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,
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
Boydsoffers 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!!
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.
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!!
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 ConstructionEmily Rogers, Christiane Marques and Adjane BarbosaBrandon 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.
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!!
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 thingLisa Washington, Samaya Brown, Nyashe Felder and Teneasha Billingsley
Ali Volpe and Mina Massaro, MD.
Mike Giangiordano, Helen Liu Gerhad and Alexandira BilderBrooke 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.
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.
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.
It felt like an endless summer, one I thoroughly enjoyed spending about 6 weeks at the shore, mostly Margate & Longport. I spent every day with friends and family, really engaging in conversations and moments. I went bird watching, a lot. I ate too much. I spent at least a day in each of the beach towns from AC to Cape May – there are family exhibitions in both Sea Isle, where my mom grew up, and in Stone Harbor, where we summered as kids. Mike and I celebrated our birthdays in Wildwood Crest at Madison Resorts for a week in July, it was perfect despite the rain. I was so checked out I forgot to acknowledge the 17th anniversary of this blog, 07/07/07. I usually do a big fanfare here, but I was away.
I am ready to get back to work, covering Philly, shooting all kinds of events, and posting on a more regular basis on PhillyChitChat. I know, I promised before and broke that promise, but I’ve run into you, many readers telling me you missed my posts. (I will commit to 3 posts a week. And of course will be continuing with my three outlets Philly Mag, Philly Style and Main Line Today. The dailies CBSPhilly, Metro Philly and Philly Tribune. )
Speaking of Readers: I ran into a long time reader who mentioned he missed the blog, we were at The Happy Rooster , we were both supporting the iconic watering hole which suffered a lot of damage through a water main/steam break underground at 16th and Sansom. They need our support. Currently just the back bar is open, but they have tables set up on the sidewalk and street. There isn’t any food at this time, but I see people bring food while enjoying their favorite cocktail on the property. Hopefully the street construction will be done by December, in time for the new year and a newly renovated Happy Rooster. In the meantime please go out and support them.
Speaking of renovations: (I’ve been reporting on this story for the past 6 years.) Coming along beautifully is The Bellevue renovation. The hotel rooms are nearly complete, residents are moving in https://thebellevuephl.com/ and the new bridal suites on the second floor are currently under construction. The ballroom looks amazing on the 2nd floor.
I noticed the other day that the area where the Starbucks used to be housed has been returned to it’s 1912 splendor, and will now be part of of the entrance way to the new restaurant.
Mr. Edison coming soon. Couldn’t find any info on the internet, but it looks to be a restaurant and lounge located in the old Ralph Lauren store. (Definitely a swanky feel) A perfect location as it wraps around the NE corner of the building, and will have an entrance off of Walnut Street as well as a hotel lobby entrance.
The lobby is coming along nicely as well. (It’s beautiful) I am told that behind this wall is where the new hotel check in will be located. To the left is the old Palm restaurant, with some of Philly’s notable mugs still on the wall. I wonder if that will be the location of the hip, happening lounge the hotel is hoping to create when the renovations are complete. It’d be perfect, especially if they keep the caricatures of Jerry Blavat, Bradley Cooper, Mike Jerrick, Patti LaBelle, Nicole Miller, Geoff Gordon, Ron Rubin and moi overlooking the seating area.
Michelle Miller, of Ground Rittenhouse invited me to try out the NEW Sporting Club last week. We had joined about 15 years ago as well. I stopped working out when I came up with lots of excuses about time, but no more excuses. I signed as soon as I finished.
If you lease at The Residences at the Bellevue you receive a membership to the Sporting Club at the Bellevue. I’ll be there. I’m excited to be back. I really looked into a lot of the local gyms, and you can’t beat what the Sporting Club has to offer. I am not sponsored by the Sporting Club, I’m just excited to belong there. It’s a little pricey, but they have 190 classes, lots of weight training equipment, a pool and pickleball. Right now I am not in shape enough to play, but I hope by December. Also right now at the Sporting Club they’re having a special
Join this August and enjoy $280+ in new member savings!
$100 off Club OR $200 off Executive membership initiation fees
$50 Sporting Club Gift Card (Cannot apply to dues or guest passes)
One personal training Session OR one athletics lesson ($105 value)
One 30-minute golf simulator session ($25 value)
** Available August 1-31, 2024. Cannot be combined with other offers. This offer is not retroactive.**
I do have this partnership with them, if you use the code HughE, you will receive an additional $25 in Sporting Club Gift Card (see above) . That is ongoing and not tied to the monthly specials. I mean if I’m going to talk about my journey, why not.
I’ll also be returning to wishing locals well wishes for milestones I come across. Happy Birthday to Dee Durgin!! We feted her at Almyra tonight celebrate the milestone birthday ❤️
Congratulations EK & Anne Marie MacPherson, long time PCC readers and IG followers. 4 year old Lincoln is excited to be a big brother to Louisa.
Friday The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (“the Visitor Center”) and Independence Historical Trust (“the Trust”) will host the first “Movies On The Mall, event,” an outdoor movie series celebrating the themes and history of Independence National Historical Park.
On Friday, August 30, 2024, “National Treasure” will be screened at 7:30 p.m.
The beloved Disney classic features scenes set and filmed in Old City and throughout Philadelphia, including at Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, City Hall, Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, and the Franklin Institute. ;
Fairmount Park Conservancy’s 13th Annual Centennial Celebration at FDR Park
On Wednesday, April 24, Fairmount Park Conservancy hosted its 13th annual Centennial Celebration with a sneak preview of FDR Park’s Welcome Center. The dinner brought together Conservancy community leaders, partners, donors, and award recipients for an evening of celebration in support of Philadelphia’s parks.
JD Kelly and Alexandra Kelly
Cheryl Binswanger, Anna Brinks and Dorothy Binswanger
Mike Dunn, Sam Gorodetzer, Keanu Ibarrondo, and Mackenzie Hockensmith
Connor Barwin, former Eagles player and founder of Make The World A Better Place, U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Councilmember Nina Ahmad and Maura McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer Fairmount Park Conservancy
Mike Dunn, Sam Gorodetzer, Keanu Ibarrondo, and Mackenzie Hockensmith
A special congratulations to the honorees, PMorgan Chase, which received the Centennial Award for Corporate Stewardship, and the Southeast Asian Market, which received the 2024 John K. Binswanger Park Champion award.
Guests enjoyed a sit down dinner
“We want to continue that legacy of making sure all young people throughout the city of Philadelphia regardless of everyone’s neighborhood or ZIP codes, have a safe haven and enjoy themselves.” – Council President Kenyatta Johnson
Thanks for the sneak peek of the renovated Welcome Center. The completed project will include the transformation of the existing stables into a 4,000 SF café and the creation of a 6,700 SF multi-purpose event space overlooking Pattison Lagoon that will include public restrooms, public courtyard with three food vendors, staffed information center for bike rentals and park permit sign-ups, and community event and meeting spaces.
