Philly Chit Chat

Last week I attended the Habitat For Humanity “Building Hope Luncheon” held at the Loews Hotel where over 600 gathered to celebrate the dream of home ownership for those in need.
Terry Ruggles from NBC10 MC’s the event. Giving the history of Habitat for Humanity, and thanking everyone who came out to support them today. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is an independently chartered affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Locally, Habitat Philadelphia is on a mission to transform lives and our city by building quality homes in partnership with families in need, and uniting all Philadelphians around the cause of affordable housing.
My friend Danielle Triplett, CMP American Association for Cancer Research, who is also on the Board of Habitat for Humanity encourages volunteerism. (You might recall that Danielle and I met when I was covering the 2008 Rock for Fashion in NYC which benefited cancer organizations.)
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Director of Development, Corinne O’Connell greets the guests and tells them about the organization, and the fulfilment of dreams for those in need.

Frank Monaghan, Executive Director at HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PHILADELPHIA welcomes the guest and talks about “A Habitat ReStore” which is a retail outlet that sells quality used home improvement goods like furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances at a fraction of the normal price. The proceeds are used to help fund the construction of Habitat homes within Philadelphia, and is located at 1829 North 19th Street Philadelphia PA 19121. To donate at item to our ReStore Emily Pratt at 215-765-6000 x16 or emilyp@habitatphiladelphia.org Before calling, please see our Donate to the ReStore page for information on items we accept, tax information, and scheduling a pick-up.Terry Ruggles of NBC 10 and his wife Maryjane Ruggles at the event
Winston Justice of the Philadelphia Eagles was on hand speaking to the guests about his community work both here and in Haiti last year, after the earthquake. Above he’s assisting in building a home for a lucky Philadelphia family.
L – R: Eric Coleman, Danielle Triplett, Winston Justice, Kevon Glickman and Audreyelaine Coleman. The Coleman’s are in line in getting a home in the next year. They told a heart-wrenching story of what it was like to be a family of 6 living on two incomes and at PHA. Thankfully Habitat for Humanity exists and

Over 640 guests were inspired by one of our current 2011 partner families and educated on the work of Habitat Philadelphia. Our guests collectively raised over $160,000.00 critical dollars to help Habitat Philadelphia continue building affordable homes in partnership with families in need!

RAW: natural born artists is an independent arts organization, for artists, by artists. Our mission is to provide independent artists of all creative genres, with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity. RAW educates emerging artists through seminars, workshops and insight to further the knowledge of their industry.
Every two weeks G Lounge at 111 S. 17th St. Philadelphia, PA, hosts RAW and my friend NBC10’s Erin Como is the hostess with the mostest. Check out her outfit this week. If you know Erin she’s a prim and proper little black dress girl, it’s good to see her get her wild on, well besides have her wild hot boyfriend who you will meet in a minute. Above she’s with G Ultra Lounge GM Waylon Nelson, who just celebrated his ONE YEAR anniversary as GM. Christine Mỹ Linh made the dress and Mari Nunez did my hair and makeup

RAW is about Art Fashion Music Film Photography Performing Art, Models, Hair & Makeup showcased all in one night at one place. Who knows the next Lady Gaga could walk among us at these events.

RAW hand-picks and spotlights local artistic talent in film, fashion, music, visual art, hair & makeup artistry, and performance art. With artists from all genres in each showcase, RAW events come together to form an amazing circus of creativity.
Anne Nikolaus and Tina Lamsback
On the catwalk with a cat checking her out. He’s fly in his cardigan, but P Diddy with those sunglasses on, he’s not.
Sometimes when you are in the VIP section it’s not the best view in the house.
I love that a band is performing in the VIP section, meaning G Ultra Lounge really thought outside of the box was they incorporating Raw into their Ultra Lounge as an alternative night. Assistant manager Gary Thorp tells me that the crowd that RAW draws is well behaved, creative and they love having them. Usually they are out of there by 11PM when the dancing crowd starts trickling in, but a lot of people linger and it turns into one great dance party for the evening.
But before that time RAW usually showcases a few fashion shows on what I always called the runway at G, the central walk way.RAW is a community of artist and events. The RAW season runs from February to October every year, hosting a multi-faceted arts event every month in 17 different cities nationwide. RAW currently hosts monthly showcases in: Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Nashville, Austin, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

Nice dress
Erin and Danny – As mentioned earlier “local designer Christine Mỹ Linh made the dress I was wearing and Mari Nunez did my hair and makeup.”
Ellen Rohlfing was a featured artist who thinks RAW is Exciting. Energetic. Surprising!

