Philly Chit Chat

 I’m sorry I can’t add a lot of commentary today. I was so slammed last week I am still trying to catch up. This morning I’m on Fox 29 Good Day Philly at 9:30AM so I want to get a good night’s sleep, or as good as you can at 230am

A lot of these shots are just doggy treats

 Doesn’t mind laying where

Washington Square. As a matter of fact I took these the last time I was on Good Day Philly. Probably not going to sit on a bench there today.

A passion for fashion

Just because

I was shooting the flag, then he popped into my photo

Heavy Burden (I could never do that, I’d always fall flat on my face)

I’m always a fan of these shots you see in the paper right around finals

NBC Universal had a pop up virtual garden near 19th and Chestnut Streets. PHS help with the actual garden and the manure was smelling fresh. Admission to the garden was to sacrifice something to make the Earth greener, like walk to the grocery store, turn off unused lights etc (It was only for one night, and it was spectacular.)

Puppy Carrier

Pretty in Pink

Is it necessary for you to be on the sidewalk?

The first step is HELLO!

See what Sigourney Weaver did on her first Saturday here in Philly. Where’d she go, and to eat? Watch me on Good Day Philadelphia today at 9:30AM for the scoop

Last night was the fourth year of “Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars” and was held at the glamorous Crystal Tea Room, to benefit sickle cell education and programs. Nine Philadelphia notables participated in the dance competition.  Each dancer is partnered with an instructor from the Society Hill Dance Academy to perform a 2-minute dance routine before a panel judges, Sen Larry Farnese, Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds-Brown, Judges included LaDeva Davis, director of dance at Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Shawn-Lamere Williams, artistic director of Eleone Dance Theater.

 Kanra Magnetta, Dottie Giordano and Joann Magnatta were in the house to support WMMR’s Marisa Magnatta who was one of the contestants last night.  Talking about taking center stage, last week Dottie Giordano was guest conductor at The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. I’ll have that write up this week on PhillyChitChat.   

 Melvin Brewer and Dr Majorie Dejoie-Brewer. Dr Brewer, a sickle cell anemia sufferer, said that they are finally making in roads to the disease with newer treatments.

Susie Celek and Betty Fulton

 Pat Mitchell–Keita-Doe, J Otis Smith, Dr Vera Tolbert and Dr Eric Edi

Eliana Papadakis, Brendan Kent and former contestant Maria Papadakis

Society Hill Dancer Studio Dancers: Cody Aldrien, Tim Cartlidge, Katie Mizak, Paul Mizak, Trish Pasquarello, Jesse Smith-Dow, Colleen Cheong and Nodari Tetruashvily

Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown and NBC10’s Lori Wilson

 

Jesse Smith-Dow and WMMR’s Marisa Magnatta

Jesse Smith-Dow and Marisa Magnatta AT THE HOP. Super hopping, with lifts too. Mike Days, managing editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Being first is hard, but he set the bar of standard.

Anastasia Karloutsos, co-owner of Water Works Restaurant

 Judges for the evening, former contestant, Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds-Brown, Sen Larry Farnese (Vote for Farnese, Brian Sims and Patrick Murphy for AG), LaDeva Davis, director of dance at Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Shawn-Lamere Williams, artistic director of Eleone Dance Theater.

Julie Dorenbos gets dipped

 Kevin Gatto, owner of Verde Salon and lifestyle correspondent for CBS3’s “Talk Philly

Another amazing dance. The Tango. The crowd went wild.  Did he win?

