Categories
Uncategorized

Dîner en Blanc Philly 2020

Today would have been the 9th annual Diner en Blanc a magical night under the stars for which Philadelphians packed their own dinner, bring their own chairs and tables, meet their table leader somewhere in Center City, and then wait until the 6:30 p.m. phone call which tells them where their “secret” dining location will be. No Complaints. People want to go and schlep their items and enjoy a unique night out with friends.
In 2012, the very first one took place. Moi and 1,300 people dressed in white to take part in the pop-up culinary event. It was spectacular and something to remember; it was one of those moments you’d tell people, “I was there that night.” The first one held in Philadelphia took place at Logan Square on the Ben Franklin Parkway, which was designed in 1917 to emulate the Champs-Élysées in Paris. A perfect choice. I knew that night I wanted to attend every single one, and I did.

Diner en Blanc is held in 90 cities across 30 countries and began 31 years ago in Paris, France as a small dinner party. Participants arrive at a designated departure point with their table, chairs and picnic materials, and then make their way to the secret location with their table leader by chartered bus or organized public transportation. They take all of their belongings with them at the end of the night, including leftovers and trash.

The second-annual Parisian-style foodie event in 2013 attracted 2,200 people and took place on the JFK Bridge over the Schuylkill River.

Guests at Philadelphia’s Diner en Blanc 2013 pop-up picnic on JFK Blvd. Bridge by 30th Street Station on August, 22, 2013
Despite the threat of inclement weather, Philadelphia’s 3rd annual Diner en Blanc was a resounding success! 3,500 people dressed in their finest white attire for a pop-up dinner on Broad Street in Philadelphia!
Kory Aversa and his team at Aversa PR
  • Philly Diner en Blanc organizers Natanya DiBona (L) and Kayli Moran (R)

Le Dîner en Blanc is always held in a public location with space limitations, and local organizers must therefore limit the size of the tables to optimize the given space. The space is measured out in the planning stations, with the groups of people arriving in a fashionable order to place their tables in order of how they were planned on the grid weeks before the event.

Despite the poorly timed rain, 4,500 Philadelphians dressed in white headed to the Navy Yard for the fourth annual Diner en Blanc. If one thing can be said about the drizzle, it at least gave participants an excuse to add a whimsical touch to their monochromatic ensembles: the white umbrella.
The fifth edition of Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia was held Thursday, August 18, 2016. 5,000 friends gathered at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and along the Ben Franklin Parkway for a celebration that reflected the cultural history of the city, as well as it’s rich French influences.
Ahh it rained during the 5th year event as well, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit.
The 6th annual Philadelphia Diner En Blanc was held at Franklin Park t. A record number of 5300 guests dressed in white, scored a coveted seat to the 6th annual pop up dinner.
5,500 attended the 7th Annual Dîner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at City Hall on Aug. 16, 2018.

The location of Philly’s 7th annual Diner en Blanc was kept secret until hours before the event was held outside Philadelphia City Hall at Dilworth Park on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018 where thousands of guests donned all-white and dressed to impress.

  • At 9:15 p.m. sparklers are lit to signify the end of dinner, and the beginning of the dance party at the 7th Annual Dîner en Blanc held in Philadelphia at City Hall on Aug. 16, 2018.

In its eighth edition in Philadelphia, Dîner en Blanc took over Boathouse Row with a sea of people 6,000 dressed head-to-toe in white.

  • Anthony Dunning and Elizabeth Ektefaei arrive at Dîner En Blanc Philadelphia 2019 along Boathouse Row.
  • Alyssa Va with rowers Chris Shirley, Nevin Cunningham and Luke Rein at Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia 2019 on August 22, 2019 on Boathouse Row.
What is it with this rain, thankfully it came towards the end of the night.

This blog post is dedicated to Kim Pinci who passed away earlier this summer. Kim adored Diner en Blanc! I looked forward to shooting her every year, always looking Hollywood glamorous, with the best, well thought out table and delicious food. Every year she returned with her loving husband Bob, with old friends at her table, some were friends she had met the year before at DEB. She was the life of the party.
She’ll be missed.

