Dan Gross: A&E pays tribute to PPA employee

THE FIRST AND fifth episodes of A&E's "Parking Wars," the well-done reality show about Philadelphia Parking Authority workers and the citizens they frustrate, featured a friendly and funny fellow named

Martin Anderson,

who drove a tow truck for the PPA.

Sadly, Anderson died late last year, and while this was not mentioned in the credits at the end of the episodes in which he appeared, a tribute to Anderson can be found on aetv.com.

"We are very sad to announce that Martin passed away peacefully this past year," says the statement. "We are honored to have personally worked with such a professional and joyful young man. He was full of life and warmth, and brought laughter to everyone around him. We offer our deepest condolences to Martin's family, friends and colleagues. We hope that those who watch Martin on the show will enjoy seeing him at his best and brightest." A&E spokeswoman Gina Nocero told us yesterday that after speaking with Martin's family the network "felt the appropriate place to put a tribute was up on the site, where we could write something that would be lengthier and that would live longer as an ongoing tribute to him." The series, shot between spring and summer last year, has aired 10 episodes so far, and 10 episodes are left this season.

Out and about

The Flyin' Hawaiian, Shane Victorino, enjoyed a meal at the Water Works the other day with some business associates, before the Phillies outfielder appeared at the Philadelphia Auto Show. While in town from his off-season Las Vegas home, Victorino was also spied carrying two large bags out of Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland, in the Bellevue. Valentine's Day chocolates for his sweetheart? . . . Iggle William "Tra" Thomas chatted it up with fellow guests and staff at the Saloon (750 S. 7th) while dining there alone, and tipping well, Friday night . . . Jaromir Jagr and a crew of fellow New York Rangers hit Davio's (111 S. 17th) to fuel up for their Saturday victory over the Flyers at the Wachovia Center . . . Former Phillies outfielder Garry Maddox went for

chicken parm at Scannicchio's (Broad & Porter) while dining with family Saturday.

Anchor dropping here tomorrow

Last week we told you that ABC's "World News Tonight" was tailing Mayor Nutter for an upcoming story. Tomorrow, Charlie Gibson will anchor the broadcast and will interview Nutter live from the Independence National Historical Park. "World News Tonight" airs at 6:30, and Gibson also will be seen on the 6 o'clock "Action News" tomorrow.

The Contest returns

Vandalay Industries again is proud to present "Seinfeld" Trivia, at the Khyber (56 S. 2nd) on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. Teams of two-to-four players are welcome as Your Humble Narrator, No Quarter Records mogul Mike Quinn and Lagrecia frontman Jason Shevchuk test your "Seinfeld" knowledge with absurdly difficult questions. Cost is $5 per person, and the 21+ event starts at 8 p.m. sharp. Winning team takes the cash.

Chocolate and comics

Pastry chef Rocco Lugrine may be married to 6ABC's Tamala Edwards, but he was a guest across the street at NBC 10 yesterday, where the Le Bec Fin/Brasserie Perrier dessert dude prepared Valentine's Day chocolate mousse on the "10" show with Lori Wilson and fill-in host John Clark. Regular co-host Bill Henley was off braving the snowstorm in State College, where he was interviewing Will Ferrell and Will Arnett, who are starring in "Semi-Pro," out Feb. 29. The funnymen were performing in State College as part of the "Funny or Die" tour. No word on Henley's flight, but New Line Cinema flacks Jesse Cute and Courtney Shinsky are considering themselves lucky to be alive after a scary flight from Philly out to meet the two comedians.

Lip-synching leads her to L.A.

Local girl Harveyetta Edwards is off to Los Angeles to shoot a music video with Panic at the Disco. She was one of 25 nationwide winners of the Nokia Star Sync Sweepstakes, in which people voted for Edwards as one of the best lip-synchers in an online poll.

Visit PhillyGossip.com for Dan's latest stories.

Have a tip? Call 215-854-5963, or e-mail grossd@phillynews.com. For recent columns, visit go.philly.com/dangross.