OK actually a little birdie is telling you, I’ll be away until next week, heading to Florida to visit Mom. This will be my last blog post until 4/15/21. I have scheduled interesting tweets, and will be posting on Instagram (and my new Instagram where I will be posting a lot more photos which have nothing to do with Philly, give me a follow there >> and everything to do with things I’m interested in.) and FB of my fun in Florida. So excited to see my mom in person after 15 months. Thanks to the healthcare workers, and all the front line workers who cared for me, and everyone during the pandemic.
In the meantime enjoy a few birds I photographed over the Easter weekend. Hopefully this time next year I will have an idea of what kinds of birds they are. I am bringing a birding book with me to get a clue. These were all shot at Edwin B. Forsythe. It’s about 45 minutes from Philly, and 20 minutes from AC. It’s really a great thing to do on a rainy day at the shore as well. It’s an 8 mile gravel road to drive on, with scenic views and nature. Cost $4
Blue Heron
Osprey building their nest
Caroline Wren
Getting in his greens
Reflecting on this year
Red Wing Black Bird
Easter Sunday was definitely one of the best days I had at the nature preserve
Have a wonderful week, and we’ll return on April 15.
In the wake of a devastating year in which COVID has critically damaged Philadelphia’s economy and taken thousands of lives, City officials and leaders from the region’s business community today announced Ready.Set.Philly!, a year-long initiative to promote the safe return to Philadelphia for work and play, aimed at restoring the city’s economic and cultural vibrancy. (This photo by Sam Sassano)
Left to right: Jerry Sweeney of Brandywine Realty Trust; Susan Jacobson, chair of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia; Angela Val, executive director of Ready Set Philly!; Mayor Jim Kenney; Bill Hankowsky, former CEO of Liberty Property Trust; and Michael Rashid, Philadelphia Commerce Director.
Last week I attended a great press conference to publicly launch the Ready Set Initiative which is a collaborative effort with the City of Philadelphia, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and coalition of businesses and organizations who will work together to provide information that will encourage, support, and promote safely bringing people back to Philadelphia – the heart of the region. I was bursting with joy as that is basically what I’ve been doing for a better part of the year.
Philly is Open, safely. Soon We Will All Gather.
How many of us dreamed of working from home for so many years, and now that we have for the past year, how many dream of returning to work. We miss the early morning walks to work. We miss our friends, office mates, copy machines, 30 second elevator chats, we miss happy hour, we miss our train mates, theater nights, live entertainment, Philly streets, people watching, so much about what is connected with working in an office we now realize it’s missing from our lives, and was a big part of us.
Sunsets, especially from the Four Seasons lobby.
What a great idea. >>> Ready.Set.Philly! is ready to get us back in the office, safely. The collaborative return-to-work civic initiative between the City of Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber and a broad coalition of employers and organizations throughout the region care deeply about Philadelphia. Follow them on Instagram, FB and ReadySetPhilly and stay on top of how things progress as we return to work, our offices and satisfy the curiosity of whatever happened to that banana I left in my top drawer as my friend Mel sometimes mentions to me
Happy Days Are Here Again as the Kimmel Cultural Campus is ReOpening
THE KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS ANNOUNCES REOPENING IN FALL 2021
With positive news and reports from Broadway touring industry organizations, the Kimmel Cultural Campus is announcing the return of live Broadway programming to Philadelphia in the fall of 2021 after being closed for more than a year due to COVID-19. The Kimmel Cultural Campus kicks-off its season, presented in partnership with The Shubert Organization, with 13 magnificent shows that will finally bring audiences together again for the unparalleled live theater experience. In anticipation of reopening its doors safely and resuming mainstage performances, Campus management continues to work in consultation with health and safety experts and in accordance with City and Commonwealth guidelines in the development of its reopening plans. Additionally, the Kimmel Cultural Campus is working collaboratively with its esteemed Resident Companies to support their season plans which will be announced in the coming months.
The 2021/22 Broadway Philadelphia season premieres with the return of Hamilton and continues with an astounding lineup of Tony Award®-winning productions including fan favorites, an innovative reimagining, and beloved classics. The upcoming season boasts 42 Tony Awards and 37 Drama Desk Awards™, and several Philadelphia premieres.
