John Fry, Cara Fry, Kyle Wesphal, Jenifer Westphal , and Ken Downing
Bonnie Young and Sandra Blumberg of the Do Gooders of Philadelphia, and co-chairs, address the guests.
The mission of the Do Gooders is to enrich the lives of at-risk families and women and children in the Greater Philadelphia Area by volunteering and providing small grants to organizations serving their needs.
Maribeth Lerner, Marcello Luzi, Veronica McKee and Gregory Seitter
Jennifer Unterberger and ,Mikel Elam
Guests enjoyed a fashion show and silent auction items, including custom designed clothing, including the one that Dr. Thanuja Hamilton won, and is holding.
Two designs by Halston
With Love Halston, is a nonprofit organization founded by Lesley Frowick, Halston’s niece; Steve Gold, Managing Director; Scott Vogel, CFO; Audrey Schilt, CCO; and Patrick Morgan.
Joan Tepper, and Gail Krimstock
Susan Kremer, Sandra Blumberg, Isabella Plaut, Ani Greenspan, Alexandra Cohen, Sandra‘s, daughter, and granddaughters
Josephine Wang,Switzenbaum, Sandra Blumberg, Paul Vanravenstein, Pat Cleveland, Karen Bjornson, Tony Spinelli, and Stephen Burrows
The Chairpersons for the event were: Sandra Blumberg Beatty, Jamie Joffe, Carol Kauffman, Barbara Martin Kravitz, Laura Lenet, Judy Lundy, Donna Slipakoff, Barbara Sylk, Cindy Pettinaro Wilkinson and Bonnie Young.
Robert and Barbara Tiffany, laura and Mark Lenet
Anne Hamilton and Iliana Strauss
Sharon Pinkenson
Bonnie Young, Karen Buchholtz, Donna Slipakoff, Ken Downing , Karen Daroff and Mary Dougherty
John Wind, jewellery designer, artist was the with his niece.
The Halston Archives Scholarship will be establishing scholarship initiatives at top fashion institutions across the United States and ultimately abroad.
The Philadelphia Montessori Charter School held a ribbon cutting recently to dedicate the new addition school building and expanded campus! Joined by students, parents, staff, and esteemed guests including The Honorable Joanna McClinton, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House, we marked this special occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Established in 2004, our school has been committed to delivering a top-notch education. With a current enrollment of 250 students spanning Kindergarten to Fourth Grade, we are proud to witness our continuous growth.
The brand-new 13,000-square-foot building is a testament to their commitment to excellence. With flexible classrooms that feature state-of-the-art technology, a gym and multipurpose room facilitating healthy lifestyles and learning through physical activity, and a fully-equipped commercial kitchen producing healthy meals, we ensure our students have an optimal learning environment.
gym and multipurpose room
Board Chair Chris Smith shares his enthusiasm, saying, “The expansion of Philadelphia Montessori Charter School has been a long-standing vision, and today, we see it become a reality. Our faculty’s dedication and the generous support of our donors have brought us to this exciting milestone. We believe our school embodies Maria Montessori’s vision to focus on the development of the whole child, and we are proud to educate the next generation of leaders.”
A lot of students parents came out for the occasion.
During the event, we were honored to have Representative McClinton and board member Kelly Doyle share their remarks, emphasizing their deep pride in being born and raised right here in Southwest Philadelphia. Their personal connection to our community further amplifies our commitment to serving and uplifting the local area. Together, we are dedicated to nurturing the potential of our students and fostering a thriving educational environment.
The Honorable Joanna McClinton, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House, helped marked this special occasion at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The students sang two songs at the dedication.
Philadelphia Montessori Charter School (PMCS) si located in Southwest Philadelphia, excels at providing children in Kindergarten through 6th grade with a Montessori education in an environment that nurtures the whole child, celebrates inclusion, embraces innovation, and encourages collaboration with families. PMCS ignites the internal spark that leads to social, emotional and academic success.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of Philadelphia Montessori Charter School. Together, we are shaping the future and offering a beacon of hope to our wider community. – Gina Lee Board Member/Co-Chair, Advancement Committee
The Franklin’s View clear tent, catering by Cescaphe
Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the non-profit that manages and operates Franklin Square, hosted the 2023 An Evening in Franklin Square presented by Parx Casino. The fundraising event took place in beautiful Franklin Square, one of William Penn’s original squares and one of the city’s most charming historic parks and important public spaces.
