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Philly Scene

The Premier Party: BalletX at the Mann

The Strawberry Moon 6/13/22

I’m a little behind in publishing after a very hectic social season, as many of my outlets are still on pandemic pause, or became understaffed when the world return at breakneck speed and they were unable to keep up. Thanks so much to Metro Philly, CBSPhilly and Phila Tribune for hanging in there.

Some people might think these columns are about the people who go to events, but it’s really about the mission of each of these charitable organization, announcement of business and these days restarting life; although I do love writing about the folks who attend as well. So let’s check out today’s post.

PS You might have read that I have Covid again, and I do. Mike and I are on day 5 and are finally feeling better. It wasn’t a surprise that we got it again, it was a surprise that we got so sick. Was hoping I would be in the asymptomatic category like so many folks we knew. Oh well it wasn’t meant to be. I’m excited to get back out there, covering Philly and all it has to offer….

On May 16, BalletX honored two Philadelphians who have profoundly impacted the civic and cultural life of our city and nation: Carole Haas Gravagno, philanthropist and activist extraordinaire, and Mark Aronchick, renowned litigator and former Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association were honored at the BalletX – The Premier Party at the Mann Music Center. (Thanks to PCC team photographer Talya Hailey for shooting this event for us, I was shooting CFEVA right down the street at the Waterworks.)

Christine Cox co-founded BalletX, and is the Artistic & Executive Director, greets under the Mann tent. Recently Christine was honored with the Third Annual Visionary Award by the Avenue of the Arts organization. Christine recently returned with the company from Dallas where the company performed co-founder Matthew Neenan’s Increasing, Caili Quan’s Fancy Me, Amy Seiwert’s It’s Not A Cry, and the newest addition to BalletX’s tour repertory, Jennifer Archibald’s Exalt. Check out their social media for all things touring!

Rick Pasquier, Nancy Pasquier, Erik Vananglen, and Trixanna Vananglen

Christine’s newsletter “We’re now full speed ahead towards Summer Series next month! Do you have your tickets yet? I’m so excited to be coming home to the Wilma July 13-17 with a show stopping lineup of choreographers. Don’t miss out on this limited run with world premieres by Tiler Peck, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, and Jamar Roberts. Save your seats today.” Check out a bit of it here on their Social.

Mary Lee Haas, Leonard Haas, and Christine Cox

We’re participating in the Target Circle program! You can vote for us and help direct Target’s giving to benefit BalletX. For full program details and restrictions visit Target Circle.

Jim Averill, Janet Averill, Trupti Trivedi, and Joachim Rebholz
Despite the inclimate weather everyone enjoyed themselves under the big tent. The Mann Center has one of the best views of the City from their hill top event space.

Dance eXchange, our in-school outreach program, emphasizes dance as a means to promote self-confidence, acquire valuable life skills, and establish personal standards for excellence. Head here to apply for your school.

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Around Town With HughE

Adam Sandler Attends ‘Hustle’ Premiere with Mom; M Night Parties with Jonathan Groff

Hollywood came to Philly last night at the Philadelphia Film Center on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 as Adam Sandler, Kenny Smith, Juancho Hernangomez walked the red carpet for the screening of Hustle, directed by Philly’s own Jeremiah Zagar (I saw his first film, it was about his dad mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar and mom Julia, about 12 years ago.)

Judy Sandler and son, actor Adam Sandler

Speaking of mom’s, Adam brought his mom Judy Sandler to the screening in Philly, which brought all the headline attention from around the globe to the Philly showing of Hustle, which had already screened in LA and NYC. Thanks Adam!!

Actor/basketball player Juancho Hernangómez hugs director of Hustle Jeremiah Zagar
Adam Sandler and Jeremiah Zagar, Director of Hustle
Billy King, former general manager of the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers

Hustle is streaming on Netflik’s now. I would definitely watch it again, if not for the story, which was fun, and funny, but the co-star PHILADELPHIA was beautiful!!! – movie review

Tierra Whack, a Philadelphia Rapper who makes a cameo in Hustle.
Tobias Harris and Jasmine Winton

Speaking for Tobias Harris, his BFF operates Crumbl Cookies in Wynnewood, earlier this week actor Rupert Grint stopped by for a few treats. (Last night he was spotted at Lola’s Garden. My friends tells me he posed for a few photos with fans, but mostly enjoyed his meal) He’s in the area finishing up M. Night Shyamalan movie “Knock at the Cabin”, which is filming mostly in the Philly burbs, although they have filmed a few times in South Philly. I haven’t done my normal sleuthing as I’ve been overwhelmed with the very hot, hot social season which is happening right now.

