Temple Cats founder Alanna Burke

I saw a tweet in early February that Alanna Burke’s rescued city cat was expecting a litter of kittens any day. Burke’s Twitter account was updating everyone daily on ‘Momma Holly’s’ pending status-and also mentioning her new rescue initiative called Temple Cats. As an animal lover, Burke had caught my attention-it was a chance for me to see, hold and experience a newborn litter of kittens while learning about this young woman’s mission to control Temple University’s feral cat population.

Burke was well aware of the noticeable cat population that surrounds the university’s neighborhood in North Philadelphia as a Temple student. Now, as a university employee, the 23-year-old Upper Darby native is doing something to alter the cycle-and prevent the cats from entering a very crowded city shelter system.

Temple Cats, thanks to her work with coworker Terri Martin, launched in January (temple-cats.org) and boasts a growing Twitter following (templecats). “Our goal with Temple Cats is to help the stray and abandoned cat population around the university’s neighborhood. Spaying and returning the unadoptable cats is part of the process but many of these cats can be adopted and fostered. Fostering is a very big need we have. But, ultimately, the outreach and education will be the most important part because many of these cats we are rescuing were family pets who were let go. And, they are not neutered so that is feeding into the cycle,” explained Burke.

On February 4th, Burke’s foster Holly gave birth to six kittens. All the kittens have been adopted thanks to Alanna’s efforts-which include daily education to the Temple students and staff she comes into contact with. “We are constantly keeping an eye out to assess the situation in the neighborhood-and we have connected with so many people who want to help out-they just don’t know how. The good news is I thought (when we started Temple Cats) that we were going to be dealing with a majority of feral cats that were not adoptable. But, that has not been the case. These are wonderful cats that need care, need fostering and need homes,” explained Burke.

The mission of Temple Cats is to rescue as many of the cats that roam the areas around Temple University as possible. Burke, along with her coworker Terri Martin and volunteers, aim to place all adoptable cats and find a humane solution for caring for any feral cats.

This weekend Burke will be among dozens of animal advocacy groups, pet professionals, and hundreds of adoptable animals who will come together for With Love Super Adoption Day, May 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Piazza at Schmidts (2nd and Germantown Avenue). Hosted by Citizens for a No-Kill Philadelphia (CNKP), this fundraising and awareness event will bring together several animal welfare and rescue groups in the Philadelphia area along with live music, food, and vendors selling unique products for people and pets. With Love Super Adoption Day will be one of the largest adoption events nationwide. “This is already the largest adoption event in Philadelphia history and we are excited and honored to be working with so many other groups in making this day possible,” enthused Garrett Elwood, founder of CNKP.

Participants and sponsors include the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA), Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Pinups for Pitbulls, Philadoptables, Rat Chick Rat Rescue, Blind Dog Rescue, The Monster Minders, Greater Philly Tails, Morris Animal Refuge, The Philadelphia Greyhound Connection, Opportunity Barks, Big Green Earth Store, and Radio 104.5 FM. The event will be emceed by 104.5 FM’s Wendy Rollins. Mayor Michael Nutter is also expected to make an appearance.

Every year, more than 30,000 animals turn up at city shelters, and more than one third don’t make it out alive. Citizens for a No-Kill Philadelphia arose in 2008 out of a frustration with the way the city cares for its homeless animals. The group seeks to spread awareness about the problems in the system and propose common sense solutions. It aims to form a coalition of animal groups in Philadelphia modeled after the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals.

Animal advocacy groups, pet professionals, and hundreds of adoptable animals will come together for ‘With Love Super Adoption Day,’ May 22nd at the Piazza at Schmidts.

Elwood, who has been appointed to the Animal Control Advisory Committee chaired by the Deputy Mayor, said the first step is educating the public that there is even a problem. “People are unaware about how bad things actually are,” Elwood says. “Some are even surprised when I tell them Philadelphia isn’t already ‘No-Kill.’ When I tell them that more than 70% of the cats and 50% of dogs entering Philadelphia’s shelter system are killed they are appalled.” CNKP hopes to mend the organizational and personal rifts in the animal welfare community.

The group focuses on prevention measures such as high-volume spay/neuter. Once animal control is less burdened and more cost-efficient, it will free up more resources for humane care. With a new citizen-based No-Kill model, they aim to tap into the estimated $5 million funneled out of Philadelphia each year to national animal welfare agencies. “We are hoping to find homes for as many animals as we can on May 22nd, but it also about spreading awareness and letting people know about the importance of adopting rescue animals. We also hope to talk about our humane education program to attendees,” explained Elwood.

