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Around Town With HughE

Shapiro, Parker Build on MLK

Global Citizen President Todd Bernstein

On January 19, Temple University hosted nonprofit Global Citizen’s 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service regional signature project. The morning featured hands-on service activities, children’s programming, a health and wellness fair, and a job fair, running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“The key to this is that this is much more than a birthday celebration,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to embrace Dr. King’s legacy of civil rights and social justice.”

The opening ceremony included remarks from nine speakers, among them Temple President John Fry, Global Citizen President Todd Bernstein, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Kelly Munson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross, setting the tone for a day dedicated to service, equity, and community impact.

A Home Depot assistant, Steve Fera, Independence Blue Cross, Gov Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle L Parker building a book shelf to be placed in a Philadelphia School. (in foreground Kelly Munson, IBX)

Business leaders and politicians took part in a team building competition with the construction of Book Arks a self-standing, free library which will be distributed to underserved Philadelphia communities.

Also taking part in the friendly team building competition was Seth Bluestein – Philadelphia City Commissioners, Kevin J. Bethel. Police Commissioner, Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, CEO of Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University and Keith Leaphart, Chief Health Equity and Community Impact Officer, who was emcee of the building

event, David Vahos, Executive Director of PECO and others.

Steve Fera is executive vice president of Public Affairs and president of Government Markets at Independence Blue Cross, Kelly Munson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross, Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle L Parker with their completed Book Ark. It took them about 30 minutes to build
Michael Harris, Phillies and the legendary Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts. Todd Burnstein paid a nice tribute to Jane, as she enters her final year leading the life changing program which has established Philadelphia as the City with the most Murals.

The gym buzzed with volunteers, attendees, and honored guests, framed by MLK Day banners lining the walls — part of a longstanding collaboration between Mural Arts and Global Citizen that pairs two artists with four Philadelphia-area schools each year to create four original mural panels.

PHENND-Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development – Eden, Addie and Kene

Temple University hosted the event for the first time since 2009, moving it from its longtime home at Girard College to Pearson/McGonigle Hall on Temple’s campus.

Over the past 31 years, more than 2.7 million people have participated in Philadelphia’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service — the largest MLK service day in the nation. Longtime organizer Todd Bernstein said the scale of participation is a clear reflection of the program’s lasting impact on the community.

Thank you to the volunteers and to community-minded organizations like Independence Blue Cross, Jefferson Health, and PECO for their continued investment in service and civic engagement across Philadelphia. It’s a privilege to document these events for them.

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Around Town With HughE

23rd Annual WTC Day Honoring Allen Iverson

The 23rd Annual World Trade Centers Day Celebration was held last Thursday, October 30, at Live Casino. Hosted by World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), the event celebrates leaders in business, government, and the international community who advance global connections and economic growth.

Jovan Goldstein, Steven Scott Bradley as Chairman of the Board WTCGP and Todd Brown, President/CEO, On Point Enforcement Unit, Inc.
Sheila Hess, Greg Caron, Daecia-jamè Borgia, Jasmine Armstrong and Susan Mills

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker was recognized with the Global Leadership Award, while Harold T. Epps received the Global Equity Award, Karen Dougherty Buchholz, was the recipient of our Walt D’Alessio Legacy Award! and Allen Iverson, was honored with the Global Icon Award.

Karen Dougherty Buchholz, the recipient of our Walt D’Alessio Legacy Award! and Thomas Young is President & CEO of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia

Karen has played a pivotal role in shaping Philadelphia’s future. She spearheaded the development of the Comcast headquarters campus, championed impact and inclusion through the Joint Diversity Advisory Council and Employee Resource Groups, and continues to inspire the next generation of leaders through the Committee of Seventy Buchholz Fellowship.

Denzell Wallace and Douglas Wallace

Now in its 23rd year, World Trade Centers Day is celebrated by WTCs across the globe as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and collaboration through international trade. The Philadelphia event also serves as WTCGP’s premier fundraiser, supporting its mission to expand international access for businesses and promote inclusive economic growth throughout the region.

Freeway, Allen Iverson, and Thomas Young is President & CEO of the World Trade Center

One of the greatest to ever wear the No. 3, Allen Iverson was honored with the inaugural Global Icon Award from the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia

Philly’s own Freeway introduced The Answer as a true cultural icon whose influence has resonated around the world.

In his heartfelt remarks, Iverson said he doesn’t see himself as an icon—just someone who hopes to inspire others. He expressed deep gratitude for his family, friends, and everyone who has supported him along the way, adding that even those no longer in his life helped shape the man he is today.

Erin Colgan, Shavonnia Corbin-Johnson and Charlene Vickers

Allen Iverson was the star of the first NBA game I ever saw (I still remember that game in detail) and also a fellow George Town University alumni. Shavonnia posted. Plus the last time they saw each other they of course did a quick #HoyaSaxa chant👌🏾.

