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What’s Happening In Philly

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Congrats Are In Order….Spotted Antoni and Paulina Porizkova in Philly

I think they’re Egret’s, at Ocean City Bird Rookery. (see below)

Thank you to all my readers, folks on the street, family, friends and especially Mike Toub for making my birthday so special. This year I hope to accomplish decade old bucket list items I never really attempted. One is to learn to cook, which means dinner parties, game nights, conversation and a clean house, LOL. AND knowing the names of the birds I’ve been shooting for fun the past few years. I went to my first Bird Meetup last week, and it was fun. I’ll write about it this week. Let’s see what our friends and neighbors are up to, so many well wishes to give…all photos which don’t concern me borrowed from subjects SM, if they want them removed just ask.

My Favs, Memories of Margate with Jerry Blavat and D’Angelo’s Restaurant where Sal serenaded the table with several songs.

Congratulations Brendan and Josh!! “It’s official!!! After our relationship surviving putting together many pieces of ikea furniture over the years without killing each other we decided to get married at a small gathering at our place. We never could have done this all without our families and friends! Thank you all!!! – Josh Michael

Congrats to Alex and Mike on their engagement, ironically coinciding with fellow Instagram influencer

@tusksandtails > Congrats Ashlee Favro and Josh Krantz on your engagement as well!!

Spotted in Rittenhouse Square Antoni Porowski on my birthday July 23, 2021, but surprisingly not here for me. He was attended wedding with his man Kevin Harrington.
In the meantime, my friend Nicole Michalik, aka Nik the Web Chick was on the case trying to figure out why he was in town. I mentioned to her that a reader of mine mentioned a wedding happening in Macy’s on Saturday and thought it’d be fun to shoot for PCC, (with a reception at night at the Crystal Tea Room) which I couldn’t make as I was down the shore for my family reunion. She headed there Saturday morning to sleuth it out with her bestie Joe McCollum. The dynamic duo was unable to uncover the mysterious nuptials.

Porowski’s boyfriend, Kevin Harrington, kevharrington noted on his Instagram…Harrington is from the area and it seems that a couple of his friends were married this weekend.

2 weddings, 1 weekend, 0 glasses of water before falling asleep last night so I am now a raisin @bern_fahey@sheagirl34 #philly#weddings

The Shea wedding took place last year, and on Saturday the reception was held at the place where she and her husband Alex Johnson met, the Manayunk Brewing Company.

Antoni Porowski and Kevin Harrington were in our area earlier this month spending the July 4th weekend in Sea Isle City, and last Christmas spent it with Harrington’s family in Bucks County. There they were spotted outside Bucks County Playhouse as well as shopping at Peddler’s Village.

Competing for height with the Philadelphia City Hall, a magnificent building , once the tallest structure in the world. It is still the tallest standing Masonic structure in the US. (Meaning it has no steel support beams.)
@cityofphiladelphia #phillycityhall (BTW City Hall Tours exterior tours happening now, interior tours star August 3, but the observation tower is not open yet.)

This morning I was watching everyone’s favorite news magazine show Fox 29’s Good Day, they mentioned model, Paulina Porizkova posted this shot of her standing in front of City Hall. As reported by us both a few weeks ago, Paulina, most famously lately of being left out of the will of her husbands Ric Ocasek (truly a case of beauty and the beast, the beast was a musical genius) after they separated a few years earlier, even though they remained close, and she took care of him in his last weeks of life. (BTW I have to admire the admiration of the Daily Mail, which has published at least one glowing article a week on Paulina) OK now to this latest spotting. I believe this was a photo dump, and taken a few weeks ago, even though this is one of her favorite dresses.

Photos in Philly June 11

Last night Paulina spent a beautiful night with her son and his family in LA. We’re glad Paulina loves Philly so much, and hope she will visit again soon.

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Rothman Retro Roller Rink Opened TODAY at Dilworth Park!