For more information on Super Adoption Day, visit phillynokill.com.

‘Peppermint’, $115
“We do our research and we want people to look twice at our arrangements. Right now I am using a lot of cabbages and artichokes in my designs-finding unique greenery, unusual combinations of flowers,” explained O’Brien.

Think outside the box, er, the vase. That’s the advice of renowned Philly floral designer Donna O’Brien from Northern Liberties’ Beautiful Blooms. Beautiful Blooms is a full service décor design company that works with discriminating clients to create event concepts-from dream weddings, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs, intimate dinner parties and more. O’Brien’s bustling business was recently honored by The Knot as a Best of Weddings Winner 2010 as one of the best florists in Philadelphia.

Holiday centerpieces and wreaths in 2009 don’t have to follow any rules according to O’Brien, who prides herself on setting trends and concepts within the international design industry. Beautiful Blooms Boutique has created several floral designs and custom cedar or pine wreaths (ideal for the corporate client/thank you) that can be purchased for the holidays or throughout the winter season. These designs can be picked up or delivered ($55 or over for delivery) in Philadelphia. Variegated white, red and peppermint poinsettias wrapped in chic metallic paper have been flying out the door, said Donna, for delivery to several Philly corporations for office décor and gifts.

The talented team at Beautiful Blooms can also create custom arrangements throughout the year. “I love using different types of leaves in the centerpieces. Tulips are in season now, they come in season late fall with great colors and most people really do not think of them as a fall or winter flower. Tulips can be most unexpected but hearty and beautiful with fall and winter designs. With our containers, we are also trying to use different shapes and have the container as an accent to the arrangement,” explained O’Brien.

Red Velvet, $55
This beautiful “cone” vase is a hand blown piece made by a local student artist. It is a beautiful gift item and complimented with red ilex berries and dusty miller.

Beautiful Blooms is working with local artists to use their hand blown glass vases so the Blooms’ client also receives a beautiful one of a kind keepsake with their flowers. Popular local Etsian and glass designer Penelope Rakov is one of O’Brien’s celebrated artists (spoton.etsy.com). Her stunning, petite hand blown vases are available in O’Brien’s Northern Liberties retail location and are a perfect compliment with a romantic collection of flowers or sophisticated hostess gift.

O’Brien and Kendall Brown of Eclatante Event Design, located in dual retail spaces at their NoLibs walkway, are available for private home and party planning for the holiday and winter season throughout the Delaware Valley. The duo has a growing Main Line clientele and will offer full party design consultation, custom holiday planning, corporate design and more.

This arrangement is created in a white container with a mix of calla lilies, hydrangea, kale, privet berry, roses and accented with port orford cedar.

In addition, O’Brien’s design workshops were such a success this fall that she will be carrying the concept into 2010. On Saturday, January 30th is a ‘Go Green’ Workshop from 11am to 2pm. “We really consider ourselves trend setters in the industry. The workshops are a great way to connect and pass on what we are learning and seeing with our clients. The monochromatic look is still strong in floral design-but a mix of textures is a key area-as well as incorporating unique elements. If a hostess needs one conversation piece, knockout centerpiece for the holiday season, we will be offering four or five different specialty items to order for the season,” explained O’Brien. Beautiful Blooms now has online ordering available too through their website, beautifulblooms.com.

Holiday Floral Design Centerpiece Tips from Donna O’Brien of Northern Liberties’ Beautiful Blooms Boutique

• The woodland holiday theme remains hot this season. So, O’Brien recommends using fruits and nuts to decorate with your centerpiece. Beautiful Blooms recently did a design for a television segment where the whole arrangement was created this way. Flowers look great mixed with these non-floral elements from nature.
• Try arrangements that are allgreenery or have herbs mixed in.
• When in doubt, go with a monochromatic look. If you are not feeling so creative, sticking with one color scheme is always a safe bet, advises Donna.
• Instead of the expected clear vase, unique containers are fun-experiment with hand blown vases from local art galleries and neighborhood shops!
• Bring the outside in. Mix materials you have in your yard with fresh florals from Beautiful Blooms. For example, lay branches on the table and add small mix and match cups of flowers to enhance the look.
• Mix and match containers. Take things from your home such as gravy boats, teapots and pitchers and fill them with flowers-it can fun and eclectic! Vintage sugar bowls are super preppy.
• Floating flowers look romantic and are elegant and easy.

