Hats On The Annual Ladies Day at the Devon Horse Show

May 31, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair was transformed into The Enchanted Garden, the theme this year for the annual Ladies Day on Wednesday, May 29. Ladies were invited to gather with their girlfriends and their most festive hats for a beautiful afternoon in the Devon Pavilion, with live music, raffle prizes, a cocktail reception, and fabulous gift bags.

Then some of the ladies participated in the fabulous Hat Contest which included a panel of esteemed judges including SAVVY Main Line publisher Caroline O’Halloran , television personality Carson Kressley and Adam Joseph, 6ABC Meteorologist who honored the ladies in several categories.

Karen Toole Ebbert catches all the action as her daughter Amber Toole (black hat) looks on.

One of my favorite milliner’s is **Beth Beverly** who specializes in wearable mounts and unusual home decor. Her hats have won awards at the Devon Horse Show, Brandywine Polo and Radnor Hunt Clubs. She’s very creative. She’s never passed a road kill that she hasn’t seen a beautiful after life in.

**Terra Moné,** Terra Moné Beauty in Narberth and philanthropist **Marla Green**

Dr. Thanuja Hamilton and Janelle Burrell, CBS3Philly

Amy Holzapfel won in the “Professional Millinery” category.
Brigid McGrath Stasen and Milliner Tiffany Archard Arey
Milliner Zoya Egan

**Elena Samane** and Tatiana Lumiere at Ladies Day

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PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 (Other Allan Domb Real Estate Open Houses this Weekend)
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**Megan Tidmore, Kelly Ward Becker, Melissa Rice, Jaime Lyn Curley, Meghan Kelly, Rayna McGrath, Tina Corrado** – Four Girls on A Mission

**Conni McDonnell, Nancy Rainer Walker,** **Donna Coughlin,** wearing a colorful Nicole Miller dress, and **Maripeg Bruder**, Board President at Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center

**Annette Brennan, Sharon Bozentka and Joanne Brogan** began making their hats in February meeting weekly for wine, chitchat and millinery.

Nicole Klein, MaryAnn Blair, Joe Blair, Devon Horse Show & Country Fair Foundation – Board Member, and Jennifer Lynn Robinson

Best in Show, Pamela Targan, a former art teacher is wearing a custom dress. The seamstress sent her extra material which she used to create the hat.

After competing in the hat contest and celebrating in the Pavilion some ladies headed to a very special luncheon at Terrain Gardens at Devon Yard.

Lula and daughter **Dakota Ashbury** enjoyed the day with her sister visiting from England. I chatted so much with them I forgot to ask her name. Lula is married to famous puppeteer Anthony Ashbury, who worked on Little Shop of Horrors, and was a friend of Jim Henson. Together Lula and Anthony owned a gem of an eatery in Pittman NJ called Sweet Lula’s.
I asked Lula how they came to settle in Pittman, after living in the UK and then for years in Connecticut. Lula told me she looked up quaint towns in the New Jersey, and Pittman, NJ along with Moorestown, NJ popped up. They chose Pittman, NJ and have never looked back. This is basically how they found the Devon Horse Show Ladies Day. Since Lula’s sister was visiting for the summer, they did a search on fun women’s event and found this “lovely event.” In a matter of two days they all went out and bought sun dresses and hats. They had a magical time, and look forward to visiting again next year. For more photos check out my column at CBS3Philly

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Vine Street Imports Celebrates a Milestone

May 30, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Yesterday we chatted about Spanish Olives, and today we’re talking about wine.

Vine Street Imports celebrated their 20th anniversary at the Met Philadelphia on May 15, hosting a tasting event for friends, family and customers.

We set out about 20 years ago to really change the way wine packaging is viewed,” said Vine Street Imports CEO Ronnie Sanders. “Vine Street Importssees wine as a lifestyle, and we strive for our labeling to be provocative and edgy; something that will pique our customers’ interest and lead them to something special inside the bottle. Sanders explained that the company often tries to tell a story through its packaging, usually about the winemaker. (source)

Bob Mazurkiewicz, Vision Wines, Martin Von Ellen, Bayway World Liquor, and Ben Caldwell, Somos Wine at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.
Henry Laithwaite, of Harrow & Hope, Greg Levine and Jeremy Levine at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.
Mick Craven, Nick Pizzonia, and Victoria Matveev at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.
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Vine Street Imports is a Mount Laurel, N.J.-based, family-owned wine importer and distributor. They pride themselves on telling a story through its packaging, usually about the winemaker, according to CEO Ronnie Sanders and sister Lori Sunders with Aaron Meeker of Vine Street Imports at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.

