Philly Chit Chat 2018 Wrap Up

Happy New Year !! Every year I do a wrap up on PhillyChitChat, what’s been reported, how we grew,
stories we’ve broken, who we’ve touched, and hopefully how we made a difference.
I can’t thank you enough for your years of support.
One of the Most Popular Instagram Posts this Year. When I run into them they tell me they’re still recognized from my post.

Philly Chit Chat just celebrated 11 years in July. I started it as a hobby, a creative outlet to escape what had become a fairly
boring job. The first year I concentrated on curiosities around town, I was observant and noticed new things, different things, things we as City dwellers were curious about, and then I wound figure it out. Over the year it began I started chronicling charity events and bar events, focusing on a mid twenties crowd striving to make a difference, and others looking for spouses. It was fun. Then I was laid off of my job at the end of 2010…I told my readers I’d become an event photographer;

that summer I started contributing to Fox 29, and Philly Mag fast forward to 2018 and I am humbled, and grateful to contribute content to WOGLFM (Friday), Phila Business Journal, Philly Voice, Philly Style Magazine,  Philly Metro,  Philly.com CBS3Philly online and on air, usually photos but last month I was on air,
WOGL98.1 with legendary Marilyn Russell and producer Laura Boss on Friday 8AM
and I have to include my Social Media platforms with over 60ks followers. I have a lot to say and share, and finally I found people willing to listen – LOL

All this Couldn’t Have Happened Without You, so Thank You!!
I appreciate when readers approach me and say hi, or call out PhillyChitChat, then I know I am bringing you the info, news, gossip and things to do that you can use. I’m glad to have this platform.

Thank you so much for tipping me off to celebrities in town. I really appreciate it!! I love that you get me, I just want to share the fun
news with the masses.

I broke a lot of stories on PhillyChitChat platforms including where the next Wawa is going – on 16th Street in the middle of the block, as well as what that lighted thing was called on the top of the Comcast Technology Building – Lantern; and it won’t be lit (again) til the new Four Season’s opens sometime in 2019.

Family fun

Winter and Spring 2018 I spent a lot of time tracking down the Creed 2 filming. This scene never made it in the movie. Sly went back to the old neighborhood to attend a funeral of a guy he fought, that later worked at his eatery Adrien’s. That’s director Steve Caple and Sly Stallone in South Philly. Thanks to the security for giving me a window to get this shot. I also did a live shoot with Jenn Fredrick here for Fox 29.

I broke the story that Bridgette Nielsen was going to be in Creed 2. After getting this shot I immediately called Marilyn Russell and she broke the news on WOGL. I sent a photo to Fox 29 as they were still on the air, CBSPhilly morning was done by that time. I couldn’t tell she was 5 months pregnant as she had a big coat on.

The GPFO and M Night Shylaman tapped me to shoot a fundraiser at the famed director’s house. I finally got a decent shot of Michael B Jordan and Steve Caple Jr.

I celebrated one year on WOGL in August

Captured a lot of sunrises and sunsets

Danced with Patti LaBelle on the Academy of Music stage during the 17th concert of hers I attended. Then I got invited to her Christmas Party last week. Pinch Me!!

I get to share beautiful Philly with those who don’t always have the time to see everything.

I discovered you can’t take the entire summer off in search of rest and relaxation, you must just learn to balance
life and work. Plus I was really bored not shooting anything between July and September. BORED!
Never boring, always supportive. Thanks Mike Toub, together 25 years next July.

RIP Wing Bowl. It was chaos, a hot mess, but it was ours and I loved covering the disgusting over the top event.

Philly you’ve really become something special over the last decade, I’m glad I was a part of it.
Here’s to another decade, and a promise from me that I won’t miss a day in 2019 as I did in
2018. I was so busy with placing events in the media, I didn’t always post on my baby.
I ran into so many of you who told me you missed us, so not again, and thanks for keeping me on my toes, always.

Let’s Do It Again, Fly Eagles Fly.

And if you have a chance check out this Philly Mag article from the December Issue.

A Day in The Life of HughE Dillon

Thanks again, and Happy New Year!!

