After a decade of producing Tomatoes Got Talent, co-produced by The Three Tomatoes and Randie Levine-Miller, we took our final bow on October 14 at the Triad in NYC. It was a fantastic night of entertainment! Watch the videos! You’re invited to a unique art exhibit which also benefits pediatric cancer. There’s a fun new exhibit at the New York Historical Society – “Pets and the City.” Morgan’s Library is celebrating Belle da Costa Greene, their first librarian. Broadway Babe has some awesome at home entertainment picks. Our Long Island reporter shines a light on adult Halloween Fun. And our roving photographer was roaming in the “Magic City.”

VIP Invite

The artist, and creator of Foto Art, Sharon Marantz Walsh’s inspiration comes from the photographs her clients send her, or those she takes personally.  To Sharon, every photograph represents a blank canvas, a canvas that inspires her mind’s eye to create and recreate endless possibilities, a new story waiting to be told, perhaps in another time, perhaps in another place, a forever memory to be cherished always. She now works digitally, through mix medias of photography, painting, and collage. A unique, one of a kind personal gift for that special occasion. www.fotoartcfm.com

The evening’s host EuroOptica, offers you the comfort and convenience all in one location to have your eyes examined and have your prescription lenses customized in their on-site laboratory.  Enjoy browsing through their huge collection of sophisticated exclusive eyewear.  https://www.eurooptica.com

100% of the night’s raffle proceeds will be donated to the Taylor Matthews Foundation.  TMF is dedicated to raising awareness and funding childhood cancer research.  TMF funds cutting edge research and treatments that can reach cancer stricken children Today, not months or years from now, in  memory of Taylor Matthews who lost her battle with cancer at 16, it is the mission of the TMF that children with cancer will live long and productive lives.  https://www.taylormatthewsfoundation.org

Tickets are $25 (cash or check at door.) RSVP:  fotoartcfm@gmail.com

Adult Halloween Fun on Long Island

Spooky walks, farm festivals, pumpkin picking, carving, and painting the pumpkins with the children have been fabulous for creating memories and passing down traditions. Our Long Island reporter, Andrea Peponakis  says now it’s time for some adult Halloween fun. Many Long Island restaurants and bars are offering special Halloween spirits and brews, hauntingly delicious dinners, and an atmosphere filled with everything Halloween. So, dress up, leave the kids at home, and get ready to have a “creepy” time.

Broadway Babe’s Picks: Hugh Jackman, Patti Lupone, Audra McDonald and More

Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine-Miller has some great picks for at home viewing, including a look at the life and times of Hugh Jackman via the SAG/AFTRA Foundation; Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald in concert 25 years ago; a star-studded tribute to Oscar Hammerstein; as well as Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews in concert at Lincoln Center over 50 years ago! Some truly wonderful nostalgic finds. GET THE DETAILS.

Pet’s and the City

Pets and the City explores the visual history of New Yorkers and their animal companions over more than three centuries, tracing the ever-evolving relationship between Gotham’s people and its animals as the city grew increasingly urbanized and industrialized. Through a broad spectrum of works of art, objects, documents, memorabilia, and clips from film and television, the exhibition surveys the evolution of pets—from their presence among the Lenape and Haudenosaunee and the hunting culture of settlers through their insinuation into the urban family and onto the pampered pets of today, which enjoy their own public rights.

Drawn largely from New-York Historical’s Museum and Library collections, Pets and the City also investigates the reasons for the soaring pet population, especially after 9/11 and during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as issues surrounding pet adoption, the trafficking of exotic animals, and service animals. GET THE DETAILS.

 Morgan’s Library Celebrates Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian’s Legacy

Belle da Costa Greene was an influential American librarian and cultural heritage executive.  Born to an elite Black family in Washington, D.C., she spent her professional career passing as white. She managed and developed the personal library of J.P. Morgan and, after his death in 1913, continued as librarian for his son, Jack Morgan. In 1924, she became the first director of the Pierpont Morgan Library (now the Morgan Library & Museum).  She was known for her expertise in illuminated manuscripts and her significant contributions to the library.  Her life and career are celebrated in the Morgan Library’s exhibition, “Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian’s Legacy.” GET THE DETAILS.

Roving in Miami

Our roving photographer Nicole Freezer Rubens writes,

I spent a few days in exuberant Miami. Extra gusty windy weather prevented me from doing the usual poolside, water sports and beach activities, and led me to explore more of the tourist attractions I had not seen before. I scheduled a guided tour of the colorful and meaningful murals and graffiti art that cover the Wynwood Walls. This gave me a better understanding of the community of artists who contribute their talents and messages to what has become a three-dimensional means of communication to the city and its many international visitors.

I discovered Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, an extravagant Mediterranean villa built by James Deering in 1916, where culture and nature co-mingle to teach us a history lesson.

I enjoyed the classic parts of the city, the warm air, kitschy vintage signage juxtaposed with all the towering high rises and new construction, great food and friendly people.

Quietly known as the “Magic City” because of how quickly it prospered and grew, I can attest that Miami truly is a magical place and a great escape.