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Fringe-A-Thon, FringeArts annual 12-hour dance party fundraiser took place earlier this month with a great line up of entertainment

With a most fabulous MC John Jarboe, founder and out artistic director of Philadelphia’s Bearded Ladies Cabaret

That costume for twister is amazing!!
Jarboe’s costumer and collaborator of eight years, Rebecca Kanach.

and the game was so much fun

Also participating in events were Miguel Martinez-Valle and Mina Say What, here with Nick Stuccio President & Producing Director

Minda and The Power Squad Dance Team participated in a Dance Off with

the Dance Battle Master Steve Believe’s kid dancers, Hip Hop Fundamentals with Miguel Martinez-Valle

Winning

John Jarboe in another wonderful costume, a gumball machine giving out prizes for the best dancers

Next up for John Jarboe and the Bearded Ladies is the final performance
of Bastille Day on July 14, 2018 at Eastern State Penitentiary

Ms Patty Jackson, WDAS radio personality and Marilyn Russell, WOGL’s Morning Maven

Gina Gannon, 6abc Traffic Reporter & QVC hostess with John Jarboe

Kristen Herrmann, Ben-FM morning host Krystal Souvanlasy, events and programming coordinator for the Piazza and Kristen Herrmann, Ben-FM morning host

Thanks to all who came out to support the Fringe-a-Thon it was hugely successful, and everyone had a lot of fun. Hope to see everyone at the Fringe Festival in September, and also at Feastival, which has a new concept this year. Read about it here at PhillyVoice

The All-American BBQ was celebrated all weekend at Dilworth Park. Despite the damp weather, nothing was as dreary especially since Marisa Magnatta was on hand MCing the event. 

Guests enjoyed samples of Budweiser Freedom Reserve Lager with George and Martha Washington, attendees enjoyed crafts, games, and enjoy live music and DJs powered by Live Nation.

The prices were all decent, including the ribs, burgers etc

Best Dressed at Rittenhouse Square Ball 2018

Last night one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated charitable balls of the social season took place – Ball on the Square !!

400 guests attended the annual celebration which raises much-needed funds for the maintenance of the popular square. Before the formal event happened about a hundred guests enjoyed an intimate cocktail party at the Rittenhouse Hotel. Making their way inside is the Nicole Miller team lead by Mary Dougherty, CEO, followed by Sabrina Pray and Anita Greenberg , all wearing Nicole Miller.

Bob Colvin escorted his lovely wife, successful real estate maven Mary Genovese Colvin. Who’s known as Mary on The Square. 
She’s wearing Dolce & Gabbana

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.
Ellen Churchill and Win Churchill
Love Ellen’s white and black, Gerber daisy jumpsuit

Barry A. Milberg and Laurie Phillips, Prudential Fox & Roach.
I always love what Laurie wears, she goes for comfort, with understated fashion which really compliments her, and that is why I always feature her. Barry is always on point as well.
This year I noticed she has Nike sneakers on under her gala dress as well.

Evantine Design created a beautiful garden atmosphere this year.
Incorporating the gardens of Rittenhouse Square, which were created by funds raised at earlier balls.

Dr. Charles Lentz and Matthew Malinowski
look like the beautiful wedding topper that will be adorning their wedding cake in September.

Harris T. Bock, Esq. and Denise D. Hodgson looking fabulous,
the couple’s style mirrors their easy, relaxed dispositions.
Brendan Walsh, co-founder of Mole Street, Alicia LaPann, Brittany Wells and Brendan Walsh, co-founder of Mole Street

Tonight (Friday), they’re responsible for the production of the Young Friends of the Rittenhouse Square (it’s the first time they’ve separated the two parties. I’ll be there shooting again.) and will be providing the entertainment all night long. Tomorrow is their annual Molestice party on Mole Street, celebrating Summer.

Jason Kravitz, Caryn Black, Jack Edler and Dave Kiderys

Parris and Karen Hall
I loved Karen’s green dress, and accessories. I first spotted her at the Rittenhouse Hotel cocktail party, but it was during the speeches and it would have been rude to photograph her then. Right before I left for the evening I went into the tent to find her, easily spotted in a sea of black fashion, she glowed with glamour.
Karen wanted everyone to know style doesn’t have to cost a lot, her dress is from
TJ Maxx and it was only $17.

Friends Stacey Dansicker, Ronnie Green, Cate Silver and Carol Seelaus have sat ringside to check out the fashion
of Ball of the Square for the past 4 years. The next two photos are their choice for Best Dressed, and I agree.