 

HughE Around Town:: Tommy Lee; Alicia Vitarelli Miracle, Anchor Bae and Friends Reunion

Happy New Year, hard to believe that 2018 is over already. So much happening this year. Monday I will have the PhillyChitChat 2018 wrap up post, but today let’s get to the
last of HughE Around Town a weekly column about people, places and celebrity sightings around town. Thanks to all those who send me tip
and pixs to create this column, and those who let me re-post their shots.

Rocker Tommy Lee , Motley Crew drummer, was in town over the Christmas holiday. Saturday night he was spotted @michaelschulson’s newest restaurant Giuseppe & Sons, which has been getting rave reviews; Sunday night he was at the @ritzcarltonphiladelphia snacking on @aqimero fare and posing with fans in the lounge. He also took a photo of himself in the shoe shine chair, where President Obama, then Senator Obama famously got his shoes shined a decade ago. On Christmas Eve Tommy Lee dined Estia restaurant with his girlfriend Brittany Furlan , who grew up in Perkasie, Pa.,
and her family. Here he’s at Estia posing with 📸Corey the waiter.

Reunited and it feels so good: former NBC10 traffic bae’s Erin Como and Jillian Mele dined with current NBC10 traffic bae – Jessica Boyington at Spice Finch Saturday night. Erin tells me Spice Finch was amazing, and the food was delish. Before dinner at Chef Jennifer Carroll and Billy Riddle’s 3 bell eatery as reviewed by Craig LaBan,   the trio enjoyed a cocktail and reminisced at Rouge one last time before it undergoes a major renovation for the next few months.
Miracle of Christmas according to Alicia Vitarelli

Let me tell you a story about angels. This morning I was running around. Multitasking. My usual MO. It wasn’t until a few minutes before my friend and her daughter arrived at our home that I realized I couldn’t find my grandmother’s wedding band. She got married with this band and gave it to me for my wedding. It’s the one material thing I couldn’t possibly replace. I rarely take it off. I remained calm, assuming it had slipped into a strange place. A few hours later…after the washer and dryer had been removed to search, the garbage picked through…my friend sent this text. It was in their Christmas gift. I had wrapped it in silver tissue paper. The bag, about to be recycled — across the bridge in NJ!!!Thank you, Samantha Pino Meloni for reminding me of angels on earth. And thank you, Grandma Marie for keeping watch from above. That was a close one ❤️😇

– May I Suggest A Ring Guard?

Friday night Councilman Curtis Jones had his annual Blackout Party. I was unable to make it as my sister was in town, but you’ll be able to catch up with all the doings on
James Dougherty, Jr.’s site YC’s News

Spotted at the party was Congressman Bob Brady, St. Sen. Sharif Street (he’s been making the party rounds – last week he was at Vince Fumo’s annual Christmas Party and PGN Publisher’s Mark Segal soiree); Rhonda Willingham Founder & CEO of @Menzfit, Paul Smith, Council President Darrell Clarke, Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown, Theresa Brunson, Candidate for Phila. Court of Common Pleas Judge In May 2019 and many more dignitaries. Check out James Dougherty, Jr.’s site YC’s News for more photos and stories next week.

I had a great weekend with my niece, nephews and sister Crista this weekend. We couldn’t have Christmas in Charlotte this year like we normally do, so they came up to visit us. I took them to my favorite spot – Franklin Square’s Electricle Spectacle. It’s really a gem, and now has a warming tent that serves cocktails, smores and hot chocolate. There’s also fire pits in the nearby beer garden.

 

Congrats to Gabriela Andrea Guaracao and Matthew Fontana on their wedding this past weekend. Such great love from friends and family who
flew to Columbia for the wedding.

Speaking of weddings, Happy Anniversary to the invincible couple Vince and Janet Papale who celebrated with friends at Capital Grille over the weekend.

Now that I was around for the weekend, I got to go to parties I don’t normally make. Christmas Eve I was in my old neighborhood of Cherry Hill attending the Rykiels’s
Christmas Eve open house. Last night I went to my friend Lee Ann and Rick’s Open House, that’s Lee Ann there as Cindy Lou and me with my Frosty the Snowman Top Hat.

