Philly Chit Chat

Jon Gosselin Gets Ugly, Random Acts of Kindness & Philly Gossip

Good Thursday. Omgosh I got behind on PhillyChitChat this week, especially this month with the gossip. So bear with me there’s a lot. Every day I scour social media to see what you all are up to, who’s getting married, who’s having a baby * and sometimes I think wait you must have been pregnant when you got married and I didn’t even noticed, I thought it was the glow of the day – Congrats;  and upcoming events I think might interest you. Let’s start with this seasonal story, which hopefully inspires kindness through out the year.

I got this cute nugget in my mailbox this week:

Michelle Simkiss founder of  In beTWEEN Girls took a bunch of teen girls throughout SNJ to towns Mantua, Mt Royal, West Deptford, Clarksboro, Mickleton, Swedesboro and Mullica Hill and did “Random Acts of Kindness.” They taped quarters to the machines at a laundromat, paid off a layaway for Christmas presents for a delinquent account, gifted countless coffees at Dunkin Donuts, laid 15 wreaths of remembrances and did a special ceremony for veterans (some WW1) that haven’t been visited in a long time, sent pizzas to the fire hall volunteers, dropped off cookies & coffee to the police station, donated items to the animal hospital and knocked on 11 random doors throughout the community to surprise them with gift cards, presents & goodies.  At each stop we told the community members that they are loved and we sang Christmas carols to them.   – In beTWEEN Girls is an organization dedicated to empowering the lives of pre-teen girls by teaching them self worth, self confidence, boundaries, and to love and accept themselves. The program provides tools that enhances their ability to connect with their inner voice, and appreciate their own uniqueness. Through techniques such as mindfulness, positive thought, yoga, and fun, and inspiration crafts and activities, the girls can begin to easily navigate through this confusing and a somewhat emotional time in their lives. Our In beTWEEN Girls will discover their natural talents, self fulfillment, volunteerism, and invaluable life skills.

Congrats you two

I love these reveal parties. So new and fun. Now save up for that Push Present.

Congrats Dan Kessler, he’s making moves. This guy will definitely run the City one day, if not the state.

As will Malcolm Kenyatta. He also was selected by City and State as one of the #40under40

Sad face

Formerly of Philadelphia, magazine and Chatterblast, Joey and his hubby Alex Marin moved to Dallas for his job, and now
Joey is at Dallas Magazine. Congrats!

Congrats Melony Roy!!

Congrats Susan

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What’s Happening?

Saturday and Sunday at James restaurant have lunch with Santa and his elf
1835 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 324-5005

Happy Tuesday. Can’t even believe it’s coming down to the wire for Christmas Day – Only 12 more days. So much shopping still to do. Have you noticed the photos of peoples Christmas Trees being put up has slowed, but I have captured a few of my favorites from Social Media…..

Alicia Vitarelli’s Priscilla

Ary Modesto

Dan Myers

Martha Graham Cracker

Good Monday morning. Hope you had a great weekend. Earlier this month I recharged at this super retreat created by two local experts Dr. Rubina Tahir and Parisha Smith, and I’m ready to take on 2017. Bye, bye 2016, and not too soon.

Dr. Rubina Tahir (l) and Parisha Smith (r), hosted The Positivity Charge at the 24 co-op. It’s Philadelphia’s newest health and wellness retreat; a day full of activities in order to spark insight and re-activate the mind. The day opened up with yoga, then continued with speakers to help recharge our selves and mind, there was a juicing segment, break out groups, lunch and shopping. It was a full day of wellness activities.

Paul Dunn is one of Philadelphia’s most sought after Yoga instructors, he can often be found at the Race Street Pier teaching yoga, Saturday he taught a class class at Positivity Charge.

After our bodies got tuned up, Pax Tandon worked on our thoughts.  Prakriti “Pax” Tandon is a positive psychology expert

Pax told us to erase those negative thoughts, and how to reprogram them so they don’t hold us back anymore.

Afterwards Jennifer Lenysa demonstrated healthy smoothies and the benefits for us. It was very informative, and the drinks were delicious. You can find her healthy recipes, weight loss tips, and more at  coachingbyjennifer.com

Motivation speaker, philanthropist, mother and wife Terri Matthews took “the stage” and led us to success. I’ve known her for a few years, but only socially. She was an incredible speaker, leading us on a journey of success, walking us through the fear that holds many of us back, we have one life to live, don’t let the no’s keep you back.  Someone is going to succeed and why don’t you want it to be you.

Afterwards people broke out in groups. Dr. Rubina Tahir
led one group in the discussion of presenting your best self to others by your posture and body language.

In another room Jen Sherlock, Jenna Communications, led a workshop of participants in story boarding. Who doesn’t want to sit around, peruse magazines, cut out
inspiration and get motivate to achieve my dreams.