Adam Schmidt, President & Founder of The Drink Nation, Nina Starner, Drink Philly, Arlyn Petersohn and Stephen Yaeger, restarurant consultant at the Vine Street Imports 20th anniversary party at The Met Philadelphia, on May 15, 2019.

Check out Social Media posts from the special day here

After the daylong tasting celebration Vine St Imports family and friends enjoyed a night at Zahav restaurant for a first class dining and spirited event. Check out more photos at Philly Style Magazine for photos from the night.

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Have an Olive Day With Chef José Andrés

May 29, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Philadelphia hosted a delectable event on May 15^th, “Have an Olive Day,” featuring the prestigious Spanish chef José Andrés,

Chef Andrés has been twice named by TIME Magazine as one of its 100 Most Influential people. In its final year, this initiative is promoted by Olives from Spain, with the financial support of the European Union.

95 percent of the pimento-stuffed olives consumed in the United States come from Spain

As part of the Olives From Spain “Have an Olive Day” campaign, Andrés last week turned the The Versailles Residences roof deck and private resident space, at 16^th and Locust Street in Center City into a delicious olive field with dozens of varieties, including Hojiblanca, Queen and Manzanilla, as part of his ambassadorship introducing Spanish olives to the United States.

“Have an Olive Day” campaign invited guests and journalists to know more about their varieties, versatility and benefits. The promotional program developed by the European Union and the Spanish olives sector, is the leading producer and exporter of table olives in America.

**Syrmarie Villalobos,** Telemundo 62 and **chef José Andrés**

Spain is the world leader in production and export of table olives, representing 21 percent of world production and 30 percent of world exports. The United States imports more than 155 million pounds of European olives every year.

Chef Martinez helped guests taste and discover olives, a basic ingredient in the Mediterranean diet.

Popular at the party was the Olives from Spain Philly cheese-steak

For recipe inspiration and more information on the rich history of olives, please visit www.haveanoliveday.eu or follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest at @haveanoliveday – Thanks to Andre Flewellen for photographing this for HughE Dillon LLC/PhillyChitChat.

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Playbrawl Is A Knockout Fundraiser

May 28, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

I hope you had a magical weekend, creating those memories I mentioned on Friday. It’s catch up time. Social Season is winding down to about 4 events a week, which will allow me to post events you might have seen photos for elsewhere, but now I’ll be able to go into a little more detail. For the 2nd year in a row Philadelphia Theatre Company has held PlayBrawl, a very clever fund raising event. It’s fun too, for the “actors” who are all notables, or ahem Philebrities, as well as the audience who are their friends, or fans.

Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) celebrated another successful battle in the ring with the one-two punch with the inventive theatre benefit called Playbrawl. In the vein of Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, PTC’s Play Brawl took place on Friday, May 10th with local celebrities and stars living out their dreams on stage alongside professional actors.

Instead of standard speeches and silent auctions, the competitors will act their hearts out while audience members vote for the winning performance through tax-free donations on a mobile bidding app. Very clever. Most “actors” received over $1,000 worth of votes, with the winners receiving over $5,000 worth of votes. Just as important, it was a lot of fun. The night began with a cocktail party, and after the show, a dessert night cap.

This year’s line-up includes a who’s who from the local media, business and non-profit community – including Marcus Allen, CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region in “The Pursuit of Happyness”, Michael Smerconish (Host, SiriusXM/CNN), Joseph Watkins (White House Aide and MSNBC), David Yager (University of the Arts). That’s Smerconish with HAIR (ok a wig) doing a scene from “Network.”

Joe Zarett (Zarett Rehab and Fitness) and Marc Brownstein (The Brownstein Group) doing a scene from Rocky (above), Bill Golderer (United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey),

**Ray Didinger**, Author, Journalist, Broadcaster, and Emmy Award Winning Writer and Producer of NFL Films in **Hoosiers**

Shaina Humphries, Anchor Fox 29 News in “My Cousin Vinny.”