Another honoree David Navazio, President of Gentell (Gentell is the largest vertically-integrated wound care company in the world.) with Thomas Young is President & CEO of the World Trade Center
Rhonda and David Cohen; David was on hand to speak on behalf of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker who was recognized with the Global Leadership Award.

In December, the former ambassador to Canada, David L. Cohen has been named the 2025 Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement recipient by The Pennsylvania Society. The honor recognizes his extraordinary leadership and lifelong contributions to public service, business, and civic life in Pennsylvania and beyond. The award will be presented during The Pennsylvania Society’s 127th Annual Dinner on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria New York, a tradition celebrating those who exemplify the Commonwealth’s spirit of excellence and service. I’m definitely going this year, who else will be there?

Jeremiah Dolph, Lisa and Richard Roffman

As the premier fundraiser for the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), this event directly supports our mission to expand international access for businesses of all sizes and to promote inclusive economic growth across the region. Head HERE for more information on the organization. 2026 is going to be a big year for Philly as well as the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia!!

And as always, thanks to the sponsors who make all of these great events happen!!

Socially yours, xoxo HughE (Instagram)

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Around Town With HughE

Yannick Conducts One Last Time

The summer season for the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann is almost over and Yannick Conducts One Last Time for the 2024 season there.

On September 18, don’t miss Yannick Conducts Mahler & Debussy, the final performance of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 2024 residency at the Mann.

Under the direction of Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform an evening of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and Claude Debussy’s La Mer, sure to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. 

This is the Mann’s last Orchestra and Picnic Night of the season. On Picnic Nights, patrons are invited to pack a picnic (chairs, blankets, food, drink, etc.) to enjoy on the Mann’s Great Lawn before and during the performance.

It sounds like an exciting finale to the summer season so don’t miss it!! I checked the weather, it’s going to be clear, and in the upper 60s when the concert begins at 8PM, but get there earlier to set up your picnic or enjoy delicious food from the Plaza Food Kiosks!! Ticketing Information!!

Have a great weekend. Socially Yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Breakthrough’s Annual Spring Soirée 2024

Breakthrough’s Annual Spring Soirée 2024 took place last month, and was an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration at the University of the Arts: Dorrance Hamilton Hall.

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia helps launch motivated, traditionally underserved middle school students on a path to top choice high schools, setting a critical foundation for college and career success. Breakthrough also provides pre-professional teacher training to inspire college students to pursue careers in education.

Lorne Hammond, President The Harvest Family Business Solution and Bill Anderson, Fox29 Philly

The event was emceed by Bill Anderson, Executive Producer, Fox29 and Weekend Co-Anchor, Good Day Philadelphia. Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia helps launch motivated, traditionally underserved middle school students on a path to top choice high schools, setting a critical foundation for college and career success.

Sasank Aleti, partner at private equity firm LLR Partners, and Michelle Reyes Aleti, Director, Corporate & Community Engeagement. Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia.

Breakthrough raised over $150,000 to enable over 200 Scholars and Teaching Fellows to attend Breakthrough’s tuition-free program.

Nick Araco Founder, AchieveNEXT and Stephen Klein, BTGP Supporter
Michelle Palmer, Executive Director of Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia and Edel Howlin, Founder and Owner of Untapped Communications
Michael Thompson, Director of DEI and Business Development, Montage Diversity Consultants Jon Addy, Partner, KPMG US and a BTGP Volunteer and Stephen Reeves, CEO Montage Companies
Phillip St James, Associate Director, & Community Relations Lead · Sanofi
Lily Dupuis, Assistant GFS Digital Content & Communication and Ilana Goldfus, Director, GFS Advancement Services

Breakthrough also provides pre-professional teacher training to inspire college students to pursue careers in education and has served over 1,500 Scholars and 467 Teaching Fellows since its founding in 1995. To learn more, visit us at breakthroughphilly.org

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Around Town With HughE

Jefferson Health opens The Honickman Center

The wait is over, and it was worth it. Jefferson Health has cut the ribbon on its new outpatient facility in Center City, a 19-story tower which will integrate multiple specialties under one roof when it opens to the public on April 15.

The Honickman Center, at 11th and Chestnut streets encompasses about 462,000 square feet , has more than 300 exam rooms, 58 infusion chairs, 10 operation rooms, six endoscopy rooms, imaging and laboratory services and a pharmacy. It also has an underground parking garage.

