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Around Town With HughE

Soaring Above Rittenhouse: A Rare Gem at 10 Rittenhouse

Welcome to Unit 3102 at 10 Rittenhouse — a spectacular, nearly full-floor residence offering approximately 5,400 square feet of light-filled luxury with breathtaking views over the iconic Rittenhouse Square. This one-of-a-kind home combines the spacious feel of a modern townhome with the sophistication, service, and security of one of Philadelphia’s most prestigious addresses.

View of Rittenhouse Square and Delaware River from the south facing balcony

What makes this property truly exceptional? Let’s start with parking — a rarity in Center City. This unit comes with four garage spaces, including two ultra-rare self-park spots inside the building, plus two valet spaces. Whether you’re commuting daily or hosting guests, you’ll have the kind of flexibility most city dwellers can only dream of.

Step inside, and you’re greeted with 270-degree skyline views, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass doors and three private balconies. Every room is bathed in natural light, offering a sense of calm and openness. The sleek, modern design emphasizes clean lines and effortless flow throughout the space.

The living and entertaining areas are expansive, featuring a custom-built media wall with a 100″ TV and a hidden door to the AV closet. Nearby, a beautifully crafted bar area awaits — complete with a wine fridge, ice maker, sink, and an oversized walk-in pantry that doubles as a prep kitchen or staging space for events.

The dining area is a standout — perched at the southwest corner, it captures stunning corner-window views and is bathed in warm afternoon light. Perfectly positioned just off the gourmet kitchen, the layout is ideal for both intimate dinners and grand-scale entertaining.

The primary suite in Unit 3102 is a luxurious retreat, thoughtfully designed for both comfort and serenity.

Flooded with soft morning light, it boasts three spacious closets—two walk-ins and an exquisite L-shaped dressing room with an east-facing window.

Listing Agent:

Nigel Richards

Nigel Richards

The centerpiece walk-in closet, custom-designed by California Closets, is a dream—both functional and worthy of a magazine spread. Beyond the dressing room, a quiet home office space offers privacy and focus, complete with access to a private balcony that captures the gentle glow of the morning sun and sweeping city views.

The spa-inspired bath invites relaxation, featuring a jetted soaking tub with its own wall-mounted TV, separate water closet, and dual vanities. A third vanity, tucked just beyond the dressing area, provides the perfect spot for morning routines or evening glam.

Across the home, on the west wing, two additional bedroom suites are tucked beyond a cozy den, each with its own en-suite bathroom and generous closet space. Whether for guests, family, or an elegant work-from-home setup, these rooms offer flexibility and privacy.

Daily living is made seamless with two separate laundry areas—one discreetly located within the primary suite and another conveniently positioned near the kitchen. Every detail throughout the residence has been considered: automated Lutron lighting, powered sunshades and blackout drapes, and over a dozen individually zoned climate controls for year-round comfort.

At 10 Rittenhouse, you’ll enjoy the finest full-service amenities Philadelphia has to offer, including a 24/7 concierge, chauffeured town car, indoor pool, fitness center, and a private hospitality suite for your guests. The building’s discreet entrance on 18th Street places you steps from the best of Center City—world-class dining, shopping, and culture, all just outside your door.

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Around Town With HughE

Philly Dining Out For Life

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It’s back, Philadelphia’s longest-running and most beloved dining event is back and marking a major anniversary! Action Wellness presents the 35th Annual Dining Out for Life® on Thursday, April 24, 2025, featuring over 40 participating restaurants. I remember going to the first one, where only a handful of restaurants participated, but the following year it was a Citywide celebration, with a lot of support.

Philadelphia’s longest-running and most beloved dining event is back and marking a major anniversary!

Action Wellness presents the 35th Annual Dining Out for Life® on Thursday, April 24, 2025, featuring over 40 participating restaurants.

