Category: Uncategorized

What a great marketing collaboration between Nike and Jalen Hurts. Rumor has it the Hurts sign attached to the LOVE statue AT LOVE PARK was not approved. They put it up in the early morning Of the Super Bowl parade and took it down around 5. It’s probably why you don’t see it on any official city social media. Hurts signed with Nike’s Jordan Brand in 2023. Priced at $75 USD, the Jalen Hurts x Jordan “Love, Hurts” Hoodie will be available soon via Nike.com.

Last night, February 25, 2025, The Philadelphia Citizen held their second annual Citizen of the Year Awards, presented by FS Investments and Michael Forman and Jennifer Rice. One of the awardees was Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback. (I’ll write more about this event tomorrow)

I put a story on Instagram announcing his arrival and my friend Alex Holly wrote me and said it looks like he has a wedding band on. And I said I think you’re right i’ll try and get a better picture when he gets his award very unfortunate and hustle up to the front quick enough so I shot it when he was leaving. Enough is a wedding band on. so it looks like our king has another ring to add to his collection and this one is even more love than the Super Bowl one. Congratulations to him and Bry!!

Hall of Famers Mike Versace, Lamish Maybach, and Ziggy Mona Lisa—along with the support of the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Bebashi—present the 10^th annual Philadelphia Kiki Awards Ball. Themed “Frozen in Time: Putting the Stigma on Ice,” the Ball promises to be an energetic evening celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community through performance, fashion, and creativity. This free event is inspired by the traditional Ballroom community but offers greater accessibility and a less competitive format to encourage youth and young adults to engage in the experiences of friendly competition and community. The Department of Public Health’s involvement with and presence at the Kiki Awards Ball aligns with its ongoing Philly Keep On Loving initiative, working to connect greater-risk populations with information and resources supporting sexual health and wellness.

                               Socially yours, HughE

Happy February. I feel like I’m always saying sorry About not postingconsistently. Hope going forward I can get at least two posts a week. Since I fell my arm is still in the sling for another two weeks or so. So I’m trying to learn but not really to type with one hand my left hand, non dominant hand. Now I’m auto texting which is why there’s probably gonna be errors. I know this is a very temporary situation and I’m excited to get my sling off. Looking forward to physical therapy I hear it’s painful but im up for it. I have learned a lot in these last two months especially patience and gratitude.

Philadelphia art museum contacted me this week and said that the rocky statue and the Eagles banner will remain up through the weekend. The rocky statue at the top of the art museum steps is personally owned by Sylvester Stallone. She meant it to Philadelphia for the month of December for rocky month. Thanks to Mike for connecting my microphone to do the typing.

OK This is the best thing I’ve seen this week. Did they get that flag out there they must have stood on the $10 million statue joni on the pony.

NOW OPEN :

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! ☕️ ✨ Exited to announce that the doors of Aroma Bakery & Coffee will be open to the public tomorrow! Come join us for great coffee, delicious desserts, good vibes, and a cozy place to connect! Can’t wait to see you all! 💖

In March I’ll be celebrating two years of photographing independence Blue Cross events. I’m so grateful let’s have them as a client and I see all the wonderful incredible things they do in sponsor we’re lucky to have their headquarters here in Philadelphia. Last week I photographed the leaders from IBX, Pico, and Jefferson Hospital AT THE 2025 The Philadelphia Tribune’s Black History Celebration Luncheon

Earlier this month, PAFIA Chair David Haddad met with Nicole Shiner and Erin Wagner of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office at The Happy Rooster. Nicole, and Erin, the new co-executive directors of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, met with David to discuss the Pennsylvania film industry and explore collaborative efforts to advocate for an increase in the film tax credit. Congratulations to Nicole and Erin on their new roles! The Happy Rooster has been in several movies that have been filmed in Philadelphia including the popular Bradley Cooper film Limitless!!

I hope just wanted to fill you in with a few things and I hope to publish again Friday.

