When we last heard from Matt Wood, the Fort Collins hunk named Cosmopolitan magazine's 2006 Bachelor of the Year, he was diving into his newfound fame by appearing on talk shows and posing for photo shoots.

Since then, Wood has realized his dream of opening an acting and filmmaking studio in Fort Collins and moved to L.A. to pursue his own showbiz career.

"I signed with a couple of talent agents and a manager, auditioned for a CSI, a couple of soap operas and a movie with Brooke Shields," Wood said. "I've had quite a few people that have encouraged me and have opened doors for me to have some opportunities."

The 26-year-old has gone out on several auditions, but no big bites yet, he said. Meanwhile, Wood maintains his job as a solutions consultant for Hewlett Packard and is keeping his house in Fort Collins.

"I know at any point in time I can pick up and leave L.A. if I'm tired of it and if it doesn't work out," he said.

Wood plans to return to his Colorado home this summer when acting camps start at his company, red42 Studios (classes listed at red42.org).

Meanwhile, Cosmopolitan is looking for the next Bachelor of the Year. Find instructions for entries, due to the maga- zine by April 30, at cosmopolitan .com/bachelors.

Wood has some advice for potential Cosmo men: "Make sure you have some good pictures and you look really good. If you want to win the whole thing, do everything you can to not be fake. Just have a great time with some really great people."

SAINT'S 60: "Saint" Connie Thomas, wife of former City Councilman Ed Thomas, was feted by her kids, grandkids and friends during a surprise 60th birthday party Tuesday at the Thomas home. Her official Big 6-0 was Thursday.

Among the 100-plus well-wishers were daughter Jennifer, grandchildren Arden and Jack, from Maryland, and son -Michael and his partner, Jared, from San Francisco.

"They call her St. Connie for being married to me for 37 years," the former councilman said. "In a civilized society, you don't get that much time for murder."

Connie, who fights the good fight against multiple sclerosis with dignity and strength, was floored by the outpouring of love. But many attendees would agree that she was even more shocked that Ed could pull off the party.

MAKE IT MCQUICK: The leprechauns at McClain Finlon Advertising will be a-wearin' the green today during the 11th annual McQuick St. Patrick's Day Parade, the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day for Busy Corporate Executives.

The 15-foot parade starts at noon sharp and ends at 12:25 p.m. Festivities include Irish- themed floats designed by McClain Finlon staff, mounted police, Irish dancers, and the Michael Collins Pipes and Drums Band.

Parade begins at 2340 Blake St. (corner of Blake and Park Avenue West). McQuestions: 303-856-8161.

JEWEL'S JEANS: Singer, songwriter and Grammy nominee Jewel headlines Jeans & Jewel, an April 14 concert and fundraiser for The Kempe Foundation for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect at The Wells Fargo Theatre in the Colorado Convention Center.

Get tickets (concert only or a package that includes dinner at one of 10 Larimer Square restaurants) at kempe.org/jeansand jewel. A free shuttle will transport diners to the Convention Center.

EAVESDROPPING: On a man talking about his friend's ex-husband: "He uses oxygen that someone else could utilize better."

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail parkerp@RockyMountainNews.com.