Category: Philadelphia

Hall of Fame Basketball forward Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving hosted a three day charity event in support of The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia.  At “The Julius Erving Golf Classic,” Erving welcomed celebrities, golfers and fellow athletes for a very special weekend which raised money and awareness for The Salvation Army.

The weekend began with the Erving Youth Basketball Clinic at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center in partnership with The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia. The Salvation Army has a special place in Erving’s heart, as he was first given the opportunity to play on their team in Hempstead, NY in the early 1960’s, providing him the opportunity to compete and achieve at a young age. I covered the 3rd annual Erving Ball at the Sofitel Hotel Sunday night in Center City.

I’ve photographed all of the Dr J events and this was definitely one of the best run. I liked how the Cashman & Assoc. gals strolled across the red carpet with the names of notable people, cause even though they are important in their field, we photographers don’t always know who they are or how to spell their names.

Laticia Rolle and Shaquille O’Neal. The duo dating since 2014, are rumored to be engaged.

Sportscaster Jay Harris’ has been at ESPN since February 2003.

Shari Williams, 6ABC and Cody Winstead, NFL Network Field Producer/Talent Producer

Raquel Levert and Eddie Levert
Later in the evening the legendary Eddie Levert performed with Johnny Gill, as Dr J joined them for a song.

Ellen Smith

Roxi Fab

Legendary Basketball Coach Sonny Hill

Through the clinic, which Erving hosted with his daughter Jazmin, Founder and Executive Director of GRAB A BALL & PLAY Foundation, free basketballs were given to all 100+ kids in attendance. The Erving’s spent time with the children and provided coaching and feedback on the game.

In the old days this would have been a perfect shot to send to Michael Klein’s or Dan Gross’ gossip columns. Miss those guys.
Shaquille O’Neal and Laticia Rolle

Phashion Phest Goes to New Heights This Year – 9/21/16

“Phashion Phest,” the Delaware Valley’s premier fashion and beauty event will once again showcase  upscale retailers’ fall fashions in their 23 rd annual event on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, 7pm. New  this year, the fashion show will take place at the One Liberty Observation Deck, providing guests with  stunning, 360° views of the city of Philadelphia from the 57 th floor, your chance to see Philly and Fashion  from the Top!  The hundreds of guests in attendance will enjoy a fun and fashionable reception featuring Skinny Girl  cocktails and hors d’ouevres in the Rotunda at The Shops at Liberty Place, while bidding on silent  auction items. Fashion Illustrator Denise Fike will be amongst the festivities, providing guests with a  custom 5-minute sketch.

Haute accessories will be on display from Chloe Johnston Experiences,  including selections from vintage and European designers. Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon and Salon  L’etoile, providing exclusive hair and makeup for the event, will showcase stunning fall trends on models  as guests enter the reception. Guests will enjoy beauty treatments, such as hand and neck massage,  and skincare consultations, and lip touch-ups, by Aveda, Kiehl’s and The Body Shop.

The Art Institute of  Philadelphia, Drexel University, Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia University, and the  University of Delaware will showcase their talent with live modeling of their students’ work. Career  Wardrobe, a nonprofit that empowers job-seekers to employment through clothing and education, will  be collecting accessories to help their mission. Guests who bring gently used jewelry, handbags, scarves,  shoes, and unopened/unused beauty and cosmetic items for Career Wardrobe will be entered into a  raffle to win a $100 gift certificate.

Following the reception, guests will then enjoy an elevator ride complete with video footage of our City  of Brotherly Love to the 57 th Floor One Liberty Observation Deck. The fashion show begins, from the  top, at 8:30pm featuring fall fashions from The Shops at Liberty Place, Bloomingdale’s and LR2/Les  Richards; Center City District, Irina Sigal Dressmaker, Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, Shop Sixty Five,  South Moon Under, UNIQLO; Midtown Village Merchants Association, lou lou boutiques, Shibe Vintage  Sports, VERDE; Old City, 323 Arch Fashion Collective (LELE and National Picnic), Charlie’s Jeans, Smak  Parlour; South Street District/Fabric Row, Steel Pony; Delaware Valley Retailers, Lilly Pulitzer and  Zinman.

Tickets are available now through September 19, 2016 at the $50 advance pricing, or $60 at the door,  and $25 for students with a valid student ID. For tickets and additional information, please visit the  Phashion Phest website at phashionphest.com or call the Phashion Phest office at 215.670.4325. Also,  be sure to follow Phashion Phest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.  Event sponsors include Wells Fargo, Skinny Girl Cocktails, One Liberty Observation Deck, The Shops at  Liberty Place, Hornercom, Philadelphia Style Magazine, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits and is  produced by SPW Productions.  Anyone interested in covering the event should contact Sarah Rodowicz.  Email: sarah@spwproductions.com Phone: 484.868.0612  We look forward to seeing you at Phashion Phest on Wednesday, September 21 st , celebrating Philly and Fashion From The Top!

