The 2021 Barnes Art Ball

October 22, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

The Barnes Museum hosted its annual Arts Ball on Friday, October 15th, a special evening to celebrate the institution and its enduring legacy. The black-tie event raised critical funds that ensure the future of the Barnes Foundation’s educational mission, exhibition program, and wide array of community, artistic, and scholarly projects.

Guests enjoyed an exhibit of Suzanne Valadon: Model, Painter, Rebel, the first exhibition dedicated to the French artist and model Suzanne Valadon at a major US arts institution.

The annual soiree attracted fellow artists, collectors, philanthropists, community partners, thought leaders, and connectors who reconvened in person for a night of diverse and dynamic creative experiences.

Sharon Kim and Andrew Teufel arrive at the ball, accepting a glass of champagne as they enter

The Vaccine Mandated event had guests enjoying the pre festivities in the courtyard before enjoying special performances, exhibits, dinner, and mingling inside the museum, mask free.

Make a 100% tax-deductible to support the Barnes Foundation donation online

John Medveckis, Honorary Consul of Latvia and Helen Drutt English, renowed art crafts person

Scene stealer of the night had to been Jen Su, TV and Radio presenter, wearing a beautiful dress by Philadelphia Designer Conrad Booker. HE also did her shoes.

Gregory Walker, The Brothers Network and Doris Parent

**Bonnie Young** and Tuesday Gordon-Gaines.

Singer, song writer Laurin Talese, legendary music maven Dyana Williams, celebrity strategist and James Claiborne, Curator of Public Programs · Barnes Foundation

**Sarah Hall** and Aileen Roberts, Chair of Board at *Barnes* Foundation

**Kiersten Ensley,** Marianne Dean, one of the co-chairs of this evenings event and son **Michael Dean**,

Sharon Pinkenson, Tina and Julian Krinsky, Garret Snider, Lauren Jarvis, and Lauren Colovita

Steven Lagos (3rd from left) and his team, including long time GM Janice Waitkus (2nd from right), who is retiring next week. Best wishes to you Janice.!!

And then it was time for me to go to the next event that evening, the Gravediggers Ball at the Penn Museum. More on that next week. It’s so nice to see events, galas, parties come back, and people enjoying themselves, at a pace they are comfortable with, and most importantly to support the arts, culture, business and each other once again. Enjoy your weekend and thank you for subscribing (only 60 more for 43ks. You will receive the post right in your email, you don’t have to click on anything to see what is happening around our area) . Look for more photos from the Barnes Art Ball in the December issues of Main Line Today and Philly Style Magazine. Thanks for visiting PhillyChitChat.
Best wishes, HughE

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New Space: BLDG39 Held A Fall Open House

October 21, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Last week I checked out a new event space >> BLDG39 at the Arsenal which is a re-adaptive historical & industrial style event venue in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia. It is located right off i-95 only 15 minutes from Center City with ample parking for guests. BLDG39 hosted a Fall Open House for guests to experience tasty food selections, craft cocktails, and entertainment from their food partners, vendor partners, and local beverage partners. It was very easy to get to, and they really have a big parking lot right in front of the venue. The building was beautifully restored, with high ceilings, original brick, it was spacious and had garage doors to enjoy the outdoor space as well.

Look how pretty this is, there was even a circus performer hanging from the ceiling, a vendor which you could contract to appear at your event. It was really neat. The lighting and staging of the space. Definitely a unique space.

Josh Moore of Josh Eats Philly was ready to eat Bldg 39 at the Arsenal

Event spaces work with various vendors so they have just the right options for clients tastes. The vendors were on hand showcasing what they had to offer. I love a good table setting.

Depending on the style of event and seating arrangements, BLDG39 can accommodate up to 250 guests. BLDG39 was thoughtfully created to be both an event venue and a co-working commissary kitchen for local caterers and food trucks. These talented local caterers and food trucks are options for catering for BLDG39’s events.

Karen Kratchman-Gold, co-owner of Classic Cake and Kathy Bell, Director of Sales Classic Cake, tell me that their biggest selling cake is called the “Dr. J” cake, sour cream based pound cake with chocolate fudge. The 2nd best selling cake is their Carrot Cake. They’re one of my favorite cake stores, as the original store was located a few miles from where I grew up in Cherry Hill. They’re a vendor of BLDG39.

