On Tuesday October 8, CITRS held the 8th annual CITRS OPEN at the Union League Liberty Hill. Proceeds from the event go to CITRS character development programs benefiting under-served youth in schools and after-school programs.
Danny Burke, Amy Lackpour, Chris Waters, Lauren Kobylarz
After a day of golf, guests enjoyed a cocktail party on the patio before a seated dinner over looking the beautiful, misty, autumn course. This years honorees were Students Run Philly Style who’s mission aligns with CITRS in building character for youth, but by running, training for races.
Adam Gingold, Cory Daddona, James Faraci, and Matt Handel
Ira Bergstein, Cortie Wetherill III, Jamie Barrett, and Lynn Hamlin
Aryam Modesto, Stephanie Chiacchio, Nicholas Palazzo, Noelle Burg, and Emily Lucking
Gene Miller, co founder of CITRS, award recipient Lauren Kobylarz, Executive Director, Students Run Philly Style, Nichelle Davis Ahmaddiya, Executive Director of CITRS and Clay Hamlin, co founder of CITRS
RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA LAUNCHES ‘RIVERS SALUTES’ PROGRAM TO HONOR VETS AND CURRENT MILITARY MEMBERS ON VETERANS DAY
PHILADELPHIA — Nov. 9, 2022 — Rivers Casino Philadelphia is honoring vets and current military service members on Veterans Day with its new “Rivers Salutes” program — an initiative that celebrates guests for their duty and sacrifice. Additionally, the casino will honor Team Members for their military service.
Starting Friday, Nov. 11, and running through Wednesday, Nov. 30, guests who are veterans, military reserve, national guard and first responders can receive exclusive food, drink and gaming offerings. On Veterans Day, qualified Team Members will receive a thank-you gift bag that includes a special name tag with military branch designation, a restaurant gift card and a thank-you letter from Rivers Casino General Manager Justin Moore.
“Rivers Salutes is a small thank-you for our veterans and for everyone who’s currently serving our nation,” said Moore. “This is just the first step in a growing program that shows our appreciation and gratitude.”
Rivers Salutes Program
Special Rush Rewards Card – All veterans and current military members can visit Rush Rewards for an exclusive Rivers Salutes card to be used for special discounts and offers.
Dining Offer – Guests who present their Rivers Salutes card are eligible to receive 15% off their total purchase at any food outlet in Rivers Casino Philadelphia from Nov. 11 through Nov. 30.
For more information about Rivers Casino and the Rivers Salutes program, please visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia.
Sheila Hess, City Representative presents a proclamation to Dr Beatriz Garces And Iron Chef Jose Garces.
The 10th Anniversary Garces Foundation‘s Food Fest and Fundraiser from James Beard Award Winning Iron Chef Jose Garces was celebrated Sept. 29 at Live! Casino & Hotel. The evening featured delicious bites from various restaurants, including the Garces fare Amada, Buena Onda , Garces Trading Company ,The Olde Bar , Village Whiskey, Volver
and a few around town favorites including A Mano , Bridget Foy’s , BurgertimeNJ (new), Dim Sum House by Jane G’s (new) , French Toast Bites by Lokal Artisan Foods (new) Forsythia * Fork Restaurant , Izakaya by Yanaga (new), Lola’s Garden (new) and Restaurant Aleksandar. They’ll be seasonal sips, live music by the very popular Snacktime, dancing, and a silent auction.
Restaurant Aleksandar – Owner Aleksandar Stojnic (r) with executive chef Montana Houston and executive sous chef Ja’mir Wimberly-Cole
Dani Collins and Brianna Bialko
Snacktime formed and performed during the pandemic, and is now enjoying superstar success in Philly. They recently recording a CD of songs.
Marisa Brunetti, Mike Libor, Paul Butorn and Kerri Stritin
There’s still time to donate
Burgertime Audubon NJ – so good
The Live Casino Team
Daryl Martin, Debra Jih, George Karolidis and Faith Washington
Charisse McGill, the owner of Lokal Artisan Foods and Michael Newmuis, Chief External Affairs Officer.
The event was packed, but there was plenty of room to mix and mingle. Proceeds from the event went to The Garces Foundation, which helps supply food, medical care and educational services to Philadelphia’s immigrant community.
