Brandywine Polo Club’s season runs Monday, May 30th through Sunday, September 25th and offers weekly matches and a lively social scene. Kick off your weekend with evening chukkas at Friday Nights Under the Starshosted by the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail and Rolling Barrel Events. Our perennial favorite is Sunday Polo; tailgaters come out in style while social members and sponsors enjoy the members area, canopied tables, and our covered pavillion. Have a glorious end to your weekend at our post-polo parties complete with music and dancing. Mike and I went out there on Opening Day to enjoy the game and see the sights. The ride from Philly takes about 45 minutes, but the Brandywine countryside in Kennett Square is beautiful so it was a breeze As you enter the grounds the field is on your left and the tail gate parties to the immediate right. This particular day was hot as heck and many people brought tents.almost everyone had a hat. But the dress code really ranges from shorts, jeans to garden party attire. But the main event are the ponies and the challenging game played with mallets and skilled jockeys. It’s a great afternoon spent with friends and I highly recommend it.
HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA GETS READY FOR JULY 4th CIVIL WAR WEEKEND Traveling Civil War Road Show is the Centerpiece of Holiday Weekend
While Historic Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of American Independence, July 4th celebrations can include other periods of the nation’s past as well. As part of the summer-long commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. will produce a “Civil War Weekend” July 1-4, 2011, featuring a variety of in- depth, interactive, and family-friendly experiences to delight and engage everyone from the serious Civil War buff to the youngest visitor, much of it free to the public. The highlight of the weekend will be a four-day stop at Franklin Square by the state’s traveling Civil War Road Show, in the only opportunity to see the Road Show in Philadelphia. In addition to the many offerings from the Colonial era ofThere are also events all summer long regarding the Civil War story:
Rally ‘Round the Flag, a Civil War exhibit – All summer, 10am-5pm at the Betsy Ross House, 3rd & Arch Streets
Liberty 360, a 3-D show starring Ben Franklin – All summer, 10am-7pm (until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays) at the Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th & Chestnut Streets
Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches – All summer, 11am-4pm throughout Historic Philadelphia
Once Upon A Nation History Makers – Meet lesser-known Civil War heroes like Octavius Catto, a civil rights pioneer, 11am-4pm throughout Historic Philadelphia. See the Gazette for details.
Also remember to pick up a Square Burger and Cake Shake from the Starr eatery in the park, of course that’s after you play a round of miniature golf and go for a spin on the carousel. It’s a great place to bring kids. ********************* Stay tuned as I cover the WAWA Welcome America! events. This post is brought to you with the support of Wawa Welcome America. Connect with WAWA Welcome America on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @July4thPhilly.
Yesterday was Father’s Day, but it was also the 9th Annual Gary Papa Father’s Day 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk to benefit Prostate Cancer Research and Awareness. The annual gathering raises money to help fund prostate cancer research, and also spreads awareness to let men know there is a simple blood test that can help detect the disease that kills 28,000 men a year in the US. More than 4,000 people came out to participate in the event originally called the Relay For Life but later renamed the Gary Papa Run for Prostate Cancer. Gary was a beloved sportscaster with 6ABC in Philadelphia from April 1981 to June 2009. In 2004, he announced he had prostate cancer, although it went into remission for awhile he later died if the disease at age 54 in 2009. Some with remembrances of loved ones pin to their back. On the right it says “In Loving Memory of my Grandfather Ed Hanson 9/3/26 – 6/12/08” and the guys message “In Honor of my dad Robert Ellis Prostate Survivor 8 Years!!” For the past three years the Run For Your Life First Place Fundraiser was James Lafferty. James died of prostate cancer at the end of last year. His wife Jen, accepted trophies marking the feat from Shelley Schwartz, Founding Chairman and President of the The Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health Co-Chair this year was Jamie Apody, who was in a battle with Adam Joseph’s to raise the most money. Jamie raised over $3,300, but was bested by Adam who raised $6,310.00 and was actually the number 1 fundraiser of the event this year. Cecily Tynan came in second at $6,025.00. Total raised for the day was over $226,000 Vince Papale was on hand stressing the awareness of early detection. He told us that he is a survivor of Colon Cancer because his wife Janet urged him to take the test where yes you have to drink the awful stuff, but guess what it saved my life because they caught it early. Ross Donolaw is a prostate cancer survivor As is this entire group who posed at the end of the day in front of the stage. Jamie Reibenbach and friends participated in the days event.
