MossRehab will present a free and open to the public exhibition by professional artists with disabilities. The work is all original and represents an array of mediums. Prices range from $65 to $4,500.

Pat and Dick Wexelblat of Merion Station are all smiles tonight. Both artists have their work on display at All About Art at MossRehab: The International, Juried Exhibition & Sale of Art by Professional Artists with Physical Disabilities. The show runs until June 21. It is free and open to the public everyday from 10am-8pm.Beverley Dubin of Bala Cynwyd, Jeff Jubelirer of Villanova, and Joan Hockman of Bala Cynwyd pause from taking in the art at the All About Art at MossRehab Patrons’ Preview Party to snap a quick picture.

Boardmember S. Ty Steinberg presents one of two honorees of the evening, Bob Krauss, Esq. of Lafayette Hill with his award for his leadership and dedication to MossRehab. Krauss served as Chairman of MossRehab and has been a huge supporter of MossRehab’s annual art show.

Kids Day on Sunday, April 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. features tours of the exhibition and demonstrations. Children will visit stations and participate in interactive experiences, such as painting with a brush held in the mouth or creating art using non-dominant hands.

Dr Nathaniel Mayer presents one of two honorees of the evening, Dorothea Glass, M.D. of Miami, FL with her award for the outstanding contributions she has made to MossRehab.
Mickey Black, Howard Sitrone and Barbara Black all from Queen Village enjoy the beautiful artwork of the All About Art at MossRehab Patrons’ Preview Party on Thursday April 2, 2009.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Messler (On rare occassions I will accept photos from others)

Philadelphians gathered in the Millennium Ballroom at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel to experience the finest Japanese and U.S. saké, as part of the 5th Saké Fest. The Festival falls within the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia during March and April. Visitors were treated to samplings of rare and premium saké while also learning how to pair the traditional Japanese drink with a wide variety of food, including cheese, desserts, chocolate and a wide range of fusion, Asian and continental cuisines.

Lisa Simon of Simon Public Relations Group and Ed Markus of Event Navigators

Thom Cardwell and Carol Coombs from the Philadelphia Film Festival. Saké is the new drink of choice to be served with various types of cuisine. With thousands of saké varieties available in the United States, it’s no wonder that it is a growing presence in the alcohol beverage industry.
Saké is more than a drink to be served with Japanese food. It is a beverage that is as versatile as wine. It can be enjoyed with cheese, chocolates, and all varieties of ethnic foods. Similar in profile to wine, saké is valued for its fragrance, impact, sweet or dry finish, acidity, presence and complexity.
Sake is wine. Sake is Fashion. Sake (sah-keh) is a fermented alcoholic beverage with a long history in Japanese culture. While often called ‘rice wine’ sake is actually more like beer than wine as it is made from a grain, rice, not a fruit as wine is. Sake is a fermented, but not distilled beverage, and should not be confused with shochu, another Japanese alcoholic beverage that is distilled. The alcoholic content of sake is higher than beer, generally between 12% and 18% alcohol by volume, and has a complex, even fruity flavor when made by a high quality manufacturer. Sake characteristics run the gamut from sweet to dry, fruity to earthy, with acidity and fragrance complexities that rival western wines. Sake is far from a simple drink.
Thank You to Our Sponsors

• PW-Philadelphia Weekly
• Loews Philadelphia Hotel
• Imbibe Magazine

Special Thanks to Our Partners

• The wonderfully talented and dedicated team at O3 World
• Tony Jones at the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
• Lisa Simon – Simon Public Relations Group, Inc.
• Kazumi Teune, Sam Malissa, Kaori Pell & Chris Yeager of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
• Melissa Monosoff – Sommelier
• R. Scott Winters – Sake Expert – Prohibition Beverage, LLC

Thank You to Our Volunteers

• Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia Members & Staff
• Vanessa “Euro Thrash” Jackson and the Philly Roller Girls
• Maido! Kimono Ladies