Thank you to Natanya and Kayli who do so much behind the scenes for Dîner en Blanc. You wouldn’t believe the sacrifices they make all in the name of creating memorable moments for Philadelphia. A labor of love no doubt. Check out this story on some of the behind the scenes.
I Love My Job: Meet the Two Women Behind Philly’s Dîner en Blanc

A Message from Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia Hosts:

Today: Thursday, August 20th, would have been the 9th Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia.  While we can’t all be together this year, we know many of you are planning your own socially-distanced dinners with family and members of your pod. 

We want to see your celebrations on Instagramand we want to recognize your creative efforts with a giveaway of NINE complimentary registrations for two to next year’s event!

The rules of DEB still apply- square tables set for two with white tablecloths, dishes, chairs and guests adorned all in white.  However, this year you can safely use your good china, glassware and your grandmother’s antique linens; create an over-the-top centerpiece you wouldn’t normally be able to transport; and you can include your kids and pets!   Get your napkin-waving hand ready, cue up Coldplay’s Viva la Vida, and light those sparklers as you snap the perfect shot of your #debphl20!

We can’t wait to see your unique celebrations from balconies, porches, yards, lawns and stoops!   To be eligible for consideration, your posts (photos/videos) must be posted to Instagram as a static, in-grid postbetween August 20th and August 31st and you must use the hashtag #debphl20 and tag us @dinerenblancphl. We’ll be sharing some of our favorites via stories, but only those posted to your grid will be eligible to win! Also: we can’t see your posts if your profile is private.

Please note: a multi-city virtual DEB event may take place this Fall. We will share details once they are available!    

Categories
Uncategorized

A Walk Through The Fashion District Mall – East Market

Hello Wednesday. Slowly the sidewalks of Center City are coming alive with the opening of retail, restaurants and good weather. Yesterday I took a walk through the Fashion District (forever known in conversations as the Gallery to anyone born before 2000). The Fashion District opened last year to much fanfare, and just like Philadelphia it’s 2020 future looked bright, until Covid19 had other plans.

This was my 2nd walk in the past few weeks.

The Fashion District is taking Covid19 serious, with signs on how to social distance, as well as lots of hand sanitizer stations.

Yesterday the mall er I mean #thedistrict was much more bustling, with more stores opened and folks with shopping bags.

Great to run into PhillyChitChat reader and Fox29 viewer Darryl, who told me he and his wife were praying for my well being during Covid19. Thanks, those prayers help!!
It’s hit or miss what is open at the Fashion District, but it’s a beautiful building and a nice escape
Both big box stores Century 21 and Burlington were opened.
H&M is opened (not the ones in the Rittenshouse Square area yet though), but you have to enter on the top floor of the mall. Century 21 can also only be entered on the top floor of the mall or from outside on Market Street.
You won’t find any chairs or benches to sit on, but you will find art dotting much of the blocks long building.
A sweet spot
Talk about sweet, Candytopia is open. I wonder if you still get a piece of candy in each room? Do they still blow confetti on you? I will tell you of all the Instagramable pop ups, it’s the best one. When I was there in July, the line was a block long.
There are plenty of shoe stores still open at the Fashion District, but don’t fret DSW is opening 8/27 for your convenience.
Opened with much fan fare last year, the only store still opened in the Philly centric area is American Hats , which is doing a steady business. Dolly’s Boutique and South Fellini are closed, but have their original store locations as well as an online presence. I hear South Fellini is looking for another Center City location, with a street front.
Another spot not opened is the food court, but throughout the mall there are places to grab a a snack like Tiffany’s Bakery, Auntie Anne’s, Pretzel Factory, Cinnabon bakery, and Haagan-Dazs
But just step outside and across the street from the Fashion District you’ll find Iron Hill Brewery and District Taco, around the corner is the Reading Terminal Market.
Recently: Kate Spade Outlet’s first Philadelphia store opened this week at PREIT and Macerich’s new Fashion District on Market Street.
PREIT CEO Joseph Coradino was delighted, saying the Spade value-priced option is a perfect fit with the three-block-long mall’s tenant curation strategy.
“We have created a go-to destination for fashion and fun experiences that offers a unique combination of flagship, off-price, fast-fashion, full-price and outlet stores,” Coradino said. According to Chain Store Age
A popular spot was this cell phone repair and accessories shop

Great news all you Ulta Beauty is open at Fashions District. It’s the only one opened in Center City. I have a feeling the one on Walnut Street is not going to open. Recently they took the boards off the store front, but they put signs in the window directing people to this one as well as the one in KOP.