Philanthropist and fashion icon, it’s always a glamorous event when
Flo and Rick Celender attend
Flo is wearing Juan Carlos Pinera

Victor Collins and Steve Sanchez,
who is wearing a Michael Kors jacket which he embellished

Charlie Oddo, Janet Guthart, Lynsie and Evan Solomon.
Janet is wearing a gown from Tadashi Shoji – King of Prussia
Lynsie is wearing a dress she last wore at her vow renewal last year, which I loved then, as well as last night.
It’s by OLVI

Erin Elmore and Craig Spitzer are always the life of the party, and last night wasn’t any different

Best Dressed for the evening, most comfortable was definitely
Amanda Arroyo wearing Badgley Mischka while beau Steve Shea is sporting a look from Suits Supply

Entertaining the crowds as they enter the grand tent at Rittenhouse Square was Mike Leroy. He told me he regularly entertains the kids who gather in the Square and wanted to give back. His appearance last night was to thank those who waited in line to enter the tent, for their philanthropic endeavors by raising funds for the park he loves so much.
PS he is available for parties MichaelRLeroy@gmail.com

Four Seasons Hotel Celebrates Global Wellness Day

Inspired by the mantra “one day can change your whole life,” June 9, 2018 marks Global Wellness Day – a cause for international celebration at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The world’s leading luxury hospitality company is gearing up for the occasion with a global roster of expertly curated programming aimed at restoring the mind, body, and spirit.

As excitement continues to build for the Hotel’s official opening, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center is celebrated Global Wellness Day with a “Mindful Morning” in partnership with Comcast.

Free to the public, the 90 minute wellness workshop officially introduced Four Seasons spa offerings to Philadelphians. Starting at 9:00 am local time, the public enjoyed a variety of activities led by fitness expert Steve Hoffman and yoga instructor Susan Gwaltney. Together in the Comcast Plaza, the pair will lead active body weight training, followed by restorative stretching and healing sound bath using singing crystal bowls. June 9 will mark the first Four Seasons event in Philadelphia since 2015 and will feature a photo booth, post-workshop scented towels, healthy snacks and beverages for all those who join in the celebrations.

Ben Shank, Four Seasons General Manger, and Verena Lasvigne, Four Seasons, Director of Spa.
Steve Hoffman leads the Global Wellness Yoga
It was a family event
So peaceful as yoga instructor Susan Gwaltney creates a soft vibrant tune from bowls

Afterwards there was healthy snacks and chatting

As I get ready for the beach, I grabbed my fun flip flops with the B and 5/19/18 emblazoned on them, and then I remember I forgot to hit published on a blog post I did last month for Baron Tabas Hantig ‘s Bar Mitzvah.

Baron Tabas Hantig and mom, Susan Tabas Tepper

It was a weekend of celebrations, with friends and family travelling from all over the country, even Europe to celebrate Baron’s Bar Mitvah. The main event took place at The Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue on Saturday, May 19, but the weekend started with a dinner for 60 out of town family and friends at their home in Villanova, Eagle Farm, followed by the services Saturday morning at Adath Israel of the Main Line. After services we gave a luncheon for 300 open to the congregation at the synagogue. Lastly the weekend was capped off by a Sunday Brunch at the Hilton for family and out of towners.

Mike and I were invited to the celebration, but I was booked all weekend, so thanks for Susan for sending me the photos, she’s always been a great friend/supporter of PhillyChitChat. Thanks to Baruch Schwartz Photography for the shots. Looks like we missed a great celebration.

Susan’s brother in law, Howard Wurzak, who runs the Hilton among his other hotel concerns, and his team, did a fantastic job.
The theme was “Beats by Baron” and had a club, rap, hip-hop vibe. The DJ was Bobby Morganstein, BPM Entertainment, and the decorator was Mae & Co. We had a surprise guest artist the local rapper “DaVinci” appear and the crowd went wild!

There was an oxygen bar.

A money machine, I’ve always wanted to do this.

Thanks Baron for the delicious and comfortable goody bag from your Bar Mitzvah – Mazel tov

The Alexander Is Better Than I Ever Imagined

Welcome to Philadelphia. The 32-story. 277 unit luxury apartment building named The Alexander is complete and accepting tenants. The location is excellent as it’s a few blocks from Center City, about a 5 minute walk to the Broad Street line with Target and Whole Foods nearby.

I watched them build the new living tower on what was once a surface parking lot for many years.
It reminds me of a grand apartment building in NYC, it’s sleek and soars into the sky. Some of the apartments have balconies.
The Alexander has a garage which residents can use for additional $250 a month.
A shot of the foyer

Awesome views
PhillyChitChat photographer Mike Hirata headed over there a few weeks ago to capture the opening. I was shooting the Arts & Business Awards.
We placed photos in the media (LCP & PhillyStyle), and I always like to showcase the building’s attributes

The Alexander has studios, 1,2, 3, & 4-bedroom tri-level townhomes. The studios start around 582 square feet, and the largest townhome is 2,400 square feet. Rents start around $1,700 for a studio and go up to nearly $6,000 for a 4-bedroom, three-floor town home.

