A Night to Remember: Rockwell & Rose’s Friends & Family Preview
Cody
Last night, friends, family, and a few lucky Philadelphians gathered inside the Curtis Center to toast the city’s newest dining destination — Rockwell & Rose, the stunning new steakhouse and seafood concept from the team behind P.J. Clarke’s. The mood was celebratory and intimate — the kind of night that reminds you how exciting it feels when something truly fresh lands in Center City.
The day began with an official ribbon cutting, with business leaders, politicians: Tim Killeen, General Manager of Rockwell & Rose (c) ; Councilman Mark Squilla 2nd on the right); Jessica Calter, Senior Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs at Visit Philadelphia; Darryl Irizarry (l), Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Giavana Suraci Pruiti (2nd from left), Senior Manager of Retail Marketing and Events at Center City District — all celebrating the debut of what’s sure to become one of the city’s most talked-about restaurants.
Bruce and Michelle Shannon
Molly Given and Lucas Urbano
Guests were treated to a first look at the softly lit interiors — an elegant yet comfortable space that blends the nostalgia of an old-school steakhouse with the ease of modern hospitality. Plush booths, marble accents, and glowing candles (including the instantly-viral maître d’ butter candles) set the tone for an evening of discovery.
John Gericke and Mimi Wong
Cocktails circulated as servers passed plates of prime steak, fresh oysters, and signature seafood dishes, each served with the confident charm the Clarke’s group is known for. The energy felt familiar but new — more relaxed, more Philly, more now.
Kenyatta and Nicole Black, Philadelphia Diamond Company
The name Rockwell & Rose is a nod to the Curtis Building’s storied past. The building — owned by Conshohocken-based real estate firm Keystone — once housed some of America’s most beloved publications, including Ladies’ Home Journal, The Country Gentleman, and The Saturday Evening Post, where the legendary Norman Rockwell created some of his most iconic illustrations.
Rich Goldberg and John Spooner of Safian & Rudolph Jewelers
Today marks the official grand opening, welcoming everyone to experience what last night’s insiders already know — that Rockwell & Rose is poised to be Philadelphia’s next great steakhouse, right in the heart of historic Independence Square, just steps from Jeweler’s Row and Washington West.
Mikael and Amalie Uhre, Beatrice and Alejandro Bedoxa
Fresh off their win of the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield, Philadelphia Union players, Mikael Uhre, and Alejandro Bedoxa along with their wives enjoyed dinner last night. Tim Killeen, General Manager of Rockwell & Rose stopped by to say hi.
Nearby Raymond Smeriglio and his future husband Miguel Martinez-Valle – NBC10 Philadelphia dined with Andrew Kozak, CBS Philly. I wonder if they chatted about the Nor’Easter which might hit this weekend, which would be a darn shame cause I am looking forward to the free Patti LaBelle concert in honor of the Navy’s 250 Anniversary.
Jackie Freiberg, Kory Aversa, Aversa PR and Lindsey McLoughlin
I enjoyed lamb chops, the most delicious Brussels sprouts and Baked Alaska last night, with my friend Michelle Miller, who had the steak, steak tartar, and the smores cheesecake. So good. Make a Resy and enjoy your new favorite steak house Rockwell & Rose.
Friday night sparkled with excitement at the DesignPhiladelphia Festival Kick-Off Party as many guests were surprised by a major announcement — DesignPhiladelphia and AIA Philadelphia will soon call VIA (Village of Industry & Art) home, moving into 320 S. Broad Street the former University of the Arts Hamilton Hall building beginning in 2026.
Village of Industry & Art – A Scout Project
The reveal added an extra buzz to an already electric evening, marking a bold new chapter for Philly’s design community right in the heart of the Avenue of the Arts.
The festival with talks, programing and exhibits runs through October 12, 2025 at various locations in the City.
