Memorial Day

Memorial Day and every day, thank you, Dad, and all who served our nation in time of war.

Remembering Auggie

I last saw “Auggie” last month on the night Woodland String Band celebrated its first prize finish.  He had had surgery the same day and still showed up.  You knew he wasn’t feeling great and used a wheelchair to get about, but, as usual, he made everybody laugh, everybody smile, everybody feel better.  Frank “Auggie” [...]

25th Ride for Life

The 25th annual Ride for Life benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association was a rumbling, rousing success this weekend in Bethlehem.  As the weekend got underway, endless rows of Harleys filled a lot on Saturday at Steel Stacks, a marvelous venue centered on the behemoth of an old blast furnace.  The big ride was Sunday. All [...]

Elaine’s Laces of Hope

I talked the other day to an impressive young man,15-year-old Nicholas Celenza. Nick and his siblings have sold more than a thousand pairs of pink shoelaces in memory of their mother, Elaine Brown Celenza, who died February 24, 2012, after a long, inspirational struggle with breast cancer. I met Nick, his brother, 18-year-old Anthony, and [...]

Amy’s Fund

A beautiful blue sky inspired us us today at the annual Amy’s Fund 5K Run and 2.2K Walk in Northeast Philadelphia. The run/walk in memory of Amy Kligge Vengels  took place at Holy Family University. Amy died in December of 2004 as a result of cervical cancer. Amy’s Fund began in 2005 and has grown [...]

Bear Affair

The 12th annual Harmelin Media Bear Affair was a roaring success Thursday night at the Crystal Tea Room in Center City, Philadelphia.  I again had the opportunity to emcee and auction off a few items to benefit the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance.  I was joined by Mike Missanelli, of 97.5 The Fanatic (great job Mikey Miss), [...]

For the Kids

A fabulous celebration last night in Center City, Philadelphia for the National Adoption Center!  The Center, based here, celebrated its 40th anniversary.  I got a chance to auction off a couple of items as part of the fundraising event.  Special congratulations go to founder Carolyn Johnson and to advocate for children and families, Alba Martinez.  Hall of [...]

A Giving Life

Kathryn Voit passed away last night.  Kathryn, of Cheltenham, had lived with ALS for more than 10 years.  That in itself is inspirational to those diagnosed with the disease, but her contributions to improving people’s lives just begins there.  She was a particularly meaningful person to the folks who work at the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter.  Kathryn was a constant [...]

Mall Walking

More than 500 great citizens walked through the King of Prussia Mall this morning in the annual MDA Make A Muscle, Make A Difference Walk.  Walkers came in all combinations, including large teams.  There was the fun warm-up and when all were ready, Maddie Crowley, of Downingtown and the MDA Statewide Goodwill Ambassador, cut the gold ribbon to begin [...]

Appreciating the Mummers

The 1st annual Mummers Appreciation Weekend has been humming and strumming right along at SugarHouse Casino in Fishtown.  Hundreds of Mummers have been stopping by since Friday afternoon.  The Battle of the Bands, a string band competition, has been taking place today. SugarHouse is also giving away a “Mummed-up” Harley Davidson motorcycle Sunday afternoon.  Only Mummers are eligible [...]