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center city

Philly To Do

Commonweal Art Gallery Opens In Philly

October 11, 2021 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

In the past few months people have been yearning to go out , and we here at Philly Chit Chat have been very busy photographing many of the hot and happening events. Thanks to team photographer Andre Flewellen for capturing the opening of Commonweal Art Gallery earlier this month. Let’s see who made left their leggings at home and came to check out this new art gallery.

The arts scene in Philadelphia continues to grow with the opening of Commonweal which happened October 1st, 2021. The gallery features emerging and mid-career Philadelphia artists and designers from across the city’s creative communities.  The artists for Commonweal’s inaugural program were chosen because their work focuses on social and cultural themes important to our city and its residents while remaining engaged with evolving national and global conversations. The works of featured designers form a capsule collection of objects exclusive to the gallery. The designers have engaged their material expertise to create an array of unique functional objects whose quality and thoughtfulness are intended to enrich their user’s daily experience through their use.

Photo on Right: Caitlin Clark, Alec Conner, Owner of Commonweal Gallery and Priyanka Setty

Kate Marlys, Philly PR Girl and Andrianna Acosta check out the art at Commonweal Gallery located at 1607 Latimer Street, 19103 featuring feature G. Farrel Kellum and Warith Taha

Sitting Pretty: Gabrielle Ochoco, and Sabir Peele, Men Style Pro

Alec Conner, chats with creators Dan Tague, multi-media artist and Olivia Verdugo, Founder and Designer at C R U S H

October featured designer is C R U S H studio, an ongoing materials collaboration between Jenna Robb and Olivia Verdugo. They have created the Grounding Cushion, an object that is intended to reduce stress and refocus on the present moment through touch, for the gallery’s capsule design collection.

Making the scene is Ian Michael Crumm, and Toni Leslie, who had stepped away for a bit to explore lives other offerings, but the pandemic has brought them back to the Philly scene . I have a feeling we’ll see more of these two creatives in the near future. Plus Happy Birthday this week Ian!!

For more information, you can also follow Commonweal on their Instagram and Facebook pages. For press inquiries and/or media requests, please contact Katerina@PhillyPRGirl.com. 

Uncategorized

Wawa at Broad & Walnut Closed for Good

August 3, 2020 by HughE Dillon 2 Comments

8/3/20 at 1102AM – A few weeks ago I passed the Wawa at Broad & Walnut, and posted this message to my Instastories saying I would love if this Wawa didn’t open again. Today my wish came true. Although I loved this location, and the enormous selection, over time this Wawa has been a source of trouble, with an uptick of crime happening inside and outside of the store. Eventually they removed the chairs in the cafe area, and finally limited the hours. Then the Pandemic came, and limited folks walking on the street except for the folks you don’t want to meet, then the protests came, and it was boarded up. After awhile the other Wawa’s around Center City started to open, but I noticed not this one did not.
And here’s what happened today:

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I was driving by this morning and saw a worker carting a “W” up the street. I immediately realized what was happening as I had been doing weekly walks around Center City and doing blog posts about my findings, and I noticed this Wawa was still boarded recently.

They even blacked out the words Wawa before they wrapped up the dismantling of the brand.

Wawa Broad and Chestnut Closes
Wawa officials were inside the store at Broad & Walnut Sts this morning. As you can see from this photo the store was preparing to open as they had socially distancing signs in place.

Don’t threat there are plenty of Wawa’s nearby at 12th and Chestnut, 33 S. 16th Street and 1190 Market Street. Tomorrow I will have an update on Center City, a few of our favorite stores closed, but a new eatery with an odd name is opening in the fall. See you then!! Check out the Philly Voice for info on the crime and change of hours back in 2018.

UPDATE AT NOON:
Wawa put out a statement: Blaming the Pandemic…. but we know better.