  • Sephora is also opened on Chestnut St in the Rittenhouse Sq area

I’ve always loved this campaign the Fashion District has promoted, and I believe this statement is true again. The Fashion District is a perfect date spot, just eat dinner before you go. To stay up to date with everything happening and opening at Philly’s latest mall, check out their website.

Categories
Uncategorized

InBox: City Posts Formal Notice for Resolution of Protest Camps

City Posts Formal Notice for Resolution of Protest Camps
  PHILADELPHIA – City officials today posted formal notice at the protest camps on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and on Ridge Avenue that the camps must resolve no later than Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 9 a.m.

This is the second such posting for the Parkway camp. After the first, on July 10, Mayor Kenney postponed the action and personally interceded in the negotiations in order to reach an amicable resolution. “After several weeks of face-to-face discussions, and after more than two months of concerted efforts by our administration, I have come to the conclusion that further negotiations would be fruitless,” said Mayor Kenney. “I take this step again with a heavy heart, as a last resort, and in recognition of the growing health and safety concerns at the sites.

“As we have said from the onset, we respect the right of people to protest peacefully, and fully share the residents’ concerns about the lack of affordable housing,” the Mayor continued. “But we have also been clear that the encampment is not a long term solution. When I stepped into these discussions, I voiced the hope that a resolution was possible. I no longer harbor such hope.

“The continued shifting of camp leaders’ demands, and the fact that some of their repeated demands are out of the City’s control, or unachievable in the time frame that they demand, all contribute to this difficult decision,” the Mayor said. “I again thank our external partners who devoted many hours towards a solution and thank our Parkway neighbors and the Fairmount Sports Association for their patience during this period, as well as the community near the Ridge Avenue camp. Despite this outcome, my administration’s larger commitment to enacting meaningful reforms that help keep people in their homes, expand affordable housing options for those with low or no income and disabilities, and improve pathways to home ownership in the City of Philadelphia–especially for communities of color–will not waver.”

Throughout the negotiations, teams of homeless outreach workers continued to talk with and engage those people who were interested. On the Parkway, this included three weeks of Homeless Connect, an event with several service providers on site to let people know what options are available to them. Teams succeeded in getting more than 80 people into emergency, temporary housing, safe havens and the COVID Prevention Space. This includes several couples who have been housed together. However, outreach workers faced continued difficulties in being allowed to connect with residents of the camp, and the City now concludes that further outreach at the site is no longer productive. Outreach conducted at the camp on Ridge Avenue also had limited success.

“PHA, the City, and the encampment leaders all agree that everyone deserves decent housing and there is an affordable housing crisis. However, the encampment is not the solution. The encampment leaders  unreasonable demands would have required PHA to violate federal policies or regulations and that is not acceptable,” said Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. “PHA is committed to the work we have planned with the Sharswood community and want to thank them as well as the Brewerytown Sharswood  Neighborhood  Advisory Committee for their patience and their continued support. PHA remains dedicated to serving our residents and to our mission of providing affordable housing throughout the city.” 

During the negotiations, the City, along with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, committed to a number of concrete actions, including but not limited to:

  • Sanctioned Encampments: The City is willing to consider establishing a temporary sanctioned encampment at another site, but it must have the support of the community residents and the District Council member for that use.
  • Tiny House Villages: The City agrees to support the establishment of a Tiny House Village this year. It will not replace any existing or future low-income housing funds.
  • Creation of new permanent housing units: The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) has issued an RFP dedicating ESG funds for Shared Housing and Project Based Rapid Rehousing. Another proposal for Shallow Rent will be forthcoming. The total funds on the table through these sources is more than $7M dollars.
  • The City agreed to and has opened 2 COVID prevention sites offering a total of 260 beds. To date, 17 people from JDT Camp have entered; more referrals are pending.
  • The City has made shelter, safe haven and treatment beds available. More than 80 individuals from the camp have been housed to date.
  • Support of a Community Land Trust: The City is willing to work with Philadelphia Housing Action members on establishing a Community Land Trust or Trusts in Philadelphia.
  • PHA Police: The Kenney Administration has announced and begun several measures to improve police department accountability. In order to address concerns about PHA Police conduct, PHA will fully participate in the police reform initiative.
  • Moratorium on Sales of PHA Properties: PHA agrees to institute a Property Sale Moratorium on new fair market value property sales via auction, brokers or direct sales until completion of independent study not to exceed 9 months.
  • Community Concerns about PHA Scattered Sites: PHA will designate a Scattered Site Ombudsman to serve as primary point of contact for inquiries or complaints regarding vacant PHA owned units and to administer the CCRP.
  • Need for continued collaboration: The City has committed to continuing to work with Philadelphia Housing Action on homeless and treatment system reforms and the expansion of available permanent housing.

