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Around Town With HughE

ChitChat: Jennifer Garner, Gwen Walz Eats a Cheesesteak

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miguel Martinez-Valle Instagram

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

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

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

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

Socially yours, HughE

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Around Town With HughE

Opening: Manayunk Welcome Center

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

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

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

Janine Gasarowski, Caitlin Marsilii, Rhiannon Smith and Joan Deneberg

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

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

outdoor space over looking picturesque Manayunk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks sponsors

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

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Around Town With HughE

Summer Chit Chat: The Bellevue’s New Eatery

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.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the blow out Sweet 16th Party Steak 48 threw for me and 250 Philly folks.

It was great summer. BUT

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. ;

Friday, August 30, 2024

5:00 p.m.: Family-friendly activities

7:30 p.m.: “National Treasure” screening begins

ALSO Make sure you see the Chinese Lateran Festival

At Franklin Squre. It runs through this weekend. A must see if you haven’t yet.

Socially Yours, xoxo HughE

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Centennial Celebration

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
Shayna Harvey and JR Harvey
Eathan Blades and Shannon Wink

Guests were treated to an evening featuring delicious food, a captivating performance by Batala Philly , music by DJ Valentin (who performs for the Conservancy’s free bachata and salsa lessons in FDR Park),

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.

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Great Stages Gala Marian Anderson Celebration

Senator Vincent Hughes, Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Marian Anderson’s niece Ginette DePreist (who was married to Anderson’s nephew, noted muscian James DePreist) and Matias Tarnopolsky president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association at the dedication of the Marian Anderson Hall

The Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall was renamed Marian Anderson Hall at a re-dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon, which was declared Marian Anderson Day in the city and the commonwealth.

The announcement to change the name of the hall was made in February following a generous donation of $25 million to the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. by Leslie Anne Miller and her husband, Richard B. Worley, who are well-respected figures in the arts community. However, rather than retaining the naming rights, they decided to honor Anderson by renaming the hall after her.

In the evening the Great Stages Gala started with a black-tie donor reception on the Academy of Music stage at 6 PM prior to the 8 PM concert in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

This is the 2nd annual Great Stages Gala, a new celebration created last year which unites the traditions of the Academy of Music Anniversary Concert and Ball with the Kimmel Cultural Campus Gala (now known as Ensemble Arts Philly ).

Marian’s great great niece Isabella DePreist Sullivan and great niece Jennifer DePreist (her father was James DePreist)
Baird and Anne Standish
Vivian Rowe and Patsy Rowe
Albert Zuger, Alpha Zeta Metals and Sasha Suda, director and CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Damien and Suzanne Ghee
Sharonda Robinson, LaFawn Davis, Sherise Bright and Vicki Baker
The Schaeffers, Katie, Adele and Tony
Barbara Adams, Michelle Wherry, Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) and Karen Bachelor, DAR
Steph Humphries, Dani Rose, Anne Ewers, Isabel Lowrey Brouhard and Nicole Smith
Brittany Webb and Mari Shaw, who I just saw at the Wilma Theater the evening before on opening night of Hilma.

around 7:45pm, guests headed over to the newly named Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, accompanied by a drum line from Camden NJ.

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake is president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation standing in from of Marian Anderson outfits loaned to the Kimmel Center for the celebration.

The influence of the Philadelphia-born contralto Marian Anderson, an extraordinarily talented singer and one of America’s most exceptional artists, cannot be emphasized enough, particularly considering the profound impact racial discrimination had on her career. Despite her undeniable abilities, Anderson’s path was significantly affected by racial prejudice.

At 8:00 PM that evening, GRAMMY®, Emmy®, and Golden Globe® award–winning and Academy Award®–nominated artist, actor, and producer Queen Latifah hosted the Great Stages Concert honoring Marian Anderson. The celebration will be the first concert to take place in the newly named hall.

The evening featured performances by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra

with soprano Angel Blue, actress and singer Audra McDonald (not pictured here), soprano Latonia Moore, and jazz pianist Marcus Roberts.

Richard Worley, Former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams and Leslie Anne Miller.

