Wow it’s a busy time of the year. Today we salute Tony Orlando and our veterans. We honor women power too. And if you’re in the mood for holiday shopping, the holiday markets and fairs will be in full swing this month and into next.  And if you’re ready for fun, join us for The Three Tomatoes Jingles and Cheers.

Tony Orlando – An Extraordinary Supporter of our Veterans

Rhea Albert, Tony Orlando, Cheryl Benton (aka the Head Tomato) Photo: Annie Watt Photography

Last week we attended our favorite charity event, Doodles for Hunger a benefit for St. Francis Food Pantries that feeds and houses 1000s of New Yorker’s in need. And the best part was meeting the evening’s celebrity performer, Tony Orlando.  He is one of the warmest and most approachable celebs you will ever meet.  He sang many of his hits, with an energy and enthusiasm as if he were singing them for the first time. But we were really blown away when we learned that he has dedicated his career to supporting our veterans.  His song “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree”, which was his huge hit in the early 70s when our Vietnam POWs were finally released, has raised over $250 million dollars.  So today we salute all of our veterans and Tony Orlando too.

Here’s a little clip of the video from the Doodles for Hunger event of Tony singing “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”.

Nov. 14. Powertopia – Women’s Leadership Conference

What if you could take one day to change the world as we know it? Join Gloria Feldt and other change leaders at the inaugural Take The Lead Day: Powertopia Symposium — a women’s leadership conference in New York City. This half-day women’s leadership summit will leave you with practical tools you can use and actions you can take to advance your career or move forward in your life’s intentions. Get the details.

Nov. 18.  Artists & Artisans Fair

The Transition Network-NYC Chapter invites Tomatoes to its Annual Artists & Artisans Fair.  More than 22 vendors will display and sell all original creations of oil paintings, jewelry of every kind, photographs, drawings, collages, scarves, decoupage, objets d’art, and much more! Saturday, November 18, 2017/.  LGBT Community Center 208 W. 13th Street – (Just West of 7th Ave). 11:00am – 5:00 PM. Free Admission

Dec. 8. Join us for Jingles and Cheers Enjoy a delightful holiday luncheon, wine, live holiday and jazz music featuring Jon Weber on the keyboard (whom The New York Times calls a “formidable talent”) and entertainment from our very own talented Tomatoes headed up by Randie Levine-Miller, and surprise guests who will sing holiday songs and other favorites.  A NOT to be missed event.  Get tickets.

Our Favorite Holiday Markets

We love NYC’s holiday markets where you’ll find an amazing array of items, many handcrafted right here in New York City.  Great places for gifts for everyone.  Here’s the rundown.

Bryant Park’s Winter Village – Oct. 28-Janaury 5.

This is as close as you’ll get to a European marketplace.  We love the whole vibe with 100 beautiful shops, the ice skating rink, and places to enjoy hot chocolate or a glass of wine.  Bryant Park, 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue

Grand Central Holiday Fair   Nov. 13-Dec. 24.

Head inside to the beautiful market in Vanderbilt Hall in one of our city’s most beautiful venues. This market has 76 vendor stalls you’ll find art, clothes, handmade candles, bath items, collectible toys and other great finds.   Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall (42nd St. and Park Ave.)

Union Square Holiday Market  Nov. 16-Dec. 24.

In our humble opinion, this is the best of the markets.  You find over 100 vendors selling amazing items, many handmade here in NYC.  Plus it has a cool downtown vibe too. Union Square at 14th Street.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market – Nov. 28-Dec. 24.

What could be better than a stroll through Central Park and then heading to the southwest corner at Columbus Circle for another fun holiday market. Browse the stalls, enjoy hot chocolate and gingerbread men.  West 59th Street and Broadway

Artists and Fleas at Chelsea Market – Open Year Round

If you haven’t explored this market, you’ll love it.  Designers, artists, and vintage collectors sale their unique items. A perfect holiday shopping spot for unique gifts.  Chelsea Market, 88 10th Avenue at 15th Street

Nov. 30-Dec. 2  Arts & Crafts at St. John’s the Divine Cathedral  

This three-day arts and crafts fair is back at back.  You will find some extraordinary handcrafted items from jewelry to furniture.  And you’ll be inside one of the country’s most beautiful cathedrals.   St. John the Divine, Amsterdam Ave and West 110th St, Manhattan.  Get the details.