Philly Chit Chat

Sneak Preview of Political Fest – DONT MISS IT With Melissa Fitzgerald
DO NOT MISS THIS EXHIBIT – IT’s AMazing, and informative. Heres a sneak preview, you’ll be able to see what spots are Family Friendly for the kids, but all the spots are great for people who are interested in learning tidbits, and interesting facts about our country’s history, electoral process, family life of the presidents and the First Ladies Dresses. Tickets are $15, $8 for kids. Buy them at the Constitution Center or online. The ticket is good for the duration of the DNC which is through Thursday. You can even ride the Phlash bus for FREE that does a special Political Fest route. Here’s my story and I’m sticking with it….follow me here and on my socials for the latest happening #DemsinPhilly #DNC2016

I had a chance to check out all the Political Fest exhibits yesterday on a special tour with Gov Ed Rendell, as well as with Melissa Fitzgerald, who starred on the popular TV show – West Wing, and will be hosting Political Fest shows at the Constitution Center.

National Constitution Center (525 Arch Street)

Theme: Headed to the White House

The National Constitution Center will serve as the hub for PoliticalFest, and will be the only brick and mortar location where tickets to PoliticalFest will be sold. The National Constitution Center will also be home to PoliticalFest Main Stage. All PoliticalFest guests will be able to attend PoliticalFest Main Stage events as part of their general admission ticket, and members of the public will be able to participate in PoliticalFeud. In order to participate, additional tickets must be reserved in advance of the desired participation time. Tickets to participate as well as tickets for priority seating at any of the Main Stage events, can be reserved at www.phldnc.com/PoliticalFest. There is no cost to participate in or attend Main Stage, beyond the fee of a general admission PoliticalFest ticket.

The Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention today conducted a press tour with Governor Ed Rendell and Melissa Fitzgerald, who played Carol Fitzpatrick in The West Wing, highlighting the great diversity of exhibits to be displayed at seven different locations throughout PoliticalFest. PoliticalFest, a festival celebrating United States history, politics, and the road to the White House, will highlight the contributions made by important figures and movements since the nation’s founding.

These exhibits will be on display at each of the seven PoliticalFest locations and will create a fun, inclusive, and educational experience for residents, delegates, and members of the media. PoliticalFest will run July 22-27th, open 10am-6pm daily.

Here we are at the Pennsylvania Convention Hall on tour with Kristyn Aldrich, LeapStarr, who is producing the event. With her is Melissa Fitzgerald, and Gov Ed Rendell, Chair of the 2016 Democratic National Convention Host Committee 

It’s at the Convention Center that you can pick up a lot of great DNC2016 merchandise, including products made from local Philadelphians.

There is another pop up shop at the Comcast Center, and 30th Street Station, or online HERE

There’s a replica of US Air Force One at the Convention Center

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall F (1101 Arch Street)  Theme: Politics and You!  Includes:  ·  C-SPAN’s The American Presidents exhibit  ·  C-SPAN’s Electoral Boards  ·  Oval Office Replica, presented by Facebook   ·  Air Force One Fuselage replica  ·  Photo walls featuring key political features and their impacts on society “Voting Through Time” exhibit, showing voting booths from the past, present and future.  ·   “I Am Democracy Photo Mosaic” for which guests will take individual photos that will be transformed into a larger digital mosaic of an American flag.  ·   Memorabilia Store, including Host Committee merchandise from local designers like Project Runway winner Dom Streater and apparel favorite Duke & Winston, as well as rare collector’s items.  ·   “Future Leaders Fun Zone” featuring games and other activities for children

Melissa tries out this bike that will charge your phones 

Heritage Center at the Union League (140 S. Broad Street)

Theme: Political Conventions in Philadelphia

Includes:

• Sweep the Country: Political Conventions in Philadelphia,an exhibit that tells the stories of the 11 conventions held in Philadelphia.

Library Company of Philadelphia (1314 Locust Street)

Theme: Presidential Archives

Includes:

• Presidential Libraries
• Exhibit featuring writings, photographs and artifacts from the museum’s own collection, including:

o A life mask of George Washington;

o A death mask of Abraham Lincoln;

o Rare books, graphics, and manuscripts about the founding of the nation;

o Women in American politics;

o 19th-century African-American political conventions.

