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Donors Are Heroes in support of Gift of Life Donor Program on Thursday, April 11th, 2024 held a truly FUN-FILLED evening of FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT night of Drag Bingo.

Rest in Peace Don Freeman, co-founder with his wife Renee of Donors Are Heroes. Founded in 2001

Donors are Heroes is a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting Gift of Life Donor Program.

The best damn Drag Queen Brittany Lynn in the US of A. Book her and her girls.

Morgan Wells giving her best Beyonce performing Texas Hold Em!!

Eric David Belts one out

It definitely was a blast, as I was at Parc and I overheard people talk about what a good time it was. Thanks to Kathy Leister for photographing it.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration of PennFuture took place Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the National Constitution Center 

During the 25th Anniversary Celebration, they honored the progress made to make Pennsylvania a leading force in combating climate change nationally and the role PennFuture played in defending communities against pollution and environmentally harmful policies.

Founded in 1998, PennFuture aims to tackle critical environmental issues through legal, policy, education, and communications strategies. Over the years, it has emerged as a leader in promoting clean energy infrastructure, protecting communities from air pollution, and safeguarding the state’s valuable streams.

“Our member support has been instrumental in achieving significant environmental milestones, from securing legal protections for valuable ecosystems to advancing pro-environmental legislation and empowering communities most burdened by legacy pollution and systemic racism,” said Annie Regan, PennFuture’s Campaigns Director. “Real progress is made in policy shifts. It takes people speaking up and raising awareness to these issues that we’ll see positive changes.”

“PennFuture has worked over a quarter century to make advancements towards improved water quality, cleaner energy, and energy efficiency,” said PennFuture’s President & CEO Patrick McDonnell. “While that progress has been significant, it is crucial that we build on those victories to prevent the most severe consequences of climate change and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

Our objective now is to fight for meaningful carbon reductions through cap and invest and renewable standards programs and to ensure water quality programs receive a stable source of funding.”

Philadelphia Honorees: 

• Climate Champion Award: Michael E. Mann, climate scientist, professor, and author
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph Otis Minott, environmental attorney and former executive director of the Clean Air Council
• Champion of the Environment Award: Rep. Napoleon Nelson, state representative for District 154
• Volunteer Award: Peg Church, an environmental advocate from Bethlehem

Thanks to Talya Hailey, Philly Chit Chat team member for capturing.

Philly Continues to Be Exciting this week. Hope to spot some WWE Superstars and their fans. Send me tips. See you out and about, Socially Yours, HughE

Actor Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory and The Flight Attendant) was hinting to her followers over the past few months that she was headed to Pennsylvania, and now we know why. Her partner, actor Tom Pelphrey is filming the HBO series Task Force along with Mark Ruffalo, from writer and produced by “Mare of Easttown’s” Brad Ingelsby and directed and produced by Jeremiah Zagar, who last directed Hustle with Adam Sandler.

Task Force: Takes place in the working-class Philadelphia suburbs and follows an FBI agent at the helm of a special task force. His goal is to put an end to a string of drug house robberies led by an unwary householder.

Deadline reports this week Task Force (the working title) has added five more actors in recurring: Raphael Sbarge (Once Upon a Time), Mickey Sumner (Snowpiercer), Brian Goodman (Fatal Attraction), Elvis Nolasco (Godfather of Harlem), and Colin Bates (American Rust).

Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey celebrated their daughter Matilda’s 1 year birthday in Philly last week with a Minnie Mouse themed birthday party according to People magazine.

On Tuesday 4/16 Chichester Ave will close between Boothwyn and Mill Roads. From 7pm through 6am according to @upperchichester (Inquirer) Chichester Avenue will be temporarily closed at night due to a project by HBO.

Happy Birthday to a very generous women who treated about 150 of her friends to one of the best birthday parties they’ll ever attend. The Miller Theater on the Avenue of the Arts (Broad Street) was the scene of a Tuscan Village in Italy, as the theater was transformed with elaborate decorations, over the top flowers flown in from California and even a tiled roofed villa with a full moon shining down, to set the scene.