The Rendell Family joined by Councilperson Mark Squilla, Meryl Levitz, former CEO President of Visit Philadelphia, Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, which includes the iconic Franklin Square, and longtime Ed Rendell friend, and sponsor of Franklin Square, Bob Green, chairman of Greenwood, owner of Parx Casino, and Beth Green.
For his ongoing dedication to all things Philadelphia, on May 17, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. dedicated and renamed the Franklin Square Fountain in honor of Governor Rendell and his family. Thanks to his honor for his vision and obtaining the funding for Franklin Square to be enjoyed by generations.
Jeff Matty, Executive Director · Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Brian Sanfratello, executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders. Association (PHBA) and Bruce Casella, President · Pushin A Rock Productions
Charles Landreth and Nancy Crawford
Kirby Huffman, Brooke Tompkins, Nathan Pullen, En Route Marketing Coordinator and Sofha Curran
Chris Mullins – co- Owner, McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Bill Marrazzo, President & Chief Executive Officer · WHYY, Inc. and Brad Laszewski, Corporate Services Coordinator · WHYY
Michelin published its very first Philadelphia destination guide in May, highlighting the city’s unmissable attractions, restaurants, hotels, and experiences – and McGillin’s Olde Ale House was right there among them. Read about it in the Irish Star.
Patti Gillett, Media Relations Manager at Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sheila Hess, City Representative, City of Philadelphia, Gregg Caren, President & CEO PHLCVB and Darryl Irizarry Jr., Director of Partnership & Strategic Alliances at PHLCVB
Mollie McEnteer – Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC,, Leslie Kase – Principal – Just in KASE and Jennifer Gallagher – General Manager of The Acorn Club.
Sheila Hess, City Representative and Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation with Angela Val, CEO & President of Visit Philadelphia.
An Evening in Franklin Square presented by Parx begins with outdoor cocktails and a silent auction and continues with the fountain dedication and Parx Square Derby, a carousel “race” where guests place bets and race to the finish, a highlight of the night.
Winner of the Parx Square Derby was Katie Haines poses with the trophy and former Gov Ed Rendell.
Cain Leathers, Founder of @queerrun and Jake Rhue, Operations Specialist at Visit Philadelphia
Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Amy Needle CEO & President and Sheila Hess, City Representative. Amy announced at the gala that trees would be planted at Franklin Square in honor of Kathryn and Sheila for their service to the City.
The annual Black & Gold Gala is the signature fundraising event for the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation. It was held on Wednesday June 7, 20236:30 p.m. at Vie by Cescaphe. I am an alum of CCP. Graduated in 1999 in political science. I went to night school so it took me a bit of time as I was working full time as well.
Carl and Rasheia Johnson
The purpose of the Black & Gold Gala is to recognize outstanding service of individuals and/or organizations that demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services, and health.
Kim Crawford, Janelle Lee, Ellyn Jo Waller, Rev Dr Alyn E Waller, Senior Pastor Enon Tabernacle Church was honored with Lifetime Service Award, and Erika McLeod, Founder of Change Our Future Foundation who has an event coming up on June 22 at Vie.
Morgan Wilson, Connections Matter LLC, Dr. Angie Wilson, Melissa Ayers, Denise Berry, Cindy Walls, Roz McPherson of The ROZ Group Inc. and Hannah Cornish
This recognition is awarded to those who exemplify leadership and are active in community initiatives in Philadelphia. Event proceeds will benefit the 50th Anniversary Promise Scholarship and other scholarships for Community College of Philadelphia students. Since 2018, the Black & Gold Gala has raised nearly $2 million in scholarship support for students.
Ebonie Brown, of Independence Blue Cross a sponsor of the Black & Gold Gala, Lorina Marshall–Blake is the president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (the Foundation)and Helen Shoffner of Independence Blue Cross
Andy Falkof, Vice President of Marketing · Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Roshina Bates Operations Controller · Rivers Casino Philadelphia, and Jonathan Todd, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion · Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Rivers Casino was another sponsor of the Black & Gold Gala. On July 2nd they’re having the 2nd Party On The Pier with Fireworks The party starts at 6PM live outdoor music from a Michael Jackson tribute band; plus, food trucks, family fun and fireworks at 9PM
Brianna Smith who just started at 6ABC, and will soon be on the air; and Sharie Williams both of 6ABC
Tiffany Newmuis, Comcast, Tiffany Tavarez, Wells Fargo and Deana Gamble, Jefferson Health.
