Philly Chit Chat

Yesterday we had a BBQ in honor of mom’s birthday at my sister Margaret & hubby Frank’s house. Here’s mom with 5 of her 12 grandchildren. (In the background is my brother Ray)
Continuing our July 4th tradition, my friends Simon and Kati Curtis came down from Manhattan to spend the weekend with us and enjoy some fireworks (I’ve mentioned before that it was Simon who coined the PhillyChitChat name July 4, 2007. Hence the blogs birthday is 7/7/07). This year we’re going to go to Camden to check out the Two Cities, Two States fireworks. Then today (Sunday), we are going to Franklin Square Park to get our photos taken by the “Picture Yourself In Philly” Photographer and check out the Civil War Exhibit.
One of the best views of Philly is from Camden. We were running late and missed the sunset, but I recommend you come over and see it from here.
The fireworks were pretty spectacular too.
and drew a nice crowd. (The above three shots by Simon Curtis)
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Don’t forget tonight – Sunday, 7/3/11 at Independence Hall 8:00 p.m.Peter Nero and the Philly Pops® return to celebrate America’s birthday with “POPS on Independence,” a free concert at Independence Hall. Come join the celebration and participate in one of Philadelphia’s most popular Fourth of July traditions. Note: Seating is first come, first served. Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.There are events scheduled every day this weekend keep up with the latest information by visiting http://www.welcomeamerica.com or check out the event on Facebook or Twitter

This #9 Post is brought to you with the support of Wawa Welcome America.HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY and leave the fireworks up to the professionals please!

Friday I headed over to one of my favorite parks in the City Franklin Square with all it’s fun things to do like playing miniature golf, riding the carousel or eating a Square Burger at the Stephen Starr shack. There is so much going on during the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Weekend including this little nugget that we should really be excited that Philly has…
but it’s only there through Monday July 4th. I have to say we are really lucky to have the Civil War Traveling Show in Philadelphia over the Fourth of July weekend. (Above: Amy Milessa, Historic Philadelphia, Amy Needle, President & CEO, Historic Philadelphia, Inc., and Cari Feiler Bender, Relief Communications)
The Traveling Road Show at Franklin Square is a 53 foot massive trailer where you can learn and experienced The War Between the States. The Civil War Road Show features original “3-D experience” of stereoscopes, voices of individual Pennsylvanians, and scenes of camp and home life. You’ll will be immersed in a new understanding of how America’s greatest crisis changed the lives of Pennsylvanians. The Road Show aims to assemble Pennsylvania’s Civil War history, one story at a time.
Through a Share Your Story recording booth, visitors are invited to share their own Civil War-era family photographs, artifacts, and other material and stories. Through images, sound, words, objects and interactive multimedia, the Road Show will convey stories of the many different ways Pennsylvania’s men, women, children, and communities experienced the Civil War, both on the battlefield and the home front. I liked reading the letters from the soldiers and the families. Outdoors programs in the Square include storytelling plus a recreation of a Civil War campground.
Wayne Spilove, Chairman of the Board, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. greets the guests and media and explains the background of the Civil War display and how it came to be.
I love ribbon cuttings, and this one was particularly interesting since General George Meade was going to the honor with his sword.
ALSO in Franklin Square July 1-4: Free performances and appearances by President Abraham Lincoln, General George Meade, Octavius Catto, Civil War soldiers and re-enactors, and Once Upon A Nation storytellers. Free Civil War-themed games, crafts and activities, face-painting, and magicians round out the family-friendly entertainment. The Lightning Bolt Express train will also take young visitors on a train ride through Franklin Square (tickets required).
Lori Salganicoff, Historic Preservation Director at Lower Merion Conservancy with Wayne Spilove,
Mickey Rowley, President of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Barbara Franco, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Charles Croce, Executive Director and CEO of the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent
Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s Civil War Weekend will also include an opportunity to meet Octavius Catto and the authors of Tasting Freedom, Daniel Biddle and Murray Dubin, for a free book signing event at 11 am on Saturday, July 2, at the Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th & Chestnut Streets. Visitors won’t want to miss a visit to the Betsy Ross House for a look at the newest exhibit, Rally ‘Round the Flag: Civil War Color Bearers and the Flags They Carried, which examines the most dangerous job on the battlefield, including a fully-restored Civil War flag made by Betsy Ross’s daughter, Clarissa, on display for the first time ever.
The Civil War experience continues at the Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches, scattered in 13 locations throughout the Historic District. All summer long, including July 1-4, storytellers will share Underground Railroad and Civil War-era stories. To make the Civil War Summer complete, catch a showing of the new Liberty 360 in the PECO Theater, a 15-minute, 360-degree experience hosted by Ben Franklin.
Franklin Square, 6th & Race streets, July 1 –4, 11 a.m.–7 p.m; outdoor programs are noon-5 p.m. Free. Plus there is a gift shop & fair games too. Also “Picture Yourself in Philly” will be in Franklin Square on Sunday July 3rd (Today they are at Penns Landing)

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Don’t forget tonight Two City, Two States Fireworks, and tomorrow Sunday, 7/3/11 at Independence Hall 8:00 p.m.Peter Nero and the Philly Pops® return to celebrate America’s birthday with “POPS on Independence,” a free concert at Independence Hall. Come join the celebration and participate in one of Philadelphia’s most popular Fourth of July traditions. Note: Seating is first come, first served. Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.There are events scheduled every day this weekend keep up with the latest information by visiting http://www.welcomeamerica.com or check out the event on Facebook or Twitter

This Post is brought to you with the support of Wawa Welcome America.HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY and leave the fireworks up to the professionals please!

