Earlier this week, the much anticipated Arthaus hosted their grand opening for guests, builders, VIPS and residents. It did not disappoint. The 47-story development with 108 residences, is located along the famed Avenue of the Arts directly across the street from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Roberta Dranoff, Meryl Levitz, Judge Midge Rendell, Laura Burkhart, executive director of the Avenue of the Arts, Karen Corbin, Chief Operating Officer of The Philly POPS and Diane Semingson, ChairChair Avenue of the Arts, Inc.
Carl Dranoff, Dranoff Properties and Gene Kohn, Kohn Pedersen Fox
The Grand Opening celebration continues this weekend at Arthaus 12 – 5 (Sat. and Sun.). The public is invited to tour Philadelphia’s hottest new luxury address from top to bottom. What will you see? Stunning panoramic city views from the 42nd floor | Sumptuously decorated penthouse by interior designer @jimmydelaurentis | Five other decorated residences | Two full floors of indoor + outdoor resort amenities that make every day feel like vacation.
Pictured left to right: Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony Watlington, President Lorina Marshall-Blake, and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney at the launch event for the 2022 Back to School Tour.
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) President Lorina Marshall-Blake joined Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony Watlington and Mayor Jim Kenney at the Northeast High School Sports Complex on August 5 to promote the District’s Back-to-School Tour.
Funded in part by the Foundation, the Tour will provide critical back-to-school information, free school supplies, and other student and family services, including free required childhood immunizations. The Foundation’s support underscores its focus on promoting greater health equity in our region, especially for youth in vulnerable parts in the city. The Foundation supported the first Tour in 2021.
Also onsite was the Eagles Eye Mobile, a long-time Foundation grant recipient, which has visited approximately 120 schools across the Greater Philadelphia area since 1996. The program provides free vision screenings, eye exams, and prescription glasses accessible to under-insured and uninsured children.
Thanks to everyone involved in this program, helping children and families get ready for a new school year. Thanks Independence Blue Cross Foundation for being a sponsor.
It was a sweet day for all those involved. Welcome Back to School, teachers start Wednesday and children on Monday. Also the Office of Children and Families (OCF) provided an update on Out-of-School Time (OST) and other programming in advance of the return to school.
Hello my people. Summer is swiftly going by….but what a great summer. I had the best summer with friends, family and so much fun. A lot of dancing, and hamburgers. A few events. Not as many, but September I’m booked nearly every day, and October is getting booked. We’re ready to return to the new normal. And I have new partnerships, sponsored posts and advertisers which keeps me a float.
I haven’t done an awesome job at keeping up with the blog, sorry. I know I keep saying that. I was surprised I didn’t focus more on my 15th Anniversary of the blog, which was last month. Normally I do a big splashy re cap of the times, but it’s new to me to figure out a balance between work and fun.
Yesterday in the news there was a big story about Quietly Quitting, which isn’t about quitting, just cutting back. Maybe I was doing that a little. I still was posting these events on CBSPhilly, Metro Philly, Tribune and my SM platforms, but not doing such a good job here. With events coming back, I will have more long form content to share here. I’m excited to get back to work… the work of sharing.
This was the Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival, which I have been photographing for the past decade. It’s always a fun time. A record number of folks attending. It was a warm night, but there were no complaints. People are so happy to be out and about again.
What’s interesting on this side of the pandemic, is the presence of influencers, or what has become a better known definition – Content Creator. Once maligned by a few, Content Creators like Josh Eats Philly, Bran Flaks, Philly Publicists (Kory Aversa, who covers more than just his clients, which is kinda interesting) Cass in The City etcs, who have carved out a nice niche, following where people/peers devour their content to see what’s new, hot, next to do, eat or experience. I LOVE IT. Cause that’s what this blog was about, before SM came about. On this side of the pandemic, they are the new media.
