Penelope’s bids farewell 

After operating Penelope’s since 1978, Don Wooley has announced that he will be closing his popular gift and card store in order to retire and to travel the world with his wife. The Wooleys plan to kick off their retirement in the Caribbean.

“The time has come,� Wooley. “I’ve got about 50 years of things I’d still like to do, so I’d better get started.�

Located at 715 Higuera St. in SLO for the past 19 years, Penelope’s is currently holding a going-out-of-business sale, with major discounts throughout the shop, and Wooley expects to liquidate his inventory and close the store by the end of March. Penelope’s second location, in Morro Bay, closed in July. Wooley still owns that Morro Bay building, which he now rents to As You Wish, another small, locally owned gift shop.

Wooley maintains that business has been very good to him, and that he’s particularly enjoyed the interaction with his customers. He originally had plans to sell the business, but plans fell through when they were unable to reach an agreement with the landlord on the terms of the lease. The building also needs seismic retrofitting, which will begin when Penelope’s vacates the premises.

Wooley’s daughter and business partner, Nicole, also plans to do some traveling before pursuing professional interests. The store’s other employee, Stacy Foster, will spend another year at Cal Poly to complete her degree in business.

FAST FACTS

House of Bread is pleased to introduce a new line of organic whole-grain breads, baked with flour that’s milled on the premises from organic wheat berries. On Feb. 10, House of Bread will begin offering baking classes so that anyone can learn how to bake wholesome and delicious bread from scratch. Each student will have hands-on experience in the process of mixing, kneading, shaping, baking, cooling, slicing, and finally tasting hot bread out of the oven. For more details, please e-mail [email protected] or call 801-4853. …

… After owning and operating Hydro Heaven Spas & Stoves in Pismo Beach since 1989, Ed and Patty Clark have decide to retire and sell their business to Raffi and Minas Kaloosian. The Kaloosian brothers have already launched a new web site, www.hydroheavenspas.com, and in support of their community, they’ve donated a spa to the Computers 4 Kids Black & White Charity Ball. Raffi graduated from Cal Poly, and both brothers hold degrees in business. Hydro Heaven Spas & Stoves is located at 821 Oak Park Road, in the Pacific Coast Plaza Shopping Center, Pismo Beach, and can be reached at 473-2205. …

… Following the success of the Deluxe EverLite and the Compact EverLite, New Options Lighting is very proud to introduce the newest product in its innovative line of solar-powered lighting: the Mini EverLite. The EverLites are portable, waterproof, and solar effective, requiring just six hours of charging to run for 12 hours or more. Locally owned and operated, Web Feet Integrated Marketing has been involved in marketing the EverLite since its development in June 2003. Web Feet works with businesses to become their partner for growth by providing advertising, graphic design, marketing, and public relations. To learn more about Web Feet and the EverLite, contact Alissa Randles at 786-4732. …

… Local information technology services firm TechXpress Inc. recently announced that it will be offering financing plans on all of its products and services, including web sites, custom software products, computer systems, and network installations. TechXpress will be partnering with a Ventura-based finance company to offer this new service. TechXpress specializes in providing one-stop computer, network, and Internet/web site solutions to small business and residential computer users. For more info, call TechXpress at 782-TECH or visit www.techxpress.net.

Staff Writer Jeff Hornaday compiled this week’s Strokes & Plugs. E-mail him at jhornaday @newtimesslo.com