Greenpoint YMCA Early Childhood Programs

Broadway Stages has long supported the Greenpoint YMCA and its programs to help children develop in a safe environment. We recently posted about the Y’s Holiday Camps. But did you know about their Early Childhood Center that offers Early Learning Separation Enrichment Classes for children under two and the Early Childhood Program for children ages two to four? These programs help build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

These programs take a holistic approach to promoting growth and development, which ultimately helps prepare children for a school environment. The program is a gateway to preschool to give each child a positive first school experience. Using an engaging, interactive learning method, children are authentically motivated to learn. The program focuses on the social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child as an individual and with a group.

The Y offers three or four weekly classes — Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays or Mondays - Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily. Sessions are eight weeks long. The program runs on the NYC Board of Education calendar and is drop-off only.

The Greenpoint YMCA offers a robust curriculum and flexible schedules structured to meet your family’s needs and provide a safe space for your family to grow and play together. Broadway Stages knows how vital this resource is to our community. That is why our President and CEO, Gina Argento, serves on their board and why we actively provide financial support as an investment in our community. Find more information on these Early Childhood Center programs on their website. And stay tuned to the Greenpoint YMCA’s Facebook and Instagram for news and other exciting programs!

Spotlight | Astoria Bookshop

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 revisit a favorite stop in Queens — the Astoria Bookshop!

Broadway Stages is excited to revisit the independent Astoria Bookshop on 30th Street in Astoria, Queens, just in time for the holiday shopping season! This locally owned business has been mentioned as a favorite by Thrillist, Time Out, and Electric Lit.

Simon & Schuster alum Lexi Beach and wife Connie Rourke opened the Astoria Bookshop in 2013. As a proudly woman-owned bookshop, it offers a broad array of options, including a feminist book selection in nearly every genre. The shop also features a great lineup of female authors who visit for book discussions and a monthly feminist book club.

But it's so much more! "The inventory is a mix of my personal favorites -- and favorites of my slowly growing staff -- books that are highly recommended by friends… Some of my steadiest selling titles are books that customers recommended," said Beach.

Nearly every genre is represented in this little bookshop, from poetry to political science. Young readers will enjoy the children's section in the back. The bookshop features the latest best sellers, classics of every genre, and a Spanish section (staff recommendations are handwritten on oak tags). And the Astoria Bookshop is dedicated to supporting Queens-based writers. It has a special "Queens and NYC" section. So, you'll be able to read some of the best local literature when you visit.

The Astoria Bookshop hosts many other great events, including children's story time, adult and teen book clubs, book parties, and author talks. Keep an eye on their calendar for upcoming events, including participating in the Shop Small Astoria Retail Crawl this weekend. And while you are there, browse the website! From staff picks and audiobooks to greeting cards and more, the Astoria Bookshop is a definite online destination. 

They are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. If you have a question, drop them a line at info@astoriabookshop.com or call them at (718) 278-2665. And, of course, follow them on Instagram and Facebook for events and deals! Most of all, we encourage you to support this local bookseller who provides adventures and knowledge through the pages of books. The Astoria Bookshop also supports the local economy and the livelihood of our neighbors. So, why not take the afternoon off and treat yourself to a stroll along the aisles of stories waiting to be told at the Astoria Bookshop? And when you get there, be sure to tell them that Broadway Stages sent you. Happy reading!

Abuela’s Kitchen Exhibition at Snug Harbor

The concept of a grandmother conjures many thoughts. She is a matriarch who has made a long journey and a woman who carries her hopes and worries for her loved ones on their own journeys. With this perspective, social justice activist Kelly Vilar presents the multimedia exhibition Abuela's Kitchen at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. The exhibition transports the viewer to the kitchen of the symbolic Abuela (grandmother) as she tells the story of social and environmental justice in the context of communities of color in New York City.

Vilar, the curator of the showcase, is the founder and CEO of the Staten Island Urban Center. The Center seeks to inspire and edu­cate a diverse population to build their own healthy neigh­bor­hoods and help to ele­vate com­mu­ni­ty voic­es. It hopes to accomplish this through activism, social jus­tice arts, pub­li­ca­tions, and youth development.

