Ben Around Philly

Effie Delimarkos, Vice President of National Communications and Partnerships at Scouting.org gives Kristen the details on their upcoming Family Fun Fest. This national event happens on the Boy Scouts of America Facebook page next Saturday, August 8th. Be sure to check out the Boy Scouts of America Facebook page at 11am on Saturday, August 8th for ‘the best outdoor fun you can do online’. There will be fun with small rockets, pinewood derby cars, a NASCAR driver, a NASA astronaut, funny pets and much more. Find more on the event HERE. Learn more about scouting here in Philly through the Cradle of Liberty Council. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local actor and comedian Shannon DeVido (Hulu’s Difficult People, Comedy Central’s Delco Proper) needs our help! She entered her film ‘Chair Person’ in the national Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge. Kristen talks with Shannon about the contest, quarantine, the 30th anniversary of the ADA, Hallmark Christmas movies and more. The winner of the Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge is determined by page views and visibility. Please watch Chair Person HERE as many times as possible before the contest deadline on August 2nd. Learn more about the contest at disabilityfilmchallenge.com/challenge/. Check out Shannon's other work at ShannonDeVido.com. Find past episodes of BEN Around Philly HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has a section called The Upside. It’s great. All good news. In last Sunday’s issue, The Upside featured Connie Kleinschmidt. The headline read, “She enjoys working too much to stop,” by Marc Narducci. Connie is turning 85 years old next week, but has no interest in retiring. She works 5 days a week at the Rite Aid on Garrett Road in Upper Darby. Kristen gives Connie a call, and the two chat about Neil Diamond, pets, the Phillies, and not retiring, because “it’s just waiting to get old”. Stop by the Rite Aid some time to say hi to Connie, or wish her a happy birthday this coming Thursday, July 30th. She’s sure to smile if you talk Phillies baseball or sing “Sweet Caroline” to her. Heck, she’ll likely smile no matter what.

Kristen Herrmann speaks with Exeter Township Police Sergeant Sean Fullerton about a pretty unusual occurrence (even for 422). Around 10pm this past Monday night, a small airplane made was forced to make an emergency landing on the highway in Exeter Township, Berks County (Kristen’s home town). The engine failed on the Cessna plane, and the 22 year old pilot had to think quickly, and land the plane in the closest, safest, spot he could find. That place happened to be 422 in Exeter Township. Hear all of the details about this exciting story from Sergeant Fullerton, whose team was dispatched to the scene, where miraculously no one was injured and the landing caused only minor damage to one vehicle.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geoff Gordon, Regional President of Live Nation joins Kristen on BEN Around Philly to talk about the return of live concerts to Philadelphia! The Live-In / Drive-In Concert Series was announced this week, presented by Budweiser Zero, Live Nation Philadelphia, and in partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies. This four-week local drive-in concert series will take place in the parking lot of Citizens Bank Park, beginning August 16th. Tickets are on sale now HERE and at Ticketmaster.com. Find the full schedule and ticket information HERE. Hear all about this awesome new series of shows from the person who puts it all together, plus what it was like to have such an amazing summer concert season scheduled, only to have to juggle everything to reschedule for next year.  Thanks to Geoff Gordon and his team, who somehow managed to salvage the 2020 summer concert season with this unique drive-in option at the ballpark, while at the same time gearing up for what might be the best concert season ever in 2021. 
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Maria Grasso, Executive Director of Get Your Rear In Gear Philadelphia speaks with Kristen Herrmann about the organization she founded after losing two loved ones to colon cancer. She decided to focus her grief into action, spreading awareness about colon cancer and raising funds for research. Maria, and Get Your Rear in Gear are a great resource for families in the area affected by colon cancer, and we are lucky to have the organization here in Philadelphia. Learn more on the GYRIG Philadelphia Facebook Page or find information about their upcoming 5k Run/Walk (rescheduled from March to tomorrow, Sunday, July 19th). Then, longtime Get Your Rear in Gear advocate Bonnie Grant gives the updated race details for the now virtual race (or walk or any activity) THIS Sunday, July 19th! Official registration is closed, but donations are welcome at www.coloncancercoalition.org/philadelphia and anyone can participate in the event on Sunday, 7/19. Join the movement while inside or outside, wherever you get your rear in

