Philly Chit Chat

Happy Fall! Okay, I know it’s not officially fall yet, but in my world, the Fall Social Season has arrived. Tonight marks the first of two events kicking off my busy season: Global Philadelphia and the Bourbon Bash. From here, the calendar fills up quickly, and Philadelphia’s galas, openings, fundraisers and celebrations are back in full swing.

Today’s blog post is a wrap-up of summer before I dive headfirst into the Fall Social Season. And what a summer it was. It really lived up to everything I had hoped for, especially because I got to work alongside one of my best friends’ while experiencing so much of what was happening around Philadelphia.

When I was a kid, I experienced the Bicentennial, and I loved all the ceremony, excitement and pomp surrounding it. So when I realized I was going to live through America’s 250th anniversary, I made a promise to myself: I wanted to know everything I possibly could about what was happening and be involved in as much of it as possible.

I couldn’t have worked alongside a better person than Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia’s Director of 2026, who did an exceptional job helping to navigate the countless moving parts surrounding this historic year.

Over the past two years since he was appointed by Mayor Cherelle L Parker in March 2024, I had a front-row seat as Michael worked with city leaders, civic organizations and partners across Philadelphia to bring it all together.

He also made sure I understood what was happening, what was coming next and why it mattered, which allowed me to chronicle so much of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

His enthusiasm for Philadelphia was infectious, and experiencing so much of this summer alongside him made it even more special.

More than anything, I want to say thank you to Michael, you knew how much this moment in Philadelphia’s history meant to me, and you never hesitated to answer a question, explain what was happening or make sure I knew about something I shouldn’t miss.

Bells Across Pennsylvania, spearheaded by America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman, was a favorite project to see unfold, from the cold warehouse where Mural Arts artists created the canvas that reflected their neighborhoods, to the unveiling in the neighborhoods. That was special.

We covered a lot of ground over the past two years: we visited many of the sites before the bells were installed, scouting the surroundings, neighborhood corridors, went to a lot of neighborhood festivals, talked to people to see what they needed for the City to make 2026 successful for them, and press conference sites. Much of what we experienced never made it onto our pages,

but seeing all the behind-the-scenes planning gave me an even greater appreciation for everything that went into bringing Philadelphia’s 2026 celebration to life.

The Tioga Block Party in August was another special moment. The community was so grateful for the City’s support, and everywhere we went, people wanted to stop and talk with Michael and express their appreciation. It was a wonderful reminder that Philadelphia 2026 has been about neighborhoods and communities across the city, too.

And by the way, Philadelphia 2026 didn’t end on July 4. The celebration continues through December, with plenty more still to come. Make sure you download the app and see what’s happening next. APP.

Just one final note of gratitude to Michael Newmuis. After spending so many years documenting Philadelphia, getting to experience the past two years, and especially this extraordinary summer, alongside a friend who cared just as deeply about the city made it even more meaningful. Thank you, Michael, for letting me come along for the ride and for helping make this chapter of Philadelphia history one I’ll never forget.

So, Michael, what are you doing next, and do you need an assistant? I think we’ve already proven we make a pretty good team.

xo HughE

Cruising From Philadelphia: A Week Aboard the Norwegian Jewel

When I took the cruise most of the check in process took place at the Clairon hotel, except for the passport procedure which took place at the terminal. Now everything will be done at the terminal, but you can park your car at the hotel, or other long term parking spots in the area who shuttle you to the terminal. This is a shot I took last Thursday when we returned from the cruise.

The Philaport website just updated their cruise information for the upcoming sailing tomorrow. They list all the information prior to embarkation and they also list how embarkation and disembarkation will take place at the terminal. In terms of parking, there will be off site parking at the Clarion hotel. It’s $16 per day, per vehicle if you are arriving independently. Once you park your car at the hotel, they will offer shuttle buses to the terminal and they store your luggage at the bottom of the bus. You can visit their website for more information but I hope this helps too.

After many years away from cruising, Mike and I finally returned to the high seas, and this time we didn’t even have to fly anywhere to do it.

