September 8, 2016 at 6 pm The City of Philadelphia, the Global Philadelphia Association and over 270 World Heritage Cities across the globe celebrated “the 23^rd Solidarity Day of the World Heritage Cities, “ a yearly event which acknowledges the prestigious distinction of being a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC).

Mayor Kenny spoke of the many opportunities which have happened and will happen with this new world recognition.

Guest speaker Chris Matthews, a Philadelphia native, chatted about the metamorphosis Philly has undergone starting with Rendell through today. Philly has become a world class city. It was a great chat and he had the audience in stitches with his antidotes peppered with Philly sports teams references, especially his beloved Phillies, which got me thinking maybe that’s why his show is called – Hardball.

Chris Matthews did chat politics for a bit, telling the crowd, he’s know Trump for years, and only in the past 12 months had he ever heard a racist comment, you never really know a person. He’s a regular guy, last year they debated on why didn’t Zoolander 2 become as big of hit as Zoolander. Trump’s favorite movie. As for Hillary she’s a girly girl, but it doesn’t come across to the public as she puts on her armor. She’s smart, classy, and very friendly. I wish the American people were able to see the relaxed Hillary Clinton.

Gift bag, with a logo created by

This guy on the right: Adam Jacobsen, J2 Design, Barb Dalosta, J2 Design, and Matt Ray, Chatterblast

Valerie Kebeya, Ramcess Jean-Louis, Michael Magnatta, Yasmine Ndassa, Micaelle Alexis and David C. Parr

Michael Quinn, Museum of the American Revolution, Marla McDermott, Walnut Club, George W. Drach, MD, and Peggy Duckett,

Former Deputy of Commerce Alan Greenberger, who’s office is responsible under Mayor Michael Nutter for connecting and promoting Philadelphia with the World Heritage City organization. He’s now at Drexel, as well as head of the Art Commission. Paul Steinke, formerly GM of Reading Terminal, and city council candidate, is now Executive Director – ‎Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

Margaret Hughes, Office of the City Representative, Greta Greenberger, City Hall Tour Director (but sadly retiring 9/30/16), Sheila Hess, City Rep and Siobhan Lyons.

Zabeth Teelucksingh, Executive Director of Global Philadelphia, Chris Matthews, and David Smith

Mike Minerva, American Airline, Victoria Lupica, Public Affairs Manager at Philadelphia International Airport, Janet Walker Ford and Rhett Workman. Government & Airport Affairs, American Airlines – ‎American Airlines

Teresa Bazemore, Radian and Lenny Bazemore , The Bazemore Gallery. Earlier this year Lenny was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Manayunk Magazine.

Jay H. Shah Chief Executive Officer, Hersha Hospitality Trust, Sapna Bhatt, Hersha Hospitality, and Chas Hyatt, Vice President of Acquisitions and Development at Hersha Hospitality Management. They are excited for the opening of Scarpetta in the Rittenhouse Hotel, which is a Hersha property. Should be opened before the end of September.