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Mister John’s Music Halloween Party

Award winning Mister John’s Music, Music education for all, cut the ribbon on his new South Philly home at 761 S. 8th Street on Sunday, October 29th .

The building is still under construction, but the ribbon cutting, Halloween themed block party gave folks a sneak preview to what would come, another location for Mister John’s Music which offers an ever-expanding, wide variety of musical instruction for the whole family.

It was a fun day, where families dressed for Halloween, ate sweets, played games, music and sang along with Mr. John, Miss Angie, Miss Ashley, Mr Ben and other teachers at the music school.

Hey scarecrows

Many of the parents told me they love the atmosphere at Mister Johns, it’s very diverse, open and inclusive. A great social community for their kids, as well as developing their talent.

Shazam or is it SuperHero.io

I saw this couple Thursday night at Broad Street Ministry “Be Our Guest”

Vrommmm

The Shoap family

Little princess

Councilman Mark Squilla and Max Tuttleman

Mr John makes house calls: “Mr. John came to our house for a birthday party and my son said the best part of his day was, “Mr. John!” Mr. John played his favorite song and was so amazing and engaging with the children. He brought lots of instruments for the children to play along with. Would definitely hire him again!” client

A Message from Mr John:

Thank you everyone who was able to join us yesterday for our Halloween Party and Open House! 🎃🥳 It was so exciting to share what we’ve been working on for the past year.We’ve tried to create a space that is magical and beautiful for children of all ages. A space that will serve Philly families and musicians for generations to come.If you have the means, if MJM has created a space of creative expression, belonging and joy for you/your child/children, we’d love for you to consider putting your name on our donor wall on a custom brass plaque. You can purchase yours at the link in bio!

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Photos: Beer on the Pier Caring People Alliance

Caring People Alliance hosted its second annual Beer on the Pier at Cherry Street Pier on October 28. It will feature beers from 16 breweries.

Dori Senick, Caitlin Butrica, Jerry Macdonald, President & Ceo, Tanya Steinberg and Beth Grossman all of Caring People Alliance
Eric Taylor, HR Caring People Alliance pours Tröegs, one of 16 breweries on hand for tastings , With Halloween coming up I asked Eric what the scariest movie he saw- Lepercaun.
Hey Yards!!
Lois Hansen and Laura Fedock are ready for Halloween. Lois is giving out full size candy bars, Laura tells me the scariest movie she’s ever seen are all the Chuckie movies.
Councilperson Mark Squilla and Folcroft Mayor Fran DiCicco
At Caring People Alliance, we know that raising kids takes a village — so does managing your family’s needs, budget, work, and a million other things that life throws your way. That is why we are here to help. We provide convenient and responsive support to address issues and circumstances that threaten our communities’ wellbeing.
Russ Fleisher and Scott Cohen
Caring People Alliance runs a teen program, here are the teens in their store at Beer on the Pier

Guests enjoying an unseasonably warm day, temps hit the 80F and it was a wonderful lazy Saturday raising money for a good cause.

Cherry Street Pier food vendors were open and folks enjoyed delicious fare.
Hank Flynn, FOX29 was on hand to emcee, walked around and chit chatted with guests. You can catch him on Good Day Monday through Friday.
There were great silent auction items.

It was a beautiful day. A great event. You have to go next year. There was a band, and dancing. Perfect day. Thanks for all you do Caring People Alliance. I love that Philly has so many incredible, helpful organization. They could use your support, financially, or people to volunteer. And if you need their services head here

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Interior designer Jimmy DeLaurentis Opens Showroom

Jimmy DeLaurentis officially opened his flagship location for his private label collection, James by Jimmy DeLaurentis, at 114 S. 19th St. yesterday.

A Philadelphia native and design trailblazer with more than 25 years of experience, Jimmy DeLaurentis is known for creating luxurious and memorable spaces through his unique design aesthetic that combines opulence with a touch of playfulness.

