Tag: Philly Gossip

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Philadelphia

Carol Burnett surprises Seniors With A Visit, Barry Manilow Spotted, Body Shop Reopens

Carol Burnett surprises Seniors With A Visit, Barry Manilow Spotted, Congrats to Philly Ad Club’s Movers and Shakers

Oh I so regret not going to see Carol Burnett who appeared Tuesday night at the Academy of Music, I have a client shoot but still could have swung by. Definitely in the past few years the Kimmel Center has been getting the most amazing talent, doing the most extraordinary  things like just talking to the audience as Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper did last year, and now Carol Burnett just talking and answering questions. It’s great, very engaging, and personable.  I don’t have to tell you but Carol Burnett is a living legend with a heart of gold which was solidified to the residents at the Daylesford Crossing (I covered the opening a few years back)

How did this happen you might wonder, well the gals heard Carol would be in town and made a video for her inviting her to stop by, and she did. The first part of the video are memories of Carol, the last 2 minutes is a lovely song from the residents. Someone was able to get Carol’s people to see it and here are the pixs from her visit.

Carol
She taught the residents how to do the “Tarzan Yell”

CarolShe chatted with each and everyone, told stories about her life and show.

Daylesford Crossing’s founder Kelly Andress often says that she builds communities “that Carol Burnett would choose to live in.”   For Andress, Burnett is symbolic of a generation whose ‘coming of age’ was during a time of progress and empowerment, and who are now entering their senior years with vitality and purpose – not willing to ‘settle’ or compromise their lifestyles.

Carol
Then the next night, Tuesday, at the Academy of Music she put on one hell of a show.
For more on Carol’s visit to Daylesford Crossings check out Savvy Mainline which was on the scene

Carol
Carol Burnett headed back to the Rittenhouse Hotel, where Barry Manilow was also staying (here with Team Derek) He was in town as he had
an appearance at QVC earlier in the night. Hope they got to catch up.
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Head over to the Shops of Liberty Place for the Grand Re-Opening of the Body Shop, it’s gone over a full body makeover.Carol
Congrats to Ukee Washington

Carol

and Nicole Michalik for being honored at the Philly Ad Club’s Movers and Shakers Luncheon

Carol
Not much of a moving and a shaking Avoid the Parkway at all costs; Between the NFL Draft set up (which is still 14 days away), and the ongoing construction on the Parkway near 20th Street, it’s a headache. Or definitely plan extra travel time of 30 to 45 minutes

Carol
It’s a sure sign of Spring when the water is turned on at Swann Fountain; this week temperatures were in the 80s and swimming commenced as a Philadelphia tradition continues.  See you tomorrow for another great party I covered, and a wrap up of the week.
Then on Sunday, Easter Sunday for a special Philly Gossip, all new babies, engagements and weddings.
Have a great a day!!

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Philadelphia

AC Moore Opens, Eagles Wed, Bart Blatstein House and NFL Draft Stage So Far

Good Sunday to you. This week is exciting, no only because AC Moore is opening on Tuesday with lots of good sales already, but it’s going to be summer with temperatures in the 70s and even 80 – woohoo!! Here’s a bit of Philly Gossip for you…

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Congrats to Philadelphia Eagles QB Zach Ertz and his new bride Julie Johnston (American soccer player and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion)

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Next up for a Philadelphia Eagles wedding is Jordan Hicks and his fiance Ivana Karyhn.
Then it’s Laura Buscher and Connor Barwin nuptials on NFL Draft Weekend.
Current football players don’t have a lot to do with the draft, I’ve been told, but as for some of the Eagles players I know that
former Eagles player Todd Herremans, current roster Brent Celek,  Malcolmn Jenkins , Rodney McLeod, Jr., and the Eagles Franchise are all having gigs around town.

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Earlier this week I wrote about the popped up out of no where Seventh Heaven Fresh Rolled Ice Cream, I said it looked close to
opening, and I was right it opened on Friday at Noon. I ran by on the frigid day and there wasn’t a line. That may not be the case this week with temps finally soaring. Seventh replaced ToBox Shoe Store, and did a great job building it out.

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It looks like Crisp Kitchen is nearly ready to open at 19th and Market. I checked out their menu from their Temple University eatery and it looks delicious with stir fry, salads and yogurt and teas.
I am sad it replaced my favor smoothie place Amazon Juice, which also had salads and sandwiches; and they also took over the former location of the very popular Oh So Good salad bar. Remember them. They were always getting high marks from locals.