Carol Saline, Journalist, Broadcaster, Author, and member of the PTC
Board of Directors in “When Harry Met Sally”

Selby Brown, Tiffany Marini, and Allison Fifield
Kim Crawford and Marcus Allen
Omer Vucio, Glenn Gunderson and Jake Bishop
Lynn Marks, Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM POTUS Channel 124 and CNN and Carol Saline, author

Emily Zeck, Philadelphia Theatre Company and Paige Price, Producing Artistic Director with the trophy.

And the winner’s are – **Marc Brownstein** and **Joe Zarett** for their scene out of Rocky!!

Proceeds from this year’s Gala will support PTC’s upcoming programming!!

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ChitChat: Brooke Shields, hope chest on the move, Lê, K’Far

May 24, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. I hope you have a wonderful time with friends, family, sunshine and making memories, good memories. Also be good to yourself, we’re all vulnerable to FOMO, and loneliness. If you’re having a BBQ, or you want to connect with people have a party, get together, call that person you promised to get together with, invite someone over you know is alone this weekend…and best of all I’m going to give you some chit chat for discuss this weekend.

Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary to this guy, and Happy 25 Years since our first date!!
It was a long engagement!! I always forget Mike is 5 years younger than me, cause he’s a lot more grown up. Without him there would be no PhillyChitChat. I’d still be working as a paralegal for some lucky law firm.

If you thought you saw **Brooke Shields** at the Radnor Hunt Races on Saturday, you did. Several people told me they saw her and after a little digging I was able to find this photo of Brooke having dinner with friends Lisa Natalizio Booth and Maria at Limoncello in West Chester Monday night. There’s a good chance that was her at the Radnor Hunt Races on Saturday. Brooke also appeared on QVC on Tuesday.

As I reported last week actor Jason Segal is in town to prepare for the AMC TV Series shooting a 10-episode, hour-long series called “Dispatches from Elsewhere” here in Philadelphia. Production starts in July and will continue through November. Like all of us he appreciates that Philly is a foodie town and has been spotted at a lot of eateries: Destination Dogs, Whole Foods on South Street, a.kitchen, The Dandelion, Butcher & Singer. Thanks for the shout out Nick Vadala from Philly.com

This week there have been quite a few news women in the news. Biggest story Monica Malpass leaving 6ABC, and Alicia Vitarelli is back on set.

Cook & Solo

Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook’s upcoming all-day cafe in the Harper now has a name on the wall and a beautiful courtyard being built. James Beard Award winner Camille Cogswell will head up K’Far, an all-day bakery and cafe located within the luxe new development in Rittenhouse ~ @pearlpropertiesphilly The Harper . The refurbished large beam you see here is art, it used to hold up ceiling in Boyd’s Theater auditorium, which formerly was on this site. Thank you @pearlpropertiesphilly for preserving it!! The Harper opens on June 1

Last month the dress shop **ellelauri**, located next to The Harper moved to Mount Airy. Moving in it’s space is **hope chest**, another “clothing store” that likes to use small letters as the name of their store. Currently located at 1937 *Chestnut St*. they’ll be moving to 114 S 19th St this summer.

Starbucks at Dilworth Park has opened. They offer all the products you’d find at any of their stores including sandwiches, cake pops and coffee of every flavor. Check out the Center City District calendar for all the great events happening at Dilworth Park this summer.

This was from my Instagram Post Wednesday Night:
Congrats on 7 years @hopsinglaundromat on the 7th Anniversary Of @hopsinglaundry . Le announced at party the sandwich shop is opening soon AND he’s taking over Vesper Bar @RittenhouseRow ‬. I noticed that the bartenders all wore black gloves, I’m told that it keeps their hands clean, protected and sticky free while they mix and make cocktails. Michael Klein reports that DiBruno Brothers on Chestnut Street have a wine bar and cafe in the works.

Philly’s best outdoor venue for drinking, dining
and entertainment . The Deck on the Moshulu is open Now thru September.
**#SaveTheDatePHL** **June 2 – Sundae w. Questlove**
**4:18 PM**
We’re rolling right into our sweet 16 with another summer of family friendly dance parties 🙂 As always we kick off the season with Questlove of The legendary Roots Crew! Please note* No cell phones, or social media! Phones will be placed in a sealed envelope that you keep with you, just like we did last year! ALL AGES x KIDS ARE FREE X RAIN OR SHINE! Buy Tickets Here

This past weekend I headed to Jersey to check out Palmyra Cove Nature Center.