Philadelphia’s creative energy is officially ignited. On Friday, October 3, 2025, DesignPhiladelphia celebrated the start of its 21st annual festival with a bold, joyful Kick-Off + Inaugural Awards party setting the tone for ten days of design immersion, dialogue, and discovery. The evening started off with a VIP Party at Frankie’s Summer Club, a pop-up outdoor bar / courtyard gathering space located in the historic former University of the Arts (UArts) campus in Center City, Philadelphia — specifically in the courtyard of the Frank Furness building, just behind Hamilton Hall at 355 S. 15th Street.
Eileen Tognini – winner of 2025 DesignPhiladelphia Awards in the Lifetime Achievement , Jinous Kazemi, Millésimé Showroom and Rachel Zimmerman, InLiquid
The event doubled as both a social gathering and a moment of recognition. The first-ever DesignPhiladelphia Awards honored standout individuals and organizations whose work has shaped or transformed Philly’s design landscape. There was also a special design installation called Animal Factory by Luca Boscardin was on view, presented in collaboration with Magis (via Millésimé).
Don Adams, Katie Adams Schaeffer,Sr. Director of Leadership Giving at the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia PA Tony Schaeffer, Susan and Jeremy Cooty
Sarah Kane, Dunca Macfarlane and Nick Rozas
Over two decades, DesignPhiladelphia has grown from a modest series of design talks and exhibitions to a city-wide festival that champions both established and emerging talent.
The Scout Team
Tonight I am headed out to hear author David Seltzer (Transit Tourism: The Iconic Art and Design of 22 Subways Systems Around the World)
Ximenda Valle
The 2025 edition leans into the theme “Gritty, Groundbreaking, and Gloriously Inclusive”, aiming to amplify voices from underrepresented corners of the design world and frame design not just as aesthetics but as community, infrastructure, and belonging.
Speaking of aesthetics Ximenda Valle took part in the “Demo Party” fundraiser in the future space of PhiladelphiaDesign. She grabbed a hammer, took a swing at their walls to help fund their new space!
Christopher Plant and Jay Gutnick
Because the festival is designed to be inclusive and wide ranging, many events are free (or have low cost), and they span neighborhoods and disciplines—from architecture and interior design to public art, landscape, and urban systems.
Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships at DesignPhiladelphia and Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director of DesignPhiladelphia
Welcome to all the new subscribers (198) who heard my plea on IG to come on over. Appreciate it. On my blog/newsletter I cover events, and chitchat about goings on in town, in long form, usually with more information.
I am so full today. I finally made it to @borromini_ristorante land it lived up to the buzz — lobster spaghetti might be the best dish in Philly, the Oso Buco de Tallo is next-level, and, the squash blossoms hit (I hope they’re in season all). So juicy. My photography on the other hand is questionable. The lighting in there is not runway compatible, as you can see by the Biden’s postings, but that’s a good thing in case someone is trying to get a sneaky sneaky photo of the many notables who will be dining there.
Speaking of dinner, and bad photos, thanks to Nicole Cashman and Nigel Richards for their End of Summer Soiree at Steak 48. I mistakenly called it the Cashman 25th Anniversary Party, and it wasn’t. That is next year. I was never good with English/reading, just ask my readers….
Just 9 days to go until America’s first Jordan Brand World of Flight store officially opens at 1617 Walnut Street!
Tuesday, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts stopped by the soon-to-open flagship for a round of promo photos, but true to form, he also carved out time to meet with kids from kbfmentorship. Over the years, Hurts and the @jalenhurtsfoundation have been strong supporters of the program, consistently partnering with local leaders Kirk Berry, Founder/President and Justin Fishman, the Vice President of Operations and Programming for the KB Foundation. to inspire and uplift the next generation.
Philadelphia will get its first look inside when the doors open on 10/10/25—mark your calendars. This one promises to be more than just a store; it’s a cultural moment.
Get to know the the KB Foundation on October 15. For info and registration to the free event. HERE Lots of notables are involved mentoring the young adults, giving them life skills and help reaching the next level of success.
The Rodin has a new sign, it’s big, and you can see it easily across the Parkway to the new Calder Gardens, which i suspect was one of the reasons they created such a sign. Also they took the word Museum off. No one really called it the Rodin Museum anyway.
