Loree D. Jones. Chief Executive Office Philabundence
Support Philabundance in their mission to drive hunger from our community with Preston & Steve’s 24th annual Camp Out for Hunger. The event is being held at Xfinity Live in the Wells Fargo parking lot. It’s a little scaled back this year because of Covid, but you can still come down and make a donation and get a goody bag, or stop by the tent and watch the action unfold.
Preston and Steve will be there and the crew
Nick McIlwain, Kathy Romano, Marisa Magnatta, and Casey Foster
Thank you Josh and Michelle for the fantastic Halloween Party at your beautiful home last night. Actually this is Todd Herremans and Elizabeth Herremans who came as their best friends Josh Demarco and Michelle “Measha” Miller the hosts of the party. So uncannily close except for the height and former football conditioned body thing…. I remember I met Todd the first time through Michelle about 14 years ago. I love that he met and married his soulmate in Philly, and they live and raise their family here as well. Can we talk about the wallpaper. I love the DeMarco’s style.
Did I get a photo of the DeMarco’s together, nah, failure on my part. I did get a shot of Michelle and her bestie Karin Annerhed. The two were equally scary, and always so much fun!!
Jackson Duncan and Haile Houck. Haile got the neck makeup from the dollar store and is hoping it comes off easy as it’s adhered by glue.
Friday night I saw Pitbull in concert. While I was watching him I thought we looked uncannily alike, as so many bald, round faced guys do (sans 150lbs and muscles). I had an idea…. Mike came as The My Pillow CEO, and I encourage people to punch in in the pillow, but he didn’t think that was funny. Behind us is a fantastic Beetlejuice which Michelle created. Amazing!!
Josh DeMarco and his brother Rob, who came as the biggest Todd Herremans fan!!
John Whitehaed and Kim Crawford
Alex Holley the Queen of Halloween. After an incredible day of being Missy Elliott on Fox 29 on Friday, where even Missy Elliott gave her props, she came as Toni Braxton to haunt our souls with her sultry looks. I just love another sad song to soothe my soul…..
Happy Halloween everyone. I can’t wait to see who I see today, especially at the Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival in Northern Liberties…I’ll see you tomorrow right here on PhillyChitChat. Thanks…
And if you have a halloween costume or a little something you want to share, email me at HughE @phillyChitChat.com
Today I woke up, sometimes I forget what a blessing, a privilege it is. Why am I here, sometimes I think. I’m not sure but as my mother in law Eleanor Tobe always quoted:
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Fox 29 Announces The Nice Guy Reporter, gets a nice promotion!! Congrats Bill !!
I’ve been neglectful doing this specific post, which I love so much, which I did much more before I got into Social Media and just shared immediately there. But here goes today’s column and I shall return once a week to doing this. It’s odd I have definitely become more lazy post pandemic, or shall I say I cherish my personal time and I get behind. That personal time might be bird watching, watching TV, specifically The Voice, and stalking movie sets. Thankfully Nick Nolte has left the City and I won’t be curious anymore about what he is doing in Rittenhouse Square. Hope you guys have a delicious weekend, and enjoy the Halloween sights, if it’s your thing. I hope to hit up a few parties on Saturday, and neighborhoods on Sunday, including Northern Liberties Hound O Ween Dog Contest. Seriously, I can’t wait to go.
Style Scene Stealer: I photographed this women walking her dog near the Adam Sandler film set a few weeks ago at 15th and Walnut Streets. I LOVE her fashion sense. Those are serious boots with probably the best stories. I wish when I took these candid shots I’d ask people more about their style. Maybe when this Covid thing is finally over, I’ll do my fashion on the street again with Q&A. I do miss Big Rube’s Daily News column. That was fun.
Speaking of style, last night Moore College hosted their 2021 Visionary Women Award evening. (more on that next week). I was chitchatting with Ellen Shepp, who I just say at Shyamaween on Saturday night. She was a judge for best costume. I wasn’t there at that time so let me share with you the winners.
