Experience our enlarged and improved outdoor Vintner Rink, open daily through February and designed for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
Join our Renault family in giving back to the community. Our team members have decorated holiday trees that are displayed on our property and that will be auctioned off at our Festival of Trees Gala on December 16th. All the tree auction proceeds will benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, spreading holiday cheer across the township and beyond. Along with the auction, we will be collecting cans throughout the season for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
Vintner Wonderland continues to offer even more. Parking, entry and movie viewing is always free but tickets must be purchased online or at the door for admission onto the 6,000 foot outdoor skating rink.
Vintner Wonderland was designed to be similar to a European Winter Festival, explained Josh McCallen, President of Renault Properties LLC and Executive with Vivamee Hospitality. “A ‘vintner’ is a winemaker. That’s why we call it ‘Vintner Wonderland.’ The hot or mulled wine warms your fingers, then your belly and heart. And because it is wine, it also helps you to feel jovial for the season.” (source)
Gather your friends and family around our fire pits situated amidst our holiday views or entertainment area. All Fire Pits accommodate up to 8 guests for a two hour reservation. Choose between Stage Fire Pit seating or Patio Fire Pit seating.
McCallen (2nd from right) had lived in Austria and he describes similar scenes of winter delight there and throughout Europe. McCallen, along with his wife, Melanie(3rd from right) and their ten children are often at Vintner Wonderland working behind the scenes and assisting in multiple ways. (source)
“When we purchased Renault in December of 2018, it was a national treasure with much tarnish on it,” said McCallen. ” Vivamee literally means reviving the soul and that is what we are doing with this 156 year old French Countryside Winery. We have kept every artifact and every piece of history during its restoration.” That also includes the French pronunciation of Renault where the t is silent. (‘Re-know’) . Go make some memories Vintner Wonderland you’ll thank me later…. 12 days til Christmas!! ChitChat with you Tomorrow.
We are in the middle of merriment as Christmas is only 13 days away, can you believe it. Time really flies, even when folks put up their trees and lights in October now. I have a few stops to make this week, and then I go away to see the family. Hope you are making memories, even if you’re staying home. Watch TV with friends. Sometimes I watch with them on the phone, other times I ask one of my friends to watch something and then chitchat on the phone after we’ve both watched it to figure out what went on; I know most of you have watched And Just Like That by now. Great to be back with the girls, but wowsie!!
Stratus Lounge, high above Independence Park with it’s sky views, had a few of us over for a festive holiday celebration last Thursday. 433 Chestnut St., 11th Floor of Kimpton Hotel Monaco I 215.925.2889 I https://stratuslounge.com/ Don’t miss their New Year’s Eve celebration.
Ring in New Year’s Eve at Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the chic rooftop venue on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, on Friday, December 31 with Mr. Hollywood DJ’s First Annual NYE Bash. Starting at 9pm, guests can bid farewell to 2021 under the stars with top-tier entertainment, celebratory cocktails, premium open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and more. General Admission Gold ($150) includes entry to Stratus Rooftop Lounge and open bar, whereas General Admission Platinum ($175) includes admission, open bar, reserved pavilion food areas, and seating. (Trust me spend the extra $25, you’ll want access to the pavillions) Click here for details on tickets and packages.
Congratulations Contour Body Studio on your new spot in Ardmore at 55 Rittenhouse Place!!
Congratulations to WMMR’s Pierre Robert on 40 years with the station. His friends and co-workers, ie friends, through him a party at Rittenhouse’ Charley Dove formerly Audrey Claire’s.
Here’s what Marisa Magnatta posted:
“We all have a story of meeting Pierre for the first time. Mine occurred after The Stones ‘No Security Tour.’ We saw him outside the First Union Center recording concert coverage with the Roving Rock Microphone and my dad nudged me to say hi.
I did. When Pierre asked this 16yr old girl in 1999 what she thought of the band I replied “they’re phat!” He giggled and said “well, that has to be the first time Mick has ever been referred to as fat!”
And that was it. I didn’t even recall that memory until years later, after working with Pierre through countless post-concert coverages, followed by late night dinners and enjoying just a handful of martinis together.
He is a friend and a mentor. And not just to the lucky folks working at @933wmmr, but to the whole damn city!”