Friday night I visited with the Debbie & Chuck Leiber in Ventnor to celebrate Chuck Leiber’s 80th Birthday. Here I’m with one of my oldest
friends, and I mean that sincerely, he’s older than I am, Butch Leiber. We met in 1989 on New Year’s Eve at Woody’s.

So long best City Hall Christmas Tree ever. Who ever thought of the snowflakes on the building was genius. Plus the City Hall light show on the West side was such a treat. Philly has come a long way to celebrating Philly. Thanks!!

What are you doing on New Year’s Eve. How about trying your luck at Parx Casino, dinner at Del Frisco’s then heading to Stratus Lounge to ring in the New Year!!. I’ll be at Stratus Lounge Between 1130 and 130am. Hope to see you there!! Wait check back on Monday for my year end wrap up….have a great day.

The Sweetest Holiday Party – Medical Guardian

Val Gross, Val Sings Events and Geoff Gross, Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian held their annual Holiday Party on December 15th for company employees, friends and family, at Vie on North Broad in Philadelphia. Medical Guardian’s Holiday party planned by Val Sings Events at Vie with a Candyland theme.

The tables were beautifully decorated, and strategically places so everyone could enjoy a view

When guests arrived they could grab a holiday cocktail from this lovely lady

Zee Cruse and JyMal Cruse

Val Sings Gross and Geoff Gross

Jayel Lewis, Geoff Gross, Dave and Alexa

Lollipop table decor

How clever was this, everyone’s table number was attached to the lollipops located in the entry hall on a fabulous display

Daeshawn and Maurice

 

Val Sings Gross putting the touches on the Gingerbread House

Elizabeth Loomis and Shawn Fuchs

There were bags for guests to take home everyone’s favorite treats.

Next week I’m going to be publishing the best of events on 2018 and you can be sure the
Medical Guardian Holiday Party is going to be in the Top Ten, it was spectacular.
Val Sings Events tops herself every year. Can’t wait to see what she does next!!

Patti LaBelle Home For The Holidays Christmas Party and I was there….

Patti LaBelle hosted her semi annual Holiday part at her house on the mainline this year.
Nearly 225 people fit beautifully in the grand home on nearly 10.000 feet.
Here Ms. Patti greets longtime friends The Rodriguez Family

 

The Foyer Tree, there were many gorgeous rooms, nooks and crannies but I didn’t feel comfortable capturing it all as
it’s Patti’s personal place. I did capture a lot of people though.

You know it’s a party when DJ Aktive is spinning. He’s gone on tour with JLo, Janet Jackson and
Jennifer Hudson as a concert DJ.

Dr. Mike From Fox 29

Derrick Sampson | WRNB 100.3 Philly and singer Carrol Riddick, who is playing at South Jazz Club (Next to Vie) January 18 & 19

Lil’ Mo dressed up as $100 bills

Alex Holley, Fox 29 with legendary DJ Miss Patty Jackson, WDAS
Moi and the legendary Dyana Williams, celebrity strategist, on-air talent http://RNBPHILLY.Com in the I like to call this the Miss Patti Patti Award Room. Over Dyana ‘s left shoulder is one
of two Grammy’s Patti LaBelle won. Next to her is a plate we were all nervous to accidentally knock over, but whew we didn’t.
There were wonderful photos of Patti and nearly everyone in recent history that you’d like to have met, and recognition from MLK Foundation, Oprah and
many presidents. There was a Nelson Mandela photo, Natalie Cole and my other love Luther Vandross photos, her BFF Denise Rich and God daughter Mariah Carey.

Dinner by Miss Tootsie, located on the 1300 block of South Street, was off the hook delicious as usual, Ribs, Chicken and Waffles. Amazing!!

Patti Pies James Wright and his friend El Deon flew in for the party from LA

Patti was so happy to see him. More photos to come. Must run out for Christmas presents….
Actually I’m going to send photos to CBSPhilly, and Philly Style later in the week.
Hope you caught my segment on Fox29 this morning. So fun

 

Best Fashion Moments in 2018 on the Philly Social Scene

Alex Black and Briana Layfield

I found this dynamic duo at the Black Tail Tie Gate the night before the Philadelphia Car Show opened last year. I love their Goth Look. Her gown is gorgeous, his sneakers fit perfectly in this setting.

