Categories
Uncategorized

Jefferson Tops Off; Historic Robing, Justin Bieber Sighted, What is Rock Lititz?

Hello Chit Chatters, I hope you had a wonderful week. Winter got real these past few weeks. It was cold, it snowed, but life continues with caution and optimism . One of futures hope is the beautiful, life changing Jefferson Specialty Care Pavilion which held it’s Topping Off Ceremony earlier this week.

Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health topped off a $762 million, 19-floor Specialty Care Pavilion at 11th and Chestnut streets that will eventually become the centerpiece of its Philadelphia campus. One of the

H. Richard Haverstick, Jr., Interim President and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University

The new facility, spanning approximately 462,000 square feet, will feature:

  • more than 300 exam rooms
  • 58 infusion chairs
  • 10 operating rooms
  • six endoscopy rooms
  • imaging and lab services
  • a pharmacy
  • three levels of underground parking for added patient convenience

Designed by renowned architectural firms Ennead Architects and Stantec, the Specialty Care Pavilion will be especially welcoming to aging neurodiverse populations, such as patients with autism and dementia. The building is anticipated to house many of Jefferson’s nationally ranked services in one location, creating unparalleled convenience for patients. The future looks bright. Read more about the Specialty Care Pavilion at Metro Philly, and Phila Biz Journal.

Justin Beiber was spotted in Lancaster County Wednesday according Lancaster Online to (PS I had heard the Beibs was rehearsing at Rock Lititz last week, but was sitting on the story until I wrote about my own visit to Lancaster which I will do on Monday.) He’s at the famed sound stages of Rock Lititz staging his upcoming concert tour, Bieber’s world tour, called “The Justice World Tour 2022” which starts later this month. If you recall right before the pandemic started, he was spotted in Philly at the Rocky Steps, and the Four Seasons, which I wrote about. After his tour was scrapped I mentioned he was headed to Rock Lititz to rehearse his tour then as well. Since then I have visited Lititz to check out the place. It’s very cool, a very large campus of warehouses in which several musicians have come to rehearse their shows before heading out on tour including Katy Perry, Mumford & Sons, Green Day and Ariana Grande to name a few. Next up for Lititz is the Fire and Ice Festival in a few weeks. I wonder if Beiber will stop by. Here’s the INFO

Frank Potts, Elmer C. Hudson and Jameel H. Worthy help with the robing ceremony of Judge Lori Dumas

Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court welcomed its newest judge as Lori Dumas was sworn in Wednesday during a ceremonial session led by state Supreme Court Justice Kevin M. Dougherty at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

The setting at the Constitution Center was perfect, in the shadow of Independence Hall. The tributes paid to Judge Dumas were moving, and her comments about others who went before her and planted the seeds was monumental (like the first black women elected, Doris A Smith -Ribner Retired of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania for the United States Supreme Court.) Thank you to those who went before us. More photos and stories at CBSPhilly, and Phila Tribune.

Categories
Uncategorized

Marilyn Russell, Galentine’s Day Fun, and Migs is Off to Beijing

Bon voyage Marilyn Russell. The legendary radio dj/personality announced on Instagram that she is no longer with WOGL . Marilyn has been with WOGL since January 2017 (I used to be on with her every Friday before the pandmic), when she joined the station’s Breakfast Club broadcast alongside former WOGL hosts Frank Lewish and Bill Zimpfer, who departed the station later that year. (Valerie Knight who was part of the Breakfast Club had been laid off). Marilyn dominated the morning rush hour for several years, before moving to the 11am to 1pm slot, and then to doing just her weekly radio show “Remarkable Women” which aired every Sunday, and was featured on the WOGL website.

Valerie Knight went on to host Weekdays 6AM-10AM on the Breeze 106.1FM. Here’s Valerie and Marilyn Russell at the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Media Night for Pretty Women: The Musical 2 weeks ago. The longtime Philly radio personality, Marilyn Russell began her Philadelphia broadcasting career in 1993 at WDRE. She was laid off from 95.7 BEN-FM in November 2016, prompting her move to WOGL. Marilyn told her followers she’ll be in Arizona for the time being.

