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Philadelphia

Flying in/out of Philly, Check out Scott Weiner’s “I’m In Philly” Exhibit in Terminal F Plus I say Bon Voyage to Austin Mahone

Philadelphia
photographer Scott Weiner has been taking photographs since the mid-1970s. From
the very beginning of his career, he was interested in concert photography. As
a young photographer, Weiner would buy tickets to shows and take photographs
from his seat.

While
in college studying radio, television, and film at Temple University, he sold
his first professional photograph to the
Philadelphia Inquirer. It was a backstage
photo of the now legendary musician Leon Russell. The next day, Weiner sold the
remaining photos of Russell to the artist’s record label. Weiner has been a
professional photographer ever since.

Years
later, while working for the magazine Philadelphia
Style, Weiner routinely photographed celebrities who came to Philadelphia. At
one point, his editor commented that a particular photo wasn’t “Philly enough.” 
Weiner replied, “What do I have to do, shoot celebrities with a sign saying
‘I’m in Philly?’” So he did.

 

Since
then, Weiner has worked on a series of photographs that he describes as a
“secret project.” At the end of each photo session, he gives the celebrity a
handmade sign that reads, “I’m in Philly,” and he takes one final shot. Using
signs drawn by his daughter, he carries them to every photo shoot. Today, he
has accumulated nearly 90 I’m in Philly
photographs from politicians and well-known personalities to musicians and
actors.
 Scott with  The Hooters—Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman
 Former Gov Ed Rendell (who’s in a photo with President William Jefferson Clinton
 Mark Gale,Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Ed Rendell

 Andre Gardner – afternoons on Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK/Philadelphia. Uber-Beatles freak. Vegetarian foodie. Chronic joie de vivre. andregardner.com 
Chats about the exhibit as Mark Gale looks on.

 Gov Rendell, Rob Hyman, Mark Gale, Scott Weiner , Eric Bazilian and Andre Gardner

Weiner’s collection of 90 celebrities holding up signs reading “I’m in Philly” are on exhibit through April 2014 in the connector between Terminals E and F. They’re really great. My favorite one is Brittany Snow, so adorable.

Weiner’s
collection of 90 celebrities holding up signs reading “I’m in Philly”
are on exhibit through April 2014 in the connector between Terminals E
and F. – See more at:
http://stuckattheairport.com/tag/airport-art/#sthash.8jmmWIqd.dpuf
 Then I conveniently walked over to the Marriott Airport Hotel to get a shot of Austin Mahone after he performed at the Jingle Ball the evening before and was flying out to his next gig. Earlier I sent a couple of my friends over there to keep tabs and timing for me, just in case I missed him. I made it just in time for Austin to check out for his 1:45PM flight. It was odd he got into an SUV and drove to the terminal, which was behind this building, even though he could have checked in to the USAirways from the VIP Skyway.

It was just as well as these fangirls were waiting for him

I like how he’s looking back at his mom with that look that says “Can you believe this, they want my photo?” Now with the news that Bieber is retiring, welcome to superstardom Austin Mahone. Remember that great snap I got of him leaving Ralph’s Italian Restaurant in South Philly?

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Philadelphia

Bakers Centre Opens With Great Fanfare & Delight in Northwest Philadelphia with a Brown’s ShopRite, Ross and Gov Tom Corbett

Earlier this month residents from Northwest Philadelphia and dignitaries were
at Bakers Centre to celebrate the grand opening of the new shopping center.  Bakers Centre is a 220,000-square-foot, expansive shopping complex
encompassing 30 acres located on Hunting Park Avenue, Fox Street and
Roberts Avenue. It is the former site of the Tasty Baking Co.