Co-chair Deana Gamble, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health CCP Foundation Board of Directors along with Nedia Ralston, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board CCP Foundation Board of Directors and Ellyn Jo Waller, Ed.D., Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church CCP Foundation President.
Govinda Montalvo and Khaleelah Ahmad
Jasmine E. Sessoms was honored with the Coporate Leadership Award, (2nd from right)
I’m not a 100 percent sure he wasn’t the hype man for the band which had the dance floor packed, but I’m here for it.
It’s hard to believe it was a week ago that the official kick off to Philly Gay Pride Month took place at the Sofitel Hotel in Center City, with the “raising” of the Pride flag. All month long they’re featuring this magnificent, huge flag greeting guests and all who walk by, while inside they have various flags representing the community.
Pride Month is an annual observance that celebrates the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) community and its history, culture, and achievements. Local leaders were on hand to commemorate the start of Pride Month as well as discuss the various events, activities, and celebrations happening in June connected with Pride as well as note the financial impact LGBTQplus tourism brings to our City.
David Weisberg, Executive Development & Communications Office, Mazzoni Center speaks to the crowd.
Other speakers included
* Brittany Lynn, Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia * Sheila Hess, City Representative, City of Philadelphia
* Sharon Pinkenson, Executive DIrector, Greater Philadelphia Film Office * Greg DeShields, Executive Director, Tourism Diversity Matters * Sheila Alexander-Reid, Executive DIrector of PHL Diversity (PHLCVB) * Jessica (Jess) Calter, Senior Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs, Visit Philly
* Suzanne Geyer, Director of Partnerships and Events, Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association
* David Weisberg, Executive Development & Communications Office, Mazzoni Center * Angela Bauer, General Manager, Sofitel Hotel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
The Three Most Powerful Women in Philly:Sheila Hess, City Representative, City of Philadelphia, Sharon Pinkenson, Executive DIrector, Greater Philadelphia Film Office and Brittany Lynn, Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia
Speaking of Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia: Sofitel Philadelphia kicks off Philly Pride Month with the celebrated drag tea expanded to all four weekends of June this year, on Saturdays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2023. Look for a new spin on a time-honored tradition. Sofitel, famous for its classic afternoon tea service, will debut a new Drag Tea featuring Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia. Sip tea (or spill it) in the presence of fabulous Drag Queens as you enjoy delicious offerings from Sofitel’s award-winning culinary team. Drag Tea starts each week at 2:00pm and runs through 4:00pm inside Chez Colette Brasserie. Tickets are $75 per person for standard drag tea service, or $85 with bottomless Champagne, Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Five dollars from each purchase will be donated to the William Way LGBT Community Center.Tickets are available at: https://www.sofitel-philadelphia.com/dining-lounge/drag-tea/
The 15th Annual Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival kicked off on May 7, 2023 with the arrival of 32 juried, nationally recognized and emerging artists who have come to Wayne, Pennsylvania to capture the cool atmosphere and ephemeral, lush greens of spring in the Delaware Valley.
As one of the premier plein air events in the country, Wayne offers the unique opportunity to showcase work created during the festival in spacious, light-filled and state-of-the-art galleries during an exhibition that hangs until June 24, 2023.
Susie, Barton and Cary
Plein air is a term used in the art world to describe the act of painting outdoors, directly in front of the subject matter, rather than in a studio or from a photograph. The term “en plein air” is French and translates to “in the open air.” Plein air painting allows artists to capture the natural lighting, colors, and atmosphere of a particular scene, whether it’s a landscape, cityscape, or any other outdoor setting.
Brenda and Mike Holston
The practice of plein air painting became popular in the mid-19th century, particularly among the Impressionist artists. Artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro were known for their plein air paintings, which emphasized capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in their works. Plein air painting allowed them to observe and paint the fleeting qualities of nature directly, resulting in a more immediate and spontaneous style.
Plein air painting can be done with various mediums, including oil paints, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels. Artists typically work quickly and loosely, capturing the essence of the scene rather than getting caught up in intricate details. The changing light and weather conditions present challenges but also offer unique opportunities for artists to create dynamic and evocative artworks.
Nancy Campbell, Executive Director of Wayne Art Center and Valerie-Clark Roden,
The Wayne Art Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching our community through the arts. Artists from around the USA, arrived a week before the exhibition, to create the art work. The art depicting many popular spots in the area including the train depot, Wayne Hotel, countrysides, horses and even a few spots in Philadelphia like the Art Museum and my favorite Swann Fountain.