Dave Williams here with his wife Mia Tinari and SIL Nina Tinari and these folks on the right. So good everyone!!
Congratulations to Ilana Waber on her engagement after Nick Gianos popped the question 4 days after her birthday, in beautiful Rittenhouse Square where they met when she asked to pet his dog.
A fundraiser for Judge Lori A. Dumas who is running for Commonwealth Court of PA, was held last night at the Union League. About 100 people came out to support Lori just a few days before the election on November 2 including Nathanial Wallace, Patrick Mahanger, Judge Lori Dumas, Dr. Kevin Baumlin, Mona Terrell Wallace. Spotted were Roslyn Gilbert, John Scott, the Carpenter’s Union, Morgan Wilson, Thanuja Hamilton, Matt Cooke, Brenda Goldsmith, and Dr. Argie Allen-Wilson. Senator Casey appeared via video throwing his support behind Judge Dumas and thanking the guests for their support.
Really proud of this work. I know I was on TV for years, but somewhere along the way I got stage fright and stopped. I worked on somethings over the years, especially doing my elevator chats on InstaStories. I got out of my head, and worked on my self confidence and this beautifully produced promo by Chatterblast is the best of my work in front of the camera in years. Although some of my Sandler interviews were good as well. I feel good now, back in front of the camera. Anywho thanks to Matthew Ray and the Chatterblast team, especially editing, sound, and MAKE UP this was a blast. My mom gives it her stamp of approval. What’s so good is Sheila. It took a lot of control to tone down her always cheerleader enthusiasm, to play Morticia, a self assured vixen!!
Amen!! Thanks Lane Johnson for keeping it real, and helping to remove the stigma of mental health as something to be embarrassed about. We are all going through sometime. Thanks so much for subscribing and reading PhillyChitChat.
Now that you’ve (hopefully) checked off getting Jack-0-Laterns, candy, and which parties your going to attend on your October to-do list, the next big step is figuring out what you’re going to wear. I know for me it’s often a last minute decision as the month just speeds by, especially when it doesn’t quite feel like fall yet. I attended a few Halloween parties this past week and saw a lot of easy get-ups that might appeal to you.
The Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery welcomed ghouls and ghosts to the annual Gravediggers’ Ball fundraising gala, which was held Friday night (10/15/21) at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. The Gravediggers’ Ball is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries, and proceeds from this event support our work as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.
Nancy Goldenberg, President & CEO · Laurel Hill Cemetery and West Laurel Hill Cemetery & Funeral Home with her staff at the Gravediggers Ball (l)
Laurel Hill has a lot of great events coming up for a spooky good time, through out the year. It is also a great place to bird watch, which is what I do there, as well as exercise on their paved paths, and enjoy the beautiful landscape, especially at Laurel Hill as it overlooks Kelly Drive and Fairmount Park.
On Saturday, director M. Night Shyamalan and his wife Dr. Bhavna Shyamalan hosted their annual Halloween party “Shyamaween” at Fabrika in Fishtown. The M. Night Shyamalan Foundation says “all the [Shyamaween] proceeds go to support leaders of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation that are doing amazing work to end poverty and inequality in their communities around the world.”
I hope you have a fantastic, fun Halloween weekend. I’m not good at coming up with ideas, I might just buy a sheet and be a ghost with gigantic eyes so I can photograph the much more creative folks, like you. (I have to thank the Shyamalan’s for inviting me to shoot Shyamaween for the 3rd time. They don’t invite other media, and it’s a huge honor to be able to shoot their event. It had always been a bucket list party for me when I started shooting events, and I have to pinch myself every time I’m there as it was also the party of the season, but everything was a secret where it was held, when it was held etc. THANK YOU!!)
Before you go let me introduce you to a singer you will want to listen to. I am such a fan, she’s so sweet, from our area and very talented.