After the concert, there was a speakeasy after party held in the Perelman Theater

Musical artists Ramon Jones, Dani Allen, Aaron Lewis, Laurin Talese and Kourtney Johnson were on hand to close out the night of fun.
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1600 Spruce Street Hosts Artist Schiavio

Rich Eib, co owner of 1600 Spruce and Carlotta Schiavio, artist at 1600 Spruce where an art exhibition of Carlotta’s latest works hang until July.

Carlotta Schiavio aka YaTii Talisman was born in Italy and raised in Ethiopia. Her background is a mixture of different cultures (Italian, Russian, Syrian, Austrian and Ethiopian). She started her creative career in the arts as a jewelry designer and then transitioned to painting in 1998.

Bugibatuki Beings from planet YaTii land with their spaceships in basins of water around planet Earth to bring peace and happiness.
1600 Spruce hosted a cocktail party last week to kick off a month long exhibit of Carlotta Schiavio new works.

Friends Karis Treadwell and Erica Fenton attended.
Sherry Kumar and Domenica Vinci
Mark and Sonya Weigle
Doug
Stephanie and Kirk Brandow, MD
Artist Gigi Lovond and Richard Eib, co owner of 1600 Spruce, which is a very stylish interior and lifestyle shop, they have great hostess gifts, as well as reasonable home store items. Plus they sell my greeting cards there.
Sophie Stasio and Olivia Juszcyk

View more Bugibatuki here but the best place to see them is at 1600 Spruce, Address: 1600 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: (267) 209-3350
Open Saturday and Sunday too. The weather is going to be perfect for shopping in Center City this weekend.

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Around Town With HughE

Sofitel’s Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Party

Amanda Kaewvichien – Pastry Chef – Sofitel Philadelphia, Jon Kline, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clearview Hotel Capital, LLC, Gregg Caren, CEO PHLCVB, Maud Bailey, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems for Accor; and Pierre Jotterand, General Manager of Sofitel Philadelphia

On Monday, June 3, 2024, the Sofitel Philadelphia in Rittenhouse Square (120 S. 17th Street), commemorated its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary with a grand celebration. Among the attendees were city officials, Sofitel executives, loyal patrons, and esteemed guests, who gathered to mark the unveiling of the newly renovated lobby, Liberté lounge, and restaurant. The occasion also served as a festive tribute to the hotel’s impressive sixty-year history.

DeeJay Shelly (@soundsbyshelly) kept the party going on the red carpet
Lauren and Hunter Voight

More like grey carpet, aligning with the classy Sofitel brand.

Liberté’s fresh menu combines American culinary delights and beloved Philly favorites with classic French dishes. Spearheaded by the hotel’s new executive chef Seth Fannin (not pictured), a seasoned industry expert with extensive experience at esteemed establishments like Paris, Bally’s, and Wynn resorts in Las Vegas, as well as luxury and boutique hotels such as Intercontinental and Millennium Hotels, this innovative approach promises a delectable fusion of flavors.

Laura Swartz – Deputy Editor, Digital – Philadelphia magazine, Gregg Caren , CEP PHLCVB and Joan Deneberg, Manayunk Development Corporation
Jessica Henneman, Dee Durgin, Dayna Leaventon and Caroline Foley
Jimmy and Rich Eib, 1600 Spruce Street Recently had a beautiful exhibition of work by artist Yatil Talisman, which I attended and will be showcasing soon.
Nina Castillo, Brenda Hillegas, Jennifer Lynn Robinson
Lauren Smith, Gionana Surhui, Sara Chiaravolloto, and Jamie Gialloreto
Regina Foley and her sister, Angela Bauer, former GM of Sofitel Philadelphia was recognized at the event for her longtime service,
which ended when she transferred to sister hotel Swissotel Chicago.
Stepping out: Denethia Durgin, AGM Vernick Fish at the Comcast Center.
Scott Barnes, Director, Events & Hospitality at Comcast, Karen Dougherty Buchholz serves as Executive Vice President of Administration for Comcast Corporation, Janet Binswanger, and Kevin Israel
The OG’s of Cater Waiters, these two have been serving guests for decades: Joyce Sambuca and Dash Merpier
Patty Jackson, WDAS and Ernest Owens, Ernest Owens Media
Paris Fit Philly, Alisia Amor, Kimberley Murray and Melissa Long
Sheila Hess, former City Rep under Mayor Jim Kenney (Who btw married his long time love Letty Santarelli, at the W last week, in a very intimate ceremony), Jasmine Armstrong, Visit Philadelphia and Pierre Jotterand, GM Sofitel Philadelphia
Kevin Lessard, PIDC, Laura Burkhardt, executive director of the Avenue of the Arts and Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director for Philly

Liberté’s is open Mondays to Thursdays at 12 pm to 11 pm (happy hour 4 pm to 6 pm every day except Saturdays and Sunday), Fridays and Saturdays at 12 pm to 12 am, Sundays at 12 pm to 10 pm. Reservations can now be made on OpenTable.

