Oscar Night in Philly: It’s was a night of food, fun and movies, with guests dressing up, some as their favorite characters from nominated films, walking the red carpet all in the name of raising funds to benefit the Philadelphia Film Society.
Hostess with the mostess Scarlet and TV Personality Jen Su, PFS Board of Directors Hope you caught her on Fox29 today, recapping the Oscars, and last nights party at Philadelphia Film Center on Chestnut, near Broad.
Ann Marie and Sadie Mendlow, Cashman & Assocs.
Fashion designer Andre Moore with muse, personality Laura Mazurek
Barry Johnson and Ernest Owens
Ernest’s favorites this year were best picture Holdover and everyone’s favorite supporting actress Philly’s own Da’Vine Joy Randolph, actress Lily Gladstone, actor Robert Downey Jr., songstress Billie Eilish, although he’d love to see songwriter Diane Warren win in her lifetime. She’s been nominated 15 times, and has never won. He knows his stuff as nearly everyone he chose won.
Delicious fare by 12th Street Catering
Andrew Greenblatt Executive Director of the Philadelphia Film Society, Producer of the Philadelphia Film Festival
James Claiborne has returned to Philly, after being appointed Barnes Foundation Deputy Director for Community Engagement and with equally stylish Sena Sullivan
Usually he’s in front of the camera, but fashion model Jalen Hoang who always makes the scene next level does a favor for a friend.
Jan’ah McClean and Diane Duncan loved Oppenheimer. The last film they saw was Dune 2, which they recommend. It’s sooo long you can grab a quick nap and still know what’s going on, but make sure you watch the first Dune so you can follow along.
All proceeds from this annual fundraiser support the Philadelphia Film Society’s mission of creating opportunities for diverse communities to experience film through initiatives that inspire, educate, challenge and entertain.
Artist Wendee Yudis (center tan slacks): Blending feminist views and women’s empowerment with vibrant pop art aesthetics in a playful yet thought-provoking manner, I create art infused with energy, dynamism and socially engaging narrative. Currently Showing at James Oliver Gallery 723 Chestnut Street through 3/16
I attended the opening night of Wendee Yudis new exhibition a earlier this month.
Lee Shuman and James Oliver, His gallery is unique contemporary loft-style, spacious art gallery nestled in the heart of the historic area, above the world-famous Morimoto Restaurant. Found in late 2006, James Oliver Gallery features local, national, and international artists in the realm of painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and installation works in the Old City/Washington Square West neighborhood.
Matthew Baron and Sasha Lizlyner
Vashti DuBois Executive Director/Founder of the Color Girls Museum and Elizabeth Wellington, Inquirer Reporter
Who doesn’t love the fashion folks wear to art exhibition opening nights, like the very stylish Nichole Alpas , Studio Teknik Salon and Jim Haer
Chris and Virginia
Bestie Lisa Gelfenson came out to support her friend artist Wendee Yudis
Maria Grande, Maryanne Deangelo, with Wendee
On View through 3/16: Untamed, featuring Wendee Yudis. View the exhibition catalogue here!
On November 8, RAIR (Recycled Artist In Residency) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its signature annual event – Trash Bash, last night at the beautiful Atelier FAS in North Philly. RAIR a unique, non-profit arts organization uniquely situated within a construction and demolition recycling center in Northeast Philadelphia. Ginger Rudolph, Sara McCorriston and Billy DuFala, co-founder of the Recycled Artist in Residency (RAIR) program in Philadelphia, which aims to raise awareness of sustainability through the creative reuse of materials. Dufala describes his work as an investigation of human beings and their relationships with themselves and others. Sarah M, Judy Wicks, author/activist , Christopher Plant, KISMET COWORK, RADIOKISMET, and Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at AIA Philadelphia, board member of PMA’s Collab Philly. Their annual event is happening Novermber 18, this year’s Design Excellence Award honoring American designer Stephen Burks. Samantha Wichen and Fern Gookin, Director of Sustainability, Revolution Recovery, and co-founder of Rair Philly, who’s mission is to continue challenging the perception of waste culture.
