Philly Chit Chat

Red, White & Blue so much to do….

Greening the Region, One Tree at a Time 🌳
Yesterday PECO and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) joined forces to launch PHS’s weeklong spring tree planting initiative starting April 8.

At the kickoff event, both organizations celebrated their long-standing partnership, which has already resulted in the planting of tens of thousands of trees across our region. And they’re not just talking the talk— Matt Rader, President, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, David Velazquez, President and CEO of PECO, PHS and PECO Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help unload and sort over 900 trees that volunteers will plant throughout the week.

It’s a great example of corporate-community collaboration making a lasting impact on our environment and neighborhoods. Thanks!!

At the Constitution Center yesterday, folks gathered to announce activities surrounding the 2nd annual Red, White & Blue To Do celebrations.

Celebrate 250 Years of Independence Where It All Began!
Join us on July 2, 2025, for the spirited Red, White, & Blue To-Do Parade and block party as we launch a year-long tribute to America’s 250th birthday! Throughout 2026, take part in 52 Weeks of Firsts—a full year of one-of-a-kind events commemorating the nation’s revolutionary roots. And don’t forget the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Kids Parade—a charming nod to July 2, 1776, the historic day Congress cast its vote for independence.

There’s a lot happening as we gear up for America 250, but let’s get through 2025 first! Well—speaking of firsts—I can’t help but share how excited I am for one incredible event happening in 2026:

“The 52 Weeks of Firsts,” running from January through December 2026, will showcase Philadelphia’s incredible creativity and rich, diverse history. As Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc., puts it: “Each week in 2026, the Philadelphia Historic District partners will highlight a historic first from across the city, celebrating Philly’s trailblazing legacy and its powerful impact over the past 250 years—an impact that still shapes the way we live today.”

It’s going to be the largest and longest celebration of its kind—and I can’t wait!

Last week Mike and I had a great night out at No Name Pops’ She’s Got Soul—a powerful tribute to soul and R&B classics, featuring the amazing Capathia Jenkins with the Pops. The music was fantastic and the energy in the room was electric and had everyone dancing in the aisle.

After the show, we attended a lovely reception where some big news was announced: the No Name Pops will officially be known as The Philly Pops again starting July 1! This is thanks to a generous gift from the family of original conductor Peter Nero, who retained the rights to the name after the previous organization faced some challenges.

Same talented musicians. Same iconic sound. New management—and a fresh chapter ahead.

For my fellow empty-nesters who keep asking me for fun things to do? The Philly Pops should be at the top of your list.

Their first official concert under the revived name is on July 3 at Independence Mall—a beloved Philly tradition returning just in time for the America 250 festivities.

Just a little chit chat on hump day. Hope you’re week is going well.

Socially Yours, HughE

Hello ChitChatters….My sling is off, and I now have use of my hand again. I hope to post more here. Sometimes I will be posting old content. I send party columns to Philly Mag, Philly Style and Main Line Today magazines. I usually send them two or three choices over the allotted choices, which may or may not be picked up by them.

This is one of the events that was not picked up, this was for ML Today as you will note their hometowns are listed, as is the requirement for that outlet. It’s rare I would run another photographer’s photos in my column (Mark Tassoni Photography) , but because of my hand I got permission, and in the end they didn’t run my column for April, zoink. This happens on occasion.

Celebrating 20 Years of Fred’s Footsteps: A Night of Legacy, Impact, and Vision for the Future

Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Fred’s Footsteps celebrated two decades of life-changing impact at an intimate gathering of its Board and Committees. Held at the historic Pump House in Bala Cynwyd, PA, the evening brought the organization together to honor the man who inspired it
all: G. Fred DiBona, Jr.

Fred’s Footsteps was created in 2005 in memory of Fred DiBona, Jr., former President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross and a well-respected community and business leader for more than three decades.

It’s a nonprofit organization serving families in the Greater Philadelphia region who are caring for a critically ill, injured, or disabled child. By providing financial assistance for non-medical expenses, Fred’s Footsteps ensures families can stay focused on what matters most—the health and well-being of their children.

At Fred’s Footsteps, they step in when a family’s income is disrupted by a child’s medical condition, providing critical financial relief to help them navigate uncertain times.

Working hand-in-hand with each family’s social worker, they focus on their most urgent non-medical needs, offering substantial financial support over the course of a year.

