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Philadelphia

More Cute Red Panda Photos from the Philly Zoo

Yesterday Josh from Philly Mag wrote me at 10AM, and asked if I were going to go to the Philly Zoo and shoot the baby Red Panda’s at their debut. He had me at baby, YES, cute animals I’m there.

Thankfully this week #DistrictDrive lent me a car, which they sometimes do under their #influencer program. It’s a marketing tool, I use their car and then tweet about it chatting about what I like about the car. Well I like everything. They give you a choice of 3 cars, and I usually pick the Enclave. It’s big and it fits 7 people, which is great cause I like to cart my friends around. It’s got the latest gadgets too, and an optional sunroof, which I really need. I’m a visual guy so I want to see every angle. Believe it or not it’s easy to park and it fits in parking garages. I thought it would be too big, I was wrong. It’s probably a standard size, but since I drive a car I thought it was genourmous. It’s not a smart car size, but it’s just a tad bigger than my own Ford Fusion, plus it has the back up camera which is hugely helpful. Anyway I jumped in the Enclave and I headed to the zoo.

 Red Panda Cubs Make Debut at Philadelphia Zoo
 You get the opportunity to name the cuties

 Their mom’s name is Spark (r)
 There’s a boy (l) and girl (r) panda

The public can offer their suggestions about what to name the two
cubs. One three-year-old boy from Fairmount has an idea — to name them
Mario and Ellie, after him and his sister.
Also if you adopt a red panda by the end of the year, with the money going to care for them, you get a free red panda plushie.

For more information and to submit male and female name suggestions visit Facebook.com/PhiladelphiaZoo or email the name suggestions to pandas@phillyzoo.org.

Those who adopt a red panda by December 31st will get a free mini red panda plushie. To adopt a red panda, visit PhiladelphiaZoo.org/adopt.

 My friend John McDevitt from KYW1060 doing a spot for CBS3 Philly
 It’s fall at the zoo. You probably have one more week of beauty on the trees.
 I stuck my tongue back out at him
The Behind The Scenes Tour
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Philadelphia

Salon Rosa Held A Date Night Grooming Session

Last month a cocktail, styling party was held at at Salon Rosa M in Narberth, PA

The event was an opportunity for couples to experience light grooming sessions by the salon’s founder and owner, Rosa Martinez and both of her full time stylists Melissa Lynne and Jessica Pileggi. Services included blow-outs and makeup touch ups for women or a light “shave and a haircut” for men.
Rosa Martinez, Belinda Rivera, and Jussara Lopez.
Genevieve Malandra and Amanda Pittman.

In addition to grooming guests sampled local batches of expertly crafted Rye Whiskey compliments of Dad’s Hat. For those who were not Whiskey connoisseurs the salon served up wine and other lite beverage refreshments. Fat Jack’s BBQ provided lite fare for guest sampling including several varieties of their famous chicken wings and hearty chili.

The Salon Rosa M Team.
Caitlin Rae and Ashley Pomales
Melissa Anspach and Nancy Flitter

While waiting for their grooming sessions with stylists or as they mingled afterwards, guests were also privy to a trunk show put on by the Hope Chest. Fabulous and fun lingerie and other toys were available for sale all evening.

Amanda Pittman of Hope Chest in Haverford

With over 20 years in the business and a passion for fashion and design, Salon owner and celebrity stylist Rosa    Martinez has been a return guest on “The 10 Show,” a repeat ‘Best of Philly    Winner’ in “Philadelphia Magazine”, and a recipient of the ‘Most Intricate    Hair’ award at Hair Ball. Most recently, Salon Rosa M has been featured on the    show “Wednesday’s Child” and has styled for Stars Network “Magic City.”

Amanda Pittman and Caitlin
Rae.

Jamie Joffe, Alisha Neva, and Genevieve Malandra.

Melissa Anspach and Meggi Connor

To stay informed about future events at Salon Rosa M please visit the website or call the salon at 610-771-9900. Additionally, you can connect via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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Philadelphia

Photos: From the 2016 Dancing for Our Future Stars Reveal Party

For several years Philly had dancing with the Philly Stars, but they stopped doing that a bit back. Don’t fret though another organization has picked up the baton on this fun evening of dancing for charity.  The Independence Mission Schools is holding their 2nd annual Philadelphia Dancing for Our Future Stars event March 5 at the Crystal Tea Room.