In founding the Center, Vilar brought a Master's Degree in Science-Urban Policy and Planning from the New School for Social Research and over twenty years in the financial field, where she taught people how to become more empowered. She has always been passionate about helping others become socially and economically conscious and activists in their own lives—thus living and sharing her mantra: community development through community involvement.

Abuela's Kitchen is an extension of these efforts. Vilar told SIlive.com, "These events and activities contextualize the work of Staten Island Urban Center's message of community development through community involvement using our village as the catalyst for finding hope and solutions using food, space (kitchen, park, market) and community conversations."

When curating the exhibit, Vilar selected from her own art collection along with the works of fellow artists and activists. It also includes art created by the youth of the Staten Island Urban Center. In all, the exposition features work by Britney Carles, Debbie Ann Paige, Ernest Paige, Everet, Gabrielle Diaz, Gena Mimozo, John Kilcullen, Justin Clouden, Justin Wood, Katie McCarthy, Kwynn Hogan, Lucia Carmen Daniel, Nadette Stasa, Nataki Hewling, Nisha Agrawal, Olga Ayala, Shani Mitchell, Tracy Vilar Daniel, Virginia Allen, and Yolanda Matias.

As part of the programming for this show, Sarah Blas of Staten Island Therapeutic Gardens and Jamillah LaSalle of Bait Ul Jamaat House of Community will host Abuelita Masala on January 11 at 2 p.m. on the first floor of Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, Building G. Those in attendance will hear from several grandmas of different ethnicities as they share their best dishes. You can enjoy a tasting while learning about the origins of food recipes and preparations.

The collection of works at Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art — Gallery G (galleries 1 and 2) at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is on display through January 12. Gallery Hours are Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Broadway Stages deeply respects the message of finding hope and solutions. We are proud to support our neighbors and work for a better City for us all. Let the works of Abuela's Kitchen inspire you to become involved in developing your own community. We encourage you to visit the exhibition, and when you get there, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

"Blue Bloods" Cast and Crew Reminisce at PaleyFest

On October 17, "Blue Bloods" showrunner Kevin Wade and cast members Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Len Cariou, Vanessa Ray, and Marisa Ramirez sat for a panel discussion with moderator Vladimir Duthiers at PaleyFest, an annual celebration of the television industry held at the Paley Museum in New York City.

Selleck kicked things off by reading a letter written by the family of longtime executive producer Leonard Goldberg, who died in 2019. The letter revealed that Goldberg was instrumental in establishing the beloved weekly family dinners "that served as the emotional fulcrum of each episode."

"…he understood what the everyday interactions around the dinner table would add to the show's dynamic, and how they would resonate with viewers," Selleck read.

Wade said that while the main characters are all in law enforcement, the point of "Blue Bloods" is not whether or not they caught the killer or got out of perilous situations that week. The heart of the show is whether the family members can get past their differences to remain a close-knit unit. The weekly dinners were an essential part of telling that story.

"The family dinner, I think, became a lot of things to a lot of people," Wade said. "A lot of what we did over the ensuing years was finding ways…hopefully telling entertaining crime stories and legal stories, but to bring two or more of these guys into conflict and be able to work that out alongside the crime show."

Moynahan added, "The family dinner brings us together on screen, and it brings people, the audience, together, yearning for that in their own lives, or reigniting that in their own lives, appreciating those moments with their family and those conversations."

Cariou laughed as he talked about filming the very first family dinner for the pilot episode.

"The first scene we did was the family dinner. [Goldberg] sat us down around the table, nine of us around the table, with the kids, and we all kind of looked at one another and went, 'What?... We just met last night.' I mean, literally, we had just met the night before."

Selleck added, "A scene with a group of strangers pretending they'd known each other all their life, first day of work."

Wade revealed that Goldberg found inspiration for the iconic dinner scenes in the Norman Rockwell painting "Freedom From Want," which depicts a happy family sitting around the dinner table at Thanksgiving.

The family dinners were often the only opportunities for all the main actors to film together, allowing them to catch up with people they hadn't seen all week, just like the Reagans did. Selleck said he will miss that weekly gathering.