Steve Kwasnik and Laura Folajtar with adorable Samson a rescue from Philly Paws (BTW Philly Paws big event is coming up on June 27th at the Union League.) Steve produces “On Canvas” a weekly performance and interview program featuring nationally and internationally known musicians/artists appearing at local venues. Thursdays @ 10pm & Sundays @ 2pm Zach, Mackenzie and Brad Waxman. Mom Sharon Waxman’s (2nd from right) company SPW Productions, LLC produced the event. Denise, Bonnie Grant, and Victoria Lupica round out the rest of this photo. Ashley Shaffer of Cashman & Associates was also on hand as were other C&A peeps who volunteered, assisted in the execution of the event including bringing the press in to cover the event. The even participants and I hope that next year we don’t have to have another walk to fight prostate cancer or have to spread the news on it’s awareness and detecting it early, instead we look forward to success in beating this disease. Until then get tested and support this great cause.
But it is a lot of fun, involves beer and other spirits and raises money for a good cause – funds for The Friends of Schuylkill River Park. Above Cianel Palmer and Kristin Parente doling out Moore Brothers spirits There was a silent auction. I thought this roller skate door stopper was pretty cool Friends of Schuylkill River Park is a non-profit, charitable corporation. It was formed in 1988 by concerned neighbors to foster and sits at the end of Spruce Street between Lombard and Locust Streets. Fairmount Park Executive Director Mark Focht, Schuylkill River Park President Lynne Hopper, and Derek Freres, Schuylkill River Park board memberAttorneys Ted Milstein and Susan Halpern (board member of Schuylkill River Park). Ted secured the band for the night, the very popular Screaming Broccolli again. They were great, covers that sound just like the original artists. Anne Levine and Bob Bosco sit in the Bo Concepts lounge. Pat Gedrich, Mark Kancher, Juhwon Lee, Joseph and Maria Queenan and Hillary Krain Miz Fisher, John Fischer, Kate Crous, Kevin Slattery and Lisa Malgren Judy Wicks and Craig Johnson Terry Paris, Peter Fordunski, Jim Blake, JT Christensen and Dawn Joslin Currently the park is looking forward to building a pedestrian bridge that will link the park to the Schuylkill River Trail.
The eleven-day Wawa Welcome America! kicks off on June 25 with a free waterfront concert and fireworks show and continues through July 4 with a flag-waving parade through Historic Philadelphia followed by the nation’s largest free outdoor Fourth of July concert by The Roots and fireworks spectacular on the Ben Franklin Parkway.I love fireworks it’s one of the reasons I bought a condo on the Parkway. I can literally watch the Penns Landing fireworks show and see the Philadelphia Art Museum July 4th concert and fireworks from my building. Since there are usually two fireworks displays on the Delaware for both New Year’s Even and July 4th I try and watch one of them on the river and will tell you my favorite places to see them.
Penns Landing Fireworks:
Saturday, June 25 and July 2 The Great Plaza @ Penn’s Landing 100 S. Columbus Boulevard Fireworks begin at 9:30PMOn Saturday, June 25 all day long the Taste of Philly will be going on at Penns Landing and at 8 p.m., Aaron Neville will rock the stage with his famous combination of rhythm and blues, followed by brilliant fireworks over the Delaware River— the first of three fireworks displays during Wawa Welcome America!. (Photo G. Widman for GPTMC)Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy the concert inside the Great Plaza. Or find a spot on the grass between the Hyatt Hotel all the way down to the The Dockside Condo’s at 717 South Columbus Boulevard. The concert can also be heard there and the view is spectacular for the fireworks as long as there are no trees in the way. Another great place to watch the fireworks is from the Camden side of the Delaware River at Wiggins Waterfront Park. On Saturday, July 2, 7:30- 10PM p.m., at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing and Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden there will be Military-themed concerts: United States Army Band and Air National Guard Band. To get to the Camden side take the Riverlink Ferry.Penns Landing Great Plaza and Camden Wiggins Park. The fireworks can be seen from any of the above locations, as long as there are no trees or buildings in the way. The view is spectacular especially with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background. On July 4th the grandest fireworks display and concert will be held on the Parkway. Fourth of July Jam: Monday, July 4, 7-10 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The best place to see the show is along the Parkway, in the street, in front of the Art Museum all the way down Logan Circle. There aren’t too many obstructions. Many people also like to set up a picnic on the Fairmount Fields, which are located at 22nd and Fairmount. (Photo G. Widman for GPTMC)Another great spot is Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River along MLK Drive or Kelly Drive. Here you and your family can have a picnic too. This is the view from my condo of the fireworks. They are so spectacular. For two years in a row I’ve had friends down from NYC as they believe our celebration is much grander than the Big Apple. So if you’re going to visit from NYC or beyond, check out Philly Overnight – There are still rooms available for the July 4th weekend, I just check.
