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Spotted: Andrea Bocelli at Top Tourist Spots; ARod Enjoying BB; New Year’s Eve?

Stratus Lounge

We are in the middle of merriment as Christmas is only 13 days away, can you believe it. Time really flies, even when folks put up their trees and lights in October now. I have a few stops to make this week, and then I go away to see the family. Hope you are making memories, even if you’re staying home. Watch TV with friends. Sometimes I watch with them on the phone, other times I ask one of my friends to watch something and then chitchat on the phone after we’ve both watched it to figure out what went on; I know most of you have watched And Just Like That by now. Great to be back with the girls, but wowsie!!

Stratus Lounge, high above Independence Park with it’s sky views, had a few of us over for a festive holiday celebration last Thursday. 433 Chestnut St., 11th Floor of Kimpton Hotel Monaco I 215.925.2889 I https://stratuslounge.com/ Don’t miss their New Year’s Eve celebration.

Ring in New Year’s Eve at Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the chic rooftop venue on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, on Friday, December 31 with Mr. Hollywood DJ’s First Annual NYE Bash. Starting at 9pm, guests can bid farewell to 2021 under the stars with top-tier entertainment, celebratory cocktails, premium open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and more. 
General Admission Gold ($150) includes entry to Stratus Rooftop Lounge and open bar, whereas General Admission Platinum ($175) includes admission, open bar, reserved pavilion food areas, and seating.  (Trust me spend the extra $25, you’ll want access to the pavillions)
Click here for details on tickets and packages. 

Congratulations Contour Body Studio on your new spot in Ardmore at 55 Rittenhouse Place!!  

Congratulations to WMMR’s Pierre Robert on 40 years with the station. His friends and co-workers, ie friends, through him a party at Rittenhouse’ Charley Dove formerly Audrey Claire’s.

Here’s what Marisa Magnatta posted:

“We all have a story of meeting Pierre for the first time. Mine occurred after The Stones ‘No Security Tour.’ We saw him outside the First Union Center recording concert coverage with the Roving Rock Microphone and my dad nudged me to say hi.

I did. When Pierre asked this 16yr old girl in 1999 what she thought of the band I replied “they’re phat!” He giggled and said “well, that has to be the first time Mick has ever been referred to as fat!”

And that was it. I didn’t even recall that memory until years later, after working with Pierre through countless post-concert coverages, followed by late night dinners and enjoying just a handful of martinis together.

He is a friend and a mentor. And not just to the lucky folks working at @933wmmr, but to the whole damn city!”

Andrea Bocelli was in town this past week to perform with the Philly Pops Wednesday at Wells Fargo. He and his family arrived on Monday and checked into the Four Seasons. Have you seen their Christmas decorations. So beautiful. You don’t have to be staying there, or even eating there to stop by and see the glory. That evening Bocelli his wife Veronica Berti his daughter Virginia and a few friends headed to Gran Caffe L’Aquila with a few friends. They didn’t even announce they were going, just got a resy, sat and ate. They’re just like us, but Andrea and Virginia can sing like angels. Yes it’s true, she is gifted. She sang a few songs with him at his Wells Fargo concert. The next day they were off to explore Philly. First stop Christmas Village, then to Dilworth Park for ice skating. A stop in Macy’s. A few people recognized him, and he stopped for photos. Then it was back to the Four Seasons and dinner at JG Sky High, with it’s beautiful views. Wednesday was rest and the concert.

Speaking of Wells Fargo Center- Alex Rodriguez, A Rod was in the house Saturday night. J-Lo’s ex, Yankee superstar, entrepreneur was spotted at the Wells Fargo Center as the Sixers trounced the Golden State Warriors 102 – 93!!! (Thanks to Caryn Kunkle who tagged me in this photo)

Time got away with me this week. Here are a list of parties I photographed and which media picked them up.

The Opening of The Fin – which by the way was delicious. Reasonably priced. Great atmosphere, and roomy.

Change Our Future Art & Sole – Sneaker Ball Metro Philly Philadelphia Tribune

Gallery: PHILADANCO! returns with “Fast Forward… To The Future”

Celebrating The Weitzman National Museum Of American Jewish History’s New Name

CBSPHILLY Philly Metro

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And just Like That…Christmas is Everywhere

North Side of City Hall 12/5/21, yes that ferris wheel works…there’s also a double decker Merry Go Round in the City Hall Courtyard. During the warmer months it will be located at Penns Landing!!

Hey Besties, that’s the turn all the young kids are using on TikTok and Instagram these days. I used to just call people folks, hey folks, besties seems fun cause after all these years we’re kinda on that level. Can you believe Christmas is only 15 days away, but what that really means to me is we only have about 10 days to really enjoy the holiday lights, decor and energy as the closer we get, the closer we have to get busy planning the day with family, friends and food.