"Everybody works. Everybody goes this way and that way. And suddenly that opportunity that we had, that gift of once every eight working days seeing everybody, that doesn't happen in almost any TV show, but the way our show was structured, you could always look forward to that. And it's two families. There are the Reagans and the actor family."

While cast members said they would miss the people the most, they also spoke about how much they would miss filming in New York. Broadway Stages has provided facilities for "Blue Bloods" during its entire run, going back to 2010.

"The city is… it's not a Reagan, but it's definitely a character in the show," Wahlberg said. "The most spectacular background you'll ever see. Stories that you can only tell in New York."

Wahlberg added that despite being a "Boston boy" the city has treated him like one of their own.

"It's just been a spectacular time in an amazing city, and I'll miss it. I already miss it… I've never, never had a bad time shooting in the streets of New York. You could put me in any neighborhood, in any borough, and I'm gonna have a good time."

Ray echoed his sentiments, saying she misses "the excitement of getting to work in New York City. I mean, it really is exciting. Every time you get in the van and you drive on the bridge, you go over to Greenpoint, and you're like, 'I can't actually believe this happened.'"

"Blue Bloods" has made a massive economic impact on New York City's film and television industry over the last decade and a half, and we have been so honored to be the show's production partner-of-choice. Over the summer, the Broadway Stages team received a commemorative citation from the state of New York to mark the show's 14 seasons of filming in New York, which created 80,000 jobs and generated more than $1 billion in spending across the state.

The long-running series will air its 293rd and final episode on December 13 in its usual Friday night timeslot. First, CBS will air an hour-long retrospective special called "Blue Bloods: Celebrating a Family Legacy" on Friday, November 29. "Entertainment Tonight" co-host Nischelle Turner will host the special, which will include new interviews with the cast and an inside look at the Reagan family dinners. If you need to catch up before the finale, you can watch all episodes on Paramount+.

Spotlight | Uncommon Goods

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 bring you the Brooklyn-based online and catalog retailer Uncommon Goods!

One day in 1999, Dave Bolotsky found himself at a craft show. As he perused the items on sale, he thought there should be something like this sale online. He envisioned a website connecting makers and their creations with shoppers looking for truly unique goods. Thus, Uncommon Goods was born. Today, it employs 150 year-round team members and delivers thousands of packages from Brooklyn to customers nationwide daily.

Uncommon Goods is set apart from others by its overarching commitment to positively impacting both people and the planet. They have three driving principles behind their operations: to be environmentally conscious, to give back through nonprofit organizations (one of them being our friends at The Campaign Against Hunger), and to put people first by being a considerate employer. They hold themselves to a high social responsibility standard as a certified B Corporation. Their efforts in this were recognized in 2018 when they were named a Forbes Small Giant, an annual list celebrating 25 standout businesses that favor greatness over growth. They have also been listed on the B Lab Best for the World in the Community five times.

They are environmentally conscious in several different ways. They use recycled or sustainable materials whenever possible and encourage their artists to do the same. They also print their catalog on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper and use environmentally friendlier packing materials. Finally, their products have always been leather, feather, and fur-free.

To empower their desire to give back, they established their Better to Give program. Through the Better to Give program, they have connected customers with global nonprofit organizations. With every purchase, they donate $1 to a Better to Give partner of your choice ($2 for Perks members). Since launching Better to Give in 2001, they have donated more than three million dollars to causes they care about, including American Forests and the International Rescue Committee.

As a responsible employer, Uncommon Goods offers starting pay for hourly team members that is more than double the federal minimum wage. Moreover, they offer fair paid family leave to new parents and to those on their team caring for sick loved ones. In fact, they feel strongly enough about this that they have successfully advocated for paid family leave and a higher minimum wage in New York State and continue to support these efforts in other states.

But remember, they sell great products! From the founders' craft show finds, they have grown their offerings to thousands of designs handpicked by their buying team. The team considers not only the product but also the story behind it. They think about how it's made, who's making it, and the process that leads to the finished design.

