Maxine Dehart

Straight from DeHart

Date: January 25 /2006

Coming Soon...

Joan Carver is the owner of a new day care centre, but it’s not for children. “Puppy Tails Daycare” is a full time day care for dogs, catering to Kelowna residents as well as tourists. Her day care is like an adventure camp for dogs, taking them on long walks on trails around their 5-1/2 acre property. They play fetch and lots of other games and the dogs even get a light grooming before they go back to their owners. She has a “no kennel” policy so the dogs feel like they are in their own home away from home. The service is available for working people who do not want to leave their dogs alone during the day or even if you are going on a vacation and need long service care. Free pick up and delivery service is available is most areas of the city. Call 878-0931 or 491-3118.

2006 is the 25^th year celebration for “Hospice”. Birgit Bennett has accepted the prestigious volunteer position of chair/coordinator of this signature event which will be held on Sunday, June 4. It will consist of a golf tournament, followed by a reception, fashion show, silent auction and live action at the Eldorado Hotel. Stay tuned for more info but if you would like to get a jump on attending or donating call Cindy Fairs, manager of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association at 763-5511 or Birgit at 764-0581.

“Avis Rent A Car” now has two locations in town. Their new location is 1634 Harvey Avenue with Gary Moir as the agency operator. They still operate their location at the Kelowna Airport . Call Gary at 469-6000.

Leanne Beler, former Courier Westside Weekly representative is now the new Capital News advertising consultant for “This Week on the Westside”

“Infusions Restaurant” at the KLO Campus at Okanagan College is again open for business for the season. It’s a great place to have either lunch (Monday to Friday) or dinner (Tuesday to Friday). Every fourth Friday (next one February 17) they offer a spectacular buffet. For the past four years, the restaurant has been operated by Culinary Arts Instructor Mike Barillaro and food services manager Susan Kane along with food service staff Zuzanna and Heather. I attended the dinner buffet last Friday evening and it was nothing less than magnificent. Culinary Arts students Brian, Sarah, Jessica, Josh, Connor, Jerome and Ashley did a fabulous job of the food and presentation. Along with all this, it’s very reasonable. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed. For reservations call 862-5455.

There’s a new product on the market that I think is superb. Kozy Shack, the leading manufacturer of all-natural puddings has a brand new “Tapioca” on the market with no sugar added. It’s sweetened with Splenda and has 34% less calories than their regular tapioca pudding. Splenda is getting to be very popular in the food industry and with the adverse effects that are proposed with other sweeteners Splenda is becoming the sweetener of choice for many. The puddings have only 90 calories per cup (113g) are gluten free, low cholesterol, low sodium and taste superb. It’s perfect for anyone trying to loose those extra pounds over the holidays, but still would like to have something good and tasty for a snack. I found out about the new Tapioca from Bernard Gauthier, National Sales Manager for Canada for Kozy Shack who was in Kelowna in early December. Everyone that has tried them has loved them. Kozy Shack has many other all-natural puddings such as Crème Caramel Flan, Cinnamon Raisin Rice, Creamy Banana and Real Chocolate. The Tapioca with Splenda is available at Maketplace IGA’s. www.kozyshack.com

Jenny’s Leather & Alternations has moved from 507 Lawrence Avenue to new premises at 1580 Ellis Street (next to Henderson Cleaners). Owned and operated for several years by Jenny Sulich she specializes in leather and fur repairs and her work is second to none. I had a briefcase for many years that had literally had it. I just couldn’t pitch it out even though I bought a new one that I really didn't like. I heard about Jenny and she did a fabulous job restoring it at a reasonable price. She does some alternations on regular clothing and also specializes in the special ordering of riding pants, chaps, leather jackets and regular leather clothing. Call 762-2462.

Congratulations to Lake City Casino receptionist Cheryl Craig and husband Todd on the birth of their first child, Ella on January 14.

One of the most prestigious and largest events of the year is coming up on March 9. The “Cops for Kids, RCMP Regimental Ball” is being held at Prospera Place featuring silent auction tables, Rusty Bracken auctioning off six key live auction items, entertainment featuring local singers and the Kelowna City Band and a fabulous gourmet four-course meal matched with award winning Okanagan wines that will round off the evening. Tickets are being sold either individually for $150 or as a table of six for $900 with two representatives of the RCMP joining each table. Response for tickets has been extremely strong and the committee had to increase the tables put forth for sale to accommodate the demand. There are still tickets available because of the increase in tables. Superintendent Bill McKinnon and Superintendent Don Harrison of the South East District are pleased that the local support for the event is strong, with the fund raising efforts going to the KGH Pediatric Apartment. Beryl Itani has come on board as the chair of the volunteers and the line-up of the board is nothing but impressive being Ken Thom as chairperson, Bart Dorssers, Brad Field, Grant Fletcher, Alex Fond, Superintendent Don Harrison, Gail Harrison, Beryl Itani, Mel Kotler, Robert Levin, Cst. Heather MacDonald, Ron Maclaren, Alison McNeill, Inspector Steve McVarnock, Sarah Nelems, Krista Noonan, Nan Pellatt, Gavin Parry, Dave Roseberry, Betti Smith, Kerry Solinsky and Paul van Drunen. I have been asked to be Honourary Chairperson and believe me, this is one of the greatest honours that could have ever been asked of me. I'm just thrilled to be involved. Please join us on March 9. Call 712-3056 or 712-3050 for tickets. It’s going to be the “event of the year in Kelowna ”. You can also call me for any information at 979-4546. I can’t wait.