We sailed aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel right out of Philadelphia, which was probably one of the biggest attractions for me. There’s something pretty amazing about leaving your house in Philadelphia and, before you know it, you’re on a cruise ship heading down the Delaware River toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Mike and I have sailed 4 times before, 3 times in an Inside Cabin and the 4th time with a balcony, to Alaska!

I called our friend Rob Saxon, Travel Consultant with Simple Luxuries, because I like to use a travel agent every once in a while, especially since it had been a few years since we’d taken a cruise. We really didn’t know which cabin to choose for sailing on the Atlantic. It can get rough out there, and we both sometimes get seasick.

Rob did a great job picking out our cabin. We were midship, which meant less rocking, and he found us a balcony cabin where I could capture those sunrises and sunsets I love. Best of all, neither one of us got seasick. Yeah!!

Plus these dates included the Perseids Meteor shower, I saw 4, but didn’t get a photo of them.

We slept in twin beds for the first time in our life. Now, I know you can ask the cabin steward to push them together and secure them into a queen size. Who knew…

The room was adorable and very similar to an inside cabin, except we had a balcony. Spacious enough too, with a TV that showed the ships location, and replayed fun ship board events.

Unfortunately, the power situation was a bit of a problem, but thankfully I had already read about it on the Jewel Cruise Facebook group, where I learned so much about cruising. Things have really changed in the six years since I last cruised!

I didn’t realize there were only two outlets in the room. You can bring a multi-plug adapter like this, but it cannot have a surge protector or an extension cord. And here’s something important I learned: unplug it whenever you leave your room. If the stateroom attendant comes in and sees it plugged in, they’ll unplug it for you. If it happens repeatedly, they may even confiscate it and return it at the end of the cruise.

Everything you could possibly want to know can be found online, including answers to questions you wouldn’t even know to ask. There’s an overall Facebook group for cruising out of Philadelphia, as well as groups dedicated to specific ships and cruises.

In all the years I cruised, I didn’t know that most of the walls,

and the stateroom door, was metal. Magnets make your life so easy.

I bought this magnetic toothbrush holder for the bathroom on Amazon, along with that hook, to hold my toothbrush.

Mike and I are not really pool people, so the crowds didn’t bother us. The adult pool is to the right, which means no kids. But the real adults-only area is up on the balcony to the left, called The Vibe, and it costs additional. There are lounge chairs, servers and a hot tub.

One thing that has certainly changed since the last time I cruised is how important internet access has become for my work. Years ago, going on a cruise meant disconnecting. That’s nearly impossible for me now since so much of my work and PhillyChitChat happens online, and Mike also needed to be in touch with his office daily.

There are three different levels of internet service aboard the ship, and I quickly discovered that social media can require a higher level of service than simply checking email or browsing the web. Apparently Instagram counts as streaming. Who knew?

The internet package we finally settled on, after it took us a day to figure everything out, was the stateroom package: $240 for the first person and $120 for the second person. We actually changed our service a few times while trying to determine what worked best for us, and I have to give credit to the staff at the Internet Café as they were very accommodating each time.

It would have been helpful, though, if someone there had explained from the beginning that only one person in the cabin needed to sign up, since the package included two sign-ins. Once we figured that out, they were great about making the adjustment and refunding what we didn’t need.

One of the most important things we didn’t do until nearly too late was download the cruise app as soon as we booked and paid for the trip in May. Rob kept reminding me to download it because so much of the information would be there, but I was so busy that I didn’t get around to it until after FIFA ended. By then, a lot of the excursions and dining reservations were already taken. So download that APP as soon as you can.

I also think there is something to be said for having a travel agent. It’s reassuring to have someone on land you can contact if a question or problem comes up while you’re traveling, and I would probably use a travel agent again for that reason alone. At one point, I had a question about the gratuities NCL had billed us as people in our friend group were discussing it, so I reached out to Rob Saxon. He was able to pull up our original statement and send it to me.

NCL does pre-bill gratuities, which are pooled among the crew. We still gave cash tips to some of the people who took care of us personally during the cruise. For us, that felt like the right thing to do.