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And then there’s Smart Street Healthy Kitchen & Juice Bar, opening at 38 S. 19th St. formerly Kaufman’s Deli and a branch of Famous 4th Street Deli, which you know served GIGANTIC sandwiches, with equally large prices. The ghost of eating passed with Crisp and Smart Street.

Smart Street Healthy Kitchen & Juice Bar – a rebranding ofJuice Healthy Kitchen in Midtown Manhattan – is coming to 38 S. 19th St.  Joey Taormina promises healthful food – wraps/panini, salads, and entrees with all of the food made in-house and most items grilled or baked. He said Smart Street will source produce and proteins from local farms in season and will seek quality all-natural, GMO-free, and organic items when possible. The menu looks delicious. EatSmartStreet

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Speaking of cold, Alex Holley, Mina Say What and I had a great time at the Phillies opening on Friday. Check out Metro Philly .com on Monday for photos
of the fun, and the fashion. Those Phillies fans are no slouches in the fashion department.

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Congrats to former CBS3’s Syma Zaremba and Andy Zaremba on the birth of their son Roman. Syma is now reporting the news in Detroit.

 

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The stage for the NFL Draft 2017 is coming along, and Billy Penn will not be getting cleaned in April. The date has been pushed back to May. Yeah for photographs of City Hall seen all over the world.

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It looks like Bart Blatstein’s dream house is nearly complete. It looks great and really blends in with the neighborhood.

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Philadelphia

Sorry Sweet Charlie, Seventh Heaven May Open Before You In Rittenhouse

Move Over Sweet Charlie, Seventh Heaven May Open Before You In Rittenhouse
Sweet Charlie’s, the Thai ice cream shop, is schedule to open this month at 1921 Walnut St., but wait a minute they have some competition nearby

Seventh

This stretch of 19th Street has always looked down and out to me. It’s near 19th and Market, where I get off the bus and head to the square. It’s across the street where Enterprise Rent a Car is and I rent a lot of cars. In fact I just rented one Friday night and I didn’t notice something was amiss til last night when I was heading to a job at the Rittenhouse Hotel – The Ballroom Reveal (Look for those photos at Philly Style and Metro Philly later today).I always thought the ToBox sign was odd, and stood out.

Seventh

Ummm well I noticed yesterday that ToBox is no longer there, I had to do a double take, and then I noticed the entire facade had been changed and a new store was called “Seventh Heaven Fresh Rolled Ice Cream” was now in it’s place. I did a little sleuthing and couldn’t find the owners or another ice cream place by the same name in the country; In fact the domain to the new business had just been registered March 19, 2017

Seventh
I do love the new white paint which definitely brightens the block, but how’d they get away with chopping off the dry cleaner sign, unless Ye Old Dry Cleaner owners are the one’s who are opening Seventh Heaven?

Seventh
I stopped in my tracks and crossed the street to get a closer look. I was really surprised at how much work had been done in 2 weeks at the most. I just rented a car on Friday, and granted it was raining but I think I would have noticed if the building across from the garage had been painted white, and had a new sign

Seventh

When I was reviewing my photos at home, I noticed there were people busy getting the place ready to open, which I bet is very soon. Those chair ladders make my heart beat fast. I bet this place is ready in a week, perhaps before Sweet Charlie’s. They’re the same price too, and Seventh is open a little later as well.Seventh

BTW They’re hiring. $8.50hr, plus Tips

I hear they’re opening this Friday 4/7/17

Seventh

As for Mr To, I know he’s been waiting to move into a new spot on Chestnut Street next to Boyd’s (see above), but when I saw him at the Zarwin Baum March Madness Party March 16, 2017 the new place wasn’t ready yet he told me. (I checked the new spot yesterday and there are work permits in the window dated March 27, 2017)

Seventh

Then I noticed at ToBox has popped up at 117 S 19th St (with this note on it’s FB page: Temporarily located inside the Topper’s Spa/Salon in Rittenhouse Square)
And I was still able to make it to my 530PM job at The Rittenhouse Hotel.
Check back tomorrow for more party pictures, and on Sunday and next Thursday for more Philly Gossip.