Tim Boylan and Middy Dorrance
Hai ou Hou with her works of art
Martin Geiger of Virginia
Eric Fel Guan of California
Judy Korchak and Abby Ober
Judith Broudy and Eli Packman
It was good to see Maggie Cocoran out and about photographing the social events. A longtime fixture on the social scene, Maggie chronicled the going ons at events alongside moi, and legendary snapper Susan Scovill, for the Inquirer. The Inky stopped carrying a social column and Maggie turned to her second love of selling homes. These days she does both, and photographs for Mainline Media News. Good to see her back where she belongs behind a camera, promoting all the good that happens in our area.
The Wayne Arts Center is a cultural institution located in Wayne, Pennsylvania, It serves as a community hub for artistic and cultural activities, providing a space for artists, performers, and audiences to engage with various art forms. The center offers a range of programs and services, including art exhibitions, classes and workshops, performances, lectures, and community events. Definitely check out the 2023 Plein Air Festival which runs through June 24th.
Happy Pride Philadelphia! 🏳️🌈 What an amazing day in our city to be part of the LGBTQ community. We did a thing and broke the record for biggest pride flag in Pennsylvania and biggest celebration ever. Congrats to everyone who is out and celebrating who they are today and huge thanks to @galaeiphilly@phillypride365 and all the volunteers/participants of todays march and festival. And don’t forget hundreds of pride month events run through June 30th. See you out there fam! 📸: @codyphotographyaldrich@aversapr#pride#gaypride#pridemonth#pridefest#philly#philadelphia#phillyproud
Sunday’s Pride was the best one I’ve attended in the 30 years I’ve been attended. I love that it is celebrated in the Gayborhood, where it used to be decades ago, but never at this level of comfort, and openness.
We have made huge strides since then, despite the backlash recently against our community, especially as the “Don’t Say Gay” messaging takes hold, from a few, but very vocal, hateful group of people which in turn have place significant people in places of decision makes for the minority. Thankfully the a Judge in Tennesee has ruled the Drag ban “law” unconstitutional. I’m sure it will make it’s way up to the Supreme Court, and the judges will be reasonable and know that drag has been around since Shakespeare, and is entertainment. I digress, yesterday was beautiful.
It was a great day to hang with friends like Russ Torres, and meet new friends ….
Moi, Howard Monroe, (Happy Birthday), Kevin and Michael
Miguel and Ray
Stefi & Nicole – Congratulations on your recent Marriage. I asked them if it felt different to get married, after all the years they’ve been together. And it does. I felt the same way when I married Mike even though we were together for 20 years. Definitely a stronger connected, and security. BTW Mike was at the parade earlier, I was at the Stonewall Awards Luncheon, which I will write about tomorrow. He then went to the Art Museum with friends as my lunch ran long…. boo. But it was amazing!!
Steven, Joan, Stefi, Nicole, Matt and Jermaine who have been friends since high school back, and once roommates. You know that had to be fun!!
I didn’t take as many photos as I had in the past, but I wanted to share this day with you as it was significant. We are strong, we are visible and we’re not going away. Thank you to all the allies who have supported us over the years, and continue to support us. It’s sad to me we made so much progress, especially in the past 10 years, which is probably what rocked (some of the) right to their hateful core, they didn’t see us. (I know not all of my GOP friends support this rhetoric, but)
It’s a frightening road they’re on, but we’re not going back in the closet. Fight on especially you young ins. You are standing on the shoulders of many people who went before you, it’s important you continue to fight for your authentic self, our community and the future.
Nearly 1000 guests attended the annual gala at The Fillmore Philadelphia. The evening started out with two parties, a higher ticketed party was held at the Fillmore, with a Young Friends party across the street at Punchline Philadelphia attended by 350 people.
Around 8:30 the two parties merged with young friends headed upstairs to watch the honoree program, hear a bit about the missions and enjoy a slew of Philadelphia related artists entertain the crowd.
Including The Roots (Black THought and Questlove aove – Photo by Lisa Lake), Daryl Hall, Kathy Sledge, and Amos Lee, made for an incredible evening of music. The event was organized to honor the legacy of Madlyn Abramson, who was a Philadelphia-born philanthropist, visionary, and the founder of Philly Fights Cancer.
