The Pennsylvania Ballet made a triumphant return to live performances last weekend with it’s Spring Festival on Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6 at the historic Red Rose Farm in Villanova!!
It was so wonderful to see Angel Correa, artistic director of the Pennsylvania Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet Executive Director Shelly Power who have really taken the Pa Ballet to the next level of creativity under their direction.
Duane Perry, Arthur Kaplan,, Janet Haas and Angel Correa,
Pennsylvania Ballet dancers performed a repertory of ballets from the company’s recently launched and critically acclaimed spring season, titled Strength. Resilience. Beauty.
Apple TV+’s psychological drama Servant debuted in 2019. Created by Tony Basgallop created the series Servant and it’s produced by local filmmaker M Night Shyamalan, who also directed a few episodes (As did his daughter, and his other daughter is involved in the production). It follows a grieving couple, Dorothy and Sean (Lauren Ambrose and Toby Kebbell), who bring Leanne (Nell Tiger Free), a nanny with a mysterious background, into their home. Rupert Grint also stars as Dorothy’s brother. I caught up with the cast filming in Fitler Square in April, and mentioned they’d come back in May and June. Most of the filming is shot in a studio in Garnett Valley, but when outdoor scenes are called for they return to the Fitler Square/Rittenhouse area to shoot them.
This week they filmed a carnival at their “home” block on the 2100 block of Spruce Street. They had some bad luck with the weather this week, but they finally were able to film the “Spring on Spruce” scene on Wednesday.
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Nell Tiger Free, who plays Dorothy and husband Sean Turner’s nanny, Leanne, was spotted on earlier in the week walking through Rittenhouse Square with lunch from HipCityVeg on 18th Street, unnoticed. Head to Daily Mail for more photos from yesterdays shoot. (Getty [GC] Images)
Speaking of M Night Shyamalan he sat court side at the Sixers game on Monday night , not too far from Sixers owner Michael Rubin, Robert Kraft, Meek Mill and rapper Lil Baby. ( I love security holding back the fans behind them). A day earlier Rubin, Mills and Jay Z gifted Kraft a custom Rolls Royce for his 80th birthday. How did Robert Kraft and Meek Mill become friends? After the game Sixers Ben Simmons celebrated with friends at Steak 48. He’s there often, I wrote last month where he was there with his new girlfriend and family celebrating a big game May 4. Meek helicoptered back to NYC.
I dig your enthusiasm!! Thanks Nick P for the photo.
eclectic_and_nostalgic mentioned you in a comment: @phillychitchat HughE You are always in the know regarding things happening in our city. I just wanted to help you out. So exciting that THE Paulina Porizkova was in our area…last night chowing down on a Dalesandro Cheese-steak!!!
Sofitel Philadelphia’s annual Drag Tea adds two more dates after selling out: June 19 and 26. Head to Philly Gay Calendar for other shows around town.
The Pride Celebrations continue in June as Philly Gay Pride Month with a month-long celebration! FCM Hospitality and owner Avram Hornik announce that Lola’s Garden, Juno, Parks on Tap (two locations), Morgan’s Pier, Harper’s Garden, Craft Hall, The Garden at Cherry Street Pier and Rosy’s Taco Bar will all work in unison to help raise funds for LGBTQ Philadelphia-based charities through Philly Gay Pride Month Cocktails for a Cause.
All eight locations will feature a special-colored cocktail that matches up with the eight colors of the Philadelphia Gay Pride Flag. All eight cocktails to match the eight colors in the Philly-specific and inclusive rainbow flag will raise money for four different charities. One dollar from all eight cocktails during the 30 days of June will go to support William Way LGBT Community Center,Attic Youth Center, Philly Asian Queer and Galaei. This stance in social solidarity hopes to shine light to the various communities that the celebration of national Pride month helps represent, being mindful to include all groups that help make Philadelphia the amazing, diverse community it is. FCM Hospitality will compile donations from all venues and equally divide them between the organizations which were selected for their dedicated work and ongoing efforts to focus on intersectional populations. Additionally, FCM Hospitality will host the first-ever Philly Gay Pride Day at Parks on Tap at Trail’s End on Saturday, June 12, 2021, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
#loveislove Gay Pride Month Special Beer Release (also, Philly Beer Week) Available at the Lab at Evil Genius and through GoPuff starting June 1st Evil Genius Beer Company Love who you want to, drink what you want to! Evil Genius Beer Companyy celebrates June as Philly Gay Pride Month with a special limited edition beer release #loveislove. This brand-new Strawberry Blonde Ale (6% ABV) is crisp with a hint of natural strawberry flavor. A portion from all sales will be donated to The Trevor Project, a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ youth. Starting June 1st, #loveislove is available in Evil Genius’ new 12 ounce cans at the Lab in Fishtown – and for exclusive delivery to your front door through a Pride partnership with GoPuff. The beer will also be available on limited release in drafts at the Lab and Evil Genius Beer Garden. Limited supplies of #loveislove will also be available at retailers and restaurants in Harrisburg and York, PA.