Zach Waxman, guest, Sharon Waxman and Mackenzie Waxman

Phashion Phest was created in 1994 by Sharon Phillips Waxman of SPW Productions, LLC., to showcase  upscale fall fashions for both men and women that are accessible to them in the Delaware Valley.  Guests are able to go out and purchase these items right away to create their fall look. To learn more  visit phashionphest.com or spwproductions.com or call us at 215.670.4323.

About One Liberty Observation Deck, Philly From The Top, located in the heart of Center City, is Philadelphia’s  tallest enclosed observation deck. At 57 floors up, enjoy 360° views, 365 days a year, morning noon &  night! Located within walking distance to other major attractions and just steps away from public  transportation, get a top-down look at iconic sights, breathtaking views and discover the music, sports &  culture that is the City of Brotherly Love. Open every day 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., One Liberty Observation  Deck is owned and operated by Montparnasse 56, the group behind observation decks in Paris, Berlin  and Chicago. For more information, visit PhillyFromTheTop.com or call 215.561.DECK (3325)

(Client Ad)

Yesterday Philadelphia, specifically the Art Museum area, once again took center stage as President Obama came to rally the voters for Hillary Clinton for President.

Being a people person photographer I was excited to photograph and observe the scene. Most of you know I live across the street from this spot. First thing I observed was how quickly Made In America cleaned up their festival this year. I was wondering what the motivation was when they worked 24hr shifts last week to break down and clean up.

It was interesting that they choose to put the stage this way with with the podium facing to my left, towards the crowd and if you look the press riser. I was on another press riser, one which I thought had a superior view with the Art Museum, since I am a Philadelphia afterall. But oddly his back ground, was

this, which is super cool, but it was also

a background like this

I’m not the expert, but I would have done it this way. I’m sure they had their reasons, wish I knew why. How awesome is this view?

Check out those Obama family shopping bags. They were selling them for $5. On the other side was the entire family.

He’s here. He pulled up into this tent, then walked down a series of white tents to the stage. Although there was some grip and grin shots taking inside the tent “backstage”.

A few protestors with the head of “Mother Earth”

Rep Dwight Evans and Rep Brian Sims, who is single now.

Timothy Miller sings our National Anthem

Kelly Burkhardt, who was shooting for Katy McGinty

Columnist Ernest Owens, who recently left The Metro where he wrote a weekly column. Tells me he’ll be making a big announcement soon.

Girard College in the house. A source tells me their legal problems are behind them and they are back in the business of educating kids through high school, as well as housing kids.

A few more protestors. Most were protesting against the pipeline. 

Katy McGinty

Gov Tom Wolfe

fans recognized Mayor Jim Kenney and Sen Robert Casey and asked for selfies

POTUS stepped to the podium to big cheers at about 1:40 pm, jacket off, sleeves rolled up — and quickly referenced Philadelphia’s newest star, Eagles rookie quarterback Caron Wentz.     “I know I’m not the first person from the White House to come to Philly this week – some of you may have seen Joe Biden at the Eagles game … he told me, ‘Barack you’ve got to get on the Wentz wagon.'”     Obama continued, “I had to explain, Joe, I am a Bears fan,” drawing mild boos. “We play Philly next Monday night, but I am going to go to Philly and scout out what all the fuss is about.”     He name-checked Sen. Casey, Gov. Wolf, U.S. Rep. Bob Brady and two statewide Democratic candidates, Senate candidate Katie McGinty and attorney general candidate Josh Shapiro. (He had endorsed both in the state’s April primaries).      Of McGinty, Obama said, “this is a special woman, she’s going to do a great job.” (Pool Reporter – Jonathan Tamari The Philadelphia Inquirer)

THE PRESIDENT:  Hillary!  (Applause.)      Now, in election season, you will often hear crazy stuff.  But I’ve got to say, this year we’ve been hearing a little more crazy than usual.  (Laughter.)  Having said that, after almost two terms as your President, I am here to tell you I am more optimistic about our future than I’ve ever been.  (Applause.)  Because I’ve seen an America that, for all the challenges, for all the noise of the politics, still has the capacity to come together and do great things.      You think about it.  We fought our way back from the worst recession in 80 years.  We turned around a declining economy.  We helped our auto industry set new records.  Our businesses created 15 million new jobs.  Slashed our dependence on foreign oil.  Doubled our production of clean energy.  Made marriage equality a reality in all 50 states.  (Applause.)

We brought more of our troops home to their families.  We delivered justice to Osama bin Laden.  (Applause.)  Through diplomacy rather than war, we shut down Iran’s nuclear program, opened up a new chapter with the people of Cuba, brought nearly 200 nations together around a climate agreement that could save this planet for our kids and our grandkids.  That’s what we’ve done.  (Applause.)     By so many measures, America is stronger and more prosperous than when we started out on this journey together.  In fact, some of you may have saw there was a new report out just today showing that last year, across every age, every race in America, incomes rose and the poverty rate fell.  (Applause.)  In fact, the typical household income of Americans rose by $2,800, which is the single biggest one-year increase on record.  (Applause.)  We lifted 3.5 million people out of poverty.  That’s the largest one-year drop in poverty since 1968.  (Applause.)  The uninsured rate is the lowest it has been since they kept record.  The pay gap between men and women shrank to the lowest level ever.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Gas is two dollars!