All of the products they carry are creative. Each product is purposeful, solution-oriented, stunning, expertly handmade, upcycled, and unprecedented. And thanks to their in-house product development team, they create their own goods, too. They are proud to offer independent designers a place to showcase their work. Do you have something that fits this? You can submit your product here!

A review on Trustpilot.com may have said it best. "I have been shopping on Uncommon Goods for quite some time… Everything I have ordered from this site has been of beautiful quality, and I enjoy giving many of them as gifts. What a pleasure that their wonderful customer service matches the beautiful quality of their products."

As we stimulate the economy during this season, it is nice to know that we can do so with a company like Uncommon Goods. Broadway Stages loves that it is not alone in Brooklyn as an environmentally and community-minded business. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for inspiring stories and enticing product profiles, make a list, then do your holiday shopping!

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Celebrating Small Business Saturday With Films

November 30 is Small Business Saturday. In appreciation of small business owners and their employees, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite films about small businesses and the challenges they face. We hope these films will inspire you to support local businesses as their employees work hard to keep your community unique and thriving.

"The Shop Around the Corner" (1940)

Alfred Kralik (Jimmy Stewart) is a successful salesman at a small shop in Budapest, but he is less successful in finding love. That changes when he contacts an unknown woman through a newspaper ad. Meanwhile, shop owner Hugo Matuschek (Frank Morgan) hires Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan) as a saleslady, and she and Kralik can't stand each other. If this plot sounds familiar, it is because it is an adaptation of the same play that inspired "You've Got Mail" (1998).

"The Pajama Game" (1957)

In this adaptation of the stage musical of the same name, Babe Williams (Doris Day) and other employees of the Sleeptite Pajama Factory are demanding a raise of 7½ cents per hour, but factory owner Myron Hasler (Ralph Dunn) refuses to budge. New superintendent Sid Sorokin (John Raitt), who is madly in love with Williams but had to fire her, discovers the corrupt reason why Hasler won't relent. Will his discovery avert a strike and win back Williams?

"McCabe & Mrs. Miller" (1971)

When John McCabe (Warren Beatty) arrives in Presbyterian Church, Washington, in 1902, the only building in town is the church for which it's named. McCabe soon establishes the town's first non-mining businesses — a saloon/gambling hall and a small brothel. Constance Miller (Julie Christie), a cockney madam, soon arrives and convinces McCabe to form a business partnership, with her managing the struggling brothel. Quickly a bustling town forms, catching the attention of a large mining company looking to buy out McCabe's businesses, whether he wants to sell or not.

"Ghostbusters" (1984)

At its heart, "Ghostbusters" is the story of three entrepreneurs (Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Harold Ramis) who start a small business to eradicate evil spirits from New York City. While the service they provide may be unique, they face the same problems as many small-business owners — finding an affordable workplace, hiring new employees, and dealing with government regulators who want to shut down their ecto-containment system.

"Jerry Maguire" (1996)

When high-profile sports agent Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is fired from his high-paying job with one of the top sports talent agencies in the nation, he decides to start his own agency. With just one employee, single mother Dorothy Boyd (Renée Zellweger), and one client, cocky wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Maguire sets out to change the industry for the better.

"Chocolat" (2000)

In the winter of 1959, single mother Vianne (Juliette Binoche) upends a small French village by opening an unconventional chocolate shop during Lent. The devoutly Catholic locals are both curious and appalled, and the town mayor (Alfred Molina) urges them to boycott her shop, with the hope of putting her out of business by Easter. Can Vianne win over the townsfolk with her chili-pepper hot chocolate and delectable truffles?

"Barbershop" (2002)

Struggling to keep his Chicago barbershop afloat, Calvin Palmer Jr. (Ice Cube) sells the business to the ruthless loan shark Lester Wallace (Keith David). He quickly regrets his decision, but Wallace wants double what he paid to return the shop. Palmer has one day to save the neighborhood establishment while simultaneously managing employee crises and his growing family.

"Kinky Boots" (2005)

Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton) is struggling to keep his family-owned shoe factory in business. A chance encounter with drag queen Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor) opens his eyes to a niche market — drag queens seeking heels that can withstand extra weight and fit larger feet. When Charlie and his former employee Lauren (Sarah-Jane Potts) fail to design a suitable product, they bring in Lola as a consultant, which does not sit well with many of the factory's employees or Charlie's fiancée.