The whole concept of this creative organization is very unique and the work created is definitely one of a kind. An eclectic crowd gathered at this annual event, from business executives – Michael Newmius and Kevin Lessard, creatives Sarah H Gamble , philanthropists, politicians including Sen Shariff Street, entrepreneurs Lindsey Scannapieco,
Alexis Tuttleman and Max Tuttleman, Husband, Father, Philadelphian, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist.Rachel Zimmerman, Founding Artistic and Executive Director of InLiquid, Co-Chair Philadelphia chapter of ArtTable, Board Member of GPCA (Save the date March 9 for InLiquid’s annual fundraiser- InLiquid’s Art for the Cash Poor) and John Wind, founder and chief designer of Maximal Art, wearing a Andy Warhol inspired Campbell soup sweater from Joan Shepp. You can find his jewelry at the iconic fashion store on Chestnut Street as well.Blair M was happy to support Rair as well as to connect with old friends. Tony Diaz loves the unconventional items which are given a new purpose.Salt Design Studio = Angela Fleagle, Rian Herilla, Sara Pevaroff Schuler, Le Xu, Olivia Boon and Katrina RogusJason Kim, Ellen Houle, Leanne Weiner, Emilly Rollet, Kiet Tran, and Jon Wybar is the co-founder and owner of Revolution Recovery (the incredible company who created the material that built the temporary bridge on 95 which collapsed earlier this year, it makes sense he’s connected with a recyling art organization)Reny Beloff, Kristin Katz, Yameen Allworld and Liza Tedeschi, board member RAIR (Recycled Artist In Residency) is a non-profit arts organization uniquely situated within a construction and demolition recycling center in Northeast Philadelphia.The RAIR workspace includes a large project space, wood shop equipment, metalworking facilities, access to the waste stream for materials, and a material storage area. Artists-in-residence receive attentive support from RAIR’s staff who act as liaisons between the artist and the recycling facility. In addition to providing artists on-site access to recovered materials, construction equipment, and a fully-equipped studio space, RAIR’s residency program offers artists the opportunity to use the entire 3.5-acre facility as an expansive project space for the development and presentation of ambitious experimental work.
Chris Darway, Artist, designer, teacher, writer. Wayne Art Center and Nancy C. O’Meara – Director and Craft Show Manager
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show was founded in 1977 and was the first retail craft show established and organized by a volunteer committee for the benefit of a non-profit institution. This trailblazing show has served as a prototype for successful subsequent shows in cities such as Washington, D.C., and Glencoe, IL among others.
Ami Snyderman Lonner chair of this years show, her dad Rick Snyderman and brother Evan Snyderman of Manhattan, and Renee Cohen
The Show is presented each November by the Museum’s Women’s Committee and the Craft Show Committee for the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A portion of each year’s proceeds is dedicated to the purchase of a craft object for the Museum’s permanent collection. Funds raised are also used to underwrite education and publication projects within the Museum.
Martha Morris, Bryn Mawr, Linda Madara, Bryn Mawr, Linda Fuller of Haverford and Carole Jones of Philadelphia (I prepared some of these photos this way as they will go in the Main Line Today January issue. )Courtney Richards, Philly Pr Girl, Kate Marlys, Philly Pr Girl – Sunday Philly Pr Girls will be hosting their 8th annual Tailgate Party at the Eagles game. Catherine Joseph Booth 312 has great textiles.Henry Fader and Marjorie Rosenbluth Philips, who is wearing items she purchased at the craft show over a 12 year period.
Proceeds have enabled the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for the Audio-Visual and Conservation departments and monies have been contributed to the renovation of both Museum infrastructure and galleries as well as external installations such as the Rodin Museum and Mount Pleasant, an 18th century house in nearby Fairmount Park.