Socially yours HughE

Pete Davidson popped up on the Tonight Show with @fallontonight wearing a Philadelphia Eagles big Dom shirt Art History 101 Pete was on promoting his new movie @dreamworksdogman

I recently had the honor to meet big Dom at Connor Barwin‘s team dinner in December. Dom came up to me and said I’ve seen you around town. I want to officially introduce myself. **. I mean, what a class act

Last Sunday, Pete was on the sidelines of the Eagles game with @jordanmailata wife @nikiboo his sister, Sess Mialata, Nikki sister @jadefobender and @mskimcrawford

He then headed over to @chickiesandpetes to hang out with the team celebrating the NFC championship with his buddy Dave “DaveO” Osokow !! Spotted at the dinner were Eagles alumni Brent Celek, Chris Long Michelle Miller, Todd & Elizabeth Herremans, Lane Johnson, girlfriend Kelsey along with friends Josh Demarco and Michelle Miller, The Ground Coffee and Plants

You might recall me covering Dave “DaveO” Osokow and Actor Ryan Philippe Visiting the rocky visitors center two years ago. Dave O is a celebrity connector friends with a lot of Hollywood, his father is from the Philadelphia area which brings him back to town for various things as well as to celebrate Philly sports.

I was bummed about my buddy Jack Elliott from the Philadelphia Union who was released from his longtime contract with the local professional soccer team. A few years I met him while photographing the Philadelphia Union Foundation Gala. We began to follow each other on social media I met his lovely fiance, now wife, Shelby and I would invite them to various events in the city.

I was sad he was released from the Philadelphia Union but I’m very happy that he was signed by Chicago Fire as a free agent on a one-year deal in December. Congratulations to Jack and his wife Shelby on the announcement of their new baby girl coming soon.

Congratulations to 6ABC’s Alicia Vitarelli who made her cameo on an all a new episode of Abbott Elementary on Thursday night.

Congratulations to Jeff Benjamin on his new book. I spotted this announcement on the Cashman and Associates Instagram page. The book gets released today. They are also promoting a few other local people including Jamie Cooperstein who has written a story about her life behind the concierge desk at two of Philadelphia’s most iconic luxury properties. That sounds delicious!! That book releases April 8th 2000 and five. I can hardly wait!!

Next Friday make sure you check out Kareem Rosser’s new book ‘When You’re Ready’, He’ll be discussing his new book at the Center City Barnes and Noble on 11/7/25.

Congratulations to the AACR Ambassadors Erika and Rodney McLeod on receiving the AALC and Johnson & Johnson MLK Memorial Observance Community Service Award. The McLeods founded the Change Our Future Foundation to remove barriers and labels placed on underserved communities, empowering individuals through education, advocacy, and awareness. Pictured Kim Crawford, Head of Global Partnerships Joaquin Duato, CEO Vanessa Broadhurst, Executive VP Global corporate Affairs

WHAT!! Lamberti Pizza Market in Old City is for sale!!
The sales pitch goes : This 4,200 SF recently renovated space features a full Italian menu with a strong focus on pizza, offering both dine-in and grab-and-go options. They always had a strong lunch business, as well as at the hour after 4:00 o’clock when everything in the grab would go is half price. but business has not been the same since the pandemic.

Socially yours HughE

Most of these photos are taken off of Instagram.

Happy New year Chit Chaters!! You may have heard by now or if you haven’t take a seat, I fell on New Year’s Eve while walking along Delaware Avenue. Let me say not walking I was running and I was not attentive and I fell over a lovely landscaped section somehow I left the sidewalk and ended up in a garden. A rock garden. BY THE Grace of God Mike Toub, my friends and Philly’s finest, I was able to get to the hospital. I have to say in all my life it’s not the first time I spent New Year’s Eve at the ER.