Darcy Hill, Gabby Forgione, Chef Ashley James, Managing Director of Culinary · Di Bruno Bros. and Jackie Grillo

The space is accommodating to food trucks as well

Amanda Bray, loved the space. It’s very unique and different. Lauren Hudnell says she loves the Rustic feel.

Jorge and Liz soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Pagan as they are getting married at BLDG39 next year. She found it on the internet, and loved what the space had to offer. The parking really clinched the deal as well.

To read more about this dynamic space BLDG39 head to Philadelphia Weddings. If you’re ready to create a great event for contact Classic Events by Lauren

Charity, Philadelphia

IBX Foundation Collaborates with Temple University to Create a Pathway to Nursing for Students of Color

October 19, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

CEO Greg Deavens, (on right) Temple president Jason Wingard with IBC Foundation Healthcare Scholars, (l to r) Hannah Mahler Sakeesha Similien, Jamirah Branch, and Justine Jones.

The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) announced new grant funding for a collaboration with Temple University’s College of Public Health and Department of Nursing to create a direct pathway to nursing from high school to college for students of color. The IBC Foundation Healthcare Scholars Pipeline Program will provide full four-year scholarships, which cover tuition and educational expenses, for students of color pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Temple University.

Dr. Lorina Marshall–Blake, President of the IBC Foundation

The program will:
 Provide full 4-year academic scholarships for up to 20 students of color to pursue a Bachelor of
Science in Nursing degree from Temple
 Support students through learning communities, tutoring, and additional academic resources
 Offer mentorship and experiential learning opportunities for high school students to raise awareness of
nursing as a career and help them meet Temple admissions criteria
 Provide job placements within Temple University Health System upon graduation

**Gregory E. Deavens,** **Independence Blue Cross** president and CEO. “Independence is a champion of health equity and social change, ta

“A diverse nursing workforce is essential to providing culturally competent care in communities of color, so we must make sure nursing education is an option for all who want to enter the career,” said Gregory E. Deavens, Independence Blue Cross president and CEO. “Independence is a champion of health equity and social change, tackling challenges through partnerships like the Healthcare Scholars Pipeline Program. We are proud to work with Temple University and Philadelphia-area high schools to launch this program and mark another milestone in our twenty-year journey of support for nursing.”

Dr. Jason Wingard, president of Temple University.

“We’re immensely grateful to have the Independence Blue Cross Foundation as a partner in this important endeavor,” said Dr. Jason Wingard, president of Temple University. “Through this collaboration, our College of Public Health will facilitate the development of a pipeline of highly-talented and diverse nurses. The importance of intentionally targeting these frontline practitioners is crucial given the current complexities of the healthcare system. So, we’re excited to collaborate with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation to enhance equity and access of training in support of preparing a best-in-class workforce.”

Steve Fera is executive vice president of public affairs at Independence Blue Cross (Independence).

Senator Christine Tartaglione, Councilperson Shariff Street, Councilperson Cindy Bass, with teachers, mentors, and students from Temple

In addition to full scholarships, students will receive academic support including paid internships, learning communities and mentorships to further support their undergraduate nursing experience and academic achievement. The initial cohort will include five students from north Philadelphia and surrounding neighborhood high schools and will later expand to additional schools and up to 20 students.

Philly To Do

Boo at the Zoo 2021

October 18, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

The Halloween spirit is in full swing in our area, especially at the Philadelphia Zoo. First of all have you seen the Zoo’s PR Kory Aversa’s viral video with the hippos eating pumpkins. Look for the link at the bottom of this entry. This past weekend, Saturday specifically I stopped by to visit the hippos, giraffes, and especially the penguins with a whole bunch of people, many who were dressed in fun, spooky costumes for Boo at the Zoo. It was so nice to see so many smiling faces, and happy people enjoying America’s First Zoo.

You still have 2 more weekends left to enjoy Boo at the Philly Zoo October 23-24 and 29-31, 2021, families are invited to enjoy Philadelphia Zoo and enjoy an open-air Halloween celebration that features fall plants and foliage, spooky kid-friendly decorations, not-scary extinction graveyard, photo opportunities, and special treats.