Hamilton (October 20 – November 28, 2021, Academy of Music) My niece Ella and I caught it when it debuted in Philly in 2019. It was magnificent.
Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles (October 29 – 31, 2021, Merriam Theater) – I loved it , yeah yeah yeah Anastasia (November 23 – 28, 2021, Merriam Theater) Stomp (December 28, 2021 – January 2, 2022, Merriam Theater) – Toe tapping, aisle dancing show Pretty Woman: The Musical (January 4 – 16, 2022, Academy of Music) – I Feel Pretty
Hadestown (February 9 – 20, 2022, Academy of Music) – Make me feel ALIVE Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (February 22 –27, 2022, Academy of Music) – You’ve got a friend in this musical. Go with your best friend. Rent: 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour (March 4 – 6, 2022, Merriam Theater) One of the best. I’ve seen it on Broadway at least 10 times, and in Philly 5 times. Only about 1,171,200 minutes away from seeing this again and singing “525,600 minutes in the year.” Oklahoma! (March 8 – 20, 2022, Forrest Theatre) – Mike’s Mom’s favorite show!! Waitress (March 29 – April 3, 2022, Academy of Music) – Adorable Hairspray (May 16 – 22, 2022, Merriam Theater) – You Can’t Stop The Beat >>> I’ve seen the movie 37 times. To Kill A Mockingbird (July 12 – 24, 2022, Academy of Music) – Classic, timely. Dear Evan Hansen (August 16 – 28, 2022, Forrest Theatre) – Oh dear, I never saw this either
Beginning in the 2021/22 season, Kimmel Cultural Campus is pleased to present a Safe & Clean Commitment + COVID-19 Subscriber Guarantee as outlined below:
We will always put the safety of our guests, artists, and staff first. We will not hold performances until City and Commonwealth guidelines allow, and we are working closely with our union partners, producers, artists, and other performing arts centers around the nation to develop the most comprehensive plan to safely reopen our doors. We are committing to a healthy and clean environment with increased disinfection, enhanced ventilation, and will enforce all recommended health authority guidelines. We want you to return when you are ready, we will stand behind any subscription tickets you purchase now for our future events with our COVID-19 Subscriber Guarantee. For more information on COVID-19 Subscriber Guaranteeand our Safe & Clean Commitment, please visit kimmelcenter.org.
Get Your pen out as … The cherry blossoms are coming! On the first day of Spring people on Social Media often post this street to celebrate the day, but in fact the street doesn’t bloom until the 2nd week of April; I know as it’s 3 blocks from my house. I took this photographed last year 4/15/20. 800 block of 21st Street in Fairmount. Let’s check out some other favorite blooming spots…
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center (Shot 4/13/19) Weeping cherry tree over Japanese House’s pond and garden, cherry tree allee from JASGP plantings and the original 1926 plantings In Philadelphia, the Head Gardener at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center is calling for peak bloom in April. “We can expect the peak bloom in Philadelphia to roll across the region around the first two weeks of April, averaging around the 10th and coinciding nicely with our Virtual Ohanami cherry blossom program live from Shofuso,” said Sandi Polyakov, Head Gardener at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. “
Shofuso Cherry Blossom Virtual Ohanami Saturday, April 10, 10 am – 11 am $15/ $10 for JASGP Members Spring starts at Shofuso with this Ohanamiprogram, live from Shofuso, and will include a beautiful presentation of ohanami or cherry blossom appreciation, Tamagawa University taiko performance (pre-recorded in Japan), activities, demonstrations, and crafts that highlight cherry blossom culture. This event is dedicated to Abana Jacobs, a colleague lost to COVID-19 in 2020 who worked with JASGP on the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festivals for many years.
11th Annual Shofuso Cherry Blossom 10k/5k April 10 through April 18 $45 race fee This year, the Annual Cherry Blossom 10K/5K will be virtual. Upon registration through RunSignUp. runners can complete their distances on their own schedule at the sanctioned course among the cherry trees near Shofuso, on their regular training courses, on a treadmill, or anywhere that feels right. Between Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 18, participants will complete the run/walk, submit their time, and tag Shofuso in selfies taken along the way or at the finish with the hashtag #CherryBlossom10K or #SpringStartsatShofuso.
