Last week I checked out a new event space >> BLDG39 at the Arsenal which is a re-adaptive historical & industrial style event venue in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia. It is located right off i-95 only 15 minutes from Center City with ample parking for guests. BLDG39 hosted a Fall Open House for guests to experience tasty food selections, craft cocktails, and entertainment from their food partners, vendor partners, and local beverage partners. It was very easy to get to, and they really have a big parking lot right in front of the venue. The building was beautifully restored, with high ceilings, original brick, it was spacious and had garage doors to enjoy the outdoor space as well.
Look how pretty this is, there was even a circus performer hanging from the ceiling, a vendor which you could contract to appear at your event. It was really neat. The lighting and staging of the space. Definitely a unique space.
Josh Moore of Josh Eats Philly was ready to eat Bldg 39 at the Arsenal
Event spaces work with various vendors so they have just the right options for clients tastes. The vendors were on hand showcasing what they had to offer. I love a good table setting.
Depending on the style of event and seating arrangements, BLDG39 can accommodate up to 250 guests. BLDG39 was thoughtfully created to be both an event venue and a co-working commissary kitchen for local caterers and food trucks. These talented local caterers and food trucks are options for catering for BLDG39’s events.
Karen Kratchman-Gold, co-owner of Classic Cake and Kathy Bell, Director of Sales Classic Cake, tell me that their biggest selling cake is called the “Dr. J” cake, sour cream based pound cake with chocolate fudge. The 2nd best selling cake is their Carrot Cake. They’re one of my favorite cake stores, as the original store was located a few miles from where I grew up in Cherry Hill. They’re a vendor of BLDG39.
Darcy Hill, Gabby Forgione,Chef Ashley James, Managing Director of Culinary · Di Bruno Bros. and Jackie Grillo
This dynamic creates a unique ecosystem for all to thrive and allows them to “strut their stuff” in their own home! BLDG39 was built in 1917 during war times and was carefully renovated to preserve the history within its walls. It is family-owned and operated by three generations. The distressed walls, original doors, and high ceiling are a reminder of the history of the building while also providing a modern & industrial backdrop for any event. The venue is a perfect blank canvas for weddings, milestone celebrations, and all types of corporate functions.
Amanda Bray, loved the space. It’s very unique and different. Lauren Hudnell says she loves the Rustic feel.
Jorge and Liz soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Pagan as they are getting married at BLDG39 next year. She found it on the internet, and loved what the space had to offer. The parking really clinched the deal as well.
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
Happy Tuesday. I’m just going to dive in on this subject. It’s been a few days since I underwent my first colonoscopy in a decade. I was overdue, colon cancer runs in my family, and my siblings go every few years starting in their early 40s, whereas I put mine off as I just did. No good excuse. In the past year I suffered serious backaches, where in the spring I was bedridden for most of it, missing my bird migration. In recent weeks I had serious stomach aches, and one of my blood tests came back bad. An emergency colonoscopy was ordered. It was a stressful week. But everything turned out OK. It seems stress and my coffee habit was causing stress on my digestive system.
I was lucky. What I learned is, don’t be me. When you come of age, 45, you can get a colonoscopy. It’s preventive care. Don’t wait until it’s emergency, and the voices in your head take you down a dark road while waiting for the procedure. The bottom line during a colonoscopy, your doctor checks for abnormalities or disease in your large intestine, particularly the colon. The prep is so easy now, especially since you mix it with Gatorade, a drink we all love, or if you don’t Crystal Light. My doctors are at Jefferson, but I’m sure where ever your doctor is located, they’ll do a great job as well. The staff does this every day, and are able to put you at ease and answer any question you might have. BTW the nurse wants me to assure you you will not have an accident on the table, it’s just like getting your teeth cleaned, where the tool is also a suction cup. So don’t be afraid of doing preventitve care, whether it’s a colonoscopy, endoscopy, mammogram, diabetes care, PSA, annual physical. You can either take care of it today, or in an emergency someday, and that my friend is no fun.