What Philly Wore – How adorable are these two who were at the Philly Ale Fest
I love these pretzel necklaces
Winner, winner chicken dinner
The Philadelphia Zoo has so much to offer, the Ale Fest, The Philadelphia Zoo Gala, Boo at the Zoo in just a few weeks, now you can feed the giraffes contact them for info. Best wishes to my long time friend Dana Lombardo, on her new adventure. She was the Director of Marketing for a decade, and before that worked at Cashman & Assocs. She’s left the zoo and moved to warmer environs. I’ll miss her.
Thanks so much for your support, especially over the last 15 years. I really appreciate it. HughE
And it’s back : Main Line Today and Today Media announce the grand return of the Best of the Main Line and Western Suburbs Party on Thursday, July 28th, at Drexelbrook Special Event Center (4700 Drexelbrook Drive).
Eat, drink and dance the night away while celebrating the 2022 winners that include top restaurants, bars, retail shops, small businesses and people of the region as voted by the people and the critics. This year’s event will feature over 50 top businesses and special guests.
There will be food samples, as well as cocktails and beer to enjoy
From 5:30pm to 9:00pm, guests will sample fabulous food and drink from this year’s winners, dance to live music from the award-winning band Jellyroll, and participate in a silent auction to benefit Brandywine SPCA. (Tickets)
Many of the Best of Mainline Winners will be on hand to show you why they were chosen.
Main Line Today and Today Media thank this year’s sponsors, including Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS /The Trident Group/Prosperity (Melissa Cunningham); Exton Dental Health Group; Pinnacle ENT, LLC; Republic Bank; Roots Landscaping; Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar; Main Line Chamber of Commerce; and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. We’re also thrilled to be partnering with Drexelbrook, Aversa PR & Events, BVTLive!, Pictures by Todd and Valley Creek Productions.
Main Line Today proudly announced this year’s beneficiary for the event, which is Brandywine SPCA. Guests will be invited to support the organization, meet the staff and some adoptables, and bid on the silent auction that will go to fund the group’s critical animal welfare and rescue work. Founded in 1929, the Brandywine Valley SPCA exists to end animal suffering and to involve the entire community in the welfare and well-being of animals.mission is to put the “human” back in humane animal treatment and advocate on their behalf. Our vision is to be the recognized leader in animal welfare that empowers communities to treat life with respect and dignity. Donations can also be made direct at: https://bvspca.org/donate/
“The party of the year is back on the Main Line,” said Main Line Today Associate Publisher Marie Edwards. “Celebrate this unforgettable evening of bites, drinks and dancing – and get ready to toast the best of the best! We are thrilled to be back inside the ballroom with an exciting and diverse line-up of winners that include the region’s best restaurants, bars, boutiques and so much more. This event is truly a celebration of the top quality businesses and people that make the Main Line and Western Suburbs special. We can’t wait to see everyone again. Come with your dancing shoes ready to party!”
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’m a little behind in publishing after a very hectic social season, as many of my outlets are still on pandemic pause, or became understaffed when the world return at breakneck speed and they were unable to keep up. Thanks so much to Metro Philly, CBSPhilly and Phila Tribune for hanging in there.
Some people might think these columns are about the people who go to events, but it’s really about the mission of each of these charitable organization, announcement of business and these days restarting life; although I do love writing about the folks who attend as well. So let’s check out today’s post.
PS You might have read that I have Covid again, and I do. Mike and I are on day 5 and are finally feeling better. It wasn’t a surprise that we got it again, it was a surprise that we got so sick. Was hoping I would be in the asymptomatic category like so many folks we knew. Oh well it wasn’t meant to be. I’m excited to get back out there, covering Philly and all it has to offer….
On May 16, BalletX honored two Philadelphians who have profoundly impacted the civic and cultural life of our city and nation: Carole Haas Gravagno, philanthropist and activist extraordinaire, and Mark Aronchick, renowned litigator and former Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association were honored at the BalletX – The Premier Party at the Mann Music Center. (Thanks to PCC team photographer Talya Hailey for shooting this event for us, I was shooting CFEVA right down the street at the Waterworks.)
