October 1 Is International Raccoon Appreciation Day
Every October 1, the spotlight shines on one of nature’s most curious and misunderstood creatures: the raccoon. With their mischievous masks, nimble hands, and iconic ringed tails, raccoons are often seen as nighttime troublemakers. But International Raccoon Appreciation Day is here to flip the script and remind us that these clever critters deserve a little admiration.
What’s Behind the Day?:
The celebration began back in 2002 when a young girl in California decided she wanted to highlight the positive side of raccoons. What started as a local idea has since grown into an international event, observed each year on October 1.
The day’s mission is simple:
• Educate the public about raccoons’ roles in the ecosystem.
• Reduce stigma toward animals often dismissed as “nuisances.”
• Encourage coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Why Raccoons Deserve Our Respect:
Raccoons are far more than cute faces peeking out from behind trash cans. They are:
• Smart and resourceful: With nimble paws and sharp minds, raccoons can solve puzzles, open latches, and figure out challenges that stump other animals.
• Ecological helpers: By scavenging and spreading seeds, they play a role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Highly adaptable: From dense forests to bustling cities, raccoons thrive just about anywhere.
• Cultural icons: From children’s books to Hollywood blockbusters (Guardians of the Galaxy, anyone?), raccoons have left their mark on stories and screens around the world.
Of course, it’s important to remember that raccoons are still wild animals. As adorable as they may be, they can carry diseases like rabies and should never be treated like pets. Respect — from a distance — is key.
How to Celebrate Raccoon Appreciation Day:
Looking for ways to join the fun? Here are a few responsible (and entertaining) ideas:
• Visit a zoo or wildlife center: Many offer special exhibits or talks about raccoons.
• Read a raccoon-themed book: Try The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn or Raccoon on the Moon.
• Watch raccoons on screen: Queue up Guardians of the Galaxy, Over the Hedge, or any raccoon cameo you can find.
• Spread the love online: Share a fun fact or photo with the hashtag #InternationalRaccoonAppreciationDay.
• Support wildlife rescues: Donations of money, supplies, or time all help.
• Observe, don’t feed: Admire raccoons from afar — feeding only encourages unhealthy dependency.
A Playful Perspective:
So the next time you spot a masked “bandit” raiding the bird feeder, remember: it’s not a burglar, it’s probably a raccoon doing what raccoons do best. And today, at least, we can celebrate them for it.
The Haunt: An Artistically-Twisted Haunted House Comes to YBCA This Halloween
San Francisco’s artist-made Halloween experience makes its YBCA debut October 25 – November 1
30 September 2025 – San Francisco, CA: This Halloween season, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) will host The Haunt: An Artistically-Twisted Haunted House for the very first time. Presented by Bat Witch Ghost and YBCA, the immersive Halloween experience runs Saturday, October 25 through Saturday, November 1, 2025, transforming YBCA’s Forum into a labyrinth of hand-crafted frights and whimsical scares.
The Haunt blends the American tradition of the haunted house with the spirit of San Francisco’s DIY art scene. Visitors will journey through a maze built from salvaged materials and filled with artists’ works, before spilling out into a graveyard featuring a bar, a dance floor, original merch, and other surprises.
“We are thrilled to welcome The Haunt to YBCA,” said Mari Robles, CEO of YBCA. “It captures the creative spirit of San Francisco—immersive, community-driven, and delightfully unexpected. We can’t wait to invite audiences of all ages into this playful, spooky, and sensorial celebration.”
“Our Haunt is not your typical fright fest,” said Aaron Wojack, artist and creator of Bat Witch Ghost. “We’re using the platform of the American haunted house to bring together the Bay Area art community, small businesses, families and neighbors in a hybrid social art experience. It’s a little bit new, a little bit nostalgic, and completely awesome. ”
Event Details
Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street, San Francisco
When: October 25 – November 1, 2025
Evening shows (7–10 PM) are recommended 13+, with timed entry by the hour.
Family-friendly afternoon shows (3–5 PM) are available on select dates.
YBCA Programs are made possible in part by Blue Shield of California, the City and County of San Francisco, Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Bloomberg Philanthropies, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, James R. Lilienthal Trust, California Arts Council, Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, Amy and Hannah Eliot, Tides Foundation, Farhang Foundation, Peter Rigano and Cody Hicks, Malia Simonds, Alan Seiffert, Katie Colendich, Peter Schumann and Rob Wullenjohn, Vicky Shipkowitz, John Bankston and Robert Goodman and YBCA Members.
BWG is an arts organization building on the foundation of the American haunted house. We unite artists, neighbors, and local businesses in collaborative creation, artistic stimulation, and neighborhood connection. Our mission is to foster the studio arts by inviting the public to experience art in a new way and to provide paid opportunities for artists and craftspeople. We use recycled and discarded materials whenever possible and exemplify a DIY approach to creativity and expression. Through a sustainable revenue model, we aim to become a lasting San Francisco tradition that celebrates the city’s creative spirit and love of costumed performance. Bat Witch Ghost demonstrates how community-driven art can be both financially viable and socially transformative, designing gathering spaces where creativity and community intersect.