Andrea Bocelli was in town this past week to perform with the Philly Pops Wednesday at Wells Fargo. He and his family arrived on Monday and checked into the Four Seasons. Have you seen their Christmas decorations. So beautiful. You don’t have to be staying there, or even eating there to stop by and see the glory. That evening Bocelli his wife Veronica Berti his daughter Virginia and a few friends headed to Gran Caffe L’Aquila with a few friends. They didn’t even announce they were going, just got a resy, sat and ate. They’re just like us, but Andrea and Virginia can sing like angels. Yes it’s true, she is gifted. She sang a few songs with him at his Wells Fargo concert. The next day they were off to explore Philly. First stop Christmas Village, then to Dilworth Park for ice skating. A stop in Macy’s. A few people recognized him, and he stopped for photos. Then it was back to the Four Seasons and dinner at JG Sky High, with it’s beautiful views. Wednesday was rest and the concert.
Speaking of Wells Fargo Center- Alex Rodriguez, A Rod was in the house Saturday night. J-Lo’s ex, Yankee superstar, entrepreneur was spotted at the Wells Fargo Center as the Sixers trounced the Golden State Warriors 102 – 93!!! (Thanks to Caryn Kunkle who tagged me in this photo)
Time got away with me this week. Here are a list of parties I photographed and which media picked them up.
The Opening of The Fin – which by the way was delicious. Reasonably priced. Great atmosphere, and roomy.
Parx Casino Gives Free Thanksgiving Meals At Senior Center
Parx Casino, located in Bucks County, gave out thousands of free meals at the Bristol Township Senior Center earlier this week.
The event started at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, with thousands of pre-prepared meals ready to be given to the senior citizens at the center. Seniors who came were also given a weeks supply of meals and soups.
“The Parx Casino and Caring for Friends partnership is a tremendous opportunity to build a legacy of care in our community,” said Ron Davis (hat), Parx Casino Director of Diversity and Community Development. “We are thankful to our team members who are always willing to help with outreach to those in need. We celebrate making a difference.”
The casino also donated a $15,000 check to Caring for Friends for all their work in the Bucks County area. The event was a collaboration between the casino and the organization in an effort to combat hunger in the Bucks County area.
Last Saturday, Parx Casino executives and team members cooked, packed and prepared Thanksgiving meals for seniors to give away for the holidayCarrie Nork Minelli · Director of Advertising & Public Relations at Parx Casino told me.
“With so many people in our area facing hunger, Parx’ efforts are helping provide a happier and heartier Thanksgiving dinner not just to the Bucks County seniors here today, but to thousands of neighbors in need in the greater Philadelphia region.” said Caring For Friends CEO Vince Schiavone.
ABOUT CARING FOR FRIENDS Founded in 1974 on the belief that no one should be hungry or alone in a world of caring people, Caring for Friends is a volunteer organization and independent food bank serving greater Philadelphia. Through its flagship meal delivery program, CFF provides food and friendship to homebound seniors, veterans and those with disabilities. And thanks to generous donations of time, money and product, CFF also provides meals to people experiencing homelessness, and donates food to more than 250 community partners working in unserved and underserved neighborhoods. So far in 2021, CFF has rescued, sourced and distributed more than a million pounds of food a month to help fight hunger. Anyone can volunteer in their own community on their own time by cooking meals, packing snacks, making deliveries or visiting with clients. Get involved at caringforfriends.org.
I’ve continued to bird watch, but not as enthusiastically as I wish I could as my business has been booming as well. I shot this cutie last week at John Heinz Nature Preserve. We’re so lucky to have this treasure so close to Philly. I can’t be everywhere so on occasion I will post photos and copy from others who have invited me, or attempted to hire me to shoot their event.
On Wednesday, the Thomas Jefferson University fashion merchandising and management (FMM) students filled the Kanbar Performance Space with a celebration of fashion streetwear in remembrance of one of their own. The students sold their original clothing designs and accessories to benefit this year’s charity, Children’s Miracle Network, which was selected in memory of Karigen Emig, who tragically died just months after graduating from the program earlier this year. “Karigen loved working in the fashion industry and was motivated by the way it brings together people from different backgrounds, inspires confidence and creates change in the world. She deeply inspired everyone around her, not only through her great sense of style, but also through her positive energy, contagious work ethic, and her infectious smile,” says Julia Wazeter, Karigen’s best friend and 2021 FMM graduate who, along with Karigen’s parents, will attend the Pop Up Shop event.