Just like no one really ever called the PMA, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We usually just called it PMA or Philadelphia Art Museum, which is now it’s new name, or will be announced on October 8. I am just observant as I live across the street and noticed the new signage, which was definitely done by the same people who did the Rodin sign. I like the new name, and am wondering if they are going to nickname it PAM, although I have heard it’s going to be PhAM, which might be confusing as we have a group called Phambassadors.
The Phambassadors just signed up their 5000 Pham to the volunteer program. These folks will help tourists find their way when they come to events over the years. AS well as will promote Philly in the smallest of terms, on their socials, in their everyday life sharing their joy and love for Philadelphia. #JoinThePham
Thanks for tuning in today. See you on the socials.
Imagine strolling down Chestnut Hill’s Germantown Avenue on a leafy fall evening as storefront windows glow with vibrant images of the past, historic films flicker against brick walls, and the architecture around you comes alive in light. That’s the magic of Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Night of Lights, returning October 3–6, 2025 with another dazzling celebration of history, art, and community.
Now in its ninth year, Night of Lights transforms Chestnut Hill’s main street into a free, open-air exhibition. Six themed projection sites will feature archival images, historic films, and neighborhood stories drawn from the Conservancy’s rich collections and community partners. Paired with architectural lighting, the effect is nothing short of enchanting — a walkable gallery that invites you to “look up” and rediscover the legacy of Northwest Philadelphia.
The festivities begin on Friday, October 3 at 6:30 PM, when the Conservancy hosts its “Flip the Switch” ceremony at 8708 Germantown Avenue. From there, the lights shine nightly from 7:00–9:00 PM, bathing the corridor in color and memory.
Following the opening ceremony, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, kickoff festivities will include music from various acts, including local jazz group Limited Time Only (LTO), Flute of the Spirit, Rich Rudin and Lynn Riley from Maplewood Music Studio, Matteo Bofinger, Ralph Salerno, Second Story Walkup, and Students of Yes! And…Collaborative Arts.
Highlights This Year
After opening night, the exhibition continues nightly from 7 pm to 9 pm.
A chance to connect with local shops and restaurants, many offering extended hours and specials to pair with your evening stroll.
Six themed projection windows exploring local history and design.
Elbrun Kimmelman, Thea Little, Helen Little, Peter Kimmelman, and Barbara Walkowski
On September 19, Opera Philadelphia raised the curtain on its 2025/26 season with a night of glamour, bold artistry, and a touch of tech magic. Opera Philadelphia’s 50th anniversary, highlighted by Vox Ex Machina, a singular event that married music and visual art through groundbreaking technology.
Phillisa Cooper and Robert Cooper
John Wind, Bill Osman, Jerry Wind and Barbara Eberlein
Katherine Niven
Youngmoo Kim and Charlene Bierl, with Lucy Clemens in the background
Makiya Dehove, Kathryn McGovern and Tara Monte
Jo Tiongson-Perez, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the Penn Museum
John DiGiulio and Cookie D’Orio
VIP guests headed upstairs for a pre concert reception, before the opening night.
Tickets for the performance embraced the company’s new “Pick Your Price” model—starting at just $11—continuing the vision of General Director and President Anthony Roth Costanzo to expand access to opera in Philadelphia. The Gala tickets were a different price level.
After the show, guests went on their way, while the Gala guests made their way to the Reading Terminal for the party. They were taken by shuttles in their glittery gowns and black tie.
I spy Henri David in the upper right corner. He told me that indeed the Henri David Halloween Ball will be taking place on October 31 at the Kimmel Center again this year.
The celebration didn’t end at the final bow. Gala guests strolled to the Reading Terminal Market for a festive dinner among Philadelphia’s most iconic food stalls. They feasted on market fare, bid on the one-of-a-kind artworks created during the performance, and mingled in an atmosphere that was part elegant soirée, part neighborhood party. From traditional tables for Gold Sponsors to casual lounge seating, the experience perfectly reflected Opera Philadelphia’s spirit: daring, democratic, and joyfully untraditional.