For 2025, this year’s restaurant line-up reads like a who’s who of the region’s most award-winning restaurants, with notable names such as Barclay Prime, Bistro Romano, Buddakan, Butcher and Singer, DaVinci & Yu, El Vez, Frankford Hall, Gilda, Giorgio on Pine,Good Dog Bar, LMNO, The Love, Mamajuana Cafe, Morimoto, P’unk Burger, P.J. Clarke’s, Parc, Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, Sophie’s BBQ, Stina, Talula’s Garden, Taqueria Amor, The Continental Midtown, The Dandelion, Villa Di Roma, Wilder and many more. Hours vary by restaurant. Reservations are encouraged in advance.

“My favorite part of the event is the community aspect and simplicity of it,” said Action Wellness Development Coordinator Kevin Vuernick. “I have made it a point to dine out during this event for as long as I can remember. Inevitably you always see a longtime friend or acquaintance who is also dining out to support the cause. Going out to eat is something so many of us do regularly without thinking about it. The hardest part for me is deciding where to eat! The decision about whether to go to an old familiar haunt or go to one of the wonderful new places or somewhere I have yet to try is always the most difficult. But each year the one thing I know is it is always so rewarding.”

Funds raised from Dining Out For Life (DOFL) Philadelphia go to Action Wellness to support more than 2,000 clients and their families through the provision of life-sustaining services. HIV and its impact is felt especially by those in low-income and historically marginalized communities. According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health there are 18,000 people living with HIV in Philadelphia.

For a full list of restaurants or to make an advance donation, visit diningoutforlife dot com/Philadelphia. Watch for updates by following on social media at @DineOut4LifePHL and share your meal using #DOFL2025 #DineOutEndHIV.

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Around Town With HughE

Philly Dancing With The Stars – Montessori Moves

The inaugural Philadelphia Montessori Charter School (PMCS ) “Montessori Moves” was held on March 8th at Vie. Over $100,000 was raised to support the Philadelphia Montessori Charter School. Think Philly dancing with the stars-style event where 8 philanthropic/business leaders showed off their best moves!

Amanda Wilson (Ex Dir of Montessori Charter School of Philadelphia) and Carmelina Berardi (winner raising most money raise $24,000 )

PMCS excels at providing children in Kindergarten through 4th grade with a Montessori education in an environment that nurtures the whole child, celebrates inclusion, embraces innovation, and encourages collaboration with families. Carmelina Berardi won top fundraiser and Stefanie McCarthy and Gretchen Ralston tied for best dance!

Laura and Justin Stefanick
Nick and Kristen Pantaleo

Tali Shani Ben-david makes her moves

Natelie Jackson and Stephanie Williams
Laurie Trongone, Camille Doherty, Andrea Ronca and Amy Ritter
Dominique Yannuzzi, Anna Iuliano, Liliana Dicicco and Carmelina Berardi
Dana Fiumara,, Jason Manus and Jill Longstreth
Ryan and Kate Banks
Jalen Millevoix and Avi Ben David
Julie Lynn and Jennifer Sherlock

Jen chose bachata as I’ve always wanted to learn this sensual style dance. “Thanks to @stormballroomdancecentre for everything they showed me including a sense of community.” She raised over $4,000 for the kids.

Serena Saunders, Ahyana King and Michelle Hamilton

Carmelina Berardi: “Wow, what a magical night! Thank you so much to everyone who supported me by donating money and attending the event! With your help, I was able to raise $24,000 for @pmcs2227 and learn some new moves too! Thank you to my instructor @eric_groysman @vibe_dancesport and to @lynsie.feinberg for putting together such an amazing event! Special thank you to the best cheering squad ever, my @shopskirt girls and my friends and family who are always there to support me, Grazie di cuore 💗”

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Around Town With HughE

Neiman Marcus KOP x Jen Su Jet Set

Jen Su is a media personality, known for her work in radio and television, as well as her singing career. She has covered red carpets worldwide including the Cannes Film Festival, the Grammy’s as well as NY Fashion Week and can be found at many of the elevated events here in Philly. Last week she hosted a fashion show at Neiman Marcus, featuring their hottest looks as well as some of Philly’s favorites from the Fashion Incubator, who is hosting FashCon Philly Friday at Moore college.