Today Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink open with great fanfare and confetti. The retro rink will offer outdoor roller skating at Dilworth Park beginning Friday, April 30 through Sunday, June 27( hmm right before July 4th, wonder what’s in store for that space then?). The rink will follow City, State, and CDC COVID-19 guidelines, including mask requirements, a reduced capacity and enhanced cleaning protocols.

The rink’s retro-inspired design will feature a checkerboard floor and market lights. A colorful installation of overhead hula-hoops – designed and fabricated by Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio – will add even more whimsy to the space.

Hour-long sessions will be offered to the public Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-8:45 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-11:15 p.m. with 15 minute scheduling buffers between each session. Admission is $8 for children 10 and younger, and $10 for adults; roller skate rental is $5. Matinee Skate will offer $5 off of admission to guests of all ages on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Rink patrons should book sessions in advance through an online reservation system. Limited in-person sales may be offered onsite. Patrons will be able to purchase locks and reserve lockers. To purchase tickets and for additional information about ticketing procedures and other rink amenities, visit rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.

Sections of Dilworth Park’s interactive fountain will be active on either side of the roller rink.

All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Dilworth Park is located at 1 S. 15th St., on the west side of City Hall. Visit DilworthPark.org to learn more.

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HughE Around Town: Banana Republic Exits CC Location, What’s Next; Wedding Reveal; Wanda Sykes Spotted

I kinda had dinner with @iamwandasykes Wanda Sykes and Alex Sykes @iamalexsykes @spicefinchphilly on Friday night.
At first I wasn’t going to sneak a photo as Alex Sykes and I follow each other on Instagram and it’s kinda like breaking the “4th wall knowing each other”, but like that snake parable story, I stayed true to my “paparazzo” self and grabbed a sneak shot.
After I finished dinner, I did say a quick hi to them both before I left, and I didn’t ask for a photo. Just a quick hey, it’s me, and it’s you and I love your Instagram posts. I totally told them about my trip to Florida, as they just got back as well. They asked how mom was doing. Hey mom!!
TONIGHT: Wanda is participating in ABC’s “Roll Up Your Sleeves” on Sunday, April 18 at 7PM. Thanks Wanda!! You all must follow their Instagram, they are so loving, and so hysterical. During dinner they ate across from each other, but when they had dessert they sat next to each other, which is when I got this shot from where I was sitting at the bar.
Hey bud!! Spring has sprung, the blooming trees have blanketed the landscape and people are emerging from their hibernation, safely with their masks on. So much happening around town as well and I’m excited to share it with you. Then get out and enjoy the beautiful day and each other.

The big story this week is the Banana Republic at 1401 Walnut Street is closing on June 9th, and the big going out of business sale. After I posted this on Social Media a few readers found out that the landlord decided not to renew the long time clothing store, could it have something to do with their parent company GAP not paying rent in 2020 at many of their Simon Mall locations around the country, which they settled with undisclosed details a few months later. But this location is not a mall, and it is not connected to Simon.

Thanks so much to Jay Farrell who left a message on my FB page with the updated info about the property.
The Zoning Permit. Looks like a bank could take over half the space, and a clothing store takes the otherside.

The Good News: The Banana Republic Factory Store (discount) remains open 1911 Chestnut St. and since the retailer was pushed out of the space, I wouldn’t be surprised if Banana Republic doesn’t resurface somewhere on Walnut St.

Another Story I posted earlier this week on my Instagram
Yeah finally announced!!! @federaldonuts is opening on the Parkway. As you know I got a tour in February of the new Pearl Properties apartment building The Terrace on 18th Street, and was filled in on this tidbit as well as more to come. (The fast-casual doughnut shop will occupy 1,500+ square feet on the ground floor of The Terrace. The Terrace location will have the most seating of any Federal Donuts location, including an expansive raised outdoor patio)
Pearl Properties and Federal Donuts are excited to announce that a brand-new location for Federal Donuts is coming to The Terrace on 18th at 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Philadelphia’s iconic donut and fried chicken specialists will open their tenth location at the newest residence on Parkway.