Louie Louie 70’s style French inspired Bistro
3611 Walnut Street
Speaking of great outdoor dining

Speaking of hot, around town guy Kevin McKeown (l) ran into actors Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge near Rittenhouse Square yesterday. They’re also here for Night’s movie “Knock on the Cabin”, which had it’s wrap party Saturday night at Harper’s Garden sources tell me. The film wraps this upcoming Friday. Maybe Groff will stop by the Bike Stop again for a farewell drink?

Categories
Charity

Sea Me Events Presents A Taste of Italy

Ciao bella! On Sunday, June 26, 2022, Sea Me Events is hosting “A Taste of
Italy” at Il Fiore in Collingswood (693 Haddon Ave.) Guests will be greeted with sparkling Italian Prosecco, indulge in a Five-Course meal, and dance The Tarantella!

Taste of Italy ventures away from well-known Italian cuisine and into traditional dishes such as
Veal Carciofi, veal medallions with artichokes and tomatoes in a creamy, garlic white wine
sauce. Additionally, guests will dine while immersing in traditional Italian dances, fashion, and
history. Through Sea Me Events, learning continues outside of school in this energetically
educational occasion.

Taste of Italy kicks off at noon on June 26, with a five-course meal including regional pasta
dishes. This event is open to the public. Tickets: INFO

Sea Me Events is a women-of-color-owned special events firm founded by Elizabeth Aifantis of
Medford and Susan Sorrell of Cherry Hill. Sea Me Events specializes in DEI focused events and
cultural driven activations. Both founders Aifantis and Sorrell traveled extensively around the
globe. “Rome is a beautiful city and is one of my favorites because of its rich history and
architecture,” Sorrell said. Combined with their success in planning over 200 DEI focused events
and large-scale entertainment experiences, Sea Me Events will bring regional attendees together
to enjoy the richness of Italian culture.

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Uncategorized

DivaGirl Wellness & Empowerment Conference 6/5/22

It’s back, in person. I’ve photographed this event before, and it was very uplifting. So grab your girlfriends and head to Location 215 in Spring Garden Arts , just above Center City :

DivaGirl Tribe is bringing back their Wellness Conference LIVE IN-PERSON with 25+ presenters, 20+ vendors and 200+ possible connections.

The conference is a full day event of fun, educational and empowering classes for women by a diverse group of women who are ready to inspire and motivate you to prioritize your mental health.

Join 200+ Women for A Full-Day Event about the way we think, the way we feel and the way we act through stories, movement, teaching, sharing & more!

DivaGirl Tribe has been hosting sold out events since 2014 in the Philadelphia area.

We are bringing back our Wellness & Empowerment Conference in-person!

This year, we are prioritizing Mental Health!

20+ Presenters & Teachers

20+ Local Vendors

The DivaGirl Wellness Conference is a full day event where 200+ women congregate and connect to experience the following:

-Inspiring and motivational speakers
-Educational workshops from experts
-Movement and Grounding classes
-Shopping local vendors
-Healthy lunch
-Swag bag
-Dance party – INFO HERE

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Uncategorized

Scene: CFEVA Celebrates Emerging Artists

Last week supporters of The Center for Emerging Visual Artists merrily mingled at the Waterworks among Artists, Artworks, Artful Cocktails & Artistic Food while bidding on an auction, all in the name of Empowering Successful Artistic Practice in Philadelphia. The Center for Emerging Visual Artists exists with a mission to cultivate, nurture and advance the careers of artists. Also aiming to engage the public more fully in our local art scene, CFEVA expands opportunities to discover and connect with art through city-wide programming and community building initiatives.

Lindsey Scannapieco is the Managing Partner of Scout, and the Founder of Building with Amanda Phillips, CFEVA Executive Director, Development & Operations

At the CFEVA ART PARTY two city champions were honored that evening: Karen Young of Fairmount Water Works and Lindsey Scannapieco of Building Bok.

Approaching arts programming through a new lens, CFEVA’s services are designed to raise the profile of Philadelphia’s professional artists, build upon its strength in bringing the creative process into the public realm, foster artistic experimentation and innovation, and showcase how vibrant artistic communities boost cultural tourism and foster economic development.