Clockwise: Scotty Lauman, Mike Jerrick, Fox 29’s Good Day Philly (Check out Good Day Philly on Tuesday for my recap of last nights show, my thoughts and celebrity sightings. Sigourney Weaver, she’s in town filming the USA miniseries “Political Animals,” she stars as a former first lady, now divorced, who becomes secretary of State. Sounds almost familiar. was all over the place on Saturday. I tweeted that she was at Continental Midtown for brunch, then headed over to the Philadelphia Science Fair on the Parkway. After that she went a few more places and I have a photo of her which I will show you then.) Greta Russo, Lotus Events and Antoine Johnson.  Greta looks fantastic, she’s doing Phila Slim at the Bouari Clinic. www.philaslim.com

Zemoria Brandon congratulates Megan Smith, BrownstonePr on another well done event. Looking on is Stanley Simpkins, Executive Director, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America,. Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter 

Sickle Cell Disease
is an inherited blood disorder, characterized primarily by chronic
anemia and periodic episodes of pain. SCDAA/PDVC’s mission is to serve
as a vehicle and resource center for the psychosocial and social
service needs of children, adolescents, adults and families affected by
sickle cell disease. SCDAA/PDVC seeks to develop, manage and allocate
resources in partnership with hospitals, charitable organizations,
community based organizations and social service agencies.

And who won over the judges with their moves like Mick Jagger you have to check out PhillyMag.com, Philly Mag HERE

After photographing Whitney Port at the Apricot clothing store in Suburban Square,  I headed over to Jacques Ferber 1708 Walnut St. where they were having a shopping event party with an evening of cocktails, shopping and networking! There was a long waiting line for Tarot Card readings by Adam Travia. 

Kristen Kondor, Angel Val and Lauren Quick all of GPTMC. They tell me that GPTMC has picked a replacement for Jeff Guaracino, who left to start a similar organization in Atlantic City, is Paula Butler. She previously worked for GPTMC, then went to  on to be Senior Director, International PR at Marriott International

NBC10′s make-up artist Cari Brescia and Parx’s Casino Director of Marketing, Carri Nork Minelli

 Maria Hatzivasilis, Randyl Case and Dafni Comerota want to wish you Christos Anesti, as Maria and Dafni just celebrated Greek Easter this past week.

Marilyn Stollenwerk, WHYY contributor and Karen Adams, Director of Special Events at Fish.

 The intimate party was attended by about 50 people who chatted the night away.  It was executed by Laura Burkhardt, The Lab (Building a business based on connective marketing. She also sells the advertisements on PCC)

 Janice Waitkus, Lagos Jewelery takes advantage of the 20% off of all purchases picked up a Longchamp bag, as Ken Ferber waits on her.

 Ran into my bud Fox 29’s Mike Jerrick (or as I like to call him my co-worker on Good Day Philly. I’ll be on again Monday at 9:30AM chatting about the Philadelphia Dancing with the Stars event which is being held the day before. One of the contestants is the CW’s Kharisma McIlwaine

Rakia Reynolds and Melanie Johnson

6ABC’s  Alicia Vitarelli and college roommate bestie Paige Dahlhausen

6ABC’s  Alicia Vitarelli and Noelle Zane- Owner, Pure Barre Philadelphia & Pure Barre Main Line

Occupied Philly on the move last night. Ugh gotta run I have a shoot in 15 minutes. I have a lot more to say but it will have to wait til next week, or follow me on twitter @IPhillyChitChat thanks xoxo

Taylor Momsen performing with The Pretty Reckless in Philadelphia at TLA. (April 12, 2012)

How about those boots!  Wow girl! (Thanks to my friend for this shot.)

 A few Saturday Night Live alumni came out to entertain the crowd at The 2012 Red Heart Variety Show to benefit the Variety Club of Philadelphia held at Vie last Friday, including comedian Joe Piscopo. Joe told the crowd he loves visiting

