“Going Going Gone” @ Valley Cottage Library, Valley Cottage, NY

One of my most successful talks/lectures is called “Going Going Gone: What the Next Generation Won’t Remember.”

I’ve been presenting this talk in libraries, assisted living facilities, senior centers, and women’s groups for the past 10 years.

Here is the synopsis:

Going, Going, Gone: What the Next Generation Won’t Remember

During the past 20 years, we’ve gained Smart Phones, GPSs, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and many other services and devices.

However, we’ve also lost some things that we’ve grown up with. In “Going Going Gone” Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta will take a walk down memory lane and talk about products that are either on their way out the door, or completely obsolete.

Some may surprise you!

Items included are VHS video tapes, phone booths (and making phone calls in general!), travel agents, bookstores, newspapers and classified ads, wristwatches, maps, dial-up internet, encyclopedias, CDs, landline phones, film cameras, yellow pages and address books, and hand-written letters.

Which of these items do you miss?

Also, there is one item that people think is making a comeback, but in reality, it never went away. Can you guess what that is?

Christiano-Mistretta will jolt your memory discussing other stuff we’ve long forgotten about.

Come share your views in this interactive lecture! Audience participation is greatly encouraged! You may also bring your old items for “Show & Tell!”

At Valley Cottage Library, Valley Cottage, NY, today, I had a super audience. It’s always like a party and people love to stick around chatting afterwards, asking questions and sharing stories.

It’s a walk down memory lane and comments are usually things like “You made me feel like a teenager.” or “I thought about things I haven’t thought about in years.”

People sometimes bring me gifts that I can use in upcoming “Going Going Gone” events.

If you’d like to book this program for your library, senior center, women’s group, business or private party, contact me at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

It’s so much fun!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

The History of Motown

From left: Audience member, Librarian Kassundra Miller, Stephen Fuller, and Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Saturday, February 10, 2018, Pear Tree Enterprises presented “The History of Motown” featuring music by Stephen Fuller.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta gave a 45 minute talk on Berry Gordy’s Motown artists, followed by live music from Stephen Fuller (https://www.fullersounds.com/).

The audience sang along and danced to artists like The Temptations and Michael Jackson.

To see when the next program is visit Pear Tree Enterprises at https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

To book this program for your school, library, or senior group, contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

 

 

Pear Tree’s Learn & Listen Series Holiday Edition

Keith Beck and Maryanne Mistretta hanging out prior to performance

Tuesday, December 13, 2016, Pear Tree Enterprises (www.https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) presented the holiday edition of the Learn & Listen series at the Maywood Library, Maywood, New Jersey.

The holiday series featured the music of John Lennon and David Bowie, including their famous holiday songs “Merry Christmas/War is Over” (Lennon) and “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth” (Bowie).

Maryanne Mistretta spoke told the audience the “Behind the Music” stories about both songs; followed by live entertainment from Keith Beck (http://www.zigmanbird.com/)

The Learn & Listen series is an hour presentation; a half-hour biography on a famous entertainer, followed by live music. Pear Tree has the following artists: David Bowie, John Lennon, Johnny Cash, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Keith Beck

For pricing and availability, contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com 

Another Full House at Finale of “Learn & Listen Series”

Stephen Fuller and Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Wednesday, July 27, 2016, Pear Tree Enterprises (http://www.peartreeenterprises.com/) concluded the “Learn & Listen” series at the Caldwell Public Library with “The Life and Music of Nat King Cole” featuring Stephen Fuller (http://www.fullersounds.com/).

The program is one-hour long. Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta presents a half hour biography on the life of Nat King Cole, followed by live music performed by Stephen Fuller.

Last night was another full house with a waiting list! Songs included: “The Christmas Song,” “More,” “Mona Lisa,” and “Unforgettable.”

Thanks so much to Fran Larkey of the Caldwell Library for having this series every week for the entire month of July!

We even made the front page of the Caldwell News!

