“The zoo is a little city. We are a part of the fabric of Philadelphia and what that Philadelphia view of the future is and should be,” Mogerman said. “I want to hear from folks.”

Julie Jones, Donna Dougerty and Sue Anderson

Christopher LeVine, Hande Levine , Jared Poole and Kelly LeVine

Michael Diberardinis and Joan Reilly are both retired now, after years of public service. They are parents of four children and longtime residents of the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. He enjoys fly-fishing, bird watching, gardening, cooking and learning the Italian language. (It’s amazing what you can find out on the internet. I’m a bird watcher and all these years I’ve been photographing Michael I didn’t know he was one as well. BTW we are in peak bird migration… lots of activities here in Philly area this weekend to join birding groups for fun.)

Look who came to town last week for the Zoo Gala, Eliana Papadakis (r). Residing these days in Naples Florida, Eliana was excited to celebrate and thank Vik for his years of service.

Starting this weekend: Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of the region’s most festive Halloween tradition, Boo at the Zoo, for the last three weekends of October! INFO

Longtime supporters of the Zoo: The Faris Family. Thank you for your contribution to the KidZooU: Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo & Faris Family Education Center is a wildlife academy that unites a world-view education center with an up-close and personal children’s zoo.

Doug Hagar’s Brauhaus Schmitz hosted Oktoberfest on South Street last month (these photos are from the event), and is gearing up for the Armory Oktoberfest this coming weekend.

Eins, Zwei, Drei….. G’Suffa! Armory Oktoberfest is back for the 5th year and ready to rock! Experience what many call “The most Authentic Oktoberfest experience outside of Munich”!

Join us as we transform the 23rd Street Armory into a legit Oktoberfest experience with tented ceilings, original biergarten benches from Munich,

Kory Aversa, PR for both events, Ben and friends

Since I don’t drink, my favorite part is the delicious food, sing a long and dancing. It’s so much fun.

live German Oompah music, cultural German dance performances, original festival food, and of course, plenty of German beer served in 1 Liter Masskrug!

The Hager Family – it’s been so fun to watch them grow up and take part in the festivities

With 3 sessions over 2 days, the Armory can fit up to 1500 people for one of the most anticipated festivals of the year!

General Admission tickets are $25.  Looking for a reserved table?  Tickets starting from $70-$85+, click here for details.

The NRG Team

Hundreds of people came out to the annual Sustainable Princeton clean commuting festival and electric vehicle (EV) ride & drive event, eCommuter Fest at the Princeton Shopping Center on Friday, September 22, 2023. The event was free and open to the public thanks to sponsor NRG Energy, Inc.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are vehicles that are powered by electricity rather than traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) that run on gasoline or diesel fuel. These vehicles use electric motors and batteries to propel the vehicle and provide a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation.

Guests who attended the annual festival enjoyed live music, test drives of the
latest eBikes and electric vehicles as well as games and a community EV owner showcase.
There were a variety of electric vehicles, bikes, ebikes, electric scooters, motorcycles, and
even a 100% electric public bus for participants to check out including checking out the bikes offered by Sourland Electric Bikes.

Jessica Roble, of Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association answered questions regarding the best way to live green .

“This year, we really want to focus on making the ‘e’ in eCommuter Fest stand for more
than just ‘electric’,” says Christine Symington, Executive Director of Sustainable Princeton.
“We want clean commuting to be equitable, so we’re excited to have expanded the offerings
of eCommuter Fest to include more types of transportation.” Eric Meerdink, Director at NRG Energy.

We are excited to once again join Sustainable Princeton in bringing the 2023 eCommuterFest back to Princeton. This event provides consumers with an opportunity to experienceelectric transportation firsthand, engage with EV technology, and ask their burning EVquestions. It is a great opportunity to showcase the benefits of electrifying our personal andcommercial transportation.

Cassie, Reed and Brian started a refurbish bike business three years ago after school. They accept donated bikes that need a work, refurbish them and then give them to kids in need in the community.

I love attending this event, to catch up with the people who own electric cars and appreciate the progress over the years. Every year more and more people attend this event as people come on board and obtain electric vehicles.

Thanks to NRG Energy, Inc., for their continued support for this festival, and the donation of a level 2 charger to add to the festival raffle. The winner had already left when the drawing took place, but will no doubt be excited to install it in their home.