Circle of Trees – November 20: A favorite of local families and children, Circle of Trees returns to kick off the holiday season on November 20 at 5 p.m. This year, the event takes on a new COVID-friendly format, with Santa’s firetruck making stops at several neighborhood locations, the first at Woodmere Art Museum at 9201 Germantown Avenue. Stay tuned for more details about where he’s touching down.
Wednesday night Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Friends of the Avenue of the Arts hosted a Fundraiser at the Dina Wind Art Foundation. It was a lovely evening of shopping with 25% of the proceeds going directly to AAI.
Great news! John has offered to extend the 25% contribution to Avenue of the Arts, Inc. through this Sunday for orders placed through www.johnwind.com
When you add an item to your cart, you will see a box to write an ‘Order Note’. Just put ‘Avenue of the Arts’ there and your order will be included! If you have never seen John’s jewelry, take a look. The holidays are coming (Thanksgiving is next week!). Want to learn more about the Dina Wind Art Foundation? Visit www.dinawindfoundation.art
Moving from the Wells Fargo Parking lot, Spectacor Events & Entertainment has jollied the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular presented by Dietz & Watson to Oaks, Pa. The massive, immersive, one-of-a-kind experience offering a winter wonderland of lights, shopping, and dining will take place from November 26 (Black Friday) through January 2 at the Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.
Tinseltown is also announcing a Flex Ticket, which will allow guests to purchase a ticket without pre-selecting the date and time for a visit. Perfect for a holiday gift or those on a fluid schedule, the Flex Ticket is $38.99 and can be purchased here.
General admission tickets for Tinseltown are limited and start at $19.99 for adults and $13.99 for children under 13 – admission is FREE for children under five. All ticket buyers will be required to select a designated arrival window when purchasing - patrons are encouraged to book their timed tickets early as sell-outs are anticipated. Purchase your tickets NOW at TinseltownHoliday.com. This year I am tooo busy to make it to the new site, but it’s spectacular, family fun with food and lots of holiday photos to be had.
The 45th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show kicked off Thursday night with the preview party at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (enter at 12th and Arch). Everyone was excited that we were attending in person. To enter you must show your vaccination card, but I did notice most people were wearing their masks. What happens a lot of times when I take photos, people will ask me “Mask on, or Mask Off.” I always say whatever you are comfortable enough. Then they put their masks back on.
Selected by an esteemed panel of jurors, the 2021 Craft Show features 170 of the finest craft artists in the United States in person at the Pennsylvania Convention Center with an additional 25 artists participating online only. The 195 talented artists represent a vast array of work in 13 diverse categories of art created by hand. In addition, we welcome select student artists from local universities to exhibit and share their work with the public.
David Rozek started Pandemic Designs 2 years before the pandemic, but he created a lot of beautiful items during the pandemic. You must see his wood figure 8 coffee table. So unique.
I really enjoyed this years show as it was more eclectic, with lots of variety. Clothing and jewelry are always popular booths and there are plenty. The reason they’re so popular is you can get one of a kind items, not the everyone found it at Target or another chain dictating style.
Everyone wears their most crafty, fashionable clothes when they attend the craft show. Often times it’s something they bought a previous year.
It’s also very casual. You can get super dressed up to spend the afternoon with your friends, or you can look sporty fall like Arthur and Duanne, who at first were we aren’t very dressed, to me saying, you’re comfortable and cool. These guys are so cool. Very philanthropic in arts & culture, as well as funding homeless endeavors.
So what are you doing today that is more important than catching the beauty of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show> It’s affordable, and will inspire you.
Jud Aaron, Board of Trustees, UArts, Jeffrey Lutsky, chair of UArts’ Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2021. His board service began in 2010 and David Yager, President & CEO of UArts
On Tuesday, Sept. 14, University of the Arts celebrated the achievements of Jeffrey Lutsky, chair of UArts’ Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2021. His board service began in 2010.