Bummer Fairmounters Fine Wines is closing on Fairmount Avenue, and unfortunately you have to head about a 1/2 mile south to get your spirits at the new Fine Wines store at The Granary (1901 Callowhill St,) near the Target store. Neighbors on Next Door are hoping the post office next door will expand, or maybe they’ll take down the ugly building and build a more attractive one with retail. One could only hope.

Like spotting an unicorn, I saw a bride reveal her dress to her groom on Saturday at Fairmount Park. It was magical, people in the park were as excited as I was. PS Some of you folk who subscribe to PhillyChitChat and receive this post in your email will have to click on the Instagram link to see the video. The rest of you should be able to just hit play (BTW you later folks, could you subscribe to the blog in the upper left hand corner. Turns out the Feed burner subscription I used over a decade ago is about to be non existent. I could transfer the 15ks of your emails to the new subscription by hand, or you could just re subscribe which would be so much easier. Remember to verify your email after plugging it in to the subscription box. Thanks!!

The photographer (on left) Allie Wynands, tells me that yesterday was just a small service for an intimate group of guests, which took place at the Gazebo. Photos were taken, and a legal marriage took place. BUT the big wedding, with many more guests and celebration will be taking place next year in April, after the Covid19 pandemic is over, down the shore. Check out Allie’s Instagram page tomorrow for more photos from today’s ceremony.

Charity Speaking:
The Andalusia Foundation’s Virtual Wine Auction fundraising event, which is set to begin tonight at 6 p.m. and closes on Saturday, April 24 at 10 p.m. This silent auction features some incredibly rare and extraordinary wine lots, wine-related items and a special dinner or lunch at Andalusia’s Cottage. Anyone interested in participating can do so from any location thanks to the auction’s virtual format this year!

To preview the auction lots and participate in the online, visit:

WineAuction2021.givesmart.com or text WineAuction2021 to 76278

All proceeds benefit The Andalusia Foundation’s mission to preserve, maintain and interpret this National Historic Landmark for the public to enjoy today and for generations to come. They have beautiful gardens, and great bird watching.

During a virtual membership meeting and ceremony, The Saturday Club, one of the oldest women’s non-profit organizations in both Pennsylvania and nationwide, awarded grant funding to three local organizations with aligned missions. Annual philanthropy grants were presented to Cradle of HopeFamilies Forward Philadelphia and Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center. The funds, which were raised by the club through virtual and in-person community fundraisers throughout 2020 and 2021, will be used to establish and enhance programs while providing key assistance to each organization. 

Save The Date:
The Philadelphia Film Society Presents

FEATURING A POST-SCREENING Q&A WITH MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY, PARKER POSEY & RICHARD LINKLATER
Stars Matthew McConaughey and Parker Posey will join Linklater and host Jack Black – recorded via Zoom – for a look back at a film that captured the look and the sounds of an entire generation.

DAZED AND CONFUSED + VIRTUAL CAST REUNION
RICHARD LINKLATER | USA | 1993 | 103 MIN | R
April 20 | 8:15 PM | PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard TICKETS

8TH ANNUAL OSCARS PARTY & SCREENING
Sunday, April 25, 2021
At Cira Green | Philadelphia’s Park in the Sky | 129 South 30th Street

VIP Ticket with 6:30 PM VIP Reception | $200 (PFS Members $175)
General Admission with 7:00 PM Entry | $60 (PFS Members $50)
VIP Virtual Red-Carpet Party, Oscars Trivia Contest, & Gourmet Oscars Watch Box, 7:00 PM | $150 Donation
GA Virtual Red-Carpet Party & Oscars Trivia Contest, 7:00 PM |  $50 Donation
All proceeds from this annual fundraiser support the Philadelphia Film Society’s mission of creating opportunities for diverse communities to experience film through initiatives that inspire, educate, challenge and entertain.

HBO Photos

Speaking of films, the Kate Winslet HBO series filmed in our area last year debuts tonight Mare of Easttown. I was able to stay on top of the filming, but didn’t make it out to the set but about 2 times because of time constraints, as well as locations inside homes, and the studio. Where were the Mare of Easttown filming locations >> mostly in parts of Chester and Delaware counties, in towns including Coatesville, Marcus Hook and Downingtown. But they also filmed at Girard College in Fairmount, as well as Wissahickon Valley Park.