Over 200 people participated in the annual event which raises funds for Local CBS Radio chief Marc Rayfield and David Dinenberg, of Grasso Holdings, co-chair the fifth annual Poker and Blackjack Tournament on May 4 to benefit the Jewish National Fund of Eastern Pennsylvania, at Del Frisco’s (15th & Chestnut).
The event began at 5:30 with a cocktail hour, silent auction and dinner. The tournament at 7. Tickets were $200 with advance reservation and $220 at the door. It’s only $80 if you don’t want to participate in the gaming, which features cash prizes. Over the past 109 years, JNF has evolved into a global environmental leader by planting 250 million trees, building over 210 reservoirs and dams, developing over 250,000 acres of land, creating more than 1,000 parks, providing the infrastructure for over 1,000 communities, bringing life to the Negev Desert and educating students around the world about Israel and the environment. Click here to learn about our 2010 Highlights and Accomplishments.which no doubt the guy in the blue left with as I took this picture towards the end of the night.
Steve Gartner had a winning night too.
Abby Feiner and Allison Freedman were just a handful of the ladies on hand that evening as it was a testostorone driven, scotch drinking, cigar smoking night. OK cigars were consumed outside on the sidewalk.
Justin Fine #Winning?
Ron Jackson, President of Frank Muller, and Richard Jigarjian, also of Frank Muller show me the $11,000 watch they donated for the live auction.

– Zee Bar is celebrating its fifth year as Philadelphia’s premierclub on Thursday, May 12th 2011 beginning at 10pm with a one-hour VIP preview and select open
bar, sponsored by Grey Goose. Known for its unmatched propensity for hosting breath-taking
events with unforgettable indulgence and commemoration, Zee Bar knows no bounds; this year’s DJ line-up is unprecedented. Guests will be seduced by the sounds of five of the nation’s most revered DJs hailing from Miami, NYC, Las Vegas, DC and Philadelphia.
DJ Konflikt, known for his Sirius XM show and residencies at Louis, Set, and Mansion, is the
reigning king of South Beach, sure to be a crowd pleaser by adding globally-inspired masterpieces to the evening. New York City’s best-kept secret from the Hamptons to the couture runway, Claudius Raphael aka DJ Serious, is one of the most sought after DJ’s in NYC nightlife, notorious for flawlessly flaunting his unique sound – a cross between DowntownHipster and House music.

• 51FIFTY , hot off the Las Vegas Strip, is comprised of DJ Presto One, of the famous Rock

• Steady Crew, and drummer Dustin J. This dynamic drummer/DJ combo has been dubbed as

• “THE HOTTEST SINCE DJ AM-TRVS”. Madonna’s onstage DJ, production guru, and all-around

• Washington, DC wonder, DJ Enferno, will be igniting the dance floor with his much-lauded Live

• Remix Project. Completing this star-studded roster is Philadelphia’s own Josh Wink – creator of

multiple renowned albums under Ovum Records; a true pioneer of techno, house, and allied styles of music. Never understated, Zee Bar will entertain invited guests, including local celebrities and Philadelphia notables alike. Zee Bar’ s beauties, professionally styled, courtesy of Travis Walters along with Suzie Celeck and Julie Dorenbos of Skin Palete, will be available for European bottle RSVP’s are mandatory at zee5rsvp@silenciallc.com. Dress is upscale and fashionable, as always.

To view the invitation, go to http://www.heyphilly.com/zeebar. For additional event information simply
contact Buffy Morgan, Director of Marketing at buffy@zee-bar.com

(Sponsored Advertisement)

Every year when the Horticultural’s Flower Show rolls around in February, in our hearts and minds we say that it’s the kick off to spring, and then a few short weeks later & after a little more snow, it is Spring and time for the Pennsylvania Horticultural’s Annual Party in The Garden.