Three weeks ago I had shoulder surgery. Today I have my follow up doctor’s appointment, and I can’t wait because I eager to start physical therapy and return to chronicling Philly, in person. Thankfully January and February are very slow in this social party scene, so it doesn’t affect my business too much except for my corporate photography. Thank you to my friends and readers, for sending me flowers food gift cards and 100s of notes and hearts!! I will always remember your kind gesture.

I finally have some time to do some blogging which I’ve woefully have neglected. I’m excited to start this first entry of 2025 with Philly Chitchat tidbits and fun gossip.

Former NBC10 Weekend anchor and reporter Rosemary Connors left the airways with Sunday September 22nd as her last appearance, the following weekend Frances Wang appeared on the weekend anchor desk. Miguel Martinez-Valle taking over her anchor spot on the morning weekend desk. On December 31st Rosemary posted photo of her and her family and wished every one a beautiful new year and explained that she decided to leave her job after 15 years to pursue something else, and then there are a whole bunch of photos of her adorable kids and husband Ben. She signed off with her usual flair “Thank you for being with me and have a good one!!”

Congratulations to CBS Philadelphia Meteorologists Kate Bilo and Andrew Kozak. Now you’ll see them not only locally in Philly but nationwide with Kate delivering weather coverage at CBS mornings and Andrew on CBS Weekend News!! That is so cool!! I don’t know if you’ve seen the new CBS Philly weather map which is like 3D they stand on top of it it’s very cool.

Monday I ventured out and photographed the first event for 2025 after my injury, MLK Day at Girard College is an event I’ve been photographing for about a decade. It’s a great event where 1000 volunteers come and create care packages for underserved communities, as well as offer services and programs to help people in Philadelphia. See additional photos at my CBS Philly column. Thanks to Mike Toub he assisted me on this shoot, Although I did shoot this photo myself. Great to be out and see clients.

Congratulations Kareem Rosser on his second book ‘When You’re Ready’ !! An enduring love story.

Kareem Rosser hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and earned a BA in economics from Colorado State University (CSU). During his time at CSU, he captained his college polo team to a national championship and was named the intercollegiate polo player of the year. Afterward, he returned to Work to Ride, the program where he first discovered polo, and now holds the position of Executive Vice President. Every fall he participates in the Philadelphia Polo which benefits Work to Ride. (9/20/25)

On February 7th at Philadelphia’s Barnes & Noble at 6pm he’ll discuss and sign his new book When You’re Ready!

Thanks Kevin Lessard for sending me this photo. Readers and friends have been so generous in sending me photos of Philadelphia that I’ve been using on my social media. If you have anything interesting drop me a line hughe@phillychitchat.com

Most of the pixs used in this post photos were screenshot from Instagram posts by the people I was speaking about. Thank you to Mike for hooking up the audio mic for texting. I might be making a lot of errors more than normal I apologize. I am also learning to type with my left hand, which is my non dominant hand.

This was fun to do, I will be doing it more often and posting parties I photographed last year. Some of the photos may have already appeared in one of my 3 outlets and I will just expound on the description of the event. And some were not picked up which sometimes is the case.. But I never know until after the magazine publishes.

Socially yours, HughE

Guests enjoyed dinner and dancing at the 19th Annual Deborah Hospital Foundation on November 9th 2024 at the Hilton Penns Landing.

This year the Red Tie Gala honored Joseph Chirichella, President Emeritus for his outstanding service to Deborah Heart and Lung Center and Deborah Hospital Foundation.

Established in 1974, the Deborah Hospital Foundation serves as the primary fundraising arm of the Deborah Heart and Lung Center, a distinguished medical facility specializing in cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular care located in Browns Mills, Burlington County, New Jersey.

The evening began with a cocktail hour, where guests enjoyed light bites and bid on exciting silent auction items.

I’m always amazed at the extensive items donated for their gala, and run the gamut of dinners at your favorite restaurant, travel experiences and of course the obligatory Taylor Swift something. Kinda bummed, but happy it went for a high price, I did lose out on the Hard Rock Casino guitar, overnight stay and dinner date. BTW they have some great concerts coming up: Cyndi Lauper this Saturday, and Pitbull at the end of the month and on New Year’s Eve. Definitely one of the most entertaining concerts I’ve attended. Once at Hard Rock too.

