspires, mentors, and trains diverse generations of young filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. Using peerless arts education with workforce development, free filmmaking programs, 1:1 mentoring, and job training, Reel Works amplifies the voices of the next generation of storytellers in narrative, documentary, and animation. Its guidance builds the skills necessary to access successful careers in film and entertainment for 1,700 students annually.

The Annual Film Festival offers an intimate look at the stories and visions of these young creatives. The films being shown are as unique as their creators. Some works explore the intricacies of human connection, from tender intimacies to rebellion. Other stories explore characters teetering between sanity and chaos in pursuit of their goals in situations as diverse as outer space and inner turmoil. Several young filmmakers portray tales of adolescent struggles, self-discovery, and the turbulent path to adulthood in an ever-changing world.

Viewers will identify with poignant family narratives of ancestral journeys, unwavering resilience, and the impact of those who paved the way. On these journeys, the idea of family will be considered while exploring themes of grief, identity, and the complex paths to reconnecting. From animated tales to punk rock anthems, these films capture the spirit of self-expression and the strength of community. For a look at the entire festival lineup, click here.

At the culmination of the showcase, awards will be given for direction, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, narrative, animation, documentary, and social justice impact. The doors will open on November 9 and 10 at 11:30 a.m., and the event will start at Noon. You can get your tickets now by clicking here!

Please keep in mind that Reel Works is a non-profit, so they welcome your support. You can become a volunteer or mentor by clicking here or give your financial support by clicking here. While you are at it, follow them on Instagram and Facebook for future events and inspiring stories!

Broadway Stages knows that the strength of a story is made up of the people who tell the story. It takes a team of creators in every facet of production to make imagination into reality. Reel Works works hard to give people the voice to bring their dreams to the screen. They are molding the future tenants of our soundstages! Take advantage of this opportunity to see their work at the beginning of their careers. 

Spotlight | Brooklyn College: School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. October is National Arts and Humanities Month, a collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. Join Broadway Stages in showing appreciation for the value that the arts and humanities add to our lives, communities, and economy during this observance! This week, we discuss Brooklyn College's School of Visual, Media, and Performing Arts!

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes. Still, they also need a skilled and experienced workforce.

The School of Visual, Media, and Performing Arts at Brooklyn College is an incredible resource for those considering entering the film and TV industry. The school offers world-class training at an affordable price. Forbes magazine voted Brooklyn College "Best Bang for the Buck" and The Princeton Review "Best Value College."

It also has several unique and convenient locations. The School uses the City as a living classroom, offering well-equipped facilities, studios, smart classrooms, and production and practice rooms. Facilities include the Leonard and Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts, the Clarence Tow Theater, the Don Buchwald Theater, the New Workshop Theater, the Topfer Rehearsal Studio, and state-of-the-art Digital and Multimedia Labs.

For more than 85 years, students have come to learn from the renowned faculty of academics, professionals, and artists, who are among the best in their fields. Legends such as painters Mark Rothko and Philip Pearlstein, composer Tania León, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and documentary filmmaker Sarah Christman have taught there, cultivating the creative minds of the next generation. You can find a complete list of the current faculty members by clicking here.

The School of Visual, Media, and Performing Arts has several academic specialties.

●        The Film department offers film studies, film production, screenwriting, documentary, and industry studies concentrations. Costing one-third of other major film schools, the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema has been rated a Top U.S. Film School by Hollywood Reporter, MovieMaker, and Variety. It offers M.F.A. programs in sonic arts, media scoring, and cinema arts (with specializations in live-action filmmaking and digital animation and visual effects), as well as an M.A. program in screen studies.

●        The Theater department provides an affordable, accessible, outstanding education taught by a nationally recognized faculty of theater artists and leaders. Students in this program will develop and inspire each theater maker to embrace and express their unique artistic voice.

●        The Art department focuses on studio art and art history. Students are exposed to a wide variety of artistic studio practices and innovative art historical scholarship, training them for successful careers in these areas.