About YBCA:
Opened to the public in 1993, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. By centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA is reimagining the role an arts institution can play in the communities it serves. For more information, visit ybca.org.
Sam Smith Reopens San Francisco’s Castro Theatre February 2026
Another Planet Entertainment Announces Grand Reopening of the Castro Theatre in February 2026 Kicking off with Sam Smith “To Be Free: San Francisco” Residency
Tickets Go On Sale Tuesday, October 7 at 10 am HERE
30 September 2025 — San Francisco, CA: The time has come! Following a $ 41 million renovation and restoration by Bay Area’s Another Planet Entertainment (APE), the historic Castro Theatre will reopen in February 2026, with the first major act slated to be international sensation Sam Smith for his “To Be Free: San Francisco” eight-nightresidency set for February 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20 & 21. This milestone marks the return of a beloved cultural landmark to full operation and ushers in a new era of programming that bridges cinematic tradition, live music, comedy, community gatherings and service to the LGBTQ+ communities for whom the venue is a treasured asset.
“Our goal is to activate and re-energize the building with equity, inclusion, and community at the forefront,” said Gregg Perloff, CEO and Co-Founder of Another Planet Entertainment. “We look forward to contributing to the vibrancy and economic health of the Castro while honoring its legacy as an LGBTQ+ landmark and cultural anchor.”
Under APE’s stewardship, the century-old venue has undergone a comprehensive renovation, restoring its architectural splendor while upgrading mechanical systems, accessibility, acoustics, and patron amenities. The refreshed neon blade & marquee, decorative ceiling, and restored chandelier signals the reborn destination for cultural life in the Castro neighborhood and beyond.
Inside, the sloped auditorium floor has been reimagined with new telescoping tiers that allow for flexibility between seated shows, film screenings, and standing-room events. Meanwhile, upgraded HVAC, sound, lighting, video systems, additional public restrooms, and expanded ADA accessibility will enhance both the fan and artist experience.
The reopening of The Castro Theatre is poised to deliver meaningful economic gains to the surrounding neighborhood — especially for restaurants, retail, cafés, and bars that rely on cultural foot traffic. APE projects the venue will draw 200,000+ visitors annually, reenergizing business corridors and stimulating local employment.
For the LGBTQ+ community, the venue has long been a symbolic and literal gathering place. Its revival reaffirms its role as a beacon of queer culture, affirmation, and visibility — extending beyond film to performances, panels, and celebrations that reflect the diversity and resilience of the community.
To herald this new chapter, Sam Smith will headline the inaugural season with a special residency in February 2026. Their performance — combining vocal artistry, spectacle, and emotional resonance — sets the tone for a venue that aspires to captivate both longtime fans and new audiences alike. “To Be Free: San Francisco” takes its name from Sam’ssoaring new single, “To Be Free.” The soulful acoustic song, which explores how vulnerability can unlock bravery and freedom, includes moving vocals by The TwoCity Chorus and came with a joyous, (LA)HORDE-directed music video filmed at Warsaw — watch HERE. The song has since earned critical praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone (“Sam Smith feels light as a feather”), Billboard (“one of their most striking songs in years”), and Stereogum(“heartstring-pulling … immensely powerful”), among others. “To Be Free: San Francisco” goes on sale Tuesday, October 7, at 10 a.m. PTat ticketmaster.com
Sam Smith is one of the most celebrated musical artists to emerge in recent history. A five-time GRAMMY® winner, Sam holds two Guinness World Records — one for the most consecutive weeks in the U.K. Top 10 Album Chart (with their 2014 debut In the Lonely Hour), and one for having the first James Bond theme to reach No.1 on the U.K. charts (the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning “Writing’s on the Wall”). Sam has amassed over 40 million equivalent album sales, 300 million single sales, and over 56 billion career streams across their catalog of critically acclaimed albums: In the Lonely Hour, The Thrill of It All, Love Goes, and Gloria, which Rolling Stone praised as “their deepest album yet” and includes the global smash “Unholy” featuring Kim Petras. The track spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and four weeks at No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart, making it Sam’s eighth to top the tally. In June 2025, Sam released the stunning live album BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
Additional booking announcements and programming details for 2026 will be rolling out throughout October. The reopening underscores APE’s commitment to preserving the venue’s roots in film and community. The theatre will welcome back film and add new programming in music, comedy, private events, and community gatherings that will diversify how The Castro Theatre serves San Francisco and its communities.