Marnie Old – Old Wines, LLC
Participants enjoyed themselves
Some of the newer saké that people seemed to enjoy was the mojito and rose.
Hot Sake vs. Cold Sake
Historically, sake was served warm. The reasons were twofold. Firstly, this ancient drink was created before refrigeration and was therefore habitually served that way after methods to chill food and drink were developed. Secondly, sake was also historically a much more coarse beverage, and often took up flavors from the wooden casks in which it was stored. Many off flavors were also a side effect of the fermentation process, which were masked by serving the sake at a higher temperature. More recently, better brewing techniques, more refined strains of yeast and koji, and modern storage practices have created a very different product than in the past. A more refined product does not mean that all sake is the same, however. Just as western wines have subtle differences, so do sakes from different regions and different manufacturers.
Glenn http://phillygspot.com/, Richard Brian Penn
Mara Toukatly (congrats on your new home), Lauren Riley and Brett Silver
SAVE THE DATE: Their next exciting enterprise is the second annual Phiz Fest, previously a festival of champagne, now a festival of sparkling wines. It is slated for the grand ballroom of The Bellevue on November 12, 2009: www.phizfest.org.

The graphic designs which will wrap a total of ten City of Philadelphia recycling trucks are inspired by – and quote – historical and contemporary textile patterns that celebrate elements of nature, and are drawn from the collection of The Design Center at Philadelphia University. The fabrication of the vinyl graphics and wrapping of the recycling trucks is being overseen by PLUG Digital. The plan was to roll out 10 trucks created with graphic wraps designed by Desiree’ Bender and students from Philly Mural Arts Program’s (MAP) after school Big Picture Program.
Pretty in blue
but wait I counted 12 trucks, but they were only wrapped on the sides of the truck. I’m grateful for the extra two trucks, and who would ever see it from the top so it’s not a big deal, just a matter of curiosity. Anyone know what happened?

This should be playing in the background when you read today’s entry:

A 10th Anniversary Party for TV’s In Bed with Butch

A 10th Anniversary Party for TV’s In Bed with Butch
Your cohosts – Frank DeCaro, The Daily Show, The Frank DeCaro Show, and Brini Maxwell, Style Channel: The Brini Maxwell Show
Starring Felipe Rose original Indian of the Village People and Jade Starling, lead singer of Pretty Poison Gervase Peterson of Survivor and Keith Collins, actor, Tommy Hilfiger model
With local celebrities
Tony Enos, recording artist
Sandy Beach, drag impresario
Lisa Lisa, entertainer
Salotta Tea, drag impresario

Your cohosts – Frank DeCaro, and Brini Maxwell, Style Channel: The Brini Maxwell Show

Ted Marx works hard for his money as he takes this creative shot lying on the floor.

Jade Starling and the City Paper’s A.D. Amorosi
Gervase Peterson of Survivor and Keith Collins, actor, Tommy Hilfiger model. Keith Collins is just finished a movie with Charles Durning. Gervase had just boxed and won a fight against 2 days earlier. He looks pretty good after enduring such a battle.
Sandy Beach, who came out of retirement to perform

Felipe Rose, THE original Indian of the Village People

Jade Starling singing her new song “Finger Lickin Good”Come to Jade’s House

This was my club song when I hit the scene so many years ago…

What Walk is on Kelly Drive or MLK Drive this weekend? These charts will help you figure it out.

Click on image to see larger.



I didn’t realize it, but you can find the info here on the Fairmount Park Site. This site will also give you the Ben Franklin Parkway Closures.
http://www.fairmountpark.org/mlk_closure.asp
So glad it’s up there because for years it was hard to obtain this info as I tried as I live along the Parkway and it impacts my life.