Haley Wright and Lily Gilston

Through fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, exhibitions, professional development, and city-wide events, CFEVA provides artists with the tangible resources needed to develop viable and sustainable careers and deepens public understanding of the visual arts space in Greater Philadelphia.

Chris Hediger, Diane Hediger and Lisa Domenic
Artist Su Knoll Horty and Paula Cahill

“Artists are not mysterious figures cloistered in studios but vital cultural contributors working right alongside the rest of us to bring beauty, truth, joy and economic value to a society that needs these things more than ever.” -Ben White, Politico, for The Artist as Cultural Producer, edited by Sharon Loudoun

CFEVA ART PARTY to Honor two Community Champions: Lindsey Scannapieco, of Bok here with her family.
Anne and Rick Umbrecht
Maida R. Milone, Board Chair and Chelsey Luster, artist
Honoree Karen Young of Fairmount Water Works with Thom Duffy
Alison Whitehill with her art

City Champions: Lindsey Scannapieco of Building Bok and Karen Young of Fairmount Water Works with Maida R. Malone, Board Chair , Amanda Phillips, Executive Director, and Genevieve Coutroubis , Executive Artistic Director,

Support Local Artists

The Center for Emerging Visual Artists

Visit Us: Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | By appointment only

The Barclay, 237 South 18th Street, Suite 3A.

Philadelphia, PA 19103

For visitors with accessible needs, please call us at 215-546-7775.

We are so excited for CFEVA’s night at the Trestle Inn Feel the Love Happy Hour on June 2, 6-9PM!🍻❤️ All are welcome!🥂20% of proceeds of the evening benefit CFEVA. Enjoy a cocktail (or two…) with friends and see incredible artwork by CFEVA artists projected on a big screen all night. Prizes for attendees include: – Chance to win a CFEVA Artist Memberships (valued at $65+) – Discounts for CFEVA Artist Membership (valued at $40 and up) – $50 OFF of registration for the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (valued at $125) Link in our bio to RSVP for the event (scroll down until you see CFEVA’s event on June 2).

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Uncategorized

FREE family-friendly event: Party On The Pier Memorial Day Celebration Fireworks, Live Music, Food Trucks Rivers Casino 5/29/22

Kick off the start off summer with our FREE family-friendly event: Party On The Pier Memorial Day Celebration at Rivers Casino! Party starts at 3PM!

As the unofficial start of the summer season and a day to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military, Memorial Day Weekend on May 29th (Sunday) is a good time to get out and celebrate at The Rivers Casino

LIVE MUSIC on the Outside Stage

Get Ready to Groove!
Sunday, May 29

Come enjoy live performances on our outdoor stage by Slippery When Wet, the Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band, and The Purple Xperience, a Prince tribute band featuring Marshall Charloff.

4PM: Slippery When Wet

7:30PM: The Purple Xperience

Legendary Radio & Club Philly DJ Gary O will shake up the dance floor before and after the live music bands.

Food Trucks & Fun

Sunday, May 29
Throughout the day you can enjoy a variety of fun family games and activities such as corn hole, giant pong, giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, face painting and a balloon artist.

If you’re hungry stop down at one of Philly’s food truck favorites with delicious local dishes ranging from hamburgers to sweet desserts.

Enjoy waterfront views of an incredible fireworks finale above the Delaware River beginning at sunset. Grab a spot along the Riverwalk and enjoy the colorful night sky.

Fireworks finale starts at sunset after the shows.

(All photos provided except the fireworks show, which I to at Rivers Casino 12/31/19)

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Uncategorized

Eisenhower Fellowships’ 2022 Conversation

Erin Hillman ,George de Lama, James O’Shea, and Stephanie Gropp

Eisenhower Fellowships(EF) hosted their Annual Awards Dinner at The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center.Eisenhower Fellowships’ 2022 Annual Meeting Events. It was an evening of networking with Fellows, Trustees and friends of EF during two days of exciting events, including a May 18 conversation with best-selling author and NY Times columnist Tom Friedman

Nicole Strunk ,Alessandra Restifo ,Lauren Zimone, and Colette Seidel

. At the 2022 Annual Awards Dinner, EF Chairman Robert Gates will award the Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service posthumously to late EF Trustee and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K Albright.