During his tenure, Lutsky orchestrated the hiring of President & CEO David Yager, positioned UArts to articulate and achieve its mission and initiated Uniquely UArts: the Campaign for Creative Capital, the university’s first-ever comprehensive campaign.
The celebration was held in UArts’ Center for Immersive Media, which opened in 2019. The Center is a place where students and faculty can explore the opportunities and implications of what it means to be immersed in data, simulations, stories, performance and digital communities. It was the first time many of the Trustees, staff, supporters and friends of UArts had seen each other in two years.
The Campaign for Creative Capital has raised more than $58 million in support of UArts’ quest to achieve a new level in arts education. In recognition of his efforts and dedication to the university, Lutsky was presented with a custom-printed cymbal signed by UArts trustees and staff.
Upcoming events at UArts include in-person screenings at Lightbox Film Center and exhibitions. Learn more at uarts.edu.
The Barnes Museum hosted its annual Arts Ballon Friday, October 15th, a special evening to celebrate the institution and its enduring legacy. The black-tie event raised critical funds that ensure the future of the Barnes Foundation’s educational mission, exhibition program, and wide array of community, artistic, and scholarly projects.
Guests enjoyed an exhibit of Suzanne Valadon: Model, Painter, Rebel, the first exhibition dedicated to the French artist and model Suzanne Valadon at a major US arts institution.
Katherine English and Paul Wood
The annual soiree attracted fellow artists, collectors, philanthropists, community partners, thought leaders, and connectors who reconvened in person for a night of diverse and dynamic creative experiences.
Sharon Kim and Andrew Teufel arrive at the ball, accepting a glass of champagne as they enter
The Vaccine Mandated event had guests enjoying the pre festivities in the courtyard before enjoying special performances, exhibits, dinner, and mingling inside the museum, mask free.
Make a 100% tax-deductible to support the Barnes Foundation donation online
John Medveckis, Honorary Consul of Latvia and Helen Drutt English, renowed art crafts person
Scene stealer of the night had to been Jen Su, TV and Radio presenter, wearing a beautiful dress by Philadelphia Designer Conrad Booker. HE also did her shoes.
Gregory Walker, The Brothers Network and Doris Parent
Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer and Joseph Neubauer, Barnes Board of Trustee
Bonnie Young and Tuesday Gordon-Gaines.
Singer, song writer Laurin Talese, legendary music maven Dyana Williams, celebrity strategist and James Claiborne, Curator of Public Programs · Barnes Foundation
Sarah Hall and Aileen Roberts, Chair of Board at Barnes Foundation
Kiersten Ensley, Marianne Dean, one of the co-chairs of this evenings event and son Michael Dean,
Sharon Pinkenson, Tina and Julian Krinsky, Garret Snider, Lauren Jarvis, and Lauren Colovita
Steven Lagos (3rd from left) and his team, including long time GM Janice Waitkus (2nd from right), who is retiring next week. Best wishes to you Janice.!!
And then it was time for me to go to the next event that evening, the Gravediggers Ball at the Penn Museum. More on that next week. It’s so nice to see events, galas, parties come back, and people enjoying themselves, at a pace they are comfortable with, and most importantly to support the arts, culture, business and each other once again. Enjoy your weekend and thank you for subscribing (only 60 more for 43ks. You will receive the post right in your email, you don’t have to click on anything to see what is happening around our area) . Look for more photos from the Barnes Art Ballin the December issues of Main Line Today and Philly Style Magazine. Thanks for visiting PhillyChitChat. Best wishes, HughE
The Halloween spirit is in full swing in our area, especially at the Philadelphia Zoo. First of all have you seen the Zoo’s PR Kory Aversa’s viral video with the hippos eating pumpkins. Look for the link at the bottom of this entry. This past weekend, Saturday specifically I stopped by to visit the hippos, giraffes, and especially the penguins with a whole bunch of people, many who were dressed in fun, spooky costumes for Boo at the Zoo. It was so nice to see so many smiling faces, and happy people enjoying America’s First Zoo.