Philadelphia, then asked what’s his favorite columnist Stu Bykoyski doing, probably married to another 21 year old girl. Crazy Victoria Jackson, but I couldn’t wait to meet her even though her political and social views are skewed. You’d think she was the biggest fag hag and not the biggest Santorum supporter. Cheri Oteri as Barbara Walters and Fran Naselli, Vice President at NovaCare.  A Lady of The Eighties… Singer Jade Starling (Pretty Poison) kicked off the monthly 80’s Dance Party at Club Adesso (1519 Walnut St.), which will be held every 2nd Friday night. I am a complete 80s fanatic and well Jade Starling defined the latter years of the decade with her two big hits “Catch Me I’m Falling” and “Night Time”, plus she was from the Philly area so I knew a friend who knew a friend who knew her so I felt like I knew her too. “Catch Me I’m Falling” landed at number 1 on the charts in September 1987 and remained in the top 40 for 14 weeks. A few year’s ago VH1 said it was #47 in “VH1 Top 100 Best Songs of the 80’s” I asked Jade what that meant to her. “We were completely blown away that Catch Me, I’m Falling was in the list. The recognition we recieved helped us make our mark on pop culture.” “The inspiration for Catch Me was the magic you feel when your first falling in love with someone, getting to know each other and how new and exciting it felt…It seemed to touch the hearts of millions of people.As a Co-songwriter along with Whey Cooler of Pretty Poison, its a dream come true when people respond to your music in a positive way. We are very blessed!!” Jade Starling has a new CD coming out in July, but you can pick up her new song, “Dance Revolution” on Google play right now  Last Wednesday, Colin Farrell filmed a scene from his new movie shooting here in Philly called “Dead Man Down”. It was a flash back shot with his “family” and was shot on a small HD camera to give it that sepia look. They were in the park for about an hour. A lot of people were able to see him and the camera crew was fairly cool with the shots being taken.  Just don’t get in their way, and DONT USE FLASH.    Remember last week in my column in Philly Mag, Dear Mr Hotel Doorman, I mentioned that I shot Colin leaving a building on Market St but my shots weren’t great 1) because of rain cloud, and 2) because I didn’t want to draw attention to him by doing the paparazzi pose for all the “rush hour” peeps to see. Colin and his trainer/bodyguard saw us and it was a fine shoot. IE: No Drama Here.  This past week Colin has been in Mexico promoting his upcoming film “Total Recall”, but over the weekend he did something special.  I’ll tell you what it was on Fox 29’s Good Day Philly next week.

Yesterday morning I attended the ground break ceremony of the latest hotel to come to Philadelphia to complement the newest addition to the Pennsylvania Convention Center which is located across the street from the new property, which is being developed by jointly by the Parkway Corporation and Wurzak Hotel Group.

 PS I love the branding logos of these two companies. They are dead on & clever.

Located at 1200 – 1212 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, the hotel will feature over 2,000 square feet of meeting space and 9,750 square feet for ground floor retail and restaurants. The total project cost is $60 million and will be partially funded with $2.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding and an Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program (IFIP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) will provide $5 million in HUD 108 loans and the building will receive $3 million in EnergyWorks funding from PIDC and The Reinvestment Fund. The energy conservation measures for the hotel will include a partial green roof, high efficiency HVAC system and significant energy performance upgrades, all in line with the Home2 Suites brand sustainability practices.  L.F. Driscoll will oversee construction of the development. (press release)

If you were following my twitter yesterday, you saw I was tweeting that it was the hottest list for an event in awhile. “I’m in notable heaven.” It was the social event of social event as many of these fixtures rarely appear at one party.

Howard J. Wurzak is Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Wurzak Hotel Group and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Zuritsky, Parkway Corporation.

A few of the construction workers from Driscoll who are building the hotel: Evelio Menedez, Bill Frazer, Mike Dikon, Mike Dolan and Brian Deitz

Larry Ceisler  public relations principal of Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy, Brian Stevenson, Business Rep. IBEW Local 98, John J. Dougherty Jr. runs the city’s powerful electricians union and Julie Wong is the President of Pan Am Realty Company, Inc., a real estate brokerage. Julie and the Wurzak Hotel Group just completed a project together in Chinatown.

  State Rep. Dwight Evans and Councilman David Oh. David Oh, Zarwin Baum.
It was with great help from Evans that additional financing was put in place to get this new hotel project going. The hotel project helps stimulate the economy with new jobs, money generated by tourist who would be staying at the long extended hotel.