I know I have been MIA these past few weeks, posting here or there, so I am going to do once big wrap up and holidays I’ve covered. NOW as I always state if you are following me on Social I may have touched on a few of these places, not all, cause I do like to save a little for youse who may cross over on all platforms.

Sheila Hess, City Rep, Kris Kennedy, Northern Liberties Business Improvement District Executive Director, radio legend, WDAS’ Patty Jackson, Cinderella, Glu Hospitality’s Derrek Gibbons and Tim Lu

The first Christmas tree lighting in Northern Liberties took place on North Second Street on Nov. 30, 2021. Donations for Operation Santa with Northern Liberties Neighbors Association  Next Up for Figo: Santa Claus is coming to Northern Liberties at the brand-new Figo Ristorante at 1033 N. 2nd Street. Figo’s beautiful new outdoor Christmas patio and cocktail garden is decorated from top to bottom, complete with the neighborhood tree standing at 16 foot tall. The Figo Brunch with Santa will take place on Saturday, December 18 and Sunday, December 19, from 10:00am to 2:30pm. Reservations are available on Open Table.

Old City District Menorah Lighting

Old City Tree Lighting

The opening of Christmas Village

Christmas Village is open every day through Christmas Eve

The Macy’s Light Show is a must stop on your holiday list. Sadly though this year Macy’s has limited the show to once a day, it couldn’t possibly have anything to do with social distancing since now everyone must see the show at 10:30am. Even though it’s a department store, please support it over ordering online, it employees locals and supports Free performances of the light show: at 10:30 a.m. beginning December 1 to 24, 2021, and at 11:30 a.m. from December 26 to 31, 2021. Visit Santa virtually or in person, but make a reservation https://www.macys.com/social/santa-land/?cache=1639153653114
Also if you are avoiding people feel free to check out Dicken’s Village on youtube

Not disappointing was a visit to the Reading Terminal, they have new shops and this cool Instagramable spot which is located on the east side of the market where the salad bar used to be located. Holidays at Reading Terminal Market Santa is visiting the market on December 18!!

Last night I went to Winter in Franklin Square presented by Citizens featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO. It was a spectacular show every 30 minutes. This year the entire park lights up, and not just the fountain. Plus stop by the heated Franklin’s Winter View and get into the holiday spirit with a Candy Cane Cocktail, Red Nose Rum Punch, or Merry Christmas Bourbon. That’s right! FREE shows every 30 minutes 5 pm until closing today through December 31!

For more fun spots to check out before the holiday season is done, check out Visit Philly!!

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Scene: The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade

Saturday night a new parade was held in Philadelphia to celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the Chinese New Year.

‘The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade,’ feature arts and culture groups from multicultural backgrounds. Floats, balloons, dance troupes, and several marching bands.

The parade kicked off at 2nd and Market Streets at 5PM.

The Primark store invited a few friends to ride on their Double Decker bus as it made it’s away along Market Street for the Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade.

Kids and adults lined the street, smiling, waving with joy. It was great to see, especially after what we’ve all been through.

The Unionville High School rendition of “The Grinch” was fantastic. I bet they put on a great school play too!!

What a thrill it was for the Boston Market employees to ride on the Unity of Families Float sponsored by Boston Market
Primark and Boston Market gave out goodies along the parade route.
A performance by Dance 4 Life, Wilmington De.

Who knew, Santa was legendary Phillies coach Charlie Manuel, they kept it secret so the kids…. Thank you to all those involved, it was a huge success, on a limited budget, which created priceless memories for kids and adults a like. A dream come true for years to come, a dream by Mayor Jim Kenney, who always wanted a lighted holiday parade, as some other cities have, but he really created one, uniquely Philly. Thanks to the City Rep’s office, Visit Philly, Cashman Pr, and especially the team from Welcome America who produced the event. Thanks to Boston Market and Primark for sponsoring me to photograph the parade.

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Photos: Scenes from the 2021 Philadelphia Christmas Tree Lighting

Last night was one of the first big events the City (in person) has held since the pandemic. With socially distancing in mind, the City closed streets on the north side of City Hall, so folks could spread out as they choose. AND IT WAS FABULOUS. I’ve experienced the tree lighting for many years, in City Hall Courtyard, at Love Park, on the West side of City Hall and now a few times on the North side, always kinda tight because the lighting of the tree is like watching fireworks but you can be close. The production was great, this year they had a sponsor, friends section to the left of the staging area, and Philadelphians still had the best viewing spot in front of the stage, spread out along the street, and at the elevated MSB plaza.