The doctor said get up and move around as soon as you can, so the next day Mike and I went for a walk. I see Victory Brewing Company at 18th and the Parkway is very close to opening. The tables are set, the gift store is stock and the outside tables are in place. I bet the place is packed by Halloween. It looks beautiful.
Victory is part of the Pearl Properties renovation of the former hotel, now apartment building called The Terrence. Look for a Federal Donuts to open at this location soon.
Sad to have missed my friend Patty Jackson’s street naming ceremony on Friday. So glad my friend Kory Aversa was able to be there for us, oh and my other friend “in my head” Patti LaBelle. Congratulations Patty Jackson, a deserved honor as you have made a positive impact on so many peoples lives over the decades you’ve been on the air at WDAS, and through out your body of work here in Philadelphia.
Happening this Saturday at the Northeast Family Y The Anti-violence Basketball Game. INFO HERE> Peace out. ChitChat soon, HughE
Over the years I’ve made a trek to Cape May in the fall to see the butterfly migration which occurs in late September and early October. It’s been hit or miss over the past few years, but it’s always a lovely day especially when I go with Mike.
In my next life I’m going to commit to memory what kinds of birds I see, maybe.
I only know this is a Mockingbird cause a 10 year old kid told his dad, yes that’s a Mockingbird, I learned about it at school. Now how come I didn’t take that class.
Happy Birthday to my sisters Crista and Margaret!!
We didn’t see too many butterflies this year, even though I read it was the best year in a decade, but I did get to spend the day with Mike and that was priceless. We enjoyed a beautiful day, as well as our favorite dining spot in Cape May – Exit Zero. Hopefully next year we’ll spot more than two. In the meantime check out my friend John Cooke’s photo who captured the beauty the day before; If you go in the next week, or in the upcoming years this is what you might see. The best time to go is after the temperatures drop below 70f, or a cold front passes, like last Thursday night. The butterflies fly along the coastline, on their way to Mexico for the winter. They stop at the point towards the evening as they know they can’t make it across the wide Delaware Bay. How they know I have no idea since each generation is new to the migration. Isn’t nature fascinating.
It’s a Traffic jam of @capemaymonarchs proportions at Cape May point. Incredible to see this firsthand. Naturalist are encouraged by the significant numbers. #capemay 10/2/21 **
Say a prayer for me today as I undergo a common medical procedure, a colonoscopy, which over 45’s should do more regularly for preventive care. Thanks so much.
In partnership with NRG Energy, Inc., the annual Sustainable Princeton’s ElectricEVening at the Princeton Shopping Center took place Friday, October 1, and this years weather was amazing . A beautiful fall evening where community members were invited to test drive the latest electric vehicles, motorcycles, and bikes and learn the benefits of going electric.
This year’s showcase presented exciting new models hitting the market, including the Polestar 2, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E (above), VW’s ID.4,
and a variety of all-electric bike options for both on- and off-road adventures.
Full-size motorcycles from Zero Motorcycles’ dealer Mt Holly Motorsports
Danita Park, Director of Commercial Development at NRG speaks with a community member
Representatives from NRG Energy, Inc., were onsite providing information on energy-related products and services that support a sustainable lifestyle, including NRG Carbon Offsets and renewable electricity plans. NRG Carbon Offsets, in particular, are an exciting new addition to NRG’s suite of solutions. Through NRG Carbon Offsets, a customer reduces the net carbon emissions of daily activities such as driving, traveling, or using electricity in the home. An NRG Carbon Offset subscription or one-time purchase lowers an individual’s carbon footprint by investing in third-party verified carbon reduction projects.
NRG Energy, Inc., is also a consumer of EVs. NRG recently announced our own fleet goal to convert 100% of our light duty vehicles all electric by 2030, which is part of our broader goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
At NRG, we’re bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy, @nrginsight.
On Sat., Sept. 25, 2021, Pep Boys Auto Service, one of the nation’s largest repair and maintenance providers, brought its Centennial Road Trip Celebration to the Company’s hometown of Philly with the ultimate tailgate party that included a live DJ, classic cars, family activities, local food trucks and prizes all along Citizens Bank Way before the Phillies game.