During negotiations last week, leaders of the protest camp verbally committed to drawing up a written agreement reflecting these and other commitments by the City and PHA, as well as their own commitment to resolve the camp. That document, however, did not accurately reflect the written offers that the City had previously provided during the negotiations. The three organizations that created the camp stated their intention to remain at both sites unless the City and PHA agreed to all of their demands. This statement cemented the City’s perception that further negotiations would be futile and led to today’s decision to post formal notice.

Categories
Uncategorized

This & That Sunday: 2020 Doesn’t Seem So Bad After All

Hope your weekend is going well. We had a delicious dinner at our friends Jaimi and Ron Blackburn last night. They are gracious hosts, and we always laugh and laugh. Mike is always so excited to be reunited with Chloe too, and when we leave to always chitchat about when it’s right to get a dog. I could use one every day during the pandemic. They’re so calming. I wonder if the PSCPA or PAWS have cute little Maltese dogs. I’ll look into it. Let’s chitchat about why 2020 isn’t so bad for everyone in today’s This & That….

Congratulations Lauren and John Oakes on the birth of their baby boy Asher. There’s still time to get a present on the baby registry as there are only 4 times left. I love these balloon bouquets from Slay Displays.

On The Move: Algorithm Restaurants announced:
We are very, very pleased to announce our opening Chef De Cuisine, Chef Matt Delatour! Matt Delatour, who was born in Seoul, South Korea, then adopted and raised in New Jersey, started his cooking career at the age of 16. Since then, he has worked at a multitude of restaurants around Philadelphia, most notably as the Head Chef at Southgate, a Korean American gastropub. Most recently, Matt was the Executive Sous Chef at Rouge in Rittenhouse Square, and prior to that the Executive Sous Chef at The Common in University City. Algorithm is excited to launch their rolling kitchens custom food truck featuring plant based dishes tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 31st, 2020 in University City. You can attend one of their friends & family tastings being held in Norristown and Philly 8/29 or 8/30. INFO HERE>

Cheers: Congratulations to Bartender Barry ie Philly’s Barry Johnson for winning the Judge’s Choice vote for the East Region in the Power of the Palate Cocktail Competition presented by Black Restaurant Week. Barry will advance to represent Philadelphia in the Elite 8 with the Herb N’ Flow challenge. He advances in the Black Restaurant Week’s National Bracket Competition where on 9/14 he will compete against the winner from NYC, before advancing to the next level. I have that much confidence in his skills.

Check out this Q&A with Barry Johnson on Snack PR’s Blog

Congrats to my Anzio Williams, Sr., vice president of news for NBC10 and Telemundo62, who was promoted by NBCUniversal and will now be senior vice president of diversity, equality and inclusion for NBCU-owned television stations VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for NBCUniversal Stations. Anzio just graduated from Temple grad school as well. I’ll miss seeing and chatting with Anzio. He’s an inspiration, and is one of the good guys. So happy for him.
Congrats Allison Papson and Brian Thornburg on their wedding last week. Allison used to an Assignment Editor at Fox29, and now is Senior Assignment Editor at Fox 5 DC. Several of her friends from her years in Philly served as bridesmaids in her wedding including Jennifer Sherlock, Julie Lesicki and Kristen Johanson. Erin Como, who worked at NBC10 Philly around the same time, and now is the morning anchor for Good Day Fox 5 DC on the weekends was also in attendance. Allison and Brian had their wedding shower in Philly in January, which I attended.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD7T8LnjcgGgML8Qiz3T9EHtbTjJNzVLLKj6K40/

Back in January we all attended Hair of the Dog 2020. 2020 doesn’t seem so bad after all. Chit Chat with you on Tuesday….