It’s about a 25 minutes drive from Center City, where you can have a picnic, fish or walk about on trails exploring nature. There’s free parking, and a great visitor center with restrooms and nature exhibits. Have a great weekend…. Follow me on Social Media for the latest news you can use… I don’t always cross promote so you might need to follow me on all three: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

**Enjoy your sunrises and sunsets this weekend!!!**

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Richie Graham Photography: Capture To Conserve Event

May 23, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

On the evening of May 16, 2019 Richie Graham Photography hosted Capture To Conserve at Terrain Gardens in Devon, to celebrate the partnership of local investor and photographer, Richie Graham and 1% For The Planet. The evening began with a cocktail hour, live

Over dinner guests were taken on a journey around the world through the eye of Richie Graham’s fine art landscape photography, including stories from his most recent travels to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, to learn about and capture the work of network partner, Working Dogs For Conservation.

Joining the presentation were Kate Williams, CEO of 1% For the Planet sharing their organization’s mission of connecting dollars and
doers to accelerate smart environmental giving and Joe Whitworth, President of The Freshwater Trust entertaining and educating the room on his approach of Quantified Conservation, to move beyond a procedure based past to an outcome-based future to restore our country’s rivers.

Photographer **Richie Graham** and **Kim Graham**

**Lauren Roe, Wendy** **Haabestad** and **Peter Haabestad**, Co-Managing Partner and Founding Partner at Guardian Capital Partners

**Jon Cocina, Rachel Cevera, Half Genius, Teresa Kenny**, and **Jason Cevera**. Half Genius represents Richie Graham

**Holly Archinal, Orion Wister, Effie Wister,** and **Sophie Mellon**

Brian MacDonald and Maxine Gowen
Chris Kieran and Megan Maltenfort

With gratitude for the natural beauty that surrounds us and his commitment to meaningful environmental preservation, 100% of the profits from the sale of Richie’s photography are donated to 1% for the Planet nonprofit member organizations. The concept of Fine Art Photography for Environmental Conservation enables art consumers to appreciate Graham’s art from a creative and philanthropic perspective,
knowing that every purchase of a print supports initiatives to protect our planet for future generations.

The Capture To Conserve event was a successful fundraiser for 1% For The Planet, but the mission continues! Aside from embarking on the journey of conservation on his website, Richie Graham’s work from around the world will be on display and available for purchase at United By Blue. The partnership kicks off with an artist talk on June 13th at the Walnut Street location on University of Pennsylvania’s campus. To keep up with
the art and travels of Richie Graham Photography, follow along @richiegrahamphoto on Instagram and Facebook.

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Photos: 2019 Radnor Hunt Races & Media Links

May 21, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

The 89th Radnor Hunt Races, presented by BNY Mellon for the 35th year, was held on Saturday, May 18. Normally when I attend the event, which I’ve gone to for the past decade, I head to the sponsor tents for a couple hours, and then crossed the track to photograph the tailgate picnics and party tents.

This year I started at the tailgate party, to check out the tailgate parties, and well never really made it back to the tent as I was a bit overcome by heatstroke. I had forgotten what it was like to be sunny on race day as for the last 5 years it was cloudy, drizzly or a downpour like last year. Plus not having the shade of a tent really made a difference.

When I first attended it was proper to wear a sports jacket and long pants. Think fun, colorful, eye catching clothing – Derby Wear. Now it’s acceptable to wear shorts, and most guys wear them with a jacket, like the guy to the left with the hat. But definitely wear a hat and sunscreen.

This year a lot go guys hung up their jackets on their chairs and enjoyed the day in comfort. My next year self advice is hang up the jacket, drink more water and look for shade. Thankfully Mike was there and steadied me on my feet helping me back to our car where I sat in AC until our guests made it back to the vehicle. For some reason we never have cell service at the Hung. Ok lets check some of the fun I captured before that point.

When I first arrived I stopped by the Bellevue Hotel Tent, it was beautiful. I see Nick P wore a jacket to match the table clothes. He’s always thinking ahead. The Palm provided a delicious spread for lunch.

The Judges for the Picnic Theme and Hat Contest

This year’s Patron Picnic Tailgate Party theme was “Old McDonald Had A (Phil in the blank)”, in honor of long time Picnic Chair Phil McDonald who passed away last year. I had fun checking out all the picnic areas and asking the hosts what the theme was, Phil in the blank. For instance Valerie D’Amico’s theme was “Old McDonald Had An Italian Love Affair!” (top right)

She won 3rd place for her Italian spread. Congrats !! Here with judges Dr. Scott Smith, Eddie Ross and **Loren Kagan** present **Valerie** with her ribbon and gift bag at the 89th Anniversary Radnor Hunt Races on May 18, in Malvern, PA.