There are an assortment of viewing locations throughout Philadelphia as featured on one side of the new map, including Washington Square, Columbus Boulevard, Delancey Street, and near Eastern State Penitentiary. Prime locations for cherry blossoms in Fairmount Park include:
4/20/20
4/14/19
Kelly Drive/East River Cherry trees from 1933 planting “ North of Boathouse Row past where Girard Ave. crosses Kelly Drive
The Paulownia trees surrounding Swann Fountain bloom in the first week of May. As luck would have it the tulips are in full bloom as well. (shot May 7, 2020). Enjoy as these blooms are quick especially if it rains, and is windy during the blooming season.
I’ll be at East Market on Saturday between Noon and 1PM for Sisterly Love Citywide Food Fair is coming to Center City with a first-ever pop-up at East Market, 1100 Market Street, on Saturday, April 3, 2021, from 12 Noon to 4:00pm. Get all your Easter, Passover and weekly goodies from top local female chefs, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs supporting each other during the pandemic at this one-day outdoor, socially distanced food markets. Socially distanced and masks are required. Contactless payment preferred when making your purchase. Visit Sisterly Love on Instagram for a list of vendors as the event gets closer. For a full list of dates, locations and vendors, visit Sisterly Love on Instagram at @sisterlylovefoodfair or on Facebook at Sisterly Love Citywide Food Fair. The following are a few of my favorites
Easter Sunday Family Style Brunch Chez Colette (Dine-in) Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square 120 S 17th St Philadelphia, PA 19103 https://www.sofitel-philadelphia.com/happenings/ (215) 569-8300 Seating groups of 2, 4 and 6 Reservations required $65 per person plus tax/gratuity, Children Under 12 Half Price Sunday, April 4, 2021, 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Talula’s Garden – Washington Square, Philadelphia Washington Square, Philadelphia Talula’s Garden will be offering brunch on Easter Sunday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm for dine in, dine outside or takeout! Enjoy seasonal farm to table fare including Fresh Baked Gluten Free Blueberry Pecan Streusel Muffins with Whipped Butter, Beet Cured Salmon Gravlox, Savory Steak & Egg Bowl, and more.
Steak 48 – Center City, Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia’s premier modern Steakhouse (and one of the hardest reservations in Philadelphia to get) is typically open for dinner service only. This Easter Sunday, Steak 48 will extend its hours of operation, opening at noon for lunch service in addition to dinner service! Steak 48’s menu offers a plethora of indulgent options to celebrate Easter with an over-the-top meal. Menu highlights include: Fresh Seafood Raw Bar Tower a variety of Prime Steaks & Chops with additional add-ons including Black Truffle Sauteed Lobster, Crab Cake, ‘Oscar’ and Crispy Shrimp signature sides including Corn Crème Brulee, Praline Sweet Potato, Creamy Mac & Cheese, and Kennett Square Mushrooms Whole Colorado Rack of Lamb Decadent Desserts including Peanut Butter Pie, Crispy Banana Split, Ultimate Warm Vanilla Caramel Cake, & more.
Just had dinner here last week. Get the octopus, and branzino. So good. Caffe Aldo Lamberti 2011 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ, 08002 Caffelamberti.com Event info: https://www.caffelamberti.com/happenings/ (856) 663-1747
Easter Sunday Dine-in Specials and Easter At-Home Take-Out Package
Positano Coast 212 Walnut St, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia 215.238.0499 Positanocoast.net Positano Coast has three options this year – Easter at home for take-out package For those celebrating at home, Positano Coast will offer a special Four Course Plus Winel Easter Package for Two. Package is $100 for two, plus tax and gratuity, for take-out only. Order by calling 215.238.0499. Menu includes shared Artichoke Lemon Soup (chicken, ricotta dumplings) and Casarecce (Bolognese ragù, pecorino Toscano; choice of Pork Ossobuco or Chicken Parmigiana (with marbled potatoes); shared Tiramisu; and a bottle of red or white wine. Or Dine In with Easter Brunch and Easter Dinner!