Beautiful Blooms Boutique is located at 1021 North Third Street, Suite 201-301 in Northern Liberties. Visit beautifulblooms.com, email info@beautifulblooms.com or call 215-925-3111 to place a holiday order, schedule a corporate delivery in the city, or inquire about an upcoming wedding or event. Interested parties can also place an online order via beautifulblooms.com.

In addition to their current workshops, Beautiful Blooms’ Northern Liberties shop can be rented out for bridal and baby showers and private parties.

Donna O’Brien of Northern Liberties’ based Beautiful Blooms is not one to rest on her laurels. Her successful floral design business keeps her busy year round with Philly and Main Line brides, batmizvahs, galas, and more. In addition, O’Brien has established quite a business with her friend, event aficionado Kendall Brown of Eclatante Designs. Together, O’Brien and Brown are known in social circles as the ‘A Team’ of Philly party planning.

So, it seemed natural for O’Brien to share that wealth of knowledge, design expertise and love of beautiful floral arrangements (that have wowed thousands across the region) with a fun series of fall workshops. Main Liners can do their best ‘Martha’ imitation this holiday season with the hands-on advice and expert guidance O’Brien offers. “The workshops are going so well, we have had the best time with our groups! We have such a great variety of different workshops to offer everyone, many of our early students have already signed up for their second or third class. And, what we really want everyone to walk away with is the skill and enthusiasm to design beautiful centerpieces from flowers they pick up at their local market or grocery store. Certainly they can purchase flowers from Beautiful Blooms but it’s really about empowering and teaching great floral design for the holiday season,” explained O’ Brien.

www.beautifulblooms.com

Beautiful Blooms is offering Saturday morning and Tuesday evening sessions. O’Brien’s chic retail space can also be rented out for private parties, baby and bridal showers, corporate teamwork functions, and more! See Donna’s blog, BeautifulBlooms.com/blog for photos from her first workshops.

The sessions will last about two and half hours and will feature professional tips from O’Brien and other experts from all different areas of the entertaining and event industry. A particularly fun workshop is set for this Tuesday evening October 27th, when guests can come in costume for the ‘Halloween Designs’ session and receive 10% off their store purchase. For the lady who wants to wow her guests this fall and for the upcoming holiday season, Beautiful Blooms Workshops are prime opportunities (and a great, new idea for Girls Night Out!) to become the ‘hostess with the mostess.’ Here’s to a fantastic fall and most magnificent holiday party season with beautiful blooms for your guests to enjoy.

Beautiful Blooms Fall 2009 Workshop Schedule

Floral Design Saturday Morning Workshops (11am-2pm)
3 Hour Workshop Cost: $150

October 24th ‘Hand Tied for the Home’

November 7th ‘Urban Vase’

November 14th ‘Color Trends’

November 21th ‘Thanksgiving Designs’

December 5th ‘Hand Tied for the Home’

There will be a short break between projects and light refreshments will be served.

Beautiful Blooms Tuesday Evening Workshops (6:30pm-8:30pm)
Each two hour class is $135, except the Wreath Class which is a cost of $150 per person.

October 27th ‘Halloween Designs’
Come in Costume and receive a 10% off coupon for the Boutique!

November 10th ‘Go Green’

December 1st ‘Holiday Wreath’

The Beautiful Blooms Boutique will be open so those attending workshops will be able to shop and purchase tools, supplies, gifts and flowers after the workshop.

*Classes are for people over the age of 12.*

Beautiful Blooms Boutique is located at 1021 North Third Street, Suite 201-301 in Northern Liberties. Visit beautifulblooms.com, email info@beautifulblooms.com or call 215-925-3111 for inquiries regarding the workshops.

Smith, 22, is a diehard Phils fan, loves college basketball and cheers for the Orlando Magic.

Don’t think Kayleen Smith is just another pretty face. The 22-year-old former Cabrini College basketball star and Anna Kournikova look-alike, budding model and local single has her sights set on a career in sports television. Smith, who just wrapped up an intense summer internship cutting her teeth with Comcast Sportsnet (albeit drooling over stud anchor and Philadelphia pretty boy Michael Barkann part of the time, see below) is serious about breaking into a world still very much dominated by men. “I’m willing and eager to start somewhere and work my way up. I just want someone to give me an opportunity to get my feet wet in television and I will take off! I have a great willingness to learn and a winning mentality and that is important in sports-because I throw myself into every task I am given.”