The neighbors are excited for the 71,000 square foot Brown’s Shop Rite
to open. It’s operated by the same family which
operates the Roxborough ShopRite, which many of the neighbors shop at
currently. It will be the anchor store of the
30-acre, 220,000 square foot plaza, which will also include retail
shopping including a Ross, eateries (Subway, Wendy’s), and a 73,000
square foot Restaurant Depot outlet. Bakers Centre is anticipated to
bring 1,000 jobs to an area
that straddles East Falls, Allegheny West, Nicetown, and Hunting Park. 
Check the job listings here: 

The $60 million Bakers Centre project is being made possible by an
innovative mixture of state, local, and private funding. The lead
developer is US Realty Associates, Inc.

 

  The ShopRite has a section of produce from a nearby urban farm run by
Nicetown’s SHARE Food Program, halal foods, products from Africa and
the Caribbean, as well as hard-to-come-by conveniences like an American
Heritage Credit Union branch and a health clinic staffed with nurse
practitioners.

Deliverance Evangelistic Church Choir opened the ceremony with 3 uplifting songs.
To the delight of us all

 

Michael Grasso, chief executive of Metro Development. Grasso’s company
helped develop the former Tasty Baking headquarters into a $60 million
shopping center project in Hunting Park West featuring a 77,000 foot
Shop Rite, a Ross Dress for Less department store, a Subway, Planet
Fitness, Dunkin Donuts and other retail.
 
According to Metro Founder and CEO Michael Grasso , ” Bakers Centre ’s
completion will likely start the revitalization of one of Philadelphia’s
most underutilized industrial zones The Hunting Park West District,
into a vibrant retail hub within this trade area, which will ultimately
create future rateable s for the City of Philadelphia and will
immediately provide a new and much needed shopping experience for the
local community.”
Gov Tom Corbett came to town to speak at the opening of Bakers
Centre. An important project that would make a positive contribution to
the neighborhood, as well as Philadelphia. Corbett doesn’t attend a lot of these events, so just him being there was a resounding yes to progress in Philadelphia.

 Mayor Michael Nutter stressing how important it was to have Gov Corbett on their side on this project, which was originally started by Gov Rendell. Corbett could have easily put the money to other use. The Mayor then went on to talk about how delicious the Brown’s sweet potato pie was, and the Nutter’s enjoyed it at Thanksgiving. 
 
 Sen Vincent Hughes gave an empathetic speech where he touched on and I paraphrase: this neighborhood was not going to allow a casino at this location, one that would take away a family’s income, instead of feeding it. – To the cheers of the neighborhood.
The Senator was instrumental in securing more than $12 million in state
funds for the project through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital
Program. The development is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs.
 starting 3rd person over: Council Rep 4th District, City of Philadelphia
Curtis Jones, Jr, Us Rep Pa 7th Senatorial District Vincent Hughes, Gov
Corbett, Michael Grasso, Mayor Nutter, Jeff Brown, Mrs Brown, Nick
Micozzif, State Rep (blue tie) and Greg Bianchi
Council Rep 4th District, City of Philadelphia Curtis Jones, Jr, Us Rep
Pa 7th Senatorial District Vincent Hughes, Gov Corbett, Mayor Michael
Nutter participate in the ribbon cutting of Bakers Centre.
 Marty White and Germaine Edwards are so excited about the new shopping
center. No longer to they have to drive to Olney or Roxborough to get
food.
Dawn Gunn, Marketing Assistant at US Realty Associates Inc, Gabrielle
Bianchi, Greg Bianchi, VP at US Realty/Metro Development Company,
Christie Honigman (The Honigman Group PR – she produced this event.), Michelle Grasso and Oksana
Strockyj, US Realty Associates Inc 
 Sen Vincent Hughes, Michael Grasso, Mrs Grasso and Michelle Grasso 
Speaking of Sen Vincent Hughes, his annual Holiday Party is Friday night at the Warwick Hotel in Center City. It’s open to the public, just bring can goods to donate to the SHARE program. It begins at 6PM

Nick Micozzif, State Rep, Sen Vince Hughes, Jeff Brown, owner of Shop
Rite, and Tom Micozzif, Mayor of Upper Darby check out the new Shop
Rite in Bakers Centre
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Philadelphia

THE ARMY/NAVY GALA AT THE PA CONVENTION CENTER FRIDAY NIGHT – WHO DOESN’T LIKE A MAN/WOMEN IN UNIFORM!!

