SHOOZE was re-branded to Helen’s Collective to capture its current essence, featuring apparel, jewelry, home decor, shoes and more. It is named after Helen Walowiak Mugford, the owner’s grandmother.
Courtesy of Mike McGinley
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Colonel Bob Graham, USAF, Ret. captivated attendees at his book launch party.
Courtesy of Mike McGinley
I love when I get goosebumps. It usually means a conversation or discussion has really touched me.
I had goosebumps as I listened to Colonel Bob Graham talk about his prestigious military career at a recent launch party for his book, “One of the Few: A True Account of Courage and Stepping into the Fight.”
The Colonel was a United States Air Force fighter pilot during Vietnam and was awarded a Silver Star for his heroic and courageous efforts. He served four combat tours in Southeast Asia and flew more than 500 missions during the war.
Hearing the questions from the crowd and his responses at his book launch party on Thursday night was very moving.
The party was at Helen’s Collective, 311 Market St., Kingston, which was formerly SHOOZE Contemporary Boutique.
It was a fabulous, intimate setting for an event like a book party with family, friends and community members gathered to celebrate the Colonel’s accomplishments (side note: it was also his daughter’s birthday; happy birthday, Liz).
Helen’s owner, Tara Mugford Wilson, was such a gracious host, too, making sure everyone had some food and drink while they socialized, listened and browsed.
Besides the book available for purchase at Helen’s, there is a variety of classy, smart clothing for men and women, as well as charming home décor from brands like MacKenzie-Childs.
You can visit Helen’s beautiful website at helenscollective.com to read about the store’s history, evolution and current offerings.
I also encourage you to visit the Colonel’s website for more insight on the book and a link to order it: colonelrobertjgraham.com.
I have a copy sitting on my desk as I type and can’t wait to read this weekend.
Since the Colonel lives locally and is a big supporter of the area, I’m even more excited to learn about his tremendous service and sacrifices, which no doubt shaped him into the incredible man I met last week.
Thank you, Colonel.
A stop at Clubhouse 315
Besides the book party, I also stopped at Clubhouse 315 last week for a Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce mixer.
It was a way to say goodbye to winter (hopefully) while networking with like-minded individuals.
There was a great crowd with food from Suraci’s Italian Café, which was delicious (I completely see why the restaurant wins best cheesesteak awards).
Attendees competed using the cutting-edge golf simulators.
As the website, clubhouse315.com, says, it is the “perfect fusion of sophistication and entertainment at Clubhouse315.” Suraci’s also conveniently has a location inside.
I hope to write more about the venue in the future, as I’m sure there will be many more occasions to visit the sophisticated new space.
Until then, consider purchasing the Colonel’s book and supporting a local hero.
Mike McGinley is a Times Leader columnist who is often called a man about town. Email him thoughts at mikejmcginley@gmail.com.