Stacy Stec, Marketing Manager at LOL Entertainment (the parent company of Museum of Illusions) , Job Itzkowitz, executive director of Old City District, Rob Cooper, CEO of LOL Entertainment, ,Sheila Hess, City Representative for the City of Philadelphia and Jason Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at LOL Entertainment
A magical mystery museum opened this past weekend in Old City, the new 5000 square foot Museum of Illusions officially opened at 4th and Market ; it boasts 80+ visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereo-grams, optical illusions, immersive rooms and special Philly installations unique to this location.
Jonathan Benjamin. Chief Executive Officer at Museum of Illusions, Councilman Mark Squilla and Jason Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at LOL Ente
“We are very excited to be bringing the Museum of Illusions to Philadelphia and happy to be able to provide the city with such an engaging and exciting new museum concept,” said Rob Cooper, Philadelphia native and founder of LOL Entertainment, the parent company of the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia. “We are confident that people of all ages will love seeing and experiencing the Museum’s unique illusions and exhibits.”
I had a ball
Job Itzkowitz, executive director of Old City District is just hanging around in the Anti-Gravity Room
Michael Newmuis, COS Visit Philly “climbs” a Philadelphia row home at the Museum of Illusions.
The Museum of Illusions MOI is for all ages and offers visual and educational exhibits designed to tease the senses. Visitors will learn about vision, perception, and the human brain and experience firsthand the science of how the eyes can trick the mind.
Janelle Burrell the morning and noon co-anchor of CBS3 Eyewitness News hung out for a bit.
We weren’t sure how this exhibit worked, until Ray suddenly ran into the adjoining room and crawled through a tunnel popping up for a feast for our eyes.
Hello readers. I’m sorry I ghosted you again. Last week I wrote about having writers block, and being stuck. Going into our 3rd year of the pandemic and my business has come to a halt, again and it’s thrown me for a loop. Events which were schedule for January and even February have been postponed, and left me unmotivated. I’ve been sleeping a lot. Mike will tell you there’s a lot to do, and I do have a lot to do. I just have to have hope, as you do, that this will end soon, or we will just live with it. Prayers to about a dozen of my friends who must have gotten the Delta version over the holidays, as they are still very sick. Entire families are getting sick, so mask up, especially in crowds. OK I did cover a few things this week, as well as found fun tidbits on the internet you might find interesting too.
So many pretty women came out to see Pretty Woman: The Musical last week at the Kimmel Cultural Campus, including WOGL’s legendary personality Marilyn Russell, who attended the show with contest winners. Each of the winners received a rose from Marilyn, provided by Acme supermarkets.
Carole Morganti, CJM Public Relations, Valerie Knight,106.1 The Breeze and Cindy Webster, WIP
A standout in the production has to be scene stealer Kyle Taylor Parker in “Pretty Woman: The Musical.”, who plays 2 main characters. I wish I had two pairs of hands to clap my appreciate of his performance. The show was just as charming, and plays through January 16th. It’s what we all need right now..
Congratulations to the Sugar Factory Philadelphia which officially opened on Saturday night hosted by celebrity DJ, Jersey Shore star DJ Pauly D. Thanks to my wire service Photo Image Press for placing one of my shots in People Magazine. it’s always fun to get national exposure.
Locally the photos ran in my Around Town With HughE Dillon column at Metro Philly and CBSPhilly. If you want me to cover your party, event, ribbon cutting or press conference click HERE for the details.
Sixers Tobias Harris celebrated the opening of his friend’s new store – Crumbl Cookies, in Wynnewood on January 6, 2022! Owner and operator Charles Terry III said he’s been friends with Harris for 11 years, and when the New York native decided to open up a Crumbl in Philadelphia, he knew exactly who to call to help with the launch as well as serve as a brand ambassador. Sixers Tobias Harris and Crumbl Brand ambassador and Charles Terry III of Wynnewood See more photos at CBSPHILLY and Phila Tribune as well as the April issue of Main Line Today.
Tobias Harris and his family: Dad Torrel Harris, sister Tesia Harris, fiance Jasmine Winton, and mom Lisa Harris. Tobias and Tesia were engaged in 2020, with Tobias popping the question at their future retirement home in LaJolla.