Parisha Smith, author, TV personality and inspiration speaker discuses healthy choices to eat as well as her latest e-book, “The Contentment Strategy” while sharing quick healthy snack recipes.

drink water, eat health and in moderation.

Speaking of healthy delicious food – Snap Kitchen served lunch. So delicious. You know I love their food. Who knew Snap Kitchen catered as well.

After lunch and everyone headed to the shopping expo.

I picked up a little something that smelled delightful from the Anatomy Apothecaire

It was a great day. Follow ‎@ChiroRubina
@ThePositivityC

@justparisha

For the best in health and wellness to recharge you for the new year!!

Good Friday. Hope you’re keeping warm. Last night I headed to the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia where I was Invited to experience a Taste of the Holiday Season at  Center City’s Unmatched Latin-Coastal Dining Destination. Opened a little less than a year ago, Aqimero by celebrity executive Chef Richard Sandoval  coined “the father of modern Mexican food”, the fabulously designed eatery has undergone a few growing pains and seems to be on the right track now with

new Chef de Cuisine Paulo Mendoza who hails from San Diego and for the past two years was Chef de Cuisine at Sandoval ‘s Venga Venga Cantina & Tequila Bar. He’s tweaked the menu that was in place, as well as brought some of his most popular dishes which he created over his tenure as a chef.

Guajillo Braised Short Ribs

What I really like about the new menu is the expanded appetizer selection. Sometimes I just want to go to a restaurant and nibble.
Smoked Swordfish Dip.

Jetsetter, scenester Ian Michael Crumm with new on the scene, lifestyle bloggers Alex and Mike

Spicey Shrimp Quesadilla – so good. I practically ate all the samples on this plate myself

One of Sandoval’s signature dishes Hamachi Tiradito

Sofia Pignitor, Cashman & Assocs. The PR for Aqimero with Jimmy Contreras, the new in house PR/Marketing Director of the Ritz Carlton

The sample of Guajillo Braised Short Ribs was generous and plated well.

There were about 15 social media stars on hand for the tasting including Visit Philly, UrPhillyPal – Al Lee
and I brought my friend Rahel Solomon. Thanks for coming I know it was passed your bedtime.
Watch her Sunday through Thursday’s at 6Am on CBS3Philly with Jim Donovan.

I need this in my life – Seafood Cazuella $30

They also have a new GM, John Christinzio.

Hey Thursday, OMgoodness only 17 more days til Christmas, and this first item in PhillyGossip is anything but a gift. I first met Arthur “Art” Etchells nearly a decade ago. We were both trailblazing bloggers, in a very exciting new field of new media (other notables at that time Joey Sweeney – Philebrity; Enrico Campitelli Jr. The 700 Level; Michelle Cassidy (AnEmptyFridge) )   Like me Art had a full time job and did the blogging on the side as a fun hobby. Then he left his job and started blogging for business. I really admired him, couldn’t imagine ever leaving my job to rely on blogging to make my living, bothered him with millions of questions about it at the time.

(Kory Aversa Shot this)

Then 6 years ago I was laid off and that was the best thing that ever happened to me. Any who, Enrico’s blog The 700 Level was bought by Comcast Sportsnet, and Enrico went on to run it in the confines of that outlet. We thought that’s the way to go. You build it, and then someone comes by and offers to buy you. It happened for Art, and he and Foobooz went to Philly Mag. 5 I started my column at Philly Mag about 5 years ago, and every few weeks I stop by the office I catch up with Art, chatting all things Philly and food. That was always fun. PS offers did come to me, but I declined. It was hard to do since I am such a fan of security, a steady paycheck and co-workers. But that’s my story…..

Congrats to Arthur Etchells, a trailblazer, a friend, a mentor, a co-worker, who’s off to a new adventure. He’s gonna fill us in
on it soon, but drop him a note as tomorrow is his last day at Philly Mag.

https://www.facebook.com/aetchells?fref=ts

I love 50 and his brands, Effen and Frigo. He’s at Bloomingdale’s on Saturday at 1PM.

Philly must be his favorite town, hasn’t he met everyone already. He’s been to town more than Sly Stallone.

Jessica Nelson Classical Singer is up for People’s Choice at

3. Please go towww.PHLLIVE.org Click on “Vote for the people’s choice” Click on the name “Jessica Nelson” in the Classical section to vote. Voting can be done on a smart phone, computer, and tablet. here is her website to hear her beautiful voice http://jessicarosesoprano.com/

**************** Voting Day is on Thursday, December 8 Only****************

Tonight Wendell Smallwood will be signing autographs at The Sports Cave in Moorestown

Friday at Christmas Village Meet Me at

1:00 pm: NRG Gingerbread House Contest by NRG

Congrats to Molestreet’s Alicia and Brian LaPann on the birth of their son

Congrats to Ori Feibush and Elise LeMay on their marriage.