The MSB area was sponsor village, where guests enjoyed giveaways from generous sponsors, including Boston Market, (they had a cool photo booth) Wawa (I had a few too many cookies) , Primark had a spin the wheel where guests could win pens, stickers, ear buds or a tote bag, HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD gave out kisses,

NRG gave out really cute lit Santa hats *BTW the holiday tree is powered by NRG., aren’t those hats cute?

The folks behind the scenes – Brenda Goldsmith, hands on producer of Philly Holidays, as well as so many parades and activations in the country, Sheila Hess, City Representative who’s office produced the tree lighting and Michael DelBene, President & Chief Executive of Wawa Welcome America and Philly Holidays. 2nd photo Robert Nonemacker, City Reps Office, Events and Special Projects Manager

Thanks for posing for me!!
  • Brandon Mandia, Christie Mandia, Director of Marketing & Special Projects for Boston Market, and Jackie Koller, Chatterblast
  • 6ABC’s Rick Williams and Cecily Tynan, hosted the tree lighting
  • Thanks to CBSPhilly for our media partnership for over 4 years now. I couldn’t have made it through the pandemic without them, helping me spread the word on the good news of Philly.
  • Bruce Shannon, Michelle Shannon, Vice President of Marketing & Communications of Center City District and friend.
Cashman & Associates helping out Primark
  • Kevin Lessard, Communications Director at the City of Philadelphia,, and Michael Newmuis, Visit Philly, Chief of Staff – Visit Philadelphia
  • Joy Harris, American Sign Language Interpreter for Philadelphia, Michael Harris, Director of Marketing & Special Projects for the Philadelphia Phillies

Then on Saturday December 4, 2021: It’s the

Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade

The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade is perfect event for all Philadelphians looking for some holiday cheer! This inclusive parade will feature floats representing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, and Christmas, with performances by local marching bands, cold air balloons of your favorite holiday characters, and much more. The parade starts in Old City at 2nd and Market, and goes towards City Hall. Any spot is a great spot to watch from, but definite stop by Primark, do some early shopping, enjoy music spinning by DJ, and take a chance on winning gift cards for shopping at Primark. Look out for the Boston Market Unity Float, and for moi as I will be giving out $5 off Boston Market coupons for use in their stores in our area. Give me a shout out and I’ll take your photo and you might see if here, or in my column at CBSPhilly.

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Don’t Miss It: City of Philadelphia Tree Lighting Ceremony Thursday & Saturday Holiday Parade

This year, the Holiday Tree Lighting is back in-person and better than ever. The city’s showstopping holiday tree, located on the Wawa Holiday Plaza on the north-side of City Hall, will be lit on Thursday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. to celebrate the kick-off of the holiday season.

This year, viewers are encouraged to come out and be a part of one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions in-person. The full event will also be exclusively broadcast live on 6abc. The in-person tree lighting ceremony, produced by the Office of City Representative, will feature performances by Philly-based artists and Disney’s premier a cappella singing sensation, DCappella.

BUT the nights events begin at 5PM where guests can enjoy giveaways from generous sponsors, including Bank of America, Wawa, NRG, Primark, HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD, Boston Market, Tastykake, and Books in Homes at the MSB Plaza across the street on on North Broad Street. The north side of City Hall will be closed. You’ll also be able to enjoy the Christmas Village Ferris Wheel, double decker Merry Go Round in City Hall Courtyard, as well as the shops Philly Made holiday shops on the west side of City Hall.

Then, beginning at 7:00 p.m., watch as dozens of hand-designed and painted ornaments and 5,000 linear feet of multi-color LED lights come to life on the 45-foot, 40-year-old tree. More Info Can Be Found HERE

Then on Saturday December 4, 2021: It’s the

Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade

The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade is perfect event for all Philadelphians looking for some holiday cheer! This inclusive parade will feature floats representing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, and Christmas, with performances by local marching bands, cold air balloons of your favorite holiday characters, and much more. The parade starts in Old City at 2nd and Market, and goes towards City Hall. Any spot is a great spot to watch from, but definite stop by Primark, do some early shopping, enjoy music spinning by DJ, and take a chance on winning gift cards for shopping at Primal

What are the Covid-19 Protocols for the Holiday Events? 

Both the Tree Lighting and the Parade are outside this year, however we are expecting large crowds so we encourage everyone in attendance to bring a mask and maintain social distance when possible.  

What should I bring to these events? 