Dish of the Week. After photographing Crumbl I realized I was near DePaul‘s in Ardmore. I heard their octopus dish was delicious, so I headed over there for dinner. It’s always easy to find parking in Ardmore. Usually I get a spot on the street nearby, or when nothing’s available I park at Suburban Square a few blocks away. The dish was better than good, with a little kick to boot. I really enjoyed it, as well as the steak and Brussels Sprouts.
Things are happening in Old City: Last week I wrote about the new Cosi at 10th and Chestnut, well the old Cosi at 4th and Chestnut is about to become PINGPOD: Ping Pong on Demand – the Future of Table Tennis. Unlike the uptown SPIN , Ping Pod is not a nightclub atmosphere but similar to going to the gym and reserving the paddle board court to play. Plus they give lessons if you want to perfect your game. It stresses Covid safety, so look for it to open in a few weeks to entice us to get out of the house.
This is exciting news, especially since Mike and I have started eating whole food plant based dished, he’s now a full time whole food guy, I’ll be eating it at home, but when I am out I will be conscious of eating healthy, we’ve agreed. Anywho: Riverwardsproduce is opening in the heart of Old City on Bread Street, bread is actually allowed on my whole food plan, but not butter. Anyway They Are Hiring and at a decent wage.
It’s more than just construction and a beautiful space. In order to grow and open new locations we need the right people. Riverwards is hiring all positions right now and we offer a $16 starting wage, wellness and mental health support via Healthy Pour and Fishtown Wellness Center, 20% employee discount, Paid Time Off that includes vacation, sick time, bereavement time and family leave time and that’s not all. With the additional revenue from RWP2 we can now offer a HEALTH CARE package to our employees! This has been a dream of mine since the beginning. Follow the link in bio to learn more and apply. Let’s do this ✌🏻🌱 📸: @roccoavallone Riverwards Produce 2 opening spring 2022
OK this wasn’t so bad. Back to business. Maybe I’ll do these informative columns for a bit, as well as celebrate past columns as PhillyChitChat turns 15 this year. Tomorrow night I am banging the drum at the Flyers game, which is their equivelent to ringing the bell at the Sixers. So honored. Excited. And nervous. Also I read your emails about the print being small when you read it on your phones. I realize when I do two photos side by side, the photos don’t publish correctly and the print gets smaller. For the time being I will do one photo per paragraph, and see what can be done as I do love those side by side photos, and slideshows. On desktops and laptops it comes out fine, just not on phones. Thanks, and have a great day….
CEO Greg Deavens, (on right) Temple president Jason Wingard with IBC Foundation Healthcare Scholars, (l to r) Hannah Mahler Sakeesha Similien, Jamirah Branch, and Justine Jones.
The program will: Provide full 4-year academic scholarships for up to 20 students of color to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Temple Support students through learning communities, tutoring, and additional academic resources Offer mentorship and experiential learning opportunities for high school students to raise awareness of nursing as a career and help them meet Temple admissions criteria Provide job placements within Temple University Health System upon graduation
Gregory E. Deavens,Independence Blue Cross president and CEO. “Independence is a champion of health equity and social change, ta
“A diverse nursing workforce is essential to providing culturally competent care in communities of color, so we must make sure nursing education is an option for all who want to enter the career,” said Gregory E. Deavens,Independence Blue Cross president and CEO. “Independence is a champion of health equity and social change, tackling challenges through partnerships like the Healthcare Scholars Pipeline Program. We are proud to work with Temple University and Philadelphia-area high schools to launch this program and mark another milestone in our twenty-year journey of support for nursing.”
Dr. Jason Wingard, president of Temple University.
“We’re immensely grateful to have the Independence Blue Cross Foundation as a partner in this important endeavor,” said Dr. Jason Wingard, president of Temple University. “Through this collaboration, our College of Public Health will facilitate the development of a pipeline of highly-talented and diverse nurses. The importance of intentionally targeting these frontline practitioners is crucial given the current complexities of the healthcare system. So, we’re excited to collaborate with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation to enhance equity and access of training in support of preparing a best-in-class workforce.”
Steve Fera is executive vice president of public affairs at Independence Blue Cross (Independence).