You can keep track of the traffic, and tweet out breaking news like I do about traffic

There’s an observation deck where you can get an unobstructed panoramic view of the city and a second floor terrace which has fireplaces
and grills. There’s also a co-working space, community rooms and a demonstration kitchen.

Am I in a home or on vacation?

There’s a pet washing area, bike storage and repair station, outdoor terrace with grills and couches, demonstration kitchen, coworking spaces and communal hang-out spots. A guest suite is available for residents to rent when they have visitors. There’s a kids play area too. There’s also fitness center and, Keyser’s favorite amenity, an indoor pool.

There are great views, especially this one of the Mormon Temple, which is gorgeous when lit at night
Check out their website for more information and photos

Winning Marilyn Russell, John Travolta, Michael B Jordan, Creed 2 Wraps

Hey Philly Chit Chatters, hope you’re well and celebrating this day with your family.

My father Hugh J Dillon, Jr (r) passed away in 2004, but not a day goes by I don’t think about him, and live by the values he instilled.  xo
Let’s see what’s happening around town.

Now this news should have been written last week, but I was crazy busy wrapping things up to get ready to go to a Press Trip to LBI, which I’ll write more about next week, but covered extensively on Social Media, forever known as SM. This week I’m headed to the shore to spend some much needed time with the family. I’ll still have entries on PhillyChitChat so definitely stop back. Anywho, John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston went on an amazing press tour of their own in the weeks leading up to the release of GOTTI. A lot of people thought I was there as press but I wasn’t, I’m a member of the Philadelphia Film Society,

I love my membership in PFS, you get to watch movies with other movie buffs, get invited to special screenings, LIKE WITH JOHN TRAVOLTA, as I scream with glee. And discounted tickets to the Philadelphia Film Festival, the PFS Roxy Theater, and the Prince Theater. I did however take this “Hail Mary” shot with my IPhone with Sharon Pinkenson, The Travolta’s and a glowing Sheila Hess. Literally it was the only good shot I got and I love it!!

After the screening The Travolta’s headed to Le Virtu for an after party. Hey Tony Luke, who co-stars in the movie. He’s with his love Maria. Next to Kelly Preston is John Gotti, Jr, who wrote a book which the movie Gotti is based on. Then the producer, and then Greg Basile.

The next day there was a press junket at Dante & Luigi’s, which certainly serves up their own mob history.
Marilyn Russell did a great interview with John & Kelly and you can find it on WOGL

Speaking of Marilyn Russell, she did a Q&A with Carey Elwes, star of The Princess Bride, which celebrated it’s 30th Anniversary last year.

Marilyn might not be the Princess Bride, but she’s the Queen of the airways after winning
Philly Happening’s
2018 Best Radio Personality. Congrats girl!!

Creed 2 – that’s a wrap
WOW what a great spring for PhillyWood as Creed 2 wraps after nearly 3 months of production. In the last few weeks of filming only Michael B Jordan (above with Tee Fish at Rumor) and Tessa Thompson were on hand for scenes, most of which were filmed at the Sun Center Studios in Aston, Pa. Jordan told me he had a great time in Philly, was able to move about fairly unnoticed, except the last 3 weeks when fans realized where he was living in Old City – The Bridge. Then he moved to aka.university city

where Dolph Ludgren hung his hat. Brigitte Nielsen laid her head at Sofitel with Mrs. Huxtable, Phylicia Rashad (who didn’t go to Cosby’s trial, even though she was in town the whole time)
Jordan’s favorite eateries were D’Angelo’s (went there three times for the lasagna), Harp & Crown, Del Frisco’s and Zama. He hung out a lot at Ashton Cigar Bar, and Elbow Lane.

The Creed 2 cast Party was held June 3 at Stratus Lounge.

Congrats to Laura Miller (VP of Cashman & Co) and Jeffrey Miller for the birth of their beautiful bouncing boy Mason Hsu Miller.
Congratulations to Marla McDermott who was honored with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) recognizing @thewalnutclub for being an outstanding alliance partner over the year.

Congrats to West Laurel Hill Cemetery and Funeral HomeNow this is a great example of Farm to Table. PHS and partners built a farm on the apron of the MSB Building. A garden that will grow 1,000lbs of produce for Broad Street Ministry. WINNING!!
Have an awesome day, be kind, patient and take your time. See you tomorrow….

FringeA-Thon 2018 Is Happening Saturday at the Piazza

Dance Your Art Out at 12 Hour Dance Party FringeA-Thon by FringeArts This Saturday at Schmidts Commons 

FringeA-Thon isn’t just a fundraiser. It’s an enormous party that celebrates the power of dance to unite people of all ages and backgrounds. With Philly-favorite DJs spinning all day, an outrageous “dance mom” host, pop-up performances, dance demos, dance battles, games, giveaways, and many more surprises, FringeA-Thon is a day you’ll never forget. PS YOU HAD ME AT 80s PROM at 8PM

·        7PM – Diva Hour: The Roxborough YMCA Senior Sixers will bring their all, fresh from the basketball court. Then, take the stage with your own FringeA–Thon team for the Diva Dance Battle!