Kayleen fell in love with the frenzied, high pressure pace of live television when she sauntered down at the end of her intern duties to watch the final moments of Sportsnet’s number one weekday show, Daily News Live. “It is completely nuts, everyone is running around screaming and yelling-it is something else to watch. You don’t see that when the show is live and the lights come on and the host welcomes everyone with a big, calm smile. I loved that atmosphere. TV is so exhilarating, and the show must go on as they say. The viewers don’t care if an edit bay crashed or an external drive is not working…it’s all or nothing! This is the industry I belong in.”

The new college grad is excited about the opportunities that await her. “I am now embarking on a new chapter in my life where everything isn’t already predetermined and I can dictate my own future,” said Smith.

Kayleen’s confidence and natural charisma was evident during our first phone conversation, no surprise as the beauty with the brains was crowned St. Joseph’s (Hammonton, NJ) homecoming queen in 2004. “I always want to (and strive to) be a better sister, a better daughter, a better friend—whatever it is I always work to make myself better. And, I think people around me catch on to that vibe and I believe that is why I have had success my entire life. I never let myself fall short of those standards.”

The winning attitude and athletic prowess (Smith had a very successful career as a star forward on the Cavaliers women’s basketball team) stems from her family tree. Former Saint Joe’s basketball star (and Kayleen’s dad) John Smith is best known in Big Five basketball circles for his winning layup against #1 DePaul in the 1981 NCAA Tournament. The play is legendary and the win, which catapulted the ninth-seeded Hawks to an unlikely trip to the Sweet Sixteen, is considered one of the great NCAA tourney games of all-time. It’s a moment also best burned in Philly sports fans’ memories as (then) St. Joe’s head coach Jimmy Lynam ran furiously down the court to hug his teenage daughter, Dee. “My dad always loved being the underdog, constantly proving himself. People still to this day talk about the play he made, the layup. It’s pretty neat that in just a few seconds, like the time my dad had to make that moment happen and win the game, can shape your life forever! That is how I am personality-wise, I think, in a large part because of that winning attitude he instilled in my brother and sister and myself. My dad knows how to make the most out of every opportunity. Now he works in the financial industry, but I still see the athlete and that competitive edge in him daily,” beamed Smith.

Kayleen was a standout for the Cabrini College women’s basketball team and a Conference MVP for the Cavaliers in their 2009 CSAC Championship season.

As she wound down her first summer as a college grad and Comcast internship along with juggling a handful of odd jobs, Smith recently interviewed for a part-time position at Sportsnet in their production department. This sensational single keeps busy with her beloved boxer named Bryndal, family, friends and career ambitions-and has high expectations for the right Mr. Right. “I am looking for a great guy who has a sense of humor, ambition, and most importantly a guy who has a good outlook on life and doesn’t take anything for granted. My ideal guy doesn’t take himself too seriously and goes wherever the waves take him. He’s a man when he needs to be and a goof the rest of the time—and never lets a smile leave my face. Someone who makes me a better me every day, as cheesy as that sounds. I won’t settle until I find him.”

Interested parties can email Kayleen below. Game on.

Get to Know Kayleen

Full Name: Kayleen Anastasia Smith

Age: 22

Occupation: Budding sports exec/host, model, actress

Height: 5’11″

Hair Color: Blonde

Eye Color: Blue

Smith’s athletic prowess stems from her father, Big Five basketball legend and former Saint Joe’s Hawk John Smith. Smith scored the famous game-winning layup for the Hawks on their road to the Sweet Sixteen against #1 DePaul in the 1981 NCAA Tournament. It’s considered one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history.

Nationality: Irish, French, Indian, English

Hometown: Williamstown, NJ

High School: St. Joseph’s (Homecoming Queen 2004)

College: Cabrini, B.A. English and Communications

Sign: Aquarius

Email: kas727@cabrini.edu

Parents: John and Lillian

Siblings: Benjamin, 24 and Amanda, 18

BFF: Kayleen has had the same best friend since kindergarten.

My Idea Of A Great First Date: Completely unscripted. We agree on the place together considering we just met and then we take it from there. I am very ease to please due to my lack of pickiness.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?: Northern Liberties gentlemen should take note-Kayleen loves the vibe of the city’s hippest neighborhood and will be moving there this fall.

Kayleen currently resides in Williamstown, NJ but will be moving to Northern Liberties next month.

In High School I Was: The tomboy every guy wanted as their teammate-just not as their girlfriend.