You still have 2 more weekends left to enjoy Boo at the Philly Zoo October 23-24 and 29-31, 2021, families are invited to enjoy Philadelphia Zoo and enjoy an open-air Halloween celebration that features fall plants and foliage, spooky kid-friendly decorations, not-scary extinction graveyard, photo opportunities, and special treats.
Kids receive Trick or Treat bags when they enter.
They go to candy/gift stations through out the zoo and pick up treats.
Which reminds ,me, have you ordered your Thanksgiving Dinner yet? Boston Market has a great deal!! I had it last year, it was so easy. Comes precooked you just have to heat it up !!
October 7, 2021 was a celebration of the reopening of the Philadelphia Art Alliance at University of the Arts, which had largely been closed during the pandemic. It included UArts leadership, its board of trustees and the many donors who supported the first two phases of improvements to the alliance. The evening cocktail party was held in the newly renovated first-floor galleries and meeting space, as well as in the garden.
Founded by artists in 1915 and located in the former Wetherill Mansion on Rittenhouse Square, the Philadelphia Art Alliance is considered one of the first multidisciplinary art spaces in the U.S. Its remarkable legacy includes presenting the work of visionary writers, composers, dancers, musicians, sculptors and architects from Igor Stravinksy to Gertrude Stein to Diego Rivera, among many other luminaries.
In 2018, the celebrated Philadelphia Art Alliance merged with the University of the Arts uniting two century-old institutions as the Philadelphia Art Alliance at the University of the Arts. Its new name: Philadelphia Art Alliance at the University of the Arts.
President David Yager, president and CEO of uArts, and Jud Aaron, Board of Trustees for the University of the Arts greets the supporters, friends and thanks them for their help in renovating the building.
Ralph Citino ,Lawrence Taylor, Eleanor Davis, Suzanne and Ron Naples
John Medveckis and Patricia Fowler
Dr.Bettyruth Walter, and Julie Curson
-John Fry, Carol Graney and Jud Aaron
Gregory Segall, Joe Aristone, and Jack Soloff Jr.
Larry and Harriet Weiss, Ronald Gross and Sandra Taub
Thanks to Andre Flewellen for shooting. For more background on the Art Alliance, and University of the ArtsCommon Field Phila Inquirer Sorry I missed you yesterday, it’s been very busy this week, which is great. You can always follow along on Instagram, in my stories as that’s where I report current, as it happens in my life stuff. Hello to the 127 new followers since the beginning of October. Most of youse came over from Instagram, and I appreciate it. Here on PhillyChitChat we go much more into depth about the events we cover with links so you can easily read about them as well. Otherwise see you tomorrow for more ChitChat. Thanks so much!! HughE
Co-Hosts and organizers of Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran pose at one of several photo stations at the Annual Diner en Blanc in Philadelphia, Pa., on Thursday, Aug., 12, 2021. These two women, attended a Diner en Blanc in the late 00s, and worked together to bring it here in 2012 for our enjoyment.
Dîner en Blanc was started in Paris in 1988 by a man who wanted to meet his friends for dinner in a public place. He asked them all to wear white so they would be able to find each other. 30 years later it is still a celebration of diversity, friendships, and encourages making new connections. Last Thursday, despite the record heat, nearly 3,000 attended the Philadelphia version. The last time it was held was in 2019 with a record of 6,000 Philadelphians.
16th and Chestnut
Pine and Broad
Diner Attendees dress in white and bring their own picnic and white table settings to a secret location. Here they wait at designated locations waiting for the call to bring them to the final destination.
Guests must bring a table, two(white, of course)chairs, and a white tablecloth. You can bring your own picnic basket of food or you have the option to pre-order food that can be picked up at the caterer site.
Le Dîner en Blanc was happy to align with the following organizations for this year’s event. Feast Your Eyes Catering delicious cuisine with a plethora of dining options like cheese plates, entrees, and dessert samplers were a few of the menu options for a tasteful evening. Petit Jardin en Ville returned to offer flower bouquets. One Hope is a proud partner of the Friends of Rittenhouse Square. Le Dîner en Blanc guests were encouraged to buy a bottle of wine from One Hope, an online wine store that donates a portion of their sales to organizations that provide access to clean water, hunger relief, health research, and education. To Keep Up to Date on Event Announcements, Visit philadelphia.dinerenblanc.com