Kids receive Trick or Treat bags when they enter.

They go to candy/gift stations through out the zoo and pick up treats.

Reserve your space for Boo at the Zoo Check out more photos from Boo at the Zoo at CBSPhilly

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kory Aversa (@koryaversa)

Which reminds ,me, have you ordered your Thanksgiving Dinner yet? Boston Market has a great deal!! I had it last year, it was so easy. Comes precooked you just have to heat it up !!

Philadelphia, Real Estate, Uncategorized

First Look “2100 Model Residence Unveiling”

October 15, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

I’ve watched them build 2100 Hamilton as it’s only a few blocks from my house. They’ve done a great job, and it turned out so much more beautiful than I anticipated. Fits right into the neighborhood, which I can enjoy with the reflective glass, and bright sunny skies on those days.
Comprised of 27 exclusive residences and situated among the city’s finest museums, 2100 Hamilton offers a luxury lifestyle that is easy, effortless, and exciting close to shops, Fairmount Park and views of the City Skyline.

Last night there was a special unveiling of one of their 3 bedroom models for potential residents to get a sneak peek at what 2100 Hamilton has in store for them.

Did I mention spectacular views of the City Skyline

With a nearly half acre private residential garden, offers stunning city views and strikes the perfect balance of Center City living with the peace of a park-like setting.

Developer and friends Michael Scanapieco and Tom Scanapieco, with developers of this property Tom Bock and Angela Bock

Kerrie Owens and Ashley Holcombe Rachel Garman, and Brianna Minko

Paula Celletti-Baron shows Michelle Wenitsky ,Dani Kanak and Michelle Leff the living room over looking the Rodin Museum.

Matt Musill, Risk Management Consultant at Johnson, Kendall & Johnsoni, and Tom Bannar, Vice President | Risk Management Advisor | Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc.

Kris Pirnat and Jamie Ireland John and Kelly Williams

Judy Munroe in the amenity filled kitchen. Highlights include an induction cooktop, quartz countertops, one-touch faucets, microwave drawers, over-counter lighting, an oversized wine refrigerator, and a separate expansive pantry as well as a selection of tasteful palettes to fit anyone’s personal style. Custom cabinetry by Joanne Hudson Kitchens and appliances by Wolf and Sub-Zero anchor the gourmet kitchen experience. 2100 Hamilton
Thanks to Andre Flewellen for photographing the Sneak Peek Preview as I was covering the Italian Medical Awards. More on that next week. Have a great weekend, and I will see you back here on Sunday for HughE Around Town!! Thanks as always, HughE

Philly To Do

Philadelphia Art Alliance at University of the Arts Debut

October 14, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

October 7, 2021 was a celebration of the reopening of the Philadelphia Art Alliance at University of the
Arts, which had largely been closed during the pandemic. It included UArts leadership, its board of
trustees and the many donors who supported the first two phases of improvements to the alliance. The
evening cocktail party was held in the newly renovated first-floor galleries and meeting space, as well
as in the garden.

Founded by artists in 1915 and located in the former Wetherill Mansion on Rittenhouse Square, the Philadelphia Art Alliance is considered one of the first multidisciplinary art spaces in the U.S. Its remarkable legacy includes presenting the work of visionary writers, composers, dancers, musicians, sculptors and architects from Igor Stravinksy to Gertrude Stein to Diego Rivera, among many other luminaries.

In 2018, the celebrated Philadelphia Art Alliance merged with the University of the Arts uniting two century-old institutions as the Philadelphia Art Alliance at the University of the Arts. Its new name: Philadelphia Art Alliance at the University of the Arts.

President David Yager, president and CEO of uArts, and Jud Aaron, Board of Trustees for the University of the Arts greets the supporters, friends and thanks them for their help in renovating the building.

Ralph Citino ,Lawrence Taylor, Eleanor Davis, Suzanne and Ron Naples

Gregory Segall, Joe Aristone, and Jack Soloff Jr.