  • Children, Friends, Family
  • Blankets 
  • Winter wear (Hat, Coat, Gloves, Scarf, Hand Warmers)
  • Smiles,and be ready to create memories
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Giving Tuesday: BLOCS; The Wardrobe, Cancer Support

2021 marks the first year Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) participates in #iGiveCatholic, the nationally recognized Catholic Giving Tuesday campaign. BLOCS visited St. Laurentius School (1612 E. Berks St.) on November 29, to discuss the gift of giving.

Since 1980, BLOCS has been committed to providing eligible pre-K, grade school, high school and special education students access to high-quality, values-based Catholic education. In 2020, BLOCS awarded more than $50 million to fund over 16,000 scholarships, including $1.8 million in emergency aid going to over 2,200 families impacted by the COVID

Fishtown first graders welcome BLOCS Marketing Director Katie Rose Thornton to Saint Laurentius to celebrate Giving Tuesday #iGiveCatholic

More than 96¢ of every dollar donated to BLOCS is distributed directly in the form of need-based scholarships to partner schools for local students and families. Donations to BLOCS Giving Tuesday can be made at bit.ly/BLOCSgivesCatholic

The Wardrobe, formerly known as Career Wardrobe, is a nonprofit social enterprise open to all. Our goal is to eliminate clothing insecurity by outfitting people for life or work. Clothing combined with personalized support helps 5,000 people a year look and feel their best to move forward in their lives.

The Cancer Support Community includes three institutes that are critical to fulfilling our mission including the Cancer Policy Institute (which advocates to make the patient voice heard in policy and decision making), the Institute for Excellent in Psychosocial Care (focused on direct services and programs), and the Research and Training Institute (dedicated to conducting cutting-edge psychosocial, behavioral, and survivorship research).

Philly Mag has a great list of Philly Nonprofits to Give to This Year HERE Happy Giving Tuesday!!

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Philadelphia Fund Alliance Gala Raises $100,000 for Friends of the Wissahickon

More than 130 Philadelphia-area asset management industry professionals gathered to support the Philadelphia Fund Alliance’s Sixth Annual Gala on Nov. 4 at The Logan Philadelphia. The event raised $100,000 for Friends of the
Wissahickon, a 2700-member nonprofit formed to conserve and improve the 1800-acre Wissahickon Valley Park.
The Philadelphia Fund Alliance is a group of Philadelphia-based asset management industry professionals formed to
hold an annual fundraiser to benefit one or more charities in the Greater Philadelphia area. The annual fundraiser not
only supports a great cause, but it also highlights Philadelphia’s deep roots and influence in national financial markets and services, including traditional mutual funds and alternative asset vehicles.

Melody Wolske of PwC and Kim Osborne of Glenmede Investment Management.

Lori Wayne and Melinda Battista of SEI Investments Company.

Kevin Boyle, Bruce Leto, Cory Hippler and Gary Bagin of Stradley Ronon

Henry Orvin, Lauren Connor and Ryan Schrader of Mondrian Investment Partners.

Nate Bomberger, Justin Dutka and Reese Blair of Deloitte.

Mike Mabry of Stradley Ronon; and David Connor, Jill Lubold and Brian Murray of Macquarie Asset Management.

  • Kseniya Suslava, Mary Ellen Mahoney, Jim Mahoney and Len DiPietro of Tait Weller.
  • Tim Rampe, JP Marquess and Alex Lovell of Lovell Minnick.
  • T.J. Keefe and Gloria Liu of Faegre Drinker; and Ted Edwards and Raffaele Cicala of Troutman Pepper.
  • John Braun of BBD; Steve Connors of Embassy Capital; and Jim Kaiser and Ralph Petagna of BBD.

Anna Palutis, Brook Schneck, Ted Sloyer, John Pedorenko and Thomas Melone of PwC.

Michael Amugo, Jeff Lutsky, Mena Larmour and Grace Wydeven of Stradley Ronon.

Mac Humble, Stephanie Little, John Canning, Tom De Cain of Chenery Compliance Group; and Steve Kneeley of
Glenmede Investment Management.

Sarah Marley, Ruffian Tittmann, Shawn Green and Alyssa Edwards of Friends of the Wissahickon.

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Parx Casino Gives Free Thanksgiving Meals At Senior Center

Parx Casino Gives Free Thanksgiving Meals At Senior Center

Parx Casino, located in Bucks County, gave out thousands of free meals at the Bristol Township Senior Center earlier this week.

The event started at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, with thousands of pre-prepared meals ready to be given to the senior citizens at the center. Seniors who came were also given a weeks supply of meals and soups.

“The Parx Casino and Caring for Friends partnership is a tremendous opportunity to build a legacy of care in our community,” said Ron Davis (hat), Parx Casino Director of Diversity and Community Development. “We are thankful to our team members who are always willing to help with outreach to those in need. We celebrate making a difference.”