To have this program at your library, senior center, JCC, rotary club, etc., contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com 

 

The Life and Music of Johnny Cash

Keith Beck

Pear Tree Enterprises (https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) was thrilled to present “The Life and Music of Johnny Cash” featuring Keith Beck (http://www.zigmanbird.com/) at the Caldwell Library, Caldwell, New Jersey, on Wednesday, July 21, 2016.

Once again we had a full house!

This was the third of a four-part series. Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta presents a half-hour bio on a famous musician, followed by a half hour of live music. Other artists include: Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta and Caldwell Librarian Fran Larkey

Keith Beck and Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

For booking information contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com 

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Guest-List-Adventures-Music-Journalist/dp/162903908X

“Learn & Listen: Frank Sinatra” Starring Stephen Fuller

Stephen Fuller

Pear Tree Enterprises (https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) was thrilled to present “The Life and Music of Frank Sinatra” featuring Stephen Fuller (http://www.fullersounds.com/) at the Caldwell Library, Caldwell, New Jersey, on Wednesday, July 13, 2016.

It was a full house, with a waiting list!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta presented a half hour biography on Hoboken’s famous entertainer, followed by live music from Stephen Fuller. Songs included “New York, New York,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and “My Way.”

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta and Stephen Fuller

Thanks so much to Fran Larkey of Caldwell Library for hosting this program!

And thanks to Su Mead of the upcoming Eerie Art Cafe, Bloomfield, for coming out to support. The Eerie Art Cafe will be featuring programs such as this!

Sue Mead of the upcoming “Eerie Art cafe” and Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

To book this program in your library, senior center, JCC, or rotary clubpr, contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at maryannechristiano@gmail.com 

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist and author. Her first book “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” is available on Amazon in paperback editon only: https://www.amazon.com/Guest-List-Adventures-Music-Journalist/dp/162903908X

 

Pear Tree’s “Learn & Listen Series” Now Has Johnny Cash Tribute!

Hello, I’m Johnny Cash

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

Now on board with Pear Tree, Keith Beck brings his talent to the stage featuring the music of Johnny Cash. 

“Learn and Listen: The Life and Music of Johnny Cash” is a one-hour presentations, with Maryanne Mistretta sharing the biography of the the artists, followed by a half hour of acoustic music, featuring Keith Beck (http://www.zigmanbird.com/music) performing the songs the legendary Johnny Cash made famous.

UPCOMING DATES!

Check out this amazing new addition to the Pear Tree “Learn & Listen” repertoire at The Boonton Library, 621 Main St., Boonton, New Jersey, on Friday, July 1, 2016, 6:30 p.m.

Thanks so much to Stephanie Gableman for having us back for the third time this summer!

Keith Beck performing earlier this year at Boonton Library

Don’t miss out on the fun! Book us today!

The “Learn & Listen” series features the following acts: Johnny Cash, David Bowie, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra.

To find out more dates, please follow Pear Tree at:  https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

Pear Tree Enterprises is updated monthly — so mark your calendars! All events are FREE!

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

“Life and Music of John Lennon” at Boonton Library, Boonton, New Jersey

Keith Beck

Pear Tree Enterprises (https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/) proudly presented “The Life and Music of John Lennon featuring Keith Beck (http://www.zigmanbird.com/)” last night at the Boonton Library http://www.boontonholmeslibrary.org/

“The Life and Music of John Lennon” consists of a half hour biography presented by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, proprietor of Pear Tree. The bio is written so that audience members can join in and share their memories of John Lennon. The bio is followed by a half hour of live music by Keith Beck. Songs included: “Across the Universe,” “Imagine,” and “Oh Yoko” to name a few.

You Tube video from presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1PfH20WJaQ&feature=youtu.be

Thanks so much to Stephanie Gabelmann for having Pear Tree come for the third time!

This presentation is available to libraries, assisted living facilities, senior groups, and more! For pricing and availability, contact Maryanne at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Maryanne (left), Keith Beck (center) and Stephanie Gabelmann (library director)

“Healthy Pasta Alternatives” Another Successful Presentation!