The Army/Navy Game was in town this past weekend, and I headed over to the Pennsylvania Convention Center to check out the gala. The gala was dinner held in the Grand Ballroom, while downstairs in the rooms the young cadets waited to perform in the color guard portion of the night. I was covering about 4 events that snowy Friday evening, so I couldn’t stay to cover the color guard, although I hear it’s pretty spectacular. Maybe next year. Hope you caught the snowy game the next day, where Navy beat Army34 to 7!!

West Point United States Military Academy


Sargent First Class Lee, Instructor at the Philadelphia Military Academy and James S Bigger
Cynthia, Eric, Elijah, Vincent, Ervin, Roberty, Robert and Patricia from Benjamin Franklin Navy High School

Meanwhile upstairs at the gala

Brad Easterbrooks and Haley Allaire
Kate Sanford, Dan Mellin and Nancy Mellin
Lauren Dinger, Kirk Gatlin and Morgan Fleming
Melissa Hendrickson and David Hendrickson
Chuck Schretzman and Stacey Schretzman


Mary McKinney, Marlyn Thomas and June Feith

Arthur Carney and Kallie Kiermaier
Kieran Dziallo, Haley Johnson, Amanda Assemacher and Katelyn Orchard

Toshi and Lyn
WS Moratz, Logan Ensminger and Logan Bolitho

Navel Academy Pipes and Drums
Naval Academy
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Philadelphia

The Annual Chris Gabello Photography Studios Holiday Party or Holy Cow all that Fun in 800 sq Feet

It started out with this video, which went viral.

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Philadelphia

Zarwin Baum, Mayor Nutter, and New York Consul General Hosted a Reception at The Union League

Zarwin Baum, Mayor Nutter, and New York Consul General
Hosted Reception Celebrating the Relationship between
Korea and the City of Philadelphia

Zarwin Baum co-founder and Honorary Consul General for the Republic of Korea,E. Harris Baum and Consul General Se-joo Son of New York will welcomed local legislators and business leaders to a Korean Night dinner and networking reception at the Union League of Philadelphia. Attendees experienced Korean culture and celebrated the thriving relationship between Korea and the City of Philadelphia.

Korean Consul General Se-joo Son and Harris Baum

 Kristine Kroll and Eunice Lee were busy checking people in
 Susan Choi, Barbara Chadwin and Honee Chung
 Judy Yoo, Norman Zarwin, Ted Schaer, Carl Cherkin, Vice President,
Business Relations, Philadelphia Union, and Councilman David Oh 
Councilman Oh,
an attorney at Zarwin Baum, is currently the leader of the new City
Council Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative
Economy. One of the goals of the Committee is to support international
initiatives for retaining and attracting overseas investments.  Due to
him being the first Asian American City Councilman in Philadelphia,
there is a natural interest from Korean and other Asian communities to
develop a closer relationship with his office and the city of
Philadelphia.
 
 Marc Neff, Judge Roxanne Covington and Michael Gillespie
 Hon Consul Michael Scullin, Harris Baum, Judith Haffaker, John Juffaker, and Hon consul Erik Torp
 Jin Hee Park and Wha Park
 
 Gyunyl Shin , Insook Seol, Oh Won Lee, Jong Sook and Young Heo
Joo Hoon  

With the recent passing of the U.S.- Korea Free Trade Agreement, there exists new business opportunities for Philadelphia and it’s sister city.
 Korean Consul General Son Sejoo

 The traditional Korean dance was amazingly performed by three ladies, one of whom kept perfect beat on the drum as these two women performed an entertaining dance.
 Megan Smith, Brownstone PR, Jin Hee Park, Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown and Stacey Kracher.

