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Around Town With HughE

Photos From Tribaja Diversitech Party

The 2022 Diversitech Summit presented by Tribaja took place March 16 to March 18 virtually

and was capped off with an in person gala on March 18 at the W Philadelphia on level 7, the Wet Deck Bar, overlooking the city scape and pool.

Amber Hill, Shanea Frazier and Devon Caudle

I love this colorful flower wall which will no doubt be used as a backdrop for years to come

Bobbi Booker, Radio Host, WRTI-FM (Philadelphia, PA) and Dosage Magazine and Foster Child

Tribaja is a proud minority and woman owned business founded by Shannon Morales in 2017. Shannon Morales started the company after experiencing unconscious bias in the workplace and set out to create a platform vetted with only the best work environments for underrepresented talent. Shannon Morales is a single mother, Afro Latina, and social entrepreneur. She was awarded “Culture Builder of the Year” in Philly tech, nominated for Young professional of the year, and is a first generation graduate.

Pabel Martinez, Alawna Jamison and Chinwe Orie
Rita’s Just Opened at Rivers Casino
Thanks for advertising with us Rivers Casino
Zahriah Hamid and Sam Korn, AcuityMD
Jabari Adams, Salim Powell and Brandon Hill
Vernon Ray, Creative Mind Productions and Saleemah McNeil, Reproductive Psychotherapist

Vernon recently launched a Street Photography program called “Shoot Cameras, Not Guns”

Vernon Ray had an epiphany after attending his younger cousin’s funeral. Seeing a young man lose his life, not much older than Ray’s son, it was time to give back to the community.

Ray launched Shoot Cameras, Not Guns, a program through his photography studio to teach children, teens, and even adults photography as an alternative to getting involved in street life.

“I called my brother, and I say, ‘Yo man, we got to do something man,’” Ray said. “Just like that, I just blurted out ‘shoot cameras not guns.’” according to the Philadelphia Tribune.

Dominique Fiorentino and Shannon Pepe
Queen Regina
Welcome Back to in person events.
Malinda Logan and Lee Avant
Isabelle Kent, Philly Startup and Dyshaun Hines, METRODAO
Stephie Celestin, Camillia Brown and Lynn Brown

Kharisma McIlwaine, a Philadelphia native, is a Multimedia personality, Writer, Community Ambassador, Singer and Film Maker and Kate Marlys of Philly PR Girl . The cocktail reception was the perfect gathering to celebrate the success of the 2022 Diversitech Summit, and kick off in person events. The W Hotel’s Wet Deck is Philly’s hottest new event space. Spacious, beautiful, indoor outdoor flexibility.

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Welsh Society of Philadelphia 294th Annual

Good morning. WOW, that’s all I have to say about last night. Thanks to youse that have reached out. I am still here. I have been shooting events day and night, and working with clients to the determent of blogging. Right now it’s just me, my sister Janine will be coming back soon to do my invoicing (I know 3 months behind) and reading mail. Things got busy real quick and caught me off guard. ANYway. Thanks to the Philadelphia Welsh Society for having me cover their annual gala earlier this month.

The Welsh Society of Philadelphia 294th Annual Banquet in honor of St. David, 6:00pm, Merion Cricket Club. I met some very nice people, I didn’t collect names on this event as of right now my major mags are still on pause, but currently am contributing to CBSPhilly, Metro and they’d don’t require names for folks.

Dr. Philip Davies (l) received the Robert Morris Award in person and actor Matthew Rhys received the Excellence in the Arts Award via zoom, Jack Williams – President – Welsh Society of Philadelphia (r)

At the start of dinner their was a Presentation of Colors and then The Star Spangled Banner was sung.

How do you present colors at a ceremony?The flag bearers place the flags in the stands and take a step backwards. When the colors have been presented, the group faces the flags and stands at attention. Honor is given to the flag, whether it is a salute, standing at attention or removal of hats and placing hands over hearts.

The Welsh Society of Philadelphia is the oldest ethic society in the country, founded in 1729. With a strong and distinguished Welsh population, the Welsh Society of Philadelphia continued to meet and to assist needy Welsh immigrants throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

More recently, the Welsh Society has led the way among Welsh-American organizations in cultural, philanthropic, and educational programs.

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Zarwin Baum’s March Madness Resumes

On Thursday, March 17, Philly law firm Zarwin Baum hosted their 2022 March Madness Party at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia.

Pared down this year because of Covid precautions, just under 1,000 guests attended the 18th annual event, with proceeds benefiting Philabundance.

Sports stadium fare was served up to attendees and included options like cheesesteaks, hot dogs, hamburgers and pretzels. Guests enjoyed a delicious candy bar through out the day, as well as bagged up to go candy as they made their way home.

