It’s Saturday Tomatoes, just in case you’ve lost track of the days like we have. Now that the value of masks is coming to the forefront, it’s a great time to get one from designer Gabrielle Carlson who has ramped up production to offer 100% cotton and washable masks that are also keeping seamstresses employed. Passover and Easter are just around the corner. Here’s how to celebrate at home. We’ve got some more virtual cultural activities, CHOCOLATES, and ways to help those on the front line. And Valerie Smaldone says the theatre industry has stepped up to provide entertainment for grownups and kids. Stay safe dear Tomatoes.

Celebrating Easter and Passover Virtually

Cardinal Dolan, everyone’s favorite Cardinal, regardless of your religion, will offer Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Masses in an empty St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  But we can be there in spirit because PIX 11 will broadcast the masses starting at 10 am and they will also be streamed on the cathedral’s YouTube page. And Passover, which starts on April 8^th will celebrated by many families with ZOOM seders. Welcome to our new normal.

Groups Helping Our Health Care Workers and First Responders

If you’re feeling a little helpless right now, here are three ways you can help through these non-profits, highly rated by Charity Navigator. Direct Relief is coordinating providing protective gear. Project Cure is donating all of their masks, gloves, and PPEs. First Responders’ Children’s Foundations provides financial support to kids who have lost a parent who is a first responder.

Washable, Reusable Masks

NYC fashion designer Gabrielle Carlson has put her seamstresses to work making 100% cotton, washable, reusable masks. The response has been overwhelming and she has reached out to other seamstresses too.  She is selling the masks for $12 (includes shipping) which is her cost and includes paying these seamstresses. These “civilian” masks are perfect for family, friends, and thank you gifts for our unsung heroes—grocery, pharmacy, delivery workers and so many others who are keeping our lives running.  Order Masks Here

Chocolates Anyone?

Did you know there’s a chocolate hotel in NYC? Luxury British chocolatier, Hotel Chocolat has a fabulous store on Lexington Avenue. And while the store is closed for walk-ins, you can order luscious chocolates for Easter, and take a look at their staff, who have busy delivering chocolates as gifts to medical personnel in our city’s beleaguered hospitals. Place your orders here.

The Best Restaurant in the World Becomes a Commissary 

11 Madison Park (voted the best restaurant in the world) has teamed up with Rethink Food NYC, a nonprofit whose mission is to reduce food waste while also feeding those in need, to provide up to 2,000 meals per day, much of it will be delivered to healthcare workers at the forefront of the coronavirus pandemic. Amex is sponsoring the partnership, which is expected to last for at least a month. 

New York City Street Art Tour

We have amazing street murals that you may not have seen or noticed. Well here’s a chance to view nine of the amazing street murals right now done by some very famous street mural artists.  If you’re out getting some exercise, wearing your mask, and keeping your distance, you just may come across some of these. But you can  Explore them now without leaving home.

Watch Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Great Musicals for FREE

Head over to YouTube, because starting yesterday, and every Friday, a different Andrew Lloyd Webber musical will stream on a new YouTube Channel, The Shows Must Go On!  Each show will go live on the channel on Friday at 2pm EDT and will remain viewable for 48 hours afterward. Playing right now is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  And on April 10 (Good Friday) you can watch Jesus Christ Superstar. More shows will be announced.

Free Online Art Courses at MoMA

Up your art game with MoMA’s free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on Coursera.  You’ll hear directly from curators, artists and designers, and take a closer look at the works featured in MoMA’s collection and exhibitions. You can enroll in the program anytime and complete it at your own pace. Current courses include Fashion as Design, Modern Art, Photography. Register for all of the offerings now at Coursera. 

Digital Library Cards

Last week we mentioned Digital Library cards from the New York Public Library. Well Nassau County libraries are offering all residents with or without an existing library card, a Digital Library Card, with access to things like eBooks, audiobooks, live tutoring, digital magazines, language courses, streaming videos, Acorn TV, test prep, and more. Apply here for digital access.