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Save the Date: DesignPhiladelphia is back and here are some things you don’t want to miss!

Kick-off Party – Opening Celebration and Fundraiser (Oct 12)The festival kicks off with a celebration at Cherry Street Pier on Oct 12th. Join an array of designers, makers and enthusiasts and mingle some of the city’s top design talent. Get the first live look at all of the interactive design installations created by a variety of seasoned and emerging designers. Cheers to celebrating Philadelphia as a design city! Get tickets here.

Photo: Chris Kendig

2022 DesignPhiladelphia Festival Kick-off Party at Cherry Street Pier,

Installations & Exhibitions

Designing a Learning City at Cherry Street Pier 

Children spend only 20% of their waking time in school, and learning today occurs in and out of the classroom. What are we doing with the other 80% Explore projects that inspire us to reimagine our city and public spaces as playful learning opportunities for everyone, but especially children.

Design is Inclusive: TEXTILE SHOW

The 2022 exhibition will focus on textiles and highlight designers of varied backgrounds with strong Philadelphia connections both past and present.

Get Daddy’s Ashtray by Liza Niles
2022 Design is Inclusive exhibitor, Malene Barnett   
2022 Design is Inclusive participant,
Hamid Holloman

Panels and Conversations

Textile Innovation: Art and Industry (Oct 18)

Join us for a panel discussion lead by CFI Workspace featuring local artists, researchers, business owners, and Maharam Textiles, discussing textile innovation artistically & industrially and how to apply both to business.

Making a Scene: Designing for Passion (Oct 19)

Presented by Kartell, USA, W Philadelphia with a host of international and local panelists

Designing for Inclusion (Oct 19)

What life is like when the world isn’t designed for you and what designers, and people, can do to be more inclusive. Take part in a series of immersive activities to understand how some people experience the world and learn more about what frog is doing to design a more inclusive future.

Frog Design

Fun Tours

Bok Open House (Oct 14)

Ray Philly Hard Hat Tour (Oct 15)

Rendering of Ray Philly exterior (1525 N. American Street, Philadelphia PA 19122

Area in Focus – Tour of the Rail Park (Oct 15 10am, 1pm and Oct 16 11am)

Friends of the Rail Park presents Area in Focus walking tours, highlighting each section of the Rail Park Vision and the sites’ potential to become a public space connecting Philadelphians to nature and each other.

Area in Focus tour attendees learn about the Cut Photo Credit: Chris Kendig, 2021
Follow on Instagram at @designphilly

Family Friendly

Kids Fest at Cherry Street Pier (Oct 15-16)

The DesignPhiladelphia Kids Fest is a weekend and festival experience bringing architecture and design to our youngest visitors and their caretakers through fun and creative activities at the Cherry Street Pier. This year’s Kids Fest is sponsored by VisitPhiladelphia. 

2019 Kids Fest, Chris Kendig

Poth Open House and Block Party (Oct 22)

Poth will open up our common area to the Public and feature an installation focusing on the history and design of the building as well as the process to develop this adaptive reuse project. This will be coupled with an outdoor block party with local music, food, and other vendors from Brewerytown.

Press Play on “Pause Park” (Oct 22)

Come celebrate the return of excitement for Frankford Pause Park as we unveil designs for this up-and-coming community space during DesignPhiladelphia’s 2022 Festival, accompanying an evening of food trucks and performances.

Frankford Pause Park

Social Events

Breakfast at Millesime (Oct 13)

We are inviting architects, interior designers, builders and professionals to see a very unique space showcasing exceptional companies and their products which were created by their ferocious, creative young designers.

Robert Acouri, Luca Nichetto, La Manufacturer’s Art Director, and Milena Laquale, Head of the Fashion Collection.

MillerKnoll – Celebration of Design Party (Oct 13)

We will spend the evening toasting to the historic contributions Herman Miller and Knoll have made to the world of design and raising a glass to what the future holds for the MillerKnoll collective.

Analog Contemporary Gallery & Studio Launch (Oct 19)

Gallery opening with artwork by Bruce Reinfeld and work from other artists. The DJ will be spinning and drinks will be flowing.