And finally, check your statement! Check it during the cruise, again the day before you leave the ship, and then once more about a week after you get home. Almost everything on ours was correct, except we discovered that we had somehow been charged for cruise insurance for three people, even though there were only two of us.

All in all it was a great cruise, we met great people and I can’t wait to cruise out of Philly again, soon. If you have any questions send me an email hughe@phillychitchat.com

For the first time in Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia history, tonight’s event has been canceled because of the weather.

I’m officially calling it the Curse of the 250. ☔️🇺🇸

What a weather year Philadelphia has had during America’s 250th! We’ve endured temperatures topping 100 degrees over the July 4th weekend, severe thunderstorms, threatening skies, event cancellations and postponements, and now rain has claimed one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated summer traditions.

Tonight was supposed to mark the 14th year of Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia, bringing 5,000 people together, dressed in white, at a secret location somewhere in the city.

A huge thank you to the organizers and the many volunteers who spend months putting this extraordinary event together each year.

According to the official Instagram: The decision to cancel was not made lightly, as we know how much time, excitement, and effort go into this event on the guest side. The safety of our guests, volunteers, and vendors is of the utmost importance. The current weather forecast for lightning, high winds, flash flooding, hail, and tornado threat makes it impossible for us to proceed as planned.

We will communicate further details to our guests via email. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to sharing the magic of Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia with you in the future.

It’s an enormous undertaking, powered by a relatively small team and an army of volunteers, and year after year they manage to create an event that sells out at 5,000 guests, with thousands more hoping to attend.

After 14 years, Dîner en Blanc has become a true Philadelphia summer tradition.

Mother Nature may have won this round, but here’s to everyone who worked so hard to make tonight happen. 🤍

And seriously… can we please lift the Curse of the 250 already? 😂☔️

Congratulations to Nicole Cashman, founder and CEO of Cashman & Associates, on being named Interim Chief Executive Officer of Welcome America, Inc.

Her appointment follows the conclusion of Michael DelBene’s tenure as President and CEO after the 2026 Wawa Welcome America festival in July.

Nicole has worked alongside Welcome America for 25 years, helping shape the publicity, strategic communications and storytelling behind some of Philadelphia’s biggest civic celebrations. That longtime relationship gives her a deep understanding of the organization, its mission and its importance to Philadelphia.

“Nicole has spent her career helping tell Philadelphia’s story and bringing people together around the experiences that make our city extraordinary,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who chairs the Welcome America Inc. Board of Directors. “Nicole understands the important role Welcome America plays in our city, creating moments that bring together our communities, welcome visitors and showcase
Philadelphia on a national and international stage. We look forward to working with Nicole as the organization continues its important work throughout the year.”

Nicole will continue to lead Cashman & Associates, where her experienced team will carry on the agency’s day-to-day operations while she oversees Welcome America.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside Welcome America for 25 years and have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact this organization has on Philadelphia and the region,” said Nicole Cashman, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Welcome America, Inc. “I am honored to step into this role and work with the existing staff and our many partners to continue advancing Welcome America’s mission and building on the strong foundation that has been established. Welcome America means a great deal to me, and I’m excited to help guide it through this next chapter as we reimagine the organization for 2027 and beyond.”

Congratulations again to Nicole Cashman, an extraordinary person who is more than up to the task of guiding Welcome America into the future, building on its success and following in the footsteps of her good friends and former leaders Jeff Guaracino and Michael DelBene. Exciting things are ahead for Welcome America and Philadelphia.

The 46th Annual Elwyn Ball brought together hundreds of Philadelphia’s philanthropic, business, and civic leaders for an elegant evening of celebration and giving at the historic Bellevue Hotel on Saturday, June 13.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner, and dancing while supporting Elwyn’s mission of providing education, treatment, and support services for children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral health challenges.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Ed and Ellen Goss, who were honored for more than four decades of extraordinary dedication to Elwyn. As longtime parents, volunteers, board members, and advocates, the couple has helped shape the organization through their leadership, fundraising, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the individuals Elwyn serves. Their family’s story, inspired by their son Steven, reflected the profound impact Elwyn has had on generations of families.