Golda Collings, GM Neima Marcus, Jen Su and Kris Flynn, Philly Mag

Jen, dressed in an off-the-shoulder violet silk gown with ostrich feather sleeve by Christian Cowan, talked about her life journey as a TV news anchor and fashion
correspondent. “Sometimes you might see my Instagram and think that my life on the red carpet is so glamorous,” said the Philly native on stage. “There’s actually so much stress behind the scenes, from all the credential and travel logistics, to getting the interviews, to filing the stories as quickly and accurately as possible, so I sometimes forget to savor the moment.”

Melissa Leonard and Gregory Jerome
Karen Cox and Donna Coghlan
Fashion designer Nancy Volpe Beringer and Deborah Van Cleve

Jen Su does much more than red carpet events, she’s a philanthropist as well. “I’ll also be involved in the upcoming CHOP: The Runway on May 19th – bringing together fashion and philanthropy.” “But I feel eternally grateful,” added Jen . “After my son was airlifted to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) when we lived overseas in 2017, he endured 3 years of chemo and treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Today he is
cancer-free and CHOP saved his life. I’m inspired by the resilience of these young kids.”

Paul Rimar, Conrad Booker and

Philly designers included Nancy Volpe Beringer of Project Runway and Philadelphia Fashion Week; Elmira Vandenberg , Designer in Residence of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI); Priscilla Carvalho of Priscilla Couture; Jeanette Limas, of PFI, Philly Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week; and Conrad Booker, a PFI alum and Board Director who has been published in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and the New Yorker.

Jee Mint Cao, Gina Lizzo, Main Line Today and Jaimi Blackburn, Fearless Restaurants

The who’s who of the Philly fashion scene was in attendance sipping on champagne and gourmet lite bites, with DJ Eddie Tully on the decks. This Saturday Tully is spinning at his quarterly Matinée Dance Party at VINYL

Philly Fashion Week’s Kevin Parker; Philly Fashion Incubator’s Elissa Bloom; Fox 29’s Drew Anderson; GM of The Bellevue Carissa Dalske; wedding dress fashion maven Deborah Van Cleve; NYFW fav Ramillionaire (above)

Jet Set with Jen Su, was a joyful fusion of high-fashion whimsy and effortless travel glam. Featuring 12 striking looks, the collection showcases iconic names—Balmain, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana—interwoven with cool-girl labels like IRO and La Pointe. Think: cobalt blue power suits, butter yellow flowing dresses, sequined separates, and flirty florals with peplum flair. Whether you’re boarding a yacht or brunching in the city, there was something for everyone.

Jane Levin, Elissa Bloom, Priscilla Carvalho, Janet Workman, Tracey Evelyn Reed, Diadem Abayoda, Caitlyn Ellerbeck and Sheilisa McNeal of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator

What are you doing Friday? Jen Su will also be one of the featured speakers and moderators joining the “godmother
of New York Fashion Week” Fern Mallis, celebrity designer Milan Harris (Milano Di Rouge), and other top fashion personalities at this Friday’s (April 11) highly anticipated Philadelphia Fashion Incubator’s FashCon Philly, a fashion industry conference at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia. Tickets and info on fashconphilly.com.

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Around Town With HughE

Parkway & Kelly Drive Road Closures 2025

Parkway & Kelly Drive Road Closures 2025 : It’s that time of year along the Parkway and Kelly Drive when Charity Runs, Parades, activations and Regatta’s take place and we need to be prepared to take alternative traffic routes to get around. Here’s the list so far, but I will update it as we go forward.

This Sunday is the Love Run.

What we have so far for interruptions along the Parkway. The City issues press releases for specific road closures as the date approaches. The Kelly Drive Regatta List, below this one, is more complete.