There’s No Place Like Home (Oct 21)

Come through Lapstone and Hammer to experience a collection of pieces that experiment with the art of living. Inspired by architecture, philly life, and the places we call home, Paradise Gray captures these three elements through a unique perspective, translating them into a slate of art and lifestyle products.

Image from Paradise Gray 

Spotlight: Animated Alley (Oct 21)

Join us in person for a one-night event to cap off the Design Philadelphia festival on October 21st from 6:30pm- 9:30pm in the alley to celebrate the artists and this groundbreaking collaboration.

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Around Town With HughE

Scene: CFEVA Postcard Sale, Next CFEVA Artist Open Studio Tours Next Week

On Thursday, September 22nd, 5-8 PM at Gross McLeaf Gallery I attended the Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA) secret postcard sale fundraiser; a clever fundraiser for the local arts center where art patrons buy postcards depicting art. The image is painted, or printed on the postcard. Each were like little treasures.. I’m going to post what they have on their website which explains the sale much better than I can.

This POSTcard-sized, original art sale offers more than 150 original and unique works, all created by artists in our CFEVA network, and created on a 4 x 6-inch “card”. Those who buy a ticket in advance have the chance to select one or more of these cards, either at our Cocktail and Card Selection party, on September 22, 5-8 PM at Gross McCleaf Gallery, or through our online selection opportunity! This is an incredible way to add affordable pieces to your personal art collection.

No matter how you play, the time that you buy your ticket (in advance) will determine the time you can enter the POSTcard selection room at the Gallery on the 22nd, or if you are playing from afar, when your card is selected for you online from the many displayed at the event that evening. The “secret” part? The cards will be offered without attribution to the artist. You will get a sneak peek to make your list of possibilities.

At the gallery, according to your time slot, choose the card you like! Once the selection has been made, the artist who made your card will be revealed! Each card is valued at at least $100 and many are valued at much more, so you will “walk away” with something amazing for your collection or to give as a gift!

Amanda Phillips, Executive Director, Development & Operations,
Center for Emerging Visual Artists(CFEVA) and Rebecca Segall, owner and Director of Gross McCleaf Gallery

There was a nice reception in an adjoining gallery for those waiting to get into the postcard sale, or to enjoy after previewing the artwork.

Guests would pick out their purchase, and the curators would put a blue dot on the piece. After the “show” was over at 7PM, art aficionados could pick up their art work.

CFEVA Instagram Post

Next up for CFEVA, note here Save The Date, this is going to be a lot of fun!!

We’re ready for the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. Are you?!

Over 250 artists and partners CITY-WIDE are NOW on the map to open their doors to art-loving visitors, this October 15/16, 22/23, noon-6pm all 4 days. Want a map and guidebook? We got ‘em!

What’s POST? A two-weekend-long, artist-driven event provides behind-the-scenes access to Philadelphia’s creative spaces. Philly residents and tourists can all experience how art is being created right here, right now. As they explore the spaces and places marked on our online and interactive map, they will be delighted and even surprised to find who is creating on YOUR street, in your neighborhood, contributing to the energy and sustainability of your city streets.

Need more details? Head over to our website, www.CFEVA.org/philaopenstudios for our interactive map + directory of participating artists and partners.

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Scene: AFSP Walk The Rain Didn’t Stop Them

Sunday, despite the rain and remnants of hurricane Ian, thousands of dedicated Philadelphians met at the Steps of the Art Museum to participate in the annual Out of the Darkness Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

I’ve covered the AFSP Walk “Out of the Darkness Walk since I shared my personal story of survival in 2012. The walk is is always held on the first Sunday in October , rain or shine. Yesterday was really the first time it was wicked rain and people came out by the hundreds to express their sorrow and love for their loved one who died by suicide.

This year the route changed, taking us up Kelly Drive and back. The change was due to MLK Drive construction and closures.

My photos could be a little better, but I dont know of one time in my life I photographed an event in the pouring rain. Thanks to Mike for creating a plastic bag cover for my camera.