BOS Philly Presents Pride Night at Concourse Dance Bar Friday, June 11, 2021, 10:00pm to 2:00am Presented by BOS Philly At venue Concourse Dance Bar 1635 S. Market Street, Philadelphia 267-534-4128 Tickets/organizer: http://bosphilly.com Venue: https://www.concoursedancebar.com
Philadelphia, get ready to dance again! Timed with the reopening of Philadelphia bars and dance floors, BOS Philly will take over Concourse Dance Bar with Pride Night featuring DJ K!RK. Get ready for the first big party of the year! Celebrate Pride Month with the team that brought you Primal, Goldlust, Fairydust, and more! Concourse has become known for its Instagram-famous ball pit, this massive underground nightclub in Center City is decked out with eclectic, retro flair. Get ready to dance for the first time in a year and a half! This event is presented by BOS Philly at venue Concourse Dance Bar. Tickets are $25 or save $5 when tickets are bought in advance with promo code BOS2021. Tickets are available at: http://bosphilly.com.
Northern Liberties, the years of waiting are over and Philly’s hottest food neighborhood finally will get its bagel shop! Glu Hospitality debuts its first-ever breakfast and lunch concept Bagels and Co (1001 N 2nd St) with a grand opening celebration between Friday, June 4 and Sunday, June 13, 2021. On June 12th, Bagels and Co. will celebrate their grand opening with festivities all day with a free cup of coffee with any bagel or sandwich purchase. Bagels and Co. will stay open that day for a Grand Opening Public Party in conjunction with Northern Liberties Second Saturday and Artists at Work, with a DJ, featured artist at work, samples, giveaways – plus a local offer for the neighborhood with 10% off for any locals who show identification, mail or anything that says they are from No Libs and 19123 zip code – or from anyone that works in the neighborhood. More happening in the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District presents Artists at Work Celebrate Pride. On Saturday, June 12th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, head to various businesses in Northern Liberties for a celebration that features local artists showcasing and making their wares, including several featured LGBTQ artists.
Saturday, June 12, 2021 | 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
On Saturday, June 12, 2021, Come Alive 215 and Meet Philadelphia present a Pride Workout, Drag Show and Picnic Brunch – to benefit two essential local gay charities.
Double the trouble, double the fun, double the sweat! Fitness experts Kim Harari and Shannon Brennan of Come Alive 215 just won Best of Philly for Best Virtual Workout Class in 2020 – and the duo are keeping things moving into 2021! Their fitness classes are unlike anything else in the Philadelphia fitness market – and the electric workout experiences have gone viral! Now, the duo are headed back outdoors, with some of the biggest names in town – for Philly Gay Pride Month. For food, the duo get some help from one of the single biggest names in town. James Beard winner Michael Solomonov will be providing brunch bites, along with other complimentary food and drink from the likes of Crystal Head Vodka, Athleta, NY Bagel Butler, Red Bull, Bean2Bean and more. Drag performances will showcase the talents of Vinchelle, Iris Spectre and Poochie, with beats from DJ Kat Bancer. Tickets are on sale now for $65.00 with a portion of proceeds being donated to The Attic Youth Center and William Way LGBT Community Center. For details and tickets visit hellopride.eventbrite.com.
Peter Slavin, owner of Ice Sculpture Philly creates a stunning piece for the opening of the Hilton
The much-anticipated Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront began accepting guests last December, but marked the opening with a grand party Wednesday night attended by those responsible for the first new hotel in Camden in more than 50 years, as well as friends, family and newly elected officials who are excited to see one more new project happen in Camden Rising, which many of the attendees echoed.
The Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront is an eight-story property featuring 180 rooms, with 20 custom-built suites that include a kitchenette. From the guest rooms to the hotel restaurant, visitors can enjoy views of the scenic Philadelphia skyline, Delaware River, and Ben Franklin Bridge. Indoor and outdoor dining is onsite at The Water Street Grill, enhanced with firepits, cozy seating, and unique menus. Other amenities and services include complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, a 24-hour business center, and a 1,300-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center.
Michael Moskowitz, Vic Carstarphen, Mayor of Camden, and Kam Baboff
Janice Nusetti, Louis Cicalese and Carol Tamburino
Peggy Himmelspach, Jewelle Kennedy and Sandy Soto Salazar
Joyce Harring and Alicia Ray
Matt McClelland, EVP of Operations – Development at Concord Hospitality Enterprises, Chris Tyner, Regional Vice President at Concord Hospitality Enterprises and Kevin Mcateer, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Concord Hospitality
The hotel includes over 4,100-square-foot of multiuse space, equipped with projection screens, 65-inch smart TVs, and built-in audio-visual equipment, including an executive board room and ballroom.
A participant in the Hilton CleanStay Program, the hotel will be one of the first in the U.S. to have an upgraded filtration system throughout, known as Bipolar Air Ionization.
Did I mention the rooms, and these spectacular views.
WOW, simply gorgeous of the Philly skyline and Ben Franklin Bridge. Plus the Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront is just steps away from venues like BB&T Arena, Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship NJ as well as has a beautiful park in front of the hotel and pathway which connects to Wiggins Park.
(In my pre PhillyChitChat days, I was once a paralegal for the City Attorney’s office in Camden and helped research and write the environmental regulations for the Adventure Aquarium. I have the document framed.)
The hotel was developed by Ensemble Real Estate Investments and is operated by Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co. It was designed by Nelson Worldwide and built by INTECH Construction.
I shot Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes 2 summers ago with a surprise visit by Bruce. Johnny is performing at the Camden Waterfront July 4th Freedom Festival next month.
I really liked the Hilton Garden and can see a staycation in my future. I can see one for you as well, maybe in the next 30 days like July 4th Weekend. The Camden Waterfront is doing an in person concert, festivities and fireworks on July 4th. Check out the info HERE
Just steps from the Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront is this view, and you can see it from any room on the west side of the hotel, or the hotels patio. What are you waiting for, book the hotel with the best view of Philadelphia. BOOK HERE
I know having an outdoor flower show was an idea planted in the minds at PHS Flower Show for years, and 2021 was the year it blossomed. The space is vast, but it’s an enjoyable walk, a planned park with lots of ideas on how you can plant your little park, or container garden. It was great to get outdoors, even in 90F temperatures at the opening party last night. Get there by car, train or pedal as it’s conveniently located near all transportation, but definitely, absolutely wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. I love attending the flower show for the fashion, and last night didn’t disappoint. (It’s been awhile since I’ve photographed an event so let me remind you: Note some of these photos may appear in other publications, but I also held back photos to appear in other publications exclusively as is in my agreements with them. PS I can’t send any of the photos to you as the are for media only or PHS, as per my agreements. Photo columns Philly Mag [Sept Issue],Mainline Media News, Philadelphia Tribune, Mainline Today,Philly Metro; CBSPhilly; PhillyStyleMag) Subscribe To PhillyChitChat Blog on the upper left of the page. THANKS – The Flower Show is at FDR Park in South Philly Through June 13th.
Marcia DeWitt, Helen Horstmann, Henry DeWitt and Laura Gregg
Jeff Leatham’s “Habitat” presented by Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at the 2021 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (I was so excited to meet Jeff and chat with him about this installation.)
Check out what these guys wore during the day as Alex Holley saw them, and I saw them at night. Every year they bring it!!
Michael Newmuis,, Kevin Lessard and Mike Toub
Councilwoman Katherine Richardson Gilmore who just presented City Council with a bill on instituting conflict resolution training for kids in school, in hopes to end violence. Kids today don’t know how to resolve issues, conflicts.