Senator Christine Tartaglione, Councilperson Shariff Street, Councilperson Cindy Bass, with teachers, mentors, and students from Temple
In addition to full scholarships, students will receive academic support including paid internships, learning communities and mentorships to further support their undergraduate nursing experience and academic achievement. The initial cohort will include five students from north Philadelphia and surrounding neighborhood high schools and will later expand to additional schools and up to 20 students.
I’ve watched them build 2100 Hamilton as it’s only a few blocks from my house. They’ve done a great job, and it turned out so much more beautiful than I anticipated. Fits right into the neighborhood, which I can enjoy with the reflective glass, and bright sunny skies on those days. Comprised of 27 exclusive residences and situated among the city’s finest museums, 2100 Hamilton offers a luxury lifestyle that is easy, effortless, and exciting close to shops, Fairmount Park and views of the City Skyline.
Last night there was a special unveiling of one of their 3 bedroom models for potential residents to get a sneak peek at what 2100 Hamilton has in store for them.
Did I mention spectacular views of the City Skyline
provided
With a nearly half acre private residential garden, offers stunning city views and strikes the perfect balance of Center City living with the peace of a park-like setting.
Developer and friends Michael Scanapieco and Tom Scanapieco, with developers of this property Tom Bock and Angela Bock
Kerrie Owens and Ashley Holcombe Rachel Garman, and Brianna Minko
Paula Celletti-Baron shows Michelle Wenitsky ,Dani Kanak and Michelle Leff the living room over looking the Rodin Museum.
Matt Musill, Risk Management Consultant at Johnson, Kendall & Johnsoni, and Tom Bannar, Vice President | Risk Management Advisor | Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc.
Kris Pirnat and Jamie Ireland John and Kelly Williams
Judy Munroe in the amenity filled kitchen. Highlights include an induction cooktop, quartz countertops, one-touch faucets, microwave drawers, over-counter lighting, an oversized wine refrigerator, and a separate expansive pantry as well as a selection of tasteful palettes to fit anyone’s personal style. Custom cabinetry by Joanne Hudson Kitchens and appliances by Wolf and Sub-Zero anchor the gourmet kitchen experience. 2100 Hamilton Thanks to Andre Flewellen for photographing the Sneak Peek Preview as I was covering the Italian Medical Awards. More on that next week. Have a great weekend, and I will see you back here on Sunday for HughE Around Town!! Thanks as always, HughE
RE Agents at The AGENCY Christopher Werley, Larry Holmes Jr. and Matthew Loebsack with Lisa Silveri
On Wednesday, September 8, 2021 I attended a red carpet event at the Laurel announcing the formation of the next iteration of the AGENCY Real Estate Partnership… the Evolution of Luxury Real Estate for the Philadelphia Marketplace! For years the award winning licensed Broker/Realtor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey Lisa Silveri has owned and operated the successful AGENCY with an extensive background in selling high end residential and commercial properties. During the pandemic she thought, what is next, what should I be doing. She’s stepping back just a bit, and stepping up is her new partners, a young dynamic team which will complete The AGENCY’s Real Estate Christopher Werley, Larry Holmes Jr. and Matthew Loebsack 1518 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 990-3159
Larry Holmes, Jr, partner at The Agency, Joelle Holmes, Diane Holmes and legendary boxer Larry Holmes, Sr.
The Agency understand the nuances of the the Philadelphia real estate market and have the ability to serve buyers and sellers with various needs and desires.
The Easton Assassin “the Easton Assassin,” was the heavyweight champion of the world from 1978 to 1985. He holds a 69-6 career record, with 44 knockouts.
Domenica Vinci and Gloria Brooks.
The Laurel’s Amy Lehman and Eva Walker
Gran Caffe L’Aquila was the caterer. I just had dinner there last Thursday, and it was delicious. I had their Restaurant menu, and everything was perfect, but the Cannoli was something to write home about.
Although Lisa is still the president, this young, new generation of real estate agents will be taking the reigns of The Agency for all your needs. Another thing about these three, friends for years, growing up in and around Easton, Pa. Christopher Werley, Larry Holmes Jr. and Matthew Loebsack.
Adam Sandler and LeBron James Hustle has hustled back into town to film the remaining scenes which weren’t completed last fall because of Covid19. Thanks to Diego Ramos for sending me two videos of the film set with Adam Sandler and Queen Latifah, who plays his wife. Filming took place on Thursday in South Philly on a very hot basketball court.