Happy Holidays have you stopped byFranklin Square Holiday Festival & Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light yet? Last weekend Nik The Web Chick, her BFF Joe McCollum and Joy Phillips stopped by to enjoy the nightly event.  Tomorrow I’ll be posting my favorite Christmas Trees in Philly on PCC, so send me yours buzz @phillychitchat.com and maybe I’ll pick it in the coming weeks. Have an awesome day.

PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 75TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL LUNCHEON.

Usually the event is held at the Convention Center or the Marriott Downtown, this year it was held at the Linc. Next year 2017, the NFL will hold the draft here in Philadelphia. It’s going to be very exciting and PHLCVB will have a hand in executing a successful events connected with the large scale happening.

On Wednesday, November 23, more than 1,200 members of the Greater Philadelphia region’s hospitality industry joined the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), Mayor Jim Kenney, and noted Philadelphia Eagles alumni for one of the largest networking events of the year: the PHLCVB Annual Luncheon.  The luncheon recognized the work of the PHLCVB over the last 75 years in bringing major meetings, conventions and overseas international tourism to Philadelphia, and looked ahead to 2017 when Philadelphia and the PHLCVB will host the 2017 NFL Draft for the first time since 1960.

Carol deFries, Vice President, Workforce and Economic Innovation at Community College of Philadelphia, Bonnie Grant, Bonnie Grant, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Life Sciences and Michelle Shannon, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Center City District – ‎Center City District

David Montgomery is the chairman, minority-owner, and former President of the Philadelphia Phillies and Robert A. “Bob” Brady is the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 1st congressional district, serving since 1998, and the ranking Democrat on the United States House Committee on House Administration since 2007.

Christian Huckfeldt and Susan Buehler, Executive Vice President at Bellevue Communications Group

Brian Korn, Sixth District Captain, Derek Chappelle and Laurel Perley, Director of Marketing and Events for the Center City District (CCD)

Laura Burkhardt, Publisher of Where Magazine and Ashley Patterson, Publisher of Phila Magazine

There were fun activities

and photo stations

and real foot ball players like Harold Carmichael here with  Mariska K. Bogle the head of Philadelphia Hospitality

Dave Williams, Cinema cake with Ron Jaworski and Jim Israel, Conjure Consulting

Brittany Caserta, Erica Mason and Greg Kamprath, IMS Technology Services

Evan Evans GM One Liberty Observation Deck and Diane Meglino, One Liberty Observation Deck

Brendan Crawford and Christie Jones both of Revolutions | Eat. Drink. Rock & Bowl

After PHL party, the after party headed to Xfinity Live

Michelle Conran, Cashman & Assoc., Michael Harris, Phillies and Amanda Hill, Bloomingdales

Kaja Rasmussen and Erin Soper, both of Xfinity Live

Shia LaBeouf In Town, Was Surprised How Cool Philly Is, Eagles Out, Justin Finch Out, Dreams In

Just when I thought Social Season was over, a whole crop of events pop up to shoot. I’m sorry I missed several events last night (Dec 1), that cat nap I took turned into a bear of a sleep. I’m even late with this weeks Philly Gossip so here are a few things of note that happened this week, and a list of things you might want to do.

Shia LaBeouf slipped into town to do some press around his new movie Man Down which opens today.

LaBeouf was last in town this past summer when he was filming his ‘Take Me Anywhere’  hitchhiking performance arts project.

Last week when ET asked which City did he think was the coolest, he said Philly:  LaBeouf even celebrated his 30th birthday in June while promoting the film in Philadelphia, which he admitted was a town he didn’t expect to have a great time in, but ended up loving.

To commemorate the occasion, LaBeouf went out for a traditional Philly cheesesteak. (Said he ate at both Geno’s and Pat’s)

“It was quite cool. And I remember, this is quite Philly, I went there and they gave me a free sandwich and I was like, ‘Cool can I get some fries?’ and they were like, ‘Hell no man, you have to pay for them fries,'” LaBeouf recounted. “That’s very Philly.” (Source)

Speaking of cheesesteaks, last week when Randy Moss, former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons in the National Football League, was in town he asked his followers where the best cheesesteak was. There were a lot of great choices thrown out, but the winner
was Jim’s Steaks on South Street

Flyers Captain Claude Giroux makes it official as he pops the questions to Ryanne Breton his longtime girlfriend. The duo both grew up in Hearst,Ontario

Congrats to Ben Haney and Jamie McFadden on their wedding. The duo did the deed in St. John’s last Friday. The ceremony was performed
by former NBC10 reporter Justin Pizzi, who was ordained via the internet, especially for the occasion.