·        Midnight – The Final Countdown: Join us for the last few moments of fabulousness, and revel in the memories of a day spent learning, exploring, playing, moving, and of course, dancing.

Le Dîner en Blanc Preview Party Photos & Winning Table Decor

Yesterday the Le Dîner en Blanc Preview Party took place  aboard the Moshulu on the Delaware River. Nearly 300 guests, many dressed in white attended the party on a rare sunny, beautiful day in Philly.

Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran

The Table Decor

The Dîner en Blanc Preview Party was a great opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet organizers and volunteers, find out what to bring, what to wear, and where to buy everything for the very popular event which takes place August 16, 2018 this year.

Jennifer Lynn Robinson
Stefanie Ott and Nicole Walsh

Lori Thomson Olive & Bo

Won the Judges Vote for best table decor. Lori told me she created and bought the animal masks. This will be her
2nd time attending Dîner en Blanc

Connor Higgins and Selena Olack
Bryce Peckman and Sue Peckman

This year’s exclusive caterer Feast Your Eyes Catering was on hand, and gave out samples from this year’s globally-themed Dîner en Blanc catering meals and cheese boards. There were also vendors on hand for guests to purchase items to complete their Dîner en Blanc wardrobe, and table decor/

• Touché Accessories (hats, fascinators, gloves, accessories)
• Ellelauri Boutique (women’s fashion)
• Adorned by Aisha (jewelry)
• Zoya Egan Designs (hats and fascinators)
• Tiffany Arey Millinery (handcrafted ladies hats)
• Stella and Dot (jewelry)
• Hats in the Belfry (hats and fascinators)
• Tie Bar (bow ties, neckties, suspenders, tie bars, tie pins)
• Petit Jardin (floral arrangements)
• Bohemia House Designs (one-of-a-kind home decor)
• Pineapple on Main (home decor)
• Vagabond Ceramics (handcrafted ceramics)
• Sofitel Philadelphia (hotel packages and After Party information)

Kids got the beat
A raffle conducted at the Preview Party raised $1,000 for Broad Street Ministry. There will be three additional auctions held in July to benefit Broad Street Ministry- auction details will be announced in July.
Ready for the holidays Michelle Leonard‘s patriotic outfit
Marie Fritz’s London inspired table won “People’s Choice”

The wait list for Le Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia is now officially open! If you’d like to attend, visit philadelphia.dinerenblanc.com/register to add your name. The wait list does not guarantee a spot to Le Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia, but it does ensure that those signed up to the wait list will be notified when Phase 3 goes on sale in early summer. Last year’s registered members will automatically receive notice of registration going on sale in Phase 3.

Connect with organizers by following Le Dîner en Blanc – Philadelphia
Facebook at DinerEnBlanc.Philadelphia, on Instagram at dinerenblancphl and on Twitter at DEBphl
Official hashtag: #dinerenblanc #debphl18

Philadelphia Soul Presents Audible for Autism Halftime

Philadelphia Soul is pleased to announce its partnership with Audible for Autism for the Halftime Touchdown Run, and the “Shining Light” Autism Sports Therapy Festival and Spectrum Talent Showcase which was held Sunday June 10th, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center

Audible for Autism is a football based Autistic Therapy Program specifically designed to empower and employ persons living with Autism. Our program utilizes persons on the spectrum in every aspect of the day through employment, participation, sharing and support. Placing persons on the spectrum in positions where their skills and talents can be cultivated and focused to improve and empower their future is our highest priority. We invite you to join us game after game as we provide long lasting memorable experiences for those in our community affected by Autism.

There was a beautiful girl who sang America the Beautiful

Woodstown Middle School sang the Star Spangle Banner

The Soul played Washington Valor on Sunday

Although the sands weren’t packed, the fans were enthusiastic
It was my first game, I had no idea the goal posts were so narrow. During the game I hung in the Parx Casino lounge, which is located at the end
During the Audible for Autism Halftime Touchdown Run, Ron Jaworski and City Councilman Green will put on pads and take the field with two pre-selected children, who will join the team huddles as running backs.

The Halftime Touchdown Run teams will be comprised of members of the Philadelphia Police Department.

The teams will snap the ball, and execute the touchdown run with the children running down each sideline in front of the cheering crowd on their way to their first Touchdowns! The Halftime Touchdown Run and accompanying festivities have given children and their families indelible memories that they will always cherish.

Audible For Autism Spokesperson, Muzz Skillings and Ron Jaworski