August 1, 2020 Over the last few months, we have worked to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and
serve our communities through our role as an essential provider. Now, due to the unique circumstances that continue to impact our customers’ daily lives and our own store operations, we are saddened to say
that we will not be reopening our Broad and Walnut store.
This decision was a difficult one. But due to the impact from the pandemic coupled with some operational uncertainties of today, our long-term plans for this store are no longer viable.

Final comment: I can see why Wawa came out with that statement and not what was really happening. The crime at that corner, wasn’t symbolic of how safe or dangerous it was through out Center City. That was just a nuisance Wawa, next to the subway and several dorms. That’s the story. This Wawa was bad news since it opened. It was quite a surprise as we were all so excited for this super Wawa and shorti hoagies.

Uncategorized

Why Was Harry Styles in Philly; New Trader Joes; Movie News & Celebs Spotted

June 17, 2019 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Why Was Harry Styles in Philly; New Trader Joes; Movie News & Celebs Spotted in Philly

Hope you all had a great weekend. You’re probably wondering why am I writing my Philly Gossip column on Monday, well I didn’t want everyone showing up a funeral to find Harry Styles on Sunday. Yes, the Harry Styles was in the Philly area over the weekend.

Harry took a Selfie with the American Airline pilot who flew piloted him to PHL yesterday afternoon. He’s actually been seen in the area over the past few months visiting with his friend Xander Ritz, who lives in nearby Wayne, Pa. I first wrote about the duo back in 2015 when they first met and started to hang out together.

This time Harry Styles came to give his friend Xander Ritz support as Xander’s mom Cynthia Ritz passed away last week. Here the duo were snapped eating out last night. Xander’s parents are philanthropic, dad is a popular dentist on the Mainline, while mom, Cindy Ritz, was a longtime steward and volunteer in Radnor, Donations can be made to the Wayne Art Center in her name online here.

I heard a rumor, that the rumored 2nd Trader Joe’s in Center City was well underway on the on the ground floor of the parking garage located across the street from the Convention Center, so I stopped by over the weekend to see for myself. The 1324 Arch St. property is compact at 15,750 of retail space, which is slightly more I learned than the average size of a Trader Joe’s property of 15,000 sq ft including the backroom, storage area and worker’s break room, says Supermarket News. The original rumor was written about by Jacob Adelman, Inquirer back in January. There’s still no official word from the company.

Emmett Smith stopped by Del Frisco’s for dinner last week with a few friends. The Twins Dana and Jen Fioravanti, maîtres d’ at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse posed with their good friend. Also dining out last week was Jeb Bush at Louie, Louie in University City. He was spotted twice last week at lunch. For the past year he has been teaching at University of Pennsylvania as Presidential Professor of Practice role at Penn

PhillyWood is Hot and Happening
Actors James Maslow ( who is best known for his role on Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush (based on his real-life boy band), and co-hosting CW’s new talent show The Big Stage with Elizabeth Stanton, which started last week. ) and Emily Bett Rickards ( seven seasons as Felicity Smoak on CW’s smash hit Arrow) will be starring in the indie film “We Need To Talk”. The film, written and directed by Todd Wolfe, also features Jonathan Fernandez. deadline.com The film started at the beginning of June and is slated to finish at the end of June. Next up is the Sally Field, AMC TV Series “Dispatches from Elsewhere” is slated to start filming right after July 4th, and run through November with actor Jason Segel directing (last week Jason, who’s been eating up a storm in Philly, was spotted watching the Philly Pride Parade.) Then if that wasn’t enough Kate Winslet, is about to start filming an HBO series Mare of Easttown starting this fall. A detective in a small Pennsylvania town investigates a local murder while trying to keep her life from falling apart. Easttown is near Devon, Pa about 20 miles from Center City. See ya tomorrow!!