Quick story. Way back Mary Ann, who is affiliated with a car dealer, wanted to advertise on chitchat. At the time we didn’t have a set up for ads, or social media reach, so I connected her with Crossing Broad, who was looking for ad revenue. Years later CB was sold for millions of dollars, but this had nothing to do with that, he created a great product. He was always grateful me connecting them, and often picked up stories I wrote, and they still do to this day. I’m grateful for that. It was nice to see Mary Ann, and I am grateful for this.

Since its inception in 1922, the Deborah Center has never charged a patient for medical care rendered at its facility at 200 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, New Jersey. While insurance is accepted, patients do not face co-pays, deductibles, balance bills, or any out-of-pocket expenses for their treatment.

Thank you to Deborah Hospital for having us again this year. To see more photos check out CBSPhilly, and the February issue of Philly Style Magazine.

Starting Tonight: Philadelphia’s iconic Avenue of the Arts, a
place steeped in history and home to beloved seasonal traditions like the Nutcracker and the Grinch, is set to dazzle visitors for the 2024 holiday season. Starting Friday, November 29, the cultural heart of Philadelphia will be a holiday wonderland of strolling performers,
including Dickens-style carolers and spectacular decorations, such as twin 25-foot live spruce trees flanking the south entrance of City Hall.
Avenue of the Arts, Inc. presents its 3-week Holiday Celebration, featuring sparkling decorations, strolling carolers in Victorian garb, Mummers All-Star band performances, and a unique holiday showcase by Fricknadorable. Starting at 5:30pm.

FREE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES:
Friday, November 29: Villager Carolers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Saturday, November 30: Classic Carolers, 6:00-8:00 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
Sunday, December 1: Fricknadorable Holiday Showcase, 1:00-3:00 p.m. — Outside the Miller
Theater
Thursday, December 5: Parson Brown Carolers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Midtown Village Loop
Friday, December 6: Villager Carolers, 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Avenue of the Arts Loop
More Info at Avenue of the Arts

On December 4 there are two Holiday Tree Lighting’s

The Old City Tree Lighting at the Betsy Ross House at 6PM. The eighth-annual Holiday Tree Lighting features musical and dance performances, special guest speakers, and the countdown to the lighting of the stunning Holiday Tree, decorated by Petit Jardin en Ville. Santa stops by too.

And

The East Passyunk Tree lighting hosted by my friend NBC10’s Miguel Martinez-Valle, runs 5 – 7pm at The Singing Fountain. Come on out and make sure to bring a to take FREE photos with Santa from 6 – 7pm and enjoy live music and other entertainment!

December 5th is the City’s Official Tree Lighting at City Hall. 6pm to 8pm

Dress up, get a hot cocoa, and attend the annual Philly Holiday Tree lighting. The event will feature Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, along with officers from the Philadelphia Police Department, the cast of STOMP, an international percussion sensation and DJ Killsing!, The main show will feature performances by Liamani, star of Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and GRAMMY nominated, multi-platinum, R&B singer, songwriter, TV personality and actress Keyshia Cole.

ON FRIDAY: Holiday Happy Hour and the ticket giveaway that will be taking place onsite

The Philly Holiday Tree is hosting a Holiday Happy hour on Friday December, 6th from 5 PM – 9PM that will feature performances curated by Philadelphia’s own, Chill Moody as Moody’s Klubbhouse pops-up in this joyful atmosphere. More information can be found on our website here. At our Holiday Happy Hour, the first 25 people at the happy hour who submit emails onsite will get 2 free tickets to the premiere of Cirque du Soleil in Philadelphia. 

• Date: Friday, December 6th 
• Time: 5 PM – 9 PM 
• Location: Wawa Holiday Plaza, City Hall & North Broad Street 

Save The Date: Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, will make its Philadelphia debut from December 19-29 at The Met Philadelphia. The show is based on the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. For more information on the show you can visit their website here. 