Drew Becher, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society President and Kate Wilhelm, Senior Vice President of Business Development at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society greet the guests as they enter The Garden Party. For the first time ever the Party was held in the garden and it was breathtaking beautiful with it’s see through tent, which was a good idea since it had rained all day.
as the party time approached the Skies seem to clear just in time. I always look at this event as the key kick off Garden Parties for the ones like the Radnor Hunt on May 21 and like the Devon Horse Show May 26.
Adam Lambert, Beth Lambert and Noah Stein
Michael Ford and his cute baby surrounded by the beauty of the room
Where Magazine editor, Kristina Jenkins, with Where Magazine alumni Will Klein concierge Sofitel, and Laura Burkhardt. Laura has recently accepted a job with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society as Director of Business Development. “So excited to work with this esteemed organization and the amazing team there!” Two beautiful things in Philadelphia, Laura and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. XOXO
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1827. Under the leadership of Drew Becher, PHS provides great events, activities, and publications for novice gardeners, experienced horticulturists, and flower lovers of all ages. Our Mission: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society motivates people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture. Allyson, Kris Paulet-Northeimen and Kathryn

Derek Freres and Alex Balloon

Barbara Chance was spotted with a pretty Iris outfit
Drew Becher greets Middy Dorrance, Tim Boyle and Jennifer Sheppard
Deputy mayor Alan Greenberger was on hand
The park was in full bloom beautiful
David Elliott and Bradley Richards
Royce Yeager and Britt Miller. Check out Britt’s paintings which were just hung at at newest restaurant in Philly, the 1518 Bar & Grill.Christine Madden and Jen McGowan. No doubt one of the best things about the garden party is the hat and the bright color outfits. You know how I like the ladies stylin’ a little color.
Kathryn Ott Lovell, Executive Director of Fairmount Park Conservancy and Jeanette Arthur, Development Associate Fairmount Park Conservancy. The 2011 Centennial Celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 17th at The Horticulture Center in the Centennial District of West Fairmount Park.
Every year there are horse drawn carriages that take you in and around the garden
I left as the party was still in full swing to head over to the Jewish National Fund which was holding it’s annual poker night at Del Frisco’s.

Yesterday I wrote about the Meister family from Pocono, Pa, Shawn, Lori, Jessica & T.J. Meister who were waiting in line at Barnes & Noble to get a guitar signed by Nikki Sixx. The folks at B&N said they wouldn’t allow the guitar to get signed as Sixx was only signing books. They wanted to get the instrument signed for their son Andrew who was being deployed to Afghanistan shortly.
Mr Meister writes me “We Finally made it in to meet Nikki Sixx and yes he did sign the bass for my son Andrew Meister who is currently driving the M1-A1 Abrams Tank & the new Stryker armored personnel carrier.
He is in Fort Benning, GA. And awaiting his orders for Afghanistan.

Nikki was very gracious and remembered us from the last time he was in town signing his Heroin Diaries book.
He remembered my son because last time he didn’t ask for anything to be signed, he just wanted to shake his idols hand, from one bass player to another.

Nikki and his entire crew also said to tell Andrew thank you for what he is doing and for serving our great nation.” – What a nice ending. Thank you Andrew, God Speed. Happy Mother’s Day Jessica, and thanks everyone for this story.

osted by WMMR’s Jacky Bam Bam hosted Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and his new book at a signing at Barnes & Noble last night. “This is Gonna Hurt”
About the book: Music, Photography and Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx, a follow up to his New York Times bestseller, The Heroin Diaries. Just about 750 fans line up to see Nikki, short of the 2,000 he signed for earlier this week in DC.
Nikki was last in town about 4 years ago in 2007. It was then that I really learned about who he was as a celebrity, rocker, role model and how devoted fans his fans are, the Motley Crue as you will see. Sometimes a person might judge a rocker fan with tats, tattered clothing, cursing like a sailor, and long hair, but get beyond the fashion armor and you’ll discover we all need a little love, and desire to be accepted and connected as we are; Nikki fans make up several generations and I found moms, dads and kids in line waiting for hours for a chance to meet Sixx. Rock fans (especially Nikki Sixx) seem to be very genuine, p[passionate and friendly; I would never pass up an opportunity to cover his signings and get a chance to meet the Motley Crew that flocked out in devotion to see him. Many folks were dressed in their favorite concert t shirts and told me the stories of each event, a few were in suits, scrubs, but most were dressed in my choice of clothing all black. Although many came from the tri-state area, I did hear stories of a women who flew in from Iowa, and met more than that who drove down from Albany, up from DC and over from Ohio.
Sugar Free, Yvonne Cuslen aka Vonnie C, Melanie Cunningham with Officer Strange. Wendy Stumpf made espresso brownies and brought Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters Jamaican Me Crazy coffee…from Rochester NY for Nikki Sixx. OK I’m awake.
Debbie & Ally Rivera brought “XS” Energy Drinks for him,
Pretty in Pink – Stylin’ with that hat. Adorable
Hello. Many of these fans arrived early in the morning to pick up their wrist bands.
but there’s a whole crew inside the building in group “A” that arrived the night before. Their reward, they got to hang during the day inside the building.
These fans, and by that I mean a lot of them follow Nikki Stixx from city to city on his tour. Many folks said they follow the band too. They’re like the Grateful Dead fans of years gone by, although there seemed to be a lot less pot smoking in their crowd, and by that I mean none at all. – Lori Mudrick, on left, drove in from Alliance, Ohio as this was the closest if come to hear. She plans the works at 6Am back in Ohio, and she tells me she’s going to make it.
Rock
On


