Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Desert Passage bids aloha to Hawaiian-themed store

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002 | 8:31 a.m.

Hilo Hattie -- The Store of Hawaii opened its doors at Desert Passage in Aladdin last week with the distinctive sounds of authentic island music and a ceremonial Hawaiian blessing for the new venture.

The colorful store duplicates the spirit of the tropic state with fashion, food and home- decor items.

Giving a special welcome to Las Vegas resident Lynn Wiesner and her granddaughter Tomilynn were Hilo Hattie Chairman Jim Romig and his wife, Puchi, Lynn's college roommate. Joining them was Paul DeVille, president-CEO of Pomare Ltd., parent company of Hilo Hattie, as well as fellow corporate executives Carlton Kramer and Star Nani Peralta.

Don Sato, district sales manager for Hawaiian Airlines, proved to be the evening's most popular figure as he awarded Hawaiian Airline trips to attending guests and explained their travel awards program.

Guests dined on tasty Pacific Rim dishes prepared by Malibu Chan's Restaurant, then spread through the roomy store for serious shopping, taking a closer look at the selection of fine pieces offered at Maui Divers Jewelry inside Hilo Hattie.

Representing the Hawaiian Civic Club of Las Vegas was Alika Borge, who was seen exchanging stories of Hawaiian beach vacations with Cindy Dileo, events manager for the Aladdin, and Robert Sorensen, president of Desert Passage.

Also present for the opening party was Bob Taylor, president-CEO of Maui Divers; Robert and Chad Iwamoto of Roberts Hawaii; Jim Germain of USH Hosts Destination Services; Motomitsu Hiyoshi of Nippon Express; Mike Kawata of HIS Tours; Vance Cannon of Vegas Vance Tours; and Isso Nakae of Tran Orbit.

Founded in 1963, Hilo Hattie is Hawaii's largest Hawaiian retailer and manufacturer of Hawaiian clothing and operates 14 stores in six states. Its community endeavors include scholarships for college students and other charitable contributions.

History luncheon

A note from Joyce Marshall, president of the Nevada Women's History Project -- Southern Region, has announced the group's opening fall luncheon slated for Sept. 7 at Golden Steer Steak House.

A Las Vegas landmark, the restaurant is owned by Dr. Michael Signorelli. It opened in 1958 and is at 308 W. Sahara Ave.

Tickets are $20 and will offer attendees a three-course luncheon with choice of entrees. Registration is at 10:30 a.m. with the luncheon to commence at 11 a.m.

Providing the informative program will be Joan Dimmitt and Mary Ellen Cushard, both of the Nevada Federation of Republican Women, who will speak on the history of their organization in Southern Nevada. Their talk will be punctuated by displays of historical photos and memorabilia, including a photo of former first lady Pat Nixon as a young child in Ely, her place of birth.

In addition, Rose O'Grady, Nevada State Regent for the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), will speak on her organization's financial support of the Sarah Winnemucca Project, which entails raising money to honor this American Indian woman who figured prominently in our state's early history. Winnemucca has also been honored with a statue in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.

For further details on the luncheon or concerning membership in the Nevada Women's History Project call Mary Gafford at 648-9415.

'Laughter' helps

On Friday a comedy event, "Celebrate Laughter," will be presented at the Clark County Library Theatre to benefit Family and Child Treatment of Southern Nevada (FACT) and the Nevada Coalition Against Sexual Violence (NCASV). Proceeds will assist victims of sexual abuse and violence and help keep struggling families together.

Matt Dushoff, an amateur comedian who is also Nevada deputy attorney general, will appear with professional comedic performers Steve Caito and Mark Allen, producers of Las Vegas Comedy Festival.

Tickets for the performance at the Clark County Library Theatre, 1401 E. Flamingo, are priced at $30, $50 and $75 and include a wine and beer reception at 6:15 p.m., followed by the 7:30 p.m. performance. Call FACT at 258-5855 for further information.

Donations sought

Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to join The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf as it collects back-to-school supplies to assist The Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas. Collected supplies will be given to disadvantaged elementary students in the Clark County School District. Backpacks, markers and pencils, paper, art supplies and other school materials are all in great need.

School supply donations can be dropped off at three neighborhood Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf locations, including 7291 W. Lake Mead (at Tenaya), 4550 S. Maryland Parkway (at Harmon, near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and inside the food court at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino.

All customers donating school supplies will receive a free coffee beverage or $1 off a specialty beverage for their contribution donated through Sept. 6. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas serve more than 11,000 youngsters, ages 6 through 18, at 12 facilities in the Las Vegas Valley.

Through after-school and summer programs, planned activities are offered to at-risk kids. Sports, computers and learning programs are used to develop character, health and career skills, leadership and decision-making abilities.

New officers

Mesquite Club, one of our community's oldest organizations, is preparing to roll into another year of productive civic activity. Part of the General Federation of Women's Clubs network of women's clubs, the Mesquite Club over the years can proudly point to its efforts to create Las Vegas' first public library, establish and equip city parks, and serve as advocates for children, families and the fine arts.

Serving as president through 2003 will be Joan Doubrava, an active member of the club for many years. Joining her as officers for the new term are President-Elect Maureen Schnitzer, First Vice President Mary Bucholz, Second Vice President Jerrie Pearson, Treasurer Kay McCauslin, Financial Secretary Marilyn Harding and Corresponding Secretary Harriet Cuddy.

Mesquite Club, with headquarters at 702 E. St. Louis, also operates a rental hall frequently used for wedding and anniversary events, bridge tournaments and small conferences.