Just as in the past there was a silent auction with great offerings like signed sports jerseys, trips, restaurant gift certificates and my favorite item a signed Ben Simmons items noted with a fair market value of $0, which sold for charity a few hundred dollars more than listed. Hopefully that guy can recoup his costs.

Beings that March Madness fell on St. Patrick’s Day, there were quite a few people dressed for the occasion.

The Finley’s
Michael Newmuis, Visit Philly, Kevin Lessard, City of Phila, Thanuja Hamilton, MD is a Double Board Certified Sleep Medicine Specialist and
Nicholas Perugino, Advocare Sleep
John Bernardo, Carl Cherkin and Geno Barbera

Jonathan Lovitz who is running for PA House and Councilman Allan Domb

Damian Ghee and Gary DeVito, Zarwin Baum
Councilman Allan Domb, Harold Epps, Loree D Jones, Executive Director Philabundance and Mitchell Kaplan, Zarwin Baum
Kierstin M Lange, Zarwin Baum, Gary DeVito, Zarwin Baum, Valerie Burns (organized Zarwin Baum March Madness) and Mitchell Kaplan, Zarwin Baum.

Thanks Zarwin Baum for another fun March Madness for a Good Cause Philabundance

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Philly To Do

Meet Bugsy Drake from Bravo TV’s Below Deck this Weekend at the Philly Home Show

Last week I attended the Philly Home Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. It was thrilling on a couple levels: to be out again at a large trade show, surrounded by potential products which could bring such happiness to my life.

If only I had hardwood floors, I would have picked this up. I am fascinated by sales people. They are extroverted, engaging and convincing. It was such a bargain I was thinking as I walked away, there must be someone I know who needs this, but it’s so hard to wrap I thought.

Not surprisingly I found so many interesting products I would need. Soon I will be growing these flowers on my terrace.

in one of these Vegepod USA. It’s perfect for your backyard too, as the netting keeps out deer they tell me
Jeffrey Sidelsky was spotted on the first day

as was my husband Mike, who picked up the Vitamix Pro before the end of the day. I’m looking forward to a delicious breakfast with a straw among other delights.

Use this Link for Discounted Tickets to Philly Home Show

Bugsy Drake says know the plants you are planting and understand the climate… know the size they will grow to ensure it fits your garden aesthetically. Draw up a mapped out plan and create a vision board to get an idea of exactly what it will look like. Incorporate pops of color… it’s so important to have color in your life… make sure the look suits the type of house you have. Where I come from, having an indigenous garden is a big thing but it’s also nice to incorporate some exotics in your garden. Just like a tablescape… play with different textures, colors and heights. It is also satisfying to grow plants and flowers that you can bring into your home.
Get ideas for your ultimate dream man cave! Exhibitors such as Retrocade showcasing their unique custom-built arcade cabinets, custom He Sheds, accessories with ManCave Basics Plus, numerous hot tub selections, high-tech massage chairs from different exhibitors, and more!

I adore the Mischell’s interior design booth, you must check out the end chairs they have featured. Their booth is located conveniently when you walk into the showroom.

Bugsy Drake, the Chief Stewardess of Bravo TV’s show Below Deck Mediterranean will be live and in-person to meet fans at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, March 26th at the exhibit Affinity Furniture in aisle 800. , March 26th from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Book signing + Meet and Greet at the exhibit for Affinity Furniture in aisle 800. 1- 2 p.m. Come out for a DIY Workshop with Bugsy at the exhibit, Make It Take in aisle 1000.

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Party Pixs: Gross Mc Cleaf’s Interesting Collab

Last week Rebecca Segall, Owner and Director of Gross McCleaf Gallery (127 S 16th St) hosted a cocktail party celebrating the collaboration of artist Thomas Paul Raggio and CMMP. Thomas Paul Raggio’s solo exhibit will be on display featuring CMMP garments highlighting the lining collab.

Seasonally, CMMP partners with a US-based contemporary artist to design exclusive linings for our blazers and suits. For SS22 we decided to partner with Thomas Paul Raggio, a philly-based contemporary artist and fine art lecturer. His use of color and clean geometric images are the perfect contrast to our suiting. (note the lining of the coat which matches Raggio’s painting above the jacket.)

