Categories
Uncategorized

Scene: Joan Shepp Women of Style and Substance

In honor of Black History Month, Joan Shepp hosted her annual Women of Substance & Style soiree where black women who have influenced our community’s growth and prosperity are feted. This years honorees have been selected by Cheryl Ann Wadlington, Dyana Williams, and Tuesday Gordon. Each honoree will be presented with a certificate at the event, a change to talk about their lives to a room full of friends, family, supporters and change makers.

This year Joan Shepp will be giving back to Turning Points for Children, whose mission is to strive to bring social and health services to vulnerable people across the city of Philadelphia. Annually, they serve over 17,000 individuals, including children and adults, to offer services such as foster care placement, counseling and parental education, behavioral health services, and much more.

Christie Mandia, Cashman & Associates, with legendary Joan Shepp, and Bridgett Battles, Stylist, Brand Consultant and Director for Community Engagement and Supplier Diversity at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health.

As with every Joan Shepp event, the fashion was fierce!

Famed jeweler John Wind was wearing an original design by Conrad Booker, where he takes a suit jacket and strips it down to it’s inners adding thread to create this unique jacket.

Conrad Booker and another stylish friend

More than just a meticulously curated fashion boutique, for 50 years, Joan Shepp have provided exceptional service, exclusive designer events, and most importantly, a space for the fashion community to play, discuss, explore, and discover new designers and innovations in the industry.

SHANI NEWTON Dolly’s Boutique is one of Philadelphia’s most unique shopping experiences. Owner, Shani Newton opened the boutique named in honor of her late grandmother nearly 10 years ago. She and her staff pride themselves on providing an exceptional level of customer service. “When you come to Dolly’s, expect to be treated like royalty”, a frequent quote of Shani’s.

Shani told me that when she was younger her grandmother took her to Joan Shepp’s shopping. She enjoyed the experience, how they always had treats and champagne on hand for the customers. When she opened her store she wanted to create the same experience for her customers, and she has, as well as earning respect from her peers and the community.

In 2019, Joan Shepp introduced a new concept store, Joan Shepp Home, to enhance your space with unparalleled decor.
Stylish, stylist Linda Della Rocca
Tammi Toliver Principle Artist at Fashion Facez, getting the shot with Colona Rberts.
Joan Shepp and Ellen Shepp

Founded in 1971 in Lafayette Hill, Joan Shepp has since been recognized as one of the country’s style leaders by publications Harper’s Bazaar and Lucky Magazine. In 1984 Joan’s daughter Ellen joined the business. Together, along with their loyal and creative staff, they have continued to share the Chemistry of Fashion. The complete list of women honored at the event

Categories
Uncategorized

Hard Rock Cafe Philly Celebrates 25th Anniversary

It has been 25 years since the rock memorabilia and live music-driven Hard Rock Café dropped anchor in Center City Philadelphia. The Philly Hard Rock, at 1113 Market Street, since that time, has become a totem for conventioneers, tourists, office workers, and locals alike looking for big burgers, tall cocktails, live music and memorabilia from The Who, the Rolling Stones and more.

Martin Cordova and Scarlett Hernadez
Brett Silver and Brittney Chappell.
Uneeka Jay, Founder of Rewrite 365 LLC and Elijih Crawford, Co Founder & Director At Ugly Art Films
Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of Avenue of the Arts, Kyle Cuffie-Scott, owner of Darnell’s Cakes just did a pop up cafe at Philadelphia Museum of Art, but you can enjoy his tasty delights at his cafe 444 N 3rd Street, (he tells me there’s another pop up in a few weeks) and Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships AIA Partnerships
Sisters Kiki and Lani Aranita
Dani Reaves (still glowing from her trip to Paris in November) and Rashidah Cornitcher, CEO and founder of Ultimate Vision Sports Management.
Kevin Spence, Cinematographer ( Just returned from NYFW and spotted great street fashion) (I sure miss shooting NYFW myself) and Tiffany Laibhen-Spence, wife + mommy and content creator. The happily married duo has some life advice for you at BET.
Sheila Hess, City Representative and the team from Hard Rock Cafe
Alison and Mike Dalewitz owners of Borscht Belt Deli in Stockton

To celebrate, the group Boyz II Men performed at the anniversary show on Wednesday, February 8. The group’s four-time Grammy Award winners are one of the most iconic R&B groups in history, had the ladies, and a few men swooning when they handing out red roses to the crowd when they sang “I’ll Make Love To You.”

