Philly Chit Chat

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

Scene at Philly Gay Pride Sunday June 10, 2018

Yesterday’s rain didn’t deter the masses from heading into Center City to celebrate the 30th Philly Pride Parade and Festival

I stopped by on my way to Burger Brawl, and the Soul Philly Football’s Autism Day

Spotted in Philly
Christian Siriano hosted SugarHouse Casino’s Philly Pride Day Party at Fishtown Hops on June 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for SugarHouse)

ChitChat: Engaged, Babies, Ocean 8, Keenan and Shawn Wayans

Hey Chit Chat Peeps, sorry about yesterday. Sorry I keep apologizing about missing posts on Chit Chat. Even though they might not appear here, everyday I have columns on other outlets and stories on Fox 29 and/or CBSPhilly. Years ago I could do it all, but in the last year or so I started enjoying sleep.

Oh my dark roots Reese Witherspoon is bringing back Elle Woods in Legally Blonde 3, and they already have an opening day VDay 2020

You don’t have to wait that long for another women empowering movie – Ocean’s 8 opens today with a stellar cast which includes Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Anne Hathaway and Rhianna to name a few. I caught a preview on Monday night, and it was funny, clever and far fetched but enjoyable. Before heading over to the Prince Theater, I capture a few inspiring Philly women at an intimate cocktail party held by Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office at Del Frisco’s Steakhouse. Spotted there this week: Malcolm Jenkins Wednesday night (on his way out he posed for a fan when asked), as well as Geno Vento and friends after they caught a screening on the film Gotti with John Travolta. I’ll have more on the movie and Travolta in town on Sunday’s ChitChat.
Congrats to Lauren Bushby and Johnny Oakes on their engagement

Congrats Amber Joi and Tommy on the birth of their beautiful baby girl – Celine!!

Finished: I love PhillyWord Art. These guys are so talented and clever. They create art using words associated with events, places and memories. Here’s Citizen Bank Park word are with the names of every Phillies player EVER, handwritten. THAT is crazy, & clever. Check them out here.

Heartbroken and Finished

 Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, is ending it’s Bastille Day. This year is their 24th and final Bastille Day celebration with a monumental farewell tour, to be held Saturday, July 14, 2018. A spokesperson says “As sad as we are to see it go, Bastille Day is extremely resource-intensive, and we have a bold new vision for our organization that requires we make some tough sacrifices.”

For one final time, the Bearded Ladies will perform a drag cabaret reenactment of the French Revolution, and 2,000 butterscotch krimpets will rain down from the penitentiary’s towers as Marie Antoinette delivers her infamous line: “Let them eat Tastykake!”

Billie Jean King was in town recently to promote the Philadelphia Freedoms Tennis Season coming up next month. Thanks to Chatterblast’s David Schimpf  for this great shot. I had seen Billie Jean at WOGL in the morning, but didn’t make it to this spot in time.

TONIGHT you can see Keenan and Shawn Wayans, Tommy Davidson and David Alan Grier in the “Off Color” stand up comedy tour at Parx Casino!

8 p.m. Friday, Xcite Center at Parx Casino, 2999 Street Road Bensalem, PA
Tickets: $45-$89
Information: 1-888-LUV-PARX, www.axs.com

*******************************

Fun happening in a few weeks, with discount tickets on sale now.

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC @KimmelCenter Merriam Theater (250 S. Broad St, Philadelphia PA, 19102)
Dates & Times:
6/20 – 7:30 PM
6/21 – 7:30 PM
6/22 – 7:30 PM
6/23 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
6/24 – 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM
DISCOUNT CODE: trick25 $25 tickets
https://www.kimmelcenter.org/…/…/rentals/champions-of-magic/

The Voices Gala of Summer 2018 Awards Dinner, sponsored by the Voice Foundation of Philadelphia held their annual event at the Westin Hotel on Friday June, 1, 2018.