The 800 block of North 2100 Street is blooming right now. ChitChat with you tomorrow. I love doing these around town with Hughe posts. I know I always say I plan to do more, but I definitely will. I’m scouring your SM, reading press releases and will be filling you in here. Fill free to send me info as well and I will try and mention it here.
Thanks for your support, and thanks for saying hi when we’re out and about.

Remember if you receive an email where you have to click on a link to get to the blog, re subscribe at the top left with your email as the other service ends in July. Thanks HughE

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Megan the Stallion Parties; Mare of Easttown Films; Adam Sandler Spotted Again in Philadelphia

The most important thing you’ll see this month. Check out this bar code for good information. OK PhillyWood is in full swing. I chitchatted last week about M Night finishing the 2nd season of Servant, and now he’s in some far away country filming Old. I noted Kate Winslet would be coming back into town to finish filming Mare of Easttown, and she has. Adam Sandler was spotted dining outside of Osteria, hang tight he was out eating again. (Source) Thanks always to my tipsters for info!!

(PS if you receive chitchat as a newsletter, you have to come to the blog to see this video as that’s how Instagram sets it up. CLICK HERE) Hot R&B singer Megan Thee Stallion was a present for a girls 16th bday party at The Four Season.

Lala’s 16th birthday party was held on the Saturday before Megan was to appear on SNL in NYC, at the newly re opened Four Seasons Hotel Presidential Suite. 15 of her besties were in attendance to celebrate the big day. Megan sang one song for the birthday girl, took photos and was whisked back to NYC for rehearsals.

Kate Winslet filmed scenes for the HBO Movie Mare of Easttown in Marcus Hook on Thursday 9/30 all day at Star Hotel Bar 1018 Market St.  They closed off the surrounding blocks to keep the Covid19 set safe. While this was going on extras who were scheduled to appear at the scene shot over the weekend were getting their Covid tests, before heading to a hotel for quarantining until filming on Friday and Saturday.

Friday Mare of Easttown filmed a scene at 24th and Judson

Notice the yellow MOE sign near front gate

But the bulk of the filming for Mare of Easttown over the weekend was a wedding scene they filmed at Girard College. Easy shoot. Extras were transported from quarantine hotel to set in Covid19 cleaned vans to shoot a happy wedding. Sounds like a great day. I know so many of the people working on the set feel safe, and are happy for a days work in PhillyWood.

As I mentioned several times on my blog, Adam Sandler is in town to film a movie with LeBron James called “Hustle” the film will be directed by Philly filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar, the son of the artist who made Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Isaiah Zagar. (He also did a doc about his dad, which I loved) Sandler appeared on Jimmy Kimmel earlier this week to reveal his new look for the movie, a beard. He told Jimmy “I’m getting ready to do a basketball movie, a scout movie where I’m playing an NBA scout and I discover a player in Spain and I bring him to America. It’s that kind of story, it’s going to be really cool,” Sandler said.
It will feature Philadelphia born Kyle Lowry (plays for Toronto Raptors) who will do a “quick little thing”, Sandler said, along with “loads of NBA guys in it.”

@gemmasapienzaxo ran into Adam Sandler last week at Geno’s Steaks on Passyunk sporting his new beard. Look for more sightings around Philly as he’s filming several scenes on basketball courts in town this week.

Wednesday night Adam Sandler had dinner at Savona on the Mainline last night. He posed with diners and staff. He’s becoming 2020’s Jason Segal who was spotted everywhere when filming Dispatches from Elsewhere in 2019.
https://www.facebook.com/GeorgesMusicBerwyn/
Meantime I was with Geno and he was taste testing my favorite childhood snack for the first time. (PS this is my other Instagram name. Most people follow me on PhillyChitChat)

Thanks for checking PhillyChitChat out today. Subscribe at the top right to be notified of more celebrity sightings around town, as well as events happening and Philly things to do. See you on Social!!