Categories
Uncategorized

Scene: Rivers Rewind back to the ’80s

Happy Happy New Year!! What a great time I had at Rivers Casino the other night at their New Year’s Eve Eighties Rewind party.

The sold out crowd enjoyed an open bar, small bites, and live music including a performance by The Spazmatics, The Ultimate 80s Tribute.

Marty McFly and Doc Brown greeted the guests as they arrived at the event center.

Guests met the expectations and wore their 80s finest to fit the theme
A couple of nerds
The Rivers Casino crew handing out mini Rubik Cubes, fun 80s glasses and tshirt swag
Girls Night Out
New Year Wishes: Every end marks a new beginning.
May the new year bring you peace, joy, and happiness.
“You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you.” —Eckhart Tolle
“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” —Carl Bard
May you have good health, lots of happiness, and a great New Year.
The decor was on point.
Here’s to new adventures.
May you have good health, lots of happiness, and a great New Year.
Dominique Frio, GM of Catering & Sales Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Justin Moore, General Manager at Rivers Casino Philadelphia · Rush Street Gaming, LLC , Jeff and Maddswar prepare the bubbly for the guests
Here’s hoping you make the most of 2023!
Each year I spend with you is the best one yet! Here’s to making more memories in 2023. Thank You!!
I’m so excited for our future.

Head to Rivers Casino to see what’s happening in January and meet me next Saturday at the Event Center to enjoy a night with En Vogue!! Get Tickets HERE!!

The Legendary group En Vogue is coming to Rivers Casino Philadelphia for an unforgettable concert!
Categories
Main Line Today Uncategorized

Save The Date: Best of the Main Line Party

And it’s back : Main Line Today and Today Media announce the grand return of the Best of the Main Line and Western Suburbs Party on Thursday, July 28th, at Drexelbrook Special Event Center (4700 Drexelbrook Drive).

Eat, drink and dance the night away while celebrating the 2022 winners that include top restaurants, bars, retail shops, small businesses and people of the region as voted by the people and the critics. This year’s event will feature over 50 top businesses and special guests.

There will be food samples, as well as cocktails and beer to enjoy

From 5:30pm to 9:00pm, guests will sample fabulous food and drink from this year’s winners, dance to live music from the award-winning band Jellyroll, and participate in a silent auction to benefit Brandywine SPCA. (Tickets)

Many of the Best of Mainline Winners will be on hand to show you why they were chosen.

Main Line Today and Today Media thank this year’s sponsors, including Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS /The Trident Group/Prosperity (Melissa Cunningham); Exton Dental Health Group; Pinnacle ENT, LLC; Republic Bank; Roots Landscaping; Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar; Main Line Chamber of Commerce; and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. We’re also thrilled to be partnering with Drexelbrook, Aversa PR & Events, BVTLive!, Pictures by Todd and Valley Creek Productions.

Main Line Today proudly announced this year’s beneficiary for the event, which is  Brandywine SPCA. Guests will be invited to support the organization, meet the staff and some adoptables, and bid on the silent auction that will go to fund the group’s critical animal welfare and rescue work. Founded in 1929, the Brandywine Valley SPCA exists to end animal suffering and to involve the entire community in the welfare and well-being of animals.mission is to put the “human” back in humane animal treatment and advocate on their behalf. Our vision is to be the recognized leader in animal welfare that empowers communities to treat life with respect and dignity. Donations can also be made direct at: https://bvspca.org/donate/

“The party of the year is back on the Main Line,” said Main Line Today Associate Publisher Marie Edwards. “Celebrate this unforgettable evening of bites, drinks and dancing – and get ready to toast the best of the best! We are thrilled to be back inside the ballroom with an exciting and diverse line-up of winners that include the region’s best restaurants, bars, boutiques and so much more. This event is truly a celebration of the top quality businesses and people that make the Main Line and Western Suburbs special. We can’t wait to see everyone again. Come with your dancing shoes ready to party!”

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Nbeauty Inc Hair, Skin & Body Spa Ardmore

Naeemah Johnson (owner of Nbeauty Inc)

Naeemah Johnson a licensed cosmetologist known for setting trends and styling tresses since the tender age of 17 celebrated her first year in business with a cocktail reception at her Ardmore Salon and Spa , Nbeauty INC Hair Skin Body. Naeemah also has a place in Philly at 3933 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132

Karen Cox and Jen Su

Guests enjoyed lite bites and cocktails as technicians demonstrated the NBeauty brand signature hair and skin care product line.