Charles Fryer, Chairman of the Board Philadelphia Opera and Judith Freyer
Thi Phan wearing a beautiful head piece
Several vendors were open on gala night, and guests chose from them for their dinner.
Brett Frankel, Dave Ferguson and Abby Weissman
The evening’s schedule flowed seamlessly—from a cocktail reception in the Academy’s ballroom, to the performance at 6:00 p.m., to the grand finale at Reading Terminal Market. And with a dress code calling for “high drama—your operatic finest,” guests rose to the occasion in full style.
Singer Laurin Talese, Anthony Roth Costanzo , Opera Philadelphia as General Director & President and Ramón Jones, Executive Director, Philadelphia Chapter of The Recording Academy
Anthony auctions off artwork which was created onstage earlier in the night. Each piece sold for at least $500. Plus he sold two dinners, where he would perform, $12ks each.
The art work was created by the Vox Ex Machina which translate singing into live art with vibrations. Developed in partnership with Drexel University’s ExCITe Center and artist/technologist Daniel Belquer, the specially designed machine transformed pitch and volume into visual works of art, created live onstage as opera luminaries performed beloved arias alongside new music. Audiences watched in awe as sound became color, a fitting tribute to five decades of innovation in opera.
Looking ahead, the season continues with Opera Overtures: Il viaggio a Reims this week and Vivaldi’s The Season’s in December, promising more unforgettable nights that blend Philadelphia’s rich cultural heritage with bold new visions for the future.
2100 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy in a 2009 photo I took after it was announced the Calder would be built on this location
I’ve been a huge fan of the Calder family ever since the 1990s, when my friend Greta Greenberger, the former tour director of Philadelphia City Hall, introduced me to their work. She even encouraged me to take the classes that led to my becoming an official tour guide. My beat was City Hall, home to 250 Calder sculptures.
When I gave these tours with the Philadelphia Foundation of Architecture, I would highlight the Calder dynasty of artists whose works are embedded in Philadelphia’s landscape. From Alexander Milne Calder’s William Penn crowning City Hall,
to Alexander Stirling Calder’s Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle, to Alexander “Sandy” Calder’s Ghost suspended in the Grand Stair Hall of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, he was best known for his paintings and mobiles which utilized carefully orchestrated weighting to balance, move and suspend each piece in the air.
The newly opened Calder Gardens
Last week, a long-held dream came to life with the official opening of Calder Gardens on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The new sanctuary celebrates the legacy of sculptor Alexander “Sandy” Calder, uniting the visionary architecture of Herzog & de Meuron with the masterful landscapes of Piet Oudolf.
The 1.8-acre site is unlike a traditional museum—its low-slung, curved structure blends into sweeping meadows and gardens filled with more than 250 varieties of perennials and grasses that shift with the seasons, making nature as much a part of the experience as the art itself.
Elan Gentry, guest. Sandy Rower, grandson of Alexander Calder and president and founding director of the foundation, artist Maria Robledo and Holton Rower, grandson of Alexander Calder,
When the Barnes Foundation approached Alexander “Sandy” Rower, Calder’s grandson and president of the Calder Foundation, about creating a museum, his vision was something different: not a museum, but a sanctuary. That idea became Calder Gardens, a one-and-a-half-acre oasis of reflection along Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Pierre and Dominique de Meuron and Jason and Amanda Frantzen – The architects and their wives. I had a nice chat with Jason and Amanda. Jason answered a lot of questions I had about the building and inspiration. Originally it was going to be above ground, but seemed to compete too much with the surrounding area, and hence it was built underground.
Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the building itself sinks into the earth, while the surrounding gardens are the work of Piet Oudolf, the celebrated Dutch plantsman behind the High Line and Lurie Garden. At 80, Oudolf remains passionate about the restorative power of nature, noting, “Beauty is what we need in life next to war and all this craziness.” – From Elle Magazine
Ilana Dean, James Claiborne, Nico Hartzell, all of the Barnes Foundation, with Ann Temkin, formerly with the Phila Art Museum, now with Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and Wayne Hendrickson, biophysicist at Columbia University
Calder Gardens represents a distinctive partnership: the Calder Foundation provides the curatorial vision, while the Barnes Foundation contributes administrative and operational expertise through an innovative resource-sharing model.
The building—a gently curved structure with a softly shimmering metal-clad north facade and an understated wood south facade reminiscent of Calder’s own bohemian home in Connecticut—was designed by Pritzker Prize–winning firm Herzog & de Meuron.
In this setting where architecture and nature commune, visitors will find a wide range of works by Calder both inside and outside. The artworks on display will change over time and include rarely seen masterpieces, some on public view for the first time.
Andee Friedrich and Suzanne Deal Booth is a philanthropist, vintner, and an advocate for the preservation of cultural heritage
Interesting, in a departure from the traditional museum approach, wherein didactic information is presented alongside works on view, Calder’s mobiles, stabiles, paintings, and drawings will be presented without labels that provide titles, dates, and texts explaining how best to understand and interpret them. By allowing the artworks to speak for themselves, Calder Gardens proposes an open-ended experience that encourages visitors to take their time and react to Calder’s art in their own way and at their own pace.
Joe Neubauer, Sam and Elizabeth Warshawer
“Calder Gardens is a vision born from passion, persistence, and the belief that Philadelphia deserves this cultural treasure,” says Joe Neubauer, founding board member of the Trustees of Calder Gardens and one of Calder Gardens’ greatest supporters. “In a time of global uncertainty, we came together to create a place where art and nature offer healing, inspiration, and connection—brought to life by three world-class artists: Alexander Calder, Herzog & de Meuron, and Piet Oudolf. I’m deeply proud to have helped bring this to our city for generations to come.”
Ali Perelman, Amaya Capellan, and Marsha Perelman, Calder Gardens Board Chair
Calder Gardens comes alive throughout the year with programs inspired by Calder’s experimental spirit.
Jeanette and Joseph Neubauer Philanthropist, do gooders, we’re lucky to have them in Philadelphia.
From artist-led audio walks and live performances to screenings, readings, and community gatherings, each experience transforms the gardens into a space for exchange and renewal—where culture, nature, and imagination meet.
Tucked within Calder Gardens is a quiet nook that pays homage to the Calder lineage, celebrating Alexander Calder alongside his father, Alexander Stirling Calder and grandfather, Alexander Milne Calder, who each left their own artistic mark.
Susan Braeuer Dam, Director of Research and Publications at Calder Foundation and Director of Archives at Calder Foundation
At ground level, visitors can step into an outdoor space where a porous wall invites nature to take over. Over the next five years, it will slowly transform, becoming a living wall of vibrant greenery.
Artist Holton Rower, grandson of Alexander Calder and his artist wife Maria Robledo walk through the newly opened Calder Gardens
Thank you. Walk, don’t run to experience Calder Gardens. If Philadelphia wasn’t already firmly on the map for its world-class art museums, Calder Gardens (and yes, forgive me if I call it a museum) will secure its place as a premier art destination. The building and grounds alone are breathtaking, but inside, the Calder works themselves are nothing short of spectacular. With pieces rotating in and out on loan from the foundation, private collections, and museums around the globe every visit offers something new to discover. Deep gratitude to everyone who shepherded this masterpiece from vision to reality.
The bike Race Is Back!! And I think it’s safe to say: Made in America is now history (it’s been dormant for 3 years, and missed the deadline to file for the 2026 permit); Plus other things to ChitChat, let’s get into it…
It was a good ride 🚴♀️ – it put Philly on the map and gave us unforgettable moments. Fittingly, former Mayor Michael Nutter, who helped bring MIA here, is also behind the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic. 🚴♂️
On August 30, 2026, a few days before Made In America would normally be held, we ride into the future — from beats to bikes, Philly keeps showing the world how we do big events. 💙✨
There will be both a 62-mile women’s race and a 120-mile men’s race on the event’s original 14.4-mile circuit.