"Sunshine Cleaning" (2008)

Single mother Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) needs money for her hyperactive son to attend private school. Cleaning houses does not pay the bills, nor does it fulfill her need to get more out of life, so she enlists her aimless sister Norah (Emily Blunt) to join her in starting a specialized cleaning service — crime scene cleanup. As the sisters learn the ins and outs of biowaste disposal, they quickly discover the grueling demands of running a small business.

"Theater Camp" (2023)

When Camp AdirondACTS founder Joan Rubinsky (Amy Sedaris) suffers a "Bye Bye Birdie-related injury" leaving her in a coma, her inept son, business vlogger Troy (Jimmy Tatro), takes over management of the cash-strapped camp. With foreclosure imminent, Troy seeks novel ways to cut costs and increase revenue, including having campers "act" as servers at a Rotary Club event, sharing his bunk with an Airbnb guest, and replacing several longtime teachers with one instructor — the highly unqualified Janet Walch (Ayo Edebiri).

Check out our blog to learn more about how you can participate in Small Business Saturday.

The Peter Roth Internship @PALEY Seeks Future TV Professionals

Broadway Stages is always looking for ways to help people enter the film and television industry. We champion organizations like Reel Works and are proud to play a role in developing scenic artists by hosting the United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 Apprenticeship Program. So, we are thrilled to share the The Peter Roth Internship @PALEY with you.

The Paley Center for Media is dedicated to discussing the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. It only makes sense that they would foster the next generation of creators.

In its third year, the internship is meant to help shape the next generation of visionary TV professionals. It is a paid internship for rising junior and senior college students. The participants will get unparalleled first-hand experience of television's business and creative sides.

The internship is named after renowned television executive Peter Roth. He broke into the television industry in 1976 as a manager and then director of ABC's children's programming. He also served as ABC's vice president of current programming. Later, after a time as president of Stephen J. Cannell Productions, he became the president of Fox. After three years in that position, he left for Warner Brothers Television Studios, where he served as the chairman and chief executive officer.

Roth said of the internship, "We are so excited to welcome and support such a talented, passionate, and dedicated cohort of future media executives, creators, writers, and thought leaders. I fully expect, and I am convinced, that they will make a significant contribution to the betterment and nurturing of great television."

Applications for the 2025 class of Peter Roth Interns are now open and close on January 14, 2025. You can get started by clicking here. The Paley Center also offers upcoming question-and-answer sessions on 11/19 and 12/9. These sessions will share tips to help applicants get their applications noticed.

Broadway Stages knows the strength of the stories brought to the screen depends on a skilled, diverse group of creators. As one of New York's largest growing full-service film, TV, and music video studio production companies, we value diversity and promote the inclusion of experiences, talents, and culture in the industry. The Peter Roth Internship program will create ongoing access and opportunities to help increase diversity in the industry and inspire the next generation of television professionals. We know the future of the American film and television industry will remain strong because of organizations like the Paley Center for Media and programs like The Peter Roth Internship. If you are interested in more information about careers in film and television, check out our Industry Guide webpage. There, you can find job profiles, tips about bringing stories to the screen, and current job postings.

Spotlight | P.S. Kitchen

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 hope the story of P.S. Kitchen inspires you!

In 2017, a new and unique restaurant opened in New York City's Theater District. The menu at P.S. Kitchen features a high-end take on vegan cuisine. While people rave about the service and cuisine, that isn't what elevates it above others. P.S. Kitchen donates 100% of its profits to sustainable nonprofits like ShareHope, Justice Rising, Restore, and Defy Ventures!

Cofounders and partners April Tam Smith and Graham Smith drew inspiration from the CEO of one of those nonprofits, Cynthia Petterson of Share Hope. Petterson launched her business by mortgaging her home as a single mom.

Amy Tan Smith told the Manhattan news service W42ST, "I strongly believe that we're all created to help people. And, having worked for Wall Street for so long, I see that there is really nothing that money can buy that would give me the same joy and fulfillment."