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Philadelphia

Mike Jerrick Returns To Fox, Hang with Kevin Hart, Jimmy John’s Closed, Saxbys Debuts

Mike Jerrick Returns To Fox, Hang with Kevin Hart, Jimmy John’s Closed, Saxbys

PhillyChitChat Philly Gossip is late today, in fact it’s practically tomorrow. The Social Season is in full swing, and I have been shooting back to back events as well as partnering with TGIFriday’s and Capital One both of which had events Friday and Saturday. Some good news to start off your week…

 

 

Mike Jerrick returns to Fox 29’s Good Day Monday April 3. You’ll recall Mike took a few months off to recharge, and checked into a wellness center in NC. Well he’s recharged and rearing to go. He looks great doesn’t he? On Friday he will be hosting the annual Donor’s Are Hero’s “The Party”, as he’s done for the past decade. Nick over at Philly.com has an update from this morning HERE

Jerrick

Also back tomorrow is Quincy Harris and The Q Show on Fox 29 at noon. Condolences to Q who lost his mother last week after a valiant fight against cancer.

Jerrick

Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston wrap up the Untouchable movie this week. Although they’ve spent the last month filming at Aston Pa’s movie studio Sun City, there is one last outside scene to film as well, so hopefully I’ll be able to get a few photos for you. Don’t fret though if you haven’t had your chance to see Philly born Kevin Hart in person, he has been out and about quite a lot this past month between his surprise stand up comedy routines at Helium, and Punchline; he’s also been seen eating at Ocean Prime and Del Frisco’s. It was just announced that July 6th, his birthday, will be deemed Kevin Hart Day in Philadelphia. BUT Wait there’s one more chance to see Kevin Hart, up close and personal, and that’s on May 23, 2017 for the 32nd annual Arts + Business Council Awards Celebration where the winner of the Anne d’Harnoncourt Award for Artistic Excellence 2017 is Kevin Hart

Jerrick

Speaking of winners congratulations to legendary Inquirer food writer Michael Klein, who “got woke” and turned around his unhealthy habits and started on a new path which included eating less and setting out on a modest but consistent exercise regime.  He just ran his first race on Saturday The Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Philadelphia. When I just checked the website it said every runner got a goodie bag, I thought it’d be something else but it was the running jacket Mike is wearing. (Mike Klein has in the past been my mentor, and is no doubt cringing from at least two of the run on sentences I probably have in this paragraph.)

Jerrick
Speaking of food, I was shocked when I walked by Jimmy John’s at 44 S 17th St, and saw it was CLOSED. The owner happened to be inside and told me he and the landlord were unable to agree on another lease. So bummed. There’s still a Jimmy John’s at 221 S 11th St, but he told me that was owned by someone else.

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I see there’s an orange notices on the former nail salon, 42 S. 17th St. It says a take out restaurant is coming there, and next to that a new coffee shop is to opened called Swedish Espresso Bar – Konditori, 40 S. 17th St (Klein) How the times have changed for this building of tiny shops of service to now shops of eateries, next to the former Jimmy John’s at 46 S. 17th is the relatively new MeltKraft and around the corner, in the same building is now Chestnut Street Philly Bagel. 

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Saxbys has a new logo4-2-2017 11-15-45 PM (Custom)
and will be adding it to all their storefronts

Jerrick

Hate Has No Home Here is causing quite a stir in the SNJ burbs

Jerrick
as is this “Thin Blue Line” going down Merchant Street in Audubon. Seems it’s not up to state code. I kinda like it.

JerrickIt  looks like Smart Street Healthy Kitchen & Juice Bar is on the verge of opening at 38 S. 19th St., and they’re hiring.  See you Thursday for more PhillyChitChat Gossip

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Philadelphia

Garth Brooks in Philly, Bobby Brown In Philly and Your Chance to Meet John Oates

Happy Sunday. What a beautiful day on Saturday, the only thing missing was the sun, but hey it was 70ish.  So busy these days, we are in full swing of the Spring Social Season and my photographers and I are swamped. I am behind, but rest assure if I photographed your event it will appear this week. I have also sent photos to outlets like Biz Journal, Liberty City Press, Metro and Philly Style this week. Plus did a whole page of pixs for the May issue of Philly Mag. OK here’s some fun news.