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To Do: Family Fun, Charitable Endeavors and Instagram Worthy Events – Spotted 50 Cent in Philly

When the heatwaves are over, and the cool crisp air flows down from the north it gets me thinking about one of my favorite spots Linvilla Orchards.

View this post on Instagram

Fall fun.

A post shared by Ellen Trappey (@trappey) on

So much to do there from the pumpkin patch, to pick your own, the farmers market and beers in the barn. There’s something for everyone and it’s very Instagram worthy. Linvilla Orchards is located in Media, PA about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia. Parking and admission to the grounds is complimentary.

What are you doing Saturday? Stop by the Fishtown Food Truck Festival at Fishtown Plaza, it’s to benefit Kamp for Kids Their mission: At Kamp for Kids, we aim to help many different audiences from children at risk to children with Autism. Thousands of families are unable to send their children to camp because of the cost or lack of transportation.
You might have heard about the concerts happening on the Avenue of the Arts in the under constructions Arthaus at Broad & Spruce. This week they’re doing Broadway songs.
InBox: Come sing along to Broadway hits at the next Serenade on the Avenue this upcoming Wednesday 9/30, 6-6:30 PM – a tribute to Philly’s healthcare workers. AJ Luca (faculty) and Giacomo Fizzano (student) of @universityofthearts will perform live from the pop-up stage on the 7th floor of the Arthaus construction site, across from the Kimmel Center (Broad and Spruce). Open your windows, stroll on over and look up, or watch live via FB or IG. Masks required.

Dinner with a view
Wednesday, September 30: Dinner at Dilworth, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. SPECIAL EVENT!
–       Visitors are encouraged to bring takeout meals from nearby restaurants to enjoy in the park surrounded by lush greenery, colorful umbrellas and the dancing fountain. Dinner will be offered at the Air Grille and Dilworth Park Café, along with cocktails to-go. Live entertainment will be provided from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  Tonight, the Opera Philadelphia will perform familiar classics during a one-night-one pop-up musical event. As always, guests should mask up.

Mother Nature:
It’s 2020 anything can happen especially rain. The #PowerThePollsPa pop up party which was originally scheduled for tonight, has moved to Thursday because of inclement weather. I’ll be there to take your photo, you’ll be there to learn how you can save democracy. A perfect pairing. See you on Thursday.

Look who stopped by #sincityphilly Sunday night. I heard he dropped more than @50cent
; He’s with Sin City’s Frank Antonio

Every Sunday is Sin City Welcomes Hospitality Workers with Service Industry Night.Gus Drakopolous, the creator and owner of Sin City and its management, brings over twenty years of experience to Philadelphia’s nightlife scene with Covid safety practices in place. (and I’m not gonna lie, I’m curious about that, should I still bring a dollar bill?)

SIN Sunday’s (Service Industry Night). The club will welcome all of Philly and tri-state area hospitality employees to come in free and  Drink-4-Free before 10pm 

Sin City will also begin its new Monday Night Football Special! They have the largest LED screen in the city of Philly to watch the games, as well as $25 beer buckets with their famous voodoo wings. The press release states: Located along the convenient Passyunk Avenue corridor, the cabaret nightclub is an immersive adventure encompassing the luxury and sophistication of a one-of-a-kind experience. As one of the most sought-after venues in the city, Sin City has a reputation as the foremost spot for bachelor parties, semi-private affairs, and any amenity that any world-class club could be expected to offer. There at 6130 Passyunk Ave.

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2 Steak Houses Sell, Tan Eats Out, Local Celebs Celebrate

Now we rest after such an active July 4th celebration. Literally I’ve been sleeping the past two days after a whirlwind week. Yesterday I was up and about checking out the wicked storms that rolled through. We can no longer say we don’t live in an area that rarely gets tornadoes now that we’ve had so many and two just yesterday. OK let’s chit chat…

I got a note from Mary Ann Ferrie from Chlöe 232 Arch Street. “We had some special guests for dinner tonight. Tan and Rob France.” Read the story behind how Mary Ann and her husband, Dan Grimes, fell in love in this story on Inquirer.com The Netflik’s series, Queer Eye has been filming in our area the past couple weeks. Last week they filmed in Delco, this week they’re in Powelton Village. They even filmed over the weekend according to Karamo’s Instagram.

