Maxine Dehart

Straight from DeHart

Date: February 1/2006

Coming Soon...

This week’s column is dedicated to our special friend Mary Leask who recently passed away. Mary was the kindest person you could ever meet and our fondest memories of her were on our trip to Japan . Mary was the spark and going concern of the group and she will be dearly missed by all.

Well-known former TELUS Mobility guy Tom Light has decided he is not quite ready for full retirement and is following his dream. Tom has started his own consulting firm “On Track Marketing”. His approach to the market is unique as it is the focus of his company to work with young entrepreneurs who are either thinking of going into business, or in the early, most often struggling, years of their new venture. On Track Marketing will provide the business development techniques, resources and guidance for the enhancement and successful financial growth for small business entrepreneurs who have the potential and desire to get on track and stay on track. Call him at 868-2337, 470-8855, visit www.ontrackmktg.com or e-mail info@ontrackmktg.com

The Capital News has a new advertising sales manager. Jason Tansem has been promoted and relocated from Lethbridge , Alberta where he was with one of the Capital News’ sister papers. Call him at 979-7327.

This is great news. Darcy Smith, manager of Sears Department Store for the past ten years has received a huge promotion and will now be the manager of both Sears and Sears Home in Orchard Park Mall. Brian Tull, former Sears Home manager has been transferred to Richmond . Call Darcy at 860-3682.

Joy Cobain who has relocated from Calgary is the new manager of Jordan ’s in the Kelowna Crossing Centre on Highway 97.

Pamela Scott’s “Urban Hut Design” has relocated their shop to 516 West Avenue from #1-2925 Pandosy Street (beside Blenz Coffee and Beadiful Arts). The swanky new shop has been expanded to 1,200 sq. ft. Along with the new digs and ever popular items such as Bauer pottery, stone heaters and soy candles, they now have imported mouth-blown glassware, wine glasses, water goblets and champagne flutes imported from Italy with Urban Hut being the only retailer in Canada carrying this line. They also carry Barnwood art mirrors, wine racks, chalkboards, frames and roosters, along with custom made hand crafted furniture in a mid-century modern style, shelving units, car-carts, end tables and sideboards. Bridal Registry is available. Call 763-4301 www.urbanhutdesign.com

Encore Printing, formerly of 1916 Spall Road has moved to their new premises at #1-1980 Bredin Road , just across from their Spall Road location. The only thing that has changed is their street address, with all other contact information being the same. Bryan Carlton is the owner of Encore and Debbie Smith the manager. Call 862-8560 www.encoreprinting.com

Rhonda Dallmann, formerly of Pearson Road Elementary School is the owner of a new business “Okanagan Stitch’n’Go” at #108-3677 Highway 97 North (just before Reid’s corner). The company does custom commercial embroidery and specialize in school uniforms, along with team, corporate wear, shirts, caps, jackets, crests, logos and monogramming. They also offer silk screening and will special order top of the line apparel, with school uniforms already in stock. They stock a full line of samples and catalogues to choose from. All equipment is new state-of-the-art machinery and Rhonda prides herself in “speedy service”. Call 491-4470.

Five-year esthetician, Amanda Corkin, formerly of Beyond Rapture has started her own business, opening a Day Spa out of her own home, “Timeless Serenity Day Spa”. She is well versed in the esthetician field offering waxing, pedicures, facials, manicures, massages, makeup, tinting and everything in-between. This is neat. She also offers mobile services for the people that would like the service in their own home, which opens the spa experience for the elderly and women who do not like the big spa atmosphere. Her prices are reasonable, she does not skimp on services and offers full service and extra care. She feels the average person should be able to treat themselves and feel like royalty for a day. Call 215-3578 www.timelessserenity.net

Once again, Sleep Country Canada has been voted one of Canada ’s Best Employers in 2006. They moved up seven spots overall to 13^th and are ranked 9^th for medium businesses. Hey are also the highest ranked retailer on the list. Our local Sleep Country Canada at 2031 Harvey Avenue is collecting food to help the local Salvation Army Food Bank as their food reserves are low. If you can help, drop off canned goods and non-perishable items at the store until February 19. Rae Fraine is the local manager of the store. Call 762-4633.

You just won’t believe the accessories you can purchase for dogs these days and “Posh Pup” owned and operated by Kristy Carruthers located in a kiosk in Orchard Park (by the new Guess and American Eagle) has it all. They carry the hippest fashions, hottest toys and tastiest gourmet treats. You can purchase booties, sweaters, collars personalized with Swarovski crystal letters (for any size dog), carriers (airline approved) first aid kids for dogs, Roots brand clothes and designer squeaky toys like Chewy Vuiton, Sniffany & Company and Chuicy. The neatest product is treats that you “share” with your dog like ginger cookie bark. I tasted it and believe me it is superb. I don’t even have a dog, but after visiting the kiosk I wanted to purchase one of everything. They have so many fun things. Kristy has a website which is how she got started which is www.poshpup.ca or call her at 979-7911 or better yet just drop by.