●        The esteemed Conservatory of Music of Brooklyn College offers undergraduate degrees in music, music composition, music education, and performance. Graduates can choose from specializations such as composition, media scoring, musicology, performance, and sonic arts. The college also offers advanced certificates in music education and performance and a post-master's advanced diploma in performance.

Training, theoretical and technical knowledge, and practical experience in conceptualizing and producing collaborative, multidisciplinary artworks are available through the Performance in Media Arts (PIMA) program. But students can also study theory and practice of state-of-the-art digital technologies in the Emerging Media Innovation Lab, which includes a multi-cam television streaming studio, a VR/Multimedia Lab, and a video newscast set as part of the Television, Radio, and Emerging Media program.

As students journey from academic to professional life, the Magner Career Center helps pave the road. Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, students gain access to a wide variety of employers, including Atlantic Records, Brooklyn Museum, Comedy Central, HBO, Lincoln Center Theater, National Theatre (West End, London), NBCUniversal, Sony Entertainment, Viacom, WNYC, and many more.

If you are interested in Brooklyn College's degrees, click here for Undergraduate and Graduate programs. The School's Instagram and Facebook pages also have lots of information about engaging and unique student projects, exhibitions, and performances. Be sure to check them out!

To aid those considering careers in the film and TV industry, Broadway Stages has an ongoing blog series called Industry Jobs that looks at the various roles that make a production come to life. You can find the blog series by clicking here. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry, possibly by way of Brooklyn College's School of Visual, Media, and Performing Arts!

Directors Guild of America Recognizes Broadway Stages

On October 17, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) honored Broadway Stages Founder Tony Argento and its President & CEO Gina Argento for their enduring commitment to and impact on the New York City film and television industry. They were recognized alongside such luminaries as Director Francis Ford Coppola, See It Now Studios President and former CBS News Executive Susan Zirinsky, the film distribution company Criterion, and the children's program “Sesame Street” at the 25th Directors Guild of America Honors at the DGA Theater in New York City.

DGA National Vice President Laura Belsey said, "This year's honorees represent the broad ecosystem needed to bring a Director's creative and artistic vision to life, reaching and inspiring audiences across the globe." DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter further applauded Tony and Gina Argento's unwavering support of New York's vibrant creative industry: "Our honorees have exhibited unparalleled dedication, creativity, and passion for our craft."

Broadway Stages got its start in 1983 when Tony Argento saw potential in a dilapidated Astoria theater that he transformed into the company's first soundstage that was home to a multitude of commercials and music video productions for iconic artists like Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Jay-Z, and others. Tony's sister, Gina, learned the ropes from her brother while growing up; helping out after school and on weekends. She formally joined the company after earning her bachelor's and master's degrees from St. John's University. Together, they nurtured and grew Broadway Stages into a studio production partner-of-choice with more than 60 soundstages, locations, support space, and in-house lighting, power, and grip rental service available to handle all types and sizes of production.

Together with their clients, they have employed thousands of people and created hundreds of local jobs. Broadway Stages is dedicated to giving back to the community through education, the arts, and environmentally focused programs, and supports a host of New York City-based nonprofits that share their commitment to advance equity – social, economic, and environmental – and provide community value across New York City through investments that mutually bolster their business and the local community.

Past DGA Honors recipients have included influential filmmakers Ron Howard, Nora Ephron, Robert Altman, Spike Lee, and Martin Scorsese, as well as leaders in entertainment, labor, and politics such as “Law & Order” creator/producer Dick Wolf, “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels, IATSE International President Matthew Loeb, former AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

With more than 18,000 members, the DGA is a craft union representing directors and members of the directorial team of diverse forms of media, such as film, television, documentaries, news, sports, commercials, and new media.

We join the Directors Guild of America in congratulating our very own Tony and Gina on their accomplishments. We look forward to a great future together and continuing our role as the studio production partner-of-choice!  See the DGA NYC Honors Gala photo gallery here.

Museum of the Moving Image

October is National Arts & Humanities Month. From economic and educational benefits to entertainment, supporting the arts is important to Broadway Stages. Of course, the art of the moving image is dear to our hearts. So, we happily suggest you visit the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) located in a former building of the historic Astoria Studios in Queens.