After honing his craft on the creative team at Ralph Lauren, he propelled his career by becoming an entrepreneur, designing stunning homes and businesses for A-list clientele. In 2016, he saw a void in the market for custom, luxury home furnishings and accessories with an element of surprise and launched JAMES by Jimmy DeLaurentis.

The showroom has stacks of eye catching books lined the shelves along with household accents, vintage black and white photos of James Dean, Paul Newman and race cars, welcomed guests to the new shop the showroom interior design and gift shop space. (Michael DelBene and Colin Burke)

Maryanne Harris and Stacey Kracher

Jimmy has other showrooms including one in Las Vegas, where his famous Bravo reality celebs, RHONJ Deloris Catania, Lisa Vanderpump of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “Vanderpump Rules,” and her husband, Ken Todd, were all in attendance for the reveal of the Amalfi Furniture Collection and Poolside Pet Sofas at a Las Vegas, Nev. At the New York debut Teresa Giudice mentioned she has the Gabriella in her house. Don’t be surprised if you stop by his store and run into one of these ladies.

Sophisticated bar accessories

Jimmy also has these cute pet sofas which he debut in 2018 at a Union Trust party I covered.

Nicole Cashman of Cashman & Associates and Jimmy DeLaurentis.
Author Thom Nickels stopped by to wish Jimmy well.
Rick Mead and Tim Gresh

As for who, the event brought out the fashionable crowd, friends, family and Instagram Personalities including Ramillionaire Carr.

James offers a luxury candles and adorable “James” line of bears fashioned from upholstery fabric. Our James Bears are a stylish, yet playful accessory intended to add extra personality and an element of surprise to interiors, a key component of my design philosophy,” said Jimmy DeLaurentis. “Complete with leather collars, the bears are the perfect luxe accessory to add a little bit of my design aesthetic to a space.”

Lori and Brian Gill
Barbara Gall, Jimmy, Marianne Harris and guest.from Art Haus. Last year Jimmy DeLaurentis outfitted a Center City penthouse at Art Haus. (Inquirer) The new 1500 square ft. showroom highlights furniture and accessories from Jimmy’s private label collection. Pieces include upholstered furniture, an assortment of custom pet sofas – made with the same level of detail and quality as the furniture collections. Additional offerings include a full-service interior design studio as well as a curated collection of furnishings and gifts from his favorite designers including Interlude, Joe Cariati, etúHOME, Global Views and more.
 JAMES by Jimmy DeLaurentis
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Photos: Unlocked Client Appreciate Party

Unlocked Team: Sarah Ajodhasingh, Laqun Ruiz, Christopher Gonzalez, Lynsie Feinberg, Max Karasick, Elizabeth Schroeder, Jamie Quinn, Jerome Mangubat, Brandon Witt, Francis Mangubat

Last week Unlocked, Powered by McCann gathered to celebrate their thriving real estate team with Keller Williams Main Line. Taking old-school proven methods, and mixing them with innovative and creative new ways to generate and retain our clients. The mission of Unlocked is to listen to the needs of every client and create a tailored game plan for their real estate goals.

The Unlocked Party was held at the newly opened The Switch House, a Lubert-Adler Real Estate Funds project at the former PECO power plant at 1325 N. Beach St residential/event space The Battery. Cescaphe, a Philadelphia wedding planning company, operates the 25,000-square-foot event space, and the food was as good as you thought it’d be, definitely one of the best in the City.

Christian Best, CEO of Magnum Opus Federal, and Lou D’Ambrosio
Samantha Engler, Owner at The Tidy Life – Professional Organizing, Momin Sheikh, Frankel Management Company (FMC) and Jim Onesti, Studying and practicing my craft (real Estate) since 2000
Jim Onesti, Gabriele Bossi, Tiffany Fasone, Wes Cacone and Steve Verde
Brett Barry, Sam Coratti, and Carly Reighard
Diane DiCicco, Lynsie Feinberg, and Jill Jacobson

Lynsie specializes in luxury real estate sales in both the Philadelphia area and all over South Jersey, including the Jersey Shore. Lynsie launched a real estate career while still running her successful event planning/non profit consultancy, Lynsie Blair Inc.