Afea Tucker and Michelle Conron
Guests at opening of Nbeauty Inc
Jada Kent; Alexis Campbell; Naaemah Johnson; and Anisa Johnson

Johnson’s work has been published in numerous trade and hair magazines. She’s been interviewed for expert advice for national networks like BET.

The full-service salon and spa have expert cosmetologists and estheticians on staff that specialize in advanced skin treatments, extensions, hair and lash extensions, and hair coloring and styling.

Traci Hilton and Anitra Small

Nbeauty INC Hair Skin Body. Stop by and pay us a visit at, 3933 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132. or 6 Greenfield Ave. Ardmore , PA 19003 Thanks Talya Hailey for shooting this event.

Categories
Charity Gala Uncategorized

Mission Possible 2022 Gala!

Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center hosted it’s annual fundraising gala, Mission Possible! 2022 on April 28 th . A sold-out crowd, of more than 300 guests, is expected to raise awareness of child abuse and support the organization’s mission of achieving healing and justice for child victims.

The event was held in April, which is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an annual observance to raise awareness for the importance of preventing and reporting child abuse.

Jimmy Wayne, a former foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist whose songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.

This year’s entertainment and featured guest speaker was Jimmy Wayne,
a former foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist whose songs and story highlight his
mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.

Congratulations to our Event Honorees, Trish Gorman and Garrett Snider, who were recognized for their years of dedication, volunteer service, and leadership at Mission Kids!

Barbara Vetri (her daughter Risa Vetri Ferman co-dounded Mission Kids) ,, Abbie R. Newman, R.N, J.D, Chief Executive Officer of Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center, Pat Ciarrocchi and David Fineman
Donna Coghlan, Nigel Richards and Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Associates
Jane Kim and Denise Williams
Philadelphia Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker and Aren Platt, Board Member Broad Street Ministry

Thank you to our Host Committee Honorary Co-Chairs, Meredith L. Seigle and Robert Mongeluzzi, as well as our Event Co-Chairs Pauline & David LeVan and Marianne Dean, our Emcee, Jeff Hammond and our entire Host Committee for their hard work the past several months and dedication to making this event so successful!

Lauren Hart and Garrett Snider
Categories
Uncategorized

Pixs: Stratus Lounge Spring Awakening and Refresh

Everything’s coming up roses, especially after two years of dormancy including the Stratus Spring Awakening Party which kicks off their outdoor season. Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the chic rooftop venue on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City at 5th and Chestnut, welcomed the warm weather with it’s annual “Spring Awakening” party on Friday April 19.

This go-around was dubbed The Ultimate Spring Partyrife with live music from Snacktime Philly (they’re everywere, at Condessa today and last night) and noted DJs spinning vinyl, effervescent cocktails and bubbly, elevated hors d’oeuvres, burlesque, roller skating dancers, and so on, on – and they were right on the money!! It was a party not to be missed. (I missed it though as I had a friends surprise bday party (Happy Birthday Angela Val), but thanks to team snapper Andre Flewellen he was on the scene and captured the happening!!

“Our annual spring kick off has always been the showstopping event of the year – and we’re thinking the long-awaited return will be bigger and better than ever before,” said Eric Johnson, General Manager of Stratus Rooftop Lounge. “The goal is for The Ultimate Spring to be the celebratory party we’ve all been looking for after the past two years. Plus, it marks a new, vibrant, and fun-filled spring and summer ahead at Stratus Rooftop Lounge!” 