Neil H. Shah, President of Hersha Hospitality and Bennett Thomas Title: Vice President of Finance & Sustainability Organization: Hersha Hospitality Group. Hesha Hospitality has one of the closest operating hotels to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, The Hampton Inn.  Shah wasn’t stopping by to check out the competition, he’s 100% behind the new hotel. He tells me that he’s here to support the Parkway/Wurzak project as it is a community effort to provide the best service to visitors to Philadelphia, as well as to the conventions coming to town.

Jeff Jubelirer, President of Jubelirer Strategies, Jennifer Quintero Hughes, Homewood Suites & Home2 Suites by Hilton and Robert A. Zuritsky, President, Parkway Corporation

Jacob Cooper, Broker at Michael Salove Company and Jason Bock, Broker at Michael Salove. Cooper will be handling the retail stores located on the first floor of the new hotel.

Marc Brownstein, Brownstein Group

Erik Evjen, Hotel Program Director at GPTMC and Kylie Flett, Neff PR

 
David Pearlman, City Councilman Mark Squilla, Neil Skarloff and former City Councilman Frank DiCicco

Daniel Takoushian, PNC Bank, N.A.

Richard Cohen, Clarke & Cohen, Ahmeenah Young, President & CEO at Pennsylvania Convention Center and David Dinenberg, who recently left Grasso Holdings and is venturing out on his own.

Bill Duncan, Global Head, Brand Management at Home2 Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites with Jennifer Quintero Hughes, Homewood Suites & Home2 Suites by Hilton. Home2 Suites by Hilton suites provide separate living and bedroom areas featuring the proprietary Home2 Suites “working wall” which incorporates a kitchen and flexible working/media area. Plus lots of convenient accents. The property at 12th & Arch will have an indoor pool, as well as parking at the adjacent Parkway Garage.

“This project is the result of a public-private effort to add hotel rooms and many new jobs to the city and the Convention Center,” said Robert Zuritsky, president, Parkway Corporation. “We never would have accomplished this undertaking without a series of incentives from the state and the city, and we are thankful for their support.” Jake Wurzak, Principal, Acquisitions and Development, Wurzak Hotel Group. One of the things I noted in this moment was that the two titan’s of the Philadelphia business world (Joe Zuritsky and Howard Wurzak) have begun to pass on their business’ and business sense to the next generation, their sons Robert Zuritsky and Jake Wurzak.

Luke Butler appears on the scene, that means Mayor Nutter will arrive shortly as he is his special PA.

Sen Larry Farnesse spoke about the economic impact of the new hotel, as well as many of the new projects that have been executed in his district.  How important it was for our local economy, and how this kind of progress has slowed down in other cities, but here in Philly we’re still going strong.

The traditional ground breaking shot. The organizers and I were sweating bullets, not only because of the unusually higher temps yesterday, but a few more minutes and there would have been total sun glare as the rising sun was clearing the top of the Reading Terminal Market.   Bill Duncan, Hilton, Jake Wurzak, Howard Wurzak, Sen Larry Farnese, Mayor Nutter, Rober A. Zuritsky, Rick Lyons, Capital One and State Rep Dwight Evan, guest, Jake Winigrad, Parkway Corp Rick Lyons, Executive VP-Commercial Real Estate, Capital One told the crowd that Philadelphia is happening, he works in NYC, but chooses to live in Philly.  He’s happy to be connected to this exciting project. Thanks Jake Winigrad, Parkway Corp.  for your help yesterday.

The new hotel is slated to open August 2013, just in time for the busy convention season. – 
This event was executed by Corie Moskow of Gloss PR

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CONTACT: Corie Moskow, Gloss PR,
215.518.5526 or corie@glosspr.com

On Jan. 10, four GLBT community members signed up to participate in a project to lose weight
and raise money for the GLBT community.