Dan Dutch and Matt Howderschell
Robin Morris, Executive Director of the Garces foundation with co – founders Beatriz Garces and Jose Garces and Jill Garces, Director Of Business Relations at Chef Jose Garces Consulting Services (2nd from right)
Last week, Thursday, November 3, marked the official groundbreaking of a new mixed-use residential tower called 200 Spring Garden, formerly the home of a one story City Fitness. The new structure will be 13-stories high with 360 apartment units offering extensive amenities, and 10,000 square feet of outdoor public green space. A joint venture between National Real Estate Advisors, National Real Estate Development, and Kushner Real Estate Group.
Designed by Handel Architects and developed by National Real Estate Development and the KRE Group, the new building will rise 177 feet to the top of the bulkhead (or 149 feet to the main roof) and offer nearly 298,668 square feet of residential space, 18,187 square feet of retail, an expansive roof deck, parking 106 cars and 116 bicycles, and a landscaped public promenade along the property’s west side. The building is a modern interpretation of the warehouse-style buildings native to Northern Liberties, the robust structure of articulated charcoal grey brick will anchor and define the intersection of Spring Garden and North 2nd Street.
Richard Horrow, Esq., General Counsel for City Fitness and Britt Kleine is a Vice President, Operations at City Fitness
Kristin Davis and Sheldon Erb both of Greystar
Kristine Kennedy, executive director of the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District talks about the exciting new project which will border her district.
“This project is the first phase in what will be a new neighborhood from Spring Garden Street, all the way down to Callowhill Street along 2nd,” said Daniel Killinger, President of Real Estate Development, one of the many partners of this project. The walkway is on the west side of the building (right side in this depiction), What a vision, I love this idea. He added after the project is completed, it will create “an entirely new neighborhood that will combine the energy and vitality of Northern Liberties with the history and culture of Old City into something that is truly Philadelphia.” National and KRE have purchased four parcels between Callowhill Street and Spring Garden Streets with plans to create a unique neighborhood inspired by the surrounding historic Old City and Northern Liberties neighborhoods. The site will be a mixed-use, pedestrian-centric development with two anchoring residential towers and street-level retail that will cater to a diverse community that values walkability and convenience. The partnership has retained prominent architectural firm Handel Architects, Morris Adjmi Architects, and MAJOR to design the project. (source)
The building will also include 5,400 square feet of corner marquee retail, and a pedestrian-friendly, landscaped public plaza featuring original artwork curated by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
“Old City and Northern Liberties are two of the most iconic neighborhoods within the city of Philadelphia, and yet the corridor between them is filled with untapped opportunity,” said Jonathan Kushner, President of KRE. “As our first foray into Philadelphia, I could not be more energized by the potential that lies ahead –as envisioned by our partners at National and National Development – starting with 200 Spring Garden. The multiphase transformation of 2nd Street will inject a new sense of vibrancy and economic vitality, and we could not be prouder to be part of making it a reality.”
For more information about 200 Spring Garden, please visit National Development’s website HERE.
The post pandemic social season has returned with a resounding YES, and nothing was more spectacular than the annual gala of the Philadelphia Theatre Company on Friday night. If you were in the area of Broad & Pine, specifically near the University of the Arts, you saw some of the spectacular happening right outside Hamilton Hall.
Oliver Sebayan Dumont, Charlie Adkins Courtney , writer Erin Courtney, Theo Adkins Courtney and Scott Adkins
Celebrating the return in person galas, and opening night for Philadelphia Theatre Company season with a major world premiere rock musical: The Tattooed Lady, which stars national known celebrated actress Jackie Hoffman. Book by Erin Courtney and Max Vernon Music, Lyrics & Orchestrations by Max Vernon Developed with and Directed by Ellie Heyman Choreographed by Mayte Natalio. Emily Zeck, Managing Director. Taibi Magar and Tyler Dobrowsky, co-artistic directors. welcomed over 200 guests to the fete.
Max Vernon, co writer, music, lyrics and Orchestrations.