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Sky-High Rooftop Garden Spring Soirée

There is no surer sign of spring in Philly than the annual garden parties that pop up around town; The latest took place last night at AKA University City.
Nearly 100 seasonally inspired fashionable, scene staples, tastemakers enjoyed the view, cocktails and lite bites on level 28, 400 feet above the city sidewalk.
DJ Joshua Lang kept the vibes going at the Soirée.
SAVE THE DATE: Catch Cosmic Rhythms w/ BWC Sounds
Monday, May 27, 2024
2:00 PM 8:00 PM
Bok Bar 800 Mifflin Street Philadelphia
Danielle Ellis, 6ABC and Yukare Nakayama, NBC10
Christina Gentile-Paytas, Caroline Maher, Kristine Greck and Olivia Mazza
Jen Cauldle and Ernest Owens

Two media powerhouses: Dr. Jennifer Caudle who has gone on to give life and health advice to the masses on her media platforms and Ernest Owens, on his, as well has celebrating a year writing for Eater Philly.

Jen Grayson, Trade Show Hostess and Promotional Specialist and Sam Schwartz, foodie, recently did the Rob 10ks Friend interview.
OG scenester David Alexander Jenkins was spotted at the garden party
Iyanna Yasmeen and Erica Nikole
Ramillionaire fresh from the Met Gala party circuit Monday night, with Foxy Grandpa, co-founder and director of Ugly Art Films.
Fidan Alizada, Lifestyle | Branding | Entrepreneurship, My Mans Krispy, realtor and Josh Maugans, Men’s Fashion Influencer & Content Creator
Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at Design Philadelphia, Amira Smith, producer, creative consultant and DJ Joshua Lang, Founder: @bwcsounds | @bwcgarments

Spotted at the Soiree: Content Kings: Bran Flakezz Emre Kara, as well as TVsters Janelle Burrell, CBSPhilly, Alex Holley and her favorite side kick Miguel Martinez-Valle, looking fresh after his successful IBX10 run on Sunday. Wooder Ices’ Hec Núñez, Farah Vogel and Jay Vereen, who just threw a fabulous 10th anniversary party at Tendenza 2 weeks ago and multiple Cashman Girls, of Cashman & Associates, who curated the list for the party for their client AKA University City. Congratulations to Sofia Suwala who is about to be a mom for the first time in a few weeks.

Philly Mags’ Laura Swartz otherwise known as Pompomflipflop on IG and Ernest Owens, who has nothing to hide, especially with the bag he’s holding. Congrats are in order as he was recently elected to the Executive Board of the Mighty Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as their Associate Editor of the Sphinx! 🔥

Have I photographed you recently at parties, check out my column @ CBSPhilly Or perhaps you’ll show up in Philly Style Magazine or Philly Mag, Main Line Today, monthly or weekly in Philadelphia Tribune.


Have a great day!! Socially Yours HughE, PhillyChitChat

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Around Town With HughE

Spotted: Peyton Manning, Jason Kelce, Bok Bar

Happy Tuesday, spring is in the air, even if it doesn’t feel like it. I see the big tent is in place for the 62nd Edition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art – The Philadelphia Show this week.

Also this is the last weekend for Darnel’s Cafe’s pop up at Bok Bar. Joe Lope and Kyle Cuffie-Scott co-owners of Darnel’s Cafe at Bok Bar Friday night when I stopped by to pick up a delicious BLT sandwich.

Peyton Manning was spotted shopping on Walnut Street Saturday, while in town for his daughter Madison‘s volleyball tournament at the convention center. It was there he ran into Marvin Harrison Sr. a former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League, playing much of it with quarterback Peyton, was born and lives in Philly. Peyton posted this photo on his IG Sunday.

