THE BIRTHDAY party of the year started with the huge, sizzling searchlights out in front of the Or- pheum last Friday evening, telling the world that some- thing very exciting was happening inside! JOY Metcalfe 1 ay iv JOY TELLS ALL And it definitely was a happen- ing! This was the public celebra- tion marking the 80th birthday of the legendary impresario, Hugh Pickett. There was a private $80 cocktail party with Hugh that attracted 130 of the cream of the enter- tainment and business crop — people like Ray and Grace Mc- Carthy, Mart Kenny, Jim Nielsen and Dal Richards, famed choreographer Aida Broadbent and her daughter Vicki, who flew in from the U.S., David Berner, who few in from Edmonton, ac- tors Bruno Gerussi and Robert Clothier, party organizers John Plul, Art Jones, Norman Young, Brian Calder, Jean Orr, George Lenko, Dal Richards and Gordon Boyd; the Pace Group’s Norman Stowe and his wife Brenda, PR people Finn Anthony and Jutia Blockberger and Julia’s husband Dick, Variety’s former chief barker Barb Stewart and her hus- band, former VPD chief Bob Stewart, the World's Worst Oil Paintings’ founder Norman Watt, clothier Murray Goldman, hoteliers Michael Kaile and Michael Lambert, photographers Chiis and Mona Helcermanus Benge, the Lisogar family of Roy, Lorrie, Wendy and Wendy's hus- band, Sergio Cocchia, the old redhead Red Robinson, the banker's banker Nick Masse and FOUR SEASONS’ Cathy Eccles his wile Lisa, Dorothy and Fred Joplin, Bill and his PR wife Pauline Buck, Hugh's pal, George Ogg, theatre board's Myrna Kitchen, Pan Pacific’s Susan Gomez and her architect husband Daniel, and a tovely surprise for Hugh: the other one-time im- presario David YEE. Lai! This was prior to the public reception and party at $25 a head that attracted more thin 480 guests. . There were entertainers like saw player Doug Cameron, the Suspenders, the World's Best Whistler, Barry Rector, while North Van's scintillating Charlene Brandobini led the singing of Happy Birthdity. And for a chiige, the fellow who usually starts all the standing ovations in town was the recipient of a very spontaneous one on Fri- day night, It's the first time in his life that Hugh was almost speechless! [t was quite an emotional time for him. The culmination of the evening was the announcement by Van- couver Mayor Gordon Campbell to Hugh that he has won the city’s prized Civic Award of Merit. The official presentation will take place shortly at city hall dur- ing a council meeting, And a present from the presi- dent of Impark, Paul Clough, of a lifetime parking pass, was very welcome. The pass is good in Vancouver, throughout the Lower Mainland, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon and even Philadelphia! The only thing the organizing committee forgot was a limo for the guest of honor to be transpor- ted to his party. When John Plul phoned Hugh’s home, he was told that Hugh had already left for the gala celebra- tion — by bus! The annual Taste of the Nation last Thursday night at Michael Lambert's Hotel Vancouver was extraordinary! The setting was imaginative and colorful, the food was marvellous and plentiful and the entertain- ment was first class! And of course everyone was there, like the Arts Club's very tanned David Harrison, Van- couver Trade and Convention Centre's Jan Bessiing and Edel Forristal, U.TV’s Diane Johnson, Paul Scollen and Mary and Peter THE VARIETY Club's George Pitman ith Shore News - 24 PTO CELESRATING WITH Hugh Pickett (centre) on his SOth birthday were Brian Calder (left) and John Plul. Scott from Hart House, the Barnett boys and their spouses, BC Fed’s Ken Georgetti, PR peo- ple Duncan Holmes and Joyce Robinson, Four Seasons’ Cathy Eccles, UBC's top man Mel Sprackman, entertainer Gillian Campbell, Beach Side Cafe's pert Janet McQuire, the Variety Club’s George Pitman, Hy’s David Aisenstatt, Kerry Dix and the five-month-pregnant Dusty Martell. {t was simply a smashing suc- cess! Congratulations to everyone who participated, especially to the dedicated Raintree restaurateur Janice Lotzkar, who spearheaded the drive to raise funds for the very important Food Runners organization... Cheers! Johanne Olsen Through Dan Interion, Johanne presents a complete shopping experience from furniture to unaque gifts and quality kitchen accessories. “Our store offers such fine lines as Kesta Boda, fittala, and Arabia of Finland. We alr have a complete line of cookware, including Cuzsinart, lagustina, Sigg, and Copperware. Remember us for exciting acrylic tunes for pano and boaters.” A bridal regisiry us abo available. For those who appreciate the difference. Hem interiors Park Royal South 922-1181 yee S$ and Mena He! “Molly Buchanan” for Professional & Expert Service in Real Estate Sassex) Bus: 984-9711 peu ? es tgio Cocchia. The Van Oeveren's ANN & ROBERT for professional & expert ‘Service in Real Estate. | SUTTOH GROUP WEST COAST REALTY Call 885-9321 or 383-2188 —