Artist Tom Raggio and Nadine Raggio

Thomas Paul Raggio: In The Valley

I contemplate every color, mark, and placement of the line to formulate what I call rhythmic velocities: relationships of color and motion that give life to the composition, creating a heartbeat. I am interested in the duality of math and design: through repetition, a line made of color becomes a rhythmic pattern. This concept is found when composing music, organic landscapes and architectural structures. By referencing these sources, my abstractions transcend their formal components, reaching beyond a minimalist canon.” – Thomas Paul Raggio

Gross McCleaf Gallery Team: David Heshmatpour, Emma Rose Cook, Rebecca Segall, and Morgan Hobbs
Vicky Leno, Kristin Camel and Vanessa Daboli
Rachel Zimmerman, Artistic and Executive Director of InLiquid and Chris Poehlmand, owner at CPLIGHTING
Sabir Peele wearing a sports suit ironically on brand.
JP Calabro and Robert Robinson

Gross McCleaf Gallery has been an esteemed fixture on Philly’s gallery scene for more than 50 years, but with the recent retirement of longtime owner Sharon Ewing and the new ownership under PAFA graduate Rebecca Segall, the contemporary gallery is prepared to take on the next half-century with a refreshed—and decidedly modernday— perspective * source. Look for more exciting exhibition openings, and receptions.

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Friday Happy Hours at the Kimmel

Fridays are going to be a little happier this spring since the Kimmel Cultural Center launched their Happy Hour Sessions last Friday. The meet up, mix, and mingle event is free with live entertainment from an eclectic roster of top-shelf DJs, bands, and emcees. Upcoming dates include March 18, April 15, May 6 and 20, from 4 to 7 p.m

Nightlife meets….something new! It’s a free concert and a party – all powered by the brightest talent the region has to offer. From bebop to hip-hop, neo-soul to salsa, the music doesn’t stop!

Tomorrow stop by for the fun with Happy Hour at the Kimmel featuring SNACKTIME PHILLY and K Y O N. Registration is optional, but strongly recommended. By registering to this event you will receive event invitations and exclusive offers to performances on the Kimmel Cultural Campus.

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Museum of Illusions is Spectacular

Stacy Stec, Marketing Manager at LOL Entertainment (the parent company of Museum of Illusions) , Job Itzkowitz, executive director of Old City District, Rob Cooper, CEO of LOL Entertainment, ,Sheila Hess, City Representative for the City of Philadelphia and
Jason Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at LOL Entertainment

A magical mystery museum opened this past weekend in Old City, the new 5000 square foot Museum of Illusions officially opened at 4th and Market ; it boasts 80+ visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereo-grams, optical illusions, immersive rooms and special Philly installations unique to this location.

Jonathan Benjamin. Chief Executive Officer at Museum of Illusions, Councilman Mark Squilla and Jason Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at LOL Ente

“We are very excited to be bringing the Museum of Illusions to Philadelphia and happy to be able to provide the city with such an engaging and exciting new museum concept,” said Rob Cooper, Philadelphia native and founder of LOL Entertainment, the parent company of the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia. “We are confident that people of all ages will love seeing and experiencing the Museum’s unique illusions and exhibits.”

I had a ball

Job Itzkowitz, executive director of Old City District is just hanging around in the Anti-Gravity Room

Michael Newmuis, COS Visit Philly “climbs” a Philadelphia row home at the Museum of Illusions.

The Museum of Illusions MOI is for all ages and offers visual and educational exhibits designed to tease the senses. Visitors will learn about vision, perception, and the human brain and experience firsthand the science of how the eyes can trick the mind.

Janelle Burrell the morning and noon co-anchor of CBS3 Eyewitness News hung out for a bit.

We weren’t sure how this exhibit worked, until Ray suddenly ran into the adjoining room and crawled through a tunnel popping up for a feast for our eyes.

They have a cool gift shop too

Don’t take my word for it Metro Philly WHYY and then head to the MOI website

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Celebrities in Philly

Lee Daniels, Glenn Close, Andra Day Coming to Philly to Film; Bugsy Drake at Philly Home Show

Philly Home Show (use this link for a discount)

According to Variety…. Philadelphia born Lee Daniels will direct “Demon House,” based on the story of an Indiana family (Ammons) that has claimed to be a victim of demonic possession. Several Hollywood players, including MGM and Miramax, were vying for rights to the Oscar-nominated director’s upcoming project. Netflix’s $65 million price tag — a hefty sum covering the film’s production budget and buyouts — secured the sale, according to Deadline Hollywood, who broke the news of Netfliks purchase.

I had mentioned in December Lee Daniels would be filming Demon House in our area after attending a Phildanco event where Daniels was to be honored, but wasn’t able to make it. At that event Sharon Pinkenson announced he’d be back in our area to do this film. Thanks to the GPFO and all the work they do to secure these projects.

Idris Elba in Concrete Cowboy starring Caleb McLaughlin which filmed in Philly August 2019

Demon House reunites Daniels and Andra Day, who recently worked together on Hulu’s musical biographical drama “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” Rounding out the cast includes Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Rob Morgan, “Stranger Things” actor Caleb McLaughlin (who filmed Concrete Cowboy in 2019) and “King Richard” breakout Aunjanue Ellis.