Aisha Harris-Leone and Walter Leone ’nuff said

Not embarrassed one bit, but more about celebrating a pretty, whimsical dress from BHLDN are Barbara Eberlein and Kaytlynn Gorson who had never met before, but discovered they both have exquisite taste in clothes.

Harris T. Bock, Esq. and Denise D. Hodgson looking fabulous,
the couple’s style mirrors their easy, relaxed dispositions.

At the Black Tie Tailgate

 

Rahel Solomon, CBS3Philly, Jeannette Reyes, 6ABC and Brittney Shipp, NBC10
at the opening of the BOYDS Women’s Department. It’s so nice to see tv personalities from competing stations have such a genuine friendship

Erin Elmore and Craig Spitzer are always the life of the party
Parris and Karen Hall at the Rittenhouse Square Ball.
Karen was forthright with her dress that I admired so much, she got it at TJ Maxx for $17, WOW amazing. So pretty. Fashion doesn’t have to break the bank.

Kiley Jo Schroeder and Brian Stevenson
Wonderful to follow their love story. This year they become Mr. and Mrs. Congrats

I love their style, Howard Wurzak with his aversion to “tie” anything, Mrs JoAnn Wurzak with her whimsical print dresses, and killer smile.

Fox29’s Alex Holley and Mike Masco each of them bringing a little pizazz to Philadelphia.

Every year Brandon Morrison and Stacey Kracher make the Best Fashion List, at nearly every party as well. This power couple works hard, plays hard all the while bringing the best
fashion to any event they attend, even at the very rainy Radnor Hunt.

Matt and Anne Hamilton at the Academy Ball – #FlyEaglesFly

DJ Robert Drake at the 2nd annual Flowers after Hours 70s themed party, with a special performance by the Village People in March 2018

Always wearing fun fashion but this year he got on the healthy band wagon, and intently ate better, and walking everywhere he could.
10 months later at the opening of Tinsel, where he curated the holiday music for the pop up Christmas bar.
Check out this article on Philly Mag on how he did it, and hopefully inspire all of us who want a new you in 2019
Be Well Philly

Best Photos of 2018

Happy New Year to all my friends, I appreciate your years of support. Let’s look at some of my favorite photographs I took this year. Still to come Best Dressed, Best Events and People on the Move 2019…

It’s from the James Beard Nominations announced one morning at Parc. Restaurateur Stephen Starr had just announced Ellen Yin, High Street Hospitality Group (Fork, High Street on Market, High Street on Hudson, and others) as a finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur for a James Beard Nomination and gave her a thumbs up.

This was a “Hail Mary” shot I took from the passenger seat of our car. I’m addicted to photographing everything, most photos I delete, but once in awhile I capture
exactly what I wanted, usually on the fly. This is a special photo I took in Lancaster, Pa.

The night of the NFC Championship. Crowds flooded the streets to celebrate. These two Viking fans were walking back to their hotel and encountered a lot of friendly
Eagles fans. This photo went viral on social media, and I was happy about that after all the nasty stories from the stadium parking lot.

Every-time it snows I monitor the Art Museum Steps to tell readers when we’ve gotten enough snow for folks to sled. Sometimes people just create enough snow to sled.

I caught my nephews dog Albus dancing with my mom this past summer

Diner En Blanc was at City Hall this year. It was fantastic. Every year

The winter was memorable. I shot this as my shuttle bus was turning onto Market Street from 20th. I thought that lady
was going to be blown over.

Pat Nogar’s Annual Holiday Tea Party, which happens in January.
This year’s theme, Harlem Nights.

One of my all time favorite photos, Marisa Magnatta and Vasiliki Tsiouris joyfully running through the newly renovated Love Park fountains during
the Opening Night Party.

Congratulations to Matt and Chuck Lentz on their wedding. Here’s that photo I promised to send. I’m so bad sending photos to anyone, so all you readers who ask me it’s not you, it’s ME. Just ask my mom, she always says

In addition to the adorable animals, we have so much good programing at the Philly Zoo, like Boo at the Zoo.
Kids get to dress up in their Halloween costumes and roam around the Zoo. It’s a fun time.