The Independence Mission Schools represents a new and dynamic model of
sustainable urban education combining the best attributes of private
education with lean, entrepreneurial business management practices and
academic accountability. Utilizing these best practices in education and
business, we deliver a high-quality, cost-effective Catholic education
to children and families in need.  These children, like all children,
deserve a quality education, but without our schools in their
communities, unfortunately they wouldn’t have access to one.

Who can forget last year’s dancing with the stars with Seth Williams, now check out who is dancing this year and see the excitement!

KRISTEN JOHANSON & TONY AZZARO
Fox 29’s Quincy Harris will be dancing with RENEE CHAMBERS-LICIAGA
 Marcus Allen
NIKKI CORINNE THOMAS and AJ FEELEY with the coveted Dancing With The Stars Globe
TOMMY GEROMICHALOS & NARISSA FELL
best known as the boy who saved St. Cyril, now an IMS school in Landsowne, Delaware County. As a 6th grader with cystic fibrosis, he wrote a letter and asked the Make A Wish Foundation for a Christmas miracle—to save his school. When they turned him down, the community decided to step in and that’s when the real miracle happened. Gaining support from companies, celebrities and local citizens, he got his wish and the money needed to keep St. Cyril’s alive. A little 12-year-old boy stepped up and believed. Today, at the age of 22, he is once again stepping up and accepting the challenge by dancing to afford other children the opportunity to attend his alma mater and receive the same Catholic education that he valued so much.
AJ FEELEY & NIKKI CORRIN THOMAS AJ former NFL quarterback who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2001-2004 and again from 2006-2009.  He was also a member of the Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers and St Louis Rams.  In college, he played for University of Oregon. He is currently the VP of Ostea In-Site and considers his biggest accomplishment having married U.S. women’s international soccer player, Heather Mitts.
OFFICER GREGORRIO SANTIAGO & GINNY CAREY
 Sister Act

 CAROL TAMBURINO & NOEL RODRIGUEZ
OFFICER GREGORRIO SANTIAGO & GINNY CAREY
 Bill Green
Sister Act – Plus just added: PETER PANAGEAS is VP of Sales & Analytics for INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS.

See the complete lineup at http://www.dance4ims.com/#!dancers/chul and mark your calendar for the gala on March 5th! Thanks to Maria Stefanova Young, photographer for these shots (Sponsor Shots)
Categories
Philadelphia

Photos: Griesing Law LLC “Meet The Artists” Night

Griesing Law LLC hosted another great  “Meet The Artists” night at their law firm located at 1717 Arch Street, in Center City earlier this month.

Naomi Chung and Michele Tremblay had their work on display

and were on hand to meet art lovers. Guests enjoyed lite bites and cocktails as they mingled and networked.

Simone Solomon, Fran Cohen, and Ashley Shea.
Denise Bernhardt, Sharon Ewing, and Naomi Chung.
Artist Naomi Chung poses with one of her works.
Michele Tremblay, Mark Roberts, and Candace Roberts.
Michael Coleman, Ellen Singer-Coleman, and Fran Griesing.

Bert Kaminski and Fred Wilf.
Linda DellaRocca, Shari Solomon, and Charles Weg.
Yvette Roundtree and Susan Hodges.
Lynn Marsden-Atlass and Christine Weller.
Ellen Hamilton and Christina Morin.
Debra Harrsch, Danielle Harrsch, and Ana Fernandez-Parmet.
Donna Teitelman, Sheryl Raskin (PR for Griesing Law Firm), and Dr. Jennifer Caudle.
Amanda Rillo and Nerissa Lorenz.

Michele Tremblay, Fran Griesing, and Jessica Mazzeo.