Joan Spain and Joan Pileggi, or the Joan’s as they have always been known on the social circuit, live spending time at the PMA Craft Show, as well as supporting many of the arts and cultural endeavors in the City. They were happy to see their friend Karen Morris a milliner , booth 410.Meghan Patrice Riley Studio of Broklyn NYThe Jane and Leonard Korman Family Prize for Excellence in Clay was awarded to Thomas Harris booth 606. Presented by the Korman daughters Susan Schurr, Cathy Altman and Alison Korman, and flanked by Philadelphia Museum of Arts Sasha Suda, director and CEO of the PMA
Jimmy DeLaurentis officially opened his flagship location for his private label collection, James by Jimmy DeLaurentis, at 114 S. 19th St. yesterday.
A Philadelphia native and design trailblazer with more than 25 years of experience, Jimmy DeLaurentis is known for creating luxurious and memorable spaces through his unique design aesthetic that combines opulence with a touch of playfulness.
After honing his craft on the creative team at Ralph Lauren, he propelled his career by becoming an entrepreneur, designing stunning homes and businesses for A-list clientele. In 2016, he saw a void in the market for custom, luxury home furnishings and accessories with an element of surprise and launched JAMES by Jimmy DeLaurentis.
The showroom has stacks of eye catching books lined the shelves along with household accents, vintage black and white photos of James Dean, Paul Newman and race cars, welcomed guests to the new shop the showroom interior design and gift shop space. (Michael DelBene and Colin Burke)
Maryanne Harris and Stacey Kracher
Jimmy has other showrooms including one in Las Vegas, where his famous Bravo reality celebs, RHONJ Deloris Catania, Lisa Vanderpump of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “Vanderpump Rules,” and her husband, Ken Todd, were all in attendance for the reveal of the Amalfi Furniture Collection and Poolside Pet Sofas at a Las Vegas, Nev. At the New York debut Teresa Giudice mentioned she has the Gabriella in her house. Don’t be surprised if you stop by his store and run into one of these ladies.
Sophisticated bar accessories
Jimmy also has these cute pet sofas which he debut in 2018 at a Union Trust party I covered.
Nicole Cashman of Cashman & Associates and Jimmy DeLaurentis.Author Thom Nickels stopped by to wish Jimmy well.Rick Mead and Tim Gresh
As for who, the event brought out the fashionable crowd, friends, family and Instagram Personalities including Ramillionaire Carr.
James offers a luxury candles and adorable “James” line of bears fashioned from upholstery fabric. Our James Bears are a stylish, yet playful accessory intended to add extra personality and an element of surprise to interiors, a key component of my design philosophy,” said Jimmy DeLaurentis. “Complete with leather collars, the bears are the perfect luxe accessory to add a little bit of my design aesthetic to a space.”
Lori and Brian GillBarbara Gall, Jimmy, Marianne Harris and guest.from Art Haus. Last year Jimmy DeLaurentis outfitted a Center City penthouse at Art Haus. (Inquirer) The new 1500 square ft. showroom highlights furniture and accessories from Jimmy’s private label collection. Pieces include upholstered furniture, an assortment of custom pet sofas – made with the same level of detail and quality as the furniture collections. Additional offerings include a full-service interior design studio as well as a curated collection of furnishings and gifts from his favorite designers including Interlude, Joe Cariati, etúHOME, Global Views and more. JAMES by Jimmy DeLaurentis
The Ball on the Square celebrated it’s return with a sold out, excited glamorous crowd on September 28th. The gala returned to its more traditional format of a formal seated-dinner in a tented venue on the Square. The event committee was co-chaired by Wendy Rosen, Renee Tucci and Brian Emmons, members of Friends of Rittenhouse Square. The gala supplements state and city services to care for the park and its fountain, small structures, paths, and landscaping.
Robyn Morgan and Brian Emmons, Vice President – Southern Land Company. The Laurel on Rittenhouse Square is one of his latest projects. It has beautiful views of the City, and has rentals as well as condos available. Next year Michael Schulson will be opening another one of his popular restaurants there.
Dan Rosen, Paul Rosen and Wendy Rosen, president of Friends of Rittenhouse Square for 16 years until 2010, was one f the co-chairs of the evenings event.
Delicious dinner by Philadelphia – Catering and Events – Neuman’s Kitchen; Evantine Design did a spectacular job as usual with the decor, transforming the center square into a unique space with the police gazebo as a central focal point. The glass was frosted, with inspiring messages adorning it describing who uses the square, and how it is maintained.