Categories
Uncategorized

This & That: Midtown Village Closes Streets to Dine, Craft Concepts Conceives and a Boutique Closes

Hello Thursday, it’s This & That time.
Midtown Village Closes their streets on the weekends (hopefully through the winter months too) to accommodate more dining outside . ALSO two adorable Midtown boutiques seemingly close as fallout from the pandemic.

Let’s start with the bad news in Midtown Village it looks like Lou Lou Boutique on 13th Street seems to have closed permanently. As with Wawa, I’ve been monitoring Lou Lou for the past few months. The store still had had dresses hung on racks, as well as styled mannequins in June, then in July only the mannequins were left. Then last week I noticed the store was emptied out except for the tables you see in the windows and the Philly website was a 404 Error – Page Not Found. RIP Lou Lou Boutique, we hardly knew you.

Now the good news, the great news: It’s happening, the streets of Philly are beginning to close to accommodate the folks who made this town so desirable, the Philly Foodies. Midtown Village is joining dining al fresco in the street. Starting TOMORROW Midtown Villages’ main corridor – 13th Street from Chestnut to Locust Street, as well as nearby Juniper Street between Chestnut and Sansom Streets will be closed to traffic from 1pm until midnight Sunday. Restaurants like Sampan, Charlie was a Sinner, Barbuzzo, Double Knot, El Vez, Drury Beer Garden and Salty’s will be setting up in the street for outdoor dining.
  • provided

People who love people watching will still be able to do so as they walk down the middle of 13th Street, checking out who’s eating where, who’s eating with who, the best peeping in town. Then over on Juniper Street, a new spot pops up Juniper Street Supper Club – Expanded Open-Air Dining By Bru and Tradesman’s coming this weekend! Blue skies. Starry nights. Great food. Cold drinks. New brunch! Craft Concepts Group (Bru and Tradesman’s) will pop-up and take over Juniper Street at Chestnut with exclusive dining this Fri 4p-10p, Sat 11a-10p and Sun 11a-10p. #phillyfood #phillytodo #visitphilly #phillyfoodies Make reservations, or take a chance on walking up.

Don’t plan to eat at tredici or Zavinos, both have been closed for the duration of the pandemic. The tables in front of tredici are for Double Knot, and in front of Zavino are for Barbuzzo. After hearing rumors of their closure I tried to contact owner Greg Dodge, but to no avail. Sources tell me tredici’s will open under a new name at some point. No word on the future of Zavino.

Friday Night is more than just alright. A few shops are open along Midtown Village but if you want to visit Bella Turka Jewelry (l) you’ll have to head to their other location in Rittenhouse Square at 1700 Sansom St, the 13th Street location is not open. Chitchat tomorrow will I’ll do a walk up Walnut Street. Lots has opened, then again, a few have closed, but we’re in this together.

These are the streets closed for dining
Full Closure: S. 13th Street Chestnut to Locust St.;
Sansom St S. 12th Street to S. Juniper St.
Drury from Juniper to S 13th Street
S. Juniper St Chestnut to Sansom Street
PS I’m working on my art skills during the pandemic pause

During my pandemic unemployment I will be working on my art skills. I can truly say I do my blog/sm for fun now, so don’t attack the messenger for coloring outside the lines. Here is a map I whipped up with all the streets closed for @Midtwn_Village al fresco dining in the streets this weekend. It’s a pilot program, and maybe extended to other weekends going forward. Although McGillin’s is within the boundaries, they’re going to wait and see how this weekend goes. (crosses fingers for a success)
Let’s support our local business, and by local I mean any store operating in Philly, even Macy’s is local to me. xoxo HughE

Categories
Uncategorized

Sofitel Has Safety in Mind

Slowly hotels are beginning to emerge from the pandemic as we learn more and more about how to navigate life safely. In the Rittenhouse Square area Sofitel and across the street Kimpton’s Palomar have opened to the public last week. Sofitel had a press conference and I learned a little bit about what they’re doing in the new normal.

************
Last week I covered the re-opening of Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square which reopen its doors to hotel guests and visitors on Thursday, August 6, 2020. The luxury hotel blends French elegance with American style reopened for overnight stays for guests in 306 newly renovated elegant suites and 67 newly renovated luxurious suites, including stunning Presidential Suite which may or may not have housed a president, they would never tell me.