Historically, Philadelphia and Korea share deep ties. From Dr. Philip Jaisohn’s campaign for Korean
independence to the many companies currently invested in Pennsylvania,
the nation’s relationship with the Keystone state has been vital to
fostering mutual prosperity and ensuring a better future for coming
generations.
Categories
Philadelphia

Top Chef’s Travis Masar Working at Sampan – OMG I photographed him last month and well, er

OMG, since my bud Chef Jason Cichonski was kicked off of Top Chef, I really haven’t paid any attention to the show, sorry Nick, so busy. So I really didn’t know who was on or what was going on.

 Now I’ve come to find out via Eater Philly that the new chef at Sampan, that GM Michael Wirzberger told me about at the March of Dimes event in November, the one they hadn’t done a press release and NOW I KNOW WHY, Travis Maser was also on Top Chef. I photographed the pair last month at the March of Dimes event. That night I came down with the stomach flu and was a bit delirious as I ran out of the place, sorry Please Touch Museum stairs, yes that was me, I wasn’t in any shape to notify youse.  Anyway before all that happened I had taken a few shots of Sampan’s Michael Schulson who was being honored that evening along with my “boss” David Lipson.
(OMG that was the very last award, and now you know why there’s only one crappy photo of him.) When I got to the point of choosing photos for the column I had two of
Michael Schulson that needed to go in and that was a lot of Sampan chatter, so I thought next time I’ll get
the new chef and my bud, Michael Wirzberger. Bummer that fish story got away.

Categories
Philadelphia

Neither Rain, Sleet Or Snow will stop Zarwin Baum from Putting Little Smiles on Kids

In continuation of their ongoing support of nonprofit
organizations across the region, Zarwin Baum hosted a holiday
cocktail reception on Tuesday, December 10, benefiting Little Smiles. 
Although there was a little snow that day, folks still came out to suppport Zarwin and Little Smiles, while enjoying delicious food from B Smith Catering, and laughter from Joe Conklin.

The evening Featured comedian Joe Conklin who is just amazing with his timing, and dead on impersonations of notable people in Philadelphia, especially sports figures. He said that he lost half of his impersonations with all the trades and movements in the teams this year.  Mitchell Kaplan, partner at Zarwin Baum, Stacey Kracher, marketing director of Zarwin Baum

 Erin Laudle, Reginald Fuller and Collette de Chalno Lee
 Tanya Teece,Michele Badger, Paul Badger, Darwin Beauvais, and Shariff Street
Megan Smith and Bill Mifflin are both in NYC this weekend at the Pennsylvania Society

 Aida Sparta, Isidore Ossoussini, Allison Smith and Greg Davis

 Allison Smith, Aida Sparta, Ian M Crumm, Stacey Kracher and Christie Honigman
Don’t forget to RSVP to Zarwin Baum to see a sneak preview of
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty on Tuesday!!

We
are proud to offer another unique opportunity to clients and contacts of Zarwin
Baum.  On Tuesday, December 17, we are offering a free advance
screening of the yet to
be released movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, starring and
directed by Ben Stiller and starring Kristen Wiig.  
This film is rated PG. Official Website: http://www.waltermitty.com/

 Seats
are limited; so if
you wish to attend, please immediately RSVP to Kristy
Kroll at movie@zarwin.com.