Collaborating with industry experts Craig Cochran and Jeffrey LaPadula and fueled by this inspiration, they used their time, money, and energy to create this exceptional eatery. Citing the inspiration of social impact pioneer Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Cofounder Craig Cochran told Forbes,  "We wanted to do more than just write a check — we wanted to create jobs and empower others."

The restaurant's mission is more significant than just donating its profits. It aims to advance the causes of justice and kindness locally and worldwide. To make this happen, P.S. Kitchen is committed to empowering people who have been marginalized. This is reflected in the social ventures and charitable endeavors with whom it joins forces. And, of course, it is dedicated to providing New Yorkers with delicious, entirely plant-based food options that are kind to the body and the Earth.

One Yelp reviewer noted, "This place is a real find! The food is delicious, refined, and served beautifully. We had the lasagna, crabby cakes, and roasted Brussels sprouts. All were excellent. BTW, I'm not a Vegan, but I'll be going back. We ordered coffee (very good), and the oat milk we requested was warmed, which is a nice touch. I can hardly wait to try other items on the menu!"

Their team has crafted a menu to engage the pleasure of comfort while elevating it to the level of fantasy. Flavor profiles inspired by the season and the globe are balanced with classic French techniques and the finest quality ingredients. Diners can choose from high-end vegan cuisine such as appetizing Colombian Potato Soup, organic Maitake Wings, a hearty Black -N- Bleu (Impossible) Burger, and Linguini Fini with homemade Marinara, to name a few.

Patrons can also enjoy a host of beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and tempting desserts. For a complete listing of the options available, click here. And follow them on Facebook and Instagram to learn about tempting additions to the menu.

P.S. Kitchen is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Its location in the Theater District makes it a great choice before or after the show. With this in mind, reservations are recommended. You can also order online.

P.S. Kitchen inspires Broadway Stages. Like us, they are dedicated to serving their clients, employees, society, and the Earth with utmost care. It makes us proud to see New Yorkers leverage the power of good food and an open heart. We encourage you to join P.S. Kitchen in making a better city and world. It's as easy as relaxing, grabbing a drink, and satisfying your appetite. And when you go, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Remember Local Food Banks This Holiday Season and Beyond!

As the leaves fall and the weather gets colder, many look ahead to times of companionship, joy, and abundance. But, sadly, many of our neighbors find themselves considering how they will provide for themselves and their families.

According to New York City Council, New Yorkers visited food pantries over 30 million times in 2023. Additionally, soup kitchens provided nearly three and a half million meals. Moreover, according to City Harvest, almost 50% of working-aged households in New York are struggling to make ends meet.

Broadway Stages prides itself on the role we play in fighting this scourge. For instance, our founder, Tony Argento, sits on the board of directors of The Campaign Against Hunger. We also donate the space for the the Corona Food Bank, run by the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) and its founder and executive director, Evelyn Heilbron.

Broadway Stages urges you to look out for your neighbor during this time of abundance and throughout the year. Below are just a few of the great nonprofits fighting food insecurity in our five boroughs and beyond. For an extensive list, click here.

Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) - Food Bank of Corona

CCSO’s 2024 Thanksgiving Community Meal will be held on Wednesday, November 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 93-15 Corona Ave., Elmhurst, NY. Follow them for more information on Instagram and Facebook. Consider providing financial support via their GoFundMe page.

The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH)

At two locations, TCAH will distribute FREE turkeys and Thanksgiving essentials. It's first-come, first-served while supplies last. Note, these are ticketed events.

Brooklyn
2010 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY
Thursday, November 21
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Far Rockaway
Far Rockaway Farm
45-55 Beach Channel Drive
Friday, November 22
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Get Involved with TCAH

• Provide Support

Here are some additional organizations you might consider supporting:

North Brooklyn Angels

• Get Involved

• Give

Rethink Food

• Get Involved

• Give

City Harvest

• Get Involved

• Give

Food Bank For New York City

• Get Involved

• Give

NOoSPHERE Arts | November 17 U.S. Premiere of "A Place Called Music"

On Sunday, November 17, our friends at NOoSPHERE Arts will present the U.S. Premiere of  "A Place Called Music." This fascinating documentary from director Enrique M. Rizo tells the story of two artists from uniquely disparate backgrounds.

