Philly Chit Chat

Quick Vacation and Now I’m Back

Ugh I broke one of my promises to never miss a day posting on PhillyChitChat since launching my new site. To think I went 5 straight years never missing a post. Then I started taking on those other columns, and well PCC took a back seat and I would miss one here or there. It’s like every time I start a diet. Anyway let’s say going forward from July 1 or even July 7th which will be PCC 9th anniversary, I won’t miss a post for a year. Maybe that’s when I’ll start my diet too, nah, I’d better start that right now, especially after that BFF vacation with Kory Aversa. We ate too much.

The other day I looked out, passed my balcony, and caught a Peregrine Falcon flying high over Philadelphia. I love see that bird. When I worked as a paralegal I had a great window near my desk and I would catch the birds flying near their nest at City Hall. So I’m always excited to see them. They’re huge, Liberty One is about a mile from my house. BTW today I’ll be covering an interesting event at the One Liberty Observation Deck today. They had a contest and someone won an overnight stay there. Their “hotel room” will be furnished by Kimpton’s. Very clever. It’s a fabulous view during the day, great sunsets, it’s ok at night especially if you’ve never seen the City from a view so high, but it’s dark and oh so high. 

Congrats to my brother in law Joe on his retirement from Exxon Refineries. My sister threw him a little party last weekend. I so love seeing my family. I don’t make a lot of time for them, but I love them lots.

Uncle Mike with Bo and Michael 

My brother Ray with my niece Mimi. Uncle Carmen in the background. If you head to the shore, and you need vegs & fruit, stop by their farm stand on Rt 538 near Ferrell. Great produce.

On Monday Atlantic City, the City and Richard Helfant, president of Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance honored the victims who were killed in Orlando. Rich told me about the event when I visited Lucy the Elephant in Margate last week with my sister Crista and her kids. He’s the president of Lucy too. We go every year. It’s a tradition and the kids love it.

It was a nice program with officials and a great crowd turn out too. Here’s Mark Segal, president of PGN reading an opinion letter that was published in the Washington Post about Orlando, which they asked Mark to write.

Don Guardian, Mayor of Atlantic City, who happens to be openly gay, stands with the tribute flowers which will be placed in the Atlantic Ocean as a memorial.

I wasn’t able to make it to last weeks Philadelphia tribute/vigil to the Orlando victims, as I was away. But thanks to photographer Liz Baronofsky we can see the outpouring of love.

God Bless the victims of Orlando, and the United States of America.

Thursday June 16, 2016, WHYY, Equality Forum and Independence Visitor Center Corporation hosted the national premiere of The Pursuit: 50 Years In The Fight for LGBT Rights,

a documentary film produced and directed by Ilana Trachtman at the Indepence Visitor Center across from historical Independence Hall.

The Pursuit is a reflection on the fight for LGBT rights, more than 50 years since protesters gathered in front of Independence Hall and called for an end to discrimination against homosexuals. Contrasting stories from LGBT experiences past and present, a complex and vibrant picture emerges that demonstrates both how far the community has come and how far there is left to go.

Thanks to PhillyChitChat Mike Hirata for shooting this event.

The film highlights the powerful experiences of Gay Rights movement pioneers and feature interviews, archival images, and footage of such leading LGBTQ figures as Michael Palumbaro, founding member of the Gay Activist Alliance, and John James who marched in the first 1965 peaceful demonstrations at Independence Hall.

Both the persistent discrimination against and the triumph of earned tolerance of the LGBTQ community will be explored through footage of 40 acclaimed LGBTQ activists, organization leaders, celebrities, and original protesters who will reenact the demonstrations at Independence Hall in July of 2015, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Annual Reminders. The Pursuit: 50 years in the Fight for LGBT Rights will air on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 9:00 p.m. on WHYY-TV.

Check out the preview video HERE

P.S. Please do not take your photo off of my site, please just click on the share button below the entry and share the article to your social media. There are harsh penalties for removing photos, worse than waterboarding. My mortgage thanks you.

Last night the Friends of Rittenhouse Square held their 32nd annual event in the center of the park — a gala celebration benefiting the upkeep and restoration of one of Philadelphia’s gems.

some of the money raised from previous galas went to edging the sidewalks, and redesigning the gardens this year.

On Monday I will have a complete wrap up of the Ball in my Philly Mag column, but today I thought I’d give you a glimpse.

The room was beautifully decorated Evantine Design, again

I love, love, love this couple. I always photograph them. Young at Heart two kids who met when they were young, always loved going to high school dances, and out socially, who capture and make more memories as they go through life together, all the while supporting great charities.

Alexander Hankin has a guitar on his tie

every exquisite detail

Love the discrete menu

The Friends of Rittenhouse Committee. Note the sign in the back, major sponsor Arthur Alan Wolk supports the Ball with a donation in honor of his dog Boo, who passed away. Look Sabrina and Steve Thorne are sponsors of the Rittenhouse Ball.