Everyone’s favorite blonde friendtender at Rouge, Samantha “Sam” Trasatti celebrated another birthday this year at everyone’s favorite spots of late “Ladies Night at Table 31.” Above Sam is with mom Jo and dad Sam, who are both photographers. Dad Sam brought along his Nikon to capture the evening
as many of Sam’s friends came out to help her celebrate
Jessica Vermeer Hawkes, Scott Webster and Juan Perrin get festive
Have I mention the great events that are happening for July 4th this weekend. Check out all of the July 4th Celebrations, especially events that are going on today through Monday HERE and on their FB here
Arthur Kade, Sean Edwards and Sam
Party on the balcony
Uche Ojeh and David Dix
Chef Chris Scarduzio and DJ
A face in the crowd Chris and Madden Gali
Kate Beaver, Sharif and Courtney Grant
Another jam packed Ladies Night at Table 31. Hope to see you there next week.
co-owner Table 31 Stephen Olitsky makes sure everything is running smoothly and greeting the guests as they pass by
seriously delicious!! Where’d you get that cake from?
Before you knew it the night was over. Although knowing Sam the fun just keeps on going throughout the year. Happy Birthday!!

My friend, my therapist, my mom – Happy Birthday!
Me, my two sisters (I have five) Crista and Janine and Mom. (2009)
Mom her kids and most of her grand kids (2008). My brother Ray is missing. Probably outside hitting a few golf balls.
All of us at my sister Tracy’s wedding about 11 years ago. Me, Crista on my knee, Grandmom and Ray (first row), Standing: Janine, Tracy, Mom, Dad, a very pregnant Margaret and Judy. Yep 7 kids. (2000) People always ask why my mom and I don’t look alike, she’s my step-mom, but I just consider her mom as she is the only mother I’ve known. Even though I’m Irish, I was raised Italian as her maiden name is Libertella.

Here are the Photos & Chatter from the event.

The Hamels Foundation Tickets for Diamond and Denim Event August 11, 2011 Concert with Martina McBride. Put on your denim and ‘bling’ and join your favorite celebrities for a night of fun!

– Pro Athletes, including your favorite Phillies players

– Reality TV Stars

* Meet and Greet with Cole and Heidi Hamels

* Enjoy cocktails and appetizers

* Sit down dinner

* Bid on silent and live auction items

* Gift bags

* Entertainment Including: – Live Performance by Grammy winner Martina McBride!

– Celebrity Wine Toss

– Win sparkling jewelry by Tiffany & Co.

– $15,000 worth of designer jean giveaway by Denim Habit

– Be taken away by magician and illusionist Oz Pearlman

– And much, much more!!!



Check out their Facebook Page Here

The Jimmy Rollins Family Foundation held it’s annual Basebowl event at Lucky Strikes Monday.The Jimmy Rollins Family Foundation strives to help children and young adults living with arthritis by providing funds and awareness about the disease. We also support families who are struggling financially with extracurricular activities that promote healthy living through exercise and proper nutrition.There was food everywhere with pizza, onion rings and fries, yumJimmy Rollins thanked everyone for coming and for supporting his event. Here he is with Big Rube
there was a cool cake created over a weeks time by Matty Benigno and his staff Stephanie Russel and Angela Park at Potito’s Bakery in South Philly
Phillies outfielder Ben Francisco with outfielder Shane Victorino. Come out and Support Shane’s charity fashion show being held at the Union League August 25
NBC10 friends Lu Ann Cahn and Mina Sabet with Johari Rollins
Glowing future parents Stephenie and Kyle Kenderick. Stephenie tells me that their baby is due right before Kyle goes out on a long road trip in September. She’s hoping the baby comes before he goes or they might have to help mother nature a bit. Steph tells me she’s been eating a lot of meals at her restaurant Gigi’s and complained she gained a lot of weight. RIGHT, look at her she’s beautiful!
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.
Chase Utley poses with a fan. Yesterday his mother confirmed on B101, what I tweeted weeks ago, that Jen Utley was pregnant
Although there was a no autograph sign at the door, the players still signed graphs which was nice.
Mark Marsden came up to me and told me how much he loves watching my segment on The Scene on NBC Non-Stop, Ch 248. Then he told me about how great the Jimmy Rollins Foundation is and how it benefits his daughter Lacey Marsden. She really enjoys going to the camp that benefits from the funds raised from this event, especially since she meets other kids with arthritis. I think that’s pretty special.
Shaquille O’Neal’s shoe up for auction, next to my android phone.