Michelle Shannon, Center City District and Bruce Shannon
Scensters Brandon Edelman (Bran Flakes) and Kirk Wilson

Jennifer Grayson, Samantha Schwartz, Aiden Hamilton, Maura Kranzel, and Jasmine Nguyen

Spencer Brennen, General Manager at Birchtree Catering, LLC and Laura Swartz, Philly Mag
Richard Simango and Lloyd Shoriwa
Beth and Ty Annick-Hyle with Danielle Paurmard-Grodek
Alex Holley, Fox29 – Good Day and The Feed and Miguel Martinez-Valle, NBC10 and Telemundo
Donielle Powell, Sadie Sadie Married Lady – Congrats >> Kylie Flett,and Chandra Robbins
James Zeleniak,, Punch Media PR, Max Barna, Managing Editor: @choppersmagazine and Chris Lorenc, PA
Greg Viola, Tashna Seaton-Smal and ,Tavone Stone
Jen Nagle,Laura Burkhardt, and Daniel Briones

The lavish soirée previews the newly launched seasonal cocktail menu courtesy of Lead Bartender Christopher Devern and includes elevated fare (think: oysters, caviar, sushi, etc.) from the talented culinary team at Stratus Rooftop Lounge. As for entertainment, local DJs – including the fan-favorite DJ Romain, DJ Vanya, and DJ Hollywood – will spin vinyl throughout the evening, and Philadelphia’s go-to seven-piece brass band Snacktime Philly is set to wow the crowd during 30-minute sets in between DJ acts.

Categories
Charity Gala

Roaring Back: Abington Health Foundation Gala

On Saturday April 23, 2022 Abington Health Foundation roared back to celebrating their 100th Anniversary, which was scheduled to take place April 18, 2020 before the pandemic pause. The delay just made the night so much sweeter as nurses, doctors, staff and friends gathered to celebrate life on so many levels, as will be all celebrations moving forward. We, us collectively will never forget the horror we all endured, and for the many who were affected. Thank you Front Line Workers for your sacrifice.

Michael and Erica McKiernan, with Brad and Meghan Fryer

“Slick your hair and wear your buckle shoes… and all that jazz!” Guests had a fabulous time at the 1920’s style Spring Celebration last weekend. Proceeds benefit the Image Recovery Center at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center- Asplundh Cancer Pavilion

Judy McGruther, Mark Kerschner, Maureen and Corey Evans

Maryann Watson, Claudia Lyles, Lauren Farrell and Alyson Kaplan

I love how folks really got into the spirit.

Claudia and Greg Lyles

The June Fete Fair/Horse & Pony Show returns in 2022! We are so excited to be back and we need your help! This event relies on our dedicated volunteers – visit jefferson.edu/junefete for details on how you can join us!

A New Era for Neuroscience

When patient Melissa B. turned to the Neurosurgery Division at Jefferson Abington Hospital to have a spinal tumor removed she said, “At every step of the way, from the neurologist’s office to the Emergency Trauma Center to my operation and inpatient stay, I was treated with compassion and empathy. I always felt I had chosen the right place for my care.

Lisa and Paul O’Moore

We are proud to share that the AHF Women’s Board has made a generous gift to the Durham Fund for Nurse Wellness at Jefferson Health – Abington. To join in and make a gift as we celebrate #JeffersonGivingDay, please visit www.Jefferson.edu/GivingDay.

Abington Health Foundation

Abington Health Foundation is a nonprofit Philanthropy Pillar Program that financially supports the efforts of Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health, Abington – Lansdale Hospital and its affiliates to benefit the health and well-being of our community. In 2015, Abington Health and Jefferson completed a merger that will bring exciting changes in urban/suburban access to health care. One thing will stay constant: All charitable gifts to Abington Health Foundation will still be directed to Abington Hospital, Abington – Lansdale Hospital and our affiliate locations throughout the community, just as our donors wish.

Part of Jefferson Health – Abington and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, the Image Recovery Center brings the amenities of a luxury spa to patients interested in restoring their appearance before, during, and after the side effects of cancer treatment. Our staff is specially trained to provide professional, high-quality services, with careful consideration for patients who may have compromised immune systems stemming from cancer treatment.

Thanks to PCC Team Photographer Andre Flewellen for shooting this event.

Categories
Philly To Do Uncategorized

CITRS 2022 Dancing for Character

Noelle Palazzo Burg, HughE Dillon, Lauren Conlon, Sue Jacquette, Kristin Daly,
Kristyn Aldrich and Scott Brown participated in the CITRs Dancing for Character Charity Dance last month. The amateur dancers took time from their busy schedules as ace real estate brokers, student, moms, and entrepeneurs to learn to dance at the Danza Dancing Studio in order to seem like “stars” on the dance floor, and I’d have to say all of us succeeded.

Clay Hamlin is the CEO and co-founder of CITRS, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Character. Its mission is of comprehensive character development. CITRS partners with school districts and youth organizations to develop character-centered environments where students thrive ethically, socially and academically and provides resources and tools to educators and organizations to help urban youth be successful in life.