The AFSP Walk took off with bagpipes and families who lost loved ones to suicide, educators, and advocates. All came out in full force to help raise awareness for suicide and work to end the stigma around mental illness.

The PECO building was lit up with the organization’s message – suicide is preventable. The new 988 hotline is free and available 24/7. Donations are still being accepted, and appreciated, at www.afsp.org/phillywalk.  Thanks to AFSP for honoring me with their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Thanks to Garden Wellington for all the work she has done with the organization and saving so many lives. It Does Get Better!!

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Scene: Rittenhouse Square Gala 2022

Aaah social season is in full swing… a bit behind in posting but if you have been looking for your photos they can be found at CBSPhilly, Metro or in the upcoming Philly Style Magazine. OHHH and on my social media. Nearly every big event I do a reel on PhillyChitChat Instagram. It’s quick, and I can reach a larger audience. I love it. Anyway I had wanted to do a post on the blog of this event as it was amazing, a new concept, well attended for a good cause. I hesitated as I like to use names on my site, but I dont have the time. A picture is worth a thousand words, right…

As with many upscale, large events, Cashman & Associates handled the PR, and it certainly felt like the old days with the VIP list of guests who came to the Rittenhouse Square Gala. It seemed like it was, except it wasn’t. Bart Blatstein, President of the Friends of Rittenhouse Square, attended Diner en Blanc, which was held at the park last year. I hear he had a ah ha moment and thought maybe the storied ball, could take on a hybrid concept: part sit down party like the ball, as well as a picnic atmosphere, like Diner en Blanc.

It worked, sure there were a few kinks, as with anything in it’s infancy, but I liked it. It was perfect for the new normal.

Fashion Designer Michelle Fite, who just had a showing with Philly Fashion Week, and husband Thomas Fite. Yes that is one of Michelle’s pieces she is wearing.
DJ Hollywood and Shaq B
Michael O’Hallahan, Natalie Foglietta, Alisa Frederico, Cindy Caccuro, Sabrina Tamburino Thorne, Carole Tamburino, and Uri Jacobson in front.

Or as I like to call them, my Rittenhouse Girls. PhillyChitChat is 15 years old this year, and these ladies allowed me to chronicle their lives back in the begining, especially Sabrina Tamburino Thorne (so grateful for her, and her mom Carol). Philly Mag did a nice little piece on us back in 2010.

TODAY FREE COFFEE – Coffee lovers can enjoy free coffee and donuts at Rivers Casino Philadelphia on National Coffee Day, Thursday, Sept. 29, when a pop-up Dunkin’ location opens from 9 a.m. to noon.
The pop-up location is to announce a new permanent Dunkin’ store at Rivers Casino, which will open in early 2023 or sooner, if possible.
Americans drink more than 400 million cups of coffee per day, and guests can enjoy theirs on Thursday inside the casino’s North Entrance near Geno’s Steaks and Rita’s Italian Ice.
On National Coffee Day, casino guests can enjoy Dunkin’s great-tasting, freshly ground, signature coffee as well as a variety of glazed and frosted donuts, while supplies last.
Sister Mary Scullion, Project Home and Bart Blatstein, President of Friends of Rittenhous

Project Home’s Annual Gala is coming up October 22. INFO here. I won’t be shooting it this year as I am shooting Design Philly kick off. Hope to see you at one of the events of the two week long Design Philly run. We’re so lucky in Philly to have such a great event showcasing the best of brightest in the design community.

It Boy Bran Flakezz is celebrating 300ks followers on TikTok Saturday night at The Ave, I’ll be there. Hope to see you… he brought his friend Josue to the Rittenhouse Square Ball. Not sure the story there, but we’ll see if he’s there, by his side on Saturday night.

Josh Moore, Josh Eats Philly and his beau Tom DeStefano
Dr. Rob Santorsa and Dr. Ary Santorsa; First time I’ve seen them together since they tied the knot during the pandemic. Congrats!!
Dionna Governor and Crystal Bailey

Mike Jerrick, Fox 29’s Good Day, Maggie Wasserman, Shiba Russell, Fox29 and Rob Wasserman, Rouge, Twenty Manny and Charlie Dove. Burger Brawl is only a few weeks away. (PS they picked that date for moi, as it was the only Sunday I was free in October. That’s sweet when events do that. Last week Arthuas picked their date for the same reason. It’s always good when you’re about to go with a date to run it by me, and I appreciate it.)