Naomi’s and Michele’s work will be on display at the Firm through
February 2016 and may be viewed by appointment by contacting the firm.
Categories
Philadelphia

Today

So many emotions happening to me today. Thanks to Elizabeth Wellington for capturing my story in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

 Kindness saved HughE Dillon’s life is the title of the article, but it’s missing one thing

I have to say the kindness was instilled by my step-mother, my mom Virginia Dillon. My core values were set in stone by her. I wouldn’t be as kind as I am without the enormous love she showered on me in my life. po.st/tOyIOc

Please don’t share this with my mom, I asked her not to read it. My parents really didn’t know of my struggles as I had extracted myself from their lives for years. There was nothing they could do, I had to make up my own mind to save my own life. Now with the awareness of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, as well as so many awareness organizations and programs that have developed over the past few years, hopefully people will be able to avoid some of the darkness that enveloped my life, and save their lives.

Thanks to Philly Style Magazine for the incredible piece they did on my life and work 

http://phillystylemag.com/hughe-dillon-shares-his-favorite-philadelphia-charity-events

http://phillystylemag.com/hughe-dillon-philadelphia-lifesavers-gala-and-raising-awareness-for-suicide-mental-health

Thanks to the PGN for the story they did.

Thanks to Cherri Gregg at KYW1060 – It plays today.

Thanks to BenFM 95.7

Thursday’s Daily New’s Gossip with Jenny DeHuff

HughE in the spotlight

Celebrity photog HughE Dillon
is usually watching – and snapping away at – those in the spotlight,
the better to feed his star-hungry audience of 11,000 Instagram
followers and 22,000 Twitter followers.
This weekend, though, HughE gets the attention, and it’s well deserved.
He’ll be honored during the
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Greater Philadelphia
Chapter 2015 gala Saturday at 6 p.m., at the Loews Philadelphia (1200
Market St.).
Fox 29’s Alex Holley
will serve as the mistress of ceremonies as HughE receives the
Lifesaver of the Year Award, a humanitarian distinction for those who’ve
helped end the silence and stigma of suicide and mental health issues.
HughE has volunteered with AFSP for the last five years.
VIP and general admission tickets are still available, starting at $100. (For more on HughE’s moving personal journey, see my Inquirer colleague Elizabeth Wellington‘s story on philly.com.)

Read
more at
http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/celebrities/20151112_Sober_Colin_Hay_plans_to_surprise_us.html#XpekHjIkSy3ISVh9.99

TY Elizabeth Wellington and philly.com @PhillyInquirer for my profile, and work of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Philadelphia Chapter
I know we saved lives, I’ve heard from so many people across all my
social platforms, email and phone calls. I am so humbled, and
overwhelmed. Thank you so much. I only wish my younger self realized he
was loved. When I quit drinking and drugs, which I used to masked my
pain, I saw a glimmer of hope. Thanks to AA and my sponsors for helping
build the foundation which is my life now. They told me it would get
better and it did. Thanks to Garden Wellington Logan
who kept coming back to me to work with the organization, not even
knowing I had a story. The first year I turned her down saying I was too
busy, I didn’t want to open the door to my past. She persisted came
back to me a few months later, I said I will tell you tomorrow. I then
wrote a blog post about my early years, and went to Twitter to share
with my followers. And that is how God works in my life.

Thanks to the Veterans who fought for our freedom
Categories
Philadelphia

New in MidtownVillage: lou lou boutique Opening Soon; Plus tredici enoteca On The Brink

lou lou boutique specializes in women’s accessories that follow current fashion
trends in a range of colors and styles, offering a personalized shopping
experience to its customer and is opening a brick and mortar in Philadelphia. The location is the former Absolute Abstract, once owned by David White and James McManaman who headed overseas to run a hotel. You might not know this but James is the guy who came up with the name of the former red light district now known as Midtown Village. He was the first president of the association too. Anywho…
lou lou will expand to mid-town Philadelphia, PA occupying a 1600 sq.
ft. space at 141 S 13th St. Located in the heart of new inner city development, this
location will be the first one in the greater Philadelphia area. And across the street a half a block down..

 tredici is getting a brand new spanking coat of white paint, and is just about to open their doors
 The Mediterranean wine bar concept comes courtesy of Greg Dodge, owner of Zavino, and has been in the works since the spring of last year, when I broke the news on my Instagram account.
Looks like the opening date will be by Thanksgiving as they posted their hours as such:
Holiday Hours

Nov 25, Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 25 closed
Dec 31 closed after 10pm
 This is what we get to look forward to, definitely a step up from the Doggie Style store. In fact Zavino’s is a huge step up from the check cashing store which used to occupy that spot.
Categories
Philadelphia

Photos: Philly/Jersey Man Magazine “Unmasking The Legacy” at Union Trust

On November 4, 2015 Jersey Man and Philly Man Magazine hosted their first
ever “Unmasking The Legacy” event to celebrate their man and woman of
the year honorees at Union Trust.