George van Sciver and Nancy Bass Anderson (who I went to 8th grade with in Cherry Hill)
Councilwoman Katherine Richardson Gilmore, again this time with Malini Doddamani, Chief Marketing Officer The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Welcome America, Inc. and its partners announced programming, events and more for Wawa Welcome America 2021 – Philadelphia’s annual Independence Day festival – at an in-person press conference on June 2, 2021 and excitedly announced IN PERSON events this year, after a year of virtual events. I’m so excited as we are ready to see each other in person, to celebrate, to come together and begin the next chapter. This year the annual free concert marking America’s birthday is moving to The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park to ensure social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, which is where they held the press conference yesterday.
NBC10 and Telemundo62 President & General Manager, Ric Harris speaks as Michael DelBene, President & CEO of Welcome America, Inc., looks on.
Ivan Henderson, vice president of programming at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, speaks at the Wawa Welcome America press conference at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts on June 2, 2021.
Kicking off Welcome America: Celebrate Juneteenth at the African American Museum in Philadelphia! Enjoy a full day of outdoor family-friendly festivities at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, AAMP, featuring live music, African dance, poetry and more! Festival attendees can also shop local vendors, grab a bite at a Philly food truck, take part in fun art-making activities, and view the museum’s stunning exhibition offerings.
“Each year, our nation and the world looks to Philadelphia as the gold standard in July Fourth celebrations,” Mayor Jim Kenney. “This year’s festival may not look the way it has in previous years, but nothing can diminish the energy, excitement, and electricity that can be felt in every neighborhood and community as we come together to give our city something to really celebrate.”
On each chair was a gift package for the guests. It included a bottle of water, hand sanitizer and a mask which said Welcome America on it. Very nice too. Large and lots of breathing room.
Jeff Guaracino, Visit Philadelphia President & CEO announced the partnership between Welcome America and the Juneteeth kickoff.
Geoff Gordon, Live Nation Regional President
Brian Lobley , Independence Blue Cross Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and President, Health Markets,
Wawa Welcome America will culminate on July 4 with headline concert performances by artists Flo Rida and Bebe Rexha on the Independence Blue Cross Stage at Mann Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. In-person tickets are free but limited, and will be available via Wawa Welcome America’s website, social media channels and event activation throughout the festival. HEAD TO THE WELCOME AMERICA website for complete information and scheduled times.
June is Pride Month, LGBTQPlus folks take pride in who they are, as well as to commerate the Stonewall Riots in NYC, which marked the beginning for the long road to LGBTQPlus rights. Just last year the Supreme Court passed a law where we couldn’t be fired just because of our sexual orientation. Can you believe you could be fired for being gay up until then, except in a few cities in the USA, including Philly. Thank you Rita Addessa and the Lesbian & Gay Task Force. I was back in 1990, in Cherry Hill where I lived. No attorney would take the case, even though I had written documentation and a witness, a closeted lesbian, who sat in the meetings while my co-workers complained they didn’t want to work with someone who was gay. Anyway….here are some events where you can wear your pride on your sleeve
TONIGHT Philly AIDS Thrift’s Drive-In Movie Night: Female Trouble Everyone’s favorite thrift store, Philly AIDS Thrift is hosting a drive-in movie night featuring the John Waters’ 1974 cult classic, Female Trouble. In addition to the film showing, ticket holders can visit food trucks and win prizes. Online ticket purchase is required for the June 2nd showing and proceeds will benefit Philly AIDS Thrift’s new intake center. $35 per car, June 2nd, 8 p.m., $35 per car. PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard.
Just in time for Pride month, qFLIX launches “PrideFLIX; The Virtual Pride Film Festival” feauring 5 weeks of LGBTQ+ Documentaries, Feature Films, Short Films, and Web Series from the comfort of your home as you celebrate PRIDE. Ticket prices will range from $7-$10 per viewing, with $1 of each viewing going towards local LGBTQ+ non-profits. There will also be an option to purchase a festival badge to view all the films.
Rooted in its 26-year history, qFLIX proudly continues its tradition of sharing the stories of LGBTQ+ people.