Hank Gladstone, Erica Pulford, and Lisa Haas of Bryn Mawr (will be heading to my Main Line Today Magazine column as well. So glad Social Season is back as well as my magazine outlets)
Ed Zuckerman with Shawn and Charlie Chen,
Cy Burke and Dr Donna-Marie Peters, Temple University
Sarah Besnoff, Larry Besnoff, John Kuestner and Harper Seldin
Through out Hamilton Hall their were circus artists, live music including the West Philly Orchestra, hoops, sword swallowing performance, fire dancers, an open bar and food.
According to the press release: Philadelphia Theatre Company is excited to bring the theatre season alive with a world premiere rock musical about the radical history of the tattooed ladies. The story of The Tattooed Lady highlights one of sideshow’s biggest stars, the fictional Ida Gibson, in a moving, fantastical tale that reveals the generational chasms and connections between Ida and her granddaughter Joy. A parade of beguiling characters appear, on a mission to liberate Ida from her self-imposed exile and help Joy find freedom through forgiveness. The musical celebrates the resilience of women whose choices have the power to liberate them.
Maria Lock and Theo Gifford, he has that fun LCD truck billboard you see around town.
Alex Woodson, Marie Woodson, David Price, Sally Katz, (co chairs) Larry Woodson and Chris Woodson
Fanta Freeman , Elliot Griffin and Meredith Stitt
West Philly Orchestra
Over 200 guests paraded from University of the Arts’ Hamilton Hall to the Suzanne Roberts Theatre led by the West Philadelphia Orchestra before the first performance of the World Premiere Musical The Tattooed Lady at 8PM. It was a joyful, spectacular time for all. The Tattooed Lady runs through November 22, INFO HERE.
Welcome Back, oh wait that’s me. I’m so busy, and then the Phillies were in the series oh my gosh I was so caught up in Phillies fever. I did make it to a game last week, and posted about in on my socials. I was so fun. Here’s a link. I really focused on the fans, they’re so exuberant and I loved it. Thanks to the Phillies for a fantastic season, none of us expected. I was at Live Casino the other night for an event I took this around midnight, after the game. People were cheering, and thanking the Phils for a great season, as I am sure you were as well.
Thanks to my reader anonymous, who sent me the video and photo #sylvesterstallone and family at #rockysteps . Happy to see he and his wife reconciled. the family was in town to promote #tigereye coffee . Saturday night I hear they went to Victor café for dinner. Victor Café is featured in the rocky franchise, and in the Creed movies it’s called. Adrian after Rocky’s deceased wife. What a thrill it must’ve been when he showed up at the rocky statue as well as the Rocky steps..@artmuseum
Tuesday, November 8 is election day as you know. This past weekend specifically Sunday there was a big drive to get out the vote. Some of you might’ve been surprised to answer your door and find @kerrywashington , @paulinaporizkov@jabaribanks standing there.
Philly’s owen Writer/Director Brandon Eric Kaminand Star Nick Nolte at the Premiere of Rittenhouse Square during the Philadelphia Film Society’s Film Festival at Phila Film Center. (which was also the night the Phillies clinched the National League Pennant.) The film received rave reviews, and is waiting for a distributor. Check out an interview with Brandon HERE with Alicia Vitarelli.
The Legendary group En Vogue is coming to Rivers Casino Philadelphia for an unforgettable concert! INFO
On October8 the National Liberty Museum hosted their 23rd Annual Gala and Glass Auction, honoring artist, ceramicist, social activist, poet and educator Roberto Lugo. The event featured a keynote presentation by John Dixon Hunt, Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture at University of Pennsylvania, an expert on garden history and theory.
Dr. Alaine Arnott, CEO National Liberty Museum and Adam Padron, Founder / CEO · Grunkey Industries
The National Liberty Museum’s mission: Through a compelling lineup of programs and exhibitions, the National Liberty Museum illuminates both the strength and fragility of liberty—as well as the inspirational stories of people whose positive actions protect and expand the boundaries of freedom for all.
Dr. Alaine Arnott, CEO National Liberty Museum and Adam Padron, Founder / CEO · Grunkey Industries
2022 has been a year of transformation and change, the Museum has welcomed a new CEO, leadership team, and even a new front door cover they tell me.
Funds raised at the even will support their school programs, including the Young Heroes Outreach Program, which empower young people to be civic leaders, working responsibly together to drive positive change, and putting their empathy into action.