If you’re interested in attending Tree Lighting’s and Holiday Parades in South Jersey, the Courier Post has a nice list of them.

The Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia celebrated their 300th anniversary on October 26th 2024 at the Bellevue Hotel. Guests enjoyed cocktails, a special awards ceremony, dinner and dancing. The evening started in the balcony of the Grand Belle Ballroom.

Carpenters’ Hall has stood in Old City, Philadelphia for nearly 250 years. In 2024, as we celebrate the 300th anniversary of The Carpenters’ Company, our great meeting hall will be entering a new age as well. As a national landmark, Carpenters’ Hall sees as many as 130,000 visitors every year.

After cocktail hour, guests headed down to dinner in the Grand Belle Ballroom, which was recently renovated in the past year.

Dinner started with a citrus beet salad, before guests enjoyed a grilled center cut filet, and a Bellevue Crab Cake with tomato pepper jam, toasted orzo, blistered tomatoes and a Merlot sauce. Sweet endings include tarts, cream puffs, assorted macaroons and and Ivoire Mousse with Chocolate Cremieux.

The Master Builders’ Award was presented to the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA). Stemming from The Carpenters’ Company of Philadelphia, GBCA was established in 1891 for the advancement of commercial construction in the Philadelphia region. As one of the nation’s oldest trade associations they serve as as industry watchdog and resource.

The 2024 McCullough Prize for Excellence in American Public History. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough (John Adams, Truman, 1776) bestowed his name to this prestigious award, which the Carpenters’ Company was presented to CBS Correspondent, Mo Rocca. 
Mo Rocca is currently a correspondent on CBS Sunday Morning and host of The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation on CBS. He also hosts the podcast Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, and is a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!

The recipient of our local teacher’s McCullough Prize is Ms. Elizabeth Taylor, a local Philadelphia teacher at J.R. Masterman Laboratory & Demonstration School.

Congratulations Liz Taylor.

@findinphilly This is your last chance to see and honor America’s largest & fastest passenger ship.  This week it will leave Philly for Florida’s Gulf Coast to be converted into the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef”

Social season is winding down, and I continue to catch up on events which have been photographed. Many have appeared in my CBSPhilly column, some will appear in Philly Style Mag, Philly Mag and Main Line Today in the coming months, and as well as PhillyChitChat.

In 2025, Philly Style will begin return to running party photos online again, which excites me.

Thanks Andre Flewellen for shooting this event.

Hope you’re all well, socially yours, HughE

The folks from Visit Williamsburg came to Philly to share exciting news about the historic city, and attractions.

Another reason why many of us headed to the Museum of the American Revolution was to catch up with our friend Ed Harris, a friend to all, who for many years lead Visit Lancaster and before that was the chief marketing officer of Valley Forge Tourism. A great guy, with a lot of knowledge of tourism and history.

I’ve been to Williamsburg twice, and it was beautiful, but I had no idea there was more to the area than Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens when I was there, pre internet days, ha.

I do remember I enjoyed it very much, and has always been on my bucket list to return.

We learned a lot at the luncheon, and what you should know is Colonial Williamsburg is a 301-acre living history museum, which takes travelers back in time to colonial Virginia through immersive experiences, historic interpretations, museums, and events. Landmarks include the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Raleigh Tavern, and historic Duke of Gloucester Street.

There’s also museums, and special exhibitions, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not, ghost tours, lots of shopping, including an outlet mall, there’s also several golf courses – FORE!!

The USA, Philly and Williamsburg is gearing up to celebrate our country’s 250th Anniversary. One of the biggest events heading to Norfolk, VA near Williamsburg Sail250® Virginia – which includes more than 60 ships from 20 countries. Norfolk (Host City), Hampton Roads
& Chesapeake Bay Region, Virginia is one of 5 stops Sail 250 is making, and Philadelphia is not on the list.