Brooks

I love me some Garth Brooks. Thanks to the Wells Fargo Center for the invite to photograph and interview him, but I was so swamped as I said above and couldn’t make it. I did grab a few pixs off social media I thought were special So sweet Garth Brooks gave this young fan a guitar pick. Now that’s a memory. You can’t see the front but Garth is wearing a Phillies hat.  Check out Dan DeLuca’s review in Philly Inquirer Saturday online.

Brooks

Congrats are in order for Matthew MacNeal and Karyn Rochelle who got engaged Friday night at the Garth Brooks Trisha Yearwood concert.

Brooks

Another cowboy rode into town this weekend, Bobby Brown made an appearance at the Be Beautiful Expo at the Pa Convention Center.

Brooks
Seems music is behind him and he’s going into the All Natural – Real Ingredients cooking field. If anyone knows about cooking up natural ingredients it’s him

Brooks

Congrats to Jessica and Dan. I love that the baby is waving.

Brooks

Brooks

Sad news for local Philly, great news for national sports site.

Brooks

RIP Dallas Green, Phillies Baseball Manager who took us to the World Series, with comedian Joe Conklin.

Brooks
There’s been lots of great press around the Daryl Hall & John Oates HoagieNation music festival w/ Tears for Fears &     Lineup:     Daryl Hall & John Oates Present HoagieNation     Hall & Oates     Tears for Fears     G. Love & Special Sauce     Vivian Green     Marah     Son Little     Allen Stone     Kandace Springs happening May 27th and Festival Pier, well on Thursday you’ll have a chance to meet John Oates up close and personal, as he talks about his autobiography “Change of Seasons” which will be published on Tuesday. You’ll also have a chance to purchase a signed copy. It happens at the Barnes & Noble 1805 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 665-0716

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Philadelphia

Ellen DeGeneres Tweets She’s Coming To Philly and Shutting down Walnut Street #ElleninPhilly

 Ellen DeGeneres Tweets She’s Coming To Philly: ‘I’m Going To Shut Down A Couple Of Blocks’
Ellen and I follow each other, it’s true. 66.2 Million people are following her, and she’s following 36ks. I don’t know why she picked me but hopefully she’s going
to tip me off to why she’s closing a few blocks in Philly on Wednesday. Yes you heard it right, she just tweeted this.

ellen
Since she follows me I thought we should have lunch while she’s in town

UPDATE most of new info is at bottom of post

ellen

One of my readers on FB says Ellen is debuting her shoe line on QVC on Thursday, so maybe that’s why she’s in town. She’s gonna give us all shoes?
I could always use a nice pair.

ellen

I read her tweet moments after she tweeted it while I was enjoying Ravioli’s at Scarpetta – Philadelphia
cause you know it’s National Ravioli Day.

When I left I walked up and down Walnut Street, well at least 5 blocks of it near Rittenhouse Square, and I did find No Parking Signs, so maybe
The Ellen Show will be doing something on the 1700 & 1800 block of Walnut. Or it could be for the movie Untouchable, which is filming maybe in a lovely kitchen of someone’s
penthouse apartment on the Square, or who knows these days they could be putting up another high rise or digging up the street.

ellen
One thing I do know for sure, people are loosing it over #ElleninPhilly cause my Instagram got 396 likes, and 40 comments in less than an hour. It’s kinda a sad since it took me nearly a ha;f a day to get that many likes when I got married, but whatever, I guess I never give away $10,000 from Shutterfly or a car, or have Christmas presents for my audience.

Road Closures for #ElleninPhilly

Anywhoo, let’s start a hashtag #ElleninPhilly so we can all keep track of what’s going on, I promise to let you know, what I know, when I find out.

OH wait I just got an update from someone in the KNOW – It’s the 1600 Block of Walnut Street, sometime in the afternoon.

 

 

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Philadelphia

Chances Are You Saw: Johnny Matthis, Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman, The Flyers and Eagles Out in Philly

Chances Are You Saw: Johnny Matthis, Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman, The Flyers and Eagles Out in Philly

Sunday, Sunday and time for another edition of PhillyChitChat, Philly Gossip

Mathis
Kevin Hart is still in town filming Untouchable with Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman. Most of the shoots are now happening in Aston at the Sun Studio, but look for them to come into Philly one more time next week, meaning the week of March 27. The film is schedule to wrap the week of April 2. None of the actors have been spotted out at night until this week. Hart was spotted at Del Frisco’s Wednesday night. Thursday he took in his friend Keith Robinson‘s show at Helium Comedy Club at 2031 Sansom Street. Then jumped up on stage and did an impromptu set for 20 minutes.