Decked out women and men hit the cobblestone of Rittenhouse Square last night to attend the 28th Rittenhouse Ball on The Square, was held last night, Thursday, June 17, 2011. The prestigious evening of glamour is always held on the third Thursday in June where the proceeds raise funds to make significant capital improvements to Rittenhouse Square. The gala event was co-chaired this year by Nicole Cashman, Barbara Eberline, Audrey Claire Taichman and Richard Vague, here with the committee. The decor was done by Stephen Starr Catering, decor by Evantine and lighting by Eventions. When I arrive at an event done by Brian Kappra and his crew I immediately run to the dining room as he is a genius is decor. This year he did not disappoint, the theme must have been jeweled of bedazzled because there were jewels in the table cloths, hanging from the guard house, in the table runners, on the centerpieces. Really beautiful. The Starr menu was 4 courses and included lobster and fillet. The lighting was dramatic, subtle and playful. Pretty in pink Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Film Office, outfit was complete with pink pumps for the garden black tie party. I ran into my friend and former “boss” from my former life as a paralegal, Charles Goowin, Esq. He’s a partner at Berger Montague and my firm assigned me to work on a case with his firm for 2 years. I actually went to work there everyday, which was a joy since it was only a block from Rittenhouse Square. His wife Nicole Galli is also an attorney, but at a different law firm. A.J. Marsico and Annie McCormack. AJ just got back from a trip to Pittsburgh and checked out one of his favorite stadiums PNC Bank, which has a really great view of the City. Rich Castor and Mary Parenti. Mary owns one of the beautiful private homes on Rittenhouse Square, what a treat it must be to have the park as your front yard. Dr. Whitney Pollock and Harris Bock. Dr Pollock, Pottsville, was recently named national spokesperson for a NovaSure medical procedure. Kelly Boyd was a stunner in her glimmering gold number with Fabio Granato (Owner Serafina NYC & soon to be Philly 6/24) and James Scott. Nicole Melchiorre and Nina Stanley. Behind them was where the table place-cards were located, among beautiful white roses and lilies. As the guests first walked in they would pick the place card up telling them which table they were sitting. Rittenhouse Square unofficial mayor as opposed to Wendy Rosen who is the official mayor, Sal D’Angelo and his beautiful wife Inga. You want to learn the history of Rittenhouse talk to Sal. Nigel Richards, Nicole Cashman, Sabrina Thorne, Lauren O’Dorisio, guest, Noel Bruno and Matt Noone Our FEASTIVAL pals Liz Trasmundi and Jason Norton. The 2011 Feastival is September 14. Matt Wolf and Rebecca Quinn-Wolf. You can’t see it very well in this shot but Matt is sporting his Phillies bow tie, “representing he said.” Todd Drake and Denelle Green–Drake. Love her Philip Lim outfit that she picked up at Neiman Marcus Dave Maser and one of the evenings co-chairs, Barbara Eberline Nicole Cashman, Brian Kappra, with David Hall and Creg Oosterhart Former senator Bob Rovner makes his way through the crowd Senator Larry Farnese with Jin Hee Park, was one of the few “official” politicians under the big tent as the city officials like Councilman-at-Large James F. Kenney and Mayor Nutter were ironing out the budget in City Hall. Nancy Alperin Regni and Dr. Jerry Regni. Chris Sellon, Debra Hamilton, Linda Richardson and Dr Paul Richardson Others spotted were John Colabelli, Robert Stern, Carol Tamburino, Steve Thorne, David Lipson, Linda Johnson, Eileen Kennedy, Peter Madden, Kate Wilhelm and Chris Chimicles, Laurie Phillips, David Schwartz, Carol and Joe Shanis, Irene and Fred Shabel, Joel Koppelman, John Westrum, Justin Wineburgh and Judie Weinstock Diane Johnson and Christian DiCiccoTamar Olitsky, Co-owner of Table 31 (have you tried their new menu yet?) and Brooke Dillon. Both woman’s outfits came from Brooke’s boutique where she specializes in vintage clothing. Anthony Casey, Nina Tinari, Mia Tinari and Dave Fisher co-chaired this year by Nicole Cashman, Barbara Eberline, Audrey Claire Taichman and Richard Vague with Rittenhouse Square President Betsy Hummel, CBS3’s Chris May and Susan Barnett looking on. Dinner then dancing was on the menu as the Young Friends of Rittenhouse Square made their way over from Smith & Wollensky at about 10PM. More on their party on Monday.