Christopher Sample, Chief of Staff for Kenyatta Johnson, Angela Bauer, Sofitel Hotel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, General Manager, Sheila Hess, City of Philadelphia, City Representative, Michelle Shannon, Center City District, Vice President Marketing and Communications, Gregg Caren, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, President and CEO and Jasmine Armstrong, Visit Philly, Hotel Relations Manager spoke at the re opening.

Welcoming, safeguarding and taking care of others is at the very heart of what we do and who we are. Today, this means keeping our guests and employees safe by preventing the spread of COVID-19 by partnering with top experts to implement new standards of safety and enhanced operational protocols and procedures which are among the most stringent in the hospitality industry. We have missed being part of the Philadelphia community all of these months and we can’t wait to see you.”
Clean is the new Chic
Sofitel is serious about the safety of it’s customers and staff, from the plexiglass at concierge to contactless check-in, and the frequent cleaning of high traffic areas

At each touchpoint along the guest journey through Sofitel Philadelphia, extensive measures are being taken to protect guests and employees, including physical distancing; mandatory screening for all guests and employees, which may include a temperature check; masks provided to guests and worn by all employees; a 48-hour “settling period” for occupied rooms post-departure; increased frequency of cleaning & disinfecting, with a focus on high-touch points; and continued use of EPA registered disinfecting chemicals, proven effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

Hands-on training for all employees, a dedicated on-property rollout committee and a formal audit program, validated under the global ALLSAFE Cleanliness label, ensure initial and continued compliance.

Many safety precautions are being taken in guests hotel rooms including TV remotes sanitized then wrapped in plastic.

Those are just photos of shoes for placement. They look so 3d real.

As part of the reopening plans, Sofitel Philadelphia is offering guests a buy one, get one free offer for a complimentary night stay with the purchase of an equal night stay. For reservations with this special offer and additional reopening information, please visit Sofitel Philadelphia on Facebook and visit www.sofitel-philadelphia.com/happenings/.  

Categories
Uncategorized

This & That: Savannah Guthrie Spotted, Center City Re Openings & New Biz

Hope you’re weekend was a blast, let’s get to the fun stuff:
A ChitChat reader wrote on Friday: Just spotted Savannah Guthrie walking down Ventnor ave across from Casels market in Margate. She looked stunning! She was wearing an amazing knee length navy dress with open back and a huge hat. (Def a more Hamptons look than Margate – so we noticed her right away. But she really is stunningly beautiful in person!)

Foot traffic is picking up in Center City, especially in the Rittenhouse Row shopping areas of Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

Sophy Curson, the chic women’s boutique that opened in 1929 on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, has withstood the test of time and is one of the first high fashion clothing stores to re open during the pandemic after Philly moved into greenish, and they always have a fun window display.

Speaking of fun, fabulous high end clothing stores, Joan Shepp (1811 Chestnut Street) will reopen in mid-August. She just dropped some big news earlier this week when she announced home decor partner Kevin O’Brien will be sharing retail space in Joan’s iconic Rittenhouse Store. Kevin will be opening an 800 square-foot beautiful shop in the mezzanine of Joan Shepp in September. The shop will be dedicated to showcasing his products, which range from bedding and decorative pillows to rugs and furniture.  Joan feels it is a valuable service to offer her customers in these trying times

I previously reported Boyd’s clothing store, across the street from Shepp’s, will open on September 1, the new date is September 14. Here are beautiful heart pastes the kids from the Community Partnership School did with artist King Saladeen

The short lived Inchin’s Bamboo Garden at 1726 Chestnut St has closed, but remains under the same owner who is now opening as Ancient Spirits & Grille , which he plans to open in September the owner told me.

Also opening in September on the 1700 block of Chestnut Street is Greene Street consignment shop. They’re hiring as well. Check out their site.

It’s nice to see so many PhillyChitChat readers out and about, like Crystal and Mo who I met at 18th and Chestnut Streets the other day. And for so many others thanks for the shout outs as well, but keep your eyes on the road. A honk is good. Thank and let’s chit chat on Tuesday. In the meantime follow me on Instagram and Twitter as where I talk daily, sometimes hourly filling you in on the who, what and happening in Philly, and nearby.