When he’s not having the best tail gate parties at the Linc, Bruce Shelly is doing what he can to make a child’s world better.
 Sandy Fox Jones, Neil Robins and Adam Fox
 Randall Jackson and Janet Fiore
 Sandra Goldberg  Board Member 2013-15 at Studio Incamminati, School for Contemporary Realist Art
Steve Grandizio Co-Founder
Little Smiles Philadelphia was started by a relative and a close friend of
Paul Donohue, the founder of Little Smiles, Inc. Florida and is an
independant affiliate. It is with great passion that, in accordance with
the Little Smiles mission statement, Little Smiles Philadelphia has
assisted and continues to assist thousands of children in the City of
Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Little Smiles Philadelphia’s
dedicated board of directors and volunteers work unselfishly day in and
day out to provide “little smiles” for the children who need it most in
Philadelphia!
The event collected 150 toys and raised over $2500 for Little Smiles

 

Categories
Philadelphia

Photos: Eddie Bruce and the Philly Pops – Also Sunday The Philly Pops Holiday Show

I’m a little behind as you know…

Eddie Bruce opened for the Philly POPS at the Kimmel Center and invited
his supporters for a cocktail reception prior to his debut on October
11, 2013. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, proceeds went to
support Breast Health International Fund for Living Program.
Ellen Lee, Eddie Bruce, and Lynn Honickman

 Lou Rose, Claire Rose, Annette Simmons, and Alan Simmons
 Gary Gremminger, Lisa McGraw, Shelley Schwartz and Gordon Schwartz; Founders of Foundation for Breast and Prostate Health
 Brian Kappra and Cissy Block
Jeffrey and Margie Honickman

Eddie Bruce and Maestro Michael Krajewski

Bottom Photo by Sharla Feldscher

The Philly POPS’ concerts appeal to all musical tastes! This
one-of-a-kind orchestra performs with playful sophistication as
audiences respond with unbridled enthusiasm. There’s no doubt about it –
POPS concerts are all about having fun! Holiday Show: 12/11 – 12/21

Categories
Philadelphia

Wednesday Night Fun Parties (The 157th Anniversary Concert , Shop to You Drop, SAVA, Avance), People, fun, and Bruce Springsteen

Busy, busy, busy Wednesday.  First I headed over to Barnes & Noble to see my old celebrity photographer friend Debra Rothenberg, who was having a meet & greet for her new book “Bruce Springsteen In Focus 1980‑2012

 Tonight she’s at University of Pennsylvania Bookstore, Dec. 12

Last night at the The Nicole Miller store in Philadelphia held it’s annual Men’s Night Out. This year it benefited The 157th Anniversary Concert and Ball, Young Friends co-chairs Christie Honigman of The Honigman Group
and Brian Lipstein – Henry A. Davidsen, of the Young Friends of the
Academy of Music were on hand to chat about the upcoming Academy Ball.

The 157th Anniversary Concert and Ball will take place on
Saturday, January 25, 2014. Philadelphia’s premier annual white-tie gala
will celebrate this iconic building’s 157th birthday, while
contributing to the restoration and preservation of the national
historic landmark. 
 Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The
Philadelphia Orchestra along with special guest artist Jill Scott will
dazzle attendees with a spectacular evening of  music, dining, and
dancing.



 Guests enjoyed bites from The Palm, Jose Garces and treats from DiBruno’s

There were plenty of great gifts on hand for the gentleman to pick out for the ladies in their lives.

In addition to items for themselves.
Natasha Hill and Allegra Yanelli

Have you seen these great ties, hankies and boxers with different logos of Philadelphia on them?

 Society Photographer Susan Scovill poses with husband Dr Curtis Scovill. Thanks to Susan for covering the Linda Creed Luncheon last week where they honored me as Volunteer of the Year. Check out the Photos Here.

Jeff Kellmer was on hand to show off his collection of jewels. Did you know every Friday in December, Kellmer Jewelers has a trunk show with specials for you to choose from. I was in their showroom a few weeks back. It’s discrete, and very personable for all your purchases. 510 W Lancaster Ave, Haverford

Former Gov Ed Rendell, picks out something nice for daughter in law Beka, as son Jesse Rendell looks on.
Justine Haemmerta, Jennifer Bisicchia of Jason Matthew Salon, and Leanne Shaeffer – They tell me there’s no such thing as a bad gift, as everything can be re-gifted.

 

Philly Style Magazine’s John Colabelli stopped by.