This epic Pep Boys branded bus is celebrating with the customers and team members across the nation who have made 100 years of Pep Boys possible.
In celebration of Pep Boys’ centennial, President and CEO Brian Kaner awarded a $10,000 scholarship to an aspiring automotive technician, part of a commitment to give $100K to students in the skilled trades, thanked the hundreds of Pep Boys Team Members in attendance for their commitment to the Company, and led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday – all before throwing out a perfect first pitch!
From providing parts for the first Model Ts to repairing the electric vehicles of the future, Pep Boys has a bright future ahead servicing the cars of the next century! Follow us #PepBoysRoadTrip
Thursday night I attended the Resources for Human Development (RHD) annual Main Line Wine Gala on the beautiful outdoor grounds of Appleford Estate in Villanova, PA. The weather was gorgeous, the grounds were beautiful, it was a perfect setting for the gala. This year’s Main Line Wine Gala will benefit The Center for Creative Works, La Casa, and future RHD initiatives that will impact the communities we serve.
Marco Giordano, Chief Executive Officer Resources For Human Development, emcee for the evening Jennaphr Frederick, FOX 29 and Honorary chair Marc Nelson, Groth Vineyards & Winery
Judge Roxanne Covington, Vicki Miles and Darryl Ridgeway
Meg Paszko and Sue Daugherty
Sue Daugherty is the executive director of Manna and tells me that it’s that time of year! Never too early to get your pie orders in for Thanksgiving https://mannapies.org/seller/hq/sue-daugherty/
Mike Puchtler, Danielle Perry, Sarah Debessay, Haben Debessay , and Julia Puchtler,
Charles Lynch, Karin Annerhed-Harris and Marco Giordano , Chief Executive Officer Resources For Human Development
Birch Clothier, Don Mykytiuk, Bert Wolfson, Naomi Hooper, McBee Butcher all of Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Appleford/Parsons-Banks Arboretum is a non-profit arboretum and country estate located at 770 Mount Moro Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania. Appelford began in 1682 with William Penn’s grant of 100 acres to James Moore. In 1728 Robert Jones erected a one-story stone farmhouse on the site, parts of which still stand.
Joseph Blevins and Tanya Leshko review the silent auction featuring artwork from RHD’s Center for Creative Works & Outside the Lines art studio for people with intellectual disabilities. A staff of mentor artists teach professional materials and techniques with the goal of developing participants as artists, artisans and designers. These programs foster individual expression and skill development.
I like how they had these video screens to tell you which table you were sitting at, saving paper.
Marc Nelson , Groth Vineyards and Winery, co-chair of the Main Line Wine Gala. During cocktail hour and between courses he would tell the guests the wine they were drinking, and why it went with that particular dish.
It was great to see Steve Katz do his magic as auctioneer, a volunteer gig he enjoys on the side of his full time career as the head of a private investment fund specializing in commercial real estate property, which he owns with his son Joshua, another fun auctioneer.
La Casa is a Philadelphia youth safe haven and provides safe, transitional housing for emerging young adults who are experiencing homelessness. La Casa is dedicated to teaching young adults life skills, building around evidence-based practices that will help them reintegrate back into the community of their choice. Find out more about RHD’s La Casa program for at-risk youth.
Dr. Kiplee Bell-Morris, CEO of the KJM Memorial Foundation with Swoop at The 3rd Annual BELIEVE GALA 2021 at the Philadelphia Marriott Old City. The KJM Memorial Foundation is named after Colonel Kevin John McAleese who was diagnosed with the terminal brain tumor, Glioblastoma. Taken way too soon, the Foundation was created to honor his legacy and provide support to families with a loved one fighting brain cancer. The Foundation also provides scholarship funds to women in the State of Pennsylvania seeking higher education.
Kevin John McAleese had been active in the Miss America Pageant as a volunteer. In the early 1990s, Mr. McAleese was called to escort some Miss America contestants in the Philadelphia area.
It was through his work with Miss America that he became interested in reviving the Miss Philadelphia pageant, which had gone dormant in the mid-1980s, colleagues said.