Brandon Kamin, director of The Nomads and the 2022 Rittenhouse Square starring Nick Nolte, with Jessica Vidal

For more information Scan the QR Code above or head here

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Around Town With HughE

Rivers Casino: PETE DAVIDSON & Rivers Gives Day of Service

Pete Davidson fans will have two chances to see the “Saturday Night Live” alum in Philadelphia. Davidson’s razor-sharp wit and brutally honest comedy will be at Fishtown’s Rivers Casino on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Rush Rewards members can purchase tickets beginning on today, Oct. 18 The public on-sale date is Friday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. He’s 1 degree from every reality show person you want on streaming. No doubt will be spilling the tea on them, and Hollywood.

Speaking of good will towards others, the Rivers Casino team spent yesterday doing good deeds in the community as part of the company wide Five Rivers Casinos in four states join forces for “Rivers Gives Day of Service 2023” on Oct. 17. Through Rivers Gives, each Rivers Casino annually contributes approximately 2,000 volunteer hours per property to local nonprofit partners. In addition to volunteerism, Rivers Gives includes board service, donation drives, in-kind contributions and corporate giving.

For its Day of Service, Rivers Casino Philadelphia teamed up with Temple Health’s Fox Chase Cancer Center. Team Members prepared hundreds of care packages for Fox Chase patients in the casino’s Event Center for delivery to the cancer center’s main campus.

Fox Chase is also Rivers Casino’s Change Makes a Difference program recipient in October, receiving contributions from Team Members and guests throughout the month. A formal check presentation with the month’s donation totals will take place in early November to further celebrate the partnership.

Other highlights of the day include a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk around the property and Penn Treaty Park, health and wellness resource tables for Team Members.

Check out the Rivers Casino Philadelphia website to see what else is happening on property this month, and the coming months. See you at Pete Davidson, he was so good on SNL this past Saturday.

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Photos: “Breathing Room: Journeys of Self-Exploration”

Artists Lance Wiggs, BUCK! , Wesley Clark, with Debbie Morton of Morton Contemporary Gallery

The opening reception of “Breathing Room: Journeys of Self-Exploration” took place earlier this month at Morton Contemporary Gallery 115 S 13th St, in Midtown Village.

“Breathing Room” features the incredible works of lifelong friends Lance Wiggs, Wesley Clark, and BUCK! Each artist explores the process of what it means to create through unique mediums: wooden sculpture, canvas, and graphite mark-making.

Lisa Roberts, Designer, Author, Cut Paper Artist and Natalie Nixon, president of Figure 8 Thinking. A creative strategist.

Family, friends and supporter of art came out to support the show on opening night, which is shown at the Morton Contemporary studio, located down the street from the gallery, above Vintage Bar & Restaurant. It’s a beautiful space, well appointed, nicely lit above the hustle and bustle of the many Midtown Village restaurants.

Dave Fambro and Jasmeen Davis

I love covering art galleries as the most stylish are on the scene. As a people watcher I can’t help to think did Dave match his shoelaces to Jasmeen’s bag. Wish I had asked.

Eli and Jazz Prosper
AJ Martin, Larry Robin (Legend of 13th Street. Forever he had a bookstore called Robin’s where now Barbuzzo is located, when 13th Street was just known as the “red light district” of Philly. He looks great for 86 years), and Gregory T Walker, The Brothers Network
Derrick Weston Brown and Carmen Jenkins
Starfire bringing her fabulous brand of style to Debbie Morton’s Contemporary Gallery

Kevin Lessard and Michael Newmius stopped by

Courtney Clark, Lance Wiggs and friend

The exhibition will be on display at Morton Contemporary Gallery until Nov. 3.