Purchases bought at Nicole Miller can be wrapped on the spot!!
Tonight the Nicole Miller store in Nicole Miller – Manayunk
is hosting their Men’s Night Out. Won’t you stop by?
In their year long commitment to the Young Friends organization, this is
co-chair Christie Honigman’s and Brian Lipstein’s third fundraiser to raise additional funds for the Restoration
Project of the Academy of Music.

Then it was off to the Donors are Heroes “Drop til You Drop” shopping along Chestnut Street between 17th and 18th Streets. The kick off store was Knit Wit where I found.
Don and Renee Freeman
and fun clothing like these matching Peace shirt and gloves.
Cati & Carla at South Moon Under
Nigel Richards, Nicole Cashaman and Danielle Hershman
Lynsie Solomon who came up with the concept for the event.

On my way through town I saw a very crowded SAVA as the days wind down before Sarah Van Aken  closes shop and moves on to her next chapter. i can tell you she is very excited.

 SA VA’s FINAL FAREWELL Fall/Winter Clearance $25 Spring 2014 Samples 30% off We are closing Friday at 7p.m.

Then I stopped by the new Avance restaurant where I found Owner Chris Scarduzzio and co-partner of Avance Craig Spitzer hosting one of the opening parties.
Chris gave me a tour of the space, and it’s beautiful, very modern and there are vertical gardens flanking the walls.
I liked the kitchen a lot, and the clever window on the staircase where you can peak inside.
The downstairs bar is HOT, and not just because I found these cuties there.
Erin Elmore, Danielle Krupa, Tara Murphy, Monique Crawford and Cindy Calliro.
I see myself hanging out here on many nights after i shoot events, or at the Sporting Club, I really need to get my exercise on.
The wine cellar is on the main floor, and also houses the only remnant left from Le Bec Fin, this beautiful crystal chandelier.
I then jetted to Ocean Prime for the After Party for Shop til You Drop
The food was delicious, as always.
On my way back home I happened by Chris DiGeorge and Heather Lee were up from Florida for the holidays and hanging out with friends including John Westrum, at the Happy Rooster. Whew, that’s it for today, but we still have 10 days left for Christmas and a whole slew more of parties. Then I will be trying to catch up on the blog posts before we complete the year.
Categories
Philadelphia

I received this email this week asking if I’d like to tour the “Charmin” bathrooms at the Army/Navy Game on Saturday:

I received this email this week asking if I’d like to tour the bathrooms at the Army/Navy Game on Saturday:

In case you were planning to cover this
weekend’s Army-Navy game, I wanted to introduce myself and share some news
about an event we’ll be sponsoring on game day in Philly.

Despite having a long standing rivalry,
there’s one issue uniting Army and Navy on game day – a universal hatred
of the port-a-potty!  Those stinky, oppressive blue boxes are the
bane of tailgating fans across the country.

On Saturday (December 14),  Charmin
toilet paper is bringing a better bathroom experience to one of the biggest
college rivalries – the annual Army-Navy game.  The “Charmin
Relief Project” is teaming up with Tailgate for Troops, a non-profit
focused on increasing the morale and welfare of active duty service members/veterans,
to bring state-of-the-art restrooms to tailgaters at the annual Army-Navy
game in Philadelphia.

The “Charmin Relief Project” will provide
20 clean and fresh-smelling portable restrooms, equipped with Satellite
TV and custom lighting fixtures for tailgaters to enjoy before the game.
 

In addition to providing “relief” to
tailgaters, Charmin will be donating $10,000 to Tailgate for
Troops.

Let me know if you would like to get a
behind the scenes look at the restrooms on December 14 in Philadelphia.
 I’m happy to talk and share more info! (Hmm I can’t make it as I’m going to tour the Fairmount Park Holiday House Tours, but I found a video of one used earlier this year. So funny too.)

There’s a contest you can enter for a bathroom make over too.