Saturday, April 5 – Hot Chocolate 15K  

Sunday, April 6 – Greek Independence Day Parade  

Sunday, April 20 – Jewish Martyrs Memorial Service  – 16th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway,

Thursday, April 24 – Sunday, April 27 – 2025 Philadelphia Show  

Saturday, April 26 – Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Armenian Heritage Walk   

Thursday, May 1 – The Franklin Institute Gala, 20th street in front of the museum is usually closed from 4pm until 10pm

Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18 – Portal to Universal Studios Epic Universe  – Activation on the Art Museum Steps

Saturday, May 24 – Georgian Culture Day  

Saturday, May 3 – MS Walk  

Check Out the Office of Special Events for a listing of Street Closures through out the City. As we approached each date, we will have a better understanding of which streets are affected.

List of major public events.

SCHUYLKILL RIVER SCHEDULE

March 30: 3rd Flick-Horvat Regatta. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-5:30 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 5: College Match Race. Host: Penn H&L M/Drexel M/Temple W (w/ Harvard/Cornell/UD). Time: x:00-x:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 6: 4th Flick-Horvat Regatta. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-5:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 13: 5th Flick-Horvat Regatta. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-5:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 19: Kerr Cup; Blackwell Cup; Wood Hammond Trophy. Host: Drexel + Penn H&L M. Time: x:00 am – x pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

April 26: College/Club Match Race. Host: St. Joe’s U M&W ; UBC (Bergen/Kelly Cups) + Kelly Cup. Final Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

May 3: College Match Race: Host: St. Joseph’s University Women (w/ Lehigh).  Time: xx am-xx pm

May 3-4: Philadelphia City Championships. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-5:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM & OVERNIGHT.

May 15-17: Schuylkill Navy’s Stotesbury Cup Regatta. Host: Schuylkill Navy. Time: Fri& Sat, 8:00-6:00 pm. (Clear Launching Area and Race Course above Girard by 7:15 am).  KELLY DRIVE CLOSED THURSDAY AT 10 AM AND OVERNIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY.

June 7: Independence Dragon Bat Regatta. Host: Phila Dragon Boat Association. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

June 14: Schuylkill Navy Regatta. Host: Schuylkill Navy. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

Jul 4-6: Schuylkill Navy’s Independence Day Regatta. Host: Schuylkill Navy. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM AND OVERNIGHT.

Jul 19: Schuylkill Navy’s Philadelphia Youth Regatta. Host: Schuylkill Navy. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

Aug 2: Quaker City Regatta.  Time: 8:00-6:00 pm.

Oct 11: Navy Day Regatta. Host: St. Joseph’s University. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM.

Oct 24-26: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. Host: Head of the Schuylkill. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm. KELLY DRIVE CLOSED AT 6 AM AND OVERNIGHT.

Nov 2: Hidden River Chase. Host: Phila Scholastic Rowing Association. Time: 8:00-6:00 pm.

Nov 27: Schuylkill Navy Run. Host: Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia. Time: 9:00-11:00 am.

Subscribe to the Schuylkill River Events Google Calendar here.

Save This For Later.

Have a great weekend. See you on Social Media.

Socially Yours, HughE

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Charity Philly To Do

The return of Black-Tie GayBINGO!

Action Wellness proudly presents the return of Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Now in its 26th year, Black-Tie GayBINGO! rolls out the glitz and glamour as it continues to raise significant funds for live-saving programs to help those with HIV disease. 

This year’s event holds special significance as AIDS Fund, the original creator of GayBINGO!, will be honored for over 35 years of leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for establishing one of Philadelphia’s most iconic fundraising events. 

After passing the torch in late 2024, Action Wellness now takes the helm, ensuring the legacy of GayBINGO! continues to thrive for years to come. 