The black-tie gala showcased the generosity of the Philadelphia community, with supporters coming together to ensure Elwyn can continue expanding opportunities and essential services for thousands of individuals and families.

The evening was a celebration not only of philanthropy but also of inclusion, compassion, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.

This event also appears in Main Line Today this month, but I wanted to share it here as well with links and additional photos. I’m away on a cruise with Mike, and am looking forward to the Fall Social Season and covering you all again.

Thanks xo HughE

Philadelphia welcomed more than 270 distinguished leaders from over 30 countries to the National Constitution Center for the 2026 Eisenhower Fellowships Annual Awards Dinner in May. The evening celebrated leadership, diplomacy, and international collaboration while honoring individuals whose work has made a lasting impact around the world.

Guests also heard remarks from Eisenhower Fellowships Chairman Dr. Robert M. Gates, President George de Lama, and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who welcomed attendees to the city during America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service, recognizing his decades of work preserving and sharing America’s history through storytelling. Renowned French concert pianist and Eisenhower Fellow Claire-Marie Le Guay was presented with the Distinguished Fellow Award for her accomplishments and continued commitment to the Eisenhower Fellowships mission.

The evening brought together business executives, diplomats, philanthropists, civic leaders, and Fellows from across the globe, underscoring Philadelphia’s role as an international gathering place for leadership and innovation.

The Eisenhower Fellowships is an independent, nonpartisan international leadership organization founded in 1953 as a living tribute to President Dwight D. Eisenhower after he became president.

Its mission is to identify, empower, and connect innovative leaders from around the world who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and countries.

Each year, Eisenhower Fellowships selects accomplished leaders from dozens of countries through a highly competitive process, bringing together individuals with the vision and potential to create meaningful change. Fellows travel to the United States for several weeks on customized programs, where they meet with experts, government officials, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and innovators in their respective fields.

Through these experiences, they build lasting partnerships, exchange ideas, and gain insights they can apply to projects in their home countries. The organization also sends American Fellows abroad, fostering a global network of more than 2,600 leaders across over 115 countries who are committed to advancing collaboration, innovation, and positive impact.

The Eisenhower Fellowships dinner is one of those events where many of the world’s emerging and established leaders are together in one place, making it as much about building future relationships as celebrating current achievements. It makes for compelling society coverage as well as an important civic story.

Photos of this event have appeared elsewhere, but I also wanted to showcase the event here, with links to the organization and more detail. I am currently away on a cruise but look forward to the fall social season and seeing you soon.

Socially yours, xoxo HughE

Celebrating 20 years of PhillyChitChat 07/07/27

Philadelphia Ballet’s Red Rose Farm Spring Festival Blends World-Class Dance with Garden Elegance

Philadelphia Ballet welcomed supporters to its annual Spring Festival at Red Rose Farm in Villanova, where ballet, philanthropy, and the beauty of the outdoors came together for one of the company’s most anticipated fundraising events of the season.

Hosted on the picturesque estate of Board Chairman David F. Hoffman and Mary MacElree, the event celebrated the arts while raising vital support for Philadelphia Ballet’s performances, education, and community outreach programs.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and conversation before gathering on the lawn for an intimate outdoor performance curated by Artistic Director Angel Corella.

The program showcased breathtaking classical and neoclassical pas de deux, highlighting the extraordinary artistry and athleticism of Philadelphia Ballet’s dancers.

The evening also recognized outstanding volunteer service with the presentation of the Anthony Haller Volunteer of the Year Award, underscoring the important role supporters play in the company’s continued success.

Following the performance, attendees dined beneath the spring sky while mingling with dancers, artists, patrons, and civic leaders in a relaxed garden setting.

Now in its seventh year, the Spring Festival has become a signature event for Philadelphia Ballet, offering an unforgettable blend of artistic excellence, natural beauty, and community spirit while helping ensure the company continues to thrive both on stage and throughout the region.

On Sale Now the 2026/2027 Season.