Philadelphia

Lots of Fun To Buy at The New AC MOORE Broad & Chestnut

April 11, 2017 by HughE Dillon

SIX months ago I wrote about A.C. Moore taking over the former FYE location at Broad and Chestnut Streets. Today is the day. It’s like Christmas Day on the Avenue of the Arts. I know I headed most people feel this way ever since I broke the story last fall people would ask me when the store would be opening, and how they were so excited about it. Well Yesterday I took at tour of the new FLAGSHIP store, and you will not be disappointed.

Moore

Even if you are not an artsy person, A.C. Moore is going to inspire you to create the next Mona Lisa or at least engage you in a fun adult coloring book activity.
The Center City opening marks the brands 137th store opening, and the first urban store.
This will be their Flagship store and has items and departments the other stores do not. All other locations are on one floor, the Center City store is on two levels.

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Moore

Don’t look for a shopping cart, for your shopping convenience you can zip through the store with these very deep handy baskets on wheels.

To celebrate the launch, there are a number of special promotions running this week:

Tuesday, April 11: Free $10 gift cards for the first 500 customers
Wednesday, April 12: 60 percent off any one regular priced item
Thursday, April 13: 55 percent off any one regular priced item
Friday, April 14: 15 percent off your entire purchase
Saturday, April 15: 15 percent off your entire purchase

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Teachers, Military and Students with college IDs get 15 percent off every day, regular and sale purchase.
Unlike other stores they have a convenience snack selection for those on the go.
Plus 14 check out registers.

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Seasonal selections will change every 90 days so you’ll always
be ahead of the holidays.
That’s 27,000 sq feet of DIY shopping fun for you.

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Personally who wouldn’t want to go into AC Moore a couple months out and think about the next 3 day holiday.

HD1_3516 (Custom)Yes a store that has a huge selection of frames. (Don’t even think of looking at Target Center City – No Frames and No Vases)

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AC Moore has vases, and they’re on sale already

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They have every kind of block letters you can imagine, ones with lights, mirrored

Moore

and wooden large and small

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The Center City store will house a first of its kind classroom, offering craft and art demonstrations, instructional courses for aspiring artists of all ages and an area
to host children’s birthday parties. This location will also feature a custom framing studio, located on the second floor.

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Mason Jar fun

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When you first walk in the door there will be a digital display of items on sale, and info on demonstrations.
Craftologists, or A.C. Moore crafting experts, will be onsite daily offering demos,
inspiration and guidance to navigating the bi-level arts and crafts space.

 

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Unlike the other stores they have an expanded children’s section.

Moore

 

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Cute kid umbrellas and ponchos

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Miscellaneous fun

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Jennifer Logue, A&E editor of the Philly Metro is in heaven in the DIY jewelry area

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There’s a small section of clothing, and fun beach items cause we’re are nearing the season.

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Moore

A.C. Moore is a specialty retailer offering a vast selection of arts, crafts and floral  merchandise to a broad demographic of customers. The first A.C. Moore store  opened in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1985 (I used to shop at Moorestown, stopping by every month),

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and has since grown to more than  130 stores located in the Eastern United States from Maine to Florida. A.C.  Moore is devoted to being our customers’ first choice for product selection, value  and service that inspires and fulfills unlimited creative possibilities.  Owner Pepe Piperno was a distributor of arts and crafts. He bought the company in 2011 and now runs it with his next generation – his son Anthony and daughter, Elena; they’re all from the Philadelphia area.

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Did you get your Easter basket yet? They’re on sale too.

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There’s free flower arranging for the artificial stems you buy from the store.

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For more information on A.C. Moore, visit: acmoore.com

Store hours will be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman & Bryan Cranston Spotted, Malcolm Jenkins, Meek Mills and More

January 30, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Happy Monday, I know no one is really happy on Monday. I usually publish this on Sunday, but I slept til noon after the Ball Saturday night and well here we are. Check out Philly Mag and Metro today for pixs from the Ball.  Here’s something to put a smile on your face – Philly Gossip Monday: Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman & Bryan Cranston Spotted, Malcolm Jenkins, Meek Mills and More.

