Tag: Philadelphia

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Around Town With HughE

Scene: Ignite! 2024 PHLCVB Annual Luncheon

The PHLCVB Annual Luncheon is a popular networking bringing together the tourism and hospitality community to celebrate the year’s successes and recognize its strong positive impact on the city. The event happens every year on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and has been held at the convention center, the Linc, and the art museum. This year it was held at the Franklin Institute.

Gregg Caren PHLCVB President and Larry Dubinski, President and CEO, The Franklin Institute were our hosts for the event.
Mayor Cherelle Parker kicked of the luncheon with a spirited chat about the state of Philly tourism, as well as the future plans underway for Philly’s celebration of America 250th anniversary in 2026, in the auditorium. Followed by speeches by Greg, Larry

and Karen Dougherty Buchholz, PHLCVB Board Chair and Executive Vice President of Administration for Comcast Corporation.

Nearly 1000 hospitality leaders gathered at the annual event held at the Franklin Institute
Angela Val, President & CEO of Visit Philadelphia and Jazelle Jones, City Representative and Director of Special Events
Alba Martinez, Commerce Director of the City of Philadelphia, Crystal Brewe, Ensemble Arts Philly, guest and Ryan Fleur, Ensemble Arts Philly

Photo bombing Job Itzkowitz (l) – Director of Old City District is getting ready for his neighborhoods tree lighting on December 4th, at the Betsy Ross Home in Old City. It’s always a fun time with sugar plum fairies dancing in the street, a visit from Santa and finally the tree lighting about 630pm.

Prema Katari Gupta, Center City District CEO (I had a change to check out the new CCD offices at Chestnut and Broad Street. Beautiful, and the perfect location for them. There’s also a Police substation there as well) and Jasmine Armstrong – Senior Director of Hospitality & Events Visit Philadelphia
The Franklin Institute’s giant walk-through heart has been closed as the science museum developed a new, permanent exhibition around it. “Body Odyssey” opens last month with state-of-the-art museum technology showcasing the human body, from gut microbiomes to bionic prosthetics.
Gabbi Townsend, Fashion District, Ryan Williams, Fashion District and Farah Farag, Visit Philadelphia

In November The Light The World Giving Machine was installed at the Fashion District. The “giving machines” are popular vending machines that work in reverse, giving you the chance to donate a variety of much-needed items to local and global charities. Donation items range in price from $5 to $500. This year, the donations go to six charities, including Philabundance, Interfaith Philabundance/Zones of Peace, Mount Airy Church of God in Christ, Ministry of Caring, Days for Girls and Mentors International.

The Giving Machines will remain in the Fashion District through Dec. 4 during regular mall hours, which run Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m.

John New, Kate Winters both of CYTO/PHL, Gabrielle Wallace, Try Hungry, and Betsy Barber, Temple University
Taylor Lumpkin, En Route, Summer Freeman and Tracy Bulholz all of En Route
Michael Norris, Carpenters’ Hall, Allegra Burnette, Museum of American Revolution and Jonathan Burton. Director of Development, Independence Historic Trust The Legacy Award Gala is coming up on December 12, honoring
Kathryn Ott Lovell, Philadelphia Visitor Center, Andrew Lovell, Temple University and Sudha Suryadevara, Philadelphia Visitor Center

Philadelphia Visitor Center and Visit Philadelphia are celebrating Rocky Week in Philadelphia. RockyFest 2024 celebrates the iconic Rocky film franchise — and Philly’s underdog spirit — with an action-packed week of festivities.

Sharing holiday recipes Michelle Leff, 12th Street Catering, Anthony Lehman, Feast Your Eyes Catering, Nancy Rawson, Monell Chemical Senses Center and Maggie Bond, Live Nation, Brooklyn Bowl
Roland Bui, Laura Smyth and Daniel Davies all of Visit Philadelphia
Great job Lindsay Erickson and Diane DiCicco and the Carmichael Lynch team.

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors.

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Around Town With HughE

Scene: Phila Ballet Celebrates

On Friday, October 25, 2024, the Philadelphia Ballet marked a significant milestone with its 60th Anniversary Gala performance and dinner.

Co Chairs of the Gala Sarah Marshall and Lloyd Freeman. A spectacular event, sold out and a success in raising critical funds for the company.

The one-night event celebrated the company’s history, achievements, and future. Chaired by Philadelphia Ballet Trustees Sarah Marshall and Lloyd Freeman, the gala also served as a fundraising opportunity to support the company’s performances and community initiatives.

