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Malibu Grand Prix and Laser Tag have been operating at on Stremel Road (just off Hwy 97 N.) since 1985. Owned and operated by the Prowse family and managed by Darren Prowse, the business now has a new fleet of ten brand new state-of-the-art “Malibu” brand cars that are from the U.S. The cars are great for both kids and adults. Malibu also offers speed ball/paint ball in a closed arena. It’s a great place for corporate events, all kinds of parties and even stages and stagette’s. Fat Daddy’s Pizza will also be opening shortly at the race track by Paul St. Pierre, who operated a pizza outlet in downtown Kelowna for many years. Malibu is open seven days a week. Call 250-765-1434
Giovanni Lauretta’s popular coffee spot “Giobean Espresso” has moved a couple of doors down the street to new premises at 1320 Water Street (formerly 1340 Water Street). The new shop has been completely renovated, is brighter, considerably larger, has a lovely patio and is open seven days a week. The outside patio is now looks and feels just like a Piazza in Italy.
Well-known financial guy Rennie Wutke, Senior Account Manager – Commercial Banking at Valley First on Bernard Avenue is celebrating his 20th Anniversary with the company. Rennie formerly was with HSBC before joining Valley First. Call 250-860-1900
A first in the valley, “Color Me Mine” franchise has opened at #2 - 1470 Harvey Avenue (beside Cora’s). Owned and operated by Kerri and Rob Visnjak, this paint-it-yourself ceramic studio is all about the art of having fun. Here’s how it works. Step 1: Pick the ceramic piece you would like to paint; Step 2: Plan your one-of-a-kind design; Step 3: Select colors to paint with; Step 4: Have fun painting; Step 5: They glaze and fire it for you; Step 6: Pick up your finished piece (in about seven days) and enjoy. There are hundreds of pieces to choose from in different categories including pets, kids, Disney, cups, kitchen, décor and garden. All finished pieces are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. They also offer paint workshops for kids and adults along with classroom auction projects, corporate team building, fundraising for schools, summer workshops and birthday parties. Call 250-861-4FUN www.kelownacolormemine.com
The contact info for Luanne Chore, new Senior Manager, Business Development at Grant Thornton, LLP is 250-712-6864 or Luanne.Chore@ca.gt.com
After 33 years in the RCMP, eight of those in Kelowna, Inspector Cam Forgues is retiring on June 1. He is going to enjoy life and do what he likes best - ride his motorcycle, golf and travel. I first met Cam on the steps of the local RCMP office in Kamloops. I was going into the office and he was coming out (Cam held the door for me as my hands were full with cookies) and we started chatting. I asked him who he was and he told me he was being transferred to Kelowna. What good luck for us! We have been friends ever since.
Formerly with The Bug Man for five years, Kurt Wallman is now the owner/operator of his own pest control business, Budget Pest Solutions. Providing both residential and commercial properties with professional, timely and efficient bug service for a fair price, Kurt is a fully government licensed technician servicing the Okanagan, offering free quotes. He specializes in eradicating and controlling “odorous ants, mice, bird and wildlife solutions or any other pest problems you might encounter. Call 250-718-8000 or lessbugs@telus.net; www.budgetpestsolutions.net
This year’s Honoree at the “United Way Dinner of Distinction” being held on November 15th is Paul Demay, Regional Director for Investors Group. Over the years, Paul has been on the board of United Way, eventually becoming both board and campaign chair.
The Okanagan Sun Football Club in partnership with Craig Wynsouw and Karol Sokolowski have opened a retail store, offering all Sun fan gear, including clothing memorabilia and seasons tickets. Located at 1278 Ellis Street, the grand opening is Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fans are invited to join the team and Geroy Simon for a BBQ beginning at 4 p.m. Call 250-215-1099 or craig@overtimeathletics.ca
With 22 years under his belt with the City of Kelowna, David Graham, Director of Strategic Initiatives is retiring at the end of September. David has helped create and transform many of the recreation and cultural programs that the City has today. He is going to enjoy climbing mountains, doing a little consulting work and bike riding on our new City bike lanes.
Well-known major home fashion consultant at The Bay, Kam Mann is relocating to the lower mainland and is transferring to The Bay, Metro Town in Burnaby on May 18. Kam has been with The Bay Kelowna for seven years and will be in the same department in Metro Town.
The Central Okanagan Community Gardens (COCG) 2012 Board of Directors are Ruth Mellor (president); Becky Vien (secretary); Alain Frenoi (treasurer), Georgiann Kasdorf (newsletter editor); and Sandy James (project coordinator). Member of the board are Roxana Adams, Teresa Banka, Nathalie Begin, Christina Elliot, Bob McCoubrey, Denise Taylor, Rebecca Kaus, Marnie Vanstone, Cori Forner, Darla Wiebe and Kate Bergen. Outgoing board members are Doris Major, Betty Gal and Barbara Bowmar.