About Another Planet Entertainment:
Established in 2003, Another Planet Entertainment (APE) is the largest independent promoter in the U.S. and has produced and promoted thousands of events with artists as diverse as Radiohead, Neil Young, Kendrick Lamar, Adele, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Lizzo, Metallica, Bruno Mars, twenty one pilots, Bruce Springsteen, Mumford & Sons, Zedd, Paul McCartney, Fred again.. x Skrillex, Florence + The Machine and Olivia Rodrigo. Named Top Independent Promoter (U.S.) by Billboard Magazine in 2015 and 2016 and Top Independent Promoter (Worldwide) in 2017, APE is the exclusive promoter for the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, the Fox Theater in Oakland, the historic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, The Independent and The Castro in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic, as well as co-promoter of The Bellwether in Los Angeles. In April 2025, APE welcomed Channel 24, a new property in Sacramento to its portfolio. In addition, APE produces the award-winning festival Outside Lands (since 2008, ranked #4 on Billboard’s Top 50 Festivals of 2022) in San Francisco. In 2024, APE launched Golden Gate Park Concerts, an unprecedented standalone event series on the Polo Field in the iconic San Francisco park. The inaugural event with System Of A Down marked the first ever headline concert in the park after dark, preceded only by daytime events. APE also operates an artist management arm, Another Planet Entertainment Management, with a roster that includes two-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Tycho, and a private events division Another Planet Event Group.
Connect with Another Planet Entertainment
Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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For more information on Another Planet Entertainment & The Castro, contact:
Alexandra Greenberg/Falcon Publicity agreenberg@falconpublicity.com
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Liz Liles-Brown/Another Planet Entertainment liz@anotherplanetent.com
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David Perry / David Perry & Associates, Inc news@davidperry.com / (415) 676-7007
Sant’Eligio, Madonna della Cava, and an Unexpected Orvieto Discovery
On our many visits to Orvieto, we’ve walked past the Chiesa della Madonna della Cava countless times. Tucked into the medieval quarter along Via della Cava near the Pozzo della Cava, just steps away from where we’re currently staying, it’s a beloved neighborhood sanctuary, best known today for its devotion to the Virgin Mary and its annual procession.
But this morning, during a hike, Alfredo stepped inside and noticed something we had never seen before: a tribute to Sant’Eligio. The 7th-century goldsmith, royal counselor, and Bishop of Noyon is the patron saint of metalworkers, jewelers, and horses.
Only then did we realize that this Baroque church stands on the site of an earlier 12th-century church of Sant’Eligio, built as the chapel of the city’s goldsmiths’ guild. These artisans — essential to the decoration of the Duomo with their reliquaries, mosaics, and liturgical treasures — naturally looked to Sant’Eligio as their protector. Though the church was later rededicated to the Madonna, fragments of the original Sant’Eligio structure are still visible in its left wall.
Sant’Eligio himself was a remarkable figure: born around 588 near Limoges, a master goldsmith whose honesty earned the trust of kings, later Bishop of Noyon, missionary, and relentless champion of Christian faith. He died on December 1, 660 — and his feast day has been celebrated on that date ever since.
So here in Orvieto, in a church we thought we already knew, history quietly revealed another layer: a hidden link between this Umbrian hill town and the saint whose feast day is our anniversary. This coming December 1, 2025will mark 27 years for us. As we won’t be in Orvieto, we’ll ask one of our friends here to light a candle for us there that day.
— Alfredo Casuso & David Eugene Perry
Sant’Eligio, Madonna della Cava e una Scoperta Inattesa
Durante le nostre numerose visite a Orvieto, siamo passati innumerevoli volte davanti alla Chiesa della Madonna della Cava. Nascosta nel quartiere medievale lungo Via della Cava, vicino al Pozzo della Cava e a pochi passi da dove alloggiamo attualmente, è un santuario di quartiere molto amato, oggi conosciuto soprattutto per la devozione alla Vergine Maria e per la sua processione annuale.
Ma questa mattina, durante una passeggiata, Alfredo è entrato e ha notato qualcosa che non avevamo mai visto prima: un tributo a Sant’Eligio. L’orafo del VII secolo, consigliere reale e vescovo di Noyon è il patrono dei metallurgici, degli orafi e dei cavalli.
Solo allora ci siamo resi conto che questa chiesa barocca sorge sul sito di una più antica chiesa del XII secolo dedicata a Sant’Eligio, costruita come cappella della corporazione degli orafi della città. Questi artigiani — essenziali per la decorazione del Duomo con le loro reliquie, mosaici e tesori liturgici — si rivolgevano naturalmente a Sant’Eligio come loro protettore. Sebbene la chiesa sia stata successivamente ridedicata alla Madonna, frammenti della struttura originaria di Sant’Eligio sono ancora visibili nel muro sinistro.
