From her days wearing a habit and flying through the air to dancing in a bikini in the sand to becoming a beacon of light and empowerment for women everywhere, Sally Field is one Tomato extraordinaire. She’ll be here later in the month to promote her new book. A must attend event! The Legacy film festival on aging has returned. Not that we are “there” yet, but these films are inspiring in every way. Did I hear someone say chocolate? The creator of the finest SF Chocolate, Ghiradelli is hosting its annual yum fest. As September is the best month to wander the streets of our city, why not do so and explore all of the incredible architecture at this month’s Architecture and the City Festival! Walking shoes definitely required. Let’s jump into fall in our glorious city by the bay.

Sept. 28. Sally Field at City Arts & Lectures 

One of my absolute favorite actresses, Sally Field, aka Gidget and “The Flying Nun,” has had an unparalleled career. From her first Academy Award for Norma Rae in 1979 to her iconic “you like me” win for her work on “Places in the Heart,” to her turn in “Steel Magnolias” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” this legendary actress (Tomato) has inspired and delighted audiences throughout all of her various portrayals. 2018 is the year her memoir, “In Pieces” will be launched after five years in the making. Chronicling her life and career, the book is about “the little girl that I was, about the teenager who backed into becoming a celebrity, and about the craft that taught me to “stand on my feet” said Field in a New York Times article.

Now this celebrated, beloved actor will be in conversation with Steven Winn at City Arts & Lectures on September 28^th. Telling you now so you can rush out and get tickets to see the woman who was honored by President Obama with the National Medal of Arts, and darn if she doesn’t age a bit! http://www.cityarts.net

Sept. 11-16. Legacy Film Festival On Aging

The films being showcased at the Legacy Film Festival this year celebrate the aging process as profound, meaningful, often challenging and always courageous. Fellow Tomatoes, don’t you wonder about aging gracefully, or crankily or painfully, or defiantly? The filmmakers always portray some of the many facets of the ever-changing aging experience. The films are honest and artful and filled with compassion and love for the subjects. The fest takes place September 14 – 16^th and all films are screened at the New People Cinema in Japantown.

There are short films, documentaries and feature films from the US and abroad. One highlight is Martin Landau’s last film, Abe & Phil’s Last Poker Game, where he plays a physician who moves into a nursing home with his ailing wife and forms an unlikely friendship with a womanizing gambler.

Surprising turns of events and unexpected conversations abound. There is a 10 minute delightful documentary about a group of Jewish senior citizens who celebrate the weekly Sabbath at the local Wendy’s fast food restaurant with Hebrew blessings with a side of burgers and fries. This festival does not provide Kleenex but there will be tears of both laughter and joy and inspiring looks into the lives of young folks in their 80’s. http://www.legacyfilmfestivalonaging.org

Sept. 8-9. Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival

Two days of sampling chocolates, sipping wine and admiring local chefs perform their magic. That means one thing –  the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival is here to tempt us with the delightful confections from the cocoa bean. From 12 – 5 this weekend, the 8^th and 9^th, join other folks at this dentist’s dream!

Fill your sweet tooth at the Chocolate and Wine Pavilion or attend an educational seminar showing you how the cocoa bean turns into the lovely, silky deliciousness we crave. Watch 6 contestants gobble up the famous Ghirardelli “Earthquake” Ice Cream Sundae. They have to eat as much as possible, as quickly as possible, with no hands. I prefer to savor my chocolate frankly, but what fun to watch.

Profits from the event are donated to Project Open Hand. So you can feel good about eating your (I mean my) favorite treat. Get the details.

Architecture & The City

This month-long celebration of our historic and modern architecture has already begun, but never fear, you still have 3 more weeks of adventuring, learning and observing. Such interesting behind the scenes and walking tours as you explore this year’s theme, “Future City.”  The idea of a futuristic living environment has motivated visionary architects and designers for centuries. From autonomous vehicles to equitable neighborhood designs, this year’s Architecture & the City Festival celebrates a re-imagined San Francisco with its theme. Through compelling programs, the festival seeks to address contemporary challenges by boldly imagining and defining the future conditions of the city.All of you artistic Tomatoes will want to join in Sketchy Tuesday, the urban sketching adventure. Spend lunchtime each Tuesday in September meeting and sketching at an off-the-beaten-path location. Check out our future residences this month. All I can think about, as I am of the Jetson’s era (cartoon of the 60’s anyone?) are floating buildings, and flying bubble cars. Hmm.. http://www.archandcity.org.