Last week I was a judge for the South Street Business District’s holiday windows. South Street has really changed over the past few years into a family friendly shopping and eating district. More like a community, with families, students, retailers and most importantly people who care.
I ran into Carol Fritz (we used to be paralegals together, in that other life I had) who was out enjoying the evening with a friend.
I just love Santa and kids. Brings back lots of great memories.
Love this shot. Sometimes I misplace my note book and in this case I did. I shot this last Sunday and had intended to put it on Philly.com but I was so slammed last week things got discombobulated, and now I can’t find my booklet, and I know I have it here but I needed to get this out there. But trust me the photos do it justice, there was lots to do and see. There’s was entertainment and
free carriage rides
and the best part Santa. All you had to do was bring your own camera and wala you had your Christmas Card
Thanks to today’s advertiser:Cool Pix Photo Booth.If UR having a party think about renting one. They’re great fun, and your guests have a keepsake to take with them which is branded with ur company’s name.
The guy on the right was from Philly, his gal was a student and the two on the left were visiting from Brazil. They loved South Street, and Philly in general, touring all the right spots including Christmas Village at Love Park.
It’s always a fun time when face painting is involved.
I really appreciate WXPN DJ Robert Drake for suggesting me, and for all the work Krystal Souvanlasy South Street Headhouse District assisting the judges and throwing an excellent party. Check out Robert Drake’s The Night Before on WXPN when he plays your old favorites, new favorites and unique holiday songs for the 19th Year. I love it, not only for the music, but for his stamina on air.
Urban Princess
Twisted Tale came in 3rd. i think we like the Hanukkah lights.
Here are a few more windows that I liked. Armed and Dangerous
Urban Princess Boutique
Garland of Letters. I always loved this store. It must be in business 20+ years.
Busybee. Cute window, but I love their merchandise. Head on down to South Street and check out everyone’s merchandise, relive your youth, create new memories, enjoy a lot of great shopping.
Did I mention the restaurants. There are delicious choices including Percy Street BBQ. I hadn’t been there in a bit so I stopped by as Mike, who was with me, loves Ribs. He loved it. While I was there they were into their 2nd day of “The 12 Cans of Christmas 12/1 – 12/12” which is happy hour 5PM – 7PM On 12/2 it was Sly Fox Night: Cory Reid, Sly Fox, Patrick Mullin, Sly Fox, Aric Ferrell, GM Percy BBQ, Nick Johnson and Max Sherman as Santa.
This past weekend was The Pennsylvania Society, where traditionally many of Pa’s movers and shakers head to the big apple to “network” and party. (Those left behind are left to complain why don’t they have this shindig in Pennsylvania, why spend all the money in NYC.)
In Philly we have a great organization called The Power Shift
Nurturing the leadership skills of midcareer professionals in Philadelphia through professional development and networking
activities that help individuals find their unique “Presidential” voice.
Enhancing the reputation of Greater Philadelphia as a world-class region where youth, creativity and diversity thrive.
What are the objectives of the Power Shift?
Identify and create a membership organization for the next wave of civic and business leadership between the ages of 25-44.
Establish leadership development programs and mentorships within Philadelphia’s business and professional industries.
Position our city’s young professionals to assume the reigns of leadership (The Pyramid of Leadership).
Provide a platform for our generation to build “high-end networks” with current and future leaders.
For the first time they headed up to Manhattan and hosted a cocktail party, that attracted the social diary of Guest of a Guest to cover it’s going’s on.
Angela Val, vice president of special projects for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) and Meryl Levitz, executive director of Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC)
Megan Smith, Brownstone PR holds court
The party was held at the Kimberly Hotel with a breathtaking view of The Big Apple
Power Couple: Electronic Ink chairman Joe Weiss and Sharon Pinkenson: Greater Philadelphia Film Office executive director
Jonathan Saidel and guest with the view of the Chrysler Building in the background.
Mayor Michael Nutter looking fly and fresh just back from his China trade mission, and Ms Nicole Cashman
Check out the rest of the photos at Guest of a Guest here.
Every year around the holidays I would hear about some of the must attend, or more like must get invited to holiday parties. One of them on the PhillyChitChat list has always been high-powered attorney Chuck Peruto’s holiday party. A party where the who who’s of the political world would hob knob with socialites of Philadelphia as well as Center City scenesters.