Kristen speaks with Brett Williams, co-founder and owner of Skate The Foundry, an indoor skateboard park in Philadelphia. Skate the Foundry offers private skateboarding lessons, camps, birthday parties, and a number of classes and workshops for skateboarders (and wannabe skateboarders) of all ages. They have the boards, the gear and everything you need to try it out, and even offer family memberships, so your entire household can get in on the fun! Check out their website for more information on all that Skate the Foundry has to offer, and find everything you need to get out there yourself in their online skate shop.  All the details at skatethefoundry.com.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Colonial Theatre has been a staple in Pheonixville since 1903. Kristen speaks with Chuck Francisco, a longtime Blobfest committee member, film curator and host at the Colonial Theatre about next weekend’s 21st Annual Blobfest celebration. Blobfest 2020: The Home Edition is happening Friday, July 10th, and Saturday, July 11th, virtually this year because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The 1958 Steve McQueen film ‘The Blob’ was filmed locally, and the theater scene in the movie (where The Blob comes out of the projector screen to attack the audience) was actually filmed at the Colonial Theatre. This classic theater also hosts independent films and a number of other special programming events throughout the year, and is run by a the Association for the Colonial Theater (ACT) a non profit 501c3 organization. Blobfest is the theater's biggest event and fundraiser of the year. Your tickets to Blobfest 2020: The Home Edition allow you to enjoy the film The Blob, a costume contest, the crowning of Miss Blobfest 20

A recent tweet by Pat Egan (from our sister station 97.5 The Fanatic) made the rounds on the internet this week, and caught the attention of the folks at Fox 29. The tweet showed photos of a little boy named Connor, who loves trash trucks. Kristen speaks with Connor's dad, Dan Johnson, about the elaborate cardboard trash truck that he and his wife built for Connor's 2nd birthday. Connor sits in the truck each week to greet the sanitation workers, and the photos are adorable. Be sure to catch Connor and his parents on Fox 29's Good Day Philadelphia, talking about it live on Monday morning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoe Lowry, Associate Director of Communications at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse returns to BEN Around Philly to let Kristen (and everyone) know that Smith Memorial Playground is OPEN! A non-profit organization in Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park, this unique outdoor playground welcomes visitors from more than 500 zip code areas, including every zip code in Philadelphia. Families can visit free of charge (although donations are welcome) Tuesday through Sunday 10am-4pm (weather permitting). Smith Memorial Playground is a great option for birthday parties too! For more information, head to SmithPlayground.org.  With new COVID 19 safety measures in place, all visitors 2 years and older must wear a mask, and are encouraged to “bring their own Slide sack” (pillow case or small blanket) to slide down the famed Giant Wooden Slide. Smith employees will be taking temperatures of visitors upon arrival, with increased cleaning of facilities, and a limited 100-person Playground capacity. See omnystudio.com/l

Gillian Kocher, Director of Public Relations for the Pennsylvania SPCA checks in with Kristen about a recent rescue of over 100 cats, and an adoption event THIS weekend to help clear the shelters so that these babes can be cared for, and eventually find their furr-ever homes too. It’s kitten season…. during a pandemic. The shelter is already very full, and yet the PSPCA also just rescued over 100 cats from a hoarding situation. There are so many great cats waiting to go home with you, and this weekend is a great opportunity to come meet your new housemate in PURR-son at Philadelphia Brewing Company.  The PSPCA has partnered with North Shore Animal League of America who has generously lent their mobile adoption unit for the event. Swiffer has also offered to include this event in their ‘Adoption Sweep’, sponsoring $50 off adoption fees for 50 approved adopters. Head to Philadelphia Brewing Company from 12-5pm Saturday, June 27th, and again from 12-5pm on Sunday, June 28th. PBC has a newly expanded beautiful b