About NRG Energy, Inc.:

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

Electric cars come in various types, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). BEVs are entirely powered by electricity and have no internal combustion engine, while PHEVs have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, allowing them to run on electricity or gasoline. HEVs primarily use an internal combustion engine but also have an electric motor for additional power and efficiency.

A very public Gerald Joseph Blavat, also known as “The Geator with the Heater” and “The Big Boss with the Hot Sauce,” was an American disc jockey and performer who had been a major influence in promoting oldies music on the radio and at his popular club Memories in Margate, but he found sanctuary at home in Philly at 210 Locust Street, Unit 14AHW.

Jerry was one of a kind, in style, charisma , personality and philanthropy.

Upon entering this exquisite unit (2 units combined-1913 sq ft – currently 1BR PLUS Den), you automatically see the view of the water due to the floor to ceiling wall of windows

As you walk down the hall to the chef kitchen complete with granite counter, 5 burner gas stove, dishwasher and wine cooler there is a breakfast bar enough for 4 stools. The spacious living room to the left of the kitchen with floor to ceiling windows overlooks beautiful Society Hill-Old City.

Off the dining room you have a great sitting room/den/second bedroom (or you could convert to a 2nd bedroom) with a nice closet and full bath.

The primary bedroom has an elegant bath with a soaking tub, shower and extra-large vanity.

Photos from Compass listing

This year’s Italian-American Heritage parade will honor Jerry, who invited and brought many wonderful luminaries to Philadelphia every year to serve as grand marshal and accompanied them as they led the parade in the Geatormobile. Just one of the many ways Jerry brought joy to the “city of neighborhoods” and to his many fans, friends, and neighbors. Sunday October 8, so before you head to the Old City Block Party, the Outfest Party, dance your way over to Broad Street and celebrate Jerry.

Then later in the month:

The Kimmel Cultural Campus presents A Tribute to Jerry Blavat, a one-night-only event in the Academy of Music on Saturday, October 21 celebrating Philadelphia’s iconic radio DJ, the late Jerry Blavat. Jerry Blavat AKA the Geator with the Heater AKA the Boss with the Hot Sauce was a fixture on the Campus and an even greater presence in the city of Philadelphia and music world for decades. Lineup includes: Darlene Love, The Intruders, The Happenings, Bobby Wilson, and The Chantels.

Bank & Bourbon at the Loews Hotel hosted the 7th Annual Bourbon Bash at 12th and Market streets on Thursday, Sept. 7. Bank & Bourbon’s annual fundraising event aids DonorsChoose, an organization that supports educational needs and programs in the Greater Philadelphia area. Guests enjoyed signature dishes by Executive Chef Thomas Harkins and Chef Craig Myers , as well as Bourbon tasting selections.

Featured bourbons from Beam-Suntory and include brands such as Bakers, Bookers, Old Overholt Bonded, Basil Hayden, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Maker’s Mark 46, and Knob Creek as seen above, among others.

Guests also enjoyed multiple carving stations which were each paired with bourbon samples.

Executive Chef Thomas Harkins and Chef Craig Meyers prepared some of their signature dishes including charcuterie with local cheeses and country hams; a crudo station with tuna tartare, Hamachi, and east and west coast oysters; dry aged steak; blackened herb roasted true north salmon, crispy duck confit, honey brined Duroc pork and a selection of mouthwatering hour de’ overs and seasonal desserts prepared by the restaurant’s in-house pastry chef.   

Good morning from the Philadelphia Zoo, the siblings were rescued from Kalama, Washington in July after Washington officials were notified of a farmer who legally killed a Puma who was threatening his property. After investigating, officials found a den with puma cubs inside. Elbroch and Olympia were welcomed at the Philadelphia Zoo a few weekes ago, and today delighted a handful of spectators as they curiously made their way around their new home. They are adorable, and I had no idea Puma’s lived in the USA.

Next up for the Zoo – Boo at The Zoo every weekend in October.

When leaving the cute Puma’s I spotted Independence Blue Cross‘ Blue Crew, a IBC Corporate Volunteer Program comprehensive community service and outreach program for associates. They were sprucing up the park in preparation for the upcoming Boo at the Zoo event.