Last year I was invited but couldn’t find a parking spot for blocks and blocks, gave up and went home. This year I made other arrangements, but was a little late as I had another party that was on the must cover list in NJ, the Morton & Rudolph Jewlery Store Party. (Which I will cover Wednesday)
I was really happy to attend the party, as Chuck was one of the first people I met when I first started shooting the Philly social scene, and he’s a super guy. I hadn’t seen him much as he’s working hard, and also fell in love with a Florida gal, Genna Squadroni and spent a lot of time courting her. These days the two spend most of their time in Philly in the home Chuck recently renovated in the Rittenhouse Square area, and it’s gorgeous.
I ran into a lot of friends there, Lisa Gaudio and her husband Jimmy Kazanjian with Carol Tamburino. I have to thank Lisa and her dad Bob Gaudio (The founding member of the Four Season’s) for recently donating two tickets to the Jersey Boys on Broadway to the Gilda’s Charity event I had in my sister’s name. I haven’t had a moment to write that event up, (or the PHL PVCB event) as I have been posting lots of client events, and well timely events like this party. (THANK YOU ALSO TO http://www.mortonandrudolph.com/ WHO DONATED A $1,000 DIAMOND NECKLACE TO THE EVENT) Thank You so much, we raised nearly $4,000 (tixs to attend were only $25) that will help uninsured and under insured women with their medical costs, therapy groups & most importantly how to put on make up after chemo treatments etc. If you wanna donate in honor of my sister, JUDY WILKINS (put that in the Tribute section) as I know some of you have been asking, here’s the link. Thanks.
In addition to the mover and shakers of the City (well the ones that weren’t at the PA Society weekend in NYC) it was really nice to meet Chuck’s family including his daughter in law Puja Peruto and son Chaz Peruto. That glow you see, expectant parents. Congratulations!! Also Puja’s mom was there and it was so nice to meet her too. She’s excited to be a grandmother.
Jennifer Grossman, Victoria Schwartz, Char Cesario, Shawn DiCarlo and Ellen Whitaker
Newlyweds and soon newly parents: Craig Spitzer and Erin Elmore Spitzer. Now that is a gorgeous maternity dress. I failed to ask her which designer.
Neumann-Goretti High School pals: Gabby Giovanetti and Monique Perri. Monique ‘s favorite quote “A wise girl kisses but doesn’t love; listens but doesn’t believe; and leaves before she is left.”
— Marilyn Monroe
Alisa Frederico and Cindy Caccuro
Danielle Hershman and Jay Hershman. Or as Danielle and I were saying, the freshman class of PhillyChitChat grows up and gets married. Since PCC is 5 years old this year, I’ve seen the lovely ladies that I covered over the years, date, break up, find their soul mates, marry and now some are having children.
Like Jill Rizen, soon to be Jill Rizen-Hennig in 20 days, with Tempa Berish and Michelle Ranieri
Then it was up to the roof where the action was hot, not only because of the 3 heat lamps keeping us toasting on the damp rainy night, but most of the people were up there mingling.
It was kinda dark though and hard to see my note pad to write, so most of the times I just snapped away
Haley Beisel and Ron Hansen. Check out his racing chairs on pinterest HERE
You can follow me there too, but I’m not 100% sure what I’m supposed to do there. i did start doing instagram u can follow me at PhillyChiChat ya know
John Bolaris, Erica Smitheman and Daily News columnist Stu Bykofsky.
We had such an enjoyable time together shortly after this shot we headed to Rouge, which was packed to the rafters, and ended up at Devon for hours of laughs.
Melinda Howell and Cheryl Dunagan
Party on Nadia It’s Your Birthday – Happy Birthday dear Nadia Maransky.
Genna Squadron, Liz Avallone and Brandon Perloff
Kim Frick (r) and Friends
Jenn Bernstein, CBS 3 and The CW Philly, Daniel L. Cevallos, Esq. He’s everywhere lately, TrueTV, The CW and guest-hosting In Session at the CNN building, Kristen Johanson, CBS3
guest I accidentally cut off, Lori Heimbach, Aly Loveland, Nikki Klein, Ronnie Buzzetta, and Char Baylor (These names maybe a little skewed & mixed up as drama was happening nearby which was distracting.)
Happily Newlyweds: Steve and Allie Schaeffer – (Now if only I could get an invite to John Dougherty’s legendary holiday party?)