Guests dined on Garces‘ catering, as they were serenaded by friend Andrea Bocelli, the Italian tenor, singer-songwriter, who flew in for the occasion. If that wasn’t enough, there was a surprise performance by Sting who joined Bocelli singing a very moving Amazing Grace. Sting stayed on to sing highlights of his career including my favorite “Every Step You Take.”

I wasn’t able to get a photo of the performers, but I caught their cars leaving the theater around 9:15pm. (it was drizzling, cold, I was hungry. and had no idea what time they were going to leave. I lucked out as I circled the block when a spot opened across from Latimer Street and was able to get these shots and a video. Ahh the old days I’d be out there hustling harder, lol)

https://www.instagram.com/phillychitchat

Philly Current Magazine celebrated another fabulous year celebrating fabulous folks making a difference in Philadelphia, with their 12th Annual Philly Current Picks issue.

Philly Current is the brainchild of Eddie Keels, publisher and owner, here with his biggest supporter wife Elise. “Did I think starting a print – let me repeat that, print – magazine in 2012 was a great idea? No. But I got over my fears about how embarrassing failure could be, and I was confident I’d make it work,” he told Main Line Media News in 2018. And he has. The PC Picks Issue is a highlight of all things great in Philly, starting with the cover shot of Sami Aziz, or South Street Sam as he is known. an innovating photographer who shoots portraits on South Street.

Philly Current Magazine celebrated their 12th PC Picks Issue in style on March 13 on the Moshulu (on picks as “Til Death Do Us Party”) docked on the Delaware River. Attended by many of the folks who are featured in the magazine, as well as alumni including yours truly.

Thanks to Klyr Rum, Kenwood Beer and Curious Elixirs (alcohol free cocktails) for keeping the spirits high throughout the evening.

The Bite Size girls @bitesizedsis @bitesizedfitness and their posse, hot off their wildly popular fashion show DreamWalk Fashion Show, not related to Philly Fashion Week at all, but still popular and fun. Their focus is more on the models, and less on the fabulous of designs. There’s plenty of room on the catwalk for all inclusivity, fashion sense in Philly.

Always a winner: Nothing Bundt Cakes owner Kim Wright, who brought the 60s hostess gift dessert back to popularity a few years ago.

What I like about Philly Current Magazine is it’s always one step of all the other glossy magazines with where to eat, who to watch, where to shop. It’s an easy read. Inexpensive and if you need to be the insider, it comes in a brown envelope. No one will know you got the info from Philly Current Magazine.

Last month the friends of Willowdale Steeplechase Races held a happy hour at Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen, in Kennett Square . The night wasn’t only about enjoying the fine drinks and good food but also about the unique opportunity to rub elbows with the heart and soul of our community – including community leaders, trainers, New Bolton Vets, the dedicated folks from Stroud Water Research Center, and even the mayor showed up.

The Willowdale Steeplechase Races, a thrilling day of equestrian excellence and family-friendly fun nestled in the picturesque Chester County, Pennsylvania is held each spring. This year Race Day is May 11. Since it’s founding in 1993, Willowdale has donated more than $600,000 to local charities.

A few weeks later the other local favorite Steeplechase holds it’s races: The Radnor Hunt Races on May 18. I’ll be there for the 15th year. Read more about steeplechase races in Main Line Today

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker joined the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia at its annual Mayoral Luncheon last week to address important issues facing the city, and to talk about her agenda for Philadelphia – a Safer, Cleaner, Greener City, with Access to Economic Opportunity for All.

Bringing together more than 2,000 executives, elected officials, business owners, and civic leaders, the Chamber’s Mayoral Luncheon is the largest forum for the Mayor of Philadelphia to address the region’s business community. Mayor Parker shared the Administration’s key priorities and challenges facing the city, including public safety, cleaning and greening neighborhoods, economic opportunities, public education and other issues.

The who’s who of the business world, and those on the rise attend this annual event. It’s definitely one of the best networking events of the year as well.