Tobias Harris was spotted in this scene, that’s Adam Sandler in the yellow shirt patting him on the back. Head to Reddit for more on the scenes filmed in South Philly.
According to IMDB the Netflik series is still titled Hustle, but sources tell me it might be renamed Rebounds. I kinda like that name better too. The show is about a sports agent looking to re start his career, or rebound back into business, get it. Plus you know it’s a basketball movie.
Friday Hustle/Rebound took over Ray’s Happy Birthday bar for a scene at the iconic South Philly spot. Also Sandler shoot a scene at the basketball court at 9th and Federal. Thanks to all my tipsters for tips, and videos. The 9th Street scene can be scene on my instagram. More chitchat on which sixers are appearing in the movie HERE
Wait It’s Always Sunny hasn’t filmed in Philly for 5 years, but it’s filmed in Ireland twice since it was last here in 2016?
More surprising news Creed III is not filming in Philly, it’s filming in Atlanta. Good news for Michael B Jordan, he’s staring and will be directing the Rocky franchise movie, but Sly doesn’t appear in this sequel, although Tessa Thompson is back as his wife. READ all About it. We’ll miss you buddy. You were fun to photograph. I am away for a week, but keep sending me those tips I really appreciate it, we all appreciate it being in the know. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy follow me on Social Media as I will be sharing my trip there. I will have two more posts this week which I prepared.
Every decade or so, the magnificent Leeds House in West Mt Airy comes on the market, and you’re in luck it’s on the market now as the owners want to return to their hometown. The home was built for noted industrialist Morris Leeds, an inventor and founder of the company that became Leeds & Northrup, the first American manufacturer of quality scientific research and testing instruments. The English style home built in 1931, but has been updated over the years as you will see in the following photos, while maintaining it’s charm.
This home underwent a major restoration in 2008/2009 giving it a new state-of-the-art kitchen, seven new bathrooms, central air and an in-law suite with two bathrooms, kitchen and a separate entrance.
James McFadden of Kurfiss gave me the tour of the home with exquisite detail, which I couldn’t possibly remember but you can appreciate through these photos. I really was stunned by the intricate details of the original ironwork by Samuel Yellin
The two-and-a-half-story stair hall measures twenty-one-feet square and is capped with a soaring timbered ceiling. Nine concrete steps with the original Yellin handrail lead down to the hall and to passageways forming the main axis of the house. To the southwest are the dining room and covered porch; to the northeast, the library and study. The living room lies perpendicular to the axis, jutting out to the northwest above the dramatic landscape. To the south, an extensive two-story ell houses the kitchen and other original service quarters. Guests heading up from the front landing climb thirteen steps to the second story, where the Yellin railing continues along the balcony. The upper hall grants access to four en suite bedrooms, a sewing room, and, beyond the master bedroom, a sitting room that is one of the most majestic spaces in the house.
Everywhere, towering cast-stone-cased windows with thick lead muntins shed natural light onto floors of local Enfield tile or oak and onto paneled or plaster walls. (source)
To see more about your country estate so close to Center City check out the listing here. James McFadden
Last week they had the sponsor party at the Comcast Center. I couldn’t make it as I was shooting the Sidney Kimmel’s Men’s Event at Prime Rib, but they were nice enough to send me a few pixs. I’ll be shooting their gala coming up in May.
The Kimmel Center also announced the centerpiece of PIFA 2018 – the return of Transe Express, the French performance troupe that PIFA lovers will remember from their amazing spectacle during the 2011 Festival when more than 200,000 visitors packed the Avenue of the Arts to witness the ‘jaw-dropping sensation.’ The group will bring the World Premiere of Crystal Palace – a 30-foot human chandelier with more than 50 live performers and dancers. Crystal Palace will be a full, 90-minute performance that artistically recreates the history of dance – from The Waltz and Tango, to the Charleston, the Swing and Disco – through air acrobats and integrated dance groups.
BUILD THE PEOPLE’S TOWER
Dilworth Park
June 3, attend anytime between 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
A new landmark for Philadelphia – built by Philadelphians! The public will help build the fantastical, epic, temporary People’s Tower and watch in amazement as it soars above Dilworth Park. The People’s Tower will stand overnight and be demolished at 7:00 p.m. the following day. For previous examples of Olivier Grossetête’s work, visit www.kcpress.smugmug.com.