The evening started with a pre-performance reception at the Academy of Music.

John and Jane Fischer, Bernadette and Russell Casey
Caroline Slota and John Sherman
Brandon Woods and Ashley Mariana
Congratulations to Phila Ballet Principal Dancers: Sterling Baca and Scarlett Suemez who were married a few days later!! Here with always stylish Rita Rome.
Nydia Han and Dennis Reilly
Brandon Woods and Ashley Mariana
Jessica Mathelier and Danielle Bourgeon, whose favorite quote is: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” ~Colin Powell

Guests enjoyed a spectacular program Angel Corella, The Ruth and A. Morris Williams, Jr. Artistic Director, has created of ballet excerpts that showcases the artists of Philadelphia Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet II, School of Philadelphia Ballet, and Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra led by Beatrice Jona Affron, The Louise and Alan Reed Music Director.

After the performance the promenade took place as guests made their way from the Academy of Music to The Union League for dinner.
Beautiful art work The Heart of The Philadelphia Ballet by Perry Milou was on auction
Philadelphia Ballet Dance5rs Charlotte Erickson, Ashlee Lewis and Gabriel Lukasit
Diane Dalto Woosnam and Richard Woosnam
Beverly Deavens and Gregory E. Deavens President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross
Philadelphia Ballet artistic director Angel Corella and Shelly Power, Executive Director

Tickets are on sale for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker starting at $25 and are available for the three-week run of Nutcracker.

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Around Town With HughE

ChitChat: Jennifer Garner, Gwen Walz Eats a Cheesesteak

Hello Chit Chatters. I know I didn’t keep my promise of publishing at least 3 times a week. It’s a busy season, and to tell you the truth after I shoot an event in the evening I get tired. So sometimes I go out afterwards, I’ve been going to the gym, or sometimes I just chill. I do have plenty to publish so stay tuned. Also I do publish in Philly Mag, Philly Style, Main Line Today and CBSPhilly. Let’s chat…

Actress Jennifer Garner was in town yesterday to meet with the folks from Kamala for Pennsylvania (this is a photo from their IG page.) I got two sightings of her at the Four Seasons yesterday. She had a bite to eat at JG Sky High, was friendly with everyone who said hi, and looked radiant they tell me.

Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz’s wife Gwen Walz was in town yesterday as well. In the evening she spoke at the Philly Gay News’ (PGN) 48 LGBTQ+ Leaders event, then like a good visitor headed to a favorite spot to enjoy a cheese steak – Jim’s on South Street. She ordered a whiz with and

Posed for photos for those who asked. Look for more celebrity sightings as we head into the final weeks.

Also in town last night was Hillary Rodham Clinton who spoke at the Academy of Music. I heard she was enjoyable and entertaining.

Then I remembered when she was running in 2008 for president, her daughter Chelsea did a gayborhood crawl with PGN’s Mark Segal, Gov Ed Rendell and actor Rob Reiner. I got this shot for Michael Klein’s, then gossip column, Inklings.

Miguel Martinez-Valle Instagram

Ahhh this is so sweet, love these guys. Congratulations to NBC10’s Miguel Martinez-Valle and Comcast’s Ray Smeriglio who got engaged in Cape May over the weekend. They were also honored last night as Philly Gay News’ 48 LGBTQ+ Leaders!!

I don’t know how I missed the Northern Lights last night. I was shooting an event near Penn Valley, and then drove to Old City for another event. The traffic on the Schuylkill was abysmal but I didn’t see a thing. Eventually went to Jersey after the 2nd event a saw a faint pink sky.

They say tonight should be just as good, so I’ll give it another try. Glad I saw them in Charlotte, NC last May. I no longer have to travel to a cold climate for the bucket list chance.

Have a great weekend. Catch me on IG for the latest,

Socially yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

About Last Night: PMA Shopping Event at Boyds

Boyds, Philadelphia’s top clothing store established in 1938, is recognized as a family-owned business that has dressed the well-heeled in the area for nearly 90 years, is also well known for it’s philanthropic endeavors.

Andrew Gushner, Boyds Philadelphia and Kent Gushner, President at Boyds Philadelphia, third and fourth generation family members.

Last night Boyds in Center City hosted a charity shopping event to support the upcoming Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, which is happening at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on November 14th.

Aly Green, Niki Ikahihifo-Bender Mailata, Danielle Wolfrom and Emily Rothrock

The craft show is the largest individual fundraiser for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, contributing over $11 million to the institution. These funds help support educational programs, special exhibitions, conservation projects, the acquisition of craft items for displays, and various other initiatives.