Congrats to my friend Miguel Martinez-Valle who will be covering 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing for @nbcphiladelphia and @telemundo62. Can’t wait to catch his reports.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, that could only mean one thing – a great Galentine’s Party. Louie Louie in University City is hosting one. Co-owenr Sydney Grimes announced on her instagram: 3rd Annual Galentine’s Day @louielouiephl on Feb 10th 6-8pm! The event will be hosted by my best friend Editor in Chief of @phillystylezine @antonialdepace and I! 😍😍The event is BYOG – bring your own girlfriends and features Philadelphia’s top FEMALE vendors

Short & Sweet today. I have a last minute thingy to attend. I have a lot more gossip and tidbits, which I will post tomorrow. Thanks so much HughE

Categories
Charity Uncategorized

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.

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.

Categories
Charity

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.

Categories
Uncategorized

Around Town: Seen, Scene and To See

I’ve continued to bird watch, but not as enthusiastically as I wish I could as my business has been booming as well. I shot this cutie last week at John Heinz Nature Preserve. We’re so lucky to have this treasure so close to Philly. I can’t be everywhere so on occasion I will post photos and copy from others who have invited me, or attempted to hire me to shoot their event.

On Wednesday, the Thomas Jefferson University fashion merchandising and management (FMM)
students filled the Kanbar Performance Space with a celebration of fashion
streetwear in remembrance of one of their own. The students sold their
original clothing designs and accessories to benefit this year’s charity,
Children’s Miracle Network, which was selected in memory of Karigen Emig,
who tragically died just months after graduating from the program earlier this
year.
“Karigen loved working in the fashion industry and was motivated by the way it
brings together people from different backgrounds, inspires confidence and
creates change in the world. She deeply inspired everyone around her, not only
through her great sense of style, but also through her positive energy,
contagious work ethic, and her infectious smile,” says Julia Wazeter, Karigen’s
best friend and 2021 FMM graduate who, along with Karigen’s parents, will
attend the Pop Up Shop event.

The FMM program promotes active learning, industry engagement, and prepares forward thinking leaders to work in the global business of #fashion linktr.ee/jeffersonfashionmerchandising

Circle of Trees – November 20: A favorite of local families and children, Circle of Trees returns to
kick off the holiday season on November 20 at 5 p.m. This year, the event takes on a new
COVID-friendly format, with Santa’s firetruck making stops at several neighborhood locations,
the first at Woodmere Art Museum at 9201 Germantown Avenue. Stay tuned for more details
about where he’s touching down.

Wednesday night Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Friends of the Avenue of the Arts hosted a Fundraiser at the Dina Wind Art Foundation. It was a lovely evening of shopping with 25% of the proceeds going directly to AAI. 

Great news! John has offered to extend the 25% contribution to Avenue of the Arts, Inc. through this Sunday for orders placed through www.johnwind.com

When you add an item to your cart, you will see a box to write an ‘Order Note’. Just put ‘Avenue of the Arts’ there and your order will be included! If you have never seen John’s jewelry, take a look. The holidays are coming (Thanksgiving is next week!).  Want to learn more about the Dina Wind Art Foundation? Visit www.dinawindfoundation.art 

Moving from the Wells Fargo Parking lot, Spectacor Events & Entertainment has jollied the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular presented by Dietz & Watson to Oaks, Pa. The massive, immersive, one-of-a-kind experience offering a winter wonderland of lights, shopping, and dining will take place from November 26 (Black Friday) through January 2 at the Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.

Tinseltown is also announcing a Flex Ticket, which will allow guests to purchase a ticket without pre-selecting the date and time for a visit. Perfect for a holiday gift or those on a fluid schedule, the Flex Ticket is $38.99 and can be purchased here

General admission tickets for Tinseltown are limited and start at $19.99 for adults and $13.99 for children under 13 – admission is FREE for children under five. All ticket buyers will be required to select a designated arrival window when purchasing - patrons are encouraged to book their timed tickets early as sell-outs are anticipated. Purchase your tickets NOW at TinseltownHoliday.com.   This year I am tooo busy to make it to the new site, but it’s spectacular, family fun with food and lots of holiday photos to be had.

Categories
Uncategorized

Michael’s Giving H.A.N.D.Supports Students Needs

Michael’s Giving H.A.N.D. on Wednesday, October 20th was held at The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale

Michael’s Giving H.A.N.D. was established to honor the life of Michael Donatucci who suffered from anxiety and depression and died by suicide in July 2016. Upon this loss, Michael’s family and friends came together to create Michael’s Giving H.A.N.D. – to handle anxiety and navigate depression – with a mission to ensure that suffering individuals and their families have the education and resources available and join together the erase the stigma associated with mental illness.