Kimmel Center’s Hamilton Garden
June 4, 2:00 p.m.
Hear a panel of star-studded public artists, place makers, and arts administrators discuss what exactly is public space, and what it means to create art within it. Learn how public art is different from art presented in a traditional theater, and how it connects an audience.
Panelists include:
Jane Golden – Founder and Executive Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia
Robert van Leer – Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning, The Kennedy Center
Rachel Chanoff – Director, THE OFFICE performing arts + film
Linda diPietro – Artistic Director Indisciplinarte, Terni Festival (Terni, Italy)
Pierre Sauvageot – Director of Lieux Publics (Marseilles, France)
Werner Schrempf – Artistic Director, La Strada (Graz, Austria)
Anna Anderegg – Founder and Choreographer, Asphalt Piloten (Berlin, Germany)
Olivier Grossetête – Installation Artist (France)
Jay Wahl – Artistic Director, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
About 150 people joined Dr Karen E. Knudsen, Director of Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and Leonard Gomella, M.D., Chair, Department of Urology at Jefferson at the 2018 Men’s Event at the Prime Rib in Center City.
Joe Weiss, Cheryl Bohm, Justin Wineburgh and Sean Grace
Co-Chairs Joseph Weiss, Chairman of international design firm Electronic Ink and Chair of Kimmel Cancer Center Advisory Board at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and Kent Gushner – President – Boyds Philadelphia clothing store greeted guests and welcomed them for an evening of cocktails, casino games, sit down dinner, and entertainment by Comedy Central comedian Aaron Berg who kept the crowd in stitches with medical and current event jokes .
Jermaine Millhouse, Russell Fletcher and Tetyana Fletcher
Stephen Smith, Susan Fixler, Ocean Resort Hotel and Casino, Tara Barbera Ocean Resort Hotel and Casino and Peter Ciccone, Ocean Resort Casino. Ocean Resort Casino is the new name for Revel Casino. Look for it to open before July 4.
Persis Rice and Margaret Fala both of Jefferson Hospital
Andrew Flanagan and Jonathan Agree both of Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Additional funds were raised by selling this dandy derby hats.
John Sacks and Evan Solomon try out the craps table. Guests who won the most “money” while gambling, were eligible for raffle items
Janet Guthart, Associate Vice President Office of Protocol, Special Events and Stewardship – Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Aaron Berg, Comedy Central Comedian, and David Brownstein, Senior Director of Protocol and Special Events – Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
Phanerrica Muhammad and Eric Gray
The evening raised more than $100,000 to build awareness about prostate cancer and benefit research at Jefferson’s National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center.
Philly Gossip: Creed 2; Reality Star Lisa Vanderpump Appearance, Kristen Alderson +++
Good Sunday Gossip…
Today is awfully gloomy, but yesterday was glorious and how lucky it was a Saturday to enjoy.
Lisa Vanderpump of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “Vanderpump Rules” reality shows was in Ardmore yesterday and over 1100 people waited to meet her.
And she stayed the entire time
To greet each one and pose for photos.
Creed’s 2 Florian “Big Nasty” Munteanu is one of the nicest guys on the set and in the streets, as is Dolph Lundgren, so if you see them stop them and say hi. Altho Sly is right up there. All last week cast, crew and extras put in 12 to 14 hour days, Friday night when it was a wrap Stallone thanked everyone, and gave some lucky extras a handshake of thanks, and one lucky girl a love tap fist in the cheek when asked. No kisses though, he said his wife has strict orders. I don’t blame her, do you?
Congrats to my friend Kristen Alderson‘s , #GH and #OLTL alum who begins performances in The Marvelous Wonderettes at The Kirk Theatre 410 West 42nd St. New York, NY 10019 this week. https://www.broadway.com/shows/marvelous-wonderettes/
Congrats NBC10’s Jacqueline London for being on the premiere cover of Crown Magazine.
Check back with PhillyChitChat tomorrow to see which fun parties we covered this week….
Congrats to my friend Kristen Alderson‘s , #GH and #OLTL alum who begins performances in The Marvelous Wonderettes at The Kirk Theatre 410 West 42nd St. New York, NY 10019 this week.