Happy official engagement to John Bolaris and Erica Smitheman (twitter @EricaSmitheman) I don’t know any couple who have weathered the storms they have and still manage to be super dooper happy. As is good ole’ John fashion he popped the question to Erica in a non-traditional way, about a mile up in the air on a plane headed to sunny California. He had the pilot make an announcement for the duo to head up front, maybe a first class seat had opened up as they were on the waiting list for the last minute booked flight. As John reached the front of the plane, the stewardess gave him the microphone, he got down on one knee and asked the crying Erica to be his wife. The plane erupted in applause and shared in a toast for the happy couple. Congratulations!!!
The event starts at 10AM at various bars throughout the City. Then at 2PM everyone convergences to one of Philly’s fabulous Irish bars Finnegan’s Wake. 4PM the running begins.
“A
Younger, Hotter Version of The Mummers Parade”
– Philadelphia Magazine
And their off… this year the destination point was Electric Factory Concert Hall
Rudolph and a gal with a Lycra suit that covers her face
MayorTom Grady (r) (Narberth, Pa) and Theresa Grady
Are you ready for your close up?
Jews for Christmas
Is that a baby at the Santa run?
The UN of Elves. Scotland, Ireland, Nigeria, and the USA. The girls told me they were going to NYC on Sunday to celebrate again before going back to their countries with lots of fun tales of merriment.
Video of start line and the insanity that ensues.
The Electric Factory playground. I went home as I was going to
Dave & Busters that evening with friends ( Kory Aversa, Aversa PR & Dash Sears) after driving by it.
Surprise, surprise I saw a few Santa’s there too.
Have you been there lately? So many new games like doodle jump,
ms Pacman grande slam, plus you can play air hockey with 4 people at once and this game Speed of Light where you have to hit the light to get a point. This is the finale where all the lights are lit. It’s a competitive gaem. So fun!!
Doctors Express Grand Opening: Doctors Express South Philly, the first walk-in medical care
center to come to the City of Philadelphia, held an open house on
Saturday, December 1. It’s a new alternative to the emergency room.
Vince Papale was on hand to greet guests and posed with the medical centers staff
“Doctors Express provides a high level of urgent care
at affordable rates,” said Mike Lobas of Downingtown who was charged
$1,500 to have his son Mike checked out at an emergency room after he
broke his finger playing football. “Had we gone to a local care center, Mike could have had his finger x-rayed and fully treated onsite for $165.”
Owners of Doctors Express Jim Raporte, Jeff Evons, Mabel Evons with Donald Tippett– Office Manager for Councilman David Oh. Doctors Express provides patients with urgent care and is staffed with doctors and a medical support team. Patients with acute illness ie flu, colds, aches and pains, trauma, and
sports injuries are treated right away with on-site laboratory equipment
and digital x-ray service.
Kristen Johansen, CBS3, Lauren Nickles and Megan Parkhill stopped by the VIP Party last week to get a first look on the new concept located in South Philly across from the famed Melrose Diner.
DiBruno’s catered the party
Mike Young and Mabel Evons.
Mabel tells me it’s a great alternative to the long wait in an
emergency room, they can usually take you right away. She also tells me
if it’s something they can’t do or is life threatening they send you
right to the hospital. For example if you’re having a heart attack go
directly to the emergency room, if you suspect a broken leg, arm or you
have the flu Doctors Express is for you.
Brigid Kaye and Jennifer Sherlock
Here’s the digital xray machine. Doctors Express is a formal bank, and this room used to be the vault.
There’s parking on site, the cost is competitive, Doctors Express accepts most insurance companies. They provide you with your medical records either electronically or they hand you a disc of them when you are ready to leave. No more writing to the hospital or doctors for copy of your medical transcripts. You’ll know exactly what went on during your visit.
Brigid Kaye, Chris Murray, Denise Clay and Dr Anthony Campbell, who is working at Doctor’s Express
You can call ahead and see how long the wait is. They’ll be able to give you a time for you to come in. Check out Doctors Express’ website to learn more, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter to receive helpful health tips.
UPDATE: PCC was the first to report the David O Russell film about Abscam was not going to be filmed in Philly (12/6/12) because of the depleted funds in the Pa Film Credit program, and instead head to Boston. Two weeks later a Pittsburgh newspaper confirms what I first reported on Good Day Fox 29, and read here on PhillyChitChat.com (Thanks to my reader who first told me it was no longer on the film schedule, and then I did extensive research to get the rest of the story.)
Yesterday I broke an exclusive on Fox 29 regarding the new movie by director David O Russell, which was scheduled to film here in Philadelphia this spring.