Cold Sesame Noodles made with Dreamfields Pasta

Once again I had another “Healthy Pasta Alternatives” presentation. This time it was held at Fairfield Library, Fairfield, New Jersey. Thanks so much to John Arthur for having me! The class is limited to 20 so I could give each person individual attention and answer all questions.

I’m not a nutritionist, but I’ve interviewed many health celebrities for articles during my career as a journalist. These include: David Wolfe, Carol Alt, Oleda Baker, and Patricia Bragg.

The dishes I make for these presentations are used with all natural, organic, clean ingredients. There are samples for everyone.

Thanks so much to singer/pianist/friend Barbara Hassenfeld (http://www.barbaraevanshassenfeld.com/) for coming!

Maryanne (left) with singer/pianist Barbara Hassenfeld

To have this presentation at your library, rotary club, JCC, senior club or private party, contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta for availability and pricing at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Your Own Personal Caring Ministry

Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

This morning in my moment of prayer, I was looking back to a few years ago when I spent more time at church. I really wanted to be a part of something special, for God, and was trying to get involved in everything. I voluntarily wrote for their newsletter. I participated in activities. And I even volunteered to be on the Caring Ministry, where I’d go to the homes of those who were bedridden and give them communion.

Then things just didn’t work out. No one’s fault, but that’s just how life happens. New people came on board. I wasn’t asked to write anymore. The woman who was supposed to train me for the Caring Ministry wasn’t available to train when I was available.

So, time went on … a lot of time. Then one of my favorite people in the church passed away and I couldn’t bring myself to go back as often as I once did. It was too painful. I remember driving to church, then feeling so uncomfortable that I turned around and came right back home.

While some die-hard Christians may suggest Satan was keeping me out of church; I have to disagree. There’s a saying, “The Lord works in mysterious ways.” I was always of the mindset that when something is right for you, you know it. And what has been right for me was going to church less often, because I felt so much more comfortable (and right with God) by practicing at home — every single morning. I’ve been reading the Bible more and working consciously on my well-being by praying for opportunities to help others.

Then it dawned on me … God is using me, via my business. I’m a full-time, self-employed author and journalist. I am also a ghost writer and book editor. I’ve helped countless people get their books written and published. I make dreams come true — and everyone needs a dream.

Another way I make a living is by public speaking. Two years ago, I started a library series called “Learn and Listen.” I present a half-hour biography on a famous musician, followed by live entertainment by local musicians. Through this series, I am helping to employ musicians — excellent musicians who are top of the line. Being a musician is a tough, competitive business and via this series, I am helping the ones I employ get more work. I’ve also helped an artist friend get work when I created a children’s recycling series. Getting work for people and helping them is what I do best, so that’s the way God uses me. I’m excellent at booking gigs, follow-up calls, organizing dates, and so on … That’s what I’m good at.

But what I’m not so good at …

Though I’m a very good listener, I can’t listen to people’s problems without feeling drained and depressed myself. Some people have the gift of resolving other people’s problems by listening to them complain. I do not have that gift. Nor do I have the gift of singing in a choir. Or counting money for a church. Or organizing big events. These are talents other people are so much better at.

While I was more than willing to let the church dictate how God would use me, I feel God went directly to me. Because these are the people who relate to me — the creative types, the musicians, the writers, the artists …

Idle hands are the devil’s workshop and I’ve been so incredibly busy these days; business is the best it’s ever been. Today is the first day I was able to take a breather and write a blog in a over a week. And to think, I used to write in my blog every single day — sometimes twice a day.

So when I take such joy in my career, I’m also taking joy in the fact that it’s not just about me. We’re all part of this great big chain connecting each other, working together, inspiring, and forging ahead, using our God given talents. Every day is beautiful and meaningful.

God knows where to place us. You’ll know when He’s there because, while it may not always be easy, you’ll just have that gut feeling of “This is where I belong … and who I belong with.” And you will feel God’s presence.

What is your Caring Ministry? Share your stories! Post them here, or email me directly. 

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Her “Learn & Listen” series is available to libraries, churches, assisted living facilities, Jewish Community Centers, Rotary Clubs, and senior centers. “Learn & Listen” features the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, John Lennon, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.