Last night the 5 candidates presented their case to the residents in my condo building. I live in a very politically active building where with each election we have about 85% of voter turn out. Our residents have even stated a Political Action Group called Center City Concern Citizen. Every election we get a nice turn out of politicians courting our voters. The candidates:

• Brian Grady
• Dan McCaffery
• Dan McElhatton
• Michael Turner
• Seth Williams

Each candidate took turns getting up and sharing their experiences with the audience
and their fellow candidates
who seemed to be tired of hearing the same ‘ole spiel
and at other times enjoyed the stories
It seemed like each of these candidates spent some time working in the DA’s office.
It wasn’t until Dan McCaffery got up acknowledging Steve Lavery (tonights host) and saying that as someone who learned under him at the DA’s office he was able to develop into an excellent prosecutor and everyone on the panel running for DA this year, learned from their skills by watching McCaffery at work. He further stated that Dan McCaffery wasn’t stuck behind a desk, and he doesn’t owe anyone, like some of the others. The room was silent and I think people were a little shocked by that attack, but then again it was ballsy too.
Then he sat down. I was thinking to myself these guys must want to kill him
but it’s politics and all is forgiven as Seth begins his speech
Seth Williams will put prosecutors where crime is and where arrests are processed: in Philadelphia’s 24 police districts and seven detective divisions. With a team of prosecutors assigned to each district and each detective division 24 hours a day, seven days a week, these community prosecutors can connect the dots between offenders, victims and neighborhoods while coordinating their efforts with police to reduce local crime rates.
Then it was Q&A time Dan McCaffery ‘s statement that he believes in a 1yr mandatory sentence for having an illegal gun, well and McCaffery also supports equal rights for everyone including sexual orientation. Also in favor of decriminalization laws.
The most interesting question was form my friend Joan who asked what was the one personality/professional trait each candidate would use to describe themselves:

Dan McElhatton stated that he was glad that Seth Williams & Michael Turner answered this question first so he could have time to think of an answer, which he says is apparently “Honesty”. Professionally he would say he is empathetic. Dan McElhatton, a former City Councilman who was an assistant District Attorney from 1975 to ’78
The candidates are laughing as Dan McCaffery just said that this was the most attractive audience he’s ever spoken in front of and then he said that the personality trait people should remember him by is his honesty too. I was still reeling from the laughter to remember what his professional trait was.
Seth struggled to answer, maybe because he was first and didn’t have the luxury of a few minutes. He finally blurted out motivated and Leadership. Something he didn’t think his boss at the DA’s office had. (Hmm hasn’t he ever heard that you never look good saying negative things about others?)
Brian’s personality trait was that he is independent and jokingly stated that Dan says he has the best hair. (What was interesting was the two Dan’s wore yellow ties, the other three wore maroon striped ties. I wonder if someone wrote the handbook of appealing ties while debating. I did ask a few of my fellow residents which candidate they liked and 4 of them said the guy with the yellow tie. Hmm)
Brian Grady, an assistant district attorney from ’93 to ’98 vowed to fight for the victims of crimes, making sure that there were not continuances and instead speedier trials as to not put the victims through additional pain when testify in a criminal case. “Guns should be illegal period,” said candidate Brian Grady. (I think that is a bit extreme, and would have like to hear him say he supports a mandatory 1 yr jail time for an illegal gun possession, but I understand he was friends with Sergeant Patrick McDonald who was gunned down) He would also like to free up the courts with low-level crime and find alternative punishment for them.

Michael Turner seems like a nice guy, but was a defense attorney. Seems to be a conflict there to me.