 

Hart

Yeah Phillywood has kicked off. Friday Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, and Nicole Kidman were in Philly for a table reading of the new Neil Berger movie “Intouchable” which I mentioned a few weeks ago would
be filming in Philadelphia. Friday evening car scenes were filmed in Center City, but the principles weren’t involved.  Cranston and Kidman flew out to prepare for the Screen Actors Guild Award Awards last night. Kidman presented, and Cranston won for his performance in “All the Way. Be on the look out for them for the next 4 weeks and drop me a line if you see they, especially if you have a picture with them.

Buzz@phillychitchat.com

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Since Nicki Minaj dumped Meek Mills, his new Sixers seatmate looks to be Kevin Hart. Let’s keep it that way cause nearly every game Kevin Hart has attended the Sixers have won.  Also spotted at the game
was Allen Iverson, M. Night Shyamalan, who’s on quite a winning streak himself as his newest movie, the psychological thriller Split, was the No. 1 movie again at the US box office this weekend, holding on to the top spot for a second week running. It’s now made $78 million domestically and $24 million internationally, pushing its worldwide total above $100 million. (I think I’m going to see it tonight at The Roxy)

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Connor Barwin sitting court side, spotted Eagles teammate Malcolm Jenkins with wife Morrisa Jenkins.
1-30-2017 9-08-34 AM (Custom)Sunday night Malcolm Jenkins, the dapper dresser was the bartender on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen .

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Currently living in Philadelphia, international songstress Vassy  has landed at the top of Billboard Dance Club Songs with ‘Nothing to Lose‘ this week.


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Congrats to Laura Burkhardt who starts her new job at Visit Philly tonight. Friday night her friends threw her a good luck party at R2L. Executive Chef/Owner Daniel Stern was on hand to wish her well
as well. 1-30-2017 9-07-31 AM (Custom)

Congrats to Sam and Connie Katz, whose daughter was married in December, but he just posted the shots this weekend. 1-30-2017 9-07-54 AM (Custom) (Custom)

Thanks to Men’s Wearhouse for dressing me for the 160th Academy Concert and Ball this past weekend, and for giving my readers $40 off their rentals.
Thanks to my Instagram followers for all the love.
It was an awesome time, and my tux fit perfectly, the first time in the 6 years I’ve gone. I had no idea Men’s Wearhouse rented tuxes, let alone White Tails. I did know
they had great suits, and men’s clothing. They have a Big & Tall section as well. Go check them out at
1624 Chestnut St, Philadelphia Pa

Philadelphia

Whole Foods Center City is everything and More. Photos from today’s opening, plus SALES

October 14, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Oh so excited for Whole Foods to open. It’s one of my favorite food places to shop, oh I love them all;

Whole Foods

and by the looks of the crowd waiting to get into the new store at 2101 Pennsylvania Ave I’m in good company.

 

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Whole Foods held their “ribbon cutting” opening this morning about 9AM. hd1_3546-custom

Bob and Betty who either waited 4 hrs to be first in line, or drove 4 hrs, helped officials “break bread” to open the store, as they don’t cut ribbons. hd1_3549-custom

I told you it was a long line. I hear everyone of the 172 parking spots in the grocery stores garage was taken.

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Here are officials toasting the new store in the Cafe. They sell wine and beer at the new Whole Foods.
The store and cafe are open until 11PM

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When you first enter the store you come to the coffee bar. There is counter seating, window seating, and tables. Lots
of space and free wifi, with an amazing view of the skyline.

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To get into the store, there are stairs on both sides of coffee bar

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and two elevators next to the stairs. These escalators go to the parking garage.
See the guy with the cap, he runs the cart escalator. So you can get your groceries to the
car, your cart goes down an escalator by itself, and you get it at the bottom.

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Avocados were only $.99, hurry I hear they’re going up in price

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Vegetarians turn away. OMG they have a butcher.