If you want to visit Williamsburg, the holidays are a perfect time. Santa sets up his toy shop on November 15th, so you can get your wishes in early. Then the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony happens on December 6th at Victory Walk, and kicks off a weekend of festivities. The 27th annual Lighted Boat Parade is on December 7th at 6 pm, with caroling around illuminated braziers, a musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown, and complimentary hot cider. In addition, Grand Illumination will light up the night with pyrotechnics at Governor’s Palace and the Capitol building every Saturday night through December 21.

The 27th annual Lighted Boat Parade is on December 7th at 6 pm, with caroling around illuminated braziers, a musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown, and complimentary hot cider. Also kicking off that weekend is Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination which will light up the night with pyrotechnics Saturdays at Governor’s Palace and the Capitol building through December 21.

Williamsburg is definitely going to be on my travel bucket list. I’m excited to explore this area in person, again. If you want to join me find out more info HERE

The Wistar Institute is a leading independent research institute in Philadelphia with a mission to advance cures for cancer and infectious diseases.

Wistar donors, board members, and staff gathered at the Philadelphia Art Museum on September 26th to celebrate the success of the Bold Science // Global Impact Campaign.

Launched in 2022, the Campaign was designed to advance Wistar’s strategic plan and focused on three strategic pillars: biomedical research, education and training, and collaborations and partnerships. 

Ron Caplan, campaign chair, kicked off the evening by acknowledging the importance of the researchers that fuel Wistar discoveries. “So much good happens at Wistar … and it’s because of the scientists at Wistar, who are the most dedicated group of people I have ever met. If you want to give a round of applause to anything, $63 million is one thing, but the scientists at Wistar are really special.” (Ellen & Ron Caplan Cancer Center)

Wistar president and CEO Dr. Dario Altieri concluded the event by reminding attendees of the importance of philanthropic donations to the Institute. “What is the spirit of a capital campaign for a basic biomedical research institute? To me, the spirit of the campaign is a spirit of hope, a spirit of trust — a spirit of believing in a future that is not yet here. It is investing in hope for the medicines of the future, not just for ourselves, but for everybody.”

The Wistar Institute is the nation’s first independent nonprofit institution devoted exclusively to foundational biomedical research and training. Since 1972, the Institute has held National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center status. Through a culture and commitment
to biomedical collaboration and innovation, Wistar science leads to breakthrough early-stage discoveries and life science sector start-ups. Wistar scientists are dedicated to solving some of the world’s most challenging problems in the field of cancer and immunology, advancing human health through early-stage discovery and training the next
generation of biomedical researchers. wistar.org

I’m shocked, that 15 million Democrats sat out this election (Biden received 15 million more votes than Harris.) President Elect Trump received 4 million less votes than in 2020. Hang tight cause it’s going to be a bumpy road, and lots of changes.

Socially Yours, HughE

Focus Fundraising Committee: Tamara Feagins & Ashley White were on hand to greet the 100 plus guests to the annual Junior League of Philadelphia Fall Fete at the Independence Seaport Museum.

The Junior League is a nonprofit organization of women that focuses on community service, leadership development, and promoting voluntarism. Founded in the late 19th century, the League aims to improve communities through effective action and trained volunteers.

Members participate in various projects and initiatives, often addressing issues like education, health, and social welfare. The organization also emphasizes leadership training and personal development, equipping members to take on active roles in their communities. Each local chapter operates independently, tailoring its programs to meet the specific needs of its community.

The Junior League of Philadelphia performs a lot of philanthropic endeavors, but is also a good networking and social outlet.

Also follow them on Instagram where they have a great events for you to attend, like the upcoming

Thanks to Andre Flewellen for photographing this event for PCC. PR PhillyPrGirl

Have a great day. Follow me on Instagram where I occasionally break stories like Tuesday’s Kamala Harris Rally on the Parkway, on the eve before the election.

Socially yours, HughE