Frank Stallone – Sly’s brother posted this photo on Tuesday.
Sylvester Stallone his wife, Jennifer Flavin and brother Frank Stallone flew into Philadelphia Sunday night to do a press junket for the new @netflix documentary appropriately titled ‘Sly’ being released in November. Which is apropos also because Rocky , the first one was released Thanksgiving, Nov. 21, 1976. The Stallone family stayed @fsphiladelphia taking in the beautiful views of Philadelphia and the art museum steps, er #rockysteps which Frank had this to say. ‘On the steps of Philadephia Museum Steps, which my brother put on the map with Rocky 47 yrs ago. And where I did a forth of July concert in 1985 for over a 100 thousand people with The Beach Boys. These steps are very familiar to me for I lived across the street. It was a wonderful day of memories, we have truly been blessed and it was great to share the day with my brothers wife Jennifer as well.”

Speaking about old Italian charm: I had a chance to eat at Celebrity cook and South Philly native Steve Martorano new restaurant in Philadelphia>> Martorano’s Prime Rivers Casino Philadelphia the acclaimed cook’s first Philadelphia signature restaurant in over 30 years and it fuses the founder’s renowned Italian-American menu with high-end steakhouse staples. The restaurant made a few changes from Hugo’s, my favorite being the opened up the dining room. It’s expansive, and decorated beautifully. I finally had Steve’s famous meatballs, and they lived up to all the hype. Other favorites were the Burrata, Mozerella Salad, the presentation and delivery were theatrical. I had the clams and spaghetti as well. Delicious that evening, and just as good the next day for lunch. The portion sizes are generous, and I couldn’t finish my dinner, especially as I was saving room for Lilly’s Cake’s, I had the homemade Confetti Cake at Martoranos Prime @riverscasinophiladelphia So good.

Speaking of the Four Seasons Hotel, that is where P!nk, Alecia Moore Hart (A Doylestown native, the back of her Phillies shirt says Hart) and her family called home checking in on Sunday as well. No word on whether the two hometown heroes P!nk and Sly ran into each other. I did get word that P!nk, and her family went out for several drives around the City; one rumor had them at the Philadelphia Zoo, another person told me they drove down South Street, possibly to check out her old haunts. I know for sure she headed to Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA. on Sunday to visit the graveside of her father who passed away of cancer in August 2021. Her concert was spectacular. Her mom, friends and family members were in the audience, including her guidance counselor from Central Bucks West High School.

The elegant, traditional black tie format of the Ball on the Square (Rittenhouse Square) returns this year on September 28; Last night the Ball on the Square Patron Party was held at the University of the Arts – Art Alliance. an iconic night of dinner and dancing underneath the big tent in the center of the Square! The Ball is the Friend’s largest fundraiser of the year and is a truly unique opportunity to enjoy an evening with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues in Rittenhouse, all while ensuring the continued care and maintenance of our beloved park for the years to come. 

Guests could buy the button Paul is wearing, to support the Friends of Rittenhouse Square, and fund a planting or bush.

The Friends of Rittenhouse Square was created in 1976 to address the increasing gap between available city funding and the maintenance needs of Rittenhouse Square. With a mission to “preserve, protect, and beautify” the park, the Friends work in a public-private partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The Friends fund and manage many programs and projects needed to sustain the Square. If you can’t attend the Ball, think about becoming a Friend of Rittenhouse Square See you next week, or see next week here at PhillyChitChat.

In August the folks from FDR Park, or affectionately known as “The Lakes” held a special event celebrating the Anna C. Verna Playground before it opens to the public in the fall. Welcoming the guests is Barbara Capozzi, co-chair Friends of FDR Park as Orlando Rendon, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and other dignataries look on including Maura McCarthy, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Fairmount Park Conservancy.

Fairmount Park Conservancy, the nonprofit organization that brings Philadelphia parks to life, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, is implementing the FDR Park Plan, a vision that offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a historic Olmsted Park to serve 21st-century Philadelphians.

The Anna C. Verna Playground at FDR Park is a world-class destination play space that encourages nature play for all ages and abilities. The new play space

will allow park-goers of all ages and abilities to wonder and wander around the two-acre site, which includes:

● A mega-swing Skyline Swing with 20 swings of five different varieties, designed for all ages and abilities, overlooking the Pattison Lagoon

● Nature-based play equipment including spinners, log and boulder scrambles, and treehouses with tube slides

● Rolling hills with slides

● Barrier-free adventure paths

● Natural cork-based play surface

● Dedicated picnic area with nine new picnic sites and a new picnic pavilion

● Seat walls located under shady groves overlooking the play area

● New landscaping featuring beautiful native and pollinator-friendly plantings, while preserving 20 trees and planting 31 new ones