Owner/Curator Debbie Morton: Debbie@MortonContemporary.com

215-735-2800

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Photos: Jewish Federation’s Lion of Judah

First an important message from Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia: Once again, on a holy day of the Jewish calendar, the people of Israel have come under attack. Once again, the brave military forces of the State of Israel are responding and will defend our beloved Jewish state.  And, once again, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will act immediately and comprehensively to support our brothers and sisters as they defend Israel. INFO & Donate

In September The Jewish Federation hosted The “Annual Lion of Judah” event. It’s an associated with the Lion of Judah society, which is a recognition program within the Jewish Federation system. The Lion of Judah program is designed to honor and celebrate women who make significant contributions to their local Jewish communities and support various philanthropic efforts.

Lindsay Davidman, Sherrie Savett, Susanna Lachs Adler, Judy Newman, Miriam (Mimi) Schnerirov, Shelby Zitelman, Ande Adelman, Gail Norry, and Tracey Gordon.

Women who participate in the Lion of Judah program make substantial annual donations to their local Jewish Federations, and they often come together at an annual event or gathering to network, celebrate their accomplishments, and learn about the impact of their philanthropic work.

Sarah Lefkowitz and Karen Kramer

A woman who is a Lion of Judah can endow her annual gift to the Jewish Federation of $5,000 or more by establishing a LOJE, ensuring that her support for the Jewish community continues even after she is gone. A Lion of Judah creates a LOJE by establishing a minimum fund of $100,000 or more in her name during her lifetime or by putting a bequest in her will.

Julie Von Spreckelsen and Pamela Adelman

By endowing her gift, she joins a long honor roll of women who have elected to take this step to sustain Jewish life. A Lion may choose to enhance her Lion of Judah pin by adding a flame, known in Hebrew as or l’atid, to recognize this eternal commitment.

Rachel Schweartz and and Judy Newman

The “Lion of Judah” is a symbolic term often used in the context of Judaism and also within certain Christian traditions. In Judaism, the term “Lion of Judah” represents one of the titles given to the biblical patriarch Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob.

Carol Landis, Sherrie R Savett and Rachel Porat

The “Lion of Judah” is used to symbolize strength, bravery, and leadership, often in a religious or cultural context.

Rebecca Baer, Shelby Zitelman and Allison Goodman
Jennifer M Brier and Michelle Levin
Heather Jacobsohn and Sherrie Spiegel
Allison Goodman and Michael Markman

Thanks to PCC team photographer Kathy Leister for shooting this event for us.

The name “Lion of Judah” is symbolic, representing strength, leadership, and a commitment to improving the world through charitable and philanthropic endeavors. The exact nature and details of the Annual Lion of Judah Event can vary from one Jewish Federation to another, but it typically involves recognition and appreciation of the contributions of women who are part of the Lion of Judah program.

(Jewish Philly)

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It was a beautiful night at Evening in the Gardens

Philadelphia Zoo’s annual gala an Evening in the Gardens honoring longtime President and CEO Vik Dewan for his 17 years of service at America’s first Zoo. Under his leadership, the Zoo unveiled Zoo360, the first-ever system of animal exploration trails, launched the Community Access program, welcoming 1 million+ Title 1 students to the Zoo for free, and left a lasting legacy of creativity, innovation and dedication to service.
The Dewan Family headed by Vik and Jami Dewan – 2nd from right (I’m going to miss him. He did incredible initiatives for the zoo. It became a model zoo for other zoos in the world, Vik is personable, grateful, humble and caring.)
Current President and CEO Vik Dewan with his successor Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman who takes the reigns October 30, 2023. Dr. Mogerman comes to Philadelphia as its 15th President in its 164-year history after serving as the Director of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park in Missouri since 2019. Prior to serving as Director in St. Louis, Dr. Mogerman was the Vice President of Learning and Community at the Shedd Aquarium and spent nearly 14 years in leadership roles at the Brookfield Zoo, both in the Chicago metro area.