Anthony Sembello and Lauren Beloff
Natalia Goblina and Allen King
Sam Audia, Michela Karrash, Client Development Officer – Glenmede; with Hollis Dana and Tyler Wilson : Just Married – May 27, 2023
The evening started with a well attended cocktail party, under the starry sky.
A big project happening now in the Square is the lawn restoration where the Knight Foundation has invested $160,000 over the next four years, Friends plan to fully restore over 140,000 square feet in this historic Square .
Larry McMichael, Chairman Dilworth Paxson LLP , Trish Wellenbach,, Chair of Jefferson Board and President and CEO, Please Touch Museum, PYO President, CEO & Music Director. Maestro Louis Scaglione and Jim Dever · President, Bank of America Greater Philadelphia
Fox29’s Shiba Russell and Jason Martinez
Scott Barnes – Director, Events & Hospitality – Comcast and Michelle Conron, Cashman & Associates
Dr. Nyree Dardarian, Sabrina Tamburino Thorne , Alisa Frederico and Lynsie Feinberg kick up their heels on the dance floor.
Oliver Badgio – Chief Brand Officer – Prime Steak Concepts (Steak 48, I’ll be forever grateful for the lovely dinner party they threw in my honor over the summer)
Mike Jerrick, Ray Evers, Sheila Hess, Rob Wasserman, Will Lewis and Frances Wang
Parks and Rec, an outstanding partner, helps us hang banners, fix electrical/lighting issues, remove dead trees, and maintain the fountain. They also staff the Park Rangers in the Guard House. The Streets Department hauls away the trash we bag and collect every day. – Doug Blonsky, in an interview with The Philadelphia Citizen.
The Young Friends of the Friends of Rittenhouse
June Armstrong, Operations Director of Friends of Rittenhouse, Cherelle Parker, proud mother and candidate for Mayor of Philadelphia, Laura LaRosa , Friends of Rittenhouse Board President and Garrett Snider, philanthropist
Anna Boni and Michael Boni, Esq. (before I was PhillyChitChat I was a paralegal for Michael Boni at Kohn Swift & Graf. We both left the firm, and went out on our own.)
Rittenhouse raised Megan Nicoletti and Billy Walsh newly engaged (160 days til their Palm Beach wedding) and partners in business at Serhant Pennsylvania.
Supermarket Power Couple: Jeff and Sandy Brown, own and operate Brown’s Super Stores, which includes 11 ShopRite supermarkets and two Fresh Grocers.
Aren Platt, Sr. Advisor to Cherelle Parker for Mayor and Jessica Platt, Vice President, Bellevue Strategies, Public Affairs & Strategic Communications
Megan Heaton and Joe Mastronardo
The Next Generation of Philanthropic Leaders: Scott Brown and Andrew Bergman
The Friends of Rittenhouse Square was created in 1976 to address the increasing gap between available city funding and the maintenance needs of Rittenhouse Square. With a mission to “preserve, protect, and beautify” the park, the Friends work in a public-private partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The Friends fund and manage many programs and projects needed to sustain the Square. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Friends provide funding through membership, special events, private donations, sponsorships, and capital campaigns. Join Us
Philadelphia’s famous foodie street kicked off fall festival season with a giant new all-day, all-age, five block long music and food festival yesterday, Sunday September 10, 2023. East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District hosted the inaugural East Passyunk Music Festival, sponsored by Samuels Seafood, Giordano Garden Groceries, Penn Beer and WXPN, on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Guests enjoyed a full day of live music paired with award-winning food and seasonal sips all under the beautiful end of summer skies. Many wore their Eagles game day outfits, before heading home to watch the first win of the season.
Pam Zenzola, who was previously president of the Passyunk Square Civic Association, then was the organizations’ Executive Director , is now on the board of East Passyunk Ave BID, and was ecstatic that the neighborhood was able to return to hosting another successful, fun event for the neighborhood.