Mathis

Last week the Flyers stopped by Helium Comedy Club to get a few laughs: From left to right it’s Brayden Schenn, Nick Cousins, Michael Del Zotto, comedian Colin Kane, Michael Raffl, Claude Giriox and Jakob Voracek.

 

Mathis

Team Derek welcomed Johnny Matthis to town when he arrived at PHL on Thursday. Matthis performed last night at the Golden Nugget Casino  as part of the Johnny Mathis 60th & 61st Anniversary Concert Schedule


Mathis
She’s the King of the World. Shania Twain was in town this week, here she’s posing on a heap of snow near Logan Hotel (maybe she ran into Alex Trebek there as he did a meet and greet with fans on Wed. )  No word on what she was doing in town, but she was here for about 3 days. She even took in the Flyers game.
Shania Twain is releasing her first new album in 15 years, and she revealed to Rolling Stone that some of the songs are inspired by her messy divorce from her producer and husband Robert “Mutt” Lange.  Oddly enough he left her for her best friend, and Shania ended up marrying her best friend’s husband, Frederic Thiebaud.

Mathis

A few Eagles Players stopped  by Del Frisco’s for the “Welcome Party” for Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith.

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Former Sixers now with the Dallas Mavericks Nerlen Noels gave out cheese steaks to fans who stopped by Chickie’s & Pete’s in South Philly on Thursday night. Later that evening he was spotted catching up with friends, including Bachelor Craig Robinson, at Del Frisco’s. Friday afternoon before the game Mark Cuban, of Shark Tank fame, and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, was spotted at the Ritz Carlton having lunch at Aqimero by Richard Sandoval . At the game against the Sixers Friday night, Cuban sat court side as his team lost;

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nearby was Biz Markie and who posed with Fox 29’s Good Day co-host Alex Holley at the game.

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Last weekend the hot Latin American Carlos Jose Matamoros and his model wife Christina Autumn Harzer were in AC where they stayed at the Tropicana and had dinner at Cuba Libre and Hooters. They then spent a few days in Philly stopping by the Rocky Steps, posing with the Rocky Statue, stood in his footprints and played in the snow.

Mathis

Congrats Joseph Thomas and Patrick Hagerty on your wedding day.

Mathis

Congrats to Paul and Liz who got engaged at the Philadelphia Flower Show earlier this week.
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR YOU TO CHECK OUT, what I think was the best show in years. I like all the shows, but
this was the best. Check back on Thursday for more Philly Chit Chat Gossip, and every day this week for events I photographed.

 

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Philadelphia

Little Pete’s Last Day, NBC News’ Kristin Welker Weds, Christie to Be A Mom, PLUS More Tidbits

Welcome to PhillyChitChat’s weekly Philly Gossip Column. Sunday’s and Thursday’s we’re going to get you in the know.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr chilly this weekend, but you know that. Today I hope to see some of you at The Brewer’s Plate at the Kimmel Center and/or Variety Club’s Let Them Eat Cake at the Loews. Yes I know you’re saying but isn’t Let Them Eat Cake a City of Hope event. Well Harry Giordano, jumped from COH to Variety, and took the event he created with him. Kind of surprising that could be done as I know another recent personality tried to do that and it didn’t fly.

Welker

Paul Steinke, ‎Executive Director – ‎Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, posted on his FB page that the last day for Little Pete’s on 17th Street is Monday May 29 – Memorial Day. What a way to start off the summer, boo hoo. Plans call for the beloved diner to be replaced by a Hyatt Centric hotel.

I spoke with Little Pete that evening at his second location, which is at 2401 Fairmount (ie 2401 Pennsylvania Ave – The Philadelphian, where I live). He tells me it’s true, he’s planning a big block party to thank customers for their support over the years. I asked him about new locations, and he said he’s given up on Center City and it’s high priced rent. You’ll recall I mentioned a bit back that he looked at the Cosi at 15th and Locust, and the rent was over $20ks a month. Pete tells me they’re going to take time off, he and his brother, John Koutroubas, who runs 17th Street are looking forward to running the Fairmount Little Pete’s, and taking long vacations. When they’re ready they’re looking in Northern Liberties, or the Fishtown area Pete told me with excitement. That area is really hot and happening.