“The zoo is a little city. We are a part of the fabric of Philadelphia and what that Philadelphia view of the future is and should be,” Mogerman said. “I want to hear from folks.”

Robert Jannetta , Sally Jannetta and Nadia Jannetta
Diane Mills

Julie Jones, Donna Dougerty and Sue Anderson

Christopher LeVine, Hande Levine , Jared Poole and Kelly LeVine

Jacqui Smalley and Bernie Smalley: is the first African-American to serve as President of The Board of Directors of City Trusts, the agency charged with overseeing charitable trusts bequeathed to the City of Philadelphia.

Michael Diberardinis and Joan Reilly are both retired now, after years of public service. They are parents of four children and longtime residents of the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. He enjoys fly-fishing, bird watching, gardening, cooking and learning the Italian language. (It’s amazing what you can find out on the internet. I’m a bird watcher and all these years I’ve been photographing Michael I didn’t know he was one as well. BTW we are in peak bird migration… lots of activities here in Philly area this weekend to join birding groups for fun.)

JB Kelly, 3rd, Josh Mogerman, Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman and Alexandra Gołaszewska Kelly.
JB’s cousin is coming to town soon: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s 16th Planetary Health Award Ceremony at the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Perelman Theatre on October 27 at 5 pm. Guests will be greeted by red carpet and will have the distinguished pleasure of enjoying the award ceremony- in the presence of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco – that will honor select individuals and organizations for their outstanding and commendable work toward protecting the health of our planet. Free & Info

Look who came to town last week for the Zoo Gala, Eliana Papadakis (r). Residing these days in Naples Florida, Eliana was excited to celebrate and thank Vik for his years of service.

Starting this weekend: Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of the region’s most festive Halloween tradition, Boo at the Zoo, for the last three weekends of October! INFO

Longtime supporters of the Zoo: The Faris Family. Thank you for your contribution to the KidZooU: Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo & Faris Family Education Center is a wildlife academy that unites a world-view education center with an up-close and personal children’s zoo.

Sister Kelly, Kelly Harris, Executive Director of Cancer Support Community Congratulations on 30 years!!, Gina Smith and Anita Duke (Happy Birthday Anita)
Congratulations Vik on your next move. We can’t wait to see what you do next, but do try and enjoy life, relax and go on a few trips with Jami first.
LumiNature returns this November for another season of breathtaking sights, sounds, and surprises! See more than a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones, and experience a magical journey celebrating the wonder of wildlife and the beauty of our planet at our biggest and brightest holiday light show yet.
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Happening This Weekend Armory Oktoberfest 2023

Doug Hagar’s Brauhaus Schmitz hosted Oktoberfest on South Street last month (these photos are from the event), and is gearing up for the Armory Oktoberfest this coming weekend.

Eins, Zwei, Drei….. G’Suffa! Armory Oktoberfest is back for the 5th year and ready to rock! Experience what many call “The most Authentic Oktoberfest experience outside of Munich”!

Join us as we transform the 23rd Street Armory into a legit Oktoberfest experience with tented ceilings, original biergarten benches from Munich,

Kory Aversa, PR for both events, Ben and friends

Since I don’t drink, my favorite part is the delicious food, sing a long and dancing. It’s so much fun.

live German Oompah music, cultural German dance performances, original festival food, and of course, plenty of German beer served in 1 Liter Masskrug!

The Hager Family – it’s been so fun to watch them grow up and take part in the festivities

With 3 sessions over 2 days, the Armory can fit up to 1500 people for one of the most anticipated festivals of the year!

General Admission tickets are $25.  Looking for a reserved table?  Tickets starting from $70-$85+, click here for details.

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2023 Ball on the Square – Rittenhouse Square

The Ball on the Square celebrated it’s return with a sold out, excited glamorous crowd on September 28th. The gala returned to its more traditional format of a formal seated-dinner in a tented venue on the Square. The event committee was co-chaired by Wendy Rosen, Renee Tucci and Brian Emmons, members of Friends of Rittenhouse Square. The gala supplements state and city services to care for the park and its fountain, small structures, paths, and landscaping.