Festival goers pecked out poems at Philly Typewriter, located at 1735 E Passyunk Ave
Ryan, Ryker, Megan and Cole were excited to see the Avenue once again alive with activity, and introduce 1 year old Ryker to old friends.
Vanessa and Natalie live nearby, and were excited to be with their neighbors, it was a hotter than they thought it’d be and found relief with the Kimmel Cultural Center fans, which doubled as a promo pieve for upcoming Broadway shows coming in the fall to Philly.
It was a T-Shirt kinda Day
Justin Tyner, resident artist at Halcyon Floats in Philadelphia is wearing a Doors vintage T he’s own since graduating in 1997.
Renee wearing one of her favorites, wanted to support her neighborhood East Passyunk as it had been awhile since they had a street festival.
Former Eater Editor Rachel Vigoda (currently with Taste of Home) and Justin. He is wearing his current favorite t-shirt, tells me he has a closet full of vintage t’s mostly of bands he loves.
City Rhythms performs at the inaugural East Passyunk Music Festival on September 10, 2023.
Polaroid Man – 2 fo $10 (I need to raise my rates)
I’m not going to lie, I was disturb to later notice the background is in focus, and the bicycle handlebar mustache was not, ugh. Some photos ride to the occasion of ignoring that mistake.
“We are excited to debut the first-ever East Passyunk Music Festival featuring thirty top bands, musicians, live performers and DJs – including South Philly favorite Cosmo Baker and MTV’s DJ Diamond Kuts,” said new EPABID Executive Director Rebecca O’Leary, formerly of Fleisher Art Memorial.
Jason and Marla Dilks in front of their East Passyunk business P’Unk Burger East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District is home to 160+ independently owned shops and restaurants that perfectly balance the best of old and new. East Passyunk is a mile-long continuously walkable corridor mixing boutique shopping, world-class cuisine, and world-famous cheese steaks, with trendy shops, handmade arts, and popular events.
It was a beautiful day, and umbrellas were necessary mostly for the blazing sun
Chris Malo, assistant professor at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication and Jona Deleo, Workforce Development Specialist were excited to return to an East Passyunk festival, to do their favorite activity, people watching. (I mean basically that is my favorite thing to do as well.)
Kate Bielunas,American Association for Cancer Research and Neil McGeeham. My question of the day was what song motivates you: He said they listened to “In Da Club” by 50cents Saturday before attending a great wedding. BTW I did ask how they met and it was on Hinge in 2021. Then while googling them today, I find out that Kate works at AACR, my advertiser. She is on brand with those green pants.
Monica Nguyen, of Meraki Luxe Spa, Blanca Charnis, of Bronzed by Bee, Lueve Morlee and musician Prince LI
For more information on the neighborhood, visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com and follow @eastpassyunk on social media.
The Post Brothers Piazza Alta, completed at the end of 2022, with almost 700 rental units and amenities is filling up with residents. I’ve been covering the Post Brothers for a decade now, from one of their first from the ground up developments like the Goldtex building off of Vine Street.to now Piazza Alta, their crown jewel in Northern Liberties
The combination of a rooftop pool club like Aqua Foro with interconnected pools, hot tub, splash pad, fire pits, kitchens, and lounge space makes it a unique and exciting destination for people to relax, socialize, and have fun. The design concept of an urban oasis, reminiscent of ancient ruins, but with a futuristic twist, is sure to create a memorable and magical experience for visitors.
Matthew Vogel and Farah Farag
Earlier this month the Post Brothers along with Cashman & Assocs. curated a list of VIPS, influencers and special guests along with residents, to enjoy the kick off of the summer season at the new pool.
The Millers: Barri, Amanda and Madison soak up the sun.
Sharron L Cooks wearing her fabulous sunnies in a stunning, hip hugging dress.
Bran Flakezz and his girlies: Casey Corradin, Grace Nenow, Carly Manning and Bailey Witherspoon
Erin Connery, Darius Alexander and Hacina Saadi
Aqua Foro, is a stunning 25,000 square foot rooftop pool club. Like the rooftop gardens of Rome, this unexpected sky garden is simultaneously urban and ethereal. A celebration of water and wellness, Aqua Foro evokes the beauty of an ancient ruin and the thrill of a futuristic retreat with a view of a burgeoning metropolis.
