Shop Talk: Islander wins, ‘It’s like something that happens on Oprah’

Cheri Bowen, seated, is the winner of a makeover contest sponsored by Rick Popoff's Island Salon and Day Spa, right. Cheri was nominated by her boss, Brenda Garretson, standing, an attorney at Rhodes & Tucker. Chris Curle / Eagle Correspondent

Several Marco business people have combined talents and facilities to create a complete makeover for a Marco woman everybody involved agrees deserves it.

The gift givers are part of a contest dreamed up by Rick Popoff, whose Rick’s Island Salon is providing hair, makeup and related “beauty” benefits.

Dentist Hermann Schulze will donate his expertise with some veneers and other advanced dental work. Personal trainer Nina Lane will help the contest winner tone up and shape up at Nina’s Body by Nina fitness studio.

The winner was nominated for this royal treatment by her boss at the law firm of Rhodes & Tucker, attorney Brenda Garretson.

And the winner is – legal assistant Cheri Bowen.

Brenda praised Cheri as an ideal candidate for the honor, citing her selfless personality, her work ethic and her devotion to her family.

“Once I asked Cheri what she would do with the money if she were to win the lottery and have the cash to spend just on herself,” says Brenda. “She first said she wouldn’t use it for herself but would make sure everyone in her family was taken care of. When I pressed her, she did say she has a crooked tooth she was never able to do anything about.”

Rick Popoff looked at a lot of letters submitted by people suggesting contest winners and he chose Cheri based in part on Brenda’s letter.

“She’s a very quiet person, but she seemed very happy and surprised,” Rick says. “She’s going to look like a million bucks after the makeover.”

“Everyone’s been so nice and I’m so excited about this,” Cheri told us. “I’ll be doing the workout and teeth first, then work with Rick on hair and color. I’m pleased to get my hair done. It’s below by shoulders and I don’t color it and it’s going grey.

“I’m not much of a frou-frou girl; I let it grow out naturally. And I have a few Pepi Le Pew (the cartoon skunk) gray streaks going through. So Rick thinks I’m a perfect candidate for that.”

How does Cheri’s family feel about her makeover?

“My daughter, Stephanie, who works at the Marco Movies, is excited for me. And my sister, Karen, said ‘That’s like something that happens on Oprah!’ ”

What about her husband, Les?

Cheri smiled and replied, “He said, ‘why can’t something like that happen to me?’ ”

Maybe next year, Les.

Congrats to all concerned, Cheri, Brenda and the Marco professionals who are donating their time and talents – Rick Popoff, Dr. Hermann Schulze and Nina Lane.

Sandy Franchino's Cafe de Marco is now in its 29th season, offering an "Anniversary Package" for $27. Chris Curle / Eagle Correspondent

29 is a lucky number for fans of Cafe de Marco

Cafe de Marco is now open for its 29th season and owner Sandy Franchino is including patrons in her celebration.

For example, Sandy has created a 29th anniversary special, a choice of eight different entrees as part of a three-course meal plus wine for $27.

Cafe de Marco also has an early bird, with the catchy name, “Twilight Specials” at $14.95 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

The outside dining area is spruced up with new furniture and lighting. “It has a contemporary South Beach flavor,” Sandy says.

“Cafe de Marco is at 244 Palm Street in Old Marco. Call 394-6262.

It’s official: ‘2wice As Nice’ consignment shop is back, thrice as big

As we reported exclusively in this column last week, the popular 2wice As Nice upscale consignment store is about to be back in business in a larger, brighter facility.

The store owned by island entrepreneur Judy Barney on the second floor above the La Miranda Nails & Spa at 287 North Collier Boulevard. Judy hopes to open the doors there in early November.

“2wice As Nice will be three times larger and will include departments for men’s and children’s clothing,” Judy says, “so starting cleaning out your closets and get ready.”

Blue Agave offers live, stand-up comedy

Speaking of Judy Barney, her Blue Agave restaurant/nightspot on the East Trail is adding live entertainment for its patrons, starting on Saturday, November 5, with live stand-up comedy.

On stage at that premier evening will be actor, musician, comedian Tommy Amato.

The headliner at Blue Agave on Nov. 12 will be Walt Willey, the stand-up comic and actor, best known for his many years in the now-defunct soap opera, “All My Children.” Fans of that show will know that Willey played the role of Jackson Montgomery.

The Blue Agave is at 3785 Tamiami Trail East. Call: 262-2582.

Chris Curle is a former news anchor for CNN and for ABC-TV stations in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Houston. E-mail chris@chriscurle.com.

Don is a former ABC News correspondent and bureau chief and a former news anchor for CNN and ABC-TV, in Atlanta. His Farmer File column appears Fridays in the Naples Daily News. E-mail: don@donfarmer.com.