Kristen speaks with New Jersey’s Digital Director Pearl Gabel, and Digital Assistant Megan Coyne, about the informative, and often hilarious @NJGov Twitter Account. When Governor Phil Murphy’s administration began in New Jersey, so did a new approach to social media in the state. One that accurately reflects a very familiar “Jerz” attitude. “Who let New Jersey have a Twitter? Your Mom.” Pearl and Megan (from Jersey themselves), chat with Kristen and allow a glimpse behind the @NJGov account curtain. Besides running the Twitter account for entire state of New Jersey, they also run the rest of New Jersey’s social media accounts, as well as oversee the website for the state, and a number of other responsibilities. Informative, yet hella snarky, if you follow any local accounts on Twitter, @NJGov is a good one. Pearl and Megan also suggest the PA Treasury's account @PATreasury, the account of PA's Lieutenant Governor @JohnFetterman, and (surprisingly enough) the account for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer Dis

TAKE STEPS + VIRTUAL is a nationwide walk taking place TODAY to raise funds and awareness for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Kristen speaks with Lauren Hoban, Manager for National Fundraising Campaigns & Volunteer Engagement for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation about this virtual walk today, on the first day of summer - Saturday, June 20th. The virtual nature of the event this year allows for unlimited options for ways to participate. Run, walk, climb stairs, take your dog out, hopscotch, whatever! Register at Cctakesteps.org/virtual for more information.  The mission of the Crohn’s and Colitis foundation is to cure Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. While there are treatments, unfortunately there is no cure. Lauren gives some basic information about Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis including statistics, symptoms, and how we can help to fight these diseases. Join Lauren and millions of others coming togeth

Jack Hues, frontman of the band Wang Chung joins Kristen on BEN Around Philly, all the way from Canterbury, England to talk about the great 80’s show happening on Saturday (6/13) and streaming for FREE at 2PM EST and 7PM EST on the Abducted by the 80’s Facebook page. The show is called Back to the Basement and it’s a benefit show to help raise money for Direct Relief’s COVID-19 relief program. Wang Chung will be featured, as well as a number of other at-home performances from A Flock of Seagulls, Naked Eyes, Cutting Crew, Nelson, Nu Shooz, Animotion, Information Society, When in Rome, The Vapors and more, plus special appearances by Tiffany, Richard Blade and Downtown Julie Brown.  Jack talks with Kristen about the show, his time spent under quarantine during this pandemic, his grandson, the postponement of touring for his new solo album Primitif, and the new Coronavirus-era version of Wang Chung’s ‘Everybody Have Fun Tonight’. The band redid the song as ‘Everybody Stay SAFE Tonight’ featuring Valerie Day of

Kristen speaks with Dottie Levine, a local musician and music teacher who decided to begin a door to door serenade service to bring joy to others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dottie had been teaching music lessons, but during the Coronavirus pandemic, students stopped showing up for even the lessons they’d previously paid for. Zoom lessons eventually offered them another option, but in the meantime, Dottie decided to start a serenade business as a source of income and a way of brightening the lives of others during this time. Check out www.singinggram.net, or Dot’s YouTube page for performance videos and more information. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable gift for someone, Dottie’s Serenade Service is your answer. The variety of songs offered is really great too! Dot takes requests, and can perform everything from Billy Joel to the Spider-Man Theme! Sort of like BEN-FM! Playing anything they feel like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristen speaks with Sheri Cole, Executive Director of Career Wardrobe, a non profit organization in Philadelphia that uses clothing and professional development to empower unemployed individuals to work. Career Wardrobe is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, and hosting an online happy hour fundraiser this Wednesday, June 10th from 5-6pm called Hope’s Night In. It’s free to register for the event, or make a $25 donation to celebrate Career Wardrobe’s 25th Anniversary, and help them to continue their great work. The pre-show begins at 4:45pm! The Hope’s Night In event benefits Career Wardrobe’s new OutFIT for Work program, providing free virtual consultations and a wardrobe box of clothing to anyone in need. Register for the event this Wednesday, at CareerWardrobe.org, and and be sure to explore the site for numerous career resources, the new Inside the Wardrobe video series, a link to Career Wardrobe’s online store, updated volunteer and donation opportunities and much more! See omnystudio.com/li