For this year’s grand return, guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening with: 

* Welcome reception and cocktails

* Silent auction

* Seated dinner with exclusive menu

* Dancing and music

* Musical performance numbers

* GayBINGO! and the famous Bingo Verifying Divas

* Community Award honoring AIDS Fund

Black-Tie GayBINGO! is an event full of joy, affirmation and love,” said Action Wellness Executive Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres. “It’s an opportunity to raise money and awareness about ending the HIV epidemic. This is our first year as an organization hosting the event and we are proud to honor AIDS Fund, an organization, like Action Wellness, that has done incredible work while positively impacting the lives of people with HIV over the last 30 years. Please join us for a night of dining, dancing and GayBINGO! with the incredible Bingo Verifying Divas.

GayBINGO! is the fabulous, irreverent, campy and wildly popular monthly event that has been entertaining Philadelphia audiences for nearly 30 years. The “Best of Philly” award-winning event went on to host tens of thousands of people, attract sold out crowds, garner national attention, and raise millions of dollars.

Guests will enjoy a special cocktail reception, seated dinner with exclusive menu just for the event, music and dancing, and of course rounds of GayBINGO! The Bingo Verifying Divas will of course be on hand and please come ready with the compliments, as they will be looking more glamorous than ever! Two long-time fan favorites and GayBINGO! icons will be on hand to preside over the evening’s festivities. Carlota Ttendant will host the BINGO games, and Stella D’Oro will serve as hostess of the awards and program.

During the night, guests can help raise additional funds through a silent auction featuring gift cards, prizes and packages from local restaurants, hotels, music venues, museums and local small businesses.

Action Wellness will honor AIDS Fund with the 2025 Black-Tie GayBINGO! Community Award for their work in starting the event and for their work for the Philadelphia community. Former Executive Director Robb Reichard will accept on behalf of AIDS Fund, along with former staff and board members. In December 2024, AIDS Fund announced their decision to conclude operations.

“Founded at the height of the AIDS epidemic, AIDS Fund had been a steadfast force in addressing the challenges of HIV,” said Torres. “After 35 years of dedicated service, AIDS Fund concluded operations in December of 2024. This marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the fight against HIV in Philadelphia – a chapter defined by resilience, compassion and community driven progress. Their work has been instrumental in raising awareness, supporting individuals and families, and funding critical services during times of crisis.”

GayBINGO! and Black-Tie GayBINGO! have raised over $4M to date and counting. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

SAVE THE DATE: Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now at aidsfundphilly dot org/gaybingo. For more information and event previews, please follow @actionwellnessphl on social media.

Monthly GayBingo will continue from April to June, before taking a break for the summer season. Events will be held at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, located at 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Photos by Jeff Fusco

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Around Town With HughE

PHILLY HOME SHOW 2025

It was another successful Philly home and garden show this weekend in Oaks PA. It’s basically Philadelphia but 45 minutes away. Folks lined up to see celebrities like Christopher Knight, Brady Bunch who has a line of home furnishings Christopher Knight Home and Craig Conover a fan favorite on Bravo’s hit reality series, Southern Charm, who talked about their wares and then meant their fans. How as to check out so many great home and garden ideas on a very chilly weekend in February.

Philly Home + Garden Show, consumers enjoyed fresh inspiration, helpful tips,

innovative products and fantastic deals in remodeling, home improvement, décor, gardening and outdoor spaces with hundreds of experts all under one roof.

DIY workshops at the Make It Take It presented by @little.tall.rulers on Saturday and Sunday of the Show

Sleep with Saquon Barkley with this cool balloon installation.

Michael Knight with a fan

Commiserating with Craig Conover (Bravo’s Southern Charm, Sewing Down South Co-Founder) about my broken shoulder

It was really a great exhibition this year, always great but this year just very informative. Don’t sleep on it next year make sure you go and I’ll say hello!! You still have a few hours left today to go. Sunday, February 23, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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Around Town With HughE