Brooke Thomas and Meisha Johnson of CBS3, hosted the Rittenhouse Ball with Betsy Hummel, President of the Friends of Rittenhouse

Bringing Sexy Back: Sharon Pinkenson with Hope Cohen and Richard Green

Who brought Robert Pattison to the Rittenhouse Ball?

Hmm is someone taking a photo over my shoulder with an IPhone?

#Twinsies

I headed over to the Young Friends of Rittenhouse.

The ticket was $125pp, and the kids had a kicking party at the Stotesbury Mansion. At 1030PM, they headed over to the Main Tent and party hardied, I hear.

Sal D’Angelo of D’Angelo’s (center) Italian Restaurant on 20th Street

Guests danced to the tunes of the Eddie Bruce Orchestra until the clock struck 12.

On Monday I will tell you who was the Best Dressed of the Ball, who do you think it was? The photos I run will be different on PhillyMag, with a few of these people and the ones I think are number 1

Held annually on the third Thursday of June, the Ball on The Square is the Friends of Rittenhouse Square’s largest fundraising event.

The Ball on The Square is an annual black tie gala with magical ambience, an elegant sit-down dinner, fabulous music and dancing. Held under a large tent in the center of the Square, the Ball transforms the park into a sparkling ballroom for one night.

But the night before: The Little Friends Festival is the Friends of Rittenhouse Square’s family-friendly fundraiser.

During the Little Friends Festival, the center of Rittenhouse Square becomes a carnival, concert, and block party all rolled into one under a large tent – the same tent that houses the black-tie Ball on The Square the following night. Featuring music, amusements, performances, rides, food, and crafts, the Little Friends Festival is one of the community’s favorite events and brings together hundreds of Philadelphia children and the adults who care for them.

In addition to playing games and having fun, many parents consider this event a resource to learn more about educational and extra-curricular opportunities for their children. It is considered by city children to be a “can’t miss” party and marks the unofficial start to summer. Invitations are sent out to members in mid-spring. Tickets are required for admittance.

Tickets are family friendly $10 for adults, and $14 for kids and include all the pizza, hot dogs, candy, ice cream, water and juice boxes you can drink.

I was a little late as I was covering SIPS, those pixs will be in Metro Philly later today.

Tonight I’ll see you at The Ball. Have a safe, dry day. HughE

The Voice Foundation Honors Chita Rivera & John Fry PLUS

Philadelphia is known for its delicious restaurants, spectacular higher education institutes, innovating hospitals, and a thriving downtown, but did you know we had the world’s oldest and leading organization dedicated to voice research, medicine, science, and education – The Voice Foundation. Over the years I have covered their gala, this year I attended my friend Christie’s wedding, you know the girl in the black wedding dress. Last week Philly Mag did an interview with her HERE about her dress, anyway my back up photographer Mike Hirata photographed the event for me, which HONORED CHITA RIVERA who I love so much. Let’s take a look.

The Voice Foundation’s annual Voices of Summer Gala took place, Friday, June 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Westin Philadelphia.

The black-tie event included awards to international singers from different disciplines: The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Award was presented to Kennedy Awards Honoree and Broadway Legend CHITA RIVERA. The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Award is given in recognition of excellence in use of the voice.

Mary Hawkshaw, Paulo Szot, Catherine Malfitano, Dr. Mike Benninger, Dr. Robert Sataloff (Chairman of the Board), Chita Rivera, and Drexel President John Fry.

Walter Harris, Chrystal Williams, Henrietta Harris, and Chita Rivera.

I saw Chita’s one women show: Chita Rivera: the Dancer’s Life several times. One time when I was there Dick van Dyke did a bit with her on stage. I treasure my Playbill with their signatures on them.

 Linda Carroll, Mara Behlau, Joan Lader, and Dr. Gwen Korovin

Jennifer “Rodney” Hsia, M.A., CCC-SLP is the Assistant Director of Language & Voice Experience entertains the guests at the annual Voice Foundation Gala.

Performer Dolora Zajick.

Chrystal Williams and Paulo Szot.

Reinaldo Scalzaretto, Cecilia Capistrano, Deborah Feijo, Mara Behlau, Paulo Szot, and Maria Russo, Executive Director of The Voice Foundation.

David Pershica, Philadelphia native Pershica, moved to Oklahoma to be with his Chickasaw heritage family in 2015; born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love. He began working in the theater at a young age, a career that would take him around the world. Last year he wanted a simpler life, as well as to give back to his Chickasaw community. He now teaches dance in Oklahoma, including a Master Class on dance and theater, some of which was influenced by Chita Rivera, who he has been friendly with over the years.

Jennifer Rodney, Dr. Jayme Dowdall, Dr. Lindsay Reder, and Debra McGuire.

Chita Rivera and Dr. Robert Sataloff is Professor and Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Specialties, Drexel University College of Medicine and Board President.