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Lot’s of salad bars

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Here is the seating in the one cafe. See those windows above.

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There’s a hideaway nook

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     This is a good place to work

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Beers featured at the barhd1_3573-custom

Pizza is kinda pricey, but for 2 slices it’s a deal. They are large slices.hd1_3577-custom

Local cut pasta

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Nice aisles, not as huge as Mom’s Organic, which is opening near 12th and Market next year. Those are 12 feet wide.hd1_3581-custom

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Yes they sell wine

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There are 4 “eateries” inside the Whole Foodshd1_3588-custom

Please don’t bring your cart in the eatery section, there’s not a lot of room. I did see a women try and take this shortcut, it was a nightmare

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Hey

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For opening week they have some stellar sales. Chicken is $5.99 this weekend, and if you buy $50 worth of meat, you get
$10 off at the cashier. This weeks Sales are Here

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Sushihd1_3616-custom

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Cheese department was packedhd1_3620-custom hd1_3622-custom hd1_3628-custom

A juice barhd1_3629-custom

Cute gifts for you and others. Now these are great hostess gifts.

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For more details check out Michael Klein’s column in the Inky.

Philadelphia

Whole Foods Opening October 14 in Center City – Toast it with Yard’s Pilsendelphia Created for the Special Day

October 7, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Whole Foods Opening October 14 in Center City – Toast it with Yard’s Pilsendelphia Created for the Special Day

Hot off the Press Release… You know I’m excited about Whole Foods moving 2 blocks closer to my house, and it’s gigantic. I already told you this will definitely be my new “home office”. So when you pop in there’s a good chance you’re going to see me too. If you can’t be there next Friday, follow along on my social media as I live broadcast Opening Day!! I go to Whole Foods about 4 times a month, I usually avoid it cause it’s so busy, but this is a game changer for me and eating healthy. I’m still going to eat my Snap Kitchen as well. In some Whole Foods  they actually have partnered with Snap Kitchen and they carry their lines (Mostly Texas). I know it’s only 2 blocks over, but I’m busy.

whole-foods

 

 

PHILADELPHIA, (Oct. 7, 2016) –Philadelphia’s new flagship Whole Foods Market location opens on Friday, Oct. 14 with a bread-breaking ceremony and opening day festivities. The community is invited to join Whole Foods Market team members and civic leaders for the company’s traditional bread breaking at 8:45 a.m. before doors open at 9 a.m.

“We are so proud to be relocating our Callowhill store in the heart of historic Philadelphia and cannot wait to share our new city vista with shoppers,” said store team leader, Laurent Dallot. “We know customers will love the huge variety of in-store dining options and local products, but we’re just as proud of our everyday staples that meet the industry’s highest quality standards and offer options for every budget.”

The 62,000-square-foot store includes:

  • An open style food hall with seating for 140 guests.
  • Extensive hot and cold prepared foods bars featuring seasonal dishes made in-house with local produce and the highest quality natural and organic ingredients.
  • An in-store pub serving specialty cocktails, 16 local beers on tap, wine by the glass and Neapolitan pizzas and seasonal salads.
  • An Allegro coffee bar offering a full espresso, coffee and tea menu using state of the art technology—a low profile Modbar espresso machine, the Poursteady motion control pour-over machine and a reverse atmospheric infusion Bkon extractor for premium teas. The coffee bar is open all day and will feature unique tea and coffee inspired cocktails.
  • Four in-store “luncheonette” venues run by locally based chefs/restaurateurs: Cheu Noodle Bar, Dizengoff, Severino Cucina Rustica, and Wiz Kid (the latest offering from Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby of Vedge and V Street).
  • A roving cocktail cart providing beverage service including a curated selection of signature cocktails, beer by the can/bottle and wine by the glass.

 

The elevated and expanded grocery shopping experience at the relocated store highlights local suppliers, organic products and unique Philadelphia-inspired offerings.