Historical Society of Philadelphia (1300 Locust Street)

Theme: Founding Documents

Includes:

• “Behind The Ballot,” an interactive exhibit provided by the city of Birmingham, Alabama, highlighting the Civil Rights Act and the Voters Rights Act, as well as a lookback at the events that took place in 1963.
• Proof of Declaration of Independence
• Samples of Articles of Confederation
• Draft of the Constitution of the United States
• “We the People” collection, including:

o   Constitution of Women’s Suffrage Association with a note by Susan B. Anthony

o   Lithograph of the Emancipation Proclamation

o   Map of part of Bucks County released by the Indians to the “Proprietaries of Pensilvania” in September 1737

Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent (15 S. 7th Street)

Theme: Philadelphia and the Presidency

Includes:

• Original election coverage from the Philadelphia Tribune, the nation’s oldest and the Philadelphia region’s largest African-American daily publication, featuring iconic front pages and landmark political moments from the paper’s extensive coverage of national politics.
• Philadelphia Gay News interviews with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.
• Philadelphia Memorabilia Perspective featuring pieces from local collectors that highlight Philadelphia’s political convention history.
• Short documentary of local collectors’ historical artifacts described in their own words.
• Whistle Stop Philadelphia! will provide guests with a photo-opp with a life-size train replica, like those that were used during whistle stop campaign tours.
• Philadelphia and the Presidency Exhibit

National Liberty Museum (312 Chestnut Street)

Theme: First Families

Includes:

• “First Ladies: Influence & Image” video, featuring stories of America’s 45 First Ladies.
• A show-stopping display of featured dresses worn by First Ladies going back to Martha Washington.
• White House China dating back to George Washington.
• An exclusive photo exhibit highlighting First Families, provided by National Geographic.
• “Larger Than Life” photo wall, featuring key political figures and their impact on society.
• Johnston & Murphy Presidential Footwear Collection, highlighting 12 former presidents who wore Johnston & Murphy shoes.
• The Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement’s kids program will offer a special, interactive program for K-12 students encouraging civic engagement and explaining the process of running for and winning the Presidency.

The Host Committee also announced a special group discount for PoliticalFest tickets. For adult groups of 10 or more, tickets are available to group members for $10 per person. For groups of 10 or more students, seniors, or children, tickets are available to group members for $4 per person. Group rate tickets and individual tickets can be purchased here.

A few good men

You want to get to know the Walnut Club, and support “Women Making History”,

Sunday, July 24th from 11am-3pm @ Water Works
Women Making History Celebration/ Welcome DNC Event
As Philadelphia takes the national stage during the Democratic National Convention, we will be welcoming legislators and celebrating female history-makers. The event will honor local and national women for their achievements in business, media, arts, and of course, politics. Proceeds benefit Vision 2020: Equality in Sight. Details and tickets: WomenMakingHistory.us.

Justin Beiber, Howard Eskin, Journey, Barry Bonds

Happy Monday. It’s not slowing down, but I finally got a chance to review a schedule for all the DNC2016 events that are coming up and I plan to cover. Follow along with me on Social Media as I tell you daily the who, what, when and where as I seek out them during the convention week.

Friday night Marilyn Russell, Kory Aversa and I participated in the 8th Annual Cabot Creamery Coopertative Bad Beat on Hunger Poker Tournament to support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey – Southern Branch at Borgata’s in Atlantic City. Howard Eskin came by to say hi and give his support.

I didn’t win but I lasted 4.5 hrs, besting my time last year by 2 hrs. At one point I won $50,000 from one of the pro’s, but that luck didn’t last long. It was a lot of fun, for a great cause. Next year I will remind you months out when the date will be so you can join us. Kory did have beginers luck, plus he bet conservatively he told me. He lasted 7hrs. Shortly after his run we all got luck as Justin Bieber stopped by to play a hand of poker and change his shirt on the gaming floor. I posted about it on Saturday, and last night came across a few more photos.