Kelly Pollock, Kevin D.Gunn, Jorge Riopedre, and Andwele Jolly

Honorable Christine Todd Whitman, and Thao Griffiths

Charles Ojei, Kuliva Wilburn, and Mohamed Abdel-Kader

Athena Passera, Maame Stephens ,Joan Godoy,
    Natalia Crujeiras, Clara Taylor, and Rajshree Pathy

Eisenhower Fellowships is a private, non-profit organization created in 1953[2] by a group of prominent American citizens to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower for his contribution to humanity as a soldier, statesman, and world leader. The organization identifies, empowers and connects innovative leaders through a transformative fellowship experience and lifelong engagement in a global network of dynamic change agents committed to creating a world more peaceful, prosperous and just. The organization describes itself as an “independent, nonpartisan international leadership organization”]

Ching Sullivan, and Sruthi Palaniappan

James and Beth Logue

Thanks to PCC Team Member Andre Flewellen for photographing this event.

Congratulations to the 2021-2022 global scholars

Categories
Charity Uncategorized

Women Against Abuse’s Dish It Up

And we’re back to raising money for to empower people’s lives. Women Against Abuse , Inc., Philadelphia’s leading domestic violence agency, hosted Dish It Up on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 in the Concourse at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Women Against Abuse is an organization dedicated to providing women with compassionate quality services. Advocacy and community education help to further their goal to ending domestic violence.

The 14th annual Dish It Up, and women chefs will bring their finest culinary skills to compete for best dish of the night, selected by a panel of celebrity judges. This event is Philadelphia’s only women chef competition and attracts close to 500 business and community leaders and food aficionados. Women Against Abuse has served an average of 10,325 people over the past five years through a continuum of trauma-informed care, as well as community education and advocacy. Learn more about the services we offer.

Somer Jordan entertained the crowd during Dish It Up!!
Tommi Vincent, and Troy Vincent, The 2022 Women Against Abuse Advocates of the Year with Joanna Otero-Cruz, Executive Director & President at Women Against Abuse (c)

Troy Vincent and his wife Tommi Vincent will be honored as the 2022 Advocates of the Year. Troy Vincent, Sr., is an NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee and Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame inductee. He played cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1996 to 2003 and is now the Executive Vice President of Football Operations at the National Football League. Troy’s wife, Tommi, is an in-demand chef, Co-Founder and COO of Vincent Country, host ofStay A While PodcastandStay A While Cooking Show, motivational speaker and writer. For more information about the Vincents, visit their website.

This is the 14th annual Dish It Up, and women chefs will bring their finest culinary skills to compete for best dish of the night, selected by a panel of celebrity judges. This year’s judges include: Chef Kiki Aranita of Poi Dog Philly and 2018 Dish It Up Purple Dish Award Winner; Gina Gannon, 6ABC Traffic Reporter and FYI Philly Co-Host; Cherri Gregg, afternoon drive host/news anchor for WHYY Radio; David Spadaro, Host of Eagles Insider; Marilyn Johnson, editor and food critic for Philly Grub; Eddie Keels, publisher, Philly Current Magazine; Chef Barbie Marshall, finalist of Hell’s Kitchen and Hell’s Kitchen All-Stars with Gordon Ramsay; and Kae Lani Palmisano, TV host of Check, Please! Philly on WHYY.

Gina Gannon, 6ABC Traffic Reporter and FYI Philly Co-Host and Eddie Keels, publisher, Philly Current Magazine;
Marilyn Johnson, editor and food critic for Philly Grub and Chef Barbie Marshall, finalist of Hell’s Kitchen and Hell’s Kitchen All-Stars with Gordon
Rebecca Foxman, Anita Hirsch and David Wesolowski of Fox + Son

Women Against Abuse becomes the family who don’t have any. Breaking free from an abusive relationship is scary and difficult. During the process, some survivors begin rebuilding while living at Sojourner House, a transitional housing program; many others receive their community based support paired with housing assistance through their Safe at Home program. WAA supports survivors through their Economic Empowerment program, as they pursue employment, educational and financial goals to remain safe and free over the long haul.

Meredith Maciolek and Heather Derussy

The 2022 Signature Purple Cocktail, originally created especially for this event by the late well-known mixologist Katie Loeb, was featured in her memory with the help of her mixologist colleague Meredith Maciolek, and Heather deRussy,

Cherri Gregg, afternoon drive host/news anchor for WHYY Radio and Kae Lani Palmisano, TV host of Check, Please! Philly on WHYY.