Over 150 people came out to support Michael’s Giving H.A.N.D mission as they enjoyed a day of golf, followed a cocktail party where they had a chance to bid on exciting items in the silent auction including sports memorabilia, golf outings and dinner on the town.

Ronald R. Donatucci Jr., – President & Co-Founder and Natalie Foglietta – Executive Director, Donor Relations & Development

Out on the green there were food stations, as well as a Chickie & Pete’s food truck!!

After playing all day the teams headed back to the clubhouse for mingling, cock-tailing and fun.

There’s still time to donate Michael’s Giving H.A.N.D. – raising awareness, educating communities, supporting the mental well-being of teens struggling with anxiety and depression, and challenging attitudes toward mental illnesses to produce a stigma-free future through our programs.

Congratulations to the Donatucci family, on the naming of 21st and Ritner Sts for Ronald R. Donatucci Sr. Way!!
this past weekend.

Categories
Charity Philadelphia

IBX Foundation Collaborates with Temple University to Create a Pathway to Nursing for Students of Color

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 Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) announced new grant funding for a collaboration with Temple University’s College of Public Health and Department of Nursing to create a direct pathway to nursing from high school to college for students of color. The IBC Foundation Healthcare Scholars Pipeline Program will provide full four-year scholarships, which cover tuition and educational expenses, for students of color pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Temple University.

Dr. Lorina MarshallBlake, President of the IBC Foundation

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.

Categories
Uncategorized

Philadelphia Mimosa Crawl at Xfinity Live

The Mimosa Crawl is next Sunday August 15th, at Xfinity Live! l! Unfortunately it is sold out!! BUT don’t fret, you still have a chance to go as they’re having a contest. Before I give you the details, check out photos from their re opening party last month taken by PhillyChiChat team photographer…

Talya Hailey who celebrated her birthday yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Here she is with her baby girl.

Xfinity Live! reopened in May after the pandemic closed it temporarily, and celebrated with an official party in July. The South Philadelphia bar and restaurant complex welcomed customers back with entertainment, popular bites from eateries like Geno’s Steaks, Chickie & Pete’s, Victory Beer Hall, Lorenzo & Sons Pizza and PBR Philly. The game watching experience that Xfinity is known for in the shadow of Philly’s sports stadiums plans to host many summer events at the complex.

FIVE LUCKY WINNERS!

Chance to win (2) tickets to Mimosa Crawl taking place on Sunday, August 15 at Xfinity Live! Enter before August 7!!

Categories
Uncategorized

Photos: DePaul’s Table Opens in Ardmore

Restaurant veteran Anthony DePaul (center on left) recently opened his latest concept on the Main Line, DePaul’s Table: Modern Italian Steakhouse at 7 E. Lancaster Ave., earlier this month. Jose Galicia (center on right) is leading the DePaul’s Table kitchen as executive chef, with menu items featuring two dishes I had: filet Mignon, seared diver scallops, (worth the trip) and sesame-crusted ahi tuna, and the cheesiest onion soup.

DePaul’s Table is in a historic 10,000-square-foot space which dates back to the early 1900s and once housed Haverford Trust Bank. There are 190 seats inside on two levels, including a 40-seat bar.  Did I mention there’s a Happy Hour daily, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., look for filet tips, flatbreads, oysters Rockefeller, salmon nachos and more, starting at $5 and up.

Categories
Uncategorized

Chestnut Hill not as far as you think and so adorable

Throughout the fall Mike and I went on numerous trips in Pennsylvania, especially to enjoy leaf peeping. We saved the best for last, Chestnut Hill. Chestnut Hill is a short drive from Center City, about 25 minutes. Or take Septa Bus Route 23, 77, 94, 97, L or Chestnut Hill East train. Chestnut Hill is one of the neighborhoods of Philadelphia, but it can seem a world away with it’s leafy, quaint shops, eateries and art galleries.

I’ve gone shopping and eating many times in Chestnut Hill, but this time Mike and I stayed over at the historic Chestnut Hill Hotel, 8229 Germantown Ave. (sadly no ghosts to report)

Mike and I walked around for about 90 minutes soaking in the beautiful night, and scenery.

I can’t wait for Holidays on the Hill especially the long standing Chestnut Hill Stag and Doe Nights every Wednesday in December leading up to Christmas. I’ll have more on this in the coming weeks as Chestnut Hill is advertising with Philly Chit Chat to promote the holiday tradition.