Philadelphia News Briefs: 09/13/17

1.) Bicyclists dressed in nothing but their birthday suits took to the Philadelphia streets during this year’s Philly Naked Bike Ride, which was held on Saturday. About 3,000 folks in at least some state of undress – some stark naked – rode their bikes 10-mile (16-kilometers) around a ten mile scenic course that took riders by Independence Hall and the Rocky steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Riders adorned themselves with a variety of non-clothes, including provocative underwear, body glitter, and festive hats. The Naked Bike Ride is held for a variety of good causes, including protesting dependence on fossil fuels, advocating for the safety of cyclists and promoting positive body image.

The Ritz-Carlton is establishing itself as a premier wedding destination for the brides and grooms of Philadelphia.

2.) The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is touting itself as one of the city’s hottest destinations for weddings with its redesigned Grand Ballroom, which features an grand facade, marble columns and iconic glass dome. According to Philadelphia Style, the ballroom’s $50 million renovation includes “subdued shades of gray and centerpiece crystal chandelier.” On top of just giving brides and grooms a scenic place to host their weddings and receptions, the Ritz has also partnered with several of Philadelphia’s elite vendors to provide an incomparable experience. Nicol Floral Design is offering couples flower-packed ower walls to adorn their weddings, and Van Earl French Jr., chef and owner of Langhorne’s Van Earl’s Cakes and contestant on the Food Network’s Cake Wars, is offering custom cake designs.

3.) Philadelphia’s school district is serious about student attendance. To make sure that students and parents understand the importance of getting to school on time every day, the district is using celebrity robocalls to remind parents and children it’s critical to be in school every day. Mayor Kenney recorded a call to Philly families exhorting them to send their kids to school every morning. The district has instituted an “Attendance Hero” initiative of upping attendance by ten percent over the course of this school year. Only about half of the district’s students are in school 95 percent of the time — and district Superintendent William Hite said he wants to see a 10 percent increase every year.