Silver Linings Playbook Screening in Philadelphia: director David O
Russell, actress Brea Bee and author Matthew Quick. Russell’s new
movie about Abscam also known as “American Bullshit” will be shot in Boston as there was insufficient
funds left in the Pennsylvania Tax Credit Fund. As soon as I heard whispers about the film moving to Boston, I called Sharon
Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office
to get a comment. She told me she is devastated that a film of that magnitude was lost to another
city. The Film had major A List star power too including Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale. Boston is now going to be Philadelphia.
Over a hundred fans turned
out at aloft Saturday night for Q102’s Jingle Ball Ticket raid held at PHL’s aloft hotel. They were
entertained by a battle of the Pop’s and he chance to win Jingle Ball tickets
with a chance to see Justin Bieber among others.
Event Hosts Q102’s Maxwell and Christina Sanchez.
Nina Timani Director of Marketing for Aloft and
Christina Sanchez of Queen Diva Radio.(Thanks to PhillyChitChat photographer extraordinaire Mike Hirata for covering this event for me.)
Stanley Boykin, Maxwell, and Amy Dombrowski all of
Q102
Singer Ginger Coyle.
Jingle Ball Ticket Winner
Stacy Parker said winning the chance to see Justin Bieber made this the best
day of her life.
Popular Philadelphia band Dacav5 Performed for fans
Nina Timani Director of
Marketing for aloft with winning band Like Violet: sisters Carly and Caitlyn
Kalafus and Shaepes Valleau.
International DJ Casper and Host Christina Sanchez of
Queen Diva Radio
TMZ has this wrong. Exclusively here: Max George knew
Lindsay was there at the venue as they arrived at the
concert with him after they checked out of the Omni Hotel, at 4th and
Chestnut Street, with the whole band on the bus. Lilo & Max had
their own room, as the band had rooms nearby. They walked the red
carpet, while she was still on the bus. When they were about to take the
stage she came inside to watch. She was a model guest I was told,
spending most of the time in their room over looking the beautiful
grounds of Independence Park. Check out my coverage of the Jingle Ball on PhillyMag, lots of photos.
Paranoia is back in town to finish the shoot they started in the summer. You’ll recall in July 2012 that I broke it first that the film would take a break so Liam could film the sequel to Hunger Games. Call time was 6AM for cast and crew on Tuesday.
Yesterday I spent about 7 hours on the film set, and it’s really the only way to get first hand, first reported news. The scene was a dance club shoot at Stephen Starrs Tangerine. There were about 100 extras on hand to dance and party around the actors as they ran their lines. Hopefully right now you are listening to the above song, by Calvin Harris – Feel So Close. It’s the tune that the extras had to play in their head as they “danced” while the scene was being shot.
And by “danced” I mean there really was no music playing. The directors played the song once in the morning so everyone had an idea of how it sounded, and frankly who doesn’t know that awesome song. Then before each scene they would play 30 seconds of the song; the extras would begin to dance, the song would stop and the actors Liam Hemsworth, Lucas Til, William Peltz, Erica Lynne Marszalek and Haley Finnegan would run their lines and act out the scene.
Sometimes the extras would practice their dancing outside between the takes
as the day wore on they would eventually sit. This was hour 9 in high heel, fashion forward club wear. Can you imagine how their feet must hurt. Over the break I read the book by Joseph Finder so I could really feel the characters. I loved it so much I told Mike about it and he’s currently reading it because he’s a techy guy. You can buy it here.
People close to the movie did tell me that some of the movie scenes have changed a little, but the premise is the same. Don’t read it if you don’t want to know the ending, which is completely surprising.
Craft Service – I hear Liam Hemsworth is staying in NJ. He was spotted twice at Planet Fitness in Cherry Hill. I saw a picture too.They won’t be staying at the St James again, I hear it was a little too much Party in the USA for the sedate building.
Right after I took this photo, Director Robert Luketic came over and shook my hand and said how are you doing. WOW. I always get a little nervous around film sets and taking pictures, sometimes I’d get yelled at, but yesterday’s set was great they allowed me to shoot all day and even during the filming. I’ll probably leave them alone for awhile, I don’t want to wear out my welcome.But follow me @iphillychitchat and I will keep you up to date.
After lunch I noticed a “picture car” on the set. I thought holy cow they’re going to do an outside shot. I can get Liam. Little did I know I’d have to wait another 6 hours, but I had a clue, it was a night club scene, the only thing missing during the day shot was the night.