Photo Credit: Pasquale Salerno

One part of the collaboration is Daniel Medina, a traditional Wixárika violinist from the mountains of Jalisco, Mexico, while the other is Philip Glass, the world-renowned composer from New York City. The audience will join Daniel and Philip on a remarkable musical journey that transcends cultural, linguistic, and geographic boundaries.

When music becomes the language, the language barrier is bridged. The artists' journey brings them to a shared space, revealing profound artistic connections that resonate deeply with the audience. The artists explore this deep connection through their music, resulting in an unprecedented blending of tradition and modernity.

Footage of rehearsals and live performances in Mexico and New York captures the fusion of ancient Wixárika ceremonial music with the resonant tones of the grand piano. The soundtrack, previously heard only in Wixárika ceremonial gatherings, brings a powerful new voice to both the violin and piano in a transformative experience that celebrates the universality of music.

Doors will open on Sunday at 3:30 p.m., and the film will begin at 4 p.m. After the film concludes, there will be an in-depth question-and-answer session with director Enrique M. Rizo.

Additionally, Daisy "Tutu" Bugarin Avila, supported by the Semillas Collective, presents "Opening Ceremony," a celebration of Indigenous resilience, creativity, and resistance through music, ceremony, and art. Wixárika and Tepehuano yarn paintings, crafts, and mountain-grown Zapatista coffee are available for purchase. All proceeds will directly support these communities.

NOoSPHERE Arts consistently builds community through a range of vibrant public events in its indoor-outdoor home atop Broadway Stages’ soundstages. This opportunity is one of many brought to the neighborhood of Greenpoint by a team of international creatives who engage diverse audiences. Broadway Stages is excited about this chance for audiences to celebrate diversity through film and music. Click here to purchase your tickets. Also, follow NOoSPHERE Arts on Facebook and Instagram for other exciting upcoming events!

Small Business Saturday | November 30

In 2010, the United States was in the midst of a recession. The day after Thanksgiving, “Black Friday,” was always helpful to major retailers. But American Express wanted to find a way to include local and small businesses in the end-of-year windfall.

With that in mind, American Express created the first Small Business Saturday. It would take place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States, riding the wave of enthusiasm of Black Friday. And the idea works. Shopping local doesn’t only help the business where you are spending your money. According to businessdasher.com, small businesses generate $68 in local economic return for every $100 spent with them.

This year, Small Business Saturday falls on Saturday, November 30. However, some businesses and boroughs recognize the occasion on other dates. For instance, BKLYN Commons has their 8th Annual Open Desk: Small Business Pop-Up with more than fifty vendors at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024. And in Queens, there will be a few markets and bazaars for the occasion.

The QED Holiday Craft Bazaar at 27-16 23rd Avenue will occur on Saturday, November 30. The Holiday Market at Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy, the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden Astoria Tiny Market, the NYCSCA Holiday Shopping Festival (at the SCA Atrium), and the Queens Craft Brigade at Rocco Moretto Post will all take place on Sunday, December 1. And Steinway Street’s First Holiday Market and the NYC Made Market at 35-52 32nd Street will take place on both Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1.

American Express can also help you find participating businesses in your neighborhood. Just click here! Another great resource is New York City’s map from Small Business Month in May. Or stop in at a business in your neighborhood and shop!

Broadway Stages also wants to remind you that Tuesday, December 3, 2024, is GivingTuesday! Created in 2012 as a simple idea — a day encouraging people to do good — GivingTuesday was born and fostered at the 92nd Street Y (today known as 92NY). Click here for ways to get inspired and participate! As King Solomon said, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer.”

Broadway Stages takes pride in actively supporting our local businesses. When practical, we work primarily with local businesses and in-house teams for our production needs, and our clients do the same. We know that staying local improves our communities, which makes everyone stronger. So, please do your part and shop and give locally this season. It really makes a difference.