Brandon Pinzini and Anna Koontz
Building upon the vision of founder Irv Borowsky and his family, the National Liberty Museum continues to reexamine liberty through a contemporary understanding of historic foundations. The National Liberty Museum is the culmination of the life’s work of Irvin Borowsky, a proud lifelong Philadelphian, distinguished publisher, art collector, and philanthropist.
Joan and Ted Borowsky
“We who are fortunate enough to live in the land of liberty must protect it, preserve it, and guard it for future generations.”
—Founder Irvin Borowsky, at the National Liberty Museum’s opening ceremony on January 12, 2000
Suzanne Cohn catching up with friends. She and her husband, Norman, have a magnificent glass collection in both of their homes in Philly and Palm Beach. I’ve been to their Philadelphia home a few times and it’s amazing, especially their glass floor. During cocktail parties they have someone standing at the point where it rises by a step, giving people fair warning. When you, or I walk on it, you do get vertigo, but to go to the balcony, to take in the beautiful view, you must walk across the glass floor.
Sheldon and Penny Bernick, I’ve been to their house and have seen their incredible glass collection. Of course my first question when I saw my neighbors collection was how do they dust, they told me carefully.
John Vendito, Babara Seletky, Sherri Savitt and Ro Vaitaly
Paul Woolf, Elizabeth Grant, Dawn and Danny Rotondo
Cruella and friend at the 54th Annual Henri David Ball at the Sheraton Center City
Over the weekend I attended 2 Halloween parties: The Legendary Henri David Ball, and the newcomer to Philly – Hualloween Party hosted by Karen Hua, a reporter at NBC10 Philadelphia.
Karen Hua and HughE
She’s new to the market, but has been hosting this party for a few years, not as epic as the one held Saturday night at Hook & Master she told me.
Everyone’s feline friend Alex Holley from Fox 29 stopped by.
Frances Wang, NBC 10, Matty Torres, WUSA 9 DC, and Jacklyn Lee from 6ABC. How great is it that this new generation of reporters from different stations hang out with each other. That was not always the case being in this biz for 15 years, I know. That means that internal policies have changed, and that’s a good thing.
Johnny Archer , NBC10 reporterand phenomenal Inquirer photographer Monica Herndon (I’m a fan) Someone knew they’d be a good match…
Karen and her two college friends. One flew in from Chicago, the other I think Boston, but you know me with my memory…. Thanks Karen for having us, we had a blast. OK why didn’t I get a photo of Miguel and Ray, besides a selfie… Head to Karen Hua’s INSTA for more photos…
Henri David
The spirit of Halloween is alive and well in Philadelphia as the Henri David Ball, Philadelphia’s longest running Halloween tradition returned for it’s 54th Anniversary at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, 201 North 17th last night, Sunday October 30, 2022.
Hundreds of Halloween fans dressed as ghouls, to ghosts, Cinderella to Jim Gardener greeted Henri David as he loomed over the crowd as a giant make up table complete with mirrors to check yours before heading into the ballroom.
“Come as you wish to be and not who you are.”
That is the motto of Henri David, the longtime Philadelphia jeweler, host and party thrower who has made and curated the city’s most lavishly extravagant Halloween Ball.
Along with pushing and prodding its attendees to dare to dream and come in homemade—never store bought from a box—costumes.
Jim Gardner was on hand
Winner of most Hysterical Couple – Marcos Matos and Gato Espinel
The 2022 Bandsaw Bash will take place in-person at the nearby Arch Street Meeting House in Old City, Philadelphia, on Thursday, October 20at 6:30pm. A special champagne reception for sponsors was held at the Center at 5:30pm, just before we kick off the main event. 141 N 3rd St,
The Center for Art in Wood interprets, nurtures, and champions creative engagement and expansion of art, craft, and design in wood to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of it.
The Center for Art in Wood comprises the Gerry Lenfest Gallery for changing exhibitions, the permanent collection, The Fleur & Charles Bresler Research Library, the Len Scherock Museum Store, and The Earl Powell Artist Research Files. It also organizes arts residencies, which are held on an annual basis, and The Wood Shed, a virtual site for accessing programs, talks, activities, and information.
