With perfect waves, sunny skies, and an enthusiastic team of volunteer instructors, each child was cheered on as they paddled out and rode waves back to shore. Families lined the beach, celebrating every success, while volunteers made sure every participant felt confident, encouraged, and included.
The event highlighted the power of surfing to build confidence, create lasting memories, and bring people together.
Judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces, it was a day these young surfers and their families won’t soon forget.
Eagles Mascot, Swoop and cheerleaders had a great time with the kids.
I always enjoy covering this special day. You know I do cause it starts at 9am, and you know how I am that early. ASLEEP. These kids are so enthusiastic, and inspirational.
You know what else will put a smile on your face, catching Jessica Kirson at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic Citythis weekend. I am bummed as I will be away on a cruise. I keep missing her, but you don’t have to. Tickets Here!!
Philadelphia is rolling out a new initiative to energize neighborhood business corridors as the nation’s 250th anniversary approaches. The focus is on activating these areas through events, beautification efforts, and community programming.
The campaign,Ring It On! One Philly, A United Celebration, will spotlight 20 corridors across the city, with the goal of attracting more visitors, supporting small businesses, and creating more vibrant, welcoming commercial districts. “Ring It On! celebrates and uplifts the neighborhoods that define Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. “Our neighborhoods are the heart of this city.”
The effort, first announced in September, when they first taught us about the City’s ABC’s – activations, beatifications, and celebrations. The plan includes expanding neighborhood festivals, introducing new programming, and enhancing corridors with improvements like tree plantings, upgraded lighting, benches, banners, and bike racks.
Plans are in place, and the City is ready to officially kicked off the Philly 2026 initiatives.
Earlier this month in Point Breeze they held a press conference which coincided with the Point Breeze Market Festival, which brought the corridor to life with live entertainment, local food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
City officials say the program will extend to two corridors in each of Philadelphia’s 10 City Council districts, reaching neighborhoods from Chinatown and South 9th Street to Germantown, Kensington, and Northeast Philadelphia to celebrate America’s 250th .
According to City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, launching the initiative in Point Breeze underscores the importance of investing in neighborhood commercial districts.
“Investing in our commercial corridors and public spaces is critical to strengthening neighborhoods across Philadelphia,” Johnson said. “I’m energized to see how this effort will have a lasting impact well beyond 2026.”
Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation and president and CEO of Philadelphia250,
We are going to make sure that this celebration pours out into the neighborhoods. All of the neighborhoods. We are going to make sure to involve and engage all of these communities
Aramark’s Building Community helped clean up the Point Breeze park finishing off with this cool mural for Philly’s 250th and beyond.
The initiative also includes a yearlong calendar of events ranging from food truck festivals and cultural celebrations to music events, neighborhood fairs and block parties.
Philadelphia’s Block Party Bonanza is open to any block that secures a city block party permit. Once approved, organizers receive a link to apply through Philadelphia250. Selected blocks will be chosen to ensure representation across all 10 City Council districts, with participation determined on a first-come, first-served basis for events held between May 23 and October 3, 2026.
For all the information you need to enjoy the 250 celebrations head HERE
So many great initiatives and celebrations bringing people together, building pride, and showcasing the very best of our City. Stay tuned here, on IG’s PhillyChitChat and especially the City’s IG account.
Odin Properties has broken ground on Sepviva Lofts, with many great partnerships involved on local, state and federal levels.
Odin Properties has broken ground on Sepviva Lofts, a $20 million affordable housing project at 2201 E. Tioga St. in Kensington/Harrowgate, near the Tioga Station of the Market-Frankford Line. The 51-unit development, set to open in 2026, will provide homes for residents earning 20–50% of the area’s median income.
Maria Buckley, Peter Dilsheimer, Development Manager at Odin Properties Cody Worthington, Development and Acquisitions Analyst at Odin Properties, Philip Balderston, Founder and CEO of Odin Properties and Isabelle Harvey
This is great news for Philly as the four-story project will offer a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments with long-term deed restrictions that keep the homes affordable for at least 40 years.
Lukas Kulikauskas, Tom Young, Scott Lyons and Thomas Pyle – Domus Construction
Construction is slated to finish by late 2026, with plans including 44 parking spaces and a new on-site play area.
Liquitta Robinson andBianca Waliddin, is Executive Director of Liberty Housing Development Corporation
Financing includes federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; Odin says Sepviva Lofts is Philadelphia’s first 9% LIHTC construction closing of 2025, utilizing the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s 2024 allocation.