Steaks at Stake
Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc. has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm L Catterton. The agreement was unanimously approved by Del Frisco’s board of Directors. The transaction is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to approval by Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group stockholders. Last summer DelFrisco’s purchased a company that included Barcelona Wine Bar (there’s one on East Passyunk.) Philadelphia has two Delfrisco branded eateries, one recently opened in the Cambria Hotel on Broad Street, and the one at 15th and Chestnut which just celebrated it’s 10th anniversary (they’re my advertiser as well, nearly 10 years.) AND I just heard that Bryn Mawr’s Marsha Brown, owner of three Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse has sold her stakes in the recently relocated Center City spot at the Sonesta Hotel, the King of Prussia spot (not too far from Nick Foles’ dad’s investment Eddie V’s)and the one she owned in Long Island, NY, back to the corporation. (This story came from a tip, and this article)

What did some of our local celebrities do on July 4th!! Two of our favorite forecaster’s 6ABC’s Cecily Tynan worked the holiday, and in between shifts ran home and enjoyed a family BBQ. Adam Joseph, Karl and the kids hit the beach. (BTW you can click on the photo to see it bigger)

Former star of One Life to Live and General Hospital’s Philly’s own Kristin Alderson spent the week with her family and friends in Ocean City, NJ. Next weekend in Ocean City is the 65th annual Night in Venice is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019. 6ABC’s Melissa Magee also spent July 4th at the beach, while Fox29’s Mike Jerrick headed to the July4th concert where he snagged a photo with Meghan Trainor backstage. What a nice dad as Fox29’s Richard Curtis built his kids a tree house.

CBS3’s Jim Donovan went from a swim demonstrating that not even water can permeate his ‘do. Brittney Shipp, Tracy Davidson and Vai Sikahema held down the fort at NBC10Philadelphia, Eyewitness news’ Meteorologist Katie Fehlinger gave us JAWN. And we bid bon-voyage to Alex Holley, Fox29 who’s headed to a tropical paradise for a well deserved vacation.

Congrats to Patty Jackson!! See you tomorrow, right here on Philly Chit Chat for more coverage on the parties and people in Philly. Have a great day!!

Philadelphia

Jon Dorenbos Gets Married, Why Was The Bounty Hunter and Donnie Wahlberg in Town and More Fun Tidbits

Jon Dorenbos Gets Married, Why Was The Bounty Hunter and Donnie Wahlberg in Town and More Fun Tidbits

Sunday June 25, 2017 time is flying by. How gorgeous was yesterday. I covered the Boyz II Men street naming event and will have photos and behind the scenes coverage for you tomorrow. In the meantime here’s today’s Philly Gossip/Around Philly happenings. Can you believe it the July 4th Weekend is next weekend. OK get out today and enjoy it, it’s going to be a beaut’ as dad would always say.

 

Jon

 Eagles long-snapper Jon Dorenbos married longtime girlfriend Annelise Dale on the beaches of Mexico June 17. The duo told me last year they met in Las Vegas in 2015, and have been inseparable ever since.  Dorenbos, who is set to enter a record breaking 12th season as the Eagles long-snapper.  Congrats you two. This is an epic shot I pulled off Jon’s instagram.
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Yesterday Fox 29’s Dave Kinchen ran into the Dog Bounty Hunter outside the Ritz Hotel on Broad Street. “Dog the Bounty Hunter” and wife, Beth Chapman, are in town as they’re appearing in Trenton today for a Community Town Hall Meeting on Bail Reform in New Jersey. Pastor Dorion Morgan, who is hosting the Chapmans at his church on Sunday, the Restoration Station Christian Fellowship Church, is a criminal defense attorney who has seen this unconstitutional side of the bail reform. (source)
jonBefore heading to the Wells Fargo Center to perform in the NKOB, Boyz II Men, and Paula Abdul concert, Donnie Wahlberg headed to the Piazza and his family’s namesake eatery Wahlburger’s. He met contest winners from IHeartMedia and filmed a segment for his families reality tv show on A&E.