William Way LGBT Community Center Benefit Kick-Off Starts June 1, 2021 Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square 120 S. 17th St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-569-8300
Every year in June, Sofitel Philadelphia announces a year-round benefit for a local LGBTQ charity. During the entire month of June, and through the rest of 2021, Sofitel Philadelphia will donate one dollar per each banquet menu item designated with the WWCC’s logo on the menu. Designated items range from breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets to beverages and snack breaks for groups of 10 or more people hosting a meeting or event at Sofitel Philadelphia. Sofitel Philadelphia will also donate one dollar from every Liberté cocktail sold in the Liberté Lounge to WWCC during Pride Month. The resources raised through the partnership will support the William Way Community Center’s programs for seniors, as well as its Trans Resource Center. Funds will also support the WWCC’s capital campaign. The Liberté Cocktail is available in Liberté Lounge and features pear infused Vodka, lemon, St. Germain and Sparkling Wine.
Without a Cue Productions(Yes Cue, I thought it was supposed to be clue too) June 1 to June 30, 2021 Now operating in Historic Philadelphia, Bucks County and Cape May NJ 267-994-1056
Without a Cue Productions celebrates Philly Gay Pride Month with $5 off the new mystery walking tours in Historic Philadelphia. The Bucks County female-owned theatrical company celebrates the launch in Philly with a five dollar savings for any walking tour in the entire month of June using promo code PRIDE5 at the above website. Watch for stories spotlighting Without a Cue Productions out and proud gay cast members during June and Pride Month.
There’s a New Mural in the Gayborhood of break out star notable for the record breaking Old Town Road and Call Me By My Name riding the top of the charts now, Lil Nas X in Montero (Montero Lamar Hill is really his name.) It’s located at Writer’s Block Rehab 1342 Cypress St, Philadelphia. I can’t wait to go check it out.
Pride Night at Philadelphia Zoo (also, part of Philly Beer Week) (I’ll be shooting this event ) Friday, June 18, 2021, 5:00pm to 8:00pm Philadelphia Zoo 3400 West Girard Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104 Reservation: https://philadelphiazoo.org/reservations/
Gay Pride Month Essentials at Philly AIDS Thrift at Giovanni’s Room 345 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 923-2960 https://www.queerbooks.com/
Celebrate Gay Pride Month at America’s oldest continuously operating LGBTQ bookstore! For Philly Gay Pride Month, stop by Philly AIDS Thrift at Giovanni’s Room in the gayborhood for all of your gay pride month essentials – including ramped up selections of the special Philadelphia edition of the Gay Pride Flag, other LGBTQ flags, pride t-shirts, magnets, buttons and other queer ephemera. Pick up your recently published copy of queerbook anthology – a collection of fiction and non-fiction work by LGBTQ people from all over the world that was published by PAT during the pandemic. Add this must-do stop to your Gay Pride Month itinerary!
The girls are back and ready to serve, kick, and twirl! Join your hostess Miss Brittany Lynn (Of the Mummer’s Miss Fancy Brigade, Drag Queen Story Time, and the tri-state area’s most award winning drag queen) and her girls of the Philly Drag Mafia (Phillydragmafia.com) for a FABULOUS brunch at Wayward! (Yep I will be shooting this event around Noon)
Worth Noting
Vax Up, Philly! Saturday June 5th, 9:00am to 5:00pm galaei, 118 Fontain Street outside area galaei in partnership with Mazzoni Center aims to vaccinate 250 folks ages 16 and older. (you do not need to be a PA resident, or a documented citizen). This is going to be a day that brings vaccine access to our communities and we will also have a DJ, snacks, and a socially distanced dance party in the street in front of our building!
Turntable Yoga will be hosting a PRIDE yoga flow on Sunday, June 6 at Love City Brewing! Join us for allyouneedislove: yoga set to music featuring all queer artists! It’s sure to be a party of a practice – all levels and beginners welcome – the goal is to move to music, breathe fresh air, and most of all, HAVE FUN! Held outside, socially distanced (but not too far from the bar!), you can get a morning stretch and sweat in and then enjoy a beer of your choice – included in the price of class! Bring friends, your own yoga mat, and your PPE! This event is $10 and includes the yoga class and a beer of your choice. Class is capped at 50 people. We are using Venmo charge for ticket purchases! Anyone interesting in buying tickets can fill out the below link, or email: turntableyoga@gmail.com directly to purchase
Vera Pride Showcase! (Did you know before there was Vera, there was Gatsby’s, Cherry Hill’s first gay bar, and the first gay bar I went to way back…..let me put it to you this way, they tore it down in the early 1990s)
Sunday, June 6, 2021, 3:00pm to 8:00pm Vera Cherry Hill 2310 Marlton Pike West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vera-pride-showcase-tickets-153390887273 Come and join us at VERA for our first ever Pride showcase, hosted by Ariel Versace and featuring a ton of special guests. Food and drink specials all day, so get ready to come out and party! Tickets are $25 each.