“We’ve created an experience that will change the way we view and define healthcare in the future,” says Dwight W. McBee, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience and Clinical Health Equity Officer for Jefferson Health. “We’ve learned that finding parking for your vehicle, making your way through the building to your appointment, and how many times you answer the same questions are as important as the surgery you have and the follow-up care we provide. We’ve studied each moment in the care journey and thoroughly curated experiences that redefine how we think about healthcare.”

“The Honickman Center stands as our flagship medical facility in Center City and as the epicenter of a more than $1 billion urban development project in East Market,” Jefferson Health CEO Joseph Cacchione said.

The Honickman Center, located at the 1100 block of Chestnut Street, across the street from Jefferson Hospital, took four years to build and stands 19 stories tall. It will host over 300 exam rooms, 10 operating rooms, and 58 infusion chairs for treatments.

“The Honickman Center was truly designed by patients for patients,” said Dr. Baligh R. Yehia, president of Jefferson Health. “We spoke with hundreds of patients and community members who shared their perspectives and informed our design from concept through completion. The Honickman Center also represents the future of health care by blending physical and virtual care, while enhancing the human interaction between a patient and their care provider.” (source)

Jefferson officials said their goal was to create a more seamless experience for patients by enabling them to have multiple appointments in a day without needing to travel between buildings in Center City. All of the patient rooms will have digital screens that enable other clinicians and relatives to participate virtually in appointments.

One of the waiting rooms

Jefferson Health received a $50 million gift from Lynne and Harold Honickman, (c) along with their children Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman 3rd and 4th from left) and Shirley Han 4th from right) and Richard Hahn, in support of its new 19-story medical building. More than 2,000 individual donors chipped in roughly $150 million as well.

Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman helped pick out the art work with a committee for the new space. They wanted to make sure people going through treatment were surrounded by beauty.

58 infusion chairs for extended procedures, some have views of the City skyline.

One of the state of the art operating rooms, there are 10

Patients at the Honickman Center will have access to a number of Jefferson’s named care facilities, including the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Nicoletti Kidney Transplant Center and Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience. See additional photos at CBSPhiladelphia

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Join the Culinary Excellence at Martorano’s Prime: Seeking Top-tier Cooks, Servers, and Assistant Servers with Fine Dining Expertise!

1001 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Martorano’s Prime at Rivers Casino Philadelphia is looking for the best of the best cooks, servers, assistant servers with fine dining experience. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Cooks with Fine Dining Experience can make up to $30/hr,
  • Servers $8/hr 
  • Assistant Servers $6. 

Servers earn base salary, plus tips.

Employment Opportunities at Rivers Casino — Martorano’s Monday

Martorano’s Prime, headed by celebrity chef and South Philly native Steve Martorano, will be opening at Rivers Casino Philadelphia this spring. Every Monday, job seekers have an exclusive opportunity to have a sneak peek and interview inside the soon-to-be-hottest new Italian-American steakhouse in Philly.

Applicants can complete the employment interest form at https://bit.ly/3TnxFnr and a recruiter will contact them immediately. Additionally, Rivers Casino continues to host walk-in interviews every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon for part- and full-time positions.

Visit the casino careers page at riverscasino.com/philadelphia/careers for more information regarding positions and benefits, which include medical and dental plans, a 401(k), paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

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Date Book: Rivers Casino Philadelphia

Hello PhillyChitChaters. Hope you are well. Social Season is booming, so many event, people are out and about and sooo happy. Let’s see what is happening at PCC’s client Rivers Casino. I’ll always love it for it’s proximity to Center City, and free parking garage with an epic view of Philly’s skyline.

When I want a late night bite or Rita’s Water Ice I head there. Mian Chinese restaurant is open every night til Midnight, and on Friday and Saturday’s til 2am. Rita’s til 9PM daily.

Still looking for a spot to watch the games tonight, look no further than Rivers Casino Sportsbook. The 5,700-square-foot space features a luxury viewing area with a massive HD video wall capable of showing more than a dozen games at once, comfortable seating and an electrifying game-day atmosphere. The sportsbook also includes 33 self-service betting kiosks and six betting windows. NBC Sports Philadelphia is now broadcasting live from the BetRivers Sportsbook Podcast Booth!

Coming to Rivers Casino Event Center Next Week: Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, Heidi Klum’s unforgettable 2016 Golden Buzzer recipient and finalist of America’s Got Talent, is an Italian-American crooner known best for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality, and his heart of gold. There are still tickets left to re live the magic of O’l Blue Eyes. HERE

Tower of Power is a legendary American funk and soul band that formed in Oakland, California in 1968. They are known for their distinctive horn section, soulful vocals, and tight rhythms. The group’s sound is a fusion of various musical genres, including R&B, funk, jazz, and rock. Perfect way to kick off the Memorial Day Weekend. Tickets Here.