Categories
Uncategorized

Mud Update: Schuylkill River Path From Walnut to Waterworks

Yesterday on the way to see the barge once stuck under 676, I took a few photos of the Schuylkill River Bank Pathway walking from Walnut Street to the Waterworks, to update all my walker, runner, bikers, rollerblading followers. There are huge swaths of beautifully cleaned areas, the Fairmount Park folks are on top of the cleaning and doing a good job. And then there’s a quarter mile or so of spots where they’ll return to clear it more.

The boardwalk looks perfect.

The entire path is perfect for dog walking, although you might have to rinse Fido’s feet before you head into the house.

There are a few smaller running/walking paths which are closer to the river. None of them are good for rollerblading as they still have sections of mud. So stay on the main path.

As you get closer to the Paine Skateboard Park/MLK Drive path is much better in this long stretch.

Great views of the City can be had here as well.

Right after passing the skateboard park going towards MLK, if you’re blading or running you should take the path towards MLK as the road is closed to car traffic and is used only for recreation. If you go straight on the path you will encounter mud underneath the Spring Garden bridge as the path dips closer to the river and was flooded. After this mornings rain it’ll be a little muddier than yesterday along the path.

If you see Jay, say hello. He’s got a drone and he knows how to use it. His work is fantastic.

On the other side you will find this cute park I never noticed before, it’s along the path, near the Waterworks and over looks the river.

But avoid the stair cases which go to the river, there’s a lot of debris there.

Even if your dog insists on its normal walking path, it just doesn’t seem safe.

Find a bench and enjoy the view.

Categories
Uncategorized

5 Reasons Registered Trademarks Are Important to Your Philadelphia Based Business

Trademarking your business might be a good idea. I’m sure many of you entrepreneurs have ideas running in your head right now about new business, ideas etc for the future. You might want to protect your business and trademark it. The Gerben law firm recently pitched this article to me, and although we are still in Covid19 pandemic, it might be ideal to trademark your business so you can hit the ground running when the time is right.

Trademarks Protect Against Infringement
Because maintaining control of your brand is essential to your future success, protection against infringement is just as important. One costly mistake some business owners make is using a trademark in the marketplace without conducting a comprehensive trademark search or registering with the USPTO. These business owners, in Philly and across the country, might unknowingly be infringing on another brand’s mark, which could result in a loss of time and money to rebrand the business, or even costly legal fees. The United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, will only approve your trademark registration if a confusingly similar mark isn’t already in use. Obtaining trademark registration, then, ensures that you will not be infringing on another business’s mark.


Having a registered trademark will also deter other businesses from infringing on your mark. The date you submit your application to the USPTO will become your priority date. Anyone looking to file a
confusingly similar trademark registration after this date will not be able to use it. You’ll also have the important right to take legal action against anyone that may infringe on your mark, either knowingly or
unknowingly. This will help ensure that your brand, and its reputation, will remain in your control. For a full breakdown of the trademark registration process for Philly businesses, click here.

Trademarks Help Establish Your Brand
Your business relies on its customers. Whether you primarily serve the residents of your Philly neighborhood or your retail site boasts nationwide sales, the success of your business is directly tied to the number of customers you have. A strong trademark is an essential part of creating customer loyalty and developing brand recognition. With trademark ownership, your customers will never be confused by a similar trademark from another brand. You’ll be able to grow your product line and expand your business with the support of your loyal customer base.

Trademarks Help Customers Find You
The Philadelphia business market can be quite competitive. With so many consumers using Google or social media to find goods and services these days, it can be challenging for your business to stand out in
a very crowded field. Someone looking for a salon in Chestnut Hill, for instance, might find dozens of options online. Having a registered trademark can make it easier to stand out, though. A strong
trademark will be memorable, allowing potential customers to notice you initially and helping returning customers find you on social media or other online platforms again and again.

Trademarks Allow You to Expand Outside Philadelphia
The United States is a first-to-use country, which means that you will have some rights to your trademark the moment you use it in the marketplace. However, these rights are extremely limited.


First, they will only protect your mark in the Philly area. This might be sufficient for some small businesses, but for anyone looking to sell goods online, or for those Philadelphia-based businesses that plan to expand outside the region at some point, an unregistered trademark could pose future problems. You’ll also have a harder time asserting your trademark rights if your mark is not registered with the USPTO. In order to have the presumption of nationwide validity, you’ll need to register your trademark with the USPTO.