This long anticipated
masquerade-themed celebration brought together 10 men and women who
have had profound impacts on their community, including Marcus Allen,
CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA, Brian Radwell of Radwell International Inc., Carol McWilliams of Urban Promise, Gary DeVito of Zarwin Baum, Cate Weaver of CSG Global Inc., Roy Leitstein of Legacy Treatment Services, Deborah Hays of Arhcer & Greiner P.C., Chris Murphy of FOX29, Pam Boyd of Thomas/Boyd Communications and Traci Jordan of PCA.  

Ken Dunek, publisher of Philly Mag Magazine greets guests

 Festivities began at 6:00pm with guests attending in their own masquerade mask,

 but they had the option to get their face
painted or grab a mask from this pretty lady.

Party goers enjoyed a spread of delicious Finley Catering food stations, and open bar and Philly treats. 

You might ask, can Philly support another magazine. I’d have to say yes. Philly Man Magazine popped onto the scene last Summer, after launching New Jersey Man Magazine a year earlier. The magazine focuses on a business oriented aspect, with interviews from business leaders. As well as articles on daily life in the region, with relationship help, sports, politics, and philanthropic endeavors. But the focus isn’t just on men,  Philly Man Mag has several women writers, and there are articles that are of interest to all. 

Karen and Michael Guarini

Jeremy Messler and Jeff Platt

Mike Regina, Big Sky Enterprises, LLC, Gary DeVito and Mitchell Kaplan, both of Zarwin Baum.

 Taylor and Angel – EBE Dancers

 Sarah Holmes. Francine Grugliu and Jennifer Robinson

Taylor Campitelli, philanthropist and Erin Goga, NFL Alumni

 The Dunek girls: Ashley Dunek, Taylor Dunek and Jamie Dunek

 Christie Honigman, Tim Adams, Chris Garzone and Puri Garzone

Fox 29’s Mike Jerrick helps his co-anchor on the Good Day Show, Alex Holley with her mask during the party

 Deborah Hays of Arhcer & Greiner P.C.

Gervase Peterson, Philly Man Mag columnist (check out his column here) and Daniel M. Morroni,owner of Morroni Custom Clothing

 Some of the masks were very elaborate

Roy Leitstein of Legacy Treatment Services,

 Marcus Allen, Big Brothers, Big Sisters

 Rich Goldberg  Owner, Safian & Rudolph Jewelers, and the winners of the $20,000 pendant.

Chris Murphy, Fox 29 with December issue of Philly Man magazine. 

Ken and Terri Dunek

Categories
Philadelphia

Sly and the Family Creed Take On Philly Once Again, Press Stops, Screenings and After Party

In 1976, Rocky Balboa triumphantly ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and became “The Italian Stallion” underdog of legend. Now, actor Sylvester Stallone returned to where it all began to promote the franchise continuation with Creed. He was in Philly on Friday for a whirlwind tour which included press conferences, screenings (UA Riverview & Cinemark University City) and an after party at Top of the Tower.