The casino also donated a $15,000 check to Caring for Friends for all their work in the Bucks County area. The event was a collaboration between the casino and the organization in an effort to combat hunger in the Bucks County area.

Last Saturday, Parx Casino executives and team members cooked, packed and prepared Thanksgiving meals for seniors to give away for the holiday Carrie Nork Minelli · Director of Advertising & Public Relations at Parx Casino told me.

“With so many people in our area facing hunger, Parx’ efforts are helping provide a happier and heartier Thanksgiving dinner not just to the Bucks County seniors here today, but to thousands of neighbors in need in the greater Philadelphia region.” said Caring For Friends CEO Vince Schiavone.

ABOUT CARING FOR FRIENDS
Founded in 1974 on the belief that no one should be hungry or alone in a world of caring people, Caring for Friends is a volunteer organization and independent food bank serving greater Philadelphia. Through its flagship meal delivery program, CFF provides food and friendship to homebound seniors, veterans and those with disabilities. And thanks to generous donations of time, money and product, CFF also provides meals to people experiencing homelessness, and donates food to more than 250 community partners working in unserved and underserved neighborhoods. So far in 2021, CFF has rescued, sourced and distributed more than a million pounds of food a month to help fight hunger. Anyone can volunteer in their own community on their own time by cooking meals, packing snacks, making deliveries or visiting with clients. Get involved at caringforfriends.org.

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Scenes: 102nd 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual Thanksgiving Day parade held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is presently sponsored and aired by ABC owned-and-operated television station WPVI-TV, through a co-sponsorship agreement with restaurant chain Dunkin’. (Wikipedia)

Believe it or not this is the first time I applied for credentials. I normally wander the streets to capture random folks. Next year I’ll probably split my time between both. It’s cool to watch the behind the scenes, but it’s great to capture the smiles on spectators faces.

Hey Alicia and Adam!!

Thanuja Hamilton after belting out Dare to Dream
Jerry Blavat has a moment with Sheryl Lee Ralph

Actress Quinta Brunson, greets Tamron Hall as actress Sheryl Lee Ralph looks on at 102nd 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Whomp There it Is! But I’m sad cause no one told me Sheila Hess was on this float. How crazy is that?

People are sooo excited when they see Santa. It’s very heartwarming. HOPE LOVE LIVE xox

The End!!

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Spotted: Bradley Cooper & Family, Sean V Bradley, Kevin Hart, Thanuja Sings

Bucks County businessman and Boston Market owner Jay Pandya and son Rohan Pandya donated turkeys to Harvest Ministries at their Holiday Food Drive yesterday. It’s too late to order your Thanksgiving meal from Boston Market catering now, but definitely do it for the upcoming holidays. It’s a breeze. Everything is pre cooked and only needs to be reheated.

Love is in the Air: On and off again couple Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk (white coat) have been photographed in NYC this passed month, arm and arm, loving it up. Last weekend they were spotted with their daughter in Cape May @beachplumfarm having dinner, and on Washington Street watching fudge being made at Fudge Kitchen according to jerzegurl4ever (These photos are by two different people Left is Lauren Laughlin and right is jerzegurl4ever )


Philly Born Celebrity, actor, comedian Kevin Hart has been in and around Philly for the past couple weeks meeting with entrepreneurs as part of a JP Morgan investment in the City , then trying out comedy bits @heliumcomedyphl a few weeks ago, and this past weekend he was spotted at Punch Line Philly

 Comedy fans at Punch Line Philly got a surprise Saturday night when Kevin Hart joined David A Arnold @iamjulieharnold during a performance on Saturday night. Arnold invited Kevin Hart, the executive producer of Arnold’s latest Netflix special, to join him Saturday night much to the excitement of the audience. Hart kept the audience laughing. He then had a surprise pop up performance at Punchline, which is where Will Helms got the above photo. ALSO Philadelphia comedian @comedybyturae also made a surprise appearance. . Today Kevin Hart’s new shot @netflix #TrueStory comes out.

Check out photos here on CBSPhilly . Speaking of Thanksgiving Day Parade….

SO EXCITED MY Friend Thanuja is singing in the Thanksgiving Day Parade tomorrow. Catch her in the 9 O’Clock Hour. Thanuja has an incredible voice, and we’ve been blessed to hear her sing over the years. Never has she sung in public, I thought the first time would be at my funeral, someday. I already picked out the songs. BUT so glad you all get to hear her sooner than that….. Happy Thanksgiving, although I will be doing a post tomorrow as well. Thanks always for all your support, for reading PCC and saying hello on the street when you see me. HughE