Thank you Unite Fitness for letting me camp out in your gym overnight in November to observe
and report on the filming of 17 Bridges with Chadwick Boseman.
So much fun to experience it, and then to have CBSPhilly do a story on it, icing on the cake.

Sunrises from my balcony remind me what a fragile, but glorious world we live in.  I wish everyone
could live in peace and harmony.

Here’s today’s sunrise with my guy Mike Toub

 

Best Selfie Spot or Picnic Spot in Philly

It was so cold last winter that all the rivers froze. That was the first time in a long time.
Here’s the Schuylkill near 30th St Station

This years Christmas Tree at City Hall looks amazing, especially with the added snowflakes and color lights.
Without a Doubt this is my favorite the night the Eagles won the Superbowl and crowds flowed into every street in Philly to celebrate.
This is Broad Street – No longer the Underdogs!!!
We’ll always be the Superbowl Champs of 2018!!!!

Philly Style Mag Holiday Party 2018 – 18 Great Holiday Looks

John Colabelli, publisher of Philly Style Magazine, and Kristine Detterline, editor of Philly Style Magazine hosted their annual holiday invite only soiree in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia at Richard Sandoval‘s Aqimero. Friends, family and business leaders in the community enjoyed passed hordourve’s, specialty cocktails , photo booths, and dj entertainment by CTO during the festive event. Spotted in the crowd was Jefferson Hospital’s president Steve Klasko, BJ and Craig Spencer, Roberta and Carl Dranoff, Julie Abramson, whose company Jewel’s Entertainment provided the special guests like Mirror Man, and Santa’s Elf just hanging around, Missy Dietz, Nieman Marcus, and Brian Kappra, Evantine Design, Jeff Guaracino, Executive Director of Visit Philly, Jimmy Contreras, Ritz Carlton, David Davitch, Scarpetta (New Year’s Party), Aida Sparta, Marc Oppenheimer, Parx Casino – they have lots happening in the new year – Sports Betting, A Beer Garden and more live entertainment in the XCite Center – disclaimer Parx is an advertiser, you advertise with us to drop us a note HUGHE@PHILLYCHITCHAT.COM, advertisers always get live links in posts as well),  Charles Chuck Peruto and Lindsey Glasgow (2019 they’ll be Mr & Mrs Peruto), Lynsie and Evan Solomon, Mary K. Dougherty, Linda Swain, Karen Buchholz, John Bolaris formerly weatherman extraordinaire, now real estate extraordinaire with TCS Black Label, Anita Oh, who left CBS3Philly to pursue a law degree at PENN #winning, and Raechal Halpern.

Santa was on hand to hear Bruce and Michelle Shannon‘s list for Christmas as the Cashman Girls controlled the list to
see who was naughty or nice to gain entry. (2019 will be their 20th Anniversary – Congrats Nicole Cashman & Assocs.)

Striped Sequin Dress were popular with the ladies including Kristin Detterline and Thanuja Hamilton. Look for The Sleep Doctor
to be on Dr. Oz again in January, after just having taped another segment last week. During the soiree NBC10’s Rosemary Connor’s snuck out to catch Steve Carell and Robert Zemeckis new film ‘Welcome to Marwen’ at the Ritz at the Bourse.  Later in the evening Steve Carell joined party goers for the afterparty at the Ritz, as well as a bite to eat at Aqimero posing with Melissa Leonard and Jenna Gyger.
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Looking for somewhere to dine on Christmas Eve

On December 24th join Aqimero for a joyful holiday celebration. Indulge in our specialty four-course menu, featuring specialties from our wood-burning grill while enjoying the spectacular views of beautiful décor of the lobby and The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia.

Partners in Crime: Sidney Grimes, Louie Louie, the new restaurant at the Inn at Penn and Michele VanNostran, Starr Restaurants. The duo told me stories about
Sidney’s annual holiday theme party “Wigs and Turtle Necks” where all guests came dressed as such. Sounds like a blast!

