THE PARTY OF THE YEAR …

It was billed as "the party of the year" and it certainly lived up to its promise. The legendary Penthouse Nightclub celebrated its own version of a classic doubleheader in December with a guest list that included entertainment and sports celebrities, politicians and prominent members of Vancouver's print and electronic media.

Joe Leary ("I'm here for the beer") was the emcee extraordinaire for the evening, especially with his latest coiffure.

A wall to wall gathering of more than 300 guests packed the storied Seymour Street venue to acknowledge owner Danny Filippone's induction into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame, and included the launch of Aaron Chapman and Benjamin Jackson's new book about the nightclub, A Sign of the Times.

Jackson is the longtime creator of the wordage on the marquee sign above the entrance to the Penthouse. Over the years, it has received world wide recognition for its witty and cheeky messages.

The Filippone family has owned the beloved late-night establishment since 1947, with Danny being the second generation proprietor.

**a new book by aaron chapman and Benjamin Jackson.**

There were photos of Danny’s uncle Joe Filippone, with a couple of friends in a car parked in the Hollow Tree in Stanley Park, planning their new and shockingly daring operation, which was scheduled to open in 1947.

I spotted Danny's busy teenage son Justin, who is a total lookalike of his Dad, as the next proprietor.

This wasn't the first time that I was in the Penthouse. I was there years ago, when Vancouver's brilliant director and producer John Parker of Actor's Contemporary Theatre wanted to produce the movie and Broadway hit Gypsy. At one of the rehearsals at Vancouver Little Theatre, John felt we didn't have enough "wiggle and jiggle" so he planned an excursion to The Penthouse as he wanted his female cast to “get the feel" of exactly what The Penthouse was offering. Oh my!!

**“Dr. Sport” Greg Douglas and wife dee.**

Blush, blush!

At the recent sold out unveiling of The Penthouse's A Sign of the Times (soon to be a movie), I spotted Dr. Sport aka Greg Douglas with his darling wife Dee, clubman Roger Gibson, and Robin Lecky and his wife Barb.

Robin is the former owner of the late and lamented Kerrisdale Courier and was my very first editor where he published my column for 18 years. What a super surprise that was after so many years.

My friend Bill Allman, president of the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame, was there in the crowd with his troupe of performers along with broadcaster Jody Vance, Vancouver City counsellor Pete Fry, who was surrounded by well-wishers and B.C. Lions's super star quarterback, Nathan Rourke. Nathan has just been named as the Football League's Most Outstanding Player for 2025, an award he also won in 2022.

REACH FOR OUTER SPACE …

Earlier in the day, over at the popular La Terrazza restaurant, the place was buzzing with more than 100 glamorous women, all beautifully attired and there to celebrate Reach For Outer Space, a non-profit helping children to let their imaginations soar by filling empty bookshelves, and holiday stockings for some of Canada’s most vulnerable children and families.

The flowers and decor were generously donated by Bob Pringle of United Floral Inc. and Suzanne Lee of The Granville Island Florist, and beautifully arranged by Suzanne.

Among those attending was the famous foodie Mamma Marzia, Barbie Hislop, Valentina Farley, Angie Whitfield, Sherry Doman, Lisa Newby, Sarah Ho, Enza Eppich and Linda Mah, to name a few.

The chair of this 25th anniversary luncheon and get together was Bianca Fusco Zanatta who said, "The journey with remarkable women is never walked alone - we walk it together."

As the founder of Reach For Outer Space, she is so proud of their providing more than one million dollars in food and essential goods over the past quarter century.

And on top of that, scoop, scoop, scoop, Bianca is the newly elected Chair/President, of Variety, the Children's Charity …

**Sergio, Connie, and wendy cocchia.** *(Jay Shaw Photo)*

LAUNCH! …

It was on Thursday November 27 that some 725 leading citizens gathered in the ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Centre for the seventh annual LAUNCH luncheon to raise funds for the Pacific Autism Family Network or PAFN. Our Lt. Governor, the Hon. Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia and her husband, the Hon. Sergio Cocchia have always been leaders in the cause of poor and disabled children, starting with her Honour's Ladies Media Golf Tournaments years ago, which were very successful and lots of fun.

It was so gratifying on that Thursday to see that high profile crowd so attentive to the speeches and so desirous of giving back. With the kids singing and playing in the band, it was a truly joyous experience. It was made even more joyous when auctioneer Fred Lee announced that the Pacific Autism Family Network had raised $1.5 million dollars!

It was an amazing afternoon!

And photographer Jay Shaw caught it all - from tears to chuckles. It was so joyful! …

BACK AT THE PLAZA …

Wendy Cocchia’s dad Roy Lisogar was such a generous and hard working gentleman.

Every time I said something positive in my Kerrisdale Courier column about the hotel , the food, or the pool, or what movie star was staying there (after they left, of course) I would receive a note in the mail from Roy, offering me a dinner for four in the hotel's dining room.

The Century Plaza has always had the highest of marks for their cuisine, especially breakfast. People who booked into the four and five star hotels, still came for breakfast at Roy's place.

We finally agreed to a dinner for my husband Bill and I and two of our close friends. The evening was a great success, with this lovely young blonde named Wendy hovering over us while this very handsome Italian, named Sergio, filled our wine glasses.

Next thing I knew was a surprise invitation to help Wendy launch a fund raising Ladies Day Golf Tournament. I didn't know how to golf , so I just helped where I could until the following year, she told me, "You don't have to know how to golf, it's just a day to raise needed funds for the kids."

And she has been fundraising for the kids ever since.

My heartiest congratulations to you both, Wendy and Sergio and to all the generous folk who raised the fundraising total that day to an amazing $1.5 million dollars.

Sergio Cocchia said, "This will help create a world where neurodivergent people and their families can access the same opportunities in health care, education, employment and more for the families of children with autism ... and amen to that! …

LUNCH WITH A LEGEND …

Speaking of handicapped children, good guy Mel Zajac hosted his annual Lunch With A Legend at the Terminal City Club with a sold out crowd wanting to meet and know more about the new owner of the B.C. Lions Football team. He is Amar Doman, an acclaimed business leader and community icon who is so proud to have the team under his ownership, as he has loved the Lions for a very long time. He was simply beaming, as was Mel!

Global TV's Chris Gailus was emcee at the do, while auctioneer Howard Blank used his magic touch to raise the needed funds.

Meanwhile Mel's Zajac Ranch for Children is glowing with beautiful decorations that light up the night sky with colourful lights , silver and gold streamers and cute toys. It opens again in the spring ...

AT THE LAUNCH

Author John D'Eathe almost put his hand out of commission last week at the Library shaking hands with hordes of fans who love his books, especially his latest. It's Broadway Corridor, which is a delight with all the right ingredients.

WARM WORDS FOR YOU!

It's that time of the year when I am positively bubbling with happiness! The problem with my wisdom tooth and resulting infection is fixed, and all my six children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren are thrilled that Santa will arrive soon.

There's an old Irish saying that I wish for everyone. "May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and a road downhill all the way to your door!

May I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and an even happier and healthier New Year!!.

Love, Joy .....