Susan Zelouf, Anita Lockhart, Ellen Simon and Nancy C. O’Meara – Director and Craft Show Manager

Now in its 48th year, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show features unique, one-of-a-kind works by artists from across the United States. The 2024 Show will welcome a total of 195 talented artists representing 13 diverse categories of art and design plus 24 guest artists from Italy.

Mark Singer and Barbara Podell, Esq. 30 years ago, Barbara and I worked at the same law firm, when I was a paralegal. She’s on the PMA Craft Show Committee.
Bentley A. Hollander * i love his LinkedIn profile “Free as a bird at Retired and enjoying time with family” and Clara Hollander, co-founder of CraftNOW
Ramonita Farnesi, when not riding roller coasters, she and Greg Seitter, can be found at Boyds where they are top Stylist & Personal Shoppers

Boyds offers complimentary alterations and basic re-alterations for up to one year on all full-price ready-to-wear as well as complimentary parking on site. Two locations: 1818 Chestnut Street Phila, Pa and 201 W. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne Pa

Kris Christensen, Lois Haggarty and Liddy Lindsey, artist & author. She wrote a fav book I enjoy Opera A- Z, which was very helpful.
Larry and Harriet Weiss

10 percent of each purchase went towards the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. These scarves are perfect to wear to the 48th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show preview party on November 14, or the show which continues that weekend November 15th through November 17. Hope to see you there!!

Socially yours, HughE!!

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Around Town With HughE

Night of Lights in Chestnut Hill Thru 10/9

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy held a VIP Preview party for Night of Lights last night. An innovative streetscape exhibition which officially kicks off tonight with the “Flip The Switch” at 8139 Germantown Avenue at 6:45pm.

Night of Lights will transform Chestnut Hill’s main street, Germantown Avenue, into a vibrant nightly streetscape exhibition of local histories and illuminated architecture, projecting archival images from the Conservancy’s and other
archives through seven storefront windows. Colorful lights will highlight often overlooked architectural features of neighboring historic buildings.

Storytellers will be stationed by each slideshow (one per projection site) during opening night to enhance the journey through Chestnut Hill’s rich narrative.

Last night’s VIP Reception was held at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy 8708 Germantown Ave. Friends, and supporters mingled with Conservancy staff and board members while enjoying light sips and bites to celebrate Night of Lights.

Founded in 1967 as the Chestnut Hill Historical Society, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy is an educational
center and advocate organization for the architecture, open space, and social history of Chestnut Hill and
surrounding communities.

Chrissy Clawson and Ashley Maass

I love Chestnut Hill, not only for it’s quaint atmosphere, but it’s shopping. Make sure you stop by Serendipity!!

Ellen Javers, Bill Webster and Deborah P.
Rep Tarik Khan and Lori Salganicoff, Executive Director Chestnut Hill Conservancy. It’s her last year and they are looking for a director now if you’d like to apply.
I ran into the Watkin’s family shopping at Weaver Way. Mr Watkin’s is a long time ChitChatter. – Thanks

TONIGHT: Everything kicks off with a “Flip the Switch” ceremony on opening night that will see representatives of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and the other local
community leaders turn on the lights of the streetscape exhibition.

Christa Hackenberge and Joseph C. Kotarski Jr.

Following the opening ceremony, kickoff festivities will include storytellers at each of the seven
themed projection windows, music from various acts, including local jazz group Limited Time Only (LTO), MilkBoy co-founder Tommy Joyner’s Pep Rally, as well as entertainment from Maplewood Music Studios (including the Rich Rudin Trio and Ralph Salerno). An Ask the Archivists table provides more family-
friendly interactive activities — all concluding at 9 pm

As I mentioned Lori is leaving and they are conducting an executive director search. CLICK here for Info!!

See you tonight, or this weekend or anytime through October 9th. The weather is going to be fantastic.

Socially Yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Pre Party: Soirée on the Square

The Ball on the Square is returning this fall to Rittenhouse Square on September 26th. The Ball on the Square is the Friend’s largest fundraiser of the year and is a truly unique opportunity to enjoy an evening in with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues in Rittenhouse, all while ensuring its continued care and maintenance of the beautiful square for the years to come.