The race is sponsored by AmeriGas Propane and owned by Race Street Partners, whose organization which not only includes former Mayor Michael Nutter, financier Eric Robbins and business owner Carlos Rogers, with veteran race organizer and pro team manager Robin Morton, principal of g4 Productions, returns as race director. (Press Release)
Did you know that the former First Lady of Philadelphia, Lisa Nutter is an amateur competitive cyclist. She’s the 2024 ICI Masters Track Cycling Worlds Silver Medalist !! 🏆
Another Return: 🐦✨ The chimney swifts are swirling at 19th & Wood around sunset (one street north of Vine Street, near the Free Library), before diving into the old school chimney for the night 🌆🔥 Pro tip: don’t stand right under them… I caught a couple “lucky” 💩 drops last night 😂🍀This phenomenal will continue for at least a week during bird migration.
Speaking of the Free Library, congratulations to former Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown on her autobiography officially being launched tomorrow night at the Philadelphia Free Library at 6:15pm. Get your tickets
Social season has begun, it’s barely been a week but so many fun events have happened. Photos have been distributed to Philly Style Magazine and Main Line Today, but don’t fret this season I will be publishing here as well. Tonight I have the Calder Museum opening, and a very special dinner with friends. Tomorrow. The Salvation Army Luncheon, the Mayor’s Reception, and KYW’s 60th Anniversary Party.
Odin Properties has broken ground on Sepviva Lofts, with many great partnerships involved on local, state and federal levels.
Odin Properties has broken ground on Sepviva Lofts, a $20 million affordable housing project at 2201 E. Tioga St. in Kensington/Harrowgate, near the Tioga Station of the Market-Frankford Line. The 51-unit development, set to open in 2026, will provide homes for residents earning 20–50% of the area’s median income.
Maria Buckley, Peter Dilsheimer, Development Manager at Odin Properties Cody Worthington, Development and Acquisitions Analyst at Odin Properties, Philip Balderston, Founder and CEO of Odin Properties and Isabelle Harvey
This is great news for Philly as the four-story project will offer a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments with long-term deed restrictions that keep the homes affordable for at least 40 years.
Lukas Kulikauskas, Tom Young, Scott Lyons and Thomas Pyle – Domus Construction
Construction is slated to finish by late 2026, with plans including 44 parking spaces and a new on-site play area.
Liquitta Robinson andBianca Waliddin, is Executive Director of Liberty Housing Development Corporation
Financing includes federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; Odin says Sepviva Lofts is Philadelphia’s first 9% LIHTC construction closing of 2025, utilizing the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s 2024 allocation.
Ryan Sanders, Manager, Union II Operations and Rachael Pritzker, Esq.
The Sepviva Lofts project is transforming a long-vacant industrial parcel that once housed Penn Galvanizing into a vibrant new residential community.
Klissa Thomas, Advocate for Youth and Families and Jasmine Sessoms
This marks Odin’s first ground-up affordable development, a significant milestone for a company that has primarily focused on adaptive reuse projects like Collins Lofts and East Tioga Lofts.
Ed Hillis, Founder & President of DOMUS, Michael Johns, public architect with the Philadelphia Housing Authority and Anne Fadullon, Senior Advisor at Spring Garden Capital Advisors and as the Founder and Principal Partner of MAKE Advisory Services, LLC.
Sepviva Lofts also fits into Odin’s broader pipeline of roughly 250 affordable units planned across Philadelphia and Atlantic City, signaling a deeper commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused housing options in neighborhoods where investment and opportunity are needed most.
Joseph DeFelice, HUD Assistant Deputy Secretary for FPM and Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator. and Councilman Mike Driscoll
Joseph DeFelice told the guests that he was personally excited for this project as he, and his wife were raised in this area.