The Bagan family moved into the house after the Ammons and did a documentary on their experience. This was their promotional poster.

Here’s my scoop: Look for Demon House to begin filming in our area at the end of April and continue until June. It’ll be filmed in Philadelphia, Sun Studios and my sources tell me in New Jersey.

The Philly Home Show March 18th through 20th and 25th through 27th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Discover. Plan. Do. Two weekends only for great deals, new ideas, and practical advice, with trusted, local experts that can make your dream home a reality;

provided

Bugsy Drake of “The Queen of Theme” is widely known for her role as Chief Stew on Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean, Christine “Bugsy” Drake, can be seen dazzling luxury yacht guests with her signature tablescapes and over-the-top theme parties.

Bugsy will be appearing in the Affinity Furniture booth (#824) Saturday, March 26 from 12noon-1pm. She will be signing books and meeting fans. While there you can admire her beautiful tablescapes created using Affinity Furniture tables Philly Home Show

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St. Patrick’s Day Festivities at Rivers Casino

Top of the Morning To Youse My Friend…. St. Patrick’s Day is this week and the celebrations are underway at River’s Casino Philadelphia. There’s plenty to do, see, and enjoy on the property to celebrate.

The Young Dubliners (sometimes shortened to the Young Dubs) will get you in the mood as they perform Wednesday March 16 at the Event Center. The Young Dubliners is an Irish rock band formed in Los Angeles. Purchase your tickets in advance starting at $25 and enjoy a bar and live entertainment!

AllMusic.com states, “Their live shows a jam-like appeal, similar to the vibes of Phish and the Dave Matthews Band.”

Stop by Jack’s Bar + Grill for special St. Patrick’s Day Specials all month long: Irish Nachos $10 Guinness Burger $11 Shepherd’s Pie Soup $6 Corned Beef Reuben $12 Draft Green Beer $4 Guinness Bottles $4

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness in the Sportsbook at Rivers Casino Philadelphia

The BetRivers Sportsbook will feature college basketball jersey drawings during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Guests who place wagers of $50 or more on college basketball will be entered into drawings to win old-school NCAA jerseys including James Harden’s Arizona State jersey.

On the screens you’ll find Flyers 7:00pm vs. Nashville, March Madness first round: 16 games .

Trae Young Oklahoma jersey drawing will occur.

Sportsbook Drink Specials Celebrating St Patrick’s Day All Month Long inlcude Draft Green Beer $5 and Guinness Bottles $4

Pick Up Your Free Swag at Jack’s Bar + Grill

Jack’s Free Swag include beads, hats, T-shirts, and Souvenir mugs

Sportsbook – James Harden Jersey Giveaway

On The Screens: Sixers 7:00pm vs. Dallas; Flyers 7:00pm @ Ottawa; March Madness first round: 16 games

the only photo I took, the others were provided

March 18th and every Friday and Saturday in March
Pot O’ Gold Celebration Promo 8PM + 10PM

Saturday March 19 – Evolution X, 8PM – 12AM, Jack’s Bar + Grill

Sportsbook – Jersey Giveaway Kevin Durant Texas

On The Screens: UFC Fight Night: prelims begin at 1:00pm; March Madness second round: 8 games

March 20, 2022 – Sportsbook – Jersey Giveaway Kawhi Leonard San Diego

On The Screens: Sixers 8:30pm vs. Toronto; Flyers 2:00pm vs. NY Islanders; March Madness second round: 8 games

Hope to see you there. St. Patrick’s Day Rivers Casino Philadelphia

Guests must be at least 21 years old to wager, and no one under 21 is permitted on the Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s gaming floor. Responsible Gambling

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Galentine’s Day at Autograph Brasserie

Galentine’s Day was celebrated at both Autograph Brasserie in Wayne and Louie Louie in University City, both part of the Fearless Restaurants group, are throwing events with cocktails, shopping and giveaways.

Jennifer Miller, of Radnor, Lisa DiLello, of Wayne, Sandi Woods, Sarah Henry, Melanie Britton, Jeanine Robinson, of Radnor
Stacey Halstead, Jennifer Keener, of KOP, and Laura Scalise
Jeremy Gibson of Gladwyne, and Shelly Furman, of Bryn Mawr
Amy Fink , Merion Station, and Kimby Kimmel, Radnor selling pieces from Ilyan Jewelry
Kathy Romano, Preston & Steve Show was on hand selling her jewelry The Kathy Romano Collection and Megan Hutchinsonm,
Roman Anthony Barksdale and Cameron Murray
Stephanie Moyer, Devon and Nancy Ahlum, West Chester
Ava Myers, Berwyn and Darci Henry, Malvern

Join Fearless Beverage Director and Sommelier, Michele Gargiulo for an educational wine tasting with horsoeuvres at 6pm. INFO