More beautiful tailgate parties

The Radnor Hunt Races included six jump races with $170,000 in purse money awarded, an antique carriage parade, and the much-loved parade of foxhounds at the 89th Anniversary Radnor Hunt Races on May 18, in Malvern, PA.

Besides delicious eye candy, mouth watering spreads, Radnor Hunt Races always brings out the best derby dress, and Saturday did not disappoint.

Sabira Allen, Marcus Allen and Kim Crawford not only were best dressed, but best of friends.
Sarah Taylor and Carmine Rego
Sandra Yodesky and Sara Cortese

OMG did they really have cell service? WHO is their provider?

The First Place Winner and Best Overall Picnic Tailgate Party went to the Ex Pirates Society for the 2nd year in a row, for their Caddy Shack theme, which was Phil McDonald’s favorite movie.

All proceeds from the Radnor Hunt Races benefit the land and water preservation programs of the Brandywine Conservancy which protect open space preservation and water protection in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware. Check out additional photos at CBSPhilly, Philly Voice and Philly Style Magazine. As well as in print in Mainline Media News in 2 weeks, and Philly Magazine in August.

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Jessica Boyington Gets A job, #BENDALL ON?, Sally Field Films in Philly

May 17, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Hey Friyay is here and finally a spot of sunshine to get us through the weekend. Saturday is going to be something else in Philly, so much going on – The Italian Market Festival, The Rittenhouse Square Festival, The Stotesbury Regatta, Penn Graduation, the Joe Biden Rally on the Art Museum Steps. My advice, don’t drive, take public transportation – act like the Pope is here again.

Congrats to Jessica Boyington, who abruptly disappeared from the airwaves doing traffic for 4 years at NBC10 Philadelphia in early February. Today she popped up on 6ABC, not doing traffic but as a special features reporter. Today she talked about events happening this weekend. Jessica Philly missed you, we’re glad you’re back.

Are they , aren’t they. I’ve been quoted in the media on both sides. But according to the June edition of Vogue Australia, Kendall Jenner Kendall Jenner chats about dating Ben Simmons, who hails from Australia. Kendall was spotted on video watching the Sixers playoff game at her friends house, cheering Ben Simmons on when he had the ball and made a basket. I saw the video and capture a blah screenshot, which is why it’s not on this post.

Posing for the magazine’s cover, Kendall hinted in the interview that she’d possibly like to get engaged to Ben ‘one day’.

The interview was done about a month ago, and since both of them are low profile peeps, we’ll just have to wait. Although I have seen video of her watching the last Sixer’s playoff game against Toronto. BUT I’m sure the rumor of her hanging out with ex-boyfriend Harry Styles, is just that, a rumor. I don’t think she’s his type anymore. I believe he’s going the way of George Michael, right now bi sexual, and at some point he’ll come out.

Fan photo of Harry Styles and Xander Ritz at Baskin Robbins in Wayne in 2015

I found this blind item linking to my blog last week
83. ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER 05/07 **#9**
MET GALA: I’m not sure where the long time boyfriend of the foreign born closeted former A+ list boy bander was last night. That being said, our boy bander was having lots of fun with lots of different guys. Harry Styles (“One Direction”) (Lacrosse player Xander Ritz) or (Nick Grimshaw) (Harry Styles claps along to Cher, drops the F-bomb and displays his dance moves as he enjoys a VERY raucous night at the Met Gala) >>>> (#HarryStyles and his new BFF Xander Ritz Hung out in the Latter’s Hometown Since Sunday) (Nick Grimshaw speaks out over Harry Styles relationship rumours)

It’s gonna be a beautiful weekend. Let’s go check out Open Houses with Allan Domb.