Christine Cox co-founded BalletX, and is the Artistic & Executive Director, greets under the Mann tent. Recently Christine was honored with the Third Annual Visionary Award by the Avenue of the Arts organization. Christine recently returned with the company from Dallas where the company performed co-founder Matthew Neenan’sIncreasing, Caili Quan’s Fancy Me, Amy Seiwert’s It’s Not A Cry, and the newest addition to BalletX’s tour repertory, Jennifer Archibald’s Exalt. Check out their social media for all things touring!
Rick Pasquier, Nancy Pasquier, Erik Vananglen, and Trixanna Vananglen
Christine’s newsletter “We’re now full speed ahead towards Summer Series next month! Do you have your tickets yet? I’m so excited to be coming home to the Wilma July 13-17 with a show stopping lineup of choreographers. Don’t miss out on this limited run with world premieres by Tiler Peck, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, and Jamar Roberts. Save your seats today.” Check out a bit of it here on their Social.
Mary Lee Haas, Leonard Haas, and Christine Cox
We’re participating in the Target Circle program! You can vote for us and help direct Target’s giving to benefit BalletX. For full program details and restrictions visit Target Circle.
Jim Averill, Janet Averill, Trupti Trivedi, and Joachim Rebholz
Despite the inclimate weather everyone enjoyed themselves under the big tent. The Mann Center has one of the best views of the City from their hill top event space.
Dance eXchange, our in-school outreach program, emphasizes dance as a means to promote self-confidence, acquire valuable life skills, and establish personal standards for excellence. Head here to apply for your school.
Ciao bella! On Sunday, June 26, 2022, Sea Me Events is hosting “A Taste of Italy” at Il Fiore in Collingswood (693 Haddon Ave.) Guests will be greeted with sparkling Italian Prosecco, indulge in a Five-Course meal, and dance The Tarantella!
Taste of Italy ventures away from well-known Italian cuisine and into traditional dishes such as Veal Carciofi, veal medallions with artichokes and tomatoes in a creamy, garlic white wine sauce. Additionally, guests will dine while immersing in traditional Italian dances, fashion, and history. Through Sea Me Events, learning continues outside of school in this energetically educational occasion.
Taste of Italy kicks off at noon on June 26, with a five-course meal including regional pasta dishes. This event is open to the public. Tickets:INFO
Sea Me Events is a women-of-color-owned special events firm founded by Elizabeth Aifantis of Medford and Susan Sorrell of Cherry Hill. Sea Me Events specializes in DEI focused events and cultural driven activations. Both founders Aifantis and Sorrell traveled extensively around the globe. “Rome is a beautiful city and is one of my favorites because of its rich history and architecture,” Sorrell said. Combined with their success in planning over 200 DEI focused events and large-scale entertainment experiences, Sea Me Events will bring regional attendees together to enjoy the richness of Italian culture.
And we’re back to raising money for to empower people’s lives. Women Against Abuse , Inc., Philadelphia’s leading domestic violence agency, hosted Dish It Up on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 in the Concourse at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Women Against Abuse is an organization dedicated to providing women with compassionate quality services. Advocacy and community education help to further their goal to ending domestic violence.
The 14th annual Dish It Up, and women chefs will bring their finest culinary skills to compete for best dish of the night, selected by a panel of celebrity judges. This event is Philadelphia’s only women chef competition and attracts close to 500 business and community leaders and food aficionados. Women Against Abuse has served an average of 10,325 people over the past five years through a continuum of trauma-informed care, as well as community education and advocacy. Learn more about the services we offer.
Somer Jordan entertained the crowd during Dish It Up!!