The Eddie Bruce band performs Kate Kosarek, Friends of Rittenhouse Square Park and Scott Barnes, Starr Catering Ralph and Suzanne Roberts, stunningly dress and a great way to end the entry with style and class. (Scott Barnes is helping Mrs Roberts navigate the cobblestones and rain.
Chris Brown is coming to Philly on Father’s Day. Then he’s gonna party at Whisper’s 1712 Walnut Street The party gets started at 10PM Sunday night, but I don’t expect he’ll roll in til an hour after that. I remember J-Woww all too well. She was about 2 hrs late. See you there. Last weekend was the Philadelphia Pride Parade and also the last time Q Kitchen at 13th & Locust was open for business. I went by Monday night and it had a closed for the evening sign, but now things seem more ominous cause when I drove by Tuesday night at midnight the place was dark leaving only the hookers on the corner keeping it warm. I talked to a friend and he tells me they have closed for good. Bummer. Hope something fun opens there. Tonight packed your vehicle with as many friends that can fit and pay only $50 for the whole group to see the Philadelphia Soul in great lower level seats. I received this email two days ago from Cliff Stevens Co-founder, Lokadot, LLC, which explained this guy with the sign “What Are You Listening to?” I photographed on Monday on my way to the Brent Celek event: “Just thought you’d be interested in an Internet meme developing that Philadelphia is now a part of, thanks to a YouTube video we published today called “Yo Philly! What Song Are You Listening to?” – available here http://goo.gl/Xb2OG – Filmed Monday June 14, 2011.”
Something tells me that the sign outside might say Shears, but look for the name Swanky Bubbles to return soon. (Maybe after the new Spike TV series, Bar Rescue airs?)
Noah Wylie was recently in town to promote his new TV Series on the former ER star will play Tom Mason, a history teacher forced to lead a band of survivors in the aftermath of an alien invasion in Falling Skies on TNT at 9PM Sunday.
The meeting was held at The Four Seasons Hotel where I participated in a round table interview. It was cool and fun to do as each reporter brings with them their angle of the story and asks questions that others might not even think of. Noah told us that he took a step back from Hollywood to focus on raising his kids. Now the time was right to his career back on track, plus he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with Steven Spielberg.
Noah discusses how he took a step back from his career to concentrate on his family. Then choose this project as the timing worked out well, plus it was working with Stephen Spielberg. He just had to do it. Noah Wylie’s view during the interview, although he was very attentive. I was just thinking how wonderful the view is from the Four Seasons. Fallen Skies kicks off on Father’s Day June 19 at 9PM on TNT
Monday Night I headed over to the Loews Hotel to check out the Brent Celek Take Flight Foundation’s charity event. Established in 2010, the primary focus of the Take Flight Foundation is to provide seriously ill and physically challenged children throughout Greater Philadelphia with daily support and life changing experiences.
The theme of the night was World Tour of Food and beverages with breathtaking views Zach Waxman and Brad Waxman, both from Southern Wine and Spirits Bob Gomberg, Bob Coorey, Tom Keebler, Rob Heckler and Maureen Heckler enjoyed the VIP cocktail party which was held before the main event. Dave Mills, Alan and Annette Simmons The VIP party was held in a room off of Sole Food, and was a singles women’s paradise since it was male dominated. Ashley James and Christine Mills. Christine tells me she is not related to David above. Then it was up to the 33rd Floor for food from around the world paired with spirits I love the JOY on this kids face. A moment he won’t forget with Philadelphia Eagles players Jamar Chaney and Eldra Buckley. Sherita Rooney, Rebekah Starr and Ariella Bradley hang out upstairs on the 33rd floor where the main event was held. The VIP gift bags included a official white NFL football so the guests could get autographs from the players. Good time, good cause and a great people.