He brought the contest back in 1996 and served as executive director, enlisting the help of sponsors, volunteers, and others, colleagues said….”His vision is essentially what kept the pageant alive,” said Kiplee Bell, who was Miss Philadelphia in 1998 and is now a physician. “And Kevin was committed to providing scholarship dollars and access to education for women who might not necessarily have that opportunity.”
The Believe Gala was held on Sept 25th, 2021 at the Marriott in Old City Philadelphia. Tickets are $150 which includes open bar, cocktail reception, three course meal and dessert reception. It was a masked, socially distanced black-tie event benefiting Glioblastoma patients + families as well as scholarships for women.
Guests enjoyed lite bites and cocktails on the patio outside the ballroom as well as the cocktail area, where they also checked out fabulous auction items.
There was a Keynote Speech from Dr. Bookvar from Netflix’s series Lenox Hill, performances from local Philadelphia talent, celebration of this year’s KJM honorees, and a silent auction.
Ron Hampton and Nydisha Williams
Lisa and Harold Ivory
Amanda VanAllen joined the PHL17 team in April of 2021 and wife Kira Rivera
Fun fact, Amanda used to work at the same station as her co-anchor Nick Foley.
Bobbie Biddle, Deborah Butcher, Brintcha Caspa and Tim Fenner
In an effort to carry on this important work that Kevin can no longer do personally, the Kevin John McAleese Foundation conducts an annual scholarship essay contest to award financial assistance towards college tuition or associated expenses. Past KJM Scholarship recipients are applying their awards to degrees in the fields of law, medicine, journalism, business and entertainment. Stay tune for information on next year’s gala and hope you can join us. Have a great day and enjoy the return of fall.
Happy October. Wow this past week was so busy, and I still managed to see Adam Sandler, which was great. He is the nicest celebrity who has filmed in Philly in the 15 years I’ve been shooting movie sets. I’ll be writing more on him when he wraps this week. Originally I thought the final day was Friday, but now it’s sometime this week. Let’s check out who was spotted where, and what’s good to know for water cooler chit chat.
Congratulations to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City team member’s fundraising efforts garnered more than $90,000 of the $126,000 total funds raised for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention’s Atlantic-Cape Out of the Darkness Walk held Saturday, Sept. 18. Hard Rock Atlantic City’s fundraising team was the top performing team in New Jersey and has helped elevate the Atlantic-Cape walk as a top performer in the region.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.
Billie Eilish flew into Philly late Wednesday night the night before she performed at Firefly on Thursday. When I posted this photo from my anonymous sender, I misunderstood and thought it was her departing. She’s with her controversial boyfriend Matthew Tyler Vorce, which irritated some of her young fans who think she’s single or would never hold hands in public, and thought this photo was fake or something. I got lots of DMs and didn’t answer them, but thanks for writing.
While checking into the Four Seasons for the night, Billie Eilish stopped to for a photo with Team Derek: Michael Grey and Jimmy V. It turns out the Four Season still attracts the stars, especially since your so much closer to the stars while sipping cocktails and grabbing a bite at JG Sky High. I’m told Jean Georges is looking to open by the holidays, hopefully that means Thanksgiving.
Interesting enough I was at an intimate reception meeting the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia new general manager Cornelia Samara earlier that evening, and no one let on of Billie’s arrival or I would have been there to greet her. Only kidding, in actuality I separate my paparazzi doings for those in the know. Most of my tips come from my readers, research, and intuition. I appreciate the trust my clients, and the public have in me I don’t want to trade in the trust for something I literally do for fun. It was very nice meeting Cornelia, who has worked for the Four Seasons brand for years and will continue to uphold it’s stellar reputation.