Robyn Morgan and Brian Emmons, Vice President – Southern Land Company. The Laurel on Rittenhouse Square is one of his latest projects. It has beautiful views of the City, and has rentals as well as condos available. Next year Michael Schulson will be opening another one of his popular restaurants there.
Dan Rosen, Paul Rosen and Wendy Rosen, president of Friends of Rittenhouse Square for 16 years until 2010, was one f the co-chairs of the evenings event.

Delicious dinner by Philadelphia – Catering and Events – Neuman’s Kitchen; Evantine Design did a spectacular job as usual with the decor, transforming the center square into a unique space with the police gazebo as a central focal point. The glass was frosted, with inspiring messages adorning it describing who uses the square, and how it is maintained.

Anthony Sembello and Lauren Beloff
Natalia Goblina and Allen King
Sam Audia, Michela Karrash, Client Development Officer – Glenmede; with Hollis Dana and Tyler Wilson : Just Married – May 27, 2023

The evening started with a well attended cocktail party, under the starry sky.

A big project happening now in the Square is the lawn restoration where the Knight Foundation has invested $160,000 over the next four years, Friends plan to fully restore over 140,000 square feet in this historic Square .

Larry McMichael, Chairman Dilworth Paxson LLP , Trish Wellenbach,, Chair of Jefferson Board and President and CEO, Please Touch Museum, PYO President, CEO & Music Director. Maestro Louis Scaglione and Jim Dever · President, Bank of America Greater Philadelphia
Fox29’s Shiba Russell and Jason Martinez
Scott Barnes – Director, Events & Hospitality – Comcast and Michelle Conron, Cashman & Associates
Dr. Nyree Dardarian, Sabrina Tamburino Thorne , Alisa Frederico and Lynsie Feinberg kick up their heels on the dance floor.
Oliver Badgio – Chief Brand Officer – Prime Steak Concepts (Steak 48, I’ll be forever grateful for the lovely dinner party they threw in my honor over the summer)
Mike Jerrick, Ray Evers, Sheila Hess, Rob Wasserman, Will Lewis and Frances Wang

Parks and Rec, an outstanding partner, helps us hang banners, fix electrical/lighting issues, remove dead trees, and maintain the fountain. They also staff the Park Rangers in the Guard House. The Streets Department hauls away the trash we bag and collect every day. – Doug Blonsky, in an interview with The Philadelphia Citizen.

The Young Friends of the Friends of Rittenhouse
June Armstrong, Operations Director of Friends of Rittenhouse, Cherelle Parker, proud mother and candidate for Mayor of Philadelphia, Laura LaRosa , Friends of Rittenhouse Board President and Garrett Snider, philanthropist
Anna Boni and Michael Boni, Esq. (before I was PhillyChitChat I was a paralegal for Michael Boni at Kohn Swift & Graf. We both left the firm, and went out on our own.)

Rittenhouse raised Megan Nicoletti and Billy Walsh newly engaged (160 days til their Palm Beach wedding) and partners in business at Serhant Pennsylvania.

Supermarket Power Couple: Jeff and Sandy Brown, own and operate Brown’s Super Stores, which includes 11 ShopRite supermarkets and two Fresh Grocers.
Aren Platt, Sr. Advisor to Cherelle Parker for Mayor and Jessica Platt, Vice President, Bellevue Strategies, Public Affairs & Strategic Communications
Megan Heaton and Joe Mastronardo
The Next Generation of Philanthropic Leaders: Scott Brown and Andrew Bergman

The Friends of Rittenhouse Square was created in 1976 to address the increasing gap between available city funding and the maintenance needs of Rittenhouse Square. With a mission to “preserve, protect, and beautify” the park, the Friends work in a public-private partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The Friends fund and manage many programs and projects needed to sustain the Square. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Friends provide funding through membership, special events, private donations, sponsorships, and capital campaigns. Join Us