Cole and Heidi Hamels, co-founders of The Hamels Foundation, are hosting the first annual Philly Financial Day on Friday, July 8th, 2011. Several of the leading financial service institutions in the Philadelphia area will donate a significant fixed percentage of their institutional trading commissions and transactional revenues to a pool of charitable foundations founded by Phillies’ stars Cole Hamels, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. In addition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will be a beneficiary of funds raised that day.

I guess I didn’t win this cause I didn’t get a call. Lately I’ve been bidding on auction items to pay it forward and auction off at my charity event to benefit Gilda’s Club. The event will be held in September at Flemings Steakhouse Marlton NJ in honor of my sister who you may know died of Ovarian Cancer 12/09

The fun and fabulous of Philadelphia came out to honor Pat and Jack Parker on
an magnificent night al fresco at Table 31 at The Comcast Center to support the Parkinson Council. What a venue for a beautiful summer evening! Owner/Chef Chris Scarduzio and Event Manager Tyrone Blakely hit it out of the park with mini sliders, margarita pizzas and delicious light bites.

The event, attended by over 200, celebrated the summer solstice and served as
the annual kickoff to the 2011 Parkinson Golf Classic, which will commenced
Monday June 27, at Philadelphia Cricket Club (and was sold out!). The party was
chaired by Karen Jacobson and Barry Milberg and was attended by iconic Philadelphians such as Larry Magid, Pete + Jan Albert, Kerry Pacifico, Lisa DiBattista, (daughter of famed Jimmy’s Milan), Jon Felix, Bonnie Young, Babs Snyder and Dr Matt Stern.

The Parkinson Council, which is based in Bala Cynwyd, connected with Earth Wind
and Fire’s Maurice White through committee member Bob Cole of World Wide

Stereo. Also on hand, Vine Street Imports, Louis Latour Wines, Kiehls goodies and a sneak preview of the prelaunch of all time philly favorite…PEANUT CHEWS. McIntosh – the Rolls Royce of all audio systems was also a key sponsor – giving the crowd a reminder of the sweet sound of Philadelphia with tunes from Teddy Pendergrass, McFadden + Whitehead, The Spinners and of course Earth Wind and Fire – who will also be doing an in store appearance at World Wide Stereo’s Montgomeryville location on June 30th.Parkinson’s affects more people than Leukemia, MS, and ALS combined. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 50,000 new cases

are reports annually. Events such as the annual Golf Classic enable the Parkinson
Council to continually raise funds to provide financial grants to local hospitals
and universities dedicated to promoting research into the causes and cure for the
disease in addition to educating patients, caregivers, health professionals and the
general public about the chronic neurodegenerative illness
Howard Lipschutz CPA, Bob and Barbara Lewis
Teresa Katz, and Rusty Silverman. Rusty is a board certified family doctor and a local photographer. He has been photographing scenes of the Jersey shore and lifeguards for about 40 years.
Karen Cole and Susan Kleiman

Betsy Rubenstone, Claire Stuempfia, and Babs SnyderBonnie Young, Co-Founder of The Do Gooders, Dan Forman and Jen Albert
Susie Krupnick and Neesa Procaccino, is an Art Teacher/Artist at The Philadelphia School
Chair for tonight’s event Karen Jacobson with author Carol Saline and Paul Rathblott. I admired Carol’s jewelery and she told me the funny story how she had seen it on jewelers Caroline Wiseman neck and admired it so. At the end of that event Caroline sold it right off her neck and it went onto Carol’s. I think it was a great buy as it’s so much fun.
Pete Albert, Larry Magid and Frank Ventresca. It was cool to meet Larry Magid after reading about him for my entire life.
Table 31’s Chef Scarduzio takes a turn at the charity hole in one green

http://www.theparkinsoncouncil.org/

Dr Matthew B. Stern, MD. Parker Family Professor of Neurology with co-chairs Barry Milberg and Karen Jacobson
Pat and Jack Parker and Barry Milberg
Jim and Judy Veghte
Lynne Edwards and Barbara O’Neill. Lynne is with Korman Suites, which just took over the Ben Franklin House (which I had tweeted back in March). She tells me they are re-branding the building to be called The Franklin Residences.
Carolyn Curci and Diane Sarkisian. Diane is a Center City Real Estate Agent. Which A -List star does she look like. If you guest Cher you’d be right. They are cousins.

Jamie Joffee and Bob Cole of World Wide Stereo – who really stepped up the live auction, raising tens of thousands of dollars and awareness for the Parkinson Disease. TONIGHT: Earth Wind and Fire make a special appearance at his store in Montgomeryville at 6:30PM to kick off the holiday weekend!

Don’t forget you can catch a full concert by Earth Wind and Fire on July 4th at the Phila Art Museum followed by fireworks. Check out all of the July 4th Celebrations, especially events that are going on today through Monday HERE and on their FB here

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This post was partially written by Jamie Joffee with the support of The Parkinson Council