Returning this year for the first time since 2019, The Soirée on the Square will be returning on September 27, the night after the Ball. The Soirée is an opportunity to enjoy an evening of cocktails, small bites, a band, and a DJ who will provide an exciting environment for dancing and socializing – all in support of the Friends of Rittenhouse Square. Last week supporters and committee members gathered at the Fitler Club to celebrate the upcoming fundraising effort. Tickets start at $250.00

Bruce Bohnri, Laura LaRosa, Board President of Friends of Rittenhouse Square, Erica Marting and June Armstrong, executive director of the Friends of Rittenhouse Square
Rachel Pritzker and Jennifer Rossiter
Chuck Peruto, Vince Peruto, Lindsay Furman-Alexander, Director of Development- Friends of Rittenhouse Square Org. (a non-profit organization), Silver Brahin and Pia Arellano
Megan Nicoletti Walsh, co-chair of 2024 Soiree on the Square and Mark Nicoletti, sponsor of Ball on the Square
Peter Watson, Elina Pargamanik and Sandra Hazeltine
DJ Smooth
Daniel Grobman, owner and chef Mike’s BBQ and Matt Cooke
Emre Kara and Bora Ozkan
Pex Arellano and Matt Fingerman, Senior Vice President and Team Leader for BNY Wealth

REMINDER: Surround yourself with like-minded people. Life is the ultimate team sport. Connection helps us to stay the course and this takes a village. – Pex Arellano

Taylor Schwartz, Sam Schwartz and Christina Mitchell

This cocktail-attire event is a unique and exciting way to spend a Friday night in Rittenhouse Square with all proceeds going towards supporting our mission. Hope to see you there!!

Socially yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Opening: Manayunk Welcome Center

Manayunk’s new headquarters are now open at 106 Grape Street

Recently the Manayunk Development Corporation celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the brand-new Manayunk Welcome Center and MDC’s new headquarters. 

A dream nine years in the making! The building was purchased in 2016 and after years of meetings, architects, renovations, etc the new welcome center is ready to welcome visitors and tourists to one of Philadelphia’s top main streets and commercial corridors. 

Janine Gasarowski, Caitlin Marsilii, Rhiannon Smith and Joan Deneberg

Guests, and dignataries gatehered last month to celebrate the center’s opening, and tour the new buidling. A brand new, four-story building home to all MDC and MSSD operations.

This property features a Manayunk Welcome Center and a retail incubator space on the ground floor, leasable office space on the second floor, the MDC office on the third floor, and a fourth-floor Bridge Meeting Room – a community meeting space.

outdoor space over looking picturesque Manayunk

Enzhao (John) Liu, Jeddiah Gallery and Andrew Herman, GRIT Construction
Emily Rogers, Christiane Marques and Adjane Barbosa

Brandon Pagano was on hand to greet guests
Anthony Moore and noted singer Julian King
Gwen McCauley, Executive Director, Manayunk Development Corporation

Gwen McCauley, Executive Director shares “The Welcome Center serves as the gateway and a link to our thriving business community, offering visitors a warm introduction and ensuring they connect with the best local services, restaurants and retail. By guiding residents, customers, newcomers and tourists, it not only enhances their experience but also drives economic growth, fosters local partnerships, and promotes the unique strengths of  Manayunk. It’s the starting point for building lasting relationships and a vibrant business district.”

Chris Maguire, Tubby Robot & Flat Rock Real Estate, MDC Board President

Chris Maquire, board president,  owner of Tubby Robot and Manayunk residence  is thrilled and said “The Manayunk Development Corporation’s new building at 106 Grape street has been a long term project that was supported by many hands, and I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to push it across the finish line in 2024. This building will serve not only as a permanent home for the MDC but also as an invaluable resource for shopkeepers, residents, and visitors alike. If something interesting is happening in Manayunk it’s almost certainly going to be channeled through these walls, and I can’t wait to see how the community will grow around this beautiful space.

The space will act as an entry point to the best of Manayunk, offering valuable resources, local insights, historical information, and exclusive Manayunk merchandise for purchase. The MDC collaborates with the MSSD to develop a clean, appealing, secure, and well-maintained business district, aiming to make Manayunk a competitive and desirable place to live, work, shop, dine, and enjoy leisure activities.

Thanks sponsors

The Manayunk Development Corporations (MDC) is a nonprofit corporation with both a primary business development mission and a cooperating community development mission. As a business development organization, MDC takes primary responsibility for the management, promotion, and positive business development of the Main Street business district.