MoMI is the country's only museum dedicated to the art, history, technique, and technology of the moving image in all its forms. It is a one-of-a-kind destination for audiences of all ages and interests, from children and families, to connoisseurs of classic cinema and avid gamers, and more.

The Museum offers visitors an engaging, highly interactive experience. Through programs of contemporary and classic films from around the world and discussions with leading figures in film and television, they are given a window into this unique storytelling medium. The Museum presents nearly 500 screenings and events in its stunning theaters a year.

In addition to groundbreaking online projects and stimulating changing exhibitions, MoMI is home to its "Behind the Screen." It features over 1,400 artifacts, from nineteenth-century optical toys to video games and an array of interactive experiences, audiovisual material, and artworks. Visitors can take part in the creative process of making moving images, inspiring storytellers of all ages.

MoMI has many unique and engaging events, like the Jim Henson Exhibition, which explores the creator's groundbreaking work and his transformative impact on culture. To learn more about current and upcoming events, check out the Museum's calendar or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Consider these words from a recent Google Review, "What a great place. The displays were a rich history of film, artists, equipment, technology, and special effects. They had movies as part of the demonstrations and lots of hands-on interactive equipment. The old shows and commercials were hilarious! This is highly recommended for young and old."

If you want to purchase your tickets before your visit, you can do so by clicking here. And to add your financial support to this inclusive, one-of-a-kind museum, click here.

As a company in the television and film industry, Broadway Stages understands the positive impact the arts provide. We work with our clients to deliver not only entertainment but jobs that fuel our economy and allow individuals to follow their passions. The Museum of the Moving Image advances the understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation of film, television, and digital media's art, history, technique, and technology. A visit to the Museum pays homage to the creators with whom we work and their creations, and who knows, it may inspire a creative spirit in you! And when you get there, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Check Out Greenpoint YMCA’s Fall II Programs

Programming for the Fall II schedule starts on October 28 at the Greenpoint YMCA, and community registration is now open! Whether you are interested in staying fit or just looking for a way to become more active, the Y has what you want. There are team sports, family programs, and fitness classes. You can also use the cardio and strength equipment, free weights, and the pool! Click here for site schedules and here for the Fall II programs.

Also, the YMCA knows a day off from school should be fun. So, they offer Holiday Camp Days full of structured games and activities, all led by trained, caring adult staff. This fall, the Greenpoint YMCA is offering Holiday Camp Days for the following school holidays: Election Day (Tuesday, 11/5), Veteran's Day (Monday, 11/11), Winter Recess (Thursday, 12/26, Friday, 12/27, Monday, 12/30, and Tuesday, 12/31).

To register for Holiday Camp days,

●        Please visit the Greenpoint YMCA front desk to get an application.

●        Please return the completed application along with payment to the front desk staff.

●        Photo ID and a child's health form must be submitted before your first camp day.

For more information on the Holiday Camp Days, click here. Or contact Vincent Punziano, Youth & Family Director at 212-912-2260 or vpunziano@ymcanyc.org

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all. Financial assistance is available for membership, programs, childcare, and camp. Learn more about how to apply by clicking here. This financial assistance is possible thanks to generous donor support of the Y's Annual Campaign. You can add your support by clicking here.

Broadway Stages is proud to support the Greenpoint Y, and our President and CEO Gina Argento has been an active board member for years. We encourage you to follow the Greenpoint YMCA on Instagram and Facebook for updates and highlights. Sign up now and finish 2024 strong!

Spotlight | Basilio Inn

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. October is Italian American Heritage Month. Join Broadway Stages in honoring Italian Americans' values, culture, and contributions during this observance! This week, we take you to the historic Basilio Inn on Staten Island!

It is hard to imagine a 103-year-old restaurant being a hidden gem. But the Basilio Inn on Staten Island's southeast shore is just that.