Welker

Speaking of Fairmount, my former neighbor Kristen Welker, NBC White House Correspondent was in town over the weekend to marry her long time love John Hughes. Welker is the daughter of Harvey and Julie Welker, who still reside in Fairmount. The wedding took place at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. The ceremony was in the Rose Ballroom; afterwards guests headed downstairs to the Grand Ballroom.

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Spotted in the crowd was Kelly O’Donnell, political reporter for NBC News – who spoke at the ceremony; Chuck Todd, who headed back to Washington DC to host this morning’s “Meet The Press”, Andrea Mitchell, and her husband Alan Greenspan, David Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President of Comcast, as well as NBC10 Philadelphia alumni Justin Pizzi now with Saxbys, and Aditi Roy, now with CNBC.
Presiding over the wedding was Rev Kevin Johnson, Dare to Imagine Church.
The couples first song was by Etta James “At Last”Welker

Congrats to Chad Boonswang and Jess Stockham on their nuptials which took place last night at the Union League. Many of their friends from far and wide
were in attendance including the original Rittenhouse Entourage celebrity reporter Arthur Kade, Tony Piazza (pic above), and Ron Hansen. 

Welker
Congratulations to Christie and Brandon Mandia who are expecting heir first bouncing baby; little Mandia will be
making his debut Labor Day Weekend.
BTW Christie’s client, the delicious James restaurant, is starting a musically inclined Happy Hour in the month of March, so stayed tune for that
delivery as well.

Welker

Congrats to Hadas Kuznits and Dan Reinherz on baby number 3; 4 more months to go.

Welker

Congrats to Brian Stevenson, Business Representative for IBEW Local 98 and the lovely Kiley Jo Schroeder on their engagement which happened in Switzerland while they attended the ISZL Gala 2017 

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Sponsor today Donors Are Heroes Party 4/7/17
Organ Donation Awareness Fundraiser

Welker

While I was in Anguilla my friend Ian Hincken popped the question to his longtime love Sarah Wright.
Nothing like a winter engagement wearing shorts, memorable, oh and that location too – Independence Hall as the backdrop.

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Jennifer Lee has accepted John Lee‘s proposal and is ecstatic she doesn’t have to go through the hassle of changing her name on ANYTHING.

Welker

That Untouchable movie is chugging along nicely. While I was away Nicole Kidman filmed her scenes in Bucks County, as I mentioned the week before;
Here she’s posing with a few officers from the Solebury Police Department.

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The Untouchable’s filmed in Mayfair to the delight of the neighbors.

Welker

Untouchable also filmed in the Badlands. Here’s tailor Daniel Morroni, Sr on the set with Kevin Hart’s stand in as well as Bryan Cranstons. I’m seeing a striking resemblance with Hart’s double, not so much with Cranston’s. Must be the height.

Welker

Dax Shepard handed out free cheesesteaks to some lucky fans! After tweeting out the location, the 42-year-old Parenthood actor participated in the event to celebrate the release of his latest film CHIPS on Friday (March 3) at Jim’s Steaks South St. in Philadelphia, Pa. He was joined by his co-star Michael Pena as they munched on chips, took selfies with fans, and maybe ate a few too many cheesesteaks! (Check out more of my pixs at Just Jared)

Welker

Speaking of Michael Peña
his next movie is The LEGO NINJAGO Movie which is produced by Affleck/Middleton Productions.
Shown here is John Powers Middleton, who also produced Manchester By The Sea starring his producing partner Casey Affleck, who won an Oscar.
What’s this have to do with Philly, John grew up in the Philly burbs, and his parents are the majority owners of the Philadelphia Phillies.

(PCC PhillyGossip Published every Sunday and Thursday at 10AM)

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Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: NFL Draft Details & The Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square Returns

PhillyGossip: NFL Draft Details – Run Against Your Favorite Player & Franklin Square Returns

Hey everyone hope you’re well. I’m still getting used to reality after my short vacation to Anguilla. Lots of fun Philly Gossip and Philly News You Can Use has happened over the past week. Let’s get started.

NFL

Tuesday was a busy day with press conferences and announcements. I went to the NFL Draft announcement at Phila Art Museum.
The Mayor will join NFL Senior Vice President of Events Peter O’Reilly and Co-Chair of the NFL Draft Host Committee and former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski to unveil the details of the “NFL Draft Experience Presented by Oikos Triple Zero”, an expansive free admission outdoor football festival for fans and families.