Joshua Henry Aibel, Trustee, Jennifer-Navva Milliken, Executive Director & Chief Curator, Patricia Fowlwer, Esq. Trustee
Since its inception in 1986, The Center for Art in Wood, formerly the Wood Turning Center, has been widely recognized by artists, collectors, scholars and the public as one of the most valuable resources for the education, preservation and promotion of the field of art made from wood.
The Center for Art in Wood grew out of a series of symposia and exhibitions held between 1976 and 1986. The organizers of these events were the LeCoff brothers, Albert and Alan, and Palmer Sharpless, a woodworker and teacher at the George School, who are credited with helping to spur the “field” of wood turning.
Throughout the night guests could bid on including wood art
And the very popular wooden boxes, which were often disguised as something else, a book or podium. Each one had a secret on how to open the book to see what was inside, or just whimsically realize it was a box and not just a piece of wood art. JT Lewis seems bemused by the book that was really a box.
Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at AIA Philadelphia, Leila Cartier, Executive Director, CraftNOW Philadelphia, Clara Hollander Co-Chair of Craft Now and Billy Cook, Communications Specialist at En Route Marketing
Rick Snyderman, Principal, Snyderman-Works Art Consultants, Joshua Henry Aibel, Trustee, and John Conver Lutz, Trustee
Cocktails in a can, what took them so long to invent. So cool.
James Maurelle – Adjunct Instructor – University of Pennsylvania and Alex Palmer
Yasmin Kamara,, Miquon Brinkley, Owner & Curator at Thinker Makers Society and Aurea Castro
Jennifer-Navva Milliken, Executive Director & Chief Curator begins the auction.
As in past years, proceeds from the auction are split between contributing artists and the Center. Your sponsorship helps fund the exhibitions, and events that the Center for Art in Wood delivers.
With the beautiful Philadelphia skyline as a back drop, ACHIEVEability celebrated their 40th Anniversary at the Mann Center on Wednesday, October 19.
ACHIEVEability, a nonprofit striving to end poverty for Philadelphia families, with its transformational work in West Philly , “40 Years Strong: Rising & Thriving,”
Larry Skinner, Jamila Harris- Morrison, Executive Director at ACHIEVEability and Carmen Skinner
Honoree: Timonthy Thorton, Bill Stickney, Theresa Stickney and Tonya Thorton.
For their 40th Anniversary, ACHIEVEability‘s longevity is due to the collaborative commitment of their entire community. To honor this momentous year, they honored 40 stakeholders who have contributed to ACHIEVEability‘s mission to end poverty.
Anthoni Williams and Tasha Williams
The festive open-air event included unique tastings by area restaurants, open bar, silent and live auction, music by The Sid Miller Dance Band, a wine wall, and with the spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline.
Gina Gannon, 6ABC Traffic Reporter and Philly Current Magazine Editor and Publisher Eddie Keels
Gina Gannon, 6ABC Traffic Reporter, will emcee the evening and will be joined by Philly Current Magazine Editor and Publisher Eddie Keels to lead the live auction.
Amaris Pollock
Well-known food podcast Food, Farms N’ Chefs will broadcast remotely at the event.
Derrick Ross and Kyle El – I Am Art Life artists
The @sid_miller_dance_band, a twelve-piece powerhouse, will be gracing the #40YearsStrong stage with their high energy and tremendous musical excellence. Sid Miller Dance Band performs classic dance hits from the 60’s through today. Superstar Tina Fey even selected this band to perform at her wedding reception. Get ready to groove!
Since 1981, ACHIEVEability has worked to permanently break the generational cycle of poverty for low-income, single parent and homeless families through higher education, affordable housing, supportive services, community and economic development and accountability.
Michael Pearson and Crystal Thompson
Andrew Wheeler, Founder and President · Lincoln Leadership, Hugh McStravick, Senior Vice President, Client & Community Relations · PNC and Nelson Acevedo, Community Development Specialist – PNC
Shannon Farmer and Meredith Dante
Carly Maurer, Jamila Harris-Morrison, Executive Director of ACHIEVEability, Clissita Daniels, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System logo Senior Community Health Worker Senior Community Health Worker Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health Systemand Jennell Fisher
Winner of most Hysterical Couple – Marcos Matos and Gato Espinel 
