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Around Town With HughE

Arthaus : Sip. Shop. Savor. Boyd’s Pop Up Spring Fashion Show

The Dranoff’s Carl, Julia and Roberta

Carl Dranoff, CEO of Dranoff Properties, in one of the sample units at Arthaus, a luxury condo building in Center City is located along the famed Avenue of the Arts directly across the street from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Arthaus and Boyd‘s partnered together to accessorize the home with clothing and compliments to complete the look of a lived in home. A reception was held to showcase the newly finished units, accessories and the nearly finished luxurious residential apartment building.

The Arthaus building Model is located in one of the finished units

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect A. Eugene Kohn , the residential building contains 108 condominiums in the 47-story, 524-foot-high tower and will be the tallest building on Broad Street.

Nick Pytel and Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Avenue of the Arts
Josh Moore and Tom DeStefano
Missy Dietz and Steffani Bronstein of Boyds
Cindy Floyd, Paul Floyd, Janna Wolf and Bill Yang
Joseph Prim, Jeanne Prim and Dianne Semingson, Board President for the Avenue of the Arts
Michael Toub and Kristyn Aldrich
I saw this area at night, so a photo didn’t do it justice. What a beautiful outdoor space.
The Italian Mosaic behind the front desk was shipped over from Italy. It is gorgeous.

After harvesting your crops you can prepare them for dinner.

Arthaus is a beautiful addition to the residential scene in Philadelphia, and the capstone of the Avenue of the Arts.

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Philly To Do: Bruce Montgomery Foundation for the Arts This Saturday 4/9/22

Bruce Montgomery always gave one final instruction to his students
and colleagues right before every production he directed: “Don’t be afraid to be magnificent!” As the
iconic Director of Undergraduate Performing Arts at the University of Pennsylvania for 50 years, he
mentored thousands of students and created singular opportunities for them to explore their talents, to
hone their artistic skills and ultimately, to choose how to incorporate music into their lives. Many of
them have gone on to huge careers in music, theater, and film.

Montgomery died in 2008, but his spirit lives on through the Bruce Montgomery Foundation for the Arts
(BMFA) and the theater renamed for him at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts at Penn that
same year. His influence still gives aspiring young performers the boost that can make all the difference
in their early careers.

The Bruce Montgomery Foundation for the Arts provides financial support, through Springboard
Grants, to talented individuals and student organizations of high school through college age, pursuing
excellence in the performing arts. The Foundation has given $2,500 Springboard Grants to 30
recipients since its start. Grant winners have included instrumentalists and vocalists of all genres,
composers, and schools and educational groups committed to advancing the arts.

THIS Saturday, April 9th the 2022 Springboard Grant winners will be named and celebrated at the
Foundation’s annual fund-raising Winners Showcase event – returning live and in person after the
pandemic’s interruption. The evening’s entertainment also features a line-up of three Broadway stars
and Springboard Grant alumni whose careers are now taking flight. Hosted by New York Producer
Stephen DeAngelis, the evening’s musical selections will feature songs from Broadway favorites like
Wicked, The Lion King, Cabaret, Waitress, The Cher Show, The Wiz, and more, accompanied by Asher
Denberg, Musical Director.

Reservations can be made to attend the 10 th Anniversary Celebration and the 2022 Springboard Grant
Winners Showcase at
https://www.brucemontgomery.org/event/2022-springboards-grant-awards-reception/
for $125.00 each, or $75.00 each for Young Friends (30 and under).
The event begins at 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 9 th , at 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, with dinner
provided by 12 th Street Catering. Generous sponsors of the evening include: 2300 Arena, 12 th Street
Catering, and Susan Beard Design.

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Scene: First Annual Philadelphia Metsquerade Gala at Crystal Tea Room

600 supportive, loving friends and family of Jacquie Reynolds Beck and Kerry O’Riordan McAdam gathered at the Crystal Tea Room on Friday night, February 25, 2022 for First Annual Philadelphia Metsquerade Gala.
This event is a fundraising gala to help find a cure for stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (MBC) which they both are living with. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go directly to METAvivor!