Kelowna pilot and businessman, Braden Messenger has been recognized with the Spirit of Hope Award as an important part of Hope Air’s success in the organization’s mission of providing free flights to low-income Canadians getting to specialized healthcare that does not exist in their local communities. Braden received the Distinguished Volunteer Pilot Award reflecting 18 flights flown since 2007; donating his time, expertise as a pilot, the use of his aircraft and a significant portion of flight expenses. He has racked up a total of 2,964 nautical miles and 26.6 hours in the air on behalf of Hope Air clients. www.hopeair.org
New Life Concrete is a new company that repairs, rejuvenates and protects concrete pool decks, pools, patio decks, driveways and walkways. The company, owned and operated by Ryan Dore and Greg Ford, also installs new concrete for all construction projects including patios, retaining walls, pool decks, driveways and walkways. New Life converts vinyl-topped decks into gorgeous concrete finishes and can also resurface, beautify and protect concrete with a micro topping application that is actually a polymer resin, three times stronger than concrete. It can be applied to any trowel effect desired and coloured with multiple colours to add depth. All their projects are protected by a sealed membrane system with an anti-slip component. The installation product cannot be permeated by oil and spills are easily cleaned. The product resists cracking and masks existing floor cracks. They offer a 25 year workmanship guarantee based on their maintenance program and stay abreast of the latest technologies and techniques in concrete treatments and protection. Bring new life into your old concrete and add value to your home. Layne Clarke is the sales manager at 250-0869-7723 or layne@newlifeconcretebc.com; www.newlifeconcretebc.com
Pioneer physician Dr. Walter Anderson has been honoured posthumously with the dedication of a new building at KGH. The clinical support building will now be known as the “Dr. Walter Anderson Building” in recognition of his significant contribution to the community, as both a physician and a philanthropist.
Big thanks to both Keela Martinson and Bryan Williams of Original Joe’s on Pandosy for their exceptional customer service.
StarDyne Technologies of Kelowna has improved its ranking to 109th on the Branham300 list for 2011 from a solid 114 for the past two fiscal years. The list is the most comprehensive and trusted source of information on the Health of the Canadian Information and Communications Technology Industry. Brad Imrich is the CFO and VP Finance of the company. Brad.imrich@stardynetech.com
M&M Meal Shops Charity BBQ Day for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC) is Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all three locations (Mission Park, Hwy 97 and West Kelowna) with every penny raised going to the CCFC. Brett Irving of the Mission Park store and volunteers (me included) will grill hamburgers and hot dogs to help meet the national goal of $1.5 million. While you are there, and for one day only, their popular Salt and Pepper or Honey BBQ wings will be on sale for only $6.99. While you are there, pick up their two new super products; Four Corners Grilled Vegetable Pizzas with gourmet multigrain thin crust and Lemon Blueberry Tart. The tart is a European style dessert made with a refreshing lemon filling on a shortbread crust, topped with wild blueberries. A Mother’s Day treat! See you there.
Rutland Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop at 140 Douglass Road N. is holding a storewide sale from May 14 – 19 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with all proceeds to KGH.
Fund raising event “Love for Lilee” (Lilee Jean Putt-Whittle) who is 15 months old and now on her sixth round of chemo for brain cancer is May 20th at McCulloch Station Pub from 6 p.m. until closing. Tickets are $30 for a burger and first beverage. There will be three live bands; one of which Lilee’s father is the lead singer. They will also have two trips for auction and sports memorabilia. Tickets at McCulloch Station or from Sarah Lindsay at 250-869-5602 or s.lindsay68@yahoo.com
Anna Jacyszyn has a very special Jazz Café presentation on May 18 at the Black Box. Alta saxophonist Dylan Cramer and his quartet will be bringing to the stage technical brilliance along with creative interpretations that are intense, yet sensitive. Call Anna for reservations at 250-763-6141 or email fabulousPR@gmail.com
The correct time for the Community Document Shredding Event is Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Crown Packaging parking lot (2092 Enterprise Way).
I mentioned Alan Dolman’s birthday on April 25, but did not know he was “65” so now I am telling everyone.
Birthdays of the week – Happy 60th Lynn Hamilton (May 13); Allan McPhee (Today, May 10); Bjorn Oldendorf, Delta Grand (May 10); Bruce Henderson (May10); Laurie Anne Livingstone, Save On Foods (May 11); Arnie Schneider, Schneider, Sample, Ohlmann (May 13); Stan Martindale, Ramada Hotel (May 16); Michael Dorsel (May 16); In memory of our father, Edward Abram (May 16).
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546, fax 250-860-3173, E-mail maxdehart@telus.net and web-site www.welcometokelowna.com (click on Columns and then Maxine DeHart).
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