Introducing: Saleka Shyamalan, known professionally as Saleka, she is an American R&B singer-songwriter. She has an incredible voice. I’ve seen her in concert twice now. Her voice is sultry, a yearning and as mysteries as her the themes in her father’s movies. In a very short time she’s going to be a household name…
Saleka -The Sky Cries (From the Apple TV+ Original Series “Servant,” Season 2) Official Video. Night directed this video. I just finished Servant Season 2, which really helped me connect with the Coopers and understand their heartache much better. Looking forward to season 3 which should come out in January 2022.
Ahhh before I go, check out this Ready Set Philly promo I did to chitchat about events happening this weekend in Philly. Thanks Chatterblast for inviting me to participate. Thanks Sheila Hess, City Rep for being the best Morticia. So much fun to do. Have a great weekend, Uncle Fester (If only I could replicate this look again)
Jud Aaron, Board of Trustees, UArts, Jeffrey Lutsky, chair of UArts’ Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2021. His board service began in 2010 and David Yager, President & CEO of UArts
On Tuesday, Sept. 14, University of the Arts celebrated the achievements of Jeffrey Lutsky, chair of UArts’ Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2021. His board service began in 2010.
During his tenure, Lutsky orchestrated the hiring of President & CEO David Yager, positioned UArts to articulate and achieve its mission and initiated Uniquely UArts: the Campaign for Creative Capital, the university’s first-ever comprehensive campaign.
The celebration was held in UArts’ Center for Immersive Media, which opened in 2019. The Center is a place where students and faculty can explore the opportunities and implications of what it means to be immersed in data, simulations, stories, performance and digital communities. It was the first time many of the Trustees, staff, supporters and friends of UArts had seen each other in two years.
The Campaign for Creative Capital has raised more than $58 million in support of UArts’ quest to achieve a new level in arts education. In recognition of his efforts and dedication to the university, Lutsky was presented with a custom-printed cymbal signed by UArts trustees and staff.
Upcoming events at UArts include in-person screenings at Lightbox Film Center and exhibitions. Learn more at uarts.edu.
Philly has been hot, hot, hot with films lately being shot here including the just wrapped Adam Sandler’s Hustle, which filmed late last year and this past summer. Look for Christian Bale to shoot in our area in December. But for the past few weeks legendary actor Nick Nolte has been filming in our area, especially in Rittenhouse Square, as well as in Ardmore, the art museum area, and in Center City.
Without giving away too much of the plot, the film is about a young man , played by actor Dharon E. Jones (r), last seen in West Side Story on Broadway, who befriends a homeless man Nick Nolte (c) , who lives in Rittenhouse Square and their relationship over the years. It’s directed by Philadelphia native director Brandon Eric Kamin (l), who’s last film was “The Nomads” which was also filmed in Philadelphia.
I caught up with the filming in Rittenhouse Square last week, about 7 days into filming. Nick Nolte was looking very much like we grown accustomed to him looking on the red carpet for the past decade. The set was relaxed and they allowed spectators to watch the action, as long as they stayed out of the scene.
In this scene Nick Nolte was dancing to a busker in the park, played by Sixers personality Christian Crosby, founder of @livelifenice.
Over the years films shot in Rittenhouse Square, “The Happening”, “Paranoia”, “Dispatches from Elsewhere”.
SPOTTED: Rittenhouse movie producer Andrew Greenblatt (l), who is doing double duty these past few weeks as he’s the executive director of both the 23d Philadelphia Film Festival, which is going on now, and the Philadelphia Film Society. Last Saturday night I photographed him at Shyamaween 2021 Benefiting The M. Night Shyamalan Foundation playing Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Check out photos from the party at CBSPhilly
Remember a few weeks ago I wrote about sightings of super model Ashley Graham and her family at the Philly Zoo and Zahav restaurant. Now I know why, her husband Justin Ervin a successful director, is DP (director of photography) on Rittenhouse the movie. I hear she’s been in town for a while, but low key. Their next big production together is the birth of their twins any day now.