A.J. Marsico and Annie McCormick , 6ABC. Annie has a book coming out shortly called The Doctor, The Hitman and the Motorcycle Gang which will deal with the murder of April Kauffman, a New Jersey radio personality who was shot to death in her home in May 2012. Read more about it over here on Philly.com

Beauty all around as the newly engaged Allison Smith takes a selfie with Greg Basille and Jen Groover.

Brittney Shipp, NBC10 and Melissa Magee, 6ABC

Jill Rizen was perfection in a glitter jump suit, rounding out the glamour were Ani Semerjian and Lauren Colabelli

When someone says I wore these festive earrings just for you, you take notice. Thanks Whitney Ulmann, Atlantic City’s answer to PhillyChitChat. You can catch her most weeks on Fox 29 giving us the low down on events Down The Shore by Go Whitney. That’s her sister Margo Pisnoy

Congrats to Alexander Hankin for his first article in the December PhillyStyleMagazine. He’s been writing about art for awhile online, but this month he’s in print. Wearing winter white and looking stunning is Vasiliki Tsiouris, co owner of Craftsman’s Row, Opa and Drury Bar. Not a good year for their Sansom Street eateries after the summer water main break a block away. The new year is looking as bright as winter white. Go check out the Drury Beer Garden @ Opa all festive this holiday.

Steve Circelli and Maureen Dellisanti tells me her favorite Christmas tradition is playing “Hide the Pickle.”  I had to look that one up:
A decoration in the shape of a pickle is hidden on a Christmas tree, with the finder receiving either a reward or good fortune for the following year. 

David Alexander Jenkins tops off his unique sense of fashion with a hat

Dr. Ary Modesto , Angela Carson, Raphael Novoa and Rob Santorra

 Buffy Harakidas, Dr. Julie Gomberg, Shannon Heilig , Julie Lesicki and Jennifer Sherlock
Next up for these ladies is HAIR OF THE DOG’S 25th Anniversary Party at Crystal Tea Room
on Janury 19, 2019

Brittney Ship, with Dad Mr. Shipp, Philly Socialite Melissa Leonard and Anzio Williams, VP of News NBCPhiladelphia and Telemundo

Matt Lindenmuth‘s shoe laces match WMMR’s bae Marisa Magnatta’s dress – nuff said!!

Carmen Tomassetti and Rob Molinaro

Kristin Detterline, Andrew Smith and Dr. Nina Radcliff – crop tops are all the rage this holiday season.

Brittney Shipp tells me she makes grandma’s Gumbo recipe at Christmas and it reminds her of her childhood celebrations with the family, whereas Christmas doesn’t start for Jacqueline London to she makes her Gingerbread House. She doesn’t eat it, but it’s very welcoming.

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER
Greg Basile looked the most Merry Merry at this year’s PSM Party.

Thanks to Philly Style Magazine for having me this year, and for always being so kind to Philly Chit Chat.

 

 

HughE Around Town: DAPR, Juicer Press, CODA Returns With Vengence, The Boss Does Gritmas

City Sidewalks, busy sidewalks indeed, Philadelphia is in full holiday shopping especially with only 9 days of Christmas left. Let’s see what’s going on around town….

Did you see a men’s grooming palour has opened in the Rittenhouse Square area. It’s called DAPR (Dedicated Approach to Personal Refinement) Grooming Parlour at 18th and Sansom Streets, on the 2nd floor above Manhattan Bagel. Longtime, award winnding, Philadelphia hair stylist, Josh Demarco has opened up his dream salon catering to the well groomed guy:
“On August 1st I took one of the biggest risks of my life and decided to peruse my dream of bringing a whole new concept to the Philadelphia market. The last 3 months have been absolutely grueling but all worth it to see @StayDapr brought to life! I want to give a HUGE shoutout to my wife and partner @MeashaBaby for supporting me and grinding through all of this: From concept, to design, to downright sacrificing everything to help bring DAPR to life (she’s a beast!) I’m a firm believer that it takes a solid team and a great culture to be successful in life, and I couldn’t be happier with the one we have 🙏🏻”
Also how cool is that mural on the side of the building?

Juice Press a half a block up the road looks just about ready to open

Bamboo Garden on the 1700 block of Chestnut Street has run into a road block. They need more permits before construction can resume.