The event was held at Cescaphe’s Vie on North Broad. They always do a great job with production and food.
Brendan & Tessa Petersen,Michael & Suzanne Bracci
Molly & Joe Dickerson
Karen Cox and Jen Su with Illustrator Denise Fike
Josianne Legare and Stacy Distefano
Chris Smith,Heidi Kivi,Maureen Burling,Stephanie Jacquette,
    Layla Peterson
Nichole Davis Moore, Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid Penn Vet and ,Nichelle Davis Ahmaddiya, Chief Operating Officer of CITRS
Lynsie Feinberg and Bari Gilbert both of CITRS

Fundraising is a hard thing to do. Kudo’s to Lynsie Feinberg on the tremendous job she did producing this event. She did an excellent job while managing so many movable pieces, and a pandemic as the planning for this event began in 2019..

Lauren Conlon
Stephen and Sylvia Fineberg
Chris Smith,Heidi Kivi,Maureen Burling,Stephanie Jacquette,
    Layla Peterson
Jasmine Hendri ,Stefanie Wenzel, Bernadette Armstrong, Nikai Iovino, and
    Danielle Renzi
Genna Rufo, Gokcen Gurk and,Watsuki Harrington
Robert Fisicaro and dancer Kristin Daly
Sue Jacquette,
Kristyn Aldrich
Scott Brown
Jen Corea and Hughe Dillon
Thanks to this crew for coming out to support me, as well as a few others who were camera shy, and those who donated and couldn’t be there. I appreciate it so much.

Thanks to PhillyChitChat team member: Andre Flewellen for photographing the event. It was sooooo hard for me not to shoot an event I attended, but he of course did a fantastic job capturing everyone and the elements.

There was a Tie for Winning Dance:
Noelle Palazzo Burg and Sue Jacquette,

Categories
Uncategorized

What Philly Wore Week of April 10th

Hello readers, this past week I started a new series on Instagram “What Philly Wore” , which has turned out to be fairly popular. I was thinking on Fridays or Saturday I will post some of my favorite shots of What Philly Wore on ChitChat. I love the photo above. I stopped by the newly opened Van Leeuwen Ice Cream spot near Rittenhouse Square. Fox 29’s Good Day Alex Holley was “celebrating” her birthday with a namesake ice cream flavor, lavender birthday cake, probably not the official name but what I was tasting. It was delicious. The photo above are people waiting to come inside, with Sofia Pignitor, Cashman & Associates looking on (left).

How wonderful: One of the first photos I shot was this person walking down the street with angel wings on. If that wasn’t a sign of success, I don’t know what is…

If you write me like this young man, I will send you your photo….

A neatly and stylishly dressed man can be described as dapper.

Shoe Power with orange accent hair

These two didn’t know each other before I took this photo, but they do have similar taste. (WDAS Women of Excellence)

We are less than one month away from the second annual AACR Day of Giving. Save the date for May 6 as the entire AACR community comes together to raise critical funds for cancer research. Visit the link in our bio and help us reach our goal of 250 donors by donating. #researchsaveslives

The filming of a commercial in Rittenhouse Square. Not sure if it was part of the big production filmed in No Libs and Old City earlier this week, but thanks to my readers for tipping me off.

At the Young Friends Soiree at Barnes Foundation Thursday 4/14/22: Trell and Jus Rome

Never too much to wear something that makes others go wow. I wish I wasn’t running so late to dinner to meet Brandon Szeker at Mixto (hadn’t been there in a decade, still as delicious as ever), cause we all want to know where was she going dressed like this on a Tuesday night. She had just paid for parking.

What are you doing for dinner this weekend, how about Louie Louie

Two shereos who save lives through their work: Sheryl Lee Ralph, actress, activist and part time Philly resident who’s been married to Sen. Vincent Hughes for nearly 20 years (2005) and Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors COVID19 Consortium both were honored at the WDAS Women of Excellence luncheon.

Tulip Season

Thank You: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society planted 70,000 bulbs in Philadelphia’s iconic Logan Square this past fall season which are now reaching their peak bloom. They will wrap this iconic Philadelphia location in a beautiful array of rainbow colors, welcoming the spring season. These blooms are now at their peak and are expected to retain their beauty (depending on weather) through April 22, 2022.