As it’s been the very busy social season these days, I really didn’t have time to visit the set daily as well as Nick Nolte wearing the same clothes every day,
but yesterday a reader sent me a photo of Nick Nolte getting a haircut on set, and that is a new look which would motivate me to shoot the set again. It’s like when a celebrity appears at a red carpet event and I’d photograph them there, and they go to the after party, change their dress, which would motivate us to photograph them there as well. I don’t remember if I told you the story of Angelina Jolie, but basically she wears the same black outfit when strolling around NYC. It’s not very motivating for us to get shots of her as she looks the same everyday, just a different location. It’s interesting to note that actor Dharon E. Jones wears the same clothes for both scenes I shot as well.
It was a fun shoot. If you’re looking to work as an extra in any of these films head to Heery-Loftus Casting and apply. Looking to have your home or space considered for a filming location, head to GPFO as they have a form for you to fill out. Thanks to both these companies for bringing films to our area. Support Philly Film Tax Credits. Thanks to my readers who tip me off, which helps me to bring these stories to you. If you are in any of these photos, drop me a note and I will send you a copy. Have a great day!!
The Barnes Museum hosted its annual Arts Ballon Friday, October 15th, a special evening to celebrate the institution and its enduring legacy. The black-tie event raised critical funds that ensure the future of the Barnes Foundation’s educational mission, exhibition program, and wide array of community, artistic, and scholarly projects.
Guests enjoyed an exhibit of Suzanne Valadon: Model, Painter, Rebel, the first exhibition dedicated to the French artist and model Suzanne Valadon at a major US arts institution.
Katherine English and Paul Wood
The annual soiree attracted fellow artists, collectors, philanthropists, community partners, thought leaders, and connectors who reconvened in person for a night of diverse and dynamic creative experiences.
Sharon Kim and Andrew Teufel arrive at the ball, accepting a glass of champagne as they enter
The Vaccine Mandated event had guests enjoying the pre festivities in the courtyard before enjoying special performances, exhibits, dinner, and mingling inside the museum, mask free.
Make a 100% tax-deductible to support the Barnes Foundation donation online
John Medveckis, Honorary Consul of Latvia and Helen Drutt English, renowed art crafts person
Scene stealer of the night had to been Jen Su, TV and Radio presenter, wearing a beautiful dress by Philadelphia Designer Conrad Booker. HE also did her shoes.
Gregory Walker, The Brothers Network and Doris Parent
Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer and Joseph Neubauer, Barnes Board of Trustee
Bonnie Young and Tuesday Gordon-Gaines.
Singer, song writer Laurin Talese, legendary music maven Dyana Williams, celebrity strategist and James Claiborne, Curator of Public Programs · Barnes Foundation
Sarah Hall and Aileen Roberts, Chair of Board at Barnes Foundation
Kiersten Ensley, Marianne Dean, one of the co-chairs of this evenings event and son Michael Dean,
Sharon Pinkenson, Tina and Julian Krinsky, Garret Snider, Lauren Jarvis, and Lauren Colovita
Steven Lagos (3rd from left) and his team, including long time GM Janice Waitkus (2nd from right), who is retiring next week. Best wishes to you Janice.!!
And then it was time for me to go to the next event that evening, the Gravediggers Ball at the Penn Museum. More on that next week. It’s so nice to see events, galas, parties come back, and people enjoying themselves, at a pace they are comfortable with, and most importantly to support the arts, culture, business and each other once again. Enjoy your weekend and thank you for subscribing (only 60 more for 43ks. You will receive the post right in your email, you don’t have to click on anything to see what is happening around our area) . Look for more photos from the Barnes Art Ballin the December issues of Main Line Today and Philly Style Magazine. Thanks for visiting PhillyChitChat. Best wishes, HughE
Last week I checked out a new event space >> BLDG39 at the Arsenal which is a re-adaptive historical & industrial style event venue in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia. It is located right off i-95 only 15 minutes from Center City with ample parking for guests. BLDG39 hosted a Fall Open House for guests to experience tasty food selections, craft cocktails, and entertainment from their food partners, vendor partners, and local beverage partners. It was very easy to get to, and they really have a big parking lot right in front of the venue. The building was beautifully restored, with high ceilings, original brick, it was spacious and had garage doors to enjoy the outdoor space as well.
