“The Life and Music of Elvis Presley” at Arista Care, South Plainfield, N.J.

Ruben Castillo as “Elvis Presley”

This afternoon Pear Tree Enterprises (https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) was proud to present the Learn and Listen series, “The Life and Music of Elvis Presley” featuring Ruben Castillo as Elvis Presley (http://www.soundsofelvis.webs.com/).

This my fourth time at this particular Arista Care facility, as the residents are awesome and keep requesting me. One in particular got excited when she saw me and said she remembered me from my “Newsies: History of the Newspaper Industry” presentation.

But today was extra special to present a half hour bio of Elvis and then have Ruben perform. One resident was so excited, she got up out of her seat and started dancing — without her walker!!

Elvis hits included: “Hurt” (my favorite because it was my grandmother’s favorite), “How Great Thou Art,” “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” “It’s Now or Never,” and “The Impossible Dream.”

Special thanks to Patricia Castillo for doing the sound.

Even a King needs a break!

Happy resident dances without walker!

(Photo used with permission)

If you’d like to have the “Learn and Listen Series, featuring the Music of Elvis Presley” at your library or other organization, please contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta for pricing and availability at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

“Learn and Listen Series: Life & Music of Elvis” at Spring Hills

Ruben Castillo as Elvis and Spring Hills residents

I had the honor of presenting Pear Tree’s “Learn and Listen Series: The Life and Music of Elvis Presley (featuring Ruben Castillo)” at Spring Hills in Morristown, New Jersey today.

It was a full house of about 30 seniors. I gave a half hour presentation biography of Elvis, then Ruben had the crowd going wild as Elvis.

He opened up with “That’s Alright Mama” for Mother’s Day. Other great hits he did included “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” and “The Impossible Dream” … to name a few.

In Elvis fashion, he gave out scarves and leis to the ladies.

A wonderful time was had by all!

Maryanne and Ruben give special thanks to our spouses, Patti Castillo and Dennis Mistretta for their support in this program.

Here is a little taste of today:

Maryanne giving the history of Elvis and emceeing the show

Ruben and Maryanne

This program is available to libraries, assisted living facilities, Jewish Community Centers, rotary clubs, senior clubs and more! For pricing and availability, email Maryanne at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

“Senior” Prom

 

Today I presented “Senior Prom” at NJ Eastern Star Home (http://www.njeasternstarhome.com/).

“Senior Prom” is a program I developed to share with seniors the positive benefits of companionship, whether it’s a spouse, friend or family member. And how love/friendship ties in with other ways to take care of yourself including eating healthy, exercising, positive thinking and not smoking.

I had a wonderful time at NJ Eastern Star Home. It’s always extra special when residents tell you, “I love you.” I look forward to going back!

“Senior Prom” is a one-hour presentation available for libraries, assisted living facilities, senior centers, etc. For pricing and availability, please contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

For other programs, please visit my website: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

 

“The Life and Music of Elvis Presley” (Learn and Listen Library Series)

Ruben Castillo as Elvis Presley

Maryanne Christiano Mistretta, of Pear Tree Enterprises (https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) is proud to present the second of the new “Learn and Listen” series, available to libraries, senior centers, assisted living facilities, rotary clubs, Jewish Community Centers, etc.

“Learn and Listen: The Life and Music of Elvis Presley” is a one-hour presentation, with Maryanne sharing the biography of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, followed by a half hour of song by the sensational Ruben Castillo! http://www.soundsofelvis.webs.com/

For rates and availability, please contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: 908-276-1514 during business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

We look forward to presenting a program you’ll always remember!

“Luck of the Irish” at Hudson View, North Bergen, NJ

Maryanne Mistretta (left) and Carol Erickson

Today was the last of my “Luck of the Irish” presentations until next year. This year was extra special as I had guest vocalist Carol Erickson sing a few Irish songs following my presentation. I’m thrilled to share that the Hudson View Care and Rehab Center (http://hudsonview.org/) gave both of us standing ovations!

To hear Carol Erickson’s lovely voice, please visit: http://www.carolericksonvocals.com/

Carol and I are available for assisted living facilities, libraries, Jewish Community Centers, senior groups and rotary clubs. In addition to “Luck of the Irish,” I’ve recently added Carol as a guest vocalist for my presentations: “History of Valentine’s Day,” “History of Motown,” “History of Santa Claus,” and “Holidays Around the World.”

For more information on my presentations, please visit my website at: www.peartreeenterprises.com

For pricing and availability, please contact Maryanne at: 908-276-1514 or maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Luck of the Irish Presentation

Luck of the Irish Presentation

(Left to right: Carol Erickson, Maryanne Mistretta and Bridget Briant)

For the second year, I’ve been presenting “Luck of the Irish” in libraries and assisted living facilities. This year, I have special guest, Carol Erickson (http://www.carolericksonvocals.com/) accompanying me, singing a few Irish songs at the end of some of the lectures.

At the latest lecture, Bridget Briant stopped by. She and I do a children’s recyclables program together. It’s a joy to have great people to work with that all support each other! For more information on my programs, visit: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

Here is the synopsis for Luck of the Irish:

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, an award-winning writer, author and public speaker, will explore Irish topics such as the Irish wake, Irish wedding traditions, Ireland’s main crop – the potato — and of course, St. Patrick’s Day.

Irish folklore is also included in the discussion such as leprechauns, the pot of gold and where the term “Luck of the Irish” came from!

There will also be a guest vocalist ending the afternoon with a favorite Irish tune.

Whether you are Irish or not, you will enjoy this fun, informative – and inter-active event.

Carol Erickson and Maryanne Mistretta are available for libraries, assisted living facilities, seniors groups and clubs. For pricing and availability, please contact Maryanne at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com