 Earlier this year Philly’s favorite Hollywood son, Sly Stallone, returned to the City of Brotherly Love to film another in the Rocky franchise – Creed.
You’ll recall I chronicled the filming on PhillyChitChat, Fox 29, Philly Mag and had a few pixs in the Philly Daily News, Liberty City Press and Philly Metro. Michael B Jordan, director Ryan Coogler and Sly outside of “Adrian’s Restaurant”. I’m not going to link to those sites as I don’t want to spoil the movie, which will be released on 11/25/15.
 Word started to leak out mid-week that the cast of Creed was going to 
hold a press conference at the top of the Art Museum Steps.
A few notables in the press came out to cover it
The Mayor was on hand to greet them. There’s Joan Rivera in the back on the left. He just began working in the special events department at City Hall.
 I spotted Sharon Pinkenson, Executive director of Greater Philadelphia Film Office. Her office does an excellent job at wooing productions to our City. (Today M. Night Shyamalan‘s “Split” with James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Jessica Sula and Haley Lu Richardson,  in Philly now through 12/19/15)
 Then the moment came for the cast to exit the Art Museum and take to the stage. Looking fly was 
 Michael B. Jordan, check out those red bottom shoes.
Sly Stallone waves to the crowd

Vince Papale introduced the Mayor and cast, which was an interesting choice of people. Maybe because he was an underdog like Rocky, and the film Invinceable, about Papale’s life story filmed in Philly, was a triumphant.

 Sylvester Stallone Michael B Jordan, and Tessa Thompson waiting to take the stage
Tessa’s character uses the word Jawn a lot in the movie. Thanks to Mina Say What who filled me in to what Jawn meant
Tessa Thompson, Mayor Michael Nutter, Michael B. Jordan Writer/Director Ryan Coogler, Producer Irwin Winkler and Sylvester Stallone,
And what tense jawn shouldn’t be used in like when Tessa called herself a Jawn Women at the press conference. Maybe that’s why the mayor is laughing so hard. Tessa said that Philly was her favorite co-star in the film. I saw the film, and I agree with her.

We’re embargoed about what we can say about the film, but I do believe it’s one of the best Rocky movies. Sly did say that Creed would be a new franchise, just like Rocky.
Mayor Nutter honored each of the Creed stars with a replica Liberty Bell.

The bells were inscribed to each of the actors

The cast of Creed presented the mayor with a framed rendering of a mural, created as a special tribute to the city, that was before the Art Museum press conference at the Front Street Gym in North Philly, a location that features prominently in the new film. The cast signed the mural, as well as the framed art work.
 They also gifted the Mayor with a “Creed” jacket.
These two make a cute couple – they definitely have chemistry. (later in the evening these two would attend the UA Riverview screening with fans)
After the stage press conference, there was time for a video conference with the news
Then the three settled down for an interview on the Art Museum Steps with a gorgeous view
 of the City. I think this interview will be used when the movie comes out. It was interesting how they positioned the stars to capture the City. It was a perfect day for filming the interview, overcast is much better than bright sunshine. Plus at noon the sun would have been in front of us and the glare would have killed any decent shots. (later in the evening a party celebrating the film was held at Top of the Tower on the 51st Floor – it’s opened on weekends for brunch for the rest of us as well as can be rented out for special events), which is the “red, but looks brown” building in this shot.
After the interview Sly signed for fans before leaving the Art Museum Steps

The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema movie is set to be released on 11/15/15, the day before Thanksgiving Day, the 40th anniversary of the first fight in the first Rocky movie. I saw that first Rocky on Thanksgiving day with my Aunt Rosie, cousins Bob & Michael and my brother Ray. This movie captures the same excitement, and will create memories for a new generation.
Check out the Philly Metro for another photo and article on those darn Rocky step changes the Art Museum hopes to do. #JustSayNo
And I have more pixs in Philly Mag
Categories
Philadelphia

What To Wear: The Greater Philadelphia AFSP Gala Honoring Hugh E Dillon at the Loews 11/14/15

Although it’s called a gala, it’s really a fun cocktail dance party with dinner gala. So the dress is Cocktail Chic pr black tie optional. What’s that you wonder well

 It’s not this
 or this

 even if you’re fabulous Mariah Carey (BTW these are all my photos)
 You can wear this
 or this, even if you have a probation monitor on your ankle

 Always the best dress couple

 Denise Fike (l) will be on hand to do illustrations
 The little black dress is always a winner
 This is the night Courtney Love dubbed me the “Gentleman Paparazzo”
 Love this look by Monique Braxton