‘Dispatches From Elsewhere’: Richard E. Grant, Sally Field & Eve Lindley To Star In Jason Segel’s AMC Anthology Series is schedule to film in Philly this summer, through November. Jason Segal, who is also starring in the TV series, is also producing and has been spotted around town this week. Wednesday night around midnight, he was spotted at Franklin Fountain in Old City. My friend tells me people recognized him, and he was very friendly. When he left he “High Fived” everyone. Last night he was spotted eating at a.kitchen across from Rittenhouse Square, outside where he posed for fans, before strolling along 18th towards Chestnut Streets about 8PM where another reader recognized him and chatted a bit about Philly hot spots, and AllBirds shoes. Don’t expect to see Sally Field, Richard Grant or Eve Lindley until after July 4th, when filming is scheduled to begin. For casting information head on over to Heery-Loftus Casting, who does the majority of casting for films that come to Philly. (Deadline)

Presidential candidate Cory Booker was in town for a fundraiser at Maison 208 last night, where Micah Mahjoubian snagged a photo with him.

Have a great weekend…..wear your hat and sunblock.

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Road Closures, Transit Detours and Public Safety Information Announced for Biden Kick Off Rally

May 16, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

PHILADELPHIA — On Saturday, May 18, 2019, the Joe Biden presidential campaign will host a rally on Eakins Oval (2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway). The event is open to the public, and guests are encouraged to register online using the campaign’s website.

To ensure the safety of participants and the public, road closures and parking restrictions will be implemented. Delays can be expected during the course of the event. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes and allow for extra driving time in areas near the event. Double-parking, which creates congestion, limits traffic flow and is illegal, will be strictly enforced.

Road Closures
The event will commence at 1:00 p.m., with gates opening to the public at 11:00 a.m. It is scheduled to conclude at 2:30 p.m.

The following streets will be closed starting at 9:00 a.m. until approximately 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18:

Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 20^th Street and 22^nd Street — center lanes only
Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 22^nd Street and Eakins Oval — all lanes
23^rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Kelly Drive (outbound) from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Fairmount Avenue
Kelly Drive (inbound) between 25^th Street and Fairmount Avenue — local access maintained to Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive via 25^th Street
Martin Luther King Drive between Eakins Oval and Sweetbriar Drive
Spring Garden Street Bridge at 31^st Street — local access maintained to Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, inbound (eastbound) traffic on Kelly Drive must exit Kelly Drive at Fairmount Avenue due to the closure of the outer lanes on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Benjamin Franklin Parkway cross traffic will be permitted on numbered streets as conditions allow.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art and other Parkway institutions will remain OPEN for business on Saturday, May 18, 2019. Visitors are encouraged to check individual websites for hours of operation.

Those wishing to access the west side of the Philadelphia Museum of Art must turn right on Pennsylvania Avenue from Fairmount Avenue, turn right on 25^th Street and continue onto Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive. Those wishing to access the Barnes Foundation should follow Fairmount Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue and turn right, following Pennsylvania Avenue to 21st Street—then, turn right at 21^st Street and make the first left onto Callowhill Street to access the Barnes Foundation parking lot.

Streets will be serviced and reopened as attendees disperse. It is expected that a number of the affected streets listed above will be opened to vehicular traffic prior to 4:00 p.m.

Attendees are advised to use caution when crossing streets, follow traffic signals, and obey instructions provided by the Philadelphia Police Department.

Parking Restrictions
The following streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18:

Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 22^nd Street to Eakins Oval — all lanes, both sides
22^nd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Winter Street — both sides
2100-2200 Spring Garden Street — both sides

All “Temporary No Parking” signs must be obeyed. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated.

Public Transportation
SEPTA bus routes will be detoured from their normal routes through the Benjamin Franklin Parkway area beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 through approximately 4:00 p.m. Detours will be posted, and specific route changes are available on the System Status page at septa.org.

It is recommended that guests utilize public transportation options for travel to and from the event. If driving into Center City is necessary, commercial off-street parking lots and garages are conveniently located near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Eakins Oval. Attendees should contact individual facilities in advance for rates and availability or visit the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s website at philapark.org for a list of parking options.

Entry Information and ADA Drop-Offs
The general admission entry gate to the rally will be located on the north side of Eakins Oval. Due to event-related road closures, it is recommended that guests with mobility issues arrange for drop-off in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue and Spring Garden Street. This will provide the most direct route to the rally location at Eakins Oval. After drop-off, proceed southwest on Spring Garden Street towards Eakins Oval, and volunteers will direct you to the closest entry gate.