Weeks ago the call went out for the young and beautiful to participate as a background extra for this shoot. Since I shoot the young and beautiful in my Philly Mag column I ran into a handful of people that I knew Alexis Burkhardt. Hope she saw her photo, this photo on my TV segement at Fox 29’s Good Morning Philadelphia today. UPDATE here’s the clip, on Thursday PCC. http://www.phillychitchat.com/2012/12/exclusively-reported-of-fox-29.html
Abby Finer and Leeza Garber
I had no idea it was Lucas Til in the Taylor Swift video “You Belong to Me.” This shot of Lucas smoking probably won’t sell as well as Miley’s shot.
After lunch when the extras came back from “holding” I noticed a lot more flats, uggs and sneakers. Although check out the chick in the heeled boots carrying her high heels.
Lucas Til and Haley Finnegan getting a snack during a break in filming Paranoia (PS I think this is Haley. There was only so much the extras or crew could tell me so sometimes you just have to scour the IMDB site and do a match up.)
So great to hang with Patrice and Brian again. They’re gonna be parents, after 13 years together. Congrats. I always enjoy so many laughs with these two.
A few more extras waiting to head back in. Hey isn’t that Michael T Cole (black shirt). He’s sporting his own designed TShirt.
Finally the cab scene. It’s actually the first scene where they get dropped off at the club.
Liam Hemsworth, Lucas Til, William Peltz, Erica Lynne Marszalek and Haley Finnegan getting out of the cab.
It was interesting to see them film this scene since the extras and the lighting pole seem to be right there. Plus that shirt Liam’s wearing, it’s like his characters favorite shirt. It’s in a lot of scenes.
Lucas Til is the guy in Taylor Swifts video “You Belong with Me”
Uh Oh I thought, and was told by three people on the set that this was Chris Hemsworth, Thor to you fans. It turns out that Liam just likes to have assistants that look like his famous brother. So no matter how much twitter goes into a tizzy about someone being somewhere, unless there’s an actual photo it might not be true. Which reminds me I do not think Miley Cyrus is here yet. I spoke with someone on the set closer to Liam than I am and that person says yes Miley will be here. Whether they stay in NJ or Philly I don’t know. But of course follow me on Twitter and I will keep you up to date, or visi versa. And BTW fans that send me their pixs with celebs will be posted here on PhillyChitChat and could show up on my segment on Fox 29 like
Brian Sweeney’s, after he sent it to me last night. Thanks Brian.
I’m calling her the ultimate fan girl cause she waited for about 5 hours to get this shot, and got a parking ticket; although she did let “Chris Hemsworth” walk by her a few times w/o asking him for a photo. I can’t wait to see her tonight at Jingle Ball to hear the whole story. Wednesday and Thursday Paranoia will be at 21st and Ludlow at Rogues Gallery.
For coverage of Paranoia on PhillyChitChat over the summer Check out these links
Check out PhillyChitChat.com, Philly.com and PhillyMag tomorrow for epic coverage of the Jingle Ball, plus shots of the fans. If you see me call out PhillyChitChat and I’ll shoot you.
Last night Philadelphia Eagles Tight End, Brent Celek, along with Eagles
players and their celebrity friends, traded in their uniforms
and helmets for plates and aprons! Celek and Ruth’s Chris partnered to host ‘Brent Celek and Friends Celebrity Waiter Night’ on
Monday, December 3rd, which benefits Brent Celek’s Take Flight Foundation.
Most of the story, and lots of fun tidbits about the night are over on my PhillyMag post, see link at the bottom. But I threw up two fun pixs on PCC as a prelude. Enjoy!!
In time he’ll be sporting around town in the Trent Cole Dream Machine –
Eagles: Nick Foles named starting QB for rest of season
Normally I wouldn’t photograph peoples wheels, but practically everyone who came out of Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse knew this 2012 Lamborghini baby belonged to Trent Cole and was photographing it. I’m pretty sure when you get a bad ass car like this it’s not meant to be garage kept and off of cyberspace. Vroooom!!
PS I’m out shooting an event this morning. The Philly Mag Post should be live by 10ish. so click here. Then click READ MORE to open up the column. Best HughE
Doctors Express provides patients with urgent care and is staffed with doctors and a medical support team. Patients with acute illness ie flu, colds, aches and pains, trauma, and