NFL
The NFL Draft will be held in Philadelphia from April 27-29, with the NFL transforming part of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway into the NFL Draft Experience, a free (yes, free!) expansive outdoor football festival.

There will be a staging area where the draft will take place. It will be located on the Phila Art Museum Steps.
Ticketing info is still being finalized by the NFL and more details will be released in the coming weeks. While the NFL is handling the entire ticketing process for the NFL Draft, there will be some unique opportunities to take in the experience, like participating as a seat filler in the theatre and plaza area. Seat filler requests need to be submitted in advance and that can be done by visiting www.1iota.com. Additionally, information about parking will be communicated once details are finalized by the NFL. Keep an eye on PhiladelphiaEagles.com for all the latest NFL Draft information.

 

NFL

The NFL will transform part of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway into the NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY DANNON OIKOS TRIPLE ZERO, a free, expansive outdoor football festival. Fans of all ages and all teams will be able to take part in the future of football through interactive exhibits, immersive games, virtual reality experiences, player autograph sessions and more.

NFL
One of the features on the Parkway will be the Combine Corner, which will allow fans to run the 40-yard dash and test their other athletic skills (above is a smaller version which is located inside The Franklin Institute where you run against Eagles Players), to an NFL Virtual Reality experience and NFL replica locker rooms. Plus, the NFL Draft Experience Tailgate will feature menu items from some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants. Other highlights include:

  • NFL Virtual Reality – Experience NFL games using virtual reality technology.
  • The Vince Lombardi Trophy – Fans will have the opportunity to take their photo with the Super Bowl trophy.
  • AFC & NFC Locker Rooms – Visit a replica NFL locker room as it appears on game day. Experience the sights of an NFL pregame with sleek translucent LCDs.
  • NFL Museum (Pro Football Hall of Fame display area) – This exhibit features historical Eagles memorabilia, Super Bowl rings and Conference Championship trophies. Fans can get a digital Pro Football Hall of Fame bronze bust in their likeness.
  • College Football Corner – Fans can view College Football Hall of Fame memorabilia from former first round Draft picks and Eagles legends, and cheer on Draft prospects from their favorite college team. Life-size player mannequins offer unique photo opportunities.
  • NFL Draft Experience Tailgate – Enjoy selections from some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants in a “taste of the town” tailgate.
  • NFL Network Set – Watch NFL Network analysts break down the NFL Draft.
  • ESPN Set – Check out SportsCenter live from NFL Draft Experience.
  • NFL Shop at Draft – Stop by for the largest assortment of NFL Draft merchandise, including customizable Nike Jerseys and the official 2017 NFL Draft Cap by New Era and other exclusive Draft caps.
  • NFL Draft Set – Visit the official NFL Draft set from Thursday to Saturday and see the view from behind the podium.
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  • NFL DRAFT SCHEDULE

    • Thursday, April 27: Round 1 festivities, which will include incoming prospects walking the red carpet before entering an outdoor theater. More fans than ever before will be able to view the Commissioner announcing selections and greeting draftees during the first round with the NFL building the first ever outdoor Draft Theatre.
    • Friday, April 28: Thirty-two former players who are members of the NFL Legends Community, one representing each team, will be on hand for Night 2 to announce selections. Night 2 Draft (Rounds 2-3) announcements will also feature winners of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide.
    • Saturday, April 29: The Draft will conclude with Rounds 4-7 and the final day of the free fan festival.

      (Also what’s excited is by the time the NFL Draft comes along, it looks like both Civil War Monuments will be unveiled. Currently they’re boxed up as they are doing road construction there.)
      (DiscoverPHL)

NFL

On the other side of town

Greetings from a beautiful day in Franklin Square! Hard to believe but here we are, about to open for the 2017 season. Today, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. announced that the season opens tomorrow, and Franklin Square will be open daily through December 31. In addition, we are excited to tell you that the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will return on May 9 for five weeks.

 

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They listened to the critics, and created a creative fence for park goers to enjoy the park during the day when it’s open to the public.

Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. said, “In 2016, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. could have never imagined that despite a rainy few weeks, 92,000 people from all walks of life came to experience the magic of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square. We are looking forward to displaying all new creations in the Square this spring, and to embracing the historical and cultural immersion this brings to our region.”