While waiting for his life-saving heart transplant at Temple University Hospital during the spring of 2000, Don Freeman and his wife, Renee, realized, first hand, the need and scarcity of previous organ donations. A hero, someone who had the generosity and foresight to become an organ donor, saved Don’s life. Motivated by this experience, Don, Renee, and a group of dedicated friends founded “Donors are Heroes” in 2001. Since this time, they have committed themselves to raising public awareness around the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor, dispelling myths about organ donation, and providing a means for people to share their donation wishes with family and friends. Renee and Don (L) with Nicole Cashman and Justin Wineburgh
On Friday night every one from Socialites to the clock watchers gathered to support a wonderful cause of organ donor awareness. The crowd was fiercely dressed, diverse and ready to party. Guests enjoyed open bar with top shelf liquors by Bluecoat, American Dry Gin and Penn 1681 Rye Vodka, great dance music, and tasty eats from Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue, Waterworks, Estia, Mission Grill, Maggianos, all while supporting an extraordinary cause!
Renee Freeman and Joan Spain styling their black outfits. These two could be sisters.
Advisory committee members Brian and Steffi Freeman. Brian Freedman is a food and wine writer, wine educator, and food and wine consultant. He is Director of Wine Education at The Wine School of Philadelphia, contributing writer for many media outlets including http://www.UncorkLife.com. Recently he became the Acting Membership Chair of the Wine Media in NY.
Co-Chair of The Party and director of catering for the Four Season’s Philadelphia Daniel Briones with Liz Moskus.THE Party Co-Chairs: Daniel Briones, Domenic Gallelli, Founder and Exec Chairwomen, Renée D. Freeman and Keith Mayer, Sponsorship Chair give the opening remarks.
Ryann Richardson newly elected Miss Philadelphia 2009. Ryann’s platform is “Raising Awareness of and Combating HIV/AIDS in Young People”.
The “purse” she holds here has been passed down over the last 10 years from each Miss Philadelphia and is where she keeps her personal effects and collects the many business cards and items people give her along the way.
Danielle Poe has a new beau and he’s a charitable one serving as the Sponsorship Chair for “The Party” for the past 6 years, Keith Mayer.At 8PM the doors opened and a buffet dinner was served with tasty eats from Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue, Waterworks, Estia, Mission Grill, Maggianos, all while supporting an extraordinary cause! The space was stunning with Eventine designing the space. It’s always so nice to see the many different ways the Rose Room can be arranged according to the party. Tonight’s party was light, airy and alive with all the beautiful colors and floral arrangements.
Dino Minnelli has landed as GM at Mission Grill, and the 400PTM president Jared Poe. Who tells me that big things are coming down the pipe. He’s always great at keeping me in the loop.
Andi Pesacov and Steve Rockman rock out.

The Park Hyatt’s GM Jeff Miller with Bob & Judy Spires. Judy is a real bags to riches story, rising to the rank of the president of Acme and starting as a bagger at the cash register; and one of the nicest, down to earth women you want to meet.
The lovely Dana Spain, who I wish I could photograph on more occasions, but she would be the first to tell you that she’s selective in her outings. Here she is with Frank and Molly Napolitano (who we last photographed with Dana Spain at table 31’s Girls Night Out back in February), and DA Candidate Brian Grady (who will be stopping by with the rest of the candidate’s tonight at the Philadelphian for a Q&A). Dana wants everyone to come out and support a cause close to her heart 5th Annual Chefs Dinner for PAWS on June 29th at The Hyatt. http://www.phillypaws.org/News/archive/37.aspThe party was really a lot of fun, good food, good people watching, I even saw Kelly Boyd in the crowd.

I even ran into my old friend Sheryl Levy from Berger Montague. Here she is with her husband Robert.
After awhile people didn’t need a dance floor. In fact right after this picture I put my camera down and cut a rug with Danielle, Stephanie and Erin.
Jill Rizen and Amy Gitlin. Jill was sans MSS that evening, but was on the arm of year long manfriend (boyfriend doesn’t sound serious enough) Andrew Hennig
Ran into a daily reader of PCC, which is always fun, Scott Lean with his friend from nursery school, Jenn Kaleck owner of Jennkboutique.com
As a reader I always ask for opinions, and Scott was right on the money about my spelling errors, which is ironic since proof reading is one of my jobs at work (paralegal). The problem is it’s always 3AM by the time I finish writing this blog and since it took me 3 hrs to write, I am less concerned with spelling and conjugating verbs then getting in bed. I do knowthat drives people crazy, like one of my co-worker who tells me everyday like a mother school teacher. Scott did say I should put in a few youse and Yo’s in my dialog, that I can work on.
Late night desserts included aron Chocolates, Night Kitchen Bakery, Prestige Chocolates, Swiss Haus Bakery, Teuscher’s Chocolates, The Painted Truffle, Truli Confectionery Arts and Famous 4th Street Cookie Company
http://www.donors1.org.

Donors are Heroes, in conjunction with the Gift of Life Donor Program, hosted ‘THE Party’ last Friday, April 17 at Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue.