Jerry Wind, Professor of Marketing at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and is the founding director of the Wharton “think tank, Barbara Eberlein, Interior Designer, Bill Osmon and John Wind, legendary jeweler designer, but also artist. John has an exhibit coming up on November 3rd at Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia

Matt Cooke, Julia Ostrovsky, Peter Sterling, Christina Mitchell, and Alec Palmieri
Miguel Martinez-Valle, Alex Holley and Frances Wang
Esther Rielly and Brandon Dixon
Dennis Reilly and Nydia Han with her lovely butterfly dress.

BTW the Monarchs are migrating this week. Best place to see them is down the shore along the beach, but also at Cape May Point a few hours before the sun sets as they like to rest in the trees before heading across the Delaware Bay.

Garrett Snider (Look who’s back, back in town) he’s definitely one to watch, and Rebecca Segall, Gross McCleaf Gallery. Last week I attended the Center for Emerging Visual Artists CFEVA Secret POSTcard Benefit & Sale at Gross McCleaf Gallery. It was an early ‘kick off” to CFEVA’s much larger Philadelphia Open Studios Tour (POST) events in October . It’s so fun we have these little jaunts in Philly to attend. Something different. Hope you’ll check it out. The City is lit with excitement and fun. Have a great day, see you on social. BTW here’s a Reel I did on Instagram of the party.

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Save The Date: The Garces Foundation Gala

The Garces Foundation presents its 10th Annual Fundraising Event

This Thursday September 29, 2022

7:00pm – 10:00pm

early entry & VIP access available-see ticket link

at Live! Hotel & Casino

(Cocktail Attire)

Enjoy dishes and drinks prepared in some of the area’s hottest restaurants by some of the region’s most talented chefs!



All proceeds benefit the Garces Foundation. Join us in helping to provide food, medical care, and educational services to Philadelphia’s immigrant community.

Stepping up the plate, dozens of the city’s top chefs and restaurants will join James Beard Award Winner and Iron Chef Jose Garces for an amazing night of artful bites, seasonal sips, live music, dancing, silent auction and more. The exciting line-up includes some of the biggest chefs in the city – as well as some exciting new fresh faces. Look for: 

* A Mano
* Amada

* Bridget Foy’s
* Buena Onda
* BurgertimeNJ (new) 
* Dim Sum House by Jane G’s (new)
* French Toast Bites by Lokal Artisan Foods (new)
* Garces Trading Company
* Forsythia
* Fork Restaurant
* Izakaya by Yanaga (new)
* Lola’s Garden (new)
* Restaurant Aleksandar (new)
* Rex at the Royal
* Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft

* The Olde Bar

* Village Whiskey
* Volver
* Wilder Restaurant (new)

For the auction, look for some of the most coveted food experiences in the city – including a once-in-a-lifetime dinner for ten prepared by James Beard Award-winning chefs Marc Vetri, Greg Vernick and Jose Garces, plus a dinner prepared by Christina Martinez and Jose Garces for the winner and friends. Chef Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa has a long list of accomplishments and accolades, most recently winning a James Beard Award. The dinner will be held at Chef Garces’ brand new food lab and private cooking studio.
Don’t miss bidding on “Being a Chef for the Day” at Forsythia where you will spend an afternoon in Forsythia’s kitchen with Chef Chris Kearse followed by dinner in the restaurant enjoying the food you prepared together. 

Thanks to the support of the community, the Garces Foundation has provided more than $350,000 worth of dental care to over 900 patients in 2021, and fed nearly 20,000 families since the start of the pandemic. Still there is so much more to do. 