Thanks to Kory Aversa, Aversa PR for curating all these events. If you have an event you want added to the calendar head here. If you want to see a calendar of events, head HERE
We made it, Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the unofficial start of the summer, but I started last week when I visited the ultra cool retro Shore House in Wildwood, NJ. Wildwood is known for it’s retro, doo wop vibe motels, but owner Kevin Reardon tweaks it with a new idea for a new age creating two fun boutique motel properties side by side, still playing on the retro theme, but with modern comforts, and different vibes: the cool party retro and the cool relaxing retro, The Swim Club (1600 Ocean Ave., left) is described as having minimalist, retro-chic units ranging from hotel rooms to apartment suites surrounding the lively pool atmosphere. The Shore House (422 East 16th Ave. right) itself, located directly next door, has a calming courtyard oasis with spaces large enough to fit up to eight.
You might remember in March I wrote about founder and hotelier Kevin Reardon, who had just purchased 1960’s mid-century motel, the former Sandpiper right down the street from his other Shore Hotel. (In fact just a residential building stands in between the two properties)
Located in Wildwood, only a block from the beach and boardwalk, The Shore House offers two different and stylistic approaches to resort living – the Shore House Pool is fun, hip with retro rooms over looking the pool and Ocean Terrace or The Shore House with it’s modern retro kitchens, comfortable beds, Apple TVs and patio with lounges and a chefs table.
These photos are from the opening party over the weekend, it won’t be this crowded when you go.
I love this frig
Day Bed in a 1 bedroom unit
Retro Grandmom’s kitchen
I want this mattress
“Many of our spaces are apartment style and feature galley kitchen areas and our fun retro, full-sized fridges. Guests enjoy exclusive access to our 35’ pool, pool and beach cabanas and fire pits.” Kevin told Philly Metro.
The Shore House with it’s seating right outside your room, and patio area with chefs table and bikes anyone can borrow.
The team who made it happen for The Shore House , Kevin Reardon (r)
The Shore House has your comfort forefront on their minds as Kevin tells the Metro “Our amenities outside are set up 95% outdoors in open air. Our technology is some of the most cutting-edge and forward thinking in the hospitality industry. All guests book, check in and out, settle their bills and chat with our team via their own mobile devices. All of our rooms are outfitted with new Apple TV’s, with custom software that allow you to both stream all of your favorite shows, but also text our team with any requests straight from the remote.”
Are these sinks so cool. The water pressure is good too with rain shower heads.
Say hi to Briana when you go.
I think you’ll love The Shore House, Mike and I are already planning our return trip. We stayed in the cool, relaxing vibe motel, and enjoyed sitting outside our room enjoying the summer breeze as folks headed to the boardwalk in the evening.
Business and faith leaders gathered yesterday at the Independence Blue Cross courtyard to launch a new initiative among faith-based leaders aims to get shots into the arms of people in under-served communities.
Rev. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
A partnership of nearly 50 entities and organizations from diverse faith traditions is joining forces with health care institutions and the City of Philadelphia to launch the All Faiths Vaccination Campaign (AFVC). AFVC seeks to use the power of faith traditions to strengthen the health of underserved communities, provide vaccines to at-risk and marginalized populations across the City of Philadelphia and ensure equitable access of vaccinations to Black and Brown communities through education to help close the racial disparity gap in vaccination access in Philadelphia.
Beginning on Thursday, May 27th , the Campaign will have a community launch with vaccinations on-site to be administered by CHOP at the Mt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church (647 N. 42 nd Street) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Mister Softee will also be on location giving away free ice cream cones to all those who get vaccinated with proof of vaccination card. Philabundance will also provide emergency food relief to families and individuals at Mt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church and People’s Baptist Church (5039 Baltimore Ave) from 1:00 pm – 3:30pm. The AFVC is concentrating its efforts on the Memorial Day holiday (starting this week) through the commemoration of Juneteenth on June 19 th .