Adam Sandler proving he’s the nicest celebrity saying hi to fans and neighbors at 4th and Pine after filming a scene of Hustle at the Pine Street Church last night . Earlier in the evening they filmed @magicgardens ~ @AdamSandler ~ thanks @GPFO working hard on #pafilmtaxcreditspic.twitter.com/F2zL7WcCSv
Move over Jason Segal, who filmed Dispatches from Elsewhere right before the pandemic. Jason and his co star André 3000 were definitely the most photogenic and friendliest celebs to film in Philly, up until Adam Sandler came to town. Adam makes it a point to say hello to the fans at least 3 times during a 6 hour shoot, and if he sees you out, especially at any of the dining spots he pops into, he’ll pose for a photo. A few fans have even gotten items signed by him. Now that’s friendly, he’d certainly have an excuse not too, especially in a pandemic.
In the video a fan asks for a poster to be signed. Adam tells him he’ll get to it shortly, at which point he sends his security to get the poster and Adam signed it, and it was returned. On Monday he signed two shirts for Will Helms a similar way.
The Philly food scene is going to miss Adam Sandler. The $420 million supa star, who is wrapping up the filming of his TV show, Hustle this week, could have eaten at any fancy restaurant in the City, as most visiting celebs do, but Adam really enjoyed the mom & pop places, the deli’s , food vendors, pizza spots, including Pietro’s and the occasional Steak 48 and Savona (Main Line), the latter two he visited a few times. No Wawa sightings…
Adam visited Famous Fourth Street Deli Saturday
Jaleel White was spotted dining at Morimoto last week
Sneaky shot of actor legendary, 90 year old actor Robert Duvall and his wife dining at Vernick Fish
Duvall plays the Sixers owner and was in town this week shooting at Palumbo Park and John’s Water Ice. (both photos by two different anonymous’)
Spotted Saturday by reader @knotty2fresh , model Ashley Graham and husband , Director Justin Ervin @philadelphiazoo , as well as former Eagles player @laflamablanca95 Chris Long, who is doing a fundraiser @philadelphiaeagles for his @waterboysorg an epic tailgate party at the Eagles game. In the evening the Ashley and Justin headed to @zahavrestaurant for an epic dinner. They recently announced they’re having twins.
Earlier this week I wrote about the launch of Larry Holmes, Jr.’s new partnership with The Agency real estate in Center City. His parents were there as well as Joe Fraizer‘s daughter Weatta Frazier Collins and her husband Gary (her brother Derek Fraizer just came in 2nd on CBS’s Big Brother) . Afterwards Larry Holmes, Jr, his wife Diane and the Collin’s headed to Steak 48. Thanks to Cashman & Associates for helping me arrange that visit to the very hot steakhouse. I mentioned to Larry Holmes Jr. I was heading to Dolce (Hi to my friend Lynn Rinaldi and Drew Carballo), which just opened in the W Hotel. and he, his wife Joelle Holmes, and friends headed there for dinner. These are photos from the Philadelphia Tribune which ran them. Thanks!!
Thanks as always to my readers who tip me off, tag me and send me photos. I really appreciate it. We really appreciate it. Have a great day…
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center held it’s annual Cruise for the Kids on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Moshulu and the event is being co-chaired by Peri Silverman and Gregory Muller.
Peri Silverman addresses the crowd as CCTC Executive Director Tony Valdes looks on. Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC) is a private non-profit agency that specializes in delivering behavioral health services to Philadelphia’s children and their families.
CCTC is dedicated to addressing the impact of child abuse, neglect, traumatic events, and other challenges to early childhood development, and to assisting children in reaching their full potential within their homes, community and society.
For over 40 years, CCTC has used innovative, research-based methods to help children and their families heal from traumatic experiences and renew their sense of hope for a brighter future. We meet children and families where they are, offering services at our center, in schools and in the community to create a widespread and diverse web of care. CCTC collaborates with other agencies, social and cultural organizations and community programs across the city** in the belief that strengthening a family’s local resources is integral to the work we do.
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center is celebrating its 20th Annual Roundup on Friday, November 12, 2021 at The Westin Philadelphia Hotel. The evening will feature a live auction, cocktail reception and dinner and dancing. This year’s honorees are Natalie and Jim Hennessy. It’s always a fun time, for a good cause, diner and a dance party. Check out previous coverage here on PSM, PCC and Philly Mag.