Kerry O’Riordan McAdam greeting the guests and tell her story. “No words could ever describe how grateful I am for every person who’s donated to our fundraiser so far no matter how big or small the amount was. I cannot believe we’ve already raised over $115k (now $404ks) towards metastatic breast cancer. That is HUGE! Jacquie and I have been able to name two grants after us with the money we’ve raised, both towards research that supports our specific subtypes – pretty cool!” DONATE

Candace Koltisko and Joseph Fernandez
Andreas Moerschel, Mary-Kate O’Riordan and Kieran Ryan
Asling Mauladad, Fahd Mauladad and Leon Armstong (I check Google it is her name)
Shelly Rogers, Kyle Rogers and Brian Beck
Regina Murphy and Jackie Martinez
Billy McAllister, Kevin Vanover and Mary Vanover
Ulana Chmara Kelly and Liam Kelly
Kristin Hartz, Jordan Harty, Rob Nolan and Ena Nolan
Philip Pappas and Stacey Smith

For those who don’t know, only ~3-5% of all breast cancer funding goes towards IV BC research, which isn’t enough. The only way Kerry, @jacquiebeck64, and all of the others others living with this disease stay alive is by the development of new treatments. The cancer is smart and the body becomes resistant to treatments. I’ve already gone through six different treatments and am currently on my seventh one. The more treatments you go through, typically the harsher the side effects, so I’m banking on a breakthrough treatment or cure in my lifetime.

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Around Town With HughE

Around Town With HughE: Brian Dawkins, Broadway Stars Coming to Philly; Wanda Sykes

Hey people hope you are well today. Beautiful sunrise today. I’m so annoyed I heard there was a chance to see the Northern Lights last night, but I didn’t look. I see on the internet that people in Philly saw them. What was more important than taking that chance to see them. Maybe next time. Let’s see what’s happening around town.

This is a great photo opp for fans at the Wanamaker Building

Yeah we’re ready for another parade. Set to play in its 16th Final Four, No. 1-seed Kansas (32-6) will meet No. 2-seed Villanova (30-7) on Saturday, April 2, at 5:09 p.m. CST at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The game will air on TBS with Jim Nantz (Play-by-Play), Bill Raftery (Analyst), Grant Hill (Analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (Reporter) on the call. (source)

Philadelphia Eagles Legend Brian Dawkins to Meet with 

North Philly Youths to Hear how They’ll be Using Grants from his Foundation to Access New Opportunities to Follow their Dreams 

Caring People Alliance senior director of programs and service delivery Branon Gilmore, Caring People Alliance vice president of business development Carmen Paris, Caring People Alliance president and CEO Jerry Macdonald, PhD, and NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins

Brian Dawkins attended the Caring People Alliance R.W. Brown Boys & Girls Club this past Friday.
Dawkins was there to meet students who had been chosen to receive the first grants from the Single Parent Families Program his Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation and Caring People Alliance are collaborating on.

Brian Dawkins is flanked by grant recipient Mason Chism and a recipient’s parent, Helena Kent

The grant pays for extracurricular activities of the recipient’s choices to support their interests or help them work through their challenges. It targets children from single parent families as Dawkins feels their challenges were exacerbated during covid. In all, 10 grants were awarded this season. More will be available this fall. (Photos provided by Rachel Ezekiel-Fishbein, Making Headlines PR)

At this year’s event, AIDS Fund awarded the inaugural Fierce and Fabulous Award to Sandra
Thompson
here with Robb Reichard, Executive Director of AIDS Fund. New in 2022, the Fierce and Fabulous Award commemorates an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Philadelphia HIV/AIDS and/or LGBTQ+ communities. Sandra Thompson has had a long and diverse career in the non-profit sector, including leadership positions with Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, Bebashi, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and as the longtime Executive Director of St. Mary’s Family Respite Center, a childcare program devoted to serving HIV-affected families.

(Photos provided by Cari Feiler Bender President Relief Communications, LLC)

BROADWAY STARS JOIN BRUCE MONTGOMERY FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS’
10 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & SPRINGBOARD GRANT WINNERS

SHOWCASE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 9th Jelani Remy, Kissy Simmons & Teal Wicks to Perform Live

Congratulations to Wanda Sykes on her triumph hosting the Oscars Sunday night. It was a fantastic show with just a bump or two in the night, which happens with live TV. Here she is with her wife Alex, who I am lucky enough to be IG friends with. She’s so sweet. The duo lives in the Philadelphia suburbs and once in while venture in town for dinner at Osteria and Spice Finch. Congrats to Questlove on his well deserved Oscar, and to DJ Aktve for

Congrats to DJ Aktive on his work with the Academy and the soundtrack used in the Godfather retrospect in which he created.
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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.