Have you seen it? Jason Kelce’s new Tesla Truck. Since his retirement he’s been spotted all over town, like our own “Where’s Waldo?” (The Indie Shelf Philly) Monday he was spotted in South Philly getting his haircut.

Jason Kelce pointing out one of his favorite bumper stickers to his hairdresser Libby Hitt, who also shears a few other Eagles heads.

Steve Martorano’s Homecoming 5/18/24
Four-Course Dinner & Dance Party at Rivers Casino

Steve Martorano’s Homecoming – Dinner with live performances by France Joli and Pretty Poison featuring Jade Starling

If you want one of these Ben Franklin stickers head to Philly Goat Co.

The Garces Foundation is holding their annual gala on May 3rd at the Loews Hotel. PhillyChitChat is happy to offer a 25% off code is “GARCES25” to purchase tickets is: https://garcesfoundation.ejoinme.org/purchasetickets

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Around Town With HughE

About Last Night: The Fabulous Franklin Institute Gala, Stylish Scientists and Supporters

Jim Dever, Bank of America and Dr. Lynn Dever were co-chairs of the event, which attended by a record number of guests, and raised over a million dollars.

Last night, the Franklin Institute celebrated its 200th year, The Franklin Institute Awards pays tribute to our namesake and America’s first citizen scientist, Benjamin Franklin, by honoring the greatest minds in science, engineering, and industry, through their boundless creativity and passion for discovery.

2024 Franklin Institute Awards Laureates
David A. Weitz, Ph.D., Harvard University
Lisa Su, Ph.D., AMD
Gabriela S. Schlau-Cohen, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Paula T. Hammond, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Janet F. Werker, Ph.D., O.C., FRSC, The University of British Columbia
Paul D. N. Hebert, Ph.D., FRSC, O.C., University of Guelph
Robert M. Metcalfe, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin
Joanne Chory, Ph.D., The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Mary C. Boyce, Ph.D., Columbia University

Morgan and Nick Morris of Manhattan

Spring Gala Season is in full bloom, with events happening nearly every night, all for a good cause.

Beverly Deavens and Gregory E. Deavens President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross

Since its inception, The Franklin Institute Awards Program has honored the most influential scientists, engineers, and inventors who have significantly advanced science and technology. The roster of more than 2,000 laureates includes luminaries such as Nikola Tesla, Marie and Pierre Curie, Orville Wright, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, and more recently, vaccine pioneers Kizzmekia Corbett, Drew Weissman, and Katalin Karikó. Notably, 125 of these laureates have also received the Nobel Prize.

Jackie and Eric Kraeutler
Hugh Stravick, Senior Vice President, Client & Community Relations · PNC and Kristin Stravick

Hugh and I have a special bond, cause I think we’re the only two in Philly with the same name, who see each other regularly; and on occasion we see Hugh Lavery. SVP of Govt Affairs, Jefferson Health.

Dara Oliver and Doug Oliver, PECO
Dr. Nina Radcliff, Board Certified Anesthesiologist Orange is the new black it’s better than that actually in sequins ! and Anthony Murray, my fellow bird watching friend.
Andrea Freundlich, Jerry Wind and Barbara Eberlein
Kimberly Doolittle, Esq and Lindsay Craig exploring the more than life size heart inside the museum.
Dr. Joan O’Shea, Neurosurgeon and Amany Mansour Awad, Founder, Board Member at Chemistry Rx |Founder and CEO at Bloop
Larry Dubinski is the President & CEO of The Franklin Institute greets guests as they arrive at the Franklin Institute

“The 200-year legacy of The Franklin Institute Awards stands as a shining example of our dedication to honoring those who have made significant strides in advancing scientific knowledge,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “In this milestone year, the Awards Program will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our 2024 laureates and serve as a reminder of The Franklin Institute’s rich history and its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of science and technology.

Bonnie Grant, PCMA Greater Philadelphia Chapter, Laura Swartz, Chief Executive Officer and President · World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and Donna Farrell, senior vice president of Corporate Communications for Independence Blue Cross

Dr. Thanuja Hamilton and Nicholas Perugino (r) enjoying the pre awards reception.

Vishal Patel and Kernika Gupta – Director – Independence Blue Cross

Additional photos from the event can be seen on CBSPhilly, as well as Main Line Today in the June issue, and Philly Style Magazine in the July Issue.