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Around Town With HughE

Scene: The Arthaus Grand Opening; Open House This Weekend

Earlier this week, the much anticipated Arthaus hosted their grand opening for guests, builders, VIPS and residents. It did not disappoint. The 47-story development with 108 residences, is located along the famed Avenue of the Arts directly across the street from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Roberta Dranoff, Meryl Levitz, Judge Midge Rendell, Laura Burkhart, executive director of the Avenue of the Arts, Karen Corbin, Chief Operating Officer of The Philly POPS and Diane Semingson, ChairChair
Avenue of the Arts, Inc.
Carl Dranoff, Dranoff Properties and Gene Kohn, Kohn Pedersen Fox
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The Grand Opening celebration continues this weekend at Arthaus 12 – 5 (Sat. and Sun.). The public is invited to tour Philadelphia’s hottest new luxury address from top to bottom. What will you see? Stunning panoramic city views from the 42nd floor | Sumptuously decorated penthouse by interior designer @jimmydelaurentis | Five other decorated residences | Two full floors of indoor + outdoor resort amenities that make every day feel like vacation.

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Scene: Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest 2022

Saturday was a beautiful day. Not only was the weather a 10, but the Avenue of the Arts was a buzz with activity, especially on the Kimmel Cultural Campus and inside the Kimmel Center.

The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra kick off Philadelphia’s robust arts and cultural season with Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest, a day of FREE festival-style performances, the chance to interact with more than 50 arts organizations from across the region, and $20 tickets to a selection of over 100 events!

The opening night of OTELLO and the start of FESTIVAL O22 at Opera Philadelphia on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd , 2022! 

Opening Night Celebration of Philadelphia Orchestra with Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor 
Lang Lang Piano , BalletX Christine Cox Artistic Director is September 28.

Though in-person programming is at the forefront of the Orchestra’s season, Digital Stage concerts will continue, featuring seven pre-recorded performances and audience favorites from last season. Highlights include a performance from the Orchestra’s 2022 Bravo! Vail Music Festival residency, and the recent Musikfest Berlin concert from the 2022 European Festivals Tour. Each performance will begin with a premiere, streaming in real time for viewers. Following the premiere, the online concert video will be available for ticket holders to watch on demand for one week. A complete listing of each Digital Stage program is included below and more details are available at www.philorch.org/digitalstage.

Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra are excited to welcome the Philadelphia community to kick off the 2022-23 season. “We are eager to once again bring thousands of arts and entertainment lovers, uniting the Philadelphia community as a sequel to the 2021’s Arts Launch.“

Philadelphia Ballet has a robust season coming up, and are breaking ground on their new North Broad space in a few weeks. Check out the schedule for the new season 2022/2023

The Avenue of the Arts was on hand to discuss all the exciting happenings on Broad Street; Home to one the most vibrant and successful performing arts, residential, educational, commercial, and tourist destinations in the United States.

I think we all love attending Broadway on Broad Street at the Kimmel Center. RAISES HAND VERY HIGH FOR The Tina Turner Musical!! Check out the rest of the schedule HERE

Stay tuned for the Center City Districts – Dinner and a Show specials, launching soon. And follow
the Kimmel Cultural Campus site for info on all the shows, events and special evenings happening !!

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Around Town With HughE

Sugar Factory Closes? Natalie Dormer spotted Filming Audrey’s Children & Iroquois Returns

Thanks to Nicole Michalik for tipping me off on the possible closing of Sugar Factory on Chestnut Street in Center City.

I headed over yesterday to see for myself, and sure enough there is a sign on the window saying “Closed Permanently”

They were always packed so I was surprised they closed this spot. I see the named key chains were popular.

If they have indeed closed, someone needs to jump on this beauty of event space.

I called to confirm, but no one answered. Open Table says they’re having plumbing problems. Calendar is taking reservations for 10/2/22. Cross your fingers, they will return.

In spring 2022, the Association for Public Art (aPA) temporarily removed Mark di Suvero’s Iroquois sculpture from Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for major conservation restoration. Acquired and installed by aPA in 2007 thanks to the generous support of the late David Pincus, the red-orange I-beam sculpture was in need of a thorough paint job after 15 years of being exposed to the elements, which left the surface faded, chipped, and worn. This week the Iroquois returns with a fresh, brighter look as part of a PA’s 150th anniversary.