Sunday you can help out a great charity and enjoy the 1st Annual Dancing With The Philadelphia Stars to Raise Sickle Cell Awareness $65 Crystal Tea Room 5PM – 10PM; Also you will want to own this rare signed by the Original cast members of The Color Purple (& Tony winner LaChanze). A month later I had it signed by Oprah when she rang the bell at … Read MoreNasdaq in 10/06. There are only 2 in existence. I will be keeping the other one. If you love Oprah and rare items you need to bid on this item and help out Sickle Cell awareness.
http://sicklecelldisorder.com/events-4-pg.html

The Launch of the 2009 Where Magazine Guest Services Book held at the delicious restaurant Thirteen, in the Marriott Hotel Downtown.
Christa Guidi, Zelinda O’Hara and Kayce Cashman
James Scarpella who we last saw at the opening of Del Frisco’s. He’s now settled down in South Jersey, but don’t hold it against him, he pays city wage tax and is making the social rounds in Philadelphia, with him is the fierce Audrey Julienne who will be dancing with Jimmy “Style” Contreras Sunday at the 1st Annual Philadelphia Dancing with the Stars at the Crystal Tea Room. The awesome Eric Smith, who I always forget to chat up his Geekadelphia website you should read. In addition, to http://www.uwishunu.com/
If you think I list events and interesting items, you have got to check out uwishunu
they are comprehensive and they have the inside track as it’s run by GPTMC. And Stephenie Weaver
Fellow Real Housewives fan, PR Natasha Dunbar, ask Lauren Tosti about Zumba and she’ll tell you how much she loves it, probably as much as Albert Lee, who is the head concierge at the Visitor Center, loves Philadelphia. Albert is well on his way to becoming Philly’s resident expert on everything Philadelphia. I’m not going to reveal his tricks, but he wears out a lot of sneakers walking the blocks to see what’s happening. He also has a very informative blog appropriately titled: Ur Philly Pal
I’m a huge fan of Maven Mag and wish I had know that Alexis Siemons was editor at large, I had a lot of questions.
Christopher Munden and Alicia Gonzalez check out the new guest book.
James Zeleniak, Punch Media with Beth D’Addono, Mac Francis and Megan Stecher.

Jimmy “Style” Contreras, Philly Fashion Dude Jimmy Contreras Setting Up Shop on East Passyunk Ave in a few weeks, Photographer extraordinaire Natalie Hope McDonald and PR extraordinaire Matthew VlahosMural Arts Tour Manager Ryan Derfler. Ryan tells me that tomorrow is a first in a series of Philadelphia Celebrities to conduct a Mural Arts Tour. Join one of the nation’s most recognized rock music disk jockeys, Pierre Robert from station 93.3 FM WMMR pm a Philadelphia Mural Arts tour. A two-hour tour of the renowned Philadelphia murals is followed by lunch at the White Dog Cafe, known for its internationally inspired locally sourced cuisine. The tour begins at The White Dog with coffee and muffins, and is followed by lunch at 12 noon for just $45. The tour departs from and ends at The White Dog Cafe. Reservations are required and space is limited. Call Tour Manager Ryan Derfler at 215-685-0754 to book your spot today!Speaking of Pierre Robert, long time friend Dallyn Pavey, Dish PR stopped by the Where Magazine soiree and chatted with Steven Lagos of Lagos Fine Jewelery.
Joan Rivera, Chris Mullins, Bill Gehrman,NBS10’s Mac Francis with the Park Hyatt’s Molly O’shea, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
It was a very nice gathering, wish I could have stayed longer, but I was off to another event, conveniently located across the street “Let Them Eat Cake” which was delicious. Where Magazine publisher, Laura Burkhardt also played an important role in that event as she was a judge of the wedding cake contest so our paths crossed several times that night. Philadelphia still exciting and busy in this economy. For me it was a perfect night dinner at Thirteen, dessert at “Let Them Eat Cake” (not too much there, it’s almost swimsuit season)
The Where Crew Rick Mollineaux, Zelinda O’Hara, Laura Burkhardt, William Kline and Karen Gross. Catch Karen’s show at the Tin Angel on Saturday 4/25/09 and for a sampling of what to expect check out Karen’s website http://www.karengross.com/music.html