Micah Mahjoubian, CEO, Soapbox Solutions (Fusion Cross-Training). Debbie Spadefora (12th Street Gym), Administrative manager, Woody’s and Voyeur, Franny Price (Optimal Sports Health Clubs), Executive director, Philly Pride Presents and Dan Calhoun (Move Forward Fitness) Director of advertising and marketing, PGN

I’ve known Debbie Spadefora (r) for about 25 years, and Frannie Price for 20 years. It’s really inspirational for me to see them do so well. After three months, both ladies lost over 40lbs, and its Each one is relishing in the joy of their new found energy, the support they are getting and the weight they have shed. It’s a real inspiration for me, someone who as you know really has to get on the ball and put my health first and lose some serious poundage.  BTW The guys aren’t too shabby either with Micah losing 38lbs and Dan at 22lbs. Together they have raised $12,500.  These days Frannie walks the block and a half to the bank, when the old Frannie would have just go in the car.  Frannie went on to talk about the many things we as fat people must do to just do every day things, it’s difficult to hear, but is a reality, like going to restaurants that have booths were the tables are fixed to the wall (ie Little Pete’s on 17th Street) and making sure they chairs will hold our weights. It’s hard to fathom why we let ourselves get to that weight, and then stay there. Ugh

The proceeds from the loss poundage will be evenly distributed among Philly Pride Presents, The Attic Youth Center and the William Way LGBT Community Center.

 Carrie Jacobs, The Attic Youth Center, Michael, William Way, and Denise, Philly Pride Presents

Read more: PGN-The Philadelphia Gay News. Phila gay news. philly news – Weigh It Forward
Check out my Philly Mag column yesterday for the Girard College Gala I attended over the weekend.

Last night a few hundred of Ryan Dorsey’s besties attended a 3 Nerd Birthday Party for him, with proceeds from the door going to the Hamels Foundation.

RYAN DORSEY – The Ultimate PARTY BOY

DJ’s keeping it real last night.
@djnemysis @DjAktive @djmontone and of course #djryanmichael

I love all the clubs I write about, but Recess is special cause either everyone knows each other, or by the end of the night you will. It’s a friendly club, great bartenders, doorman and staff.
Scott and Drew from Del Frisco’s Steak House

Brett, Justin and friends One of the DJ’s was genius in how he kept threading “Can We Get Much Higher” in and out of the music for an hour.

Checkered shirts and bow ties were in honor of The Three Nerds and clever branding by them

Kristyn Aldrich and Adrienne A Diaz – Earlier in the night Kristyn and I headed out for what’s turned into our Thursday night date night, to Sampan. Great new menu items, included an unbelievable dessert S’Mores, which is served as a tart. Marshmellow, chocolate, peanut butter with a chocolate crust. i don’t love chocolate, believe it or not, but it was outta of this world. You have to go try it. Created by Karla Torres.

Thanks for all your support. I was feeling the love last night at Recess

so many people last night knew me from  PhillyChitChat.com
Philly Mag – The Post and 
watching me on
Fox 29 Phila Good Day Show thank you for all the kind words and support.  I need to go out more. I hadn’t been to Recess since last December. It’s a late night club, but so much fun.

I love these rules. Always interesting.

Dennis and Dana so much fun

Another successful party by GN Kang, Director of Operations for the Hamels Foundation . It’s really amazing as she was a radio DJ on Wired 96.5 for 8 years and has really flourished in her role at The Hamels Foundation. Created charitable events that result in changing & improving a child’s life. Kudo’s girlfriend. xoxo

Phillies Marketing Peeps: Michael Harris and Kevin Gregg

Madonna’s MDNA CD is a failure because it’s silly & childish/ Seems like she missed the days of “Who’s That Girl”. This is a little ditty that sums up most of the CD, but it’s affectious in it’s lyrics.

As is the norm for Recess after Midnight the place really stared rolling

Haynie Ahn and Alison Moore

Happy Birthday Ryan Dorsey. (it’s my dad’s bday too, he never quite had a party like this, but we’re Irish so it was fun.)

“I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way,” – JFK

Happy Birthday Mr Presidentttttt (what the heck is happening behind you on the left?)