Countdown to Dina's Party, Wakile Men Snub Franklin Lakes Shop and Theresa Comes to Town

Welcome to a long overdue edition of Franklin Lakes Famous. Before diving into the latest celeb news and sightings in town, I have to ask: Is anyone still watching this season of Housewives? I am, but mostly out of professional obligation and with lots of fast-forwarding. If Melissa speaks the name of Jesus then screws up the sign of the cross one more time this season, I'm done. I'm not even catholic but I know that is not the way it is done! 

I normally love Caroline Manzo and Jacqueline Laurita, but they aren't as endearing as past seasons. Kathy and Rich Wakile have provided some laughs along the way, but none compare to the comedic tag-team of Chris and Albie. An episode without the Manzo boys is an episode not worth watching, in my opinion. 

I'll save Theresa news for later, but I will admit, I my affinity lies with Team Giudice this season. 

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On to more important questions: When is Dina's Party going to start? (Wondering what Dina's Party is? It's a new HGTV show hosted by Franklin Lakes own Dina Manzo.) Last I spoke with Dina, she was anticipating a September launch.

Today we heard from Manzo's event planning company Designer Affairs that the show will premiere Aug. 15 with the full season to launch in September. That means in less than one month until Dina returns to HDTV in our living rooms! How fabulous!!

Until then, here's an interview Dina recently gave to New Jersey Bride magazine. A highlight from the interview: “I love thinking outside the box. I’m known for bringing in that unique element to parties,” she says. “I think a lot of it comes from my design background.” Her favorite place to host a celebration: at home, of course. “I love to have weddings and throw parties in clients’ homes because that way the event is unique to them,” she adds. She also loves to focus on the little elements that add up to an unforgettable bash.

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It has been a busy week with celebrities at the Urban Farm's men's clothing store . First RHONJ men Rich and Joseph Wakile came in for a photo shoot (weeks after the shops semi-annual magazine had already mailed), then Season 5 Celebrity Rehab personality Michael Lohan arrived with his "friend," Franklin Lakes resident Kim Granatell.  

The Wakile shoot last Friday did not go as planned. First the time was changed at least once (Franklin Lakes Patch was scheduled to make the initial afternoon time, but after it was changed to Friday morning, we were double booked), then the store owners received a lengthy (and not very nice) email message from the Wakile's press person. Here are some highlights from the email (courtesy of CelebrityMagnet.com):

"We understand that your catalog would been distributed to homes within the Franklin Lakes area and featured in Patch.com as well as your website," the message stated. "Any kind of 'free' press and more exposure is greatly appreciated. However, Richard and Joseph lending themselves to your shop for a photo shoot is definitively much more of a benefit to you than it is to them."

The email further went on to berate store owner Ed Bergen, stating, "Please note that Kathy is allowed to keep the clothes if she so wishes to do so.  Normally, these outfits are over the $2,000 price point...I feel it is totally of bad taste and disrespectful not only to give both Richard and Joseph a limit of two items that they could take from your shop but also not allowed them to take clothes other than your in house brand." 

Seriously? I mean, really, seriously? For those not familiar with Ed Bergen and his business parter and childhood friend Bijan Zamanian, both lifelong Franklin Lakes residents, I have to say I am shocked that anyone would take issue with them over anything. They have been in business a little over a year, have over 4,000 Facebook "likes" and plenty of celebrity supporters, including athletes Phil Simms, NY Giants Shaun O'Hara and former NBA pro Cliff Robinson. Not to mention the Manzo Brothers. 

When asked about the reports, Bergan simply told Patch, "We were dissapointed by that crazy behavior. But we will continue to Conquer Style."

The store will also be hosting a wine and cheese mixer Sept. 10, with Kim G. and Michael Lohan to benefit the children's cancer charity Emmanuel Cancer Foundation of Midland Park. Surprise guests are expected as well!

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Speaking of Michael Lohan, his Celebrity Rehab costar this season is former Franklin Lakes resident Dwight Gooden. In a recent episode, the Doc spoke about his March 2010 DUI on Old Mill Road . 

The show airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on VH1. 

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Earlier, I promised to talk more about Teresa. Much apologies for the delayed report on her visit to Franklin Crossing store Stage Left Fashions for a signing of her cookbook, Fabulicious!

Patch was on hand as fans came from near and far to meet the RHONJ star and offer their support and well wishes. Families from upstate NY on vacation at the Jersey shore and fans from Louisiana visiting New York City saw the Patch tweets (and Teresa's retweets) and pilled in the car to come to Franklin Lakes to see her and get books signed. 

It was a fun evening for all!