Rain Forest has new 'way out of the ordinary' atmosphere

Longtime Yuma Realtor Carolyn McKelvey Malouff and her husband, Greg, have purchased the Rain Forest, a floral shop and greenhouse at 608 S. 2nd Ave.

Carolyn will continue selling real estate and leave running of the business in the hands of longtime employee Paula Cota, who has a horticulture degree from the University of Arizona and 21 years experience with plants. Longtime designer Allison Beck attended floral design school and has 10 years' experience, will also continue at the shop.

The business and historic property next to it (the former home of longtime police chief Henry Levy that dates back to 1916 and two guest houses) were in need of a new owner, and "I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity," said Carolyn, who feels strongly about preserving Yuma's history. Her husband provides the rehabilitation work.

"It's like walking into another dimension," she said of the greenhouse she's had renovated, with a surround sound system, live birds, lanterns, lava pool and lush plants to give the sounds and feeling of being in a rain forest. "Our slogan is 'We're a bit out of the way but way out of the ordinary.'"

The business offers floral services, greenhouse plants and commercial interiorscape leasing and maintenance. For more information, call 783-6072.

Watch for a Christmas-season grand opening.

---

In our continuing phone tag, Greg Gregston, owner of Gregston's Feed and Supply, called and left a message to confirm he is indeed closing the business. Dec. 1 will be the final day. Until, then, he's offering 20 percent off all the store's inventory.

---

Remodeling has been completed for the furniture showroom at the Hospice of Yuma thrift store at 1808 S. 8th Ave., reported store manager Dorothy Toney.

"It's open once again and ready for business for donations and for customers," she said. She invites everyone in to the see the redone showroom and shop for furniture bargains. All proceeds go toward the care of Hospice patients.

The thrift store and furniture showroom are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 782-9593.

---

Anita Schuma has become an independent fashion jewelry adviser for lia sophia jewelry. Pieces range from bold to delicate in tailored gold and silver, beads, shells, gemstones and other materials. Each piece has a lifetime replacement guarantee.

To learn more about lia sophia, host a party or become an independent adviser, contact Schuma at 376-7225 orschumasplace@gmail.com. For an online catalog, visit www.liasophia.com/anitaschuma.

---

Want a nice green lawn but don't want the work of watering, fertilizing and mowing? Erik and Bianca Wittenberg have the answer with their new business, All Play Lawns. They will remove the current landscaping and install synthetic grass made by Pro Green International.

The synthetic turf can be used for putting greens, lawns, play areas, dog runs, sports turf or displays, among other uses, said Bianca. It's environmentally friendly and it has a 20-year life expectancy.

To see a sample, stop by 6144 E. 41st St. Free estimates are available. For more information, call 234-1896, e-mail allplaylawns@yahoo.com, or visit www.allplaylawns.com or www.progreen.com.

---

With one Kneaders Bakery and Cafe (corner of Avenue B and 28th Street) open and drawing quite a following, owners are planning a second one for Yuma Palms Regional Center to be located at 1651 Castle Dome Ave. (that would be right at the corner across the street from Olive Garden).

Kneaders Bakery in Yuma is the project of Dr. Todd Runyan, wife Blanca and parents Donald and Linda Runyan. It features baked goods and a cafe menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. Dr. Runyan himself makes the pumpkin bread - delicious!

For catering, other information, call the bakery at 726-9700.

---

All kinds of date goodies will be offered at Martha's Garden when the shop opens for business Thursday at 9747 Avenue 9-3/4E - take Avenue 9E and watch for signs just north of the railroad tracks. The shop is located in the midst of 100 acres of date groves nurtured by Nels and Martha Rogers.

Among the treats are dates, date shakes and baked goods as well as a deli with sandwiches, salads and desserts and a small ice cream shop. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For more information, call 726-8833.

The Rogers also have two roadside stands now open (without the deli): one at Arizona Marketplace, 32nd Street and Avenue 4E and another at the Nakasawa Flower Farm at 5158 Highway 95, said manager Leonard Sanchez.

---

Pinnacle Healthcare is making plans to construct a new, larger facility to better serve its patients. The health care provider has purchased land at 4343 E. 31st Place in Olde 80 Business Park for a new 6,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art clinic to accommodate the expanding medical staff and growing patient load.

Staff now includes a board-certified internist, emergency medicine physician, two physician assistants and a family nurse practitioner. Pinnacle offers occupational medicine services and a growing private practice for all ages.

---

Dawn Wood is opening a shop in Wellton featuring stained glass and quilts. The Gift Shop, 29241 San Jose Ave., will carry stained glass gifts and seasonal items on consignment as well as all the materials for people to make their own projects. It also will have quilts made by Jean Bancroft, an award-winning local quilter.

In addition, Bancroft will provide stained glass and quilting lessons. Stained glass classes also are offered through Arizona Western College (high school students can take it as an art elective).

Beginning Monday, the shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For more information, call 246-1990.

---

National Bank of Arizona is proposing to open a bank branch in Wellton at 28625 E. Highway 80, according to a public notice published in The Sun Nov. 4.

---

How does a fresh, made-to-order crepe filled with fruit, dusted with powered sugar and topped with whipped cream sound? Or a Southwest crepe filled with mesquite-broiled chicken breast and cheese and served with a side of salsa and sour cream?

Serving them up are Dennis and Sandy Bracken, owners of Olde Town Crepes. They can be found from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays through Sundays in the food court at Yuma Park 'N Swap, 4000 S. 4th Ave. And when the Main Street Farmers Market in downtown Yuma starts up for the season on Dec. 4, they also will be there from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays.

Crepes selling for $4 to $6 are filled with a variety of items, including seasonal fruit, cheese, meats and vegetables. Wash them down with chai tea, mocha cappuccinos, pink lemonade and other beverages. Bags of the mix Dennis perfected also can be purchased.

The Brackens were inspired by a trip to Paris where they saw several umbrella-covered crepe carts near the Eiffel Tower. It seemed a natural, as Dennis had worked for more than 40 years as a certified executive chef at resort hotels and a consultant for a commercial oven manufacturer.

---

CJ's Restaurant Equipment and Home Supplies has opened the doors at 4710 E. 32nd St. (next to RV Peddler), confirmed owner Adrienne Goetter. The phone number is 726-3332. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

The business carries a wide range of new and used restaurant, bakery, pizza, deli, catering, concession and bar appliances and equipment. For more information about CJ's, visit www.cjsonline.net.

---

Detorres Detectors, which sells metal detectors, mining equipment and other equipment as well as precious stones that can be made into jewelry, has expanded to rock tumblers, sand for them and other merchandise involved with the process.

The business is at 2008 S. 11th Ave. and open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 782-2480.

f=Abadi MT Cn Lt±

Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.