 Lindsay Lohan and Gary Marshall looking cocktail chic

 It’s not black tie but feel free to wear one if you like
And if you just want to be wild and free wear a gown and men definitely wear a suit.
Tickets still available and there’s a sponsor book if you can’t make it and want to support.
https://www.afsp.org/local-chapters/find-your-local-chapter/afsp-greater-philadelphia-chapter/upcoming-chapter-events/greater-philadelphia-afsp-gala
Contact Lynsie Solomon about the sponsor book
(We can’t accept anymore silent auction items as people were so very generous)
lynsiesolomon @ gmail.com
THANK YOU


Categories
Philadelphia

The Bellevue Got Engaged – Nicole Miller Wedding Fashion, and My Questions for the Bride

On Sunday, October 25th, the Bellevue hosted its 6th annual Bellevue Gets Engaged.
Mothers and daughters who were on hand to check out the wares of
local wedding vendors enjoyed Champagne and specialty cocktails while
nibbling on wedding cake from local bakers and hors d’oeuvre samples
provided by the catering staff of the Bellevue. There were also panels with info on event space, photography and ideas for potential brides.
 Gabe Fredericks, Owner Philip Gabriel Photographer, Mary K Dougherty, Owner, Nicole Miller Philadelphia, Jeffrey Acker, GM Williams Sonoma, Jill Asher, Philadelphia Weddings, and Jen Frederick, Fox 29 answered questions guests posed.
 Christine Litwim, is getting married next year. Her fiance Kevin popped the questions as they walked along the 6th Street beach in Avalon. He had planted a bottle there, with a message of “Will You Marry Me,”, and Kamna Gupta.
 Rachel Hodas (Ben Stango is her fiance. They dined at Little Fish, then stumbled into one of those cute small gardens in Society Hill. The walkway was lined with tea candles, which had been placed there by their friends. Ben got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage.), with her mom Barbara Hodas, future mother in law Deb Weinstein and Jenny Meier.
 Austin Keeler and Amanda Brady. The two met in high school. All the night when they got engaged Austin recreated their first day, then took her to her parents porch, where he had dropped her off that night, and proposed.

 Lynda Barness, I Do Wedding Consulting, holds her book “I Do. A Wedding Planner Tells Tales.”
 Brittany Carter, Becca Killion and Eilene Killion. Becca’s fiance popped the question after a sunset paddle board outing in Avalon. Eilene had hidden the ring in a flower pot, so as they were watching the sunset he got down on one knee, grabbed the ring and popped the question.
 Jeremy Lopez and Barbara Williams met on the job, Williams was Lopez’ boss. Now they’ll be equal in marriage.
 Modeling Nicole Miller bridemaids dresses are Beth Usic, Taylor Hudspeth, Alyssa Dugger and Julia Pauline.
 Grooms wearing Ventresca Ltd.: Christian O’Rourke, Michael Strickland, Kyle Stoudnour, Zach Gardner and Nahir Francis
 Brides and bridesmaids wearing Nicole Miller
 CTO performs
 Emily Cain, Gabi Barmettler, Leslie Owens and Lizzy Ashwood. Gabi and Leslie got engaged on top of a mountain overlooking Ashville, NC and plan a June 2017 wedding.

 A few of my favorite cake places were on hand including Classic Cakes, Sweet T’s and Bredenbeck’s Bakery

 It’s the 00’s and same sex marriage is legal through out the land. Here are two guys grooming on the catwalk.

 Is black acceptable as a wedding gown, it definitely looks sleek.
 a few more choices

 The grand finale
 Hope Katz, Amanda Katz, Amanda Fishman and Sue Fishman. Amanda met her fiance, Kevin Fishman, at Opa’s in Philly. He popped the question this past summer in Longport by the bay under a gazebo, where the floor was sprinkled with rose petals. Afterwards both families went to dinner at Lamberti’s in Margate, NJ. Behind them is Society Hill Dance Academy demostration of a father/daughter dance.
Kali Janus and Kristi Kao. Kaili met her fiance in Grad School at Penn. He popped a question on a Tuesday when she arrived home from work. He had rose pedals on the floor and got down on one knee. That evening they met their friends and family at the Melting Pot on Fitler Street to celebrate.