His band mate Danny Wood, worked out at Planet Fitness in South Philly yesterday afternoon. Seems it was back, biceps and abs day according to his twitter.

Jon
Former Miss Philadelphia Ryann Richardson, moved to DC a few years back. She participated in the Miss DC USA 2017 pageant and came in 2nd. When Miss DC 2017 was chosen as Miss USA earlier this year, Ryann became Miss DC USA 2017. Next Saturday she will be officially crowned. Interestingly enough, this same scenario happened last year with Miss DC 2016 being picked as Miss USA 2016. Jon
Another winner is Ashley Taylor, who owns DFTI Boutique on Chestnut Street. She won Best Women’s Boutique 2017. Congrats are also in order for Kory Aversa, who had 12 clients who won in their best of categories. Jon
Philly Style Magazine was recently bought by Modern Luxury. Which is a privately held company represented many luxury brand magazines. Expect more of the best of the beautiful, as well as photos by me. Jon
This month I have a few columns in Philly Style including this great shot that Kevin Hart gave me at the Arts + Business Council Awards last month.  Don’t forget Kevin Hart Day is coming in in Philly on July 6 and the actor/comedian will be back in town. Stay with Philly Chit Chat for updates. Jon
Also in the issue is my new bff in my head, Kristen Alderson. You may recall her from her years on One Life To Live as Starr Manning. I was a serious fan boy. I was so right, she is the sweetest person, kind and generous as is her brother Eddie and mom Kathy. So glad to get to know them. 6-22-2017 10-02-28 AM (Custom)

Talk about sweet and kind, Congrats to matchmaker Steve Ward and Madison Pard on their upcoming nuptials. 6-24-2017 10-23-34 PM (Custom)

Congrats to Fox 29’s Alissa Frick and Tony Frick, Manna Board President on their upcoming production. So adorable.6-24-2017 10-44-12 PM (Custom)
Yesterday I saw the most beautiful bride on the Art Museum Steps, but couldn’t grab a shot from my speeding car. So I looked up photos of who was on the steps yesterday and found this interesting story of a girl biking across the country for charity.
I’m just a simple gal on two wheels with restless legs.   My name is Marisol Gomez.  Some call me an extremist, but I just like to push my limits.   Having played competitive sports most of this life, my aspirations continue to flourish.  For the last five years, I have thought about riding a bicycle cross-country.  When a friend told me he and his wife had bicycled from Long Beach, CA, to Long Beach, NY, it really got my gears turning.”
6-24-2017 11-09-02 PM (Custom)

Then there was this cute sketch of the city from the steps, including the scaffalding around City Hall. It’s been 8 weeks, I hope it’s done by July 4. I should write someone and find out.6-10-2017 12-57-38 PM (Custom)

Hey Jillian Mele , Fox and Friends, was back in town to get her locks done by Salon Vanity’s  Edmondo Blando. He does all the anchor babes, many of them coming back in town just to get their locks done by him like former Fox 29 babe Kacie McDonnell

Jon

So long Penne restaurant and wine bar. You had a good run. Look how adorable Roberta Adamo is with her new ‘do. Wishing her a happy retirement.
We had so much fun in the early days.

Jon
Speaking of never really gone legendary Chef Georges Perrier, is now back in the kitchen as Master in Residence at Walnut Hill College. He’s teaching/mentoring the
chefs of tomorrow. That’s terrific.
OK see you tomorrow, or on instagram today.
Best HughE

Philadelphia

2016 Kelly Drive, MLK Drive and Parkway Events – Road Closures for Activities, Parades, Runs, Walks, ETC

2016 Kelly Drive, MLK Drive and Parkway Events – Road Closures for Activities, Parades, Runs, Walks, ETC

Thank you Fairmount Park for sending me this list every year so I know what is going on in my front yard. CLICK TO MAKE LARGER.

