Philly Chit Chat

Philly Current Magazine celebrated another fabulous year celebrating fabulous folks making a difference in Philadelphia, with their 12th Annual Philly Current Picks issue.

Philly Current is the brainchild of Eddie Keels, publisher and owner, here with his biggest supporter wife Elise. “Did I think starting a print – let me repeat that, print – magazine in 2012 was a great idea? No. But I got over my fears about how embarrassing failure could be, and I was confident I’d make it work,” he told Main Line Media News in 2018. And he has. The PC Picks Issue is a highlight of all things great in Philly, starting with the cover shot of Sami Aziz, or South Street Sam as he is known. an innovating photographer who shoots portraits on South Street.

Philly Current Magazine celebrated their 12th PC Picks Issue in style on March 13 on the Moshulu (on picks as “Til Death Do Us Party”) docked on the Delaware River. Attended by many of the folks who are featured in the magazine, as well as alumni including yours truly.

Thanks to Klyr Rum, Kenwood Beer and Curious Elixirs (alcohol free cocktails) for keeping the spirits high throughout the evening.

The Bite Size girls @bitesizedsis @bitesizedfitness and their posse, hot off their wildly popular fashion show DreamWalk Fashion Show, not related to Philly Fashion Week at all, but still popular and fun. Their focus is more on the models, and less on the fabulous of designs. There’s plenty of room on the catwalk for all inclusivity, fashion sense in Philly.

Always a winner: Nothing Bundt Cakes owner Kim Wright, who brought the 60s hostess gift dessert back to popularity a few years ago.

What I like about Philly Current Magazine is it’s always one step of all the other glossy magazines with where to eat, who to watch, where to shop. It’s an easy read. Inexpensive and if you need to be the insider, it comes in a brown envelope. No one will know you got the info from Philly Current Magazine.

Last month the friends of Willowdale Steeplechase Races held a happy hour at Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen, in Kennett Square . The night wasn’t only about enjoying the fine drinks and good food but also about the unique opportunity to rub elbows with the heart and soul of our community – including community leaders, trainers, New Bolton Vets, the dedicated folks from Stroud Water Research Center, and even the mayor showed up.

The Willowdale Steeplechase Races, a thrilling day of equestrian excellence and family-friendly fun nestled in the picturesque Chester County, Pennsylvania is held each spring. This year Race Day is May 11. Since it’s founding in 1993, Willowdale has donated more than $600,000 to local charities.

A few weeks later the other local favorite Steeplechase holds it’s races: The Radnor Hunt Races on May 18. I’ll be there for the 15th year. Read more about steeplechase races in Main Line Today

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker joined the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia at its annual Mayoral Luncheon last week to address important issues facing the city, and to talk about her agenda for Philadelphia – a Safer, Cleaner, Greener City, with Access to Economic Opportunity for All.

Bringing together more than 2,000 executives, elected officials, business owners, and civic leaders, the Chamber’s Mayoral Luncheon is the largest forum for the Mayor of Philadelphia to address the region’s business community. Mayor Parker shared the Administration’s key priorities and challenges facing the city, including public safety, cleaning and greening neighborhoods, economic opportunities, public education and other issues.

The who’s who of the business world, and those on the rise attend this annual event. It’s definitely one of the best networking events of the year as well.

PIDC (Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation)

Today Mayor Parker appointed Susan Slawson, as the City’s new Commissioner of Parks & Recreation previously served as the Commissioner for Parks and Recreation overseeing multiple million-dollar projects including the renovations of the Dell Music Center. Before that, she served the Philadelphia Police Department for 30 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant.

Two more of Mayor Cherelle Parker appointments:
Jazelle Jones will serve as the City of Philadelphia’s City Representative and Director of the Office of Special Events. Jones has worked for the City for over two decades. Jones has held the positions of Deputy Managing Director and Director of Operations for the City of Philadelphia since 2005. Jones is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and execution of City services effectively, efficiently, safely, greener and cleaner for over 1,600 events annually, and chairs the Greater Philadelphia Film Office’s operations meetings for major motion picture film productions held each year in Philadelphia. 

As City Representative, Jones will serve as the City’s Chief Ambassador, and will play a significant role as Philadelphia prepares to celebrate a myriad of events in 2026 including the 250th Anniversary of America’s founding. 

Michael Newmuis, the city’s new 2026 Director, is a solutions-driven executive who recently served as Head of Impact at FS Investments, a global asset manager with $76 billion in assets, and Executive Director of the FS Foundation. Before FS Investments, Newmuis served as Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff at Visit Philadelphia, the region’s official tourism marketing agency. During his tenure, he contributed to the successful execution of visionary events including the 2017 NFL Draft, the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and the 2015 World Meeting of Families commemorating Pope Francis’ first United States visit.

As 2026 Director, Newmuis will help coordinate major events for the city and play a key role in their success. Some of these events include the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the 2024 WWE WrestleMania, and the 250^th anniversary of America’s founding.

Put your Ones in the air with me, please.

Say it with me:

“One Philly … A United City!”

The Philly Home and Garden Show is started yesterday and continues through tomorrow.

If you’re like me, you like a beautiful home and will do anything to make your dreams come true. At the Philly Home and Garden Show you will be able to peruse through over 300 exhibitors ranging from home décor and furniture; garden and landscaping; kitchen and bath; plus food and beverage.

Yesterday I stopped by the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave. in Oaks) where the show is held and got a tour by Jennifer Sherlock, Jenna Communications and Jenna Naffin – Show Manager – Marketplace Events.

Jen and I were fascinated by this modular home. Who doesn’t want to live minimalistic with great landscaping.

The DIY Succulent and Terrarium Bar + Shopwill feature some of the most unique décor and gift items to spruce up your yard, plus Philadelphians can customize their own terrarium. The Pop-Up Flower Market, on the other hand, will house favorites from Cameron Peters Floral Design. 

Who knew you could rent chickens. Two chickens for 6 months, complete set up and food for about $800 is a good deal to see if you are the person who would then like to own chickens. They lay eggs every day, and they’re so cute.

other highlights include a Feature Gardens, the Book Bank benefiting Reach Out and Read, a doggy fashion show, food truck day and try out a pickle board court you can set up in your back yard.

I honestly would love a green house, especially in the winter when the sky is blue and the sun will warm up the greenhouse with tropical plants giving me summer vibes. Plus it’s a good way to get the spring seedlings to grow…

Other new additions this year include special appearances by Clint Harp, the dumpster diving, reclaimed wood-loving carpenter on HGTV’s hit show ‘Fixer Upper’ as well as Steve Ford, a Pennsylvania native from HGTV’s ‘Restored by the Fords’, ‘Home Again with the Fords’, ‘A Very Brady Renovation’, ‘Rock the Block’, and the Property Brothers ‘Brother vs. Brother.’ 

Harp’s Main Stage shows will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25, both at 1 p.m. Ford’s shows, on the other hand, will take place on Friday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m.

There’s the Step Into Spring section featuring five of the region’s top landscapers creating a 5,000 sq. ft. section of outdoor inspiration, and the Philly’s Favorites Market which boasts an open market-style area with local artisans and retailers. While there, Philadelphians can shop antiques, homemade, finely crafted items, specialty foods, and original art.

The Philly Home and Garden Show hours are Friday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults ($10 in advance), and free for children under age 12. Parking is free at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave. in Oaks). For all show information and tickets, visit phillyhomeandgarden.com.