Trademarks are Valuable Assets
As a business owner, you’ve no doubt made many purchases to get your Philly-based business running, from stocking up on inventory to building out your workspace. Those are certainly necessary purchases, but their value probably won’t appreciate over time. A registered trademark, on the other hand, will actually increase in value over time. This means, as your business grows, so will the value of your trademark. It can also be sold along with the business, just like any other asset. In fact, most buyers and investors will require that your trademark be registered before purchasing or investing in the
business as well.

Trademark Registration for Philly Businesses
Whether you’re just starting to develop your product or you’re expanding your business, now is the time to consider trademark registration for your Philadelphia business. A strong trademark will protect your business from infringement and the legal costs associated with it. Your trademark will help to establish your brand and make it easier for customers to find you, as well. A registered trademark will protect you as you reach customers across the United States, not just the Philadelphia region. It will also increase in value along with your business and is often a requirement for selling the business later on.

Author Bio:
With offices in Washington DC & Philadelphia, Gerben Law Firm, PLLC is a national IP Law Firm founded
by Josh Gerben. Josh is a trademark attorney whose intellectual property practice has secured over
5,000 trademarks for clients since 2008. Josh has been named one of the Top 10 trademark filers in the
US by World Trademark Review as well as featured in national news outlets, including FOX News & The
Wall Street Journal.

Categories
Uncategorized

Vault: Cancer Support Community Gala

Since the Pandemic my business of chronicling events in Philly has stop, so as I mentioned last month I will on occasionally re publish events I’ve covered, mostly pulling from my PhillyMag columns most were published in the pages and not online for public consumption. It’ll be like seeing them for the first time online, except for this one which was published online. We’ll call these: Another in a series of charitable gala’s I’ve covered as PhillyChitChat.

The Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia celebrated it’s 17th Annual Evening in the Park on the grounds of their headquarters Thursday night May 7, 2015, The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland in Fairmount Park. Guests enjoyed fabulous food and cocktails by Brulee Catering, a live auction led by Jeff Hammond who helped raise nearly $75,000 from the very generous crowd, and a silent auction, all to benefit CSCGP.

Event co-chairs Barbara Blair and Betsy Rubenstone greeted the guests and spoke about their lives which have been touched by cancer, and have benefited by the programs at CSCGP. Honorees last night included: Wendy H. Rosen, Dr. David M. Mintzer, The Stuetz Family, and  Susan Tressider. Stephanie Stahl, CBSPhilly (above) spoke about the impact CSC has on the community, as Kelly Harris, CEO gave an impassioned address sharing with the guests about all the wonderful, caring programs available at Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia (all free), especially the programs directed at children going through cancer, or a parent going through cancer. The programs connect them with others, as well as any counseling they need. We’re so lucky to have an organization like this in Philadelphia.

Howard and JoAnne Wurzak with Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan
  • Les Brun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SARR Group , LLC and Marcie Kennedy Board of Directors Chair of CSCGP
  • Joseph W. Robbins, Program Book Chair (In 2016 Joe received the Courage Award; sadly in 2019 he passed  RIP) and Barbara Blair.
  • Stephanie Stahl and Jim Trichon
  • Dr. David Mintzer received the Ann Silverman Award for his outstanding meritorious service working with cancer survivors and their families. The award was presented to him by his patient Betsy Rubenstone who gave a beautiful, emotional tribute to him and his comforting bedside manner. Kelly Harris, CEO CSCGP (c)
  • One of the most inspirational award recipients of the night was the Stuetz Family, CSCGP Members, who received the Gilda Radner Award. Jenny, wife and mother of two small children thought she had beaten breast cancer two years ago, but then was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year. Today are living in the moment and won’t let cancer dampen their moods or their love. Jenny and Matthew Stuetz with children Jackson and Madison.
  • Paul Rosen, Wendy Rosen (received the Ridgeland Award for her extraordinary commitment on behalf of the CSCGP), Jill and Jon Powell.
Barbara Eberlein, Kathy Bernstein and Karen Jacobson

Even though all the world seems to be on pause, these charity organizations need our support. If you can help them out in any way, you’ll be making a difference in someone’s life. Hope you have an awesome day. Don’t forget your umbrella if you venture out. I’ll chitchat with you tomorrow where I’ll catch you up with what’s happening in Center City.