Tommi Vincent, and Troy Vincent, The 2022 Women Against Abuse Advocates of the Year with Joanna Otero-Cruz, Executive Director & President at Women Against Abuse (c)
Troy Vincent and his wife Tommi Vincent will be honored as the 2022 Advocates of the Year. Troy Vincent, Sr., is an NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee and Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame inductee. He played cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1996 to 2003 and is now the Executive Vice President of Football Operations at the National Football League. Troy’s wife, Tommi, is an in-demand chef, Co-Founder and COO of Vincent Country, host ofStay A While PodcastandStay A While Cooking Show, motivational speaker and writer. For more information about the Vincents, visit their website.
This is the 14th annual Dish It Up, and women chefs will bring their finest culinary skills to compete for best dish of the night, selected by a panel of celebrity judges. This year’s judges include: Chef Kiki Aranita of Poi Dog Philly and 2018 Dish It Up Purple Dish Award Winner; Gina Gannon, 6ABC Traffic Reporter and FYI Philly Co-Host; Cherri Gregg, afternoon drive host/news anchor for WHYY Radio; David Spadaro, Host of Eagles Insider;Marilyn Johnson, editor and food critic for Philly Grub; Eddie Keels, publisher, Philly Current Magazine; Chef Barbie Marshall, finalist of Hell’s Kitchen and Hell’s Kitchen All-Stars with Gordon Ramsay; and Kae Lani Palmisano, TV host of Check, Please! Philly on WHYY.
Gina Gannon, 6ABC Traffic Reporter and FYI Philly Co-Host and Eddie Keels,publisher, Philly Current Magazine;
Marilyn Johnson, editor and food critic for Philly Grub and Chef Barbie Marshall, finalist of Hell’s Kitchen and Hell’s Kitchen All-Stars with Gordon
Rebecca Foxman, Anita Hirsch and David Wesolowski of Fox + Son
Women Against Abuse becomes the family who don’t have any. Breaking free from an abusive relationship is scary and difficult. During the process, some survivors begin rebuilding while living at Sojourner House, a transitional housing program; many others receive their community based support paired with housing assistance through their Safe at Home program. WAA supports survivors through their Economic Empowerment program, as they pursue employment, educational and financial goals to remain safe and free over the long haul.
Meredith Maciolek and Heather Derussy
The 2022 Signature Purple Cocktail, originally created especially for this event by the late well-known mixologist Katie Loeb, was featured in her memory with the help of her mixologist colleague Meredith Maciolek, and Heather deRussy,
Cherri Gregg, afternoon drive host/news anchor for WHYY Radio and Kae Lani Palmisano, TV host of Check, Please! Philly on WHYY.
Diana Widjojo of Hardena
Chef D from Sonny’s Cocktail Joint + Wine Dive created a delicious goat cheese pastry puff
Keisha Usher-Martin and Elsa Lara
Tiara Parker and Aikeem Joyner
Walnut Hill College
Nolwenn Laniyan and Nicole Gaskin-Laniyan
Diana Widjojo of Hardena
Adam Geer, Board Member of Women Against Abuse, Sybil Murphy and Kenneth Murphy
Rev. Bonnie Camarda, The Salvation Army, Anastasia Zuccaro, Einstein Healthcare Network and Bill Ryan, Einstein Healthcare
Estelle Richman, Stephen and Sandy Sheller, The Sheller Foundation
Participants in this year’s Purple Dish Award and Purple Dessert Award
Chef D – Sonny’s Cocktail Joint & Wine Dive; Rebecca Foxman – Fox and Son received Honorable Mentions for her Garlic Knot Cheese Curds; Diana Widjojo – Hardena Bar Philly; Julie Kline (r) – La Colombe won with her spicy sweet carrot dish ; Melissa Fernado – Sri’s Company Philly; and Victoria Tyson – Vicki’s Kitchen – Angela Cicala – Cicala at the Divine Lorraine; Justine MacNeill – Fiore who won with her delish purple pop!! Maddie Knowles – Maddie Bakes, Jessica Boese – Nothing Bundt Cake and Marie Stecher – Walnut Hill College.