Okanagan College has a new Dean, responsible for the Central Okanagan region. Heather Schneider brings with her an extensive resume in post-secondary education, having served as a Dean or Director at the College of the Rockies for the past 12 years. Since June, 2003, Schneider has been Dean of Instruction and Director of Development at the Institution.

Rutland McDonald’s Restaurant at 155 North Hollywood Road has a complete new inside look with all their renovations now completed. They’ve got everything including a Plasma TV and fireplace. They will be celebrating with activities from February 15-18. Drop by and see what’s happening.

Stantec Inc. a world-renowned design firm will join HMA Architects in the sponsoring of Okanagan College ’s popular annual Spaghetti Bridge Building Contest. The contest draws contestants from around the world and is in its 23^rd year. It takes place Friday, March 3 at the Kelowna Campus at 1000 KLO Road . More than 150 students are expected to participate in HMA Architect’s World Heavyweight Competition, the Stantec Team Building Competition as well as the individual and elementary school demonstration categories.

Last week I wrote about Kozy Shack’s new “Tapioca” pudding with Splenda. I just tried their two new puddings “Chocolate” and “Rice” also sweetened with Splenda and they’re great. The puddings have far less calories than their regular puddings and you certainly wouldn’t know they are not sweetened with sugar. After reading the label and tasting them, a diabetic friend of mine, Jim Lanyon told me they are also perfect snacks for diabetics, let alone people who are trying to watch their calories. Marketplace IGA carries the product.

This could be interesting. Dr. David Wikenheiser is holding an information session on February 8 at 7pm at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre on “Lipo Reduction without the Suction”. You can learn how to say goodbye to your love handles without surgery as Dr. Wikenheiser’s “Meso Plan” shows how to remove stubborn body fat and rejuvenate the skin on your face. Call 762-8900 for more info. Registration is at 6:45pm .

The 27^th Annual Heart & Stroke Breakfast is Thursday, February 2 at the Coast Capri Hotel. It’s always a fun way to start your day and February Heart Month. Don’t worry, as MC I’ll get you to work on time. Many community officials and businesses are attending, along with Andy & T.J. of 101-5 SILK FM as your morning hosts. Mayor Sharon Shepherd and the City Councilors have a special surprise and it’s going to be a fun filled morning. There’s still a few tickets left so call 860-6275 if you’d like to attend.

Put on your finest gown and good jewelry, press your suit or tux and get ready for Ballet Kelowna’s 4^th Annual “Valentine’s Masked Ball” on February 11 at the Coast Capri Hotel. And, don’t forget your dancing shoes. Don’t despair about getting a beautiful mask. You can purchase one of the hand made ones at the door and you’re all set. The fund-raising event offers a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with some glitz, romance and a hint of mystery as all guests wear their masks for the first part of the evening. Not to say you can’t keep them on all evening. I might just do that. There’s a live and silent auction (I’m doing the live auction) with fabulous items, one being a lunch for four at Ric's Grill with our new Mayor, Sharon Shepherd. There will be a performance by the Ballet Kelowna dancers as well as some special surprise guests. A delicious four course meal will be served with wine at every table and a decadent dessert. Then you can dance those calories away with the Michael Garding Big Band. Call 762-6105 or Christine Wolter at 317-1792 for tickets. It’s going to be an evening to remember!

Hal Spelliscy, the Glenmore Edward Jones investment representative is hosting a seminar titled “Smart Women Finish Rich” on March 9^th at 6pm at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre. The seminar is based on the New York Times best selling book of the same name, written by David Bach and is for women who want to learn how to improve the quality of their financial lives right away. Specific tools are introduced to help women understand how to create wealth and secure a financial future. The seminar is free but reservations are required. Call 861-4971

“Shirley Valentine” opens February 9-26 at The Kelowna Actors Studio and there is a special performance on Valentine’s Evening. Also, if you mom and dads are looking to keep your kids busy during March break, The Spring Break Theatre Camps one-half day and full day camps are available March 13-24 for ages 7-12. www.kelownaactorsstudio.com or call 862-2867

Kelowna Women and Business will meet on February 8 at the Coast Capri Hotel for a luncheon featuring Alexandra Krieger who will share tips on how to prepare and deliver a great presentation. Register on-line at www.kwib.ca or call 861-4266.

My L.A. Weight Loss Update this week if solely dedicated to Kathy Seidlitz of Green Gables Day Care who was the first L.A. Weight Loss client in Kelowna to lose 100 pounds, yes 100 pounds. She actually has lost 102 pounds and reached her goal. It took her just under one year to lose it and man, does she deserve credit. Congrat’s Kathy.

Quote of the week – Much ingenuity with a little money is vastly more profitable and amusing than much money without ingenuity. ( Arnold Bennett) Submitted by Dave Hodgkinson-Rapid Printing.

Birthday of the week:
- Happy 50^th John Gardner (Feb.4)
- Happy 70^th Wally Watling (Feb.4)

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna hotelier. Phone her at 979-4546, fax 860-3173, E-mail maxdehart@telus.net and web-site www.welcometokelowna.com (click on Business)