Thanks to my husband, Mike Toub for taking this shot Audrey’s Childre of Natalie Dormer filming on 9/13/22 at the future home of the African American Museum at 18th and Vine.

I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had a chance to photograph the latest movie filming in Philly, thank you to my readers for your tips:

“Audrey’s Children“, a biopic about the incredible true story of Dr. Audrey Evans, co-founder of the original Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia in 1974!

For an entire week it filmed only a few blocks from my house. On Sunday it filmed around City Hall. I hear it’s soon going inside buildings to get “hospital scenes.”

“In 1970 when nearly all children with cancer die, an unconventional and brilliant oncologist breaks all the rules in an effort to revolutionize treatment methods and to provide housing and support to families of sick children,” reads the film’s IMDb page

 The New Park at Penn’s Landing Gets Final Design Approval from Art Commission (Source)
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SCENE: B. PHL Happened A Few Highlights

Michael Vennera, IBX, Dave Silver, Amplify Philly and Michelle Freeman, Witty Gritty did a fantastic job producing B. PHL 2022. The flow of the programs were seamless. This is a must do for you in 2023 to gain knowledge and network.

I first attended B. PHL in 2019. I describe it as similar to a think tank where creators, connectors, business leaders, entrepreneurs share advice and ideas on how to better understand connectives with each other, business as well as how to help the community together. I really enjoy attending it, and always leave inspired.

Dr. Philip McCallion, director of the School of Social Work at Temple University; Dr. Chidinma Nwakanma, Penn Medicine emergency medicine physician. Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General; Independence President and CEO Greg E. Deavens

B. PHL was founded and created by Independence Blue Cross in 2019 to create meaningful connections locally and globally between people and organizations doing innovative work and igniting new ideas to inspire change makers of the future.

I spent the first day at B.PHL specifically attending the following talks

The Intersection of Health and Gun Violence
Sept. 9, 10:55 to 11:55 a.m. | In-Person at Location 215 and streamed virtually
Independence President and CEO Greg E. Deavens will moderate a discussion about the effects of gun violence on physical and mental health. Panelists will include Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General; Dr. Philip McCallion, director of the School of Social Work at Temple University; and Dr. Chidinma Nwakanma, Penn Medicine emergency medicine physician.

It was a really good session, I heard compelling solutions for building a foundation to curb gun violence. One standout was “Clean and Green”. Cleaning neighborhood blocks, cleaning up graffiti, tearing down abandoned buildings. Creating pride in a neighborhood. Seeking volunteers from all over the region to help achieve these goals. It benefits us all, and we all do want to find a solution.

Dr. Sophia Ononye-Onyia, owner and principal of the Sophia Consulting Firm; Independence’s Executive Director of Health Equity Dr. Seun Ross , Dr. Frank Franklin, Deputy Health Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Health and senior program manager of the Field Building and Resources department at the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers.

Social Determinants of Mental Health
Sept. 9, 12 to 12:45 p.m. | In-Person at Location 215 and streamed virtually
Independence’s Executive Director of Health Equity Dr. Seun Ross will participate in a panel discussion about the social factors that have been linked to mental health. She will join Dr. Sophia Ononye-Onyia, owner and principal of the Sophia Consulting Firm; Dr. Frank Franklin, Deputy Health Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Health and senior program manager of the Field Building and Resources department at the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers.

A great session focusing on authenticity, and representation. Understanding social trauma, and triggers which occur in our lives, lessening the impact on children. Do they really need to watch the news? Being aware of how news affects their mental health.

(Which reminds me the Phila Out of the Darkness Walk is October 2)

Independence’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer Crystal Ashbywill be part of a panel addressing the future of the workplace (2nd from left). Campus Philly President Dr. Jen Kebea (r)

This was a fascinating session The Future of Work: Where, Why, and How Gen Z Wants to Work, with a packed house of Gen Z’s. Gone are the days of workers really committing their entire lives to a 9 to 5 that later turned into 60 hr weeks. Maybe it was the pandemic pause, where people realized there was more to work than giving your entire life over to your job. Another thing I heard was when people worked from home, they were working more than when they were in the office. There wasn’t anything going on to distract most people, especially Gen Z. The computer was right there in there living space. People tended to work longer hours. Creating burn out.