Congrats boys

Thomas Finnegan is the GM for Dino’s Backstage.
Check out the December entertainment line-up at Dino’s Backstage:

• Every Sunday – Michael Richard Kelly-Cataldi with the Tom Adams Trio
• Friday, Dec. 2 – Wendy Simon
• Saturday, Dec. 3 – Jill Salkin
• Fri. Dec. 9 and Sat. Dec. 10 – The Snow Show
• Thurs. Dec. 15 – Ken Silver
• Fri. Dec. 16 and Sat. Dec. 17 – The Snow Show
• Friday, Dec. 23 – Michael Richard Kelly-Cataldi
• Saturday, Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve – 1956! – Michael Richard Kelly-Cataldi

Congrats

Last night a few players from the Eagles headed to Rumors for a bit of fun. First they stopped by to pose
for a shot with longtime, doorman extraordinaire Tee Fish.

Justin Finch, last in Philly at CBS3, we hardly knew you and you left town for your dream job.

Yes follow those dreams..

Bill Anderson promoted to his own segment on Fox 29 – “For Goodness Sake”, featuring folks who do good in Philadelphia
Pitch him your stories.

Love this billboard, but love her much more. Helen Ubiñas 

is a great journalist getting to the bottom of things.

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#PCCBUZZ – What’s Happening Philly – Philly Chit Chat will be shooting these events

Mike Hirata is there this Saturday for PhillyChitChat, I’ll be there next Saturday shooting Winter Wonderland at Suburban Square      |     Sat, Dec 17, 2016     |     1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Come on out and say Hi!!

On December 6th, Join the Arts + Business Council of Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, in bringing the business, legal, technology and creative communities together for an innovation focused event featuring Harvard Business School Professor, Disruptive Innovation Expert, scholar, author, and business consultant, Clayton Christensen.  Click here to register!

I always tell my friends and clients, this is one of the best networking organizations in the City. The breakfast spread they put out before the program, is delicious, and people make a huge effort to network. I love that Philly has an organization like this, and a cheerleader for progress like Karin Copeland.

Have an awesome weekend. Follow me along on @HughE_Dillon (formerly @iphillychitchat) and on instagram PhillyChitChat for up the minute what’s happening and who’s where news.

Earlier this month I was contracted to shoot the opening party for the new roof deck at Philly’s newest, luxurious, apartment building at 1919 Market Street. I was taken aback at how beautiful, and well constructed the apartment complex was; over the past couple years I’ve watched it being built. Was ecstatic that it complementary to the Blue Cross Building next door. They also share a courtyard, which is ecstatically pleasing to the eye.  There’s a parking garage as well for residents and the public. I tweeted a photo of the prices in the summer; definitely the best public parking deal in the neighborhood, it was under $20 for 24hr parking. That’s a deal. The party photos ran in PHL Business Journal. I ran a few atmosphere photos, but I saved some for PhillyChitChat. I’m go out on a limb and say of the apartments that have come on line this is my favorite – 1919 Market, quickly followed up by the Post Brothers Presidential Apartments, and then 3601 Market University City Apartments.

Jerry Sweeney, President & CEO and Trustee of Brandywine, Anne Fadullon is the Director of the Planning and Development Cabinet for the City of Philadelphia, Council President Darrell L. Clarke and Thomas O’Brien, LCOR President

• 24-Hour Concierge
• Lounge & Coffee Bar
• Parking Garage Available
• Bicycle Storage & Workstation Available
• Pet Wash
• Building-Link Resident Service Request System

The 28th Floor Club Level features a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities

including a distinctive, open air infinity pool. (It’s not a full size pool, more of a socializing pool. AND IT’S HEATED!!)

• Screening Room with TV & Gaming
• Club Room with TV
• Sports Bar with TVs, Billiards & Shuffleboard
• Golf Simulator with Multi-Sport Capability
• Café with 360° Fireplace & Coffee Bar
• Chef Studio with Demonstration & Catering Kitchen & Dining Table
• Temperature-Controlled Individual Wine Storage

Brandon McMullin, 1919 Market Leasing Consultant and Anthony Barone, Regional Property Manager at LCOR

The kitchens were beautiful as you see, even the studios had full size kitchens, and weren’t overwhelming the space. Studios start at $1800

Fitness center is including in your rent

My trainer Jordan Hankins, The Fit Complex will be on hand to train you.

Many of the new apartment buildings have this structure columns in their units. This is one of my favorite ones as it’s on a slant, not taking up too much space
and kinda artsy even, AND it’s in the living room, not the bedroom like in other buildings.

The closets are spacious, and I like the organizational racks.

I hear the building is over 50% occupied already. Also that awesome new Wawa is opening crossed the street.
It’s near Fairmount Park, there’s a view of the Art Museum from the 28th floor, you’ll see the July 4th Fireworks.
You’re near Misconduct, James and Logan Tap House, my fav spots in that area.

Check out the floorplans and pricing here

Congrats – I believe this is one of the best apartment buildings in the City.