Shawn, Lari, Jessica and TJ traveled down from Pocono, Pa to meet Nikki. They brought son Andrew’s guitar to see if they could get it signed. Andrew couldn’t come cause he is in boot camp preparing to be deployed to Afghanistan. They were hoping that the good folks at B&N would not confiscate it and hold it like they said they would as Nikki was only signing his book. All the fans know that is not the case, Nikki signs whatever you put in front of him. I tried to locate his publicist, but it was too chaotic when Sixx came in. i do hope they were able to get it signed.

Fun scarf. So many generations love Motley Crue.

Crystal Snider and Dean Pierce. He’s a Nikki fan, but is also getting a graph for his sister who couldn’t make it.
Jimmi Shrode

Jenny Penny was bringing him a dozen black roses.


A few Cheerleaders
Can you guess which person is not a Nikki Sixx fan per se, but does love a good photo with a celebrity. He paid $100 bucks to switch places with someone in the front of the line just to get a pix with Nikki. It must have been somewhat odd for Sixx since the guy didn’t have any books to sign, and well the rules were you don’t get a picture with only a picture of, but I saw it and he quickly got the shot he wanted of him and a celeb.

First in line, this crew got to B&N the day before a little before the witching hour of Midnite. Anthony Prestianni, Millvile, Stacie Ortiz, Heather Camp, Morgan Heino, Philadelphia, Paula Lytle, Middletown, Samantha Hunt Grantville, Rosette Watts and Jessica Cole both of Elmira NY, Jodi White, from near a town near Buffalo, NY
Reunion: 4 years ago when Nikki Sixx was in town to promote the Heroin book I met this girl and told her story on my blog that proceeded this one, “Confessions of a Paparazzi”
She had 90 days sober and at the signing gave Nikki her 30 day sober coin. It was touching and I send her a dozen or so photos of the event. Here she was 4 years sober later with the photos that I had sent her and now she was going to get them signed. So sweet. We had a little public AA meeting right then and there chatting about the gifts of sobriety. I get to write mine each and every day right here on PhillyChitChat.com, thanks for your support. So wonderful to re-connect with her and meet her sister too. XOXO

Looking good

Unlike last time, Nikki Sixx wanted intimate times with his fans and asked the photogs to leave. I can relate, he’s a great guy and really has a special relationship with his fans and they probably tell him lots of personal things.
He shook all the photographers hands and thanked them for coming. I got to tell him I was going to celebrate my 20th year sober this year and he grin widely and congratulated moi!

The Philadelphia Soul held a practice session on Market Street in Center City Philly today. Mayor Michael Nutter and former Governor Ed Rendell attended.I thought becoming a full time blogger would have allowed me to go out and cover whatever whenever, but darn I have responsibilities and I couldn’t make it. But thanks to Daniel Morroni, CEO at Morroni custom clothing for the use of these photos.
The team will be shutting down the 16th and 17th block of Market Street in Center City on Thursday, May 5 from noon to 1 p.m. to hold the first ever professional sports team practice on the streets of Philadelphia. The ‘walkthrough’ practice was opened to the public and will be the last practice prior to the Soul’s home game against the Jacksonville Sharks on Friday, May 6 at the Wells Fargo Center, with kickoff at 7:05 p.m. (EST).
Head coach MIKE HOHENSEE and entire coaching staff; Mayor of Philadelphia MICHAEL NUTTER; Former Governor of Pennsylvania ED RENDELL; Co-Majority Owner RON JAWORSKI; Co-Majority Owner CRAIG A. SPENCER; Member of the Ownership Group, PETE CIARROCCHI; Member of the Ownership Group, COSMO DeNICOLA; 2011 Soulmates; VINNIE THE CRUMB; Mascot, SoulMan.

Two years ago The Soul won their ” 2008 Arena Bowl Championship” and had an awesome a parade on Market Street. I was there and here are those snaps.