Loree Jones, President, Philabundance.
Philabundance will provide emergency food relief to families and individuals at Mt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church and People’s Baptist Church (5039 Baltimore Ave) from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm.
Rev. Dr. Malcolm Byrd, president and CEO of Forum Philly and one of the key organizers of AFVC, said, “Now that safe, preventative vaccines that are proven medically effective are available, it is our collective resolve to protect those communities through vaccinations,”
Dr. Natalia Ortiz, President, Philadelphia County Medical Society
Dr. Priscilla Mpasi, Region II Chair, National Medical Association
Rev. Robert Collier, President, Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity
Dr. William King, Vice President, Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania
Some of the most notable Cheesesteak shop owners in Philly came together last night to celebrate RenéKobeitri, owner of Rim Cafe at 9th and Federal Streets birthday as well as his newly acquired citizenship in the USA.
René, a Master Chef chocolatier, Caramelier moved to Philadelphia from France in 2005, where he founded his popular dessert place Rim Café in the famed Italian Market, and eventually met the love of his life Belle. Their cafe is like Cheers, every knows your name. You might walk in as a stranger, but when you leave your family. It’s that kind of place.
Every year René celebrates his birthday with a giant party in front of his cafe, located right down the street from his friends Geno Vento Geno’s Cheesesteaks and Frank Olivieri, Pat’s Steak, you can find them hanging out at the cafe on any given night, along with their other good friend Tony Luke, Jr. (r) (People always think these Cheese steak guys are competitors, little known fact they were so close they all once lived as neighbors at Dockside a few years back. It was always a fun time there.)
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Geno Vento, owner of Geno’s, told NBC10 the idea began during a birthday dinner with Rene Kobeitri, owner of Rim Cafe. “I said this year, ‘I want to make it big,’” Kobeitri said. “Make a big party for everyone so why not bring everyone together and have a couple thousand people?” The idea was put into action as several chefs put together a stretch of tables more than two blocks long, blocking 9th Street in South Philadelphia. “One of the friends at the table said, ‘Why not a big cheesesteak?’ And his motor started going and before you know it, we’re making a 500-foot cheesesteak,” Vento said. Using hundreds of rolls, hundreds of pounds of meat and cheese that fell like rain, the chefs went to work, creating a variety of flavors. “A ravioli cheesesteak, marinara cheesesteak, a Spanish cheesesteak,” Vento said. The chefs also made pretzels, including a pretzel roll with onions on top and a stout beer mixed with cream cheese spread in the middle.
Chef Mike Peacock owner of G’Day Gourmet – Australian cheesesteak
Chef Michael Sarian owner of Curly’s Comfort Food in Levittown – Cuban cheesesteak
Chef Michael Strauss owner of Mike’s BBQ – Vietnamese cheesesteak
Chef Mike McKinley from Yakitori Boy – Japanese cheesesteak
Chef Dian Widjojo owner of Hardena Restaurant in South Philly – Indonesian cheesesteak
Chef Pat Romano Jr owner of We Are Inn in Philipsburg, PA – Pennsylvania Dutch cheesesteak
Chef Joe Tarantino owner of Tarantino’s Restaurants (Atltanta area) – Rattlesnake cheesesteak (not real rattlesnake, but it will have a bite in taste)
Vern Herestofa – Greek cheesesteak
Chef Evan Seplow owner of Sandwich Corner Market in South Philly (coming soon) – Chinese cheesesteak
Chef Jason Green owner of Jay’s Steak & Hoagie Joint & his kitchen manager Jason Wilkinson will be doing two 10 foot sections! Their Beer Dip cheesesteak! Beer Cream Cheese Dip spread on the inside of their pretzel roll with chopped steak & deep fried onions on top! The 2nd 10 ft will be Jay’s Favorite cheesesteak! Served with ribeye, fried onions, hot pepper relish, garlic & extra Provolone cheese
Anthony Covatta & Luciano Russo from DaVinci SalZa Calabrese sauce! Making a Marinara & Alfredo cheesesteak
It might not have broken any official records, but it was a great celebration connecting the community, and celebrating a man who loves his community. Happy Birthday and Congratulations to you RenéKobeitri !!!