Look how pretty this is, there was even a circus performer hanging from the ceiling, a vendor which you could contract to appear at your event. It was really neat. The lighting and staging of the space. Definitely a unique space.
Josh Moore of Josh Eats Philly was ready to eat Bldg 39 at the Arsenal
Event spaces work with various vendors so they have just the right options for clients tastes. The vendors were on hand showcasing what they had to offer. I love a good table setting.
Depending on the style of event and seating arrangements, BLDG39 can accommodate up to 250 guests. BLDG39 was thoughtfully created to be both an event venue and a co-working commissary kitchen for local caterers and food trucks. These talented local caterers and food trucks are options for catering for BLDG39’s events.
Karen Kratchman-Gold, co-owner of Classic Cake and Kathy Bell, Director of Sales Classic Cake, tell me that their biggest selling cake is called the “Dr. J” cake, sour cream based pound cake with chocolate fudge. The 2nd best selling cake is their Carrot Cake. They’re one of my favorite cake stores, as the original store was located a few miles from where I grew up in Cherry Hill. They’re a vendor of BLDG39.
Darcy Hill, Gabby Forgione,Chef Ashley James, Managing Director of Culinary · Di Bruno Bros. and Jackie Grillo
This dynamic creates a unique ecosystem for all to thrive and allows them to “strut their stuff” in their own home! BLDG39 was built in 1917 during war times and was carefully renovated to preserve the history within its walls. It is family-owned and operated by three generations. The distressed walls, original doors, and high ceiling are a reminder of the history of the building while also providing a modern & industrial backdrop for any event. The venue is a perfect blank canvas for weddings, milestone celebrations, and all types of corporate functions.
Amanda Bray, loved the space. It’s very unique and different. Lauren Hudnell says she loves the Rustic feel.
Jorge and Liz soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Pagan as they are getting married at BLDG39 next year. She found it on the internet, and loved what the space had to offer. The parking really clinched the deal as well.
CEO Greg Deavens, (on right) Temple president Jason Wingard with IBC Foundation Healthcare Scholars, (l to r) Hannah Mahler Sakeesha Similien, Jamirah Branch, and Justine Jones.
The program will: Provide full 4-year academic scholarships for up to 20 students of color to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Temple Support students through learning communities, tutoring, and additional academic resources Offer mentorship and experiential learning opportunities for high school students to raise awareness of nursing as a career and help them meet Temple admissions criteria Provide job placements within Temple University Health System upon graduation
Gregory E. Deavens,Independence Blue Cross president and CEO. “Independence is a champion of health equity and social change, ta
“A diverse nursing workforce is essential to providing culturally competent care in communities of color, so we must make sure nursing education is an option for all who want to enter the career,” said Gregory E. Deavens,Independence Blue Cross president and CEO. “Independence is a champion of health equity and social change, tackling challenges through partnerships like the Healthcare Scholars Pipeline Program. We are proud to work with Temple University and Philadelphia-area high schools to launch this program and mark another milestone in our twenty-year journey of support for nursing.”
Dr. Jason Wingard, president of Temple University.
“We’re immensely grateful to have the Independence Blue Cross Foundation as a partner in this important endeavor,” said Dr. Jason Wingard, president of Temple University. “Through this collaboration, our College of Public Health will facilitate the development of a pipeline of highly-talented and diverse nurses. The importance of intentionally targeting these frontline practitioners is crucial given the current complexities of the healthcare system. So, we’re excited to collaborate with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation to enhance equity and access of training in support of preparing a best-in-class workforce.”
Steve Fera is executive vice president of public affairs at Independence Blue Cross (Independence).
Senator Christine Tartaglione, Councilperson Shariff Street, Councilperson Cindy Bass, with teachers, mentors, and students from Temple
In addition to full scholarships, students will receive academic support including paid internships, learning communities and mentorships to further support their undergraduate nursing experience and academic achievement. The initial cohort will include five students from north Philadelphia and surrounding neighborhood high schools and will later expand to additional schools and up to 20 students.