Karen Hepp, Lauren Johnson flank world renowed Dr. Robert Sataloff at the Summer of Voices Gala

The Voice Foundation is the world’s oldest organization dedicated to voice medicine, science and education and welcomes doctors from around the world to a week long symposium, and celebration at the Voice Gala where they honor extraordinary doctors and their patients who share the mission of promoting voice wellness. This year’s honorees included Simon Estes, Cicely Tyson, Walter Williams, Lauren Johnson & Karen Hepp with a special recognition to George Shirley the first African-American tenor to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Sten Ternstrom, Lisa Popeil and Martha Howe

Broadway star Ric Ryder and Marcelo Saldías is a Chilean Speech and Language Pathologist specialized in voice therapy and voice training.

Leslie Martin, renowned opera singer, Dr. Cate Madill, Speech Pathologist, Voice Therapist and Voice Researcher, Director Voicecraft International,and Laura Crocco, Research student at The University of Sydney, using science to improve 1 to 1 music training

Carolyn, Lucie and Alain Munier

Maestro George Shirley , American operatic tenor, and was the first African-American tenor to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Carolyn Sebron, Mezzo Soprano, Dr. Linda M Carroll, speech-language pathologist and voice trainer and Dr. William Riley, world-renowned voice trainer, an award-winning classical singer

he Mission of The Voice Foundation is to enhance knowledge, care and training of the voice through educational programs; to publish material for voice care professionals, the public and professional voice users; and to support and fund voice research.

The legendary entertainer David Powell and the legendary newscaster Karen Hepp, Fox 29

Sue and Walt Hunter, Walt, who retired from CBSPhilly in 2016,  is on the Board of the Voice Foundation.

Dahlia M. Sataloff, MD Surgeon. Chair, Department of Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital Professor of Clinical Surgery, and Nancy Solomon

Caroline McKinnon, Dr. Brian McKinnon and Stephanie Miller

During the program various doctors would entertain the guests

Lauren Johnson and Karen Hepp thank the Voice Foundation for honoring them. Each having had voice issues, and getting treated by Dr. Santaloff, while sharing their stories with their viewers.

After dinner, and the awards program – there was dancing. It’s always a fun night, we’re so fortunate to have such a distinguished organization right here in Philadelphia.

Preakness at the Piazza Doesn’t Disappoint Despite the Dampness

 Preakness at the Piazza (1040 N. American St.) celebrated their annual event on Saturday, May 19, for the 6th annual fundraiser benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Even though it was another rainy day, the crowds did not disappoint. We’re used to a little bit of rain as it’s rained 4 times out of 6 on the day the event has been held.  The Preakness team was prepared with a series of tents to keep the guests dry, but their were breaks in the rain were folks mingled outside, and even danced in the rain.
Preakness on the Piazza is as much about watching the race, as what to wear to celebrate the race.

Valerie Gross and Geoff Gross, founder of Preakness on the Piazza

Fashion judges will once again award attendees who stand out in the following categories: Best Shoes, Best Bowtie, Best Hat, Best Couple, and the biggest winners of the night for Best Dressed Male and Female. Preakness at the Piazza is thrilled to welcome this year’s fashion judges Pat Gallen from CBS​3, Howard Eskin​ from 94WIP​, and Jay Amin​, Co-Owner of Damari Savile. Completing the judges circle are FOX 29’s Alex Holley, Co-Host, “Good Day Philadelphia,” and Kristen Rodgers, Sports Anchor, FOX 29 News, who pick the most stylish Preakness at the Piazza attendees! Together, they will choose the very best looks for awarding a must-have prize – a gift card from event sponsor, Boyds Philadelphia.

Last year’s event raised more than $120,000 for the National MS Society and brought together nearly 1,000 young professionals to benefit a great cause. One hundred percent of net proceeds go toward the National MS Society.

Kristen Herrmann and Paul Triggiani
Media Personalities: Natalie Egenolf and Mina Say What
Each of these boxes contained a bottle of wine. For a purchase of $20 you might get a $10 bottle or a $50 bottle
Kristen Rodgers FOX 29 Sports Anchor announces her choice for best fascinator, as co-workers Alex Holley and Howard Eskin look on
The winners of best dressed at Preakness at the Piazza

Spotted in the crowd – Fred Baxter (r),  Beasley Reece, Garry Cobb, Gina Gannon, and Mike Quick

Check out additional photos at Philly Style Magazine, CBSPhilly and in the August issue of Philadelphia Magazine.