Yard

 

 

Local exclusives to Whole Foods Market’s Philly Center City Store include:

 

  • Phillthy Chai, from Golden Valley Roasters, a sustainably sourced, organic cold-brewed coffee with chai
  • Local Rock the Roll’s exclusive pumpkin flavored barbeque sauce
  • Brine Street Picklery’s exclusive batch “Pickled Peps,” with local banana peppers sourced through John Vena Produce and originating on Sparacio Farms in New Jersey
  • A “Pilsendelphia” brew collaboration with Yards Brewing
  • “Philly Pherno,” locally made provola cheese from Caputo Brothers, aged at Crown Finish Caves in Brooklyn
  • High Street on Market breads including Buckwheat Cherry and Ancient Grains varieties

 

Additionally, Beyond Meat’s plant-based Beyond Burger will be available for the first time to Pennsylvania shoppers.

Among the store’s more than 350 team members, shoppers will find knowledgeable experts including trained butchers, fishmongers, scratch bakers and a team of chefs.

Giving back to the community is one of Whole Foods Market’s core values, and on opening day, Philadelphia-based Urban Tree Connection, a longtime community partner will receive a $5,000 contribution.

 

Be one of the first people to join Whole Foods Market on opening day to get doorbuster savings opportunities, meet local suppliers who are on site providing samples and demos, and dine in the new food hall. Follow news about this store through social media: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

The Invite To the Party

Philadelphia

The Budweiser Clydesdale Philly Schedule & Made In America Street Closures Info

August 23, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Budweiser Made in America Concert Street Closures AND Clydesdale Meet and Greet

The Budweiser Made in America Concert will take place on the Parkway this Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, 9/3 and Sunday, 9/4 from 12pm to 12am each day.   There will be extensive street closings as is every year. This year the concert production promises to turn the speakers away from the neighborhood in an effort to cut down the noise. Made

It’s a great event, but know that traffic in the area is snarled and it’s quite difficult to go from one side of the City to the other anywhere above 20th Street. So STAY AWAY. There is no Re Entry on tickets either. Once you go in you must stay or forfeit your right to return unless you buy an additional ticket.Made
Main Street Closures :
Wed 8/31- 10am- inner lanes of Parkway from Eakins Oval to N. 20th St.
Thurs 9/1- 7pm- N 22nd St. between Parkway and PA Ave. (one lane to remain open through Fri. morning rush hour 10am)
Fri 9/2- Full closure of site at 10amFull closure to run through Tues. 9/6 at 5am.
Inner and outer lanes of Parkway from N 20th St to Art Museum
N 21st from PA Ave to Winter St
N 22nd from PA Ave to Parkway
N 23rd from PA Ave to Parkway
Kelly Drive from N 25th to Parkway

8-23-2016 3-27-15 PM

 

The best part of The Budweiser Made in America Concert is the Budweiser Clydesdales

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Made

 

 

2120 Fairmount Ave – THIS THURSDAY 8/25 6PM
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Center City – Washington Square 8/31
TRAFFIC ALERT, last time it went down Walnut Street and it was a hot mess. Get out of dodge beforehand.

North East Philadelphia – 9/1 * 5PM
7544 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19136                         

Fairmount – 5PM

Check out their schedule HERE

 

Philadelphia

CCD Celebrates 25 Years Making Philly Beautiful

May 17, 2016 by HughE Dillon

CCD Celebrates 25 Years Making Philly Beautiful

Congratulations Center City District on your 25th Anniversary, and every day for a job well done.

On May 5, 2016, an anniversary celebration was held at Dilworth Park for the Center City District and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation. The event was held on a gorgeous spring evening, under a gigantic tent in the shadow of the beloved City Hall.

The check in, and coat check area. I just wanted to show the nice set up with the tables and coat check. I love that they even included trees and flowers to enhance the area.