The Voice Foundation is the world’s oldest and leading organization dedicated to voice research, medicine, science, and education.  The Voice Foundation is committed to enhancing the gift of vocal communication through:      Research to advance the diagnosis and treatment of vocal problems, including non-surgical techniques;     Sponsoring an annual, international symposium;     Publishing and distributing professional and scientific publications and video teaching materials;     Awarding research grants and fellowships;     Publishing a member newsletter for the lay public;     Disseminating information through the media to raise awareness of voice care.

There was an extensive silent auction to raise additional funds for the organizations programs.

The Awards.

John Fry, appointed Drexel University’s 14th president in 2010, thanks The Voice Foundation for honoring him. In an interview with SmartCEO magazine he said his favorite books are about men who face adversities:

… the biography of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is a favorite. He had a life of privilege but with enormous adversity. I recently bought a book on Woodrow Wilson. I find these types of stories of how people confront challenges and how they deal with those challenges very inspiring.

PhillySportsRoast 6/16 Crystal Tea Room #phillysportsroast

Cataldi and Eskin will be roasted during the 94WIP 2016 Philly Sports Roast on Thursday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m. in The Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia (100 E Penn Square Philadelphia, PA 19107).

Tickets will be $125 (include food, drink, and a donation to Coaches vs. Cancer program in Philadelphia). Tickets go on sale on Thursday, May 5th at 9:00 a.m. You can purchase them here. 

Roasters include:

Merrill Reese
Mike Quick
Ed Rendell
Phil Martelli
Pat McLoone
Jim Kenney
Jay Black
Marc Farzetta
Bill Werndl
Bernard Hopkins
John Gonzalez
Gary Matthews

The roast will be hosted by 94WIP’s Joe Conklin.

Ya know I was at my BFF’s Christie Honigman Mandia’s wedding last Friday and I couldn’t make a handful of events in Philly over the weekend as I mentioned earlier this week. Here’s another gigantic, superstar charity event that is putting smiles on Philadelphian’s. Thanks to Connor Barwin, and the photog for this write up. “All photos by SSM Photography, Copyright 2016 all rights reserved” – Stacey@ssmphotography.com

For the third year in a row, Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl linebacker Connor Barwin and his Make The World Better (mtwb) Foundation hosted a benefit concert at Union Transfer. All proceeds from the concert on Friday, June 3rd were matched by Barwin through mtwb for a total of $200,000. The funds will be donated directly to the foundation’s next major park renovation project, announced at the concert, the revitalization of Waterloo Playground (2501 Waterloo Street) in the West Kensington section of Philadelphia. To date, mtwb Foundation has raised over $685,000 for park renovations in the City of Philadelphia.

“I want to thank Union Transfer for hosting us for a third year in a row. We could not have a better partner in putting on these concerts,” said Barwin. “I also want to thank our all-Philly lineup of musicians Amos Lee, Waxahatchee, and Hop Along, as well as so many of my teammates for coming out. Opportunities in athletics and the arts should be available to every child, and it was inspiring to see both musicians and athletes come together in support of this vision. The concert is always very exciting to me because it represents the start of a new project – this year Waterloo Playground.”

The sold-out concert featured a special surprise performance by acclaimed Philadelphia singer-songwriter Amos Lee and Philadelphia-based musicians Hop Along and Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield. Joining Barwin in the crowd of 1,300 were Eagles teammates Jason Kelce, Jordan Matthews, Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Malcolm Jenkins, Jon Dorenbos, Trey Burton, Nelson Agholar, Cody Parkey, Beau Allen, Taylor Hart, Chris Maragos, Marcus Smith, Chase Daniels, Josh Huff, and Harold Carmichael. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, his wife Tina Lai, and new Eagles head coach Doug Pederson were also on hand to show their support. Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers and Union Transfer owner Sean Agnew relaxed with guests and dined at a pre-show barbecue reception which featured an array of grilled appetizers donated and cooked by James Beard Award-winning chef Marc Vetri of Philadelphia’s Vetri Family restaurants alongside special guest chef Kevin Sbraga.

According to Claire Laver, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Projects for mtwb and Urban Roots, “The revitalization of Waterloo Playground will begin with a community engagement process to identify key priorities for renovations, building off of the Community Design Collaborative’s Play Space Design Competition that featured this site as a case study last year. The playground currently features a pool, recreation center, play space, and two basketball courts.”

The mtwb Foundation, founded by Barwin in 2013, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Philadelphia’s youth by providing safe and fun places for artistic and athletic development.

Check out the review of the concert by Chris Sikich HERE

The foundation’s previous two benefit concerts raised more than $485,000 for major renovations at Ralph Brooks Park and Smith Playground, both located in South Philly. Renovations at Waterloo Playground in the West Kensington section of the city will begin in Summer 2017, with pre-construction planning and design phases kicking off this summer. For more information on the mtwb Foundation, please visit www.mtwb.org.