Ryan Sanders, Manager, Union II Operations and Rachael Pritzker, Esq.
The Sepviva Lofts project is transforming a long-vacant industrial parcel that once housed Penn Galvanizing into a vibrant new residential community.
Klissa Thomas, Advocate for Youth and Families and Jasmine Sessoms
This marks Odin’s first ground-up affordable development, a significant milestone for a company that has primarily focused on adaptive reuse projects like Collins Lofts and East Tioga Lofts.
Ed Hillis, Founder & President of DOMUS, Michael Johns, public architect with the Philadelphia Housing Authority and Anne Fadullon, Senior Advisor at Spring Garden Capital Advisors and as the Founder and Principal Partner of MAKE Advisory Services, LLC.
Sepviva Lofts also fits into Odin’s broader pipeline of roughly 250 affordable units planned across Philadelphia and Atlantic City, signaling a deeper commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused housing options in neighborhoods where investment and opportunity are needed most.
Joseph DeFelice, HUD Assistant Deputy Secretary for FPM and Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator. and Councilman Mike Driscoll
Joseph DeFelice told the guests that he was personally excited for this project as he, and his wife were raised in this area.
Business leaders including David Thomas, President and CEO of PHDC, Blane Stoddard, Managing Principal of RB Development, Robin Wiessman, Executive Director & CEO of PHEA, Jessie Lawrence, Director of Planning and Developement, office of Mayor Cherelle L Parker, break ground on Sepviva Lofts in Kennsington
Excited for the future of much needed affordable housing in Philadelphia
Rizzieri, a game-changer in beauty culture in New Jersey and beyond, is excited to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Since launching their first cosmetology school in 1924, the Rizzieri family has established a benchmark for education, quality, and growth in the beauty industry, fostering the development of countless talented stylists and barbers across the country. The Rizzieri Aveda School offers training in cosmetology, skincare and nails.
Founded by Franco Cipriotti in 1924 and now helmed by his award-winning celebrity stylist grandson,
Frank Rizzieri, and Mayor Michael Mignogna of Voorhees Township
Frank Rizzieri, Rizzieri began as Maison de Paris in Philadelphia, later relocating to New Jersey and becoming the revered Rizzieri Aveda School and Salons & Spas. Franco’s dedication and resilience laid a strong foundation for the family business that continues today.
Meg Biondi DiFilippo, Shante Moore, Isabella Rizzieri, Danielle Menta, Victoria Sceia and Suzanne Moctezuma
On Sunday, September 15, 2024 the Rizzieri family commemorated the 100 year anniversary with a celebratory party at their Voorhees NJ school. Inviting current students and staff, alumni, partners, and friends Rizzieri Aveda School in Voorhees, NJ. Guests included Congressman Donald Norcross who presented a recognition from the state.
Madeline Cassey, Josslyn Kinner and Hannah Vernna
Ashley Voit and Karen Kline
Kelly King and Jenae Blocker were excited to see one of the models who featured hairstyles over the past 100 years.
Emily Sanders, Shara Harding, Chase Anderson and Alexa Tenabruso
Alexa Guarnieri, Tori Snow, Jessica Davis, Jillian Dawson and Chloe Fetterolf
Josie Zacamy, Adriana Prisco and Isabella Cifelli
Robbie Nelson, Tom DeGrandis and Karen Wilkin-Donachie
With a century of experience and innovation behind them, the Rizzieri family remains committed to continuing their legacy of excellence and looks forward to many more years of serving their community and advancing the beauty industry.
Frank Rizzieri and family thanked friends and family for their support over the years.
“As we celebrate 100 years of the Rizzieri legacy, I’m reminded of how our family’s passion for beauty and education has paved the way for countless professionals in this industry. My grandfather laid the foundation with a vision for excellence, and over the decades, we’ve continued to innovate, expand, and elevate beauty education. This centennial milestone honors not only our history but the incredible students, staff, and partners who have been part of this journey. We are excited for the next century of shaping the future of beauty.” – Frank Rizzieri
With a century of experience and innovation behind them, the Rizzieri family remains committed to continuing their legacy of excellence and looks forward to many more years of serving their community and advancing the beauty industry, with their 2 salons – Rizzieri Salon & Spa and school, Rizzieri Aveda School.
Recently the Poplar Apartments hosted their annual Solmar Summer Soiree with soaring views of the City. It was a hot, hot night, and I’m not talking about the air temperature.
