Federal agent with isle ties sets off on ‘Amazing Race’

Jamie Graetz, a 1996 graduate of Mid-Pacific Institute, is part of CBS’ "Amazing Race" reality series premiering its 20th season on Feb. 19. Graetz, 33, is teaming up with fellow federal agent Nary Ebeid, 32, and because both women list Los Angeles as their hometown, there’s been no mention of Graetz’s Hawaii ties.

They are one of 11 teams who will be globe-trotting in search of a million bucks.

In Graetz’s online bio, posted on the TV show’s website, she describes herself as "alive, loyal and thankful," and shares a little-known fact, about her proudest achievement: recovering from a gunshot wound. "When I was shot, the bullet shattered my right femur. I was close to losing my leg," she says. "I am most proud to be back at work and running again." …

PADDLING ON: TV producer and on-camera host Emme Tomimbang has been spending her island moments in recent months alongside hubby James Burns, the retired judge, providing care and support while he recuperates from health issues. While Emme has tabled her TV endeavors for several months, her "Emme’s Island Moments" special on "Ka‘ilila‘au‘s Canoe: A Journey of Spirit" has surfaced in the friendly skies, screening through March on Hawaiian Airlines’ mainland-to-Hawaii in-flight programming. Canoe builder Charlie Noland helped 280 Kaanapali Beach Hotel employees learn the ancient skill of fashioning a single-hull canoe to remember a young Maui boy, whose family donated the tree. The canoe is now an educational centerpiece and a living memorial. A DVD edition will be released this spring for sale at the hotel. …

HEART BEAT: Jordan Segundo, Hawaii’s first "American Idol" contestant, appears with Lani Misalucha in a special Valentine’s Day performance at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Magic of Polynesia Showroom, Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort. Call 971-4321 for reservations or go to laniinwaikiki.com. …

Another deal, surely to be a sell-out, is available at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener: A Valentine’s special, offering salad, porterhouse for two, sides and dessert at $104.12 per couple, is available from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at the Royal Hawaiian Center restaurant. A Wolfgang teddy bear, donning a logo apron, is included, while supplies last. Call 922-3600 or go to www.opentable.com. …

Over at Legends in Concert at Royal Hawaiian Center, every night is Valentine’s through the end of the month. Women taking in the show will get a red rose. Sorry, guys. …

And though Valentine’s Day dinner space is sold out at Chef Mavro, George Mavrothalassitis is offering a six-course Valentine’s Eve splurge Monday. The entree is a choice of lobster or lamb, and the $148 tariff includes Mavro’s Pavlova dessert. Call 944-4714 or go to www.chefmavro.com. …

TRADE WINDS: There was backstage buzz and tension during final dress rehearsals last week for Hawaii Opera Theatre’s "Don Pasquale," which continues with performances today and Tuesday at Blaisdell Concert Hall. According to Peter Dean Beck, scenic and lighting designer for the production, the orchestra stopped playing in the first act, with 38 seconds to go before completion, apparently due to union restrictions. Thus, one scene was omitted to suit the timetable, according to Beck. …

SHORTS OF SORTS: Aubrey Hawk, publicist for Manoa Valley Theatre for 14 years and more than 80 shows, is resigning effective March 16, and will be succeeded by Kristin Jackson. However, Hawk will continue her PR duties for Hono­lulu Theatre for Youth. …

ALOHA: Condolences to the family of Myrtle Lee, who died Jan. 30 at age 85. The longtime honcho of Amfac/Island Holidays, Lee was the rare woman championing the post-statehood Hawaii tourism and hospitality industry. As Cha Thompson of Tihati Productions said, "she gave Tihati the very first five-year contract at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel (most acts got year-to-year deals). She broke the mold. … That’s why we were there for 14 years. She was so proud of ‘her’ Polynesian revue." Thompson is handling entertainment for Lee’s celebration of life Friday, "to send her off in the fashion of pure love." …

And that’s "Show Biz." …

Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist; reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com; read his Show and Tell Hawaii blog at www.staradvertiser.com.