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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 Uncategorized

Pixs: The Good Gala – 2024

Jessica Blondel and Jamie Chenega

Let the Fall Social Season Begin: Last night I attended two events. Global Philadelphia’s 2024 World Heritage City Celebration at the Crystal Tea Room, which I will write about next week, and The Good Gala at Union Trust. Both events were Finley Catering spaces.

Established in Philadelphia in 2019, Friends for Good (FFG) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) social philanthropic organization bringing together young professionals with a commitment to community service.

Laila Imam, Dayna Sobanko and Michele Voltz

Supporting and assisting unhoused individuals around Philadelphia has been one of our important areas of focus since 2019. Providing access to food security, clothing and mental health assistance has been something we’ve been proud to provide our partners with – Friends for Good

Doug Foulkes of Bazaarvoice and Joanna Joye
Vanya Sax, Frank Criniti, DJ Smooth and Michael Wynne – Smooth Entertainment
Eric Visnov and Hannah Krupa, ChitChat “It Girl “One To Watch” 10 years ago, Hannah is now pursuing her dreams in NYC, but stopped by last nights gala to sing a few songs for the worthy cause.
Alexandra Hussain and Cassidy Sheppard
Vanya Sax doing his thing
Lisa Washington, Samaya Brown, Nyashe Felder and Teneasha Billingsley
Ali Volpe and Mina Massaro, MD.
Mike Giangiordano, Helen Liu Gerhad and Alexandira Bilder
Brooke Storms, and Peter Mastrogiacomo , his company Graysonky was a sponsor the event, Zuna and Scott Cohen, both couples are long time PhillyChitChat readers. It was so nice to be out and about and see everyone again.
The Fords: Janine, Wayne and Ryan. Ryan is the Director, Marketing and Operations at Warrington Country Club. I’ve photographed a few events at his scenic venue.
Friends for Good: The Good Gala was formal cocktail attire and attended by over 300 people.

If you didn’t see your photo here, you might see it in the November issue of Philly Style Magazine.

Have a great weekend. Follow me on IG for up to the minute social scenes and stories. Socially yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Save The Date & Did Tabu Sell

Here we are the last Friday of the unofficial end of Summer. It really went by fast, right? Before I set out on our weekend trip, I thought I’d post a few events, and news on the sale of a local LGBTplus bar to a group of philanthropic gentlemen who own two of the most popular water holes in the City, popular piano sing a long, dance bar Tavern on Camac, and UBar, where the bartenders are good listeners.

One of the exciting additions to happen to the Philly skyline is the lighting of City Hall. Out of all the iterations over the last generation, this is definitely the best one. All 4 sides are lit, usually in white, but on special occasions like this one honor Philadelphia police.

There’s a lot of exciting news coming to the little screen in the fall.

How awesome Fox 29 is bringing back the weekend edition of “Good Day Philadelphia.” The show was a staple on the Saturday and Sunday before the pandemic, with Bill Anderson, who is concentrating on his Fox29 show “The Pulse” now.

Taking the helm is reporter Shaynah Ferreira “It’s a new day and a new era here @fox29philly. I’m happy to announce my promotion as the Anchor of the Weekend Morning Edition of Good Day Philadelphia. ☀️☕️” Shaynah wrote on her IG. Joining her will be reporter Marcus Espinoza and zany weather reporter Drew Anderson.


Begins Saturday starting September 14th at 8am, and Sunday September 15th.

Save The Date: You’re going to want to attend the STAND UP FOR FREEDOM fundraiser in support of Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta for Auditor General, not only because he’s the right guy for the job, but it’s going to be a laugh a minute with Wanda Sykes, Connor King, and Gov Shapiro. I kinda had a feeling he wasn’t going to be the VP contender as he committed to this event before the announcement of Walz.

I saw this nugget on Reddit, have the owners of Tavern on Camac, and UBar bought bad boy Tabu It would be great to have a redo on that place and bring it back to it’s Equus glory of the 1980s, when I frequented the place.

Spring Garden Sunflower Festival is happening September 7 along Fairmount Ave.

Thanks for the memories Summer of 2024. One of my favorite finds was Ike’s Famous Crabcakes on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Enjoyed a few meals there, this time with Michael Newmuis and Kevin Lessard. Mike Toub is in this photo but as a vegan he did not partake.

Speaking of the Mike Toub, we celebrated our 30th anniversary of our first date 7/10/94 (Married 5/24/2014). It’s been a blast. I never imagined the life I have, and can’t imagine a life without him. Lucky me.

Socially yours, xoxo HughE