Gillian Kocher, Director of Public Relations for the Pennsylvania SPCA returns to BEN Around Philly to talk about the PSPCA’s ongoing efforts to save and protect all animals. Their lifesaving mission continues through this pandemic as they also help to distribute pet food and resources to struggling families all over our region.  The PSPCA is dependent on donations and grants in order to operate, and while a number of their fundraising events have been cancelled over the past few months, they’ve found a couple of great new ways to adapt and raise funds virtually. One of those new fundraisers is selling puppy and kitten face masks. Now available! For every puppy or kitten mask sold to benefit the PSPCA, an additional mask is donated to a health care provider. Help animals, people, and keep each other safe! They make really cute gifts too. Purchase your PSPCA masks at https://www.bonfire.com/pspca-puppy-face-mask/. From Saturday, June 6 – Saturday, June 20, 2020, the PSPCA will be partnering with Main Line An

Manna is a non profit organization helping those who are battling serious illnesses by providing nutritional meals suited to each individual’s dietary and medical needs. Kristen speaks with MANNA’s CEO, Sue Daugherty, as well as Shelly Power, Executive Director for Pennsylvania Ballet about a fundraiser that they are co-hosting on Saturday, May 30th with 100% of the proceeds benefiting MANNA and their mission. MANNA is celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year, and the two organizations have partnered together for a fundraiser called Shut Up and Dance for the past 28 of those 30 years. The dancers of Pennsylvania Ballet direct, produce, choreograph, dance in all in benefit of MANNA. The show this year was cancelled because of the pandemic, but Saturday’s Virtual 80’s Dance Party will be a great substitute for fundraising while still having a totally tubular time, from home. This bitchin' party will feature a DJ, celebrity guests, a special message from Leslie Odom, Jr. and lots more. Join MANNA and the P

Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day 2020 was this past Thursday, May 21st. Kristen Herrmann speaks with Lauren Spitzer, Senior Vice President of Fundraising and Philanthropy at Comic Relief US about Red Nose Day this year, and the organization’s efforts to fight child poverty in the US and throughout the world. This year’s fundraising efforts are even more crucial as the ripple effects of COVID-19 for vulnerable children in poverty are devastating. Red Nose Day was Thursday, but it not too late to donate to today or to become a sustaining member throughout the year. There are also a number of experiences still available to bid on through e-Bay that support the cause, including a Christian Siriano Fashion Week Experience and a virtual toast from Hugh Grant. Find more information at https://www.charity.ebay.com/charity/Comic-Relief-Red-Nose-Day/76185. Donate, then sport your digital Red Nose on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and spread the word. Find more information at www.RedNoseDay.org. See omnystudio.

In this episode of BEN Around Philly, Kristen Herrmann is joined by two talented sisters from Horsham, who spend their time in quarantine seeking out good news during this pandemic, and sharing it with the world. Around the same time that John Krazinsky was launching his Some Good News show that’s become so popular; right here in our area, Kaitlyn (15) and Molly (now 11) Harrington decided to brighten up the lives of their friends and family by launching their own show - Good News Now - from the basement of their house. Featuring informative, fun, and positive news stories from all over, the two ‘anchors’ have gained thousands of viewers for their DIY news network, and their audience continues to grow with each new episode. Check out the show at www.Facebook.com/tellusthegoodnews, and feel free to 'tell them the good news', by sending in your story suggestions. Good News Now is just what we all needed, and these two are sure to brighten your day.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.