As Deborah Parcel flipped through scrapbooks of Press Banner clippings—from before the Valley Press and Scotts Valley Banner joined forces—she beamed with joy.
And that gratitude emanated from her cheery face as she took to the microphone March 21 to thank that evening crowd for celebrating 40 years of her business, Irish Eyes Beauty.
“I wanted to give you a party to tell you how much I appreciated everything,” she said, as if it were they to be recognized, not her. “Thank you so much for 40 years.”
She laughed about how she once introduced “dusty road” eyeshadow to play off an era of construction along Scotts Valley Drive.
Councilmember Jack Dilles struggled to contemplate just how much hair she’s cut over the years.
Melissa Walpole, the wife of Scotts Valley Police Department Chief Steve Walpole, won two different wine prizes in the raffle, in support of the Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild, but allowed another name to be drawn for the one donated by Councilmember Donna Lind.
Parcel presided over the Walpoles’ marriage back in the day in Yosemite—as far as the hair and makeup is concerned anyhow. And now she was reveling in the moment.
“I was so happy to be able to enjoy my (anniversary) with the community that has supported me for so many years,” she said.
Bill Flett, 78, and Claudine Flett, 71, said Parcel has been a good friend over the years.
Bill slipped her an envelope with a gift certificate inside.
“This is the way the Italians did it,” he told her.
Des Arvelas, a westside Santa Cruz resident and Irish Eyes client for four decades, handled event planning duties, which included inviting the Kerry Sheepdogs (and their bodhran—a traditional Irish drum).
Danny Reber, the executive director of the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, said it’s not often they get to celebrate a member’s 40th year in business—particularly given the hardships of recent years.
“Her industry is one that during Covid had to shut down,” he said. “She’s got a lot of stories to tell.”
Ben Lomond resident Greg Schmidt, 72, said he’s impressed by how Parcel has managed her business.
Jim Neff, a Scotts Valley Kiwanis and Theater Guild member, said he’s thankful that Parcel used her own celebration to raise money for their artistic endeavors.
“I’m really surprised how they’re providing snacks for everybody,” he said.