 

 

 

 

Monday head to the Shops of Liberty Place for a musical performance while you shop. Also check out their Christmas Tree, one of my favorites and definitely the tallest tree in the City.

Also I noted they have a store that fixes phone screens. People always ask me for references on the drop issue.

I’ve been tweeting all month that my producer at WOGL, Laura Boss, is doing 25 days of Gritmas. She’s been dressing up as Gritty’s sister in various

Don’t forget to buy a ‘Present’ for one of the charities listed @bankofamerica Present @loveparkphilly Through Christmas
@philachristmas . Today is Make A Wish day in the Village.

After nearly 4 years of bringing live music to the streets of Walnut, CODA has called it quits. Since spring they had been sputtering along, after all they have to compete with the Fillmore and other smaller than Wells Fargo venues for live entertainment. I hear the former space which used to be Denim, then Whisper, and now CODA is coming back with a Vengence, returning to it’s nightclub, bottle service, upscale dance hall days. They say Bottle Service is dead, but I don’t think so. As long as the Khardashian’s are on the air, Bottle Service is going to be a level to achieve. Plus who doesn’t want your own spot to hang with friends, sit between dance sessions, or just to dance in place and enjoy bottle service bottles.

Chit Chat with you tomorrow….

The fourth annual Jack Daniel’s Hot Toddy 5K    

Registration was easy for those signed up for the Jack Daniel’s Hot Toddy 5K

The fourth annual Jack Daniel’s Hot Toddy 5K took place earlier this month on Saturday December 1, 2018. The 3.1-mile race was run around the stadiums in South Philly.

Some folks did not disappoint as they came dressed in their holiday runnning finest

There was a hashtag to use for your social,
which put the post on the large screen in Xfinity Live
Annalisa DeFeo from Sweat warmed up the crowed before they headed out on the course
Xfinitly Live is a great place to host a run, there’s lots of space to warm up, inside and out.
Look at these site lines with the City as the backdrop
Hundreds of racers turned out to participate in the annual run. This year the weather was perfect, last year bone chilling, and the year before
it snowed, which wasn’t a deterrent.
It’s an easy fun run, perfect for the beginning, or for those who want to stay in form in between the big runs.

Congrats!!

What makes this race unique is that runners are rewarded with one free hot toddy made with a choice of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Tennessee Honey or  Original No 7  once they cross the finish line. 

Once again, MANNA is the official race charity. Each month, the organization delivers thousands of meals to those who struggle with serious diseases. This year runners helped create holiday cards which will be put in each of the MANNA clients meal delivery on the holiday.
Runners wait for the winners to be announced in Victory Hall at Xfinity Live

Another big draw to the Hot Toddy Run is the epic raffle prizes. Everyone who is registered to run the race is entered
into the raffle contest. At the end of the race, after the runners are honored then the real fun begins as runners vy for
fun, collectible Jack Daniel’s swag.

Above are the grand prize winners who both won a set of chairs and a cooler.
Others won backpacks, growlers, tshirts as well
Congrats ladies on your race!!

HughE Around Town: Be Well Philly Health Heroes; New Wawa, No Paper Towels, Buddy The Elf Spotted

12 Days til Christmas and I’m finally getting around to shopping, and checking out the beautiful Chrismas lights in the area. Most of the following stops happened last night,
but first up lets see who won Philadelphia Magazine’s Be Well Health Hero contest for 2018

After much anticipation, the results are in! Tuesday, November 27, Philadelphia magazine hosted the Be Well Philly Health Hero Reception at the Pyramid Club, where the 2018 Health Hero and Very Influential Philadelphians were revealed. This year’s Health Hero is Todd Irwin (l), who received a $10,000 donation to his chosen charity, Angel Flight East;

The VIP is NBC10 Philadelphia’s Tracy Davidson, who received a $2,500 donation to her chosen charity, the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA. The challenge, presented by Independence Blue Cross, was created seven years ago to celebrate and recognize local pioneers in the health and wellness industry for their contribution to the Philadelphia area.