The night started off with a VIP party hosted by Brand/Style Consultant Sabir M. Peele, Men’s Style Pr (c) in the community room at the Poplar, where the Veuve Clicquot Champagne was freely flowing, and delicious snacks by Feast Your Eyes were enjoyed.
The Poplar features brand-new apartments (studio to 4 bedrooms) and luxury amenities including an expansive rooftop terrace and pool club with panoramic views of the City with the most stunning rooftop pool in the city with 3 pools, hot tubs, cabanas and grills.
Beings it was a summer party I asked a few guests what their Summer Song would be for 2022: Morgan Fisher told me definitely it’s Sticky by Drake for her; Becca Barth will be vibing to Heat Waves by Glass Animals, while Shannon C. Ryan has Carbide Coins by Fellman on loop and Michael Flores like Downtwon by Honey Dijon.
I headed upstairs to the Solmar Summer Soiree where I found a fashionable, happy people excited to be out , see and be seen especially after the long hiatus; There was so much to enjoy as the Solmar had ample room to sun, swim, and lounge. *BTW what isn’t shown in these photos is the other relaxation, play areas which can be seen here.
Matt Zalis,Brooke von Fischer and Ryan Napolitano – who loves Blinding Lights by Weeknd
Sean Robinson, Keithington Reed, Lead Stylist @philly_fashion_week and Jonathan Jacobs, ETHOS GSFM
Alex Salax and Jimmy Meyer who I last saw at a Super Bowl Party in Cherry Hill in 2021
K Honiguyen, Christien Gerrick is listening to Bank on It and Vanessa McGrath has Boss Bitch on loop.
PR Maven Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Associates curated a guest list of entrepreneurs, friends, and influencers who mingled, waded in the water and danced throughout the night to the tunes of DJ Joshua Lang, who also spins at the W Philadelphia on Sunday.
Victoria Tran, Jordyn Oster and Deja Desroches – who loves “Love Tonight” David Guetta
The Poplar is very popular (I had to) as you can see. The building is nearly full so if you want to live a day life, an active life and have a fun night life under one roof, then The Poplar Apartments are for you. I met a lot of the residents, and they really rave about the complex. Did I mention they have a parking garage. You’ll recall last year when I covered this annual event they were just getting ready to build it.
If you were curious, I have Coldplay and Donna Summer on loop. Their whole catalog is my summer jam.
I’ve watched them build 2100 Hamilton as it’s only a few blocks from my house. They’ve done a great job, and it turned out so much more beautiful than I anticipated. Fits right into the neighborhood, which I can enjoy with the reflective glass, and bright sunny skies on those days. Comprised of 27 exclusive residences and situated among the city’s finest museums, 2100 Hamilton offers a luxury lifestyle that is easy, effortless, and exciting close to shops, Fairmount Park and views of the City Skyline.
Last night there was a special unveiling of one of their 3 bedroom models for potential residents to get a sneak peek at what 2100 Hamilton has in store for them.
Did I mention spectacular views of the City Skyline
provided
With a nearly half acre private residential garden, offers stunning city views and strikes the perfect balance of Center City living with the peace of a park-like setting.
Developer and friends Michael Scanapieco and Tom Scanapieco, with developers of this property Tom Bock and Angela Bock
Kerrie Owens and Ashley Holcombe Rachel Garman, and Brianna Minko
Paula Celletti-Baron shows Michelle Wenitsky ,Dani Kanak and Michelle Leff the living room over looking the Rodin Museum.
Matt Musill, Risk Management Consultant at Johnson, Kendall & Johnsoni, and Tom Bannar, Vice President | Risk Management Advisor | Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc.
Kris Pirnat and Jamie Ireland John and Kelly Williams
Judy Munroe in the amenity filled kitchen. Highlights include an induction cooktop, quartz countertops, one-touch faucets, microwave drawers, over-counter lighting, an oversized wine refrigerator, and a separate expansive pantry as well as a selection of tasteful palettes to fit anyone’s personal style. Custom cabinetry by Joanne Hudson Kitchens and appliances by Wolf and Sub-Zero anchor the gourmet kitchen experience. 2100 Hamilton Thanks to Andre Flewellen for photographing the Sneak Peek Preview as I was covering the Italian Medical Awards. More on that next week. Have a great weekend, and I will see you back here on Sunday for HughE Around Town!! Thanks as always, HughE