Sant’Eligio fu una figura straordinaria: nato intorno al 588 vicino a Limoges, maestro orafo la cui onestà conquistò la fiducia dei re, divenne in seguito vescovo di Noyon, missionario e instancabile campione della fede cristiana. Morì il 1° dicembre del 660 — e la sua festa viene celebrata in quella data da allora.
Così, qui a Orvieto, in una chiesa che pensavamo di conoscere già, la storia ha rivelato silenziosamente un altro strato: un legame nascosto tra questa città umbra e il santo la cui festa coincide con il nostro anniversario. Il prossimo 1° dicembre 2025 segnerà per noi 27 anni. Non essendo a Orvieto in quella data, chiederemo a uno dei nostri amici qui di accendere una candela per noi quel giorno.
Metal Frames 101: Heavy Metal Is Not Just for Music
Let Keith Wicker and Lloyd Haddad, co-owners of Walter Adams Framing, take you on a journey—one where “heavy metal” doesn’t mean screaming guitars, but something more refined: frames for art.
Whether you’re a collector, a gallery owner, or someone exploring custom framing for the first time, you may be surprised at how much depth lies in the world of metal picture frames.
The Allure of Metal Frames:
In a sea of materials—wood, acrylic, composites—a metal frame stands out. There’s a certain precision, a sculptural elegance to metal that feels both strong and subtle. When done right, a metal frame doesn’t shout—it whispers confidence.
Mounted around a work of art, a well-chosen metal moulding doesn’t compete—it complements. Light catches its surface. There’s a coolness to the finish, a sleekness to its lines. It feels modern. It ages gracefully. It endures.
But there’s more to it than aesthetics. Metal frames also allow for thin profiles that remain strong and stable. They flex where they need to but hold form where they must. In the right workshop, you get something that is both art and architecture.
Choosing Your Metal: Silver, Gold, or Black:
You might ask: Which tone should I pick?
• Silver / Nickel — Classic, clean, understated. Silver mouldings often read as neutral; they work beautifully across styles from contemporary prints to black-and-white photography.
• Gold / Warm Metals — When polished, gold brings a touch of warmth and vintage glam. Brushed or champagne finishes can be surprisingly versatile—perfect for classical works, vintage posters, or adding richness to modern pieces.
• Black / Matte Finishes — Bold, modern, slightly mysterious. A black metal frame can ground a vibrant painting or provide striking contrast for bright prints. Matte finishes reveal scuffs more readily, so quality plating is key.
As always, finish, thickness, and craftsmanship make the difference between a frame that feels ordinary and one that elevates the art.
Craftsmanship That Matters:
Here’s where the magic happens behind the scenes. The best metal frames are not just cut and joined—they’re engineered.
• Alloy selection: Not every metal is created equal. Some are more durable, some more malleable, some more resistant to corrosion.
• Seamless corners: Clean, tight joins elevate a frame. Poor cuts and joints are obvious; precise ones nearly disappear into the design.
• Surface finishing and plating: That beautiful matte black or polished gold? It’s a technical feat. It must resist tarnish, resist fingerprints, and maintain its luster over time.
• Balance of flexibility vs. rigidity: Too stiff, and the moulding may warp under stress. Too flexible, and it won’t hold shape. The best frames balance both tendencies.
A high-quality metal frame is, in effect, a small feat of engineering—angles exact, finishes flawless, proportions precise.
Metal Frames for Your Collection:
Let’s get a little practical.
• Everyday elegance: For photography, prints, and works you want to highlight without distraction, mid-tone metals (silver, champagne) wear well and pair with nearly any palette.
• Bold statements: Black or brushed gold profiles can turn the frame into part of the composition, making it an intentional design choice.
• Mixed materials: Many frames combine metal with wood or fabric liners for contrast. The metal lends strength and modernity; the other materials bring warmth or texture.
• Care and maintenance: Metal frames, while durable, still require care. Avoid harsh cleaners, wipe gently, and check fittings to keep art secure.
Why Metal Frames Aren’t Just a Trend:
Metal frames have a staying power that transcends design fads. They sit at the crossroads of durability and design, and in skilled hands they become timeless. A thin silver moulding may nearly disappear, letting the art shine. A bold black or gold profile may define the piece with confidence.
At the end of the day, choosing a well-made metal frame is a statement of intention: that you value precision, appreciate enduring design, and expect art to be presented with both function and form.
So next time someone says “heavy metal,” don’t only think of power chords and stadium riffs. Think of silver edges, golden highlights, and matte black silhouettes—crafted not with amplifiers, but with artful engineering.
(Left to Right) Keith Wicker and Lloyd Haddad, co-owners of Walter Adams Framing. Lloyd presented two classes at International Moulding’s Open House and Trade Show event on September 20 in North Hollywood. “Supporting events like this is one of the ways we stay dedicated to our ongoing commitment to the framing and design industry.” — Keith Wicker & Lloyd Haddad)