The conversation turned to Quiet Quitting, which I misunderstood before this session. I thought it was only not giving a job a 110 percent effort. That might be part of it, but for the other part, who knew I had already done 15 years ago. It’s working your 9 to 5, then delving into your creative side, like starting a blog and covering events after work. That’s what I did, to create a more exciting, purposeful life for me. These days with TikTok, doing it for the gram or taking night classes, creating and selling your art or whatever, that is part of quiet quitting. It’s not just stepping back from grueling work, and becoming a couch potato. It’s finding your passion. Now your passion, can be your work. Which was definitely my case before the pandemic.

(But now my new quiet quitting is making time to enjoy life and working less.)

I did enjoy what Independence’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer Crystal Ashby had to say. She really understands the work place, and stated that at IBX they have 4 generations working for them, and they must understand how to work with them, what their needs are, stressing now with post pandemic life what does that mean, will workers be more productive in a hybrid situation, exploring ideas on transportation issues, office set ups and breaks during the day. Ashby knows that most workers want connections to co-workers, celebrating each others milestones is important to the office culture and a feeling of connectivity, and they enjoy working with their employees to create a harmonious work place.

I’m always curious about what the generations are: Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) Generation X (born 1965–1980) Millennials (born 1981–1995) Generation Z (born 1996–2010)

I can assure you as someone who worked in the office culture for 25 years before becoming PCC, this is a new idea of thinking, and welcomed. I like the post pandemic world.

Check out the B.PHL Youtube Page for a few videos of last weeks events, and stay tuned for more uploads. AND don’t miss next year’s B.PHL. You’ll thank me!

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Scene: Bourbon Bash Kicks Off Fall Social Season

September feels like a New Year. The Fall Social Season is in full bloom. I am booked through October, people are excited to be out.   I haven’t seen any trees changing colors yet, but just as the door closed on summer, in a matter of moments the leaves will be falling, sweater season will be here, and Halloween. Which brings me to today’s event. The Loews Hotel 6th Annual Bourbon Bash in Center City, where I asked several guests if they’re in the fall mood yet…

Executive Chefs, Thomas Harkins and Joe Thomas (c) and their staff of Bank and Bourbon at the 6th Annual Bourbon Bash inside Loews Hotel Philadelphia, Wednesday, September 07, 2022.

Executive Chefs Thomas Harkins and Joe Thomas’ prepared some of his signature dishes including Corn Cakes with Tomato Marmalade, Beef Tartare on Crispy Fingerling Potato, west coast oysters; dry-aged steak; blackened Sixty South Salmon and Crab Fritters with Spicy Remoulade.

Proceeds from Bourbon Bash benefit DonorsChoose.org, an organization that supports educational needs and programs in the Tri-State area. Over the 5 years, Bank & Bourbon has donated over $50,000 in supplies to our local school teachers and students to improve the quality of education and touched over 15,000 students!

Jabari Cherry, Jasmine Armstrong and Sheryl Brown of Visit Philly

Alicia Dannibale, admitted that she is ready for the cooler weather and has put out pumpkin decor in the home as a first step, and Chris Angelis

Greg and Rachel Georges were looking forward to enjoying another Bank & Bourbon meal. Rachel told me she is ready for the autumn season and when September 1 arrived she put out her pumpkin candles.

Trinh and Troy

Welcome Andrew Kozak to Philly. He started this past week as the new meteorologist.

Ready for Pumpkin season!!

Featured bourbons will be 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, among others.

Josh Moore (Josh East Philly )and Tom DeStefano. Not only have they had multiple pumpkin spice coffees, but the duo already have strung the holiday lights at their new home.

The Peanut and Butter Jelly Crunch Popsicle are ones I will be dreaming about….

Bank & Bourbon features an innovative barrel-aging program for house-aged liquors and creative cocktails under the guidance of our experienced Bourbon Masters, and an inherently American menu by Chef Joe Thomas that offers creative, seasonal interpretations of classic dishes – all in a comfortable, relaxed setting.