The Love will be offering brunch on Easter Sunday from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm for dine in, dine outside or takeout! Enjoy The Love’s Shrimp & Grits, signature “take me away” Nashville Hot Chicken, Ricotta Ravioli, Stoned Ground Grits, and more. HughE Dillon Photo – I love the love.
The Wayward – Center City, Philadelphia Enjoy Easter brunch on The Wayward’s restaurant’s spacious outdoor terrace: an urban oasis complete with lush green landscaping and string lighting with café tables overlooking the vibrant East Market corridor. It’s set far back from the street—ideal for privacy and creating a setting that transports you to a Parisian bistro. Standout menu items include: · Lobster Eggs Benedict; on an English muffin with ratatouille and old bay hollandaise · Chicken Waffle Pot Pie; cream-chicken fricassee, sunny-side up egg, peas, corn, carrot · Cast Iron Waffle; caramel apple poelee, maple mousseline, candied pecan · Truffle Tarte Flambe: Alsatian flatbread, mushroom ragout, pistou, sunny-side egg · Oyster Shooters: The Washed-Up Sailor; fermented tomato, new Amsterdam vodka, celery bitters, lemon, oyster South of The Navy Yard; dill beefeater gin, caper brine, lemon, oyster Wayward Photo
Photo by Eddy Marenco
Hawthornes Easter Bunny Brunch Hawthornes Beer Cafe Pivot Coffee & Wine Shop (215) 627-3012 738 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Saturday, April 3, 2021 and Sunday, April 4, 2021 https://www.opentable.com/hawthornes
Hop on down and celebrate Easter Weekend in South Philly! Hawthornes and Pivot Coffee invites families to join the egg-citing fun at the first-ever Hawthornes Easter Bunny Brunch. Get out those bunny ears, bonnets and bow ties for brunch on Saturday, April 2nd and Sunday, April 3rd, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Snap some family photos with the easter bunny himself! Specials include bunny pancakes, bunny scramble, and carrot cake pancakes w/ cream cheese maple syrup, plus fun spins on cocktails like Bunny Marys, and Carrot Juice Mimosas for the grown-ups. Outdoor seating available in the festive spring-decorated bubbles, on the sidewalk, and in the heated covered tent. Reservations required. $10 per person. To make a reservation please use open table https://www.opentable.com/hawthornes
Philadelphia Zoo Cuts Ribbon and Unveils Big Time Experience on Thurs 3/25
WHAT: BIG TIME: LIFE IN AN ENDANGEROUS AGE, is an immersive multi-sensory experience featuring 24- life-size, animatronic dinosaurs and other giants set in a variety of realistic, evocative landscapes, immersive sights and sounds, highlighting catastrophic historic events from the Age of Dinosaurs through today.
Vikram H. Dewan, Philadelphia Zoo, President & CEO
BIG TIME takes guests back 66 million years to when a huge asteroid slammed into Earth, ending the reign of dinosaurs like the mighty Triceratops and the fierce T-rex; to a more recent period about 70,000 years ago, when humans spread across the globe, meeting saber-toothed cats, gorilla-sized lemurs and birds bigger than ostriches – all of which have since disappeared; to today, as animals like polar bears and elephants are at risk of the same fate, due to human activities.
“Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to bring back the cherished Zoo Key,” said Philadelphia Zoo Chief Marketing & Engagement Officer Amy Shearer (r). “They have been an important part of the fabric of this region, and are connected to so many wonderful memories for so many people. This season we are happy to introduce the new Dino-Key, to be used at our new Big Time experience. We are looking forward to an exciting spring and summer season at the Zoo!”
I found this family trying out the Philadelphia Zoo’s special Dino Zoo Key which plays the talking story . They’re available for purchase during the run of Big.
Andre Flewellen
Sheila Hess, City Representative welcomes guests to the sneak preview
Zoo admission: $19-24; Big Time admission: additional $6; members only: March 25-Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., philadelphiazoo.org Make Reservations before you go.