Chit Chat Holiday Happenings

Happy Holidays doesn’t officially start until the Philadelphia Holiday Tree is lit, and last night it was. WOW the tree is gorgeous. I’m a simple guy, and I love a tree lit in white lights and a beautiful blue star to top it off. (I did love the other tree as well, but it’s like we’re entering a new phase this year.) The base is brand new, simple with the Philly skyline, and words of encouragement like LOVE. It was bitterly cold last night, but that didn’t stop the crowds from coming out to enjoy the festivities with entertainment by Keyshia and Liamani as well as ride the Ferris wheel. Great job Michael DelBene, President & CEO Welcome America and team. (Look for more photos at Metro Philly and CBSPhilly today)

In the past decade, the west and north aprons have come alive with so much activity especially during the holidays. And don’t forget Christmas Village extends to the Center of City Hall, and across the street at Love Park.

Speaking of tree lighting, Old City had theirs on Wednesday and as always the neighborhood really came out to support their efforts. And Old City put on a show. (Old City – Society Hill Films)

Held at Betsy Ross’ house, this year the tree is adorn with red balls, as well as accented with two giant ones at the base.

In November there was a special night opening party of Winter in Franklin Square with a new song which is played along with the dancing fountain during the holiday light show. by The Philly Specials (@jason.kelce, @jordanmailata, & @lanejohnson65 @aphillyspecialchristmas. ) Connor Barwin and Charlie Hall were in attendance to hear Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by The Philly Specials along with the crowd for the first time.

(Photos Cari Feiler Bender)

Amy Needle, the president and CEO of Historic Philadelphia greeting the crowd. Here’s what’s coming up you might be interested in. Jingle and Mingle with Santa (December 7, 12, 14, and 21, 5-7 pm) and bring pets for Santa Paws (December 14, 5-7 pm). On Thursday, December 12, Santa (aka City Councilmember Mark Squilla) will make a special appearance from 5-6 pm. Keep an eye out for Santa near the Franklin Square Fountain, double-checking his naughty and nice lists and posing for elfie-selfies. FREE.

Ben Armstrong, Vice President of Communications & Marketing, PECO.

Winter in Franklin Square, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, celebrates traditions old and new at this beloved public space. Through February 23, 2025, Winter in Franklin Square. The centerpiece of the festivities is the nightly free Electrical Spectacle Light Show. Guests can cozy up around fire pits with hot beverages, including spiked options for adults, and enjoy Street Curling and Chilly Philly Mini Golf, adorned with lights and seasonal decorations. Visitors can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and seasonal treats in the pop-up winter bar, Ben On the Rocks. The Square will also host various family holiday events, such as Jingle and Mingle with Santa, Santa Paws, and Brunch with Santa.

Had dinner with PR Santa Kory Aversa at his new client’s the other night – MAMAJUANA CAFE PHILLY, it was delicious, and spicy which hit the spot on a chilly night. I especially loved the Rice Pudding Pops, with this cute little tree, which I learned wasn’t a souvenir but did make a good Instagramable photo.

Philly Social Club’s Helping Hand Charity Cocktail Reception

Thanks to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, in partnership with the nonprofit Kelly’s Kidz (Bob Kelly, Fox29 seen above giving his wish list to Santa), donated hundreds of toys to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, which will be distributed to patients and families of patients being treated at the hospital this holiday season. Check out photos at Metro Philly and CBSPhilly.

Congratulations to Ray Smeriglio whose longtime partner, fiance, Miguel Martinez-Valle who popped the question to HIM on Wednesday night in front of friends. Traditionally Miguel’s emcees the lighting of the East Passyunk Tree, and they host a party for friends and family, as they did this year, with a surprise proposal to Ray. Earlier this year Ray popped the question to Miguel. NBC10 has the story. Hi to

Shout out to Mark Brown (and his wife), longtime ChitChat reader, and IG follower (msaxbrown). I promised him I would write more on the blog in 2025….Thanks everyone for bearing with me this year. Coverage here was a bit spotty. Mark entertained us at Miguel & Ray’s party on Wednesday night.

So much more happening in the City, follow along on my Instagram account where I update you a few times a day.

Thanks!! Socially yours, xoxo HughE

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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

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