Check out my coverage of everything that went down here, and what shirt he changed into…

New Sixers player Dario Saric is in town. In between meeting with officials he’s been hitting up Rittenhouse Square eateries. Thursday he went to Parc’s on the Square, the following night he was spotted at Zama.

Journey “Don’t Stop Believing” was in town for their concert on July 15. Last night before they flew out of town they stopped by Davio’s where they enjoyed the Spring rolls, Taglietelle Bolognese, cavatelli, lamb rack and Salmon dish.

Last night I had a working dinner with Annie Heckenberger at Del Frisco’s. Never a dull moment with her, and as we got up we noticed Barry Bonds was having dinner with a lady friend next to us. Now he knows my DNC schedule too.

Annie’s on the DNC Host Committee, and I lent her my camera for the month so when I’m not around she shoots the events. BTW she does much more than that for them, but when you’re working for a great cause you wear many hats. Saturday was the #DonkeysAroundTown run through the City. The above shot is at Independence Visitor Center.

The run started at the Navy Yard.

Check out the website for addition events.

Congrats to Philly Media’s assistant features editor Molly Eichel for her recognition as the Vigoda Award winner for May

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Democratic National Convention

When is the Convention? When do we expect Convention attendees to arrive and leave?

• The Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins Monday, July 25th,
and ends Thursday evening, July 28th. Attendees will arrive as soon as
Friday, July 22nd, and leave by Friday, July 29th.

Where does the Convention take place?
• The Convention takes place at the Wells Fargo Center in the evening
hours, typically from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. There will be smaller caucus and
council meetings during work hours at the Pennsylvania Convention
Center as well.

How many people are coming to Philadelphia for the Convention?

• The City expects approximately 50,000 Convention participants between
delegates, media, and other attendees.
Are there any changes to trash and recycling service during the DNC? Are
there any changes to municipal services, such as; court hours, jury duty, and city employee work schedules?

• At this time, all city services are expected to operate as scheduled. If that
changes, the information will be available on the City’s DNC home page:
www.phila.gov/democraticnationalconvention.

Will police and fire services be affected in my neighborhood due to re-
assignment of first-responders?
• Philadelphia Police, Philadelphia Fire and EMS services will not be
impacted by the DNC.

Will highways or streets be closed during the DNC?

• At this time, we do not anticipate extended road or highway closures in
Center City and other areas outside of the Stadium District. There may be
rolling closures due to dignitary movements or protests.

• Before you leave the house, we encourage you to check
@PhiladelphiaGov for any traffic news.

• There will be traffic restrictions around the sports complex, and we
expect United States Secret Service to announce those by early July at
the absolute latest. When they are announced, you can find the
information here: www.phila.gov/democraticnationalconvention.

How can the public be aware if large demonstrations are going to affect
them?

• Planned permitted demonstrations that impact traffic or require road
closures will be included on the City website road closure page, and
updates provided via social media. For more information visit:
www.phila.gov/democraticnationalconvention and follow
@PhiladelphiaGov.

• Demonstrations that deviate from the planned route or do not attain a
permit will be updated via social media. Follow @PhillyPolice and @PhiladelphiaGov

Will any SEPTA routes change during the DNC?
• Additional service along the Broad Street Line (BSL) will be added during
the convention. Travelers should expect crowds on public transit similar
to sporting events when Convention programming begins and ends.
While the Convention has not yet released their full schedule, historically
sessions have begun at 5 p.m. and concluded at 11 p.m.

• Transit riders can sign up for SEPTA alerts regarding system delays and
service disruptions through the City’s mass notification system,
ReadyPhiladelphia: http://www.phila.gov/ready.

• SEPTA also offers information through their website and social media:
http://www.septa.org/realtime/status/system-status.shtml and
http://www.septa.org/alert/twitter.html

Will there be special parking or towing restrictions?

• There will be some parking or towing restrictions, though we do not
expect it to be nearly as extensive as last year’s Papal Visit. Before the
weekend of July 23, and throughout the week of the DNC, please be sure
to check the street signs near where you normally park each day to
ensure there are no temporary parking restrictions.