Business leaders including David Thomas, President and CEO of PHDC, Blane Stoddard, Managing Principal of RB Development, Robin Wiessman, Executive Director & CEO of PHEA, Jessie Lawrence, Director of Planning and Developement, office of Mayor Cherelle L Parker, break ground on Sepviva Lofts in Kennsington
Excited for the future of much needed affordable housing in Philadelphia
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City once again served as the proud presenting sponsor of the Atlantic-Cape Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, September 6, 2025, benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Hard Rock
Taking place along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Over the years, the Atlantic-Cape Walk has grown into the largest AFSP walk in New Jersey, raising more than $1 million since its inception, with Hard Rock’s leadership and contributions helping to drive record-breaking fundraising totals.
Bob Kelly, Fox29 emceed the annual event
Maddie’s Rockers
Many friends and family members walked in remembrance of a loved one.
Dear Person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it. Love the person in front of you.
Hard Rock General Manager Michael Sampson speaks to the crowd
Michael Sampson “I am joining hundreds of thousands of people across the country who are walking in the Out of the Darkness Community Walks to prevent suicide and support AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. I walk for very personal reasons, I have lost a loved one to suicide and had many other friends and family who have lived with challenging mental health issues. My goal has always been to help one person or one family, by preventing a tragic loss. “
friends participating in the Walk on Saturday
Honor Beads
One of the most moving parts of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walks is the tradition of honor beads. Each color tells a story and represents a walker’s personal connection to the cause—white for those who’ve lost a child, red for a spouse or partner, gold for a parent, orange for a sibling, purple for a relative or friend, and silver for a first responder or member of the military. Green signifies a personal struggle, teal represents supporting a loved one who struggles, and blue shows solidarity as an AFSP supporter. As participants walk side by side, the beads create a powerful tapestry of remembrance, resilience, and hope, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their journey.
Jared Lombardi Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advocate 💜 Founder/Director @the_positive_pursuit 🌻 @ourgardenac explained the bead colors to the walkers. He wears a green one, as I do.
But I’ve never have had the courage to wear it, even though I’ve volunteered for over a decade on behalf of the AFSP and to save lives. I still have such shame about attempting to end my life, three times in my 20s, before seeking treatment, and getting sober which helped tremendously.
This year the AFSP South Jersey chapter honored the Atlantic City Police Department, for their life saving actions in saving multiple lives over the years, and most recently over the summer they saved a mans life.
They’re walking for Rick, the women in the center’s son.
Stopping suicide begins with breaking the silence and reminding one another that help is always within reach. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention works year-round to provide education, resources, and support for those impacted by suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember you are not alone. You can dial or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to be immediately connected with trained counselors who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By sharing this simple three-digit number and keeping the conversation open, we can spread hope, save lives, and work together to #StopSuicide.
Sorry for the late posting on this, it’s always an emotional day for me, remembering the dark days. Sometimes they rear their ugly head, but now I have the tools to deal with my depression.
On October 5 the AFSP Philadelphia chapter has their walk at the Mann. My friend Stephanie Elizabeth Algayer recently lost a good friend to suicide. She’s walking in the AFSP Walk.
Hello everyone. Today is “World Suicide Prevention Day.” As some of you may and some of you may not know. We lost an amazing friend, son, sibling, uncle, talented photographer, and one of a kind human being this July. Jon ( was my boyfriend Teddy’s absolute best friend (more like brother) since they were 9 years old. I was more than lucky & so thankful to have gotten to know Jon, and for him to become like a brother to me for these past few years. We miss him dearly and will forever have a huge piece missing from our lives without him here. Donate Here – Stephanie Elizabeth Algayer
Another in a series of who, what, when and where you should be…
Thanks to my anonymous tipster last night who sent me a photo of Former President Joe Biden leaving Stephen Starr’s new eatery Borromini. It was popular on IG last night garnering 60ks views, DURING the Eagles game. Which was surprising. I guess we all can multitask.