A COMPREHENSIVE LIST FROM UWISHUNU: http://www.uwishunu.com/category/4th-of-july/

ALSO PARKING ON JULY 4TH. I SUGGEST YOU PARK IN CENTER CITY AT ONE OF THE GARAGES AND WALK TO THE PARKWAY: To find parking in Philadelphia ck out this site: http://bit.ly/KDEwa

http://www.phillychitchat.com/2009/06/july-4th-events-in-philadelphia.html

Sheryl Crow to Rock Philadelphia on July 4 http://tinyurl.com/d9w3uo

OR CONTINUE ON TO LOOK AT PHOTOS I TOOK OF LAST YEARS PARADE AND EVENTS.

I have been getting a lot of hits on this subject lately, some even from as far away as San Francisco so maybe folks are thinking of visiting the Birthplace of America for the July Fourth celebration which is very exciting. I found the press release with all the details. In a nutshell it looks like Philly is going to have an abbreviated celebration. Instead of 10 days of celebration the festivities will be held on two consecutive weekends, which is just fine and less exhausting. We’re still have the Ceremony at Independence Hall, a parade, concerts, festival on the Parkway and two nights of fireworks, what more do we really need because we already have so many attractions to offer like Independence Park, the Zoo, and all the wonderful museums.
Free Concerts, A New Parade And Two Weekends Of Fireworks Add Up To Affordable Fourth Of July Family Fun In Philadelphia Sunoco Welcome America! Celebrates America’s Birthday In America’s Birthplace
Two weekends of patriotic summer fun add up to one big party when Philadelphia welcomes residents and visitors for the 17th annual Sunoco Welcome America! festival, celebrating the nation’s birthday in its birthplace. For two weekends, June 26-28 and July 2-4, participants will be treated to fantastic fireworks displays, concerts by big-name performers and lots of free, all-ages activities. And with dozens of affordable hotel packages available on gophila.com, the whole family can enjoy every minute of the festivities.
June 26-28, 2009:
The party starts with the culinary delights of A Taste of Philadelphia. Food lovers can spend three days on the waterfront at Penn’s Landing enjoying all-day entertainment and sampling signature dishes from more than two dozen of the city’s most popular restaurants.

Philadelphia City Hall Tours M-F at 12:30PM from Rm 121. Plus see the City from the 40th Observation Floor every 15 minutes, but pick up your timed tickets from Rm 121, as it’s first come first served and they go quickly. (Small fee)
At nightfall on June 27, top-notch talent takes to the stage for a free concert followed by a dazzling fireworks display over the Delaware River. – Philadelphia Zoo in Fairmount Park
July 2-4, 2009:
The double-dose of fun revs back up the next weekend with a day-long party, flag parades and the huge—and free—outdoor concert with brilliant fireworks above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The festival hits a high note on Thursday, July 2 when Rhythms on Rittenhouse presents some of the city’s best opera, jazz and pop artists in picturesque Rittenhouse Square. (Old Fashion Parade in Old City)
Boat House Row at night in Fairmount Park
Fairmount ParkThe all-important Fourth of July begins with traditional ceremonies on historic Independence Mall in the morning, followed by an all-new parade through Historic Philadelphia. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned Main Street, USA parade, the march features bands, flags and pageantry. In the afternoon, the action moves to the cultural heart of the city—the Benjamin Franklin Parkway—for Party on the Parkway, complete with games, food and live performances.
As always, the Sunoco Welcome America! festival literally ends with a bang. When the sun goes down on July 4, hit-makers take to the stage outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a free concert under the stars followed by an amazing fireworks grand finale, made even more dramatic by the majestic museum backdrop.
For more information and to book an affordable overnight hotel package, visit gophila.com or americasbirthday.com. Sunoco Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit gophila.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to Hear Philly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.
Fireworks at the Art Museum Saturday July 4th 2009