Congrats to everyone who participated:
HH runner-up Marian Uhlman, HH runner-up Alanna Gardner, VIP runner-up Wendell Holland, VIP winner Tracy Davidson, HH winner Todd Irwin, VIP runner-up Christian Crosby. Who wants to see you at Tinsel tonight for a Toys for Tots event.

The two VIP runners-up are also making impressive strides to make the Philadelphia area happier and healthier. Christian Crosby is the in-arena host and Content & Integrated Marketing Manager for the Philadelphia 76ers, and the founder and CEO of Live Life Nice, a cause-driven digital media and apparel company dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and empowering people to “be nice and do nice.” Wendell Holland is a furniture designer and builder at his company Beve Unlimited, a local custom furniture company specializing in reclaimed wood, as well as the winner of Survivor: Ghost Island.

(photos by Theresa Regan)
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It’s Christmas time in the City, but I like to head out into the burbs as well. Last night I headed over to Tavistock, NJ where I saw
this incredible snowman/Santa 2 story display. Where do you store them in the off season? I love a drive through Audubon, Haddonfield
and my home town of Cherry Hill, where I saw the biggest raccoon ever crossing the street going onto the property where I used to live.
Wish I was into nature photography when I was a kid, who knew these beasts were about…

Earlier in the night I headed over to Franklin Square, one of the 5 squares laid out by City Planner Thomas Holmes. Franklin Square
is located at 6th and Race Street. During the day it’s a fun family friendly park with miniature golf, picnic benches, a carousel and food. At night
it’s all that and Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO
Last night was special as Mayor Kenney, er I mean Buddy the Elf, and Santa (councilman Mark Squilla) stopped by to do the countdown for
the light show.
Check out Hank’s Take on Fox29 where he runs around town as Elf on a Shelf, So funny.
In between the fun you can head over to the Chase warming tent for delicious food, hot chocolate, make your own Smores and cocktails. There’s also an outdoor area with
fire-pits and seating so you can enjoy the magic happening around you.
Electrical Spectacle is a free light show that illuminates the Square nightly through December 31. Marvel at more than 75,000 lights as they shimmer, dance, and illuminate the Square to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS in two alternating shows every 30 minutes beginning at 4:30 pm daily. Every evening, one lucky audience member will be selected to kick off the evening’s festivities as the Igniter for the 4:30 pm show.
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The largest Wawa opens to the public on Friday. Last night there was a friends, family and media preview party at the 11,500 square feet located in the Historic District
right across from Independence Hall. Now the whole world is going to fall in love with the Wawa hoagie.

Wally Goose welcomes Sheila Hess to Wawa (If there was a prize for tallest mascot, he would win.)

Lots of notable people were on hand for the party like Meryl Levitz, Jane Golden, and Paul Levy, Executive Director of Center City District, whose offices are located
just down the street. I’m sure he’ll be spotted there often.
There are lots of kiosks to order from and will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Now the nearby Federal Guards will have company as they guard our treasures.
The largest section of bottle drinks by far; starting with Friday’s opening coffee will be free through Sunday.

Beautiful murals by the Mural Arts Philadelphia
by artists Keir Johnston and Willis Humphrey . Sadly Willis passed away two weeks ago, but his family
came out to see the unveiling of the murals.

There are two counters to purchase your items from
And there’s Wawa merchandise like T-Shirts

More beef jerky selections than a West Virginia truck stop

Ben Franklin stands in front of a photo of he and his friends in front of Independence Hall

Wawa will host a grand opening on Friday, beginning at 8 a.m there will be a mini-parade with Wally and some of our favorite historic figures, they’ll be special giveaways for the first 200 customers, and a ribbon cutting ceremony with all the people that helped bring Wawa to the Public Ledger building at 6th and Chestnut.
BTW the bathrooms are enormous. Now at first I told me Instagram Story viewers that they forgot the paper towel rack and just use your pants. But on
my 2nd visit I realize there are hand dryers built into the faucet contraption, located on the right, just like at the Visitor Center.
See you Friday at the parade….

If I photographed you this week you might be in my
CBSPhilly Column

Or on Philly Style Magazine (I cringe with that first photo, I didn’t do my regular photo shop app)

Philly Business Journal