Impressive set up with check in tables and coat check. I love that they even included trees and flowers to enhance the area (great signage by Replica Creative too)

CCD

Gorgeous tent and decor for the 25th Anniversary Gala. Brulee Catering served a delicious dinner starting with a watermelon salad. Light Action produced the lighting, and lighting is everything. Gala Clothes set the tables.

CCD

During the cocktail hour guests could peruse the extensive silent auction, which featured experiences, dinner and this cool Bacon Brothers Signed Guitar w/CDs.

CCD

Plus Connor Barwin donated a signed jersey. Earlier in my evening I saw him at the Fathers Day Gary Papa Run (June 19) Eagles Celebrity Bartending gig at Brent Celek’s eatery Prime Stache in Old City.

 

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Jeff Guaracino, President & CEO of Welcome America Inc. and Nicole Cashman, President & CEO, Cashman & Associates (Congrats Nicole as her firm was announced as one of the companies handing a DNC party. She’s doing the media party.)

CCD

Senator Anthony H. Williams, City Councilwomen Helen Gym, and Congressman Brendan Boyle

CCD

Carla Showell-Lee, SEPTA’s Director of Media Relations and Former Mayor Rev Wilson Goode

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Beck Davis, ‎Customer Service Director at Center City District and David Wagaman, Owner Of Capriccio At Cafe Cret and Logan Cafe in Sister’s City. Every Thursday there are wine pairings 5PM to 8PM at Sisters Cities Park and Logan Cafe (BTW you can rent Logan Cafe out for parties, they do catering.)

For complete updates, please go to www.SisterCitiesPark.org

CCD

Joseph Coradino, Chief Executive Officer of PREIT, Former Mayor John Street, Joseph H. Jacovini, Dilworth Paxson LLP, Anne Kelly King, Chief of Staff for Councilman Mark Squilla, Romy Diaz, Jr. Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs at PECO and Councilman Mark Squilla

CCD

Former Gov Ed Rendell (currently busy as Chair of the DNC2016 Host Committee) with Paul Levy, Executive Director of CCD. Both men have worked tirelessly on many projects to make Philly not only beautiful, but functional and fun. The projects created a foundation for many of the unique projects that are executed in present time like the Rail Park. Missing from the party, but very much responsible for executing one of the most anticipated act of the Center City District, was Mayor Michael  Nutter, who partnered with the Gov and CCD to created Dilworth Park.

CCD

Michael Garden, board of Friends of the Rail Park (1 year annivesary party for Friends of the Rail Park on June 9 #BAMFest: A Fundraiser for Friends of the Rail Park at Brick and Mortar) and Kate Raines (wedding photographer https://plate3.wordpress.com/)

CCD

Newly elected State Representative in the 202nd legislative district Jared Solomon (in my former life as a paralegal, Jared and I both worked at Kohn, Swift & Graf ) and Laura Burkhardt, Publisher of Where Magazine.

CCD

Angela McCafferty, ‎Chief Operations Officer – ‎Bittenbender Construction, LP, Emily Bittenbender, ‎Managing Partner at Bittenbender Construction, LP – ‎Bittenbender Construction, LP (Bittnebender is working on Love Park, which should be done in 2017, can’t wait) , Christine Hough Langan, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services

CCD

Tara Alexander, and Curtis Alexander, President at Urban Jungle. His business is all about creating sustainable green urban environments is the driving force nurturing Urban Jungle. –

CCD

The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus opened up the gala

CCD

as emcee Ukee Washington, CBSPhilly, danced along to the music, before started the evenings program.

CCD

Paul Levy told the story of how Center City District came about when Ron Rubin wondered why the street was so dirty outside of the Bellevue Hotel, which he owned. Rubin was trying to lure retailers to his newly required hotel, and with the help of Mayor Wilson Goode in 1989, he was able to find a temporary solution. Then they turned to Paul Levy. PhillyMag wrote an excellent article on it in 2013

CCD

Julie Coker Graham is the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) is a real success story. Working at Hyatt Hotels for 21 years before heading over to the PHLCVB, first as Senior Vice President, Convention Division then Executive Vice President and now sitting at the head of the table. She was running in from a DNC2016 Meeting.