Basilio Giovannini, an immigrant from the Piedmont area of Italy, bought a carriage house built circa 1850. In 1921, he transformed the site into a comfortable eatery, adding a vegetable garden, grape arbor, and a bocce court like the countryside restaurants of his home. This arguably makes the Inn the longest-running restaurant on Staten Island. Soon, it became a gathering place for Italian immigrants from all over New York. The retreat served as a haven where Italian immigrants could play bocce, indulge in homemade wine, and dance.

Today, the Basilio Inn retains its character under the guidance of its owner, Naples-born Maurizio Asperti. Before Maurizio, his father was the proprietor. When his father fell ill and could no longer run the historic nook, he made Maurizio promise that he would continue the family business. He still regales customers with tales of his father's maritime adventures or advises them on the wine selections. His wine list features affordable, decent bottles he's personally taken the time to sample. He also gives the restaurant's Facebook page his personal touch.

A Google Reviewer said, "The food is fresh, the atmosphere is small and intimate, and the service is impeccable! Even though it was our first visit, it felt comfortable and familiar. The owner, who was so kind and easy to speak with, came over quite a few times to our table to make recommendations, give some background on the dishes, and speak about his time in Italy. The martinis were fabulous! This is a wonderful place!"

Not surprisingly, the current menu features dishes from different regions of Italy. In season, the chef uses peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, assorted squash and their blossoms, cucumbers, figs, and herbs from their own garden. The menu includes pasta, and desserts are made in-house. There are also homemade goat cheese and Basilio's own vinegar.

Diners are wise to partake in traditional favorites like Fried Calamari, Veal Piccata, and fresh mussels. But the menu offers more. Fresh garlic, lemon, and wine flavors perfectly suit the sizable Shrimp Scampi, and the Rigatoni Carbonara bathed in a creamy parmesan sauce embraces the smoky flavor of thick slices of sautéed pancetta. Have you tried Spiedini alla Romana? It is a soft cake of gently fried mozzarella in a lemony sauce of capers, tomato, and just enough anchovy. Even if you don't like anchovies, this might change your mind!

But remember to save room for the house-made Tiramisu. "Wow, what a find! The best Italian food I have had in a while, and the tiramisu was the best I've had! Thank you for understanding that Italian food should be friendly and affordable," noted one Yelp user.

Broadway Stages encourages everyone to explore the rich history and culture of Italy and its immigrants to the U.S. While museums and libraries can tell you a lot, the true soul of a culture must be experienced. The Basilio Inn tells much of this story in the food it serves but also captures the spirit in its service and atmosphere. So, if you can't make the journey to Italy soon, stop by the Basilio Inn Tuesday through Saturday, 3 to 10 p.m., or on Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m. And when you get there, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

TCAH Youth Leadership Conference | Nov. 9

On November 9, our friends at The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) are hosting their Youth Leadership Conference at Scholars Academy in Rockaway Park, Queens. TCAH has worked hard to increase access to safe, nutritious food and related resources for over 20 years.

This is part of TCAH’s Youth Empowerment Conferences, which address vital issues — food justice, mental wellness, financial literacy, and anti-gun violence — that resonate with the needs of New York City’s youth. TCAH seeks to empower our neighbors to lead healthier, more productive, and self-sufficient lives. By focusing on empowerment through education, they contribute to shaping informed, resilient future leaders for our city. TCAH recognizes that fostering a healthy community begins with promoting access to nourishment.

This year’s theme, Food for Thought: Mental Health and Nutrition, will focus on the vital connection between what we eat and how we feel. Young leaders ages 12-24 are invited to attend for a day of learning, empowerment, and community care. Through engaging workshops and thought-provoking speaker-led panels, attendees will explore how nutrition impacts mental health and how we can all make healthier choices for a brighter future. They will engage in dialogues to empower them to be agents of change in their communities. The occasion will provide a platform for young leaders to learn, grow, and sharpen their skills, preparing them to be the change-makers of tomorrow.

So, if you know of a young adult ready to make waves and spark positive change in your community, register for the conference here. And keep an eye on TCAH’s Instagram and Facebook pages for more on this and future events. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a voice of change in your community!

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