Will the City allow camping?

• Because of the resources needed to manage the Convention, no permits
will be issued for camping.
Will it be difficult to go out during the Convention? Will restaurants have
available seating?

• Because the Convention historically takes place from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
each evening, Center City and other area dining destinations should have
open tables, especially during dinner hours, should you want to take
advantage of them.

Can I get into the Wells Fargo Center if I am not a credentialed media member
or delegate? Can anyone attend the convention?

• Only those who are credentialed have access inside the Wells Fargo
Center, which include media, delegates, politicians, and volunteers.
However, the smaller councils and caucus meetings which take place
during the day at the Pennsylvania Convention Center are open to the
public.

How can I participate in the DNC?

• There are a number of fun Convention-related events happening around
town for the public, even if you’re not interested in politics. For more
information and a list of events, go to www.phldnc.com.
What if I have questions that aren’t answered here?

• We encourage you to first go to
www.phila.gov/democraticnationalconvention. If your questions aren’t
answered there, you can always call 3-1-1 for non-emergencies. The week
of the Convention, 311 will have extended hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Philly Style Mag Party on the scene Kijafa Vick, Arthur Kade, Erin Elmore,

The Philly Style Magazine Party is the party to attend. It’s really the must invite on everyone’s list, and although nearly 2000 attend, you have to be invited and that’s not always an easy get.

There was a lot of fashionable people who attended what some people call The Summer Prom and then there were those people who really stood out like Glass-U Founder & CEO Daniel E. Fine, wearing what I would have liked to have been wearing, shorts topped off by a blazer. Well done.

Guest, Whitney Ullman (She’s me, but down the shore and with a video camera – Subscribe to YouTube.com/GoToWhitney and follow @GOTOWHITNEY for access to all things CELEBRITY !!), Jacquline London, Rosemary Connors, Alissa Frick and Jillian Mele.

Brian Brennan, Public Relations at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Danae Dinger, Marketing Coordinator at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – ‎Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

I’m playing in a celebrity poker tournament tonight at the Borgata for Cabot’s Cheese’ Community Food Bank.

You can still get in on the play:

Borgata Poker has had a long history with the Cabot Creamery Co-op of hosting a charity poker tournament to raise money for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Southern Branch. For this year’s Eighth Annual “Put a Bad Beat on Hunger” charity tournament, we’re incorporating the event as part of the Borgata Summer Poker Open.

Lovely smiles, style and just the whole package

What a lovely surprise to see Kijafa Vick, with my snapchat BFF Carmena Ayo-Davies, and the lovelies Buffy Harakidas, Erica Cruz

Always stylish with her Skin Palette tan Susie Celek, with  Natalie Egenolf, Correspondent for @The700Level Show on @CSNPhilly, Kate Beaver and Ashlee Snyder, 24 Seven Inc.

Mike Adam, AMP Radio and Sarah Rae Arroyo

The Diner en Blanc crew not wearing white: Natanya DiBona, Kory Aversa and Kayli Moran – Diner en Blanc is August 18.

CBS3 Philly Team: Jim Donovan, Stephanie Stahl, Jen Caudle and Meisha Johnson

Last month at the Rittenhouse Square Ball Sharon Pinkenson rocked out with a lovely retro 70s cavendish colored jumpsuit, and this month she doesn’t disappoint as she sports flared trousers. For the past few years, fashion designers have been telling us flared trousers are coming back, and Sharon is blazing the trail. With Joe Weiss, Chairman of Electronic Ink

Ree Donaldson making a splash in summer white, Alex Holley, Fox 29 (took a selfie with a gal who was wearing the same dress – good taste those gals) and Kristin Detterline, Editor of Philly Style Magazine

Designer Irina Sigel, wearing one of her own designs, with Dmitry Aybinder

Beautiful Mainline PR Maven Kristy Sevag (wearing Chanel, Missoni and YSL), Sevag Public Relations  with handsome husband Jeff Sevag, Paul Sevag Motors

(they advertise with PhillyChitChat.com, if you’d like to advertise with us too contact katie@ kathleenenglishpublicrelations.com )

Philly Socialites I’ve been covering for 8 years, who have gone onto national media jobs – Arthur Kade, Host of Behind The Velvet Rope with Arthur Kade and Erin Elmore,  QVC hostess, now working as deputy press secretary for the RNC.