PIDC (Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation)

Today Mayor Parker appointed Susan Slawson, as the City’s new Commissioner of Parks & Recreation previously served as the Commissioner for Parks and Recreation overseeing multiple million-dollar projects including the renovations of the Dell Music Center. Before that, she served the Philadelphia Police Department for 30 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant.

Two more of Mayor Cherelle Parker appointments:
Jazelle Jones will serve as the City of Philadelphia’s City Representative and Director of the Office of Special Events. Jones has worked for the City for over two decades. Jones has held the positions of Deputy Managing Director and Director of Operations for the City of Philadelphia since 2005. Jones is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and execution of City services effectively, efficiently, safely, greener and cleaner for over 1,600 events annually, and chairs the Greater Philadelphia Film Office’s operations meetings for major motion picture film productions held each year in Philadelphia. 

As City Representative, Jones will serve as the City’s Chief Ambassador, and will play a significant role as Philadelphia prepares to celebrate a myriad of events in 2026 including the 250th Anniversary of America’s founding. 

Michael Newmuis, the city’s new 2026 Director, is a solutions-driven executive who recently served as Head of Impact at FS Investments, a global asset manager with $76 billion in assets, and Executive Director of the FS Foundation. Before FS Investments, Newmuis served as Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff at Visit Philadelphia, the region’s official tourism marketing agency. During his tenure, he contributed to the successful execution of visionary events including the 2017 NFL Draft, the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and the 2015 World Meeting of Families commemorating Pope Francis’ first United States visit.

As 2026 Director, Newmuis will help coordinate major events for the city and play a key role in their success. Some of these events include the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the 2024 WWE WrestleMania, and the 250^th anniversary of America’s founding.

Put your Ones in the air with me, please.

Say it with me:

“One Philly … A United City!”

The Philly Home and Garden Show is started yesterday and continues through tomorrow.

If you’re like me, you like a beautiful home and will do anything to make your dreams come true. At the Philly Home and Garden Show you will be able to peruse through over 300 exhibitors ranging from home décor and furniture; garden and landscaping; kitchen and bath; plus food and beverage.

Yesterday I stopped by the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave. in Oaks) where the show is held and got a tour by Jennifer Sherlock, Jenna Communications and Jenna Naffin – Show Manager – Marketplace Events.

Jen and I were fascinated by this modular home. Who doesn’t want to live minimalistic with great landscaping.

The DIY Succulent and Terrarium Bar + Shopwill feature some of the most unique décor and gift items to spruce up your yard, plus Philadelphians can customize their own terrarium. The Pop-Up Flower Market, on the other hand, will house favorites from Cameron Peters Floral Design. 

Who knew you could rent chickens. Two chickens for 6 months, complete set up and food for about $800 is a good deal to see if you are the person who would then like to own chickens. They lay eggs every day, and they’re so cute.

other highlights include a Feature Gardens, the Book Bank benefiting Reach Out and Read, a doggy fashion show, food truck day and try out a pickle board court you can set up in your back yard.

I honestly would love a green house, especially in the winter when the sky is blue and the sun will warm up the greenhouse with tropical plants giving me summer vibes. Plus it’s a good way to get the spring seedlings to grow…

Other new additions this year include special appearances by Clint Harp, the dumpster diving, reclaimed wood-loving carpenter on HGTV’s hit show ‘Fixer Upper’ as well as Steve Ford, a Pennsylvania native from HGTV’s ‘Restored by the Fords’, ‘Home Again with the Fords’, ‘A Very Brady Renovation’, ‘Rock the Block’, and the Property Brothers ‘Brother vs. Brother.’ 

Harp’s Main Stage shows will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25, both at 1 p.m. Ford’s shows, on the other hand, will take place on Friday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m.

There’s the Step Into Spring section featuring five of the region’s top landscapers creating a 5,000 sq. ft. section of outdoor inspiration, and the Philly’s Favorites Market which boasts an open market-style area with local artisans and retailers. While there, Philadelphians can shop antiques, homemade, finely crafted items, specialty foods, and original art.

The Philly Home and Garden Show hours are Friday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults ($10 in advance), and free for children under age 12. Parking is free at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave. in Oaks). For all show information and tickets, visit phillyhomeandgarden.com.