Philly Chit Chat

Photos: Griesing Law LLC “Meet The Artists” Night

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date November 13, 2015

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.

Philadelphia

Today

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date November 11, 2015

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.)

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

Philadelphia

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

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date November 10, 2015

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.

Philadelphia

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

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date November 10, 2015

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

Philadelphia

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

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date November 9, 2015

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

Tags Creed, Creed Movie, MAYOR NUTTER, Michael B Jordan, Philadelphia, Rocky, Rocky Steps, Ryan Coogler, Sharon Pinkenson, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson

Philadelphia

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

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date November 6, 2015

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

Philadelphia

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

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date November 5, 2015

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.

Philadelphia

Election Day and The Best Dressed Election Night Party Ever

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date November 4, 2015

Crazy busy past couple days.

Yesterday was election day, and I decided at the last minute to go check out 4th Street Deli, where for years it was traditional for politicians, those in office and those running for office, would break bread at noon. I had gone in the past and everyone went, this year it seemed to be more of the new guard, and the traditionalists.

I knew Allan Domb was going and to me he was a candidate I really wanted to win. I’ve known him for about a decade, much better in the past year or so, but I’ve always really liked him. I know a little bit about his story, rags to riches, and that doesn’t happen over night. It happens with a lot of hard work. A guy who’s known him a lot longer than I, is Mark Howard, former newsman from 6ABC. Seems he and Allan were once roommates in earlier years. Who’s writing that book?

David Cohen and George Norcross chatting

Although Kenney never showed, his big head did. Seems Kenney and the new/old guard headed to Relish, which was his fav spot during the primaries too. Some grumbled that this might be the last of the big time gatherings as it represents the old style of politics. I kinda like traditions, if you really wanted to get rid of some relics from the past how about that Rizzo statue at the MSB building, Anywho…

Larry Platt, Buzz Bissinger Allan Domb chat with Michael E. Harris Executive Director South Street, Elliott Curson and others

Lynne Abraham greets an old friend

Lynne Abraham, former DA, Mark Segal, PGN, Jeff Guaracino, executive director Atlantic City Alliance chat with former mayor Bill Green, Sen Larry Farnese (far r)

Alice Dubow arrives

David Maser greets Sen Larry Farnese

if this is the old guard politicians, I don’t want this tradition to end.
Buzz Bissinger, who last wrote the an extensive article in Vanity Fair on Caitlyn Jenner, David Cohen, VP Comcast, South Jersey’s George E. Norcross III, The
chairman of Cooper University Healthcare, Larry Platt, The Philadelphia Citizen, former mayor Bill Green, at Neil Oxman’s table.

That night I headed to Allan Domb’s Election Night Party, don’t call it Victory Party cause even during this “speech”, Allan wasn’t taking a chance to declare victory, although it was nearing 10PM.

The man who is the silent investor in Starr restaurants, held his party at the former Star Group’s headquarters, a building Allan Domb owns. You can rent the 18, 000 sq foot office yourself for $45,000 a month.

Dave Masar, Nina Tinari and Michael Schulson

Schlessinger’s Deli

Carol Tinari, Paul Rosen and Nino Tinari

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, John Colabelli and Bart Blatstein

Vegan Chicken Sandwich from Hip City Veg

Jonathan Saidel, Larry Farnese and Allan Domb

Joe Sirbak, Matt Fontana, Kevin Brown, Steve Lutterill, Ready Set Go

Arielle Kerstein, Nicole Faux, Debbie Haltzman and Melissa Valenti

Dr, Harold Yaffe and Alan Epstein, Esq.

Anne Wakabayashi and Alex Rutter

Check out the profile for the former Star Group property HERE

Tags 2015, Allan Domb, Council, Election, Mayor, Party, Philadelphia

Philadelphia

Creepy Fun Fabulous Friends Halloween Photos in Philly except for One or two

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date November 2, 2015

So many awesome costumes this year!!

Nick Pytel and Bill Gerhman * sorry I bailed on the party friday, so tired. PS I did send a note.

Hope I still get in invite next year even though it’s twice now.

Carla and Chris

Brianna, Ariel and Ian – Ian tells me more than one person bit him

10 days in Key West for Fantasy Fest. These two really love Halloween.

Way ahead of me I didn’t even buy a pumpkin this year

Lives in California now

Adorable

Halloween on Delancy St

Hostess with the mostess

I thought you were a Corgie?

Beyond sheepish about haunted houses

Patti Smith at Phl Library 11/6 but completely sold out. Patti grew up in South Jersey. Before heading to NYC and fame, she stopped by St Joan of Arc pony statue at 25th and Kelly to say good bye to Philly.

Adam Joseph kills the internet with his hundreds of thousands of fans. This post had 23ks likes as of last night.

Philadelphia

Fox 29 Celebrates Halloween with Nikki Minaj, Kris Jenner, Tom Brady, Arianna Grande, Taylor Swift, Justin Beiber and Drake

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date October 31, 2015

A lot of ghoulish fun was happening over at the Fox 29 Studios yesterday

Not just with the zombies from Eastern State Pen,

TMZ was on hand to capture the moment

I was there doing my thing – Paparazzi

Kris Jenner

Tom Brady

Rihanna

Justin Beiber. He didn’t show us his abs, but he did a little twerking

Taylor Swift

Drake

Nikki Minaj

The TMZ Bus

OMG there’s Kim Davis

Face painting

dancing zombies

a kids costume contest

Megan, one of the producers signalling to wrap it up. Hope you caught my periscope behind the scenes video where I introduced you to all the planning producers, and all the elements that go into making the great Good Day show