Larry and Harriet Weiss, Ronald Gross and Sandra Taub

Thanks to Andre Flewellen for shooting. For more background on the Art Alliance, and University of the Arts Common Field Phila Inquirer Sorry I missed you yesterday, it’s been very busy this week, which is great. You can always follow along on Instagram, in my stories as that’s where I report current, as it happens in my life stuff. Hello to the 127 new followers since the beginning of October. Most of youse came over from Instagram, and I appreciate it. Here on PhillyChitChat we go much more into depth about the events we cover with links so you can easily read about them as well.
Otherwise see you tomorrow for more ChitChat. Thanks so much!! HughE

Uncategorized

Patty Jackson, Victory Brewing and Federal Donuts Looking Good BB Game

October 12, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Happy Tuesday. I’m just going to dive in on this subject. It’s been a few days since I underwent my first colonoscopy in a decade. I was overdue, colon cancer runs in my family, and my siblings go every few years starting in their early 40s, whereas I put mine off as I just did. No good excuse. In the past year I suffered serious backaches, where in the spring I was bedridden for most of it, missing my bird migration. In recent weeks I had serious stomach aches, and one of my blood tests came back bad. An emergency colonoscopy was ordered. It was a stressful week. But everything turned out OK. It seems stress and my coffee habit was causing stress on my digestive system.

I was lucky. What I learned is, don’t be me. When you come of age, 45, you can get a colonoscopy. It’s preventive care. Don’t wait until it’s emergency, and the voices in your head take you down a dark road while waiting for the procedure. The bottom line during a colonoscopy, your doctor checks for abnormalities or disease in your large intestine, particularly the colon. The prep is so easy now, especially since you mix it with Gatorade, a drink we all love, or if you don’t Crystal Light. My doctors are at Jefferson, but I’m sure where ever your doctor is located, they’ll do a great job as well. The staff does this every day, and are able to put you at ease and answer any question you might have. BTW the nurse wants me to assure you you will not have an accident on the table, it’s just like getting your teeth cleaned, where the tool is also a suction cup. So don’t be afraid of doing preventitve care, whether it’s a colonoscopy, endoscopy, mammogram, diabetes care, PSA, annual physical. You can either take care of it today, or in an emergency someday, and that my friend is no fun.

The doctor said get up and move around as soon as you can, so the next day Mike and I went for a walk. I see Victory Brewing Company at 18th and the Parkway is very close to opening. The tables are set, the gift store is stock and the outside tables are in place. I bet the place is packed by Halloween. It looks beautiful.

Victory is part of the **Pearl Properties** renovation of the former hotel, now apartment building called The Terrence. Look for a **Federal Donuts** to open at this location soon.

Sad to have missed my friend Patty Jackson’s street naming ceremony on Friday. So glad my friend Kory Aversa was able to be there for us, oh and my other friend “in my head” Patti LaBelle. Congratulations Patty Jackson, a deserved honor as you have made a positive impact on so many peoples lives over the decades you’ve been on the air at WDAS, and through out your body of work here in Philadelphia.

Happening this Saturday at the Northeast Family Y The Anti-violence Basketball Game. INFO HERE> Peace out. ChitChat soon, HughE

Philly To Do

Commonweal Art Gallery Opens In Philly

October 11, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

In the past few months people have been yearning to go out , and we here at Philly Chit Chat have been very busy photographing many of the hot and happening events. Thanks to team photographer Andre Flewellen for capturing the opening of Commonweal Art Gallery earlier this month. Let’s see who made left their leggings at home and came to check out this new art gallery.

The arts scene in Philadelphia continues to grow with the opening of Commonweal which happened October 1st, 2021. The gallery features emerging and mid-career Philadelphia artists and designers from across the city’s creative communities. The artists for Commonweal’s inaugural program were chosen because their work focuses on social and cultural themes important to our city and its residents while remaining engaged with evolving national and global conversations. The works of featured designers form a capsule collection of objects exclusive to the gallery. The designers have engaged their material expertise to create an array of unique functional objects whose quality and thoughtfulness are intended to enrich their user’s daily experience through their use.