Hey Friday. Looking Pretty. I walked around town this week and got a few photos you might like, and fashion as it is Fashion Friday after all.
This women is on brand with her favorite color pink.
Paine Skateboard park is always a great spot to see mad skillz
Macy’s windows brighten my day
I’m humming Secret Agent Man in my head
I like waving to this guy when I pass his way, he was open right through the pandemic
Dogs make me smile, but I realize now I can’t have one, I don’t have the discipline and soon not the time to properly care for the bundle of joy. Please tell Mike that so he will take off the barking dog recorder on our Alexa. Everytime I open the front door it begins to bark and reminds me I have to take the dog for a walk after it left me a surprise somewhere in the house.
But they are so cute.
It was great to see the City, was working on the Van Coln field this month, where the homeless lived last fall and summer, and dogs and kids playing ball have returned.
Head over to my Instagram to see the video I did for Fashion Friday featuring a few people not on the blog today. See you on Sunday when I will have a fun and informative Round Up of things to do, and exciting things to come. Thanks HughE
Good Wednesday. First welcome to all my new followers, we had quite a rush this week with over 3 dozen, and I really appreciate it. You keep me motivated to get up and get out while I am sparodically employed these days. I’m probably shooting 3 events a month, I used to do that in a day. But we are all in the same boat until the world opens up. I just want to thank you. I love that people tell me they love this weekly feature of Woof Woof Wednesday. I really enjoyed all the puppies, and dogs in my timeline yesterday for National Puppy Day. I was only going to do a bakers dozen, but it was too hard to choose.
Welcome to Philly, I love your people watching stairs.
We’ll miss you buddy, enjoy NYC. I once lived there too. They have this gigantic park in the center of town, but please don’t chase the birds at the Ramble.
cscphilly Happy National Puppy Day! There is no better joy than playing with a puppy, taking them for a walk, or snuggling up on the couch together after a long day. Celebrate your pup by registering them for our 23rd Annual Paws 4 Life Dog Walk on Saturday, October 2nd at Warminster Community Park. Cost is only $25 a leash so the entire family and your puppy can join in the fun, contests, games, vendors and more. All to support the free programs for local families living with cancer. Visit https://cancersupportphiladelphia.org/dogwalk/ for more information.
Independence Blue Cross (Independence) and vybe urgent care (vybe) announce the opening of a COVID-19 vaccination site at Independence LIVE (1919 Market Street in Philadelphia), on the Independence Blue Cross campus. The site is open to residents of Philadelphia who meet the City of Philadelphia’s eligibility guidelines – which now includes people 65 and older – and who have made an appointment. There is also focused outreach being done by Independence and vybe to reach priority populations defined by the City.
Appointments for the general public are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Independence and vybe will also be reaching out to eligible members/patients in Philadelphia to schedule them for appointments at Independence LIVE. “We hope that the site helps make it possible for the City to inoculate more eligible people in an efficient and equitable way.” – Gregory E. Deavens
“This is truly a time to be optimistic in the battle against COVID-19,” said Peter Hotz, president and CEO of vybe urgent care. “Every vaccine we give moves us to a safer and healthier city, and we know Philadelphians are ready to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated.”
Philadelphia residents who are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine can make an appointment at Independence LIVE by visiting vybe.care or by calling 215-999-3715.
HughE Dillon, Hired Publicity Photographer for media placements – During Covid19 Pause I am showcasing Charities on blog Pro Bono
Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger Run
For over 20yrs the Coalition has been a leader in GTR Philadelphia's anti-hunger fight
Career Wardrobe – Donate & shop
Using clothing to inspire change - donate & shop in Philly, DelCo & Bucks. Open to all
Walk With Me Philadelphia 2021
Easter Seals Southeastern Pa
Nonprofit Organization
Cancer Support Community Philadelphia
Providing a professional, comprehensive program of social and emotional support to adults and children affected by cancer.
Teal Butterfly Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Teal Butterfly is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to raise awareness about the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer by educating the public through community events and social media campaigns
Stevenson Advocacy
Business Development. Government Affairs. International Relations.
