New Yorker’s really know how to come together and help each other during times of crisis and this one is no different. Our dear friend and designer Gabrielle Carlson has turned her resources and talent into creating washable cotton masks and offering them at cost. Valerie Smaldone reports on some wonderful people connecting us and helping others too. Sandi Durell reached out to some of her favorite cabaret performers to send her videos. And Broadway stars are taking the Broadway Handwash Challenge. Check out these and more things to do below.

Masks from Designer Gabrielle Carlson

Our favorite fashion designer, Gabrielle Carlson and her team have been very busy making masks for “civilians.” Made of 100% cotton and elastic, they are washable and reusable. They are great for family, friends, and as thank you gifts for our unsung heroes at the grocery stores, the pharmacy, the delivery people and so many others who are keeping our lives running.  She is offering them for $10 (at cost) and that includes shipping them to you. You can place your order here.

Staying Connected Through Community

Valerie Smaldone has the scoop on some wonderful virtual events and groups that are giving back too. Check out the New York Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s online offering Folksbiene! LIVE. The Reelabilities Film Festival is going virtual. And a brilliant restaurateur is helping keep restaurants alive and feeding first responders too.

Cabaret Performers Sing for Fans

In my efforts to keep spirits up and content alive on Theater Pizzazz and The Three Tomatoes, Sandi Durell has been contacting performers asking if they would make a home-spun video piece, or offer up something musical, for their fans and friends during this historically scary time in our lives. And wow, look at some of the performers who responded!

#BwayHandWashChallenge

Stephanie J. Block, Lauren Patten, and more helped Theatermania launch the #bwayhandwashchallenge to raise money for valuable organizations like the Actors Fund, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and Covenant House. The performer picks a charity and sing 20 seconds of their favorite showtune while thoroughly washing their hands. And then they nominate three other performers.  Watch a few of them now.

New York Philharmonic Virtual Concerts

From Time Out New York: NY Phil’s “NY Phil Plays On” has released over 150 hours of performances, interviews with its musicians, its award-winning radio programs and videos of its Young People’s Concerts, complemented by lessons and games.

And check out its Facebook page on Thursday nights at 7:30pm for the closest experience to a live performance that NY Phill can offer right now—broadcasts of past performances. For example, you can check out Jaap van Zweden conducting Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. 

Borrow Digital Books from the NYC Public Library

Yes, the libraries are closed, but you can borrow up to three digital books.  To gain access, NYPL’s free e-reader app, SimplyE, can be downloaded for iPhone or Android. You can also search the library’s collection of 800,000 digitized items, including historic prints, photographs, maps, and manuscripts and more with your library card. And if you don’t have a library card, now’s the time to sign up.