Lisa E. Silveri although always fashionable and on point, Lisa has over the past year has moved from wearing always wearing black, usually Chanel, to the now trend of black and white, maybe even a little before it became the “it” colors as deemed by the fashion houses. Complimenting her outfit is Gerald Francesco

It’s nearly 11AM, and I have a luncheon at the Borgata at 1PM. I have to scaddadle. I will finish the rest of this post on Monday, but check out Metro Philly today for more photos of the party. Then check back on Monday more of the fashion of Philly Style Magazine Party or as I like to call it What Should I Wear To The Philly Style Magazine Party, cause that’s what everyone always asks me days leading up to the party. OK here are a few more of my favorite fashions…

Sophia Boris and Ettore Mastroddi, who makes all the ladies beautiful. I love what he does with Laura Burkhardt’s hair.

The Rittenhouse Square Squad: Paul Rosen, Wendy Rosen, Laurie Phillips,  and Barry A. Milberg

Dashay Brown, CPA and Milano Di Rouge, Resident of Philadelphia Fashion Incubator

I stopped these two as they headed to the door to leave, I had to have their photo. Just look at this fashion: Sara Cerato and a Chanel wearing Sandra Blumberg

Kacie Adams, Chloe Johnston, wearing Chloe Grace with Go Whitney , check out her site.

Alexander Hankin never disappoints. He just brings it, and Regina Tuchinsky looks fabulous as well.

James Crosby, Crosby & Co and Francesca Ruscio, PHL17 dress screams Top this Bitches!!. Later the duo headed off to the Guns & Roses concert at the Linc.

Thanks to Philly Style Magazine for inviting me again, and my date Mike and my trainer Jordan Hankins, who is saving my life and making me workout like a fiend.

All proceeds from the casino room benefit the Borgata Heart & Soul Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to impacting the lives of others in a positive way through supporting community, health and human services, culture and education.

Oh my there’s a summer social season. Year’s ago I’d get the warmer months off to sit in the park. This year, not so much. Check out Philly Biz Journal today for the fun Philly Tech Dinner I covered last night. So fun, it’s work but I met alot of entrepreneurs in the Philly Start Up community, which always inspires me.  Here’s a little gossip before I head out the door for today’s assignment.

Traffic Alert at 19th approaching Walnut Street – what the heck weren’t there any metal covers around?

I had a meeting at the DNC offices yesterday and met the prototype for #DonkeysAroundTown. I think she took a fancy to me.

The Oval opens tomorrow with lots of great programing. Google The Oval to find out cause ya know I’m in hurry right now

Congrats to Drew Carballo; for those in the know his nickname is “The Mayor” cause he knows everyone and everything. Great guy. We’ll miss him at DelFrisco’s but will definitely stop by to visit him at scarpetta. Who is repped by Punch Media.

Target opens on the eve of the DNC Convention, July 24

Congrats

Congrats, so adorable

Congrats to a job well done Vince Ryan

She’s headed to CNBC, we won’t see her as much now, but good luck.

This morning I got a behind the scenes tour of moms organic market on 11th St. between market and Chestnut. Otherwise known as East market development. 

Today they are announcing a new tenant as well. National, award-winning architecture firm, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ) will lease 18,525 square feet of space at 34 South 11th Street. With offices across the country, BCJ will soon call East Market’s contemporary office building its Philadelphia home. The firm’s nationally renowned work includes the Liberty Bell Center on Independence Mall and U.S. flagship stores for Apple – such as the New York City Fifth Avenue cube.

Looking at East Market where parking and apartments will be located. This building should be done next summer.

When I came by for my tour I noticed that the building is nearly completed. You wouldn’t have any idea if you were looking from market Street side. Follow me on Instagram as I will have updates on the tour which I’m taking in about the next 10 minutes. And I will add to PhillyChitChat in an hour or so. Thanks.