Yesterday at Penns Landing a press conference was held to release a few more details about the 11-day Wawa Welcome America! festival kicks off on June 24 and continues through July 4 with a full day (and night!) of patriotic festivities.I think I’ve told you in previous posts that the July 4th Holidays are my favorite. For years, even before I was PhillyChitChat, I usually try and make it to at least half of all the events that the City has put on regarding this great birthday celebration for our nation. After attending the press release and reading all the material I can honestly say this year is going to be the best year. This year there are dance contests, free entertainment venues all over the City, iconic performances including one by Nancy Wilson at the Dell (fee because it is the Dell after all and we need to support the venue.) THREE Fireworks Displays, three. WOW, love that. My favorite of course is at The Philadelphia Art Museum, that’s why I moved into the high rise across the street so I could enjoy it every year. And I do. Lot’s of kids activities including Go 4th & Learn, Ice Cream Festival, Festival on The Parkway and did I mention fireworks?This year since I am doing blogging full time nothing is gonna stop me from attending even more events, and I hope I see you there too. Just call out “Hey PhillyChitChat” and I will be over to photograph you and get a little story on July 4th and your favorite events during the Wawa America’s Birthday Celebration. City Representative Melanie Johnson spent a good half hour telling us about the new events going on this year, as if what was provided in the past wasn’t enough they sure did add more to the agenda. Kicking off the 10 day celebration is The Taste of Philadelphia. A three day free event where restaurants, vendors and food trucks (Tuesday I saw a new cupcake truck.) will be sharing a little taste of Philly. There may be a fee for some of the tastings, but Wawa will be giving out free samples of their new signature smoothie. And Wawa will be having a contest to see who has the smoothest dance moves in Philly. Peter Nero (on right) and the Philly Pops perform a free concert at Independence Hall on July 3. Behind Mr Nero is one of the guys from the Strongman competition. They’re returning again this year. You’ll recall I wrote about them in 2008 here. People love this competition and to this day I still get a dozen hits on this entry weekly. A new event this year is a singer-songwriter competition for unsigned talent. The winner gets to perform on the Parkway and cut a demo with Grammy-winning Philadelphia producers Carvin Haggins and Ivan Barias. The singer must be unsigned, unrepresented and the work must be original. Here’s the link to the contest for all you future Justin Beiber or Carrie Underwood’s http://www.welcomeamerica.com/contest/ After the growing success of The Wawa Welcome America!’s Independence Day Parade it will expand two additional blocks to accommodate the more than 4,000 participants from a dozen states, 16 marching musical groups, nine floats, five military branches and special guests. The Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on July 4 and winds through the nation’s most historic mile. A few of the food trucks that will be participating in the Taste of Philadelphia event. I’ll also be tweeting all the events and giving you ideas of transportation, the crowd size, events going on and answering any questions you might have so follow me on twitter @iPhillyChitChat or follow the July 4th folks at @July4thPhilly The Wawa Hoagie Dayis Wednesday June 29, noon-2 p.m., Independence Visitor Center Lawn. The first Wawa Hoagie Day was held at this same location in 1995 (I was there and have photos somewhere I’m sure. It was the last event held there before they started the construction on the the Independence Visitor Center and The National Constitution Center. BTW the NCC is having a great exhibition on George Washington that kicks off on July 1, right in time for the July 4th celebrations. ABC6’s Lisa Thomas Laury and Wawa’s Lori Bruce, Wawa Director of Public Relations. Party on the Parkway: July 4, noon-6 p.m. Music, dancing, cultural activities, arts and crafts and live entertainment make for an afternoon of (free!) family fun. Stick around for the 4th of July Jam and Fireworks (see above). “The Fourth of July on the Parkway should be (to Philadelphia) what New Year’s Eve in Times Square is to New York,” Questlove said in a statement. Did I mention that Wawa America’s Birthday culmnates in a gigantic party on the Parkway with a fabulous concert that ends with the most spectacular fireworks. This year Philly 360 creative ambassador Questlove of The Roots is this year’s musical director, and he’s selected a stellar lineup of musical headliners. The Roots will be joined on the roster by special guests Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles and DJ Jazzy Jeff with even more to come.
(The last photo is by G. Widman for GPTMC)
******************** Follow Welcome America on Facebook and Twitter to stay in-the-know about all the latest happenings and special promotions. I’m excited to be a Wawa Welcome America Blogger for an event that I truly love.
Our perennial favorite is Sunday Polo; tailgaters come out in style while social members and sponsors enjoy the members area, canopied tables, and our covered pavillion. Have a glorious end to your weekend at our post-polo parties complete with music and dancing.
Mike and I went out there on Opening Day to enjoy the game and see the sights.
The ride from Philly takes about 45 minutes, but the Brandywine countryside in Kennett Square is beautiful so it was a breeze
As you enter the grounds the field is on your left and the tail gate parties to the immediate right. This particular day was hot as heck and many people brought tents.
almost everyone had a hat. But the dress code really ranges from shorts, jeans to garden party attire.
But the main event are the ponies and the challenging game played with mallets and skilled jockeys. It’s a great afternoon spent with friends and I highly recommend it.