Richard Wolfson and Nancy Abramson Wolfson with their family
Founded in 2015, Philly Fights Cancer has raised over $40 million for research and clinical trials and Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Chairs for the gala: Nancy Abramson Wolfson and Melissa Dietz. Young Friends Co-Chairs: Stephanie Wolfson Cohen and Aaron Kaplowitz
Dennis St.Germain, Nancy Glass and Brian Balthazar
Drs. Dante Benincasa and Nicole Belamorich (I noted how similar their names were, sure enough they met in school when they were seated next ti each other)
Stephen and Karen Golden, Lauren and Jeremy Molish
Patrick Falkoff, Olivia Walsh, Stefanie Cohen, Moira DiSandro, Pete Schwartz
The event also recognized the outstanding work of Penn Medicine’s Sarcoma Program Team, honoring Dr. Kristy Weber who spoke about the center’s exciting progress.
Donnie Martelettiand Lynsie Feinberg
Scott Brown, Julie Green and Rory Zeidman
Sean Skolnick and C Banks
Jessy Kyle (Professional jazz/soul singer Jessy Kyle, a three-time Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor. Jessy regularly sings the National Anthem at the Sixers game, and graced the stage at Philly Fights Cancer on this night as well) and Brendan Kelly
It’s wonderful to see such a gathering of supporters coming together to celebrate and pay tribute to Madlyn Abramson’s contributions and to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment.
As summer approaches, McDonald’s is celebrating the fresh “frozen” items for the upcoming hot days.
Two local McDonald’s held block parties last week to kick off the unofficial start of Summer!!
Danielle Dawkins, (here with her kids) the owner of a McDonald’s in FIshtown at 22 W Girard Ave, as well as 4 additional in the Philadelphia area.
Thursday, May 25 , in conjunction with Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Danielle hosted a Frozen Carbonated Beverage Block Party at their Fishtown location in Philadelphia. Customers received a free small Frozen Carbonated Beverage, choosing from the three iconic Frozen Carbonated Beverage flavors: Frozen Coca- Cola®, Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry® or Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry®. During the event, there guests spun a carnival type prize wheel to win McDonald swag, Frozen Carbonated Beverage giveaways, and tickets to the upcoming 50 Year Celebration of Hip Hop Concert being held in AC.
There was also live music by Power 99 and a saw some dancing going down in the parking lot as well.
About McDonald’s USA McDonald’s serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by business men and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.
The Fishtown McDonald’s is open 24hr, and they have a walk up window. (If you’re a PCC follower on IG, you know I like my late night McDonald’s)
Three iconic Frozen Carbonated Beverage flavors:
Frozen Coca-Cola® – The great taste of Coca-Cola® in a refreshing frozen drink Frozen Fanta® Blue Raspberry – The sweet, fruity raspberry flavor with a hint of tartness for a super cool treat Frozen Fanta® Wild Cherry – The flavor of your favorite cherry candy in an ice-cold frozen drink (my favorite, I mean I was born in July after all)
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Friday I headed to Ocean City to join the celebration at Patrick Powers‘ owned McDonald’s at 900 West Avenue. A staple in the community for over 40 years. Patrick is the 3rd generation of McDonald’s franchises owner, he now has a 9 total including in the Camden County area. He’s also on the board of the Ronald McDonald House in SJ.
The party took place in the parking lot, with lots of people stopping by on their way to their summer homes.
The first 50 guests who stopped by the Chill Zone party received a free Ocean City beach pass for the summer, and a bag for of swag.
Have you signed up for McDonald’s rewards program. Download the McDonald’s app and opt in to MyMcDonald’s Rewards to start earning points and redeeming them for free food.
The Powers Family was on hand to help out greeting customers, many of them old friends back for the summer.
Martorano’s Prime at Rivers Casino Philadelphia is looking for the best of the best cooks, servers, assistant servers with fine dining experience. Here’s what you can expect:
Cooks with Fine Dining Experience can make up to $30/hr,
Servers $8/hr
Assistant Servers $6.
Servers earn base salary, plus tips.
Employment Opportunities at Rivers Casino — Martorano’s Monday
Martorano’s Prime, headed by celebrity chef and South Philly native Steve Martorano, will be opening at Rivers Casino Philadelphia this spring. Every Monday, job seekers have an exclusive opportunity to have a sneak peek and interview inside the soon-to-be-hottest new Italian-American steakhouse in Philly.
Applicants can complete the employment interest form at https://bit.ly/3TnxFnr and a recruiter will contact them immediately. Additionally, Rivers Casino continues to host walk-in interviews every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon for part- and full-time positions.
Visit the casino careers page at riverscasino.com/philadelphia/careers for more information regarding positions and benefits, which include medical and dental plans, a 401(k), paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