In 2018, UArts announced Uniquely UArts: The Campaign for Creative Capital to support four initiatives: enhancing the student experience, investing in faculty, re-envisioning campus and developing innovative programming. The goal was to raise $50 million.
Last month UArts President and CEO David Yager announced that the campaign far exceeded its goals and raised $67.2 million in a ceremony at UArts.
Nate Hamilton, who’s grandmother, gave “The single-largest donation to the campaign was $25 million from the estate of Dorrance “Dodo” Hill Hamilton, the late Campbell Soup heiress who served on the school’s board for decades, a number of them as board chair.” and Brian Effron, “I am honored to serve as the chair of this campaign,” said UArts Trustee and campaign Chair Brian Effron.”
Money from the just-completed campaign, dubbed “Uniquely UArts: The Campaign for Creative Capital,” will be spent and saved for a variety of efforts including the biggest chunk, about $24 million, will be kept in perpetuity in endowment.
Jon Lovitz, and Brenton McClosky
About $17 million is being used for capital projects, like a new student center in the former Gershman Y building at Broad and Pine Streets, the Laurie Wagman Recording Studios, and “Living Steps,” a new gathering space for students.
Lynn Sullivan, Marian M and Eleanor Davis
Lawrence Taylor and Ralph Cintino
Restricted funds totaling about $14 million are being used for programs and academic disciplines.
About $5 million is being set aside as discretionary funds — for expenditures like tuition relief, housing costs, food expenses, and art supplies.
$5.5 million will go toward scholarships.
Nate Hamilton, Harriet and Larry Weiss with Councilperson Mark Squilla
On Saturday April 23, 2022 Abington Health Foundation roared back to celebrating their 100th Anniversary, which was scheduled to take place April 18, 2020 before the pandemic pause. The delay just made the night so much sweeter as nurses, doctors, staff and friends gathered to celebrate life on so many levels, as will be all celebrations moving forward. We, us collectively will never forget the horror we all endured, and for the many who were affected. Thank you Front Line Workers for your sacrifice.
Michael and Erica McKiernan, with Brad and Meghan Fryer
“Slick your hair and wear your buckle shoes… and all that jazz!” Guests had a fabulous time at the 1920’s style Spring Celebration last weekend. Proceeds benefit the Image Recovery Center at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center- Asplundh Cancer Pavilion
Judy McGruther, Mark Kerschner, Maureen and Corey Evans
Maryann Watson, Claudia Lyles, Lauren Farrell and Alyson Kaplan
I love how folks really got into the spirit.
Claudia and Greg Lyles
The June Fete Fair/Horse & Pony Show returns in 2022! We are so excited to be back and we need your help! This event relies on our dedicated volunteers – visit jefferson.edu/junefete for details on how you can join us!
A New Era for Neuroscience
When patient Melissa B. turned to the Neurosurgery Division at Jefferson Abington Hospital to have a spinal tumor removed she said, “At every step of the way, from the neurologist’s office to the Emergency Trauma Center to my operation and inpatient stay, I was treated with compassion and empathy. I always felt I had chosen the right place for my care.“
Abington Health Foundation is a nonprofit Philanthropy Pillar Program that financially supports the efforts of Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health, Abington – Lansdale Hospital and its affiliates to benefit the health and well-being of our community. In 2015, Abington Health and Jefferson completed a merger that will bring exciting changes in urban/suburban access to health care. One thing will stay constant: All charitable gifts to Abington Health Foundation will still be directed to Abington Hospital, Abington – Lansdale Hospital and our affiliate locations throughout the community, just as our donors wish.
Part of Jefferson Health – Abington and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, the Image Recovery Center brings the amenities of a luxury spa to patients interested in restoring their appearance before, during, and after the side effects of cancer treatment. Our staff is specially trained to provide professional, high-quality services, with careful consideration for patients who may have compromised immune systems stemming from cancer treatment.
Thanks to PCC Team Photographer Andre Flewellen for shooting this event.