Post Brothers CEOMichael Pestronk (l) and President Matthew Pestronk (c) with friends, including the architects of the pool Rolando Lopez Lopez AIA – Project Architect – DIGSAU and Jeff Goldstein, principle at DIGSAU . I had a chance to chat with them, complimenting them on what is definitely one of the best designs of all the Post Brothers epic pool resorts. I love how they mimic the skyline with architectural elements, but didn’t block the view of the skyline, or sun rise or sun set horizons so the pool goers could enjoy all the views yet enjoy a sorta sculptural garden of sorts.
Honestly you won’t need that shore house anymore, just walk out your door to your resort. Almost makes me want to sell my house and move to NoLibs Piazza Alta.
Leila Cartier, Executive Director, CraftNOW Philadelphia, Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly, Anna Solomon and Rebecca Ledbetter, NextFab
Philadelphia-based organizations Craft organization CraftNOW and makerspace NextFab have partnered again, welcoming new partner LaserPhilly, to present the second annual Tools of the Trades, a four-day hybrid conference focused on connecting artisans to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond.
The event started off on Tuesday with a breakfast meeting, before jumping into the 4 day conference, the first 3 days virtual and in person on Saturday, March 25th there were Workshops and a Networking Happy Hour at NextFab, 1800 N. American Street, Philadelphia.
Juanda Myles and Mark Coleman are excited for Philly Tech Week coming up
Paige Sato, MABEL who makes clothing, and bags out of old quilts
Jason Lempieri, Manhole Coasters and Lindsey Fogarasi, CraftNow
The Tools of the Trades conference schedule has three distinct tracks described below. These include ▶︎ Tools in Business, ◉ Tools for Creatives, and ❑ Tools with Contemporaries. If you missed this years conference check in periodically with Tools for Trade for next years date.
Sheila Hess, City Representative presents Kate Marlys, found of Philly Pr Girl with a Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia and Mayor Kenney recognizing her 10 years in business!!
Congratulations Philly PR Girl. Starting out as a WYSP on the promotional team, Kate Marlys knew how to get the word out. Friendly, outgoing, she easily made friends, and connections which would serve her later in life as she built her public relations business. Starting off as a blogger, she would write about her life of adventure, eventually sharing with the public info they wanted – where to eat, what to do, what to see; which morphed into a PR business where she could help businesses share their stories , connect with media. Many of her first clients were friends, and these days many of her friends are her clients. Congratulations Kate!! Well Done. OH forgot to mention, she also was a genius with the name of her firm. Catchy, memorable and concise.
Rachel Perez (Happy Birthday) and Stephanie Algayer
Farah Farag, Visit Philly, Andrianna Acosta, Philly PR Girl, Hector Nuñez, founder of Wooder Ice and Matthew Vogel, who is married to Farah, whose parents I went to high school with, which makes me old,..
Philly PR Girl is a full-time public relations firm for event planning, social media management, marketing, and promotions. Our company was built on the foundation of networking and relationship-building. Owner Kate Marlys has planned, facilitated and attended hundreds of networking events, resulting in a strong and dynamic network of contacts in digital, print, TV, and radio throughout the United States.
With an emphasis on organic branding and powerful online communications, our team brings winning strategies, forward-thinking implementation, and endless energy to non-profits and businesses of all sizes on both a local and national scale.
SNACKTIME Performed at Philly PR Girl’s 10th Anniversary Party at City Winery
It was great to be back at City Winery, I hadn’t been there since the beginning of the pandemic. We’re so lucky to have a major music venue like this in Center City, with food and good vibes. Plus a great event space with a stage. Check out today’s Metro Philly for more photos as well as my column in CBSPhilly. Congrats again Philly PR Girl!!
PS to my readers sorry I have been absent, social season is booming. I’m getting ready to go away for 5 days, and when I return I promise to be more consistent on this platform. Know that you can follow me on IG where I do post every 6 hours. PhillyChitChat Instagram