 

John Chin, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, emphasized, “During the 2016 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, there was an uptick in Chinatown area restaurants and businesses that the community appreciated. For this coming season, the neighborhood businesses will be developing a series of promotions to complement the Festival and increase visitation to our unique corner of the city. Everyone in the area is thrilled to see the return of this Chinese cultural phenomenon.”

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is produced by the Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. and its parent company, Sichuan Tianyu Cultural Communications, Ltd. in cooperation with Historic Philadelphia, Inc. Visitors can learn more here: historicphiladelphia.org/chineselanternfestival/.
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Come back on Sunday March 5 for the next edition of Philly Gossip and News You Can Use. We’ll have lots of engagements, weddings and baby announcements. Plus an up to date on what’s happening with the Untouchable Movie. Remember to follow me on Instagram PhillyChitChat and Twitter @HughE_Dillon for daily updates. Also search #PCCBuzz for great events and happenings you might be interested in doing and seeing in our area.
Have a great day.

 

 

Categories
Philadelphia

Swoop Gets Down, Nicole Miller, Joan Shepp, Deborah Cox, NOVO Philly,

Good Thursday Springtime today. Last night was like the days gone by, lots of fun events happening. The Philadelphia Fashion Week is going on at 2300 Arena, Mary K. Dougherty had a fashionable shindig at her Nicole Miller Center City store located at the Bellevue (200 South Broad Street).

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Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles, owner of BOP and Prime Stache and cover boy on Philly Style Magazine
Mary Dougherty, owner of the Nicole Miller Store at the Bellevue and Barbara Zaun, Director of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders

The NFL Cheerleader Directors are in Philadelphia this week in preparation for the NFL Draft taking place April 27-29 in Center City.

Upon their arrival, the guests will receive a special Philadelphia welcome by the NFL Eagles Cheerleaders and Eagles Mascot Swoop. Here’s swoop warming up.

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Eagles tight end Brent Celek, was also on hand to greet the group as they enjoy a night of private shopping at Nicole Miller while sipping champagne and nibbling hors d’oeuvres from Celek’s bop, also located at The Bellevue.

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Philadelphia-based Atrium Design Group LLC and its construction affiliate A2Z Development held a party last night for the debut of their new project Novo Philly,

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which is a development of 10 high-end townhouses being planned at the current site of an industrial building at 17th and Wood Streets, just across the street to the north from the recently completed Mormon meetinghouse. (Philly.com)
Look for the groundbreaking to be in April, and then be in awe. Each 5 story unit comes with a jacuzzi, three car garage and an amazing view of the City.

Swoop

Joan Shepp celebrated the 17th Annual “Women of Substance and Style” at her boutique at 1811 Chestnut Street last night. The fashionable event recognized 27 African-American women in the community making a difference, which included Lady B, Jean Carne, Julie Coker, Dr. Quinetta Roberson, Laiya St. Clair, and Dr. Susan Taylor to name a few. Later today a column from the event will be on PhillyMag.com

Swoop

The Broadway Philadelphia run of the hit musical The Bodyguard opened Tuesday night at the Academy of Music. Afterwards the Deborah Cox and hunky bodyguard Judson Mills, (here with Steven from Aqimero) the cast, crew and friends headed to Aqimero at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia for an afterparty to celebrate. The Bodyguard Kimmel Center’s Academy of Music from February 21–26, 2017’

Swoop
Last week PHS held a press conference regarding the upcoming Flower Show, announcing all the amazing attractions besides the fabulous flowers.   The The Philadelphia Flower Show’s newest event Flowers After Hours will be held Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am.  I’ll be there, so bring your smile and you will definitely be seen on the scene.

 

 

Swoop
Mascots for a Cure is dedicated to help children and their families battling cancer. Through our passion, relentless pursuit of our goals, and the power of mascots, we foster hope, laughter, joy, positive memories and love to support children and their families affected world-wide. The kick of tour was Monday in front of Independence Hall. Check out their new campaign Chubby Checker’s Twist Challenge

 

#PCCBuzz
#PhillyToDo

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toucheaccessories Join us this Sunday! February 26th 5Pm to 9Pm for a Special Prom Sale & Event… All Things Prom. KOP MAll near Macy’s Lower Level.

 

 

Swoop
Just a few days left for you to help choose a winner (Noteworthy Volunteer in Philly) for a Cabot Cheese sponsored Cruise