“For over two decades, Fred’s Footsteps has invested more than $10 million in financial support to upwards of 2,000 families, filling the gaps that no other resource can. Today, the organization serves around 140 families annually, and we’re poised to support even more as demand continues to rise.” Fred’s Footsteps

March for Art, InLiquid’s re-imagined annual Benefit & Silent Auction! For 15 days, over 300 works of fine art are curated in one room where InLiquid has hosted a variety of events to connect the area’s artists and arts professionals with the general public.

I attended the first event on March 9 and took photos of the preview party. The art work, and gift store were chock full of beautiful works. Definitely worth a trip to 1400 N American Street, Philadelphia PA to buy one of a kind work. There are also two events you should consider attending.

Tonight: March 20th, InLiquid is hosting the March for Art: EAT event, a gastronomic experience held in our auction gallery!

‍They’ll be joined by acclaimed Philadelphia chefs Chef Ange Branca and Chef Guillermo Veloso to enjoy their culinary expertise alongside our collection of visual art. (INFO)

The two-week celebration featured contemporary works of art from over 200 local artists across all media, gifts from local businesses, and unique events.

This year, InLiquid also presented an experiential video installation and a pop-up cash-and-carry jewelry boutique in their gallery.

Now is the time to update your accessorizes

Did you know, InLiquid splits the proceeds from each sale with the artists so that proceeds directly benefit the community and InLiquid’s non-profit mission.

Finally The Big Close Out Event is Saturday: Get ready to ignite the night at March for Art: BASH! They’re throwing down a final bidding bash packed with electrifying energy. With mouthwatering eats, killer cocktails, and a pulse-pounding DJ set that’ll keep you moving all night long. Celebrate the grand finale of the auction with a bang!

Saturday, March 22, 6-10pm tickets available

More photos at CBSPhilly and the May issue of Philly Style Magazine.

Back at it, as I now have the use of my right hand. Today’s ChitChat is all about the Eagles, players, trophy and sightings

West Philly native, and Abbott Elementary Quinta Brunson and crew were in Philadelphia filming recently, Thursday, Feb. 27, through Saturday, March 1. The cast stayed at the Logan Hotel, grabbing dinner at Urban Farmer’s in between shooting days at The Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park. The West Philly native Brunson told Entertainment Tonight they were incorporating the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl win in an episode they were filming, which also included 3000 Philly kids as extras. (Currently season 4 is airing on 6ABC.) The series is set in Philly, but this is only the second time it has actually filmed here. You might recall I broke the story of their filming at the Franklin Institute, during the pandemic in February 2023.

In 2024 Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts made a cameo in the episode “Career Day Part 2” and Philadelphia-born actor Bradley Cooper had a guest spot in another, “Willard R. Abbott.”

Update: According to Philly Voice on April 8th, the current season of “Abbott Elementary” will end with a visit the Please Touch Museum.

Per ABC’s logline, the Season 4 finale will find the teachers and students “on a schoolwide field trip to the Please Touch Museum, which has some of the older kids skeptical.” The episode, set to air April 16, is titled “Please Touch Museum.”

Who doesn’t love South Street Sam. Incredible talent, skill and people person capturing portraits on South Street including the who’s who like Quinta, at the friends, family and crew party which took place last week at Bridget Foy’s on South Street.

Eagles Superbowl Champ Jordan Mailata was spotted at the Philadelphia airport by several fans as he headed to a friends wedding in Miami. He was very approachable, posed for photos and signed lots of autographs one person told me.

Lisa Wilson, owner of Jamaican Jerk Hut at The Concourse at Comcast Center, served coach of the Golden State Warriors and former 76ers player Jerry Stackhouse for lunch “with some of his players.” on February 28.

Former Eagles player Chris Long stopped by Geno’s over the weekend for a bite. No word on whether he paid cash or credit card. For the first time in ever, the iconic cheese steak place is now accepting plastic!! (All the photos up to this point were screen shots, the next photo I took.)

Shortly after the last player left the Art Museum steps, this Eagles flag popped up on the St Joan of Arc statue at 25th and Kelly. I imagined it was placed in the dark of night, but I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t there in time for the parade. Anonymous wrote me after I posted this photo on my IG. They told me they tried to place it a few times before the parade, but the police stopped them. So they put it up the following week. They don’t sell them, they are just enthusiastic fans and wanted to share the joy. Unfortunately they did damage the finishing on the statue, which had just been refurbished a few years ago. So please don’t climb the art work, no matter how enthusiastic you might be.

Socially Yours, HughE