It was a family affair with Dr Jill Biden, the President, daughter Ashley and the grand kids, all on hand to celebrate Finnegan James Biden’s birthday. Finnegan is the second child of Hunter Biden and Kathleen Buhle. I hear the former president entered through the back door with Jill (I once photographed Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson leaving through the back door of Barnes & Noble, so I know exactly where that is), the rest of the family went through the front door for their 6:30pm reservation.
Stephen Starr event stopped by the table and chitchatted.
It seems Ashley Biden left a note on Stephen Starr’s
daughter Sarah Starr’s IG the evening before saying they’d be going to dinner the following night.
No thanks to the people who told me they knew they’d be there, didn’t tell me, but needed to add their two cents in my DM’s after seeing my IG post. I almost went last night because I thought it’d be easier to get a reservation against the Eagles opening night.
In other news, congratulation to former NBC10 anchor, reporter Frances Wang, who is living her dream job at ABC7 News in the Bay area, not to far from where she grew up. She’d always tell me she wanted to return to California to be closer to her family, and cover the news in an area she knew well, and cared so much for. So happy for her!!
It’s time to say goodbye to another friendly face:
After 2 years, my time at Fox 29 has ended! It’s home, familiar, comfortable, and brought me so much joy. I grew as a reporter, made lifelong friends, was nominated for an Emmy, & did countless impactful stories. I’m forever grateful for the experience to work at the station I interned at nearly 10 years ago. However, it’s time for a new chapter that challenges me & provides more opportunities. Here’s to what’s next ✌🏿👀 Cheyenne Corin
Save The Date
The Fight On Makenna Foundation is serving up something extraordinary: Chef Brian Duffy will headline this year’s Bite for the Fight Food Festival on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12 – 4 p.m. at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds in Oaks, Pa.
This feast-for-a-cause will bring together bold flavors, local favorites, and culinary creativity—all to honor National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. With a goal of raising $200,000 for vital patient care initiatives, every bite promises to make a difference.
Reality TV fans will have the opportunity to meet celebrity guest Margaret Josephs from the Real Housewives of New Jersey, who will do a meet and greet and premiere her new mixer Drink Soiree.
TONIGHT at the Philadelphia Museum of Art King Saladeen is giving his First Museum Panel Talk about his Journey and Career ,”Total Honor to Represent my City all over the World ‼️From Day dreaming of this moment ,Thank you” King Saladeen. 6PM to 8PM
Afterwards head to the Barnes Foundation for First Friday and to listen to jazz and soul vocalist Laurin Talese who performs at 6:30pm and 7:45PM. She won the 2018 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and represented the United States as a cultural ambassador with American Music Abroad in 2019, and last night she performed at the Eagles game singing “Lift Every Voice!” before the start of the game. I can see a lot of folks dressed to the nines running along the Parkway to catch each of these fabulous shows.
NEWS: Ensemble Arts Philly is excited to kick off Philadelphia’s robust arts and culture season with the fifth annual FREE Philadelphia Fall Arts Feston Saturday, September 13, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Featuring a diverse sampling of festival-style performances on multiple stages inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, this event brings together 50+ arts organizations from around the region to shine a spotlight on the rich arts and culture community of the Philadelphia area.
Love the new signage of the xfinity mobile ARENA. The colors are fabulous. It looks like completely different building. Photo provided by Comcast Spectacor.
What a beautiful tribute to my friend Carol Saline, who truly was everyone’s friend. Philly Mag alum Lisa DePaulo wrote a moving piece using an unpublished photo I took (one I’d only shared with Carol and Paul). Reading it makes me wish I’d kept sending in photo columns after my column was cut—proof that people do value these moments, even two months after said event. PS She was let go at one point, but kept showing up for work, eventually they rehired her. LOL
That’s it for now. Have a great weekend. I’m heading to AC to the Hard Rock Casino where they host and sponsor The Out of The Darkness walk tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing my friends, including Fox29’s Good Day traffic and all around nice guy, Bob Kelly, who is MCing. Look for my coverage here, on CBSPhilly and on Social Media, where now I have a collaborative partnership with Fox29 and my content appears on their Instagram as well.