Public Safety Information
Drones and any other small, unmanned aircraft are not permitted. The full list of prohibited items includes:

Purses or bags larger than 4’’x6’’
Backpacks (clear bags permitted)
Cinch bags
Briefcases
Coolers
Luggage of any kind
Placards
Homemade signs and banners
Alcoholic beverages
Umbrellas
Flags
Drones/UAS
Weapons of any kind

Leave no bags or items unattended. In an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity or item—such as a backpack, package or container—notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.

The public should expect congestion in the area. Individuals attending the event should make a plan regarding driving, public transit, parking, and supervision of children. Attendees should also be prepared to wait to enter and exit the event area. It is recommended that attendees wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire.

Stay connected to important weather or emergency information from the City by signing up for free ReadyPhiladelphia text alerts. Simply text READYPHILA to 888-777 or customize your free email or text alerts by visiting the Office of Emergency Management’s website: phila.gov/ready.

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Party Links to Pixs and A Fond Farewell to Lucy Noland

May 15, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

The light is at the end of the tunnel, another week of double duty events, then Memorial Day and it slows down for the Spring Social Season. What a ride. Let’s review a few events I covered with links to where they were published as many of you would like to find your photo, see what folks wore to events and general chit chat here on the blog about decor and details. Next to the parties I have links to which media outlets they appear in; some of these events will be submitted for consideration in Philly Mag as well.

**Jefferson Celebration of Innovation** – Cocktail Reception, Innovation Exhibition and Awards Ceremony. This event appeared on ChitChat yesterday. It was a great event, the talent graduating from the school formerly known as Textiles, then Philadelphia University, now Jefferson University is really going to change the world. I love Jefferson’s president **Steve Klasko**, he’s a real visionary. He’s cobbled together a network of hospitals, and institutions in the name of curing the world.

In previous years it was a sit down dinner at the Crystal Tea Room in Center City. This year they decided to have it on their East Falls campus, in the basketball auditorium, within walking distance for the students, free parking for the guests. They did a great job with decor, draping the large space, and dividing it into two distinct areas, one of the cocktail party the other for a sit down program. If you missed yesterday’s column on the student innovation projects check them out HERE.

The 2019 BLOCS Gala for Catholic Education is held to raise funds for scholarships to ensure every child, regardless of religious beliefs or sociology-economic status, has equal access to a quality education. For forty years they have been committed to ensuring low-income families to have access to a high quality, vales based education in Catholic schools, and to equip and empower them to pursue their highest potential. Photos for this event appeared in Philly Style Magazine and CBSPhilly

Event Producer Christie Mandia of the Honigman Group hired vendors like Katie Everett to execute the event as well as Justin Pizzi who helped with the publicity, and auctioneer Jeff Hammond to raise additional funds during the event.

The event was held at Cescaphe’s The Waterworks. The cocktail party took place under the Grand Pavilion; the dinner under a tent at The Mill House which was beautifully decorated by Beautiful Blooms, owned by Cescaphe.

Yuka Iseda, and Aleksey Babayev
Sterling Baca and Lillian DiPiazza

West Laurel Hill presented a one-of-a-kind featured where Pennsylvania Ballet dancers, Sterling Baca , Lillian DiPiazza, Yuka Iseda, and Aleksey Babayev, performed excerpts from Romeo & Juliet and Giselle at the historic landmark on Sunday May 5, in celebration of the cemetery’s 150th anniversary. . Also in the photo: Deborah Cassidy and Joanie Sweeney of West Laurel Hill (l) and on right Nancy Goldenberg, President of
West Laurel Hill Cemetery & Funeral Home and Laurel Hill Cemetery . Angel Corella, Artistic Director of the Pa Ballet, and Shelly Power, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Ballet. See additional stories and photos: Philly Voice. West Laurel Hill Cemetery is more than just a final resting place, they hold events in their conservatory, and give tours of the cemetery. It’s also an Arboretum. I like to bird watch there as well. Follow them on Twitter

Susan Russell, Michele Schaffer, and Lucy Noland, with American Humane Hero Therapy Dog of the year Aladdin. (Photo: Mike Hirata)

On sad news Lucy Noland announced on her FB page that she would be leaving Fox 29 as of May 30. No mention of what’s next for her, but where ever she goes they’ll be lucky to have her. I’ve always enjoyed her frank delivery of the news, as if she were one of us, speaking to us with empathy as sometimes the news was hard to swallow. It was nice getting to know her personally on Thanksgiving Day at Manna, or ever spring at the No Dog Gets Left Behind Gala. Here’s her complete message.

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