UPDATE: Since I posted this The City has published the graphics and it’s easier to read.

HERE’S THE LINK

 

PS PhillyChitChat updates will be on vacation til next Wed as we get ready to launch my newly refreshed site you have all been bugging me to do for the past 5 years. Now I’ll be pretty on WordPress, with social on the side, oh and mobile optimized. Thanks to Chatterblast and 2one5 for dragging me into the modern millennial age.

You can still catch all the latest by following me on 
FB Philly ChitChat, twitter HughE Dillon (@iPhillyChitChat) | Twitter
or instagram PhillyChitChat  I will be microblogging and dropping news like I heard a rumor that Marc Vetri is looking to open up a cute little cafe in Point Breeze, or OMG 19th Street PhillyFlavors has brown paper on its windows, is it closed or could they be renovating the closet size store which is odd since they were closed all winter, open in March and now brown paper,  and finally Kaufman’s the sandwich place on 19th Street, which used to be 4th Street Deli, is now going to become a healthy salad bar/juice eatery by the summer, a popular NYC chain is coming in to run it.
(Normally I include this info in my Monday Morning Philly Gossip Column on PhillyChitChat, which will return April 18) OK here’s the list. Cut/Copy/Screenshot for your use.

 

Kelly Drive
MLK Drive – which is also closed weekends From April 2 to October 29 for recreational activities
Noon to 5PM.
Partial closure from the beginning of MLK Drive at the Art Museum to Sweetbriar Drive 7am to NOON. Then that portion is open for vehicular traffic, but from Sweetbriar to Falls Bridge remains closed til 5PM. My advice just take the Schuylkill or drive through West Philly to Girard and jump on the expressway there.
Philadelphia

Launch Party Photos: Philly Happening Is Happening

The website Philly Happening has been around for a year, but I don’t think anyone heard, I never did. In the past few months Nicole Michalik came on board and the site began to take a hold as the go to place to find out what’s going on in the City as well as a place to read in depth news on Philly Happenings. Recently they held their luanch/award party to honoree Philadelphian’s. The event was held at the new subterranean bar Ubahn on the 1300 block of Chestnut Street.

Marisa Magnatta, Justin Pizzi, Joe McCollum, Nik the Web Chick and Diana Quattrone, the latter two are the editors of Philly Happening. The “Launch Party” also acknowledge some of Philly’s Phinest by handing out best of Philly certificates which were based on fan voting.
Octavia Latuisor, Elina Shaterncova and Ursula Augistine
Donald Carter, Doug Freshness and Ruth Wessberg
Philly
Happening is Philadelphia’s premier digital magazine.  We
share valuable insights about dining, culture, shopping, entertainment
and events. The Philly Happening team is dedicated to keeping you in the
know about everything happening in Philly! – See more at:
http://philly.happeningmag.com/about-philly-happening#sthash.YRsgcnCb.dpuf

Philly Happening is Philadelphia’s premier digital magazine.  We share valuable insights about dining, culture, shopping, entertainment and events. The Philly Happening team is dedicated to keeping you in the know about everything happening in Philly!

Billy Creagh, Sumo Steaks (just voted Best Cheesesteaks by Philly.com)  and Samantha Shorette
WOGL Morning Vixon Valerie Knight husband, Frank Sestito DJ from the famed Second Story club, which was located right up the street at 12th and Walnut.
The placed was packed with well wishers

Philly Happening isn’t just limited to us, they’re are franchises in all the big cities in the USA for your traveling needs.
Cindy Brown, Core Fitness and Perry Ohearn, Best Trainer – Philly Phitness
Christine Briganti and Michelle Jennings – The Girlfriends – Music Band

Penny Ordway is one of the city’s leading green pioneers – and owner of green designed and operated spa – Eviama in Midtown Village, Kory Aversa, of Aversa Pr and Kayli Moran, co-hostess of Diner en Blanc

The check in gals

Dr Casey D’Arcy, chiropractor and Steven D’Arcy