Photo on Right: Caitlin Clark, Alec Conner, Owner of Commonweal Gallery and Priyanka Setty

Kate Marlys, Philly PR Girl and Andrianna Acosta check out the art at Commonweal Gallery located at 1607 Latimer Street, 19103 featuring feature G. Farrel Kellum and Warith Taha

Sitting Pretty: Gabrielle Ochoco, and Sabir Peele, Men Style Pro

Alec Conner, chats with creators Dan Tague, multi-media artist and Olivia Verdugo, Founder and Designer at C R U S H

October featured designer is C R U S H studio, an ongoing materials collaboration between Jenna Robb and Olivia Verdugo. They have created the Grounding Cushion, an object that is intended to reduce stress and refocus on the present moment through touch, for the gallery’s capsule design collection.

Making the scene is Ian Michael Crumm, and Toni Leslie, who had stepped away for a bit to explore lives other offerings, but the pandemic has brought them back to the Philly scene . I have a feeling we’ll see more of these two creatives in the near future. Plus Happy Birthday this week Ian!!

For more information, you can also follow Commonweal on their Instagram and Facebook pages. For press inquiries and/or media requests, please contact Katerina@PhillyPRGirl.com.

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Cape May: Nature, Birds & Butterflies

October 8, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Over the years I’ve made a trek to Cape May in the fall to see the butterfly migration which occurs in late September and early October. It’s been hit or miss over the past few years, but it’s always a lovely day especially when I go with Mike.

In my next life I’m going to commit to memory what kinds of birds I see, maybe.

I only know this is a Mockingbird cause a 10 year old kid told his dad, yes that’s a Mockingbird, I learned about it at school. Now how come I didn’t take that class.

I love people watching as much as wildlife.

Happy Birthday to my sisters Crista and Margaret!!

We didn’t see too many butterflies this year, even though I read it was the best year in a decade, but I did get to spend the day with Mike and that was priceless. We enjoyed a beautiful day, as well as our favorite dining spot in Cape May – Exit Zero. Hopefully next year we’ll spot more than two. In the meantime check out my friend John Cooke’s photo who captured the beauty the day before; If you go in the next week, or in the upcoming years this is what you might see. The best time to go is after the temperatures drop below 70f, or a cold front passes, like last Thursday night. The butterflies fly along the coastline, on their way to Mexico for the winter. They stop at the point towards the evening as they know they can’t make it across the wide Delaware Bay. How they know I have no idea since each generation is new to the migration. Isn’t nature fascinating.

cookecapemay

It’s a Traffic jam of @capemaymonarchs proportions at Cape May point. Incredible to see this firsthand. Naturalist are encouraged by the significant numbers. #capemay 10/2/21 **

Say a prayer for me today as I undergo a common medical procedure, a colonoscopy, which over 45’s should do more regularly for preventive care. Thanks so much.

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Sustainable Princeton Ride-and-Drive Event with NRG Energy

October 7, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

In partnership with NRG Energy, Inc., the annual Sustainable Princeton’s Electric EVening at the Princeton Shopping Center took place Friday, October 1, and this years weather was amazing . A beautiful fall evening where community members were invited to test drive the latest electric vehicles, motorcycles, and bikes and learn the benefits of going electric.

This year’s showcase presented exciting new models hitting the market, including the Polestar 2, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E (above), VW’s ID.4,

and a variety of all-electric bike options for both on- and off-road adventures.

Full-size motorcycles from Zero Motorcycles’ dealer Mt Holly Motorsports

Danita Park, Director of Commercial Development at NRG speaks with a community member

Representatives from NRG Energy, Inc., were onsite providing information on energy-related products and services that support a sustainable lifestyle, including NRG Carbon Offsets and renewable electricity plans. NRG Carbon Offsets, in particular, are an exciting new addition to NRG’s suite of solutions. Through NRG Carbon Offsets, a customer reduces the net carbon emissions of daily activities such as driving, traveling, or using electricity in the home. An NRG Carbon Offset subscription or one-time purchase lowers an individual’s carbon footprint by investing in third-party verified carbon reduction projects.

NRG Energy, Inc., is also a consumer of EVs. NRG recently announced our own fleet goal
to convert 100% of our light duty vehicles all electric by 2030, which is part
of our broader goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

At NRG, we’re bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy, @nrginsight.