CCD

The CCD wants you to join them every Wednesday from 5-7pm, June 1 – September 28 for $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half-priced appetizers* for Center City Sips. check out their app here

CCD Mayor Kenney

 

CCD

LightAction Production created a magical evening. They also had a light show projecting on City Hall to the delight of people walking and driving by City Hall as the party continued under the grand, see through tent.

Congratulations Center City District on your 25th Anniversary, and every day for a job well done.

 

Philadelphia

Philly Gossip: Will Smith, #bcbgmaxazria closed, Alex Holley Honored

May 2, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Good Philly Gossip Monday. Hope you had a great weekend despite this horrible weather. Congrats to so many Philadelphian’s that ran and conquered the Broad Street Run.

Philly Gossip
Sheena Parveen and Mikey Ilagan at the Broad Street Run

It was exciting to see how many people in my timeline posted photos from the race, their medals, and bibs.Philly Gossip
Will Smith and super fan Kevin outside the Ritz last week.

I was chatting a lot about Will Smith being in town last week;  He was checking out the Residences at Ritz Carlton on Monday with realtors, while staying at the Ritz hotel next door. He used the Residences at Ritz Carlton gym everyday, seemed to enjoy the 2PM workout time.  Friday he ran into Bad Boy co-star Martin Lawrence who was in town to perform at Temple that evening. No word on what they discussed, but my friend who reads lips said it seemed they were chatting about a Bad Boy sequel.  I bet he was telling Martin that Philly will be seeing more of him, and hopefully Jada Smith, as they are now the majority owners of the Sixers.

Philly Gossip

Martin Lawrence at Temple University

Philly Gossip

Yes it’s true #bcbgmaxazria closed on April 24 at 16th and Walnut. The sign on the door says visit them at their KOP or Cherry Hill Mall store.

Philly Gossip

It’s been fun following along with Kharisma MCllwaine and her brother Aloysius on their trip to Morocco via snapchat, which I’m trying to learn.

Philly Gossip
Seriously, if anyone was going to meet the new quarterback, Carson Wentz, first it was going to be Melissa Leonard. Here she is at the meet and greet press conference, as well as season owners of boxes.

Philly Gossip

 

Friday was a very special day for the Good Day Philadelphia Crew as they celebrated their 20 years on air with their loyal fans. Everyone turned up, chatted with viewers and posed for countless selfies.

Philly Gossip

Before the event though Mike Jerrick headed to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, where they had a prom for the kids. So sweet. Then he headed to the party at Sugarhouse.

Philly Gossip

After the 20th Anniversary Party, my friend Alex Holley, FOX 29 co-host of “Good Day Philadelphia,”  was honored Friday night at the 7th annual 2016 NV Movers & Shakers Soiree in NYC.  Love her.

Philly Gossip

Then Saturday night Mike Jerrick headed to DC to attend the White House Correspondents Dinner.

Philly Gossip

I wonder if he ran into Mike’s cousin David Nakamura (Washington Post White House correspondent), here with his wife Kris Schenck

Philly Gossip

I was so busy this weekend – Thursday I was at the Fairmount Conservacy Gala, Friday night I attended the premiere of Inis Nua Theater’s The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning, (April 27-May 15) Saturday I was at Cure Duchenne Blingo at The Logan Hotel and Sunday I had a delicious brunch at Little Lion with Kory Aversa and Brooke Thomas, the new morning anchor at CBS3. Then headed to Savino Thorne’s baptism.

Check out more PhillyGossip everyday on my twitter account @iPhillyChitChat , Instagram and on my FB page PhillyChitChat

and I’ll be back here on Thursday

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