Step Back in Time at Philadelphia’s 1890s Vegan Thanksgiving Gala

An event I shot but didn’t write about: Philadelphia diners had the unique opportunity to experience a Thanksgiving celebration inspired by the late 19th century at The 1890s Vegan Thanksgiving Gala, taking place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Walnut Hill College.

The event commemorates the 30th anniversary of the debut of Tofurky, the pioneering brand that helped create today’s vegan roast category. Its founder, Seth Tibbott, was surprised to discover that American vegetarians were already crafting “vegetable turkeys” for Thanksgiving as early as the 1890s. His research even uncovered the menu from a 1900 vegetarian banquet, which inspired this one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

Tibbott has assembled a team of Philadelphia’s top vegan chefs, led by nationally acclaimed Rachel Klein of Miss Rachel’s Pantry, to recreate and modernize the 125-year-old menu for 90 guests.

Student chefs from Walnut Hill College’s renowned culinary program will prepare the meal under the guidance of professional vegan chefs, including Emmy Award-winning vegan cooking show host Christina Pirello.

The historic feast will feature appetizers such as celery soup and hearty rice croquettes, followed by lentil cutlets and a chestnut-and-eggplant Vegetable “Turkey.” The signature roast recipe has been updated by Hans Wrobel, who helped design the original Tofurky Feast in 1995.

Dessert includes pumpkin pudding and white fruitcake, served alongside a slideshow exploring the history of vegetarian Thanksgiving feasts at the turn of the 20th century. Guests can also take part in vegetarian history walking tours earlier in the day, making the event both a culinary and historical journey. The night will end with 1890s-style dances, such as the waltz and two-step, led by
National Ballroom Champion Ayelette Robinson. Guests will cut a rug like it’s 1899. This historic event is a fundraiser for the American Vegan Society, the longest-running
vegan organization in the U.S.

Young Artists Leave a Lasting Impression at PAFA’s Fresh Perspectives Exhibition

Fresh Perspectives at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) was one of the most meaningful Philadelphia 250 projects of the summer and is on display through July 27. Presented by Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP), in partnership with Independence Mission Schools (IMS), Our Mother of Consolation Parish School, and other participating schools, the exhibition showcased the creativity, curiosity, and talent of Philadelphia’s youngest artists.

Throughout the school year, students explored American history, civics, and Philadelphia’s role in the nation’s story before transforming those lessons into original works of art. The result was a vibrant collection of paintings, drawings, mixed-media pieces, and other creative works that reflected how young people see the past while imagining the future.

Walking through the galleries, it was impossible not to be impressed by the imagination and thoughtfulness behind each piece. Every work reflected a unique perspective, proving that creativity has no age limit. The exhibition also demonstrated the value of arts education, encouraging students to think critically, express themselves confidently, and see their own voices as an important part of Philadelphia’s story.

As Philadelphia celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, it’s easy to focus on the history that brought us here. Fresh Perspectives reminded visitors to look ahead.

These young artists represent the city’s next generation of leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, designers, architects, and professional artists.

Looking at their work, it’s easy to imagine that some of the names featured in this exhibition will one day be recognized far beyond Philadelphia.

Under the leadership of Gianna R. D’Angelo, President & CEO of Independence Mission Schools, IMS continues to invest in opportunities that help students discover and develop their talents both inside and outside the classroom.

President and CEO Keisha Jordan, CSFP , has led the organization since 2020. Under her leadership, CSFP has continued its mission of helping Philadelphia families access quality K-8 education while strengthening partnerships with schools, donors, educators, and community organizations across the city.

I was really impressed with the talent these young students had. They really embraced the theme of celebrating Philadelphia.

Note to my readers, sorry for the tardiness of this post. As you know I was immersed into the Philadelphia 2026, as a lot of you may know who ollowed along on my social media. It was really amazing, and I will write more of about it in the coming days, as well as catch up on events I covered over the past two months. Plus you’ll see a few parties in September’s Philly Style Mag and Main Line Today Mag.

I’m headed to the beach for a few days, and will chitchat with you next week.

Thanks for your support. Socially yours, xoxo HughE