Diana Widjojo of Hardena

Chef D from Sonny’s Cocktail Joint + Wine Dive created a delicious goat cheese pastry puff

Keisha Usher-Martin and Elsa Lara
Tiara Parker and Aikeem Joyner
Walnut Hill College
Nolwenn Laniyan and Nicole Gaskin-Laniyan
Diana Widjojo of Hardena
Adam Geer, Board Member of Women Against Abuse, Sybil Murphy and Kenneth Murphy
Rev. Bonnie Camarda, The Salvation Army, Anastasia Zuccaro, Einstein Healthcare Network and Bill Ryan, Einstein Healthcare
Estelle Richman, Stephen and Sandy Sheller, The Sheller Foundation
Georgeann Leaming – Foodie Hall; (l)

Participants in this year’s Purple Dish Award and Purple Dessert Award

Chef D – Sonny’s Cocktail Joint & Wine Dive; Rebecca Foxman – Fox and Son received Honorable Mentions for her Garlic Knot Cheese Curds; Diana Widjojo – Hardena Bar Philly; Julie Kline (r) – La Colombe won with her spicy sweet carrot dish ; Melissa Fernado – Sri’s Company Philly; and Victoria Tyson – Vicki’s Kitchen – Angela Cicala – Cicala at the Divine Lorraine; Justine MacNeill – Fiore who won with her delish purple pop!! Maddie Knowles – Maddie Bakes, Jessica Boese – Nothing Bundt Cake and Marie Stecher – Walnut Hill College.

Thanks for your support, your continued support and your future support of this worthy cause. Here are a few stories from the women who have been helped.

Categories
Charity Gala Uncategorized

Mission Possible 2022 Gala!

Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center hosted it’s annual fundraising gala, Mission Possible! 2022 on April 28 th . A sold-out crowd, of more than 300 guests, is expected to raise awareness of child abuse and support the organization’s mission of achieving healing and justice for child victims.

The event was held in April, which is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an annual observance to raise awareness for the importance of preventing and reporting child abuse.

Jimmy Wayne, a former foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist whose songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.

This year’s entertainment and featured guest speaker was Jimmy Wayne,
a former foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist whose songs and story highlight his
mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.

Congratulations to our Event Honorees, Trish Gorman and Garrett Snider, who were recognized for their years of dedication, volunteer service, and leadership at Mission Kids!

Barbara Vetri (her daughter Risa Vetri Ferman co-dounded Mission Kids) ,, Abbie R. Newman, R.N, J.D, Chief Executive Officer of Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center, Pat Ciarrocchi and David Fineman
Donna Coghlan, Nigel Richards and Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Associates
Jane Kim and Denise Williams
Philadelphia Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker and Aren Platt, Board Member Broad Street Ministry

Thank you to our Host Committee Honorary Co-Chairs, Meredith L. Seigle and Robert Mongeluzzi, as well as our Event Co-Chairs Pauline & David LeVan and Marianne Dean, our Emcee, Jeff Hammond and our entire Host Committee for their hard work the past several months and dedication to making this event so successful!

Lauren Hart and Garrett Snider
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Uncategorized

Brian Dawkins Meets Eagles Fans

Wednesday at Live Casino former Eagles great, Hall of famer, Brian Dawkins hosted a night in Philadelphia about his journey to become one of the best safeties in the NFL. Over a hundred fans turned out for the meet and greet with Dawkins, who also did a Q&A and talked about his recent published book “Blessed By The Best”. Here with Jennifer Sherlock, Jenna Communications

It was a great event for dads and their sons
Sleep doctor to the stars and moi, Dr. Thanuja Hamilton and Nicholas Perugino with the Eagles Cheerleaders
Definitely a memorable night with Brian, who imparted a lot of wisdom on success, building character, surrounding yourself by like minded people.

I’m always striving to do more. Whatever I accomplish, it’s not enough. I don’t get satisfied. – Brian Dawkins

Ultimate Eagles fan Shaun Young and legendary Eagles player Bill Bergey

Everyone who attended received a copy of Dawkins’ new book Blessed By The Best

Hollis Thomas stopped by

Respect is not given, it is earned. – Brian Dawkins

“I want to thank my haters. I want to thank the people that told me through other people that I wouldn’t be where I am today…My haters became by elevators, they helped me out so thank you.” – Brian Dawkins

Transcript of Brian Dawkins Hall of Fame Speech

PS Thanks to GM Larry at Prime Rib for the great service. We had a delicious dinner there with Brian Dawkins, not at the same table, boo, but nearby. I love the atmosphere there as well, sexy, swanky, intimate.