Achy Breaky Heart? I am fortunate to say I have yet to experience my first heart break. Relationships are hard work, every couple knows that. It’s the most demanding selfless act you could voluntarily sign up for and when they end, it definitely takes a while to recover and gain that part of you (back) that went missing.

Celebrity Look-Alikes: I get Blake Lively a lot, Anna Kournikova, Jewel, and on a really good day Scarlet Johansson. People always tell me that I remind them of someone they know.

Male Celebrity Dream Date: I would be perfectly content being within five feet of Gerard Butler where I could just stare at him for however long a date would normally carry on for. I went to the Kings of Leon concert not too long ago and I envisioned what it would be like to go on a date with lead singer, Caleb Followill. My utopia would be having one song sung to me by him. A man who can sing and play the guitar is my weakness. I think the song “Use Somebody” is secretly about me.

Last Movie You Saw Was: District 9

Biggest Misconception About Me: People think I am unintelligent and incompetent because of my hair color.

Hoop There It Is: Smith was a four-year starter for the Cavaliers and says her Cabrini teammates have formed a sisterhood for life. “My teammates are everything to me and have become a huge part of my extended family.”

“My mother would describe me as ‘a hard working, butt kickin’, sweet Irish lass.’”

Favorite Sports Teams: The Phillies-of course, Flyers, Orlando Magic, and all college basketball

Starting Lineup: Smith can name the pitching rotation and entire starting lineup for the Fightin Phils.

Werth It: “I love every player on the Phillies! Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth are my two favorites, though.”

Comcast Sportsnet Crush: Michael Barkann “I wouldn’t mind having a couple beers and talking sports with him. He has such an aura about him, I am so intrigued by his sports knowledge and he just draws me right in. I am totally captivated by him when I am watching Sportsnet! He has just that something about him. The first day I met him during my internship he was so polite, shook my hand, took the time to speak with me–it was like meeting Brad Pitt! There is something about him-he has the ‘it’ factor. If I break into an on-air position someday, Michael Barkann is who I would emulate.”

Brush With Fame: I placed third in a Roxy modeling competition out of 500 girls. That was pretty cool!

Secret Date Spot in The City: Parc (parc-restaurant.com)

Favorite Jersey Shore Town: I’ve grown up always going to Ocean City. We’ve had a shore house right off the island in Marmora for eight years now, but my favorite beach to surf at is definitely LBI.

My Mother Would Say I Am: A hard working, butt kickin’, sweet Irish lass.

My Friends Would Describe Me As: Outgoing, friendly, bubbly, quirky, extremely passionate

Most Attractive Physical Part of A Man: His smile and dimples are always a plus.

Kiss on A First Date? That all depends. I wouldn’t completely rule it out. If the feeling was right, I would go with it.

Favorite Clothing Store: Ron Jon Surf Shop

Favorite Perfume: Beachy by Lilly Pulitzer

Five Songs on Kayleen’s iPod Right Now: Pearl Jam – Black, Airborne Toxic Event – Wishing Well, Jack Johnson – Flake, Doors – Roadhouse Blues, Chili Peppers – Minor Thing

Favorite Musicians: Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Caleb Followill of Kings of Leon

Morning Radio Station: 104.5, Preston & Steve

Philadelphia is a City of… Brotherly love baby!

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Cocktail: Tullamore Dew with a splash of ginger ale

Favorite BYOB In the City: Little Fish in Center City

Favorite Place on the Main Line to Have Drinks: Gullifty’s! They have the best beer selection in the area and their menu is extensive and accommodating to anyone’s taste. I used to work there too!

Favorite Coffee Shop: Cousins Coffee Shop in South Philly

When I date a man they can expect: There to never be a dull moment!

Date Pet Peeves: Text messaging and/or talking on their phone. I think when you are out with someone who you truly care about that should be a given. I want my man to put the world on hold for me. I would expect him to ask the same of me. Dining etiquette is a must as well.

Puppy Love: Kayleen’s two year old Boxer, Bryndal, is her current full-time commitment. You can catch ‘Bryn’ and Kayleen at the park most evenings playing catch.

Family Matters: As for my mom, I always joke that she belongs in the South and not in Philly because she is so sweet and polite to everyone she meets. I learned from her to be kind and generous to people-even strangers. I am very close to my parents and they are my biggest fans.

Want to nominate a sensational single for AroundMainLine.com to consider? Email: singles@aroundmainline.com with a picture and a maximum 50 word description. Singles can reside anywhere throughout the Delaware Valley, minimum age required is 21. Nominations will be kept strictly confidential.