ABOUT RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA
Located along the Delaware River waterfront in Fishtown, Rivers Casino Philadelphia features 1,535 slots, 81 table games, 54 hybrid gaming seats, a 28-table poker room and a designated sportsbook area for live sports betting. The casino offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars — among them are Mian and Jack’s Bar + Grill — riverfront views, live performances in The Event Center, free parking, and daily promotions and giveaways. For additional information and current offerings, please visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia.

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TEMPLE DENTAL CELEBRATES ITS 160TH ANNIVERSARY

Social Season is in full swing… thanks for bearing with me as I share stories on my media outlets as well as here on the Blog. Last week…. On April 27, 2023, Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry held its 160th Anniversary Gala at The Logan in Center City Philadelphia.

Temple Provost Gregory Mandel, City Representative Sheila Hess, Temple Dental Dean Amid Ismail and Temple Dental Board of Visitors Chair Joe Roberts.

An amazing time was held by all! Hundreds of alumni, faculty, friends and supporters of the school were present when Philadelphia City Representative Sheila Hess presented a Mayoral Tribute to Dean Amid Ismail for Temple Dental’s dedication to the people of our great city.

Russell Williamson, Kimberly Smith and Patrick Monaghan

Each year, over 30,000 people receive dental care at Temple Dental, making it one of the region’s largest providers of community healthcare.

Temple Dental School Celebration
It was a beautiful spring evening with temperatures in the 70s. The Logan Hotel has a nice patio where guests enjoyed cocktails and lite bites while catching up with old school mates. Everyone had perfect teeth.
Cynthia Russell and Roosevelt Allen, Jr.
Sephreh Saccidi, (1991) Joseph Mirtaj (1994) and Trichelle
Miriam Silverman, Ron Silverman (1972) and Mary Burke
Ellen Sisti and April Mayer (Go Sixers!!)

Temple Dental was founded in 1863 with 11 students. Today there are more than 7,000 graduates around the globe. https://dentistry.temple.edu/.

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4Ever Young Now Has A Philly Location

4Ever Young Anti-Aging Institute now has a Philadelphia location. The wellness franchise opened its doors 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions. Bringing the best kind of medspa and wellness cultures together, 4Ever Young brings beauty to the thriving communities of Center City and Midtown Philly. 

Bob and Erin Polizzano, owners of Center City 4ever Young

Located at 1216 Walnut St., the Philadelphia location is the 15th for the brand, following the big footprints of the flagship location that blew up the anti-aging scene in Boca Raton in 2014. 

Victoria Capaccio and Siani Caban

4Ever Young is a premium Wellness & Medical Spa center in Philadelphia, PA that focuses on providing the best anti aging solutions for men & women.

Cynthaya Johnson

No one can stop getting older, but can we look and feel much younger than our age? Live a longer, healthier life? By applying recent advances from biomedical research, it is possible to slow the rate of the aging process, and even slow and reverse some of the effects of aging says Carlton Washington and Deniz Duygulu, founders of 4ever Young.

Siani Caban, Victoria Capaccio and Connor Frank

4ever Young offers IV nutrition, hormone replacement therapy, peptides, menopause, andropause treatments, & bioidentical hormones. We also offer custom facials, Botox, Skin Tightening, dermal fillers, double chin removal, lip enhancement, Hydrafacial, Microneedling, chemicals peels, and medically-assisted weight loss.

Kate Potter and Ryan Adams

Bob and Erin can’t wait to share their passion with their fellow Philadelphians. “We’re excited to bring 4Ever Young to the city of Philadelphia and help their patients to look and feel their best!” 

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PhillyToDo: Banksy is Here at The Fashion District

The Ribbon Cutting of the Banksy’s Exhibit

Earlier this month street artist Banksy’s unauthorized exhibit opened in Philly.

Fever and Exhibition Hub produces the exhibition and includes over 80 original works, sculptures, installations, videos and photos including the now classics of the artist (presumed to be British), like the essential “Girl with Balloon”, similar to the one destroyed by the artist at the auctioneer Sotheby’s in London, his portrait of Lenin,

the “Fallen Angels” smokers cigarette or his explosive “Monkey Detonator”. Banksy has questioned the rules of the game of contemporary art and is considered today as one of the main figures of street art. These pieces come from private collections as well as in collaboration with Lilley Fine Art/Contemporary Art Gallery.

There are two spots inside the exhibit where you can let your Banksy energy flow with a bit of stenciling and graffiti.
There’s a gift shop at the end of the tour, right after you try out the VR experience.

Date: From December 3rd, 2022 until January 31st, 2023 Opening hours:

  • Monday, Thursday and Sunday : 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM
  • Friday, Saturday and Holidays : 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Duration: The visit lasts approximately 60 to 80 minutes Location: Fashion District Philadelphia Age requirement: All ages!