THE PRESIDENT:  And gas is two dollars a gallon.  I didn’t even — thank you for reminding me.  (Laughter.)  Thanks, Obama.  (Laughter and applause.)  Yes.  So the steps that we have been taking over these years, they’re paying off.  We’ve shown that progress is possible.

I need you to work as hard for Hillary as you did for me.  (Applause.)  I need you to knock on doors.  I need you to make phone calls.  You’ve got to talk to your friends, including your Republican friends.  You need to go to IWillVote.com and register to vote by October 11th.  Then you’ve got to go to the polls and you’ve got to get people to go to the polls.  (Applause.)  And if you’re willing to do that with me, we’ll win in November.  We’ll elect Hillary Clinton the next President of the United States.  (Applause.)  We will continue on this journey to create a better America and a fairer America, a more just America, a more loving America, a brighter America.  (Applause.)

That’s what we’re fighting for.  That’s why I need you.  Let’s get busy.  Let’s get to work.  (Applause.)

Thank you, Philadelphia.  God bless you.  God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

President Barack Obama is attending a Hillary Victory Fund (HVF) event today in PA.   *   The HVF is a joint fundraising committee between HFA, the DNC and state parties across the country that was established to ensure the DNC and state parties across the country have the resources they need to help the Democrats up and down the ballot win in November.   *   Funds raised through the HVF are now being used to fund and staff organizing programs in states across the country that will register voters, recruit volunteers and organize Democrats to turn out and support candidates up and down the ballot. The coordinated campaigns are being run by the DNC and state parties and will coordinate with local, state and federal Democratic campaigns to work to elect progressives across the country.
(From the Press Pool)

PhillyGossip: Bethenny Frankel Appearance, Erin Elmore, Francesca Ruscio and more ChitChat

Good Friday morning. So much news, chitchat and new happening in Center City you’ll find it here on PhillyChitChat every Monday and Friday.

I’m glad summer isn’t over yet, but I realized after last weeks 80s, I really like my summer at that temperature. The Social Season started last night. I hit two events. Those columns will be popping up in Philly Mag and Philly Biz Journal, hopefully. I say that as each outlets have editors that approve columns based on a fit and timing, do they have enough time to publish it. Some of the best events happen on Thursday, but it’s also serious crunch time. If a column doesn’t get published on a Friday, Monday may be too late. In this day and age of the internet, news happens every minute. OK on with today’s news.

King of Prussia Mall is hosting a very special private shopping event September 25th in celebration of the opening of our expansion and to benefit Abramson Cancer Center.
Bethenny Frankel will be our special guest, demonstrating Skinnygirl beverage pairings with signature items from our new restaurants. The event is from 6:00-9:00 PM in the new connector and will feature a DJ, fashion vignettes, sampling, register-to-win promos, beauty bars and much, much more. All of our new stores will be open and hosting fun in-store events and promotions. Tickets are $50. We invite you to join us and thank you in advance for anything you can do to share this and help us promote the event with your friends, associates and family.

Bethenny returned to the RHONY  last season, and again emerged as the most popular, or at least the most in the public’s eye.  That’s not plastic surgery that changed her looks, it’s botox.

Another brunette reality star, Erin Elmore, who was fired by Donald Trump on the Apprentice nearly a decade ago, went to work for the RNC as their deputy secretary earlier this summer, and is now one of the campaign’s surrogate media spokespeople appearing on news outlets proclaiming why he would make a great president.

Congrats to Francesca Ruscio, who has landed at NBC10 as the back up traffic reporter. Her debut was yesterday in the 9 O’Clock hour. The former Miss Philadelphia 2013, most recently was doing weather at MyPHL17.

Speaking of Miss Philadelphia, the Miss America Pageant is Sunday in Atlantic City and Dr. Jen Caudle,  a regular on-air health expert for local and national news networks. She has appeared on CNN, The Dr. Oz Show, FOX News, CBS Philly 3 News, The Tom Joyner Morning Show , a family physician, medical correspondent and assistant professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and Miss Iowa 1999, has been tapped to be one of seven 2017 Miss America Competition Preliminary Judges.

Congrats to my friend Drew Bergman who has been nominated for Philly Mag’s Health Hero of the Year contest.

Congrats to Kristyn, Kyree, Kyree Jr on the birth of the most adorable baby Knox.

Bon Voyage – Bucket list and love to boot

I love his backpack

We started with a shot of the moon, and we end with one.

Hope to see you at the Sausage Festival and/or Greenfest.

Have a great weekend!! HughE