The Minstrel Café & Bar owned and operated by Clare Anderson is inviting you to a wonderful February. On February 14 Ricky and the Lounge Cats are performing their jazzy, swing and blues tunes from 8:00pm to 11:30pm . Book your reservations from 5pm onward at 764-2301. The following Tuesday, February 21^st, our very own Robert Fine will be performing at 7pm with only a $5 entertainment charge. The last Tuesday, February 28^th, they are presenting their monthly “Classical Night” featuring a string quintet with members of the Okanagan Symphony featuring a gypsy Romaniac theme. You won’t want to miss these.

“Estate Planning 101” is a free information estate planning seminar sponsored by Interior Savings Wealth Management and Industrial Alliance Pacific on Wednesday, January 25 at the Westbank Holiday Inn at 7pm. Speakers are lawyer, Bob Bassett, C.A. Joe Maciel and insurance and financial advisor Doug McMechan with Interior Savings. RSVP to Interior Savings at 768-5162.

The popular “Wine and Dine Okanagan” is back again from January 20 to February 5 and its expanded. The B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association, in partnership with the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society and Sysco HRI Supply is presenting the event along with American Express. A record 57 of the valley’s hottest restaurants, many in Kelowna will be taking part in the event. This is a showcase of the region’s spectacular food and wine scene. All restaurants will be offering three course dinner menus for $15 or $25 complemented by suggested Okanagan wine pairings (taxes and drinks not included). It’s a great way to try a restaurant that you haven’t in the past or go back to one that you like. For a list of the participating restaurants and the menu’s click onto www.dininginbc.com and link to Wine and Dine Okanagan and then make your reservations. Its one event you will not want to miss.

The Okanagan Branch of the Canadian Authors Association is holding an in-depth manuscript critique workshop this Saturday, January 28^th from 1-4pm at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. The fee is $25 for non-members who are welcome to bring a manuscript of six pages maximum to be critiqued. For more info call 860-2022 www.caaokanaganwriters.org

Heritage Week is February 20-26. The Central Okanagan Heritage Society is again inviting nominations for their Annual Heritage Awards. There are six categories to choose from. Look around your neighborhood and nominate one of the Heritage buildings you feel may be eligible for an award. Nomination forms are available at all of the Library branches, Wine Museum , City Hall or by phone to 861-7188 and must be returned by February 9. For more info call Lorainne McLarty at 764-8651

Congratulations to Jack (OK Builders) and Christine Taylor (previously Mervyn Motors) on the birth of their daughter Annalei Grace on January 6.

Synergy Breakfast for Women are meeting at a new location. They are now at the Haven Family Restaurant at #2-605 KLO Road and will meet tomorrow morning, Thursday, January 26 at 7:30am . The guest speaker is Sandie Marsh who will speak on the topic of “Learn to Sleep Well”. RSVP to Lisa Jaffary at 861-5166.

L.A.Weight Loss Update - I finally saw the bus and even had my picture taken with it. It's really kind of neat, me rolling down the street. I'm down 42 pounds now and am starting stabilization and that's the real key to keeping the pounds off before starting maintenance. You have to find that happy medium where you know what you can eat on a daily basis to keep the weight off. I'm up to unlimited veggies, another dairy, two starches, etc. It's like heaven! So, we'll see what happens and I'll keep you informed. I finally bought some new clothes. Went on a shopping spree and bought 29 pieces. I had no choice as my friend and seamstress Ruth Hill told me she is "not" altering any more of my slacks and jackets. They are just way too big to alter (three-four sizes). I hear the CHBC-TV commercial turned out well and is fun too. Someone said to me. "It's just like you Max - jumping around!" I also visited by doctor Mike Shepherd and we looked in my file to see when the last time I was this weight. I was surprised to find out I have not been this weight since 1988. Scary eh! It's been a great ride with L.A.

Quote of the week – Why not go out on a limb, that’s where the fruit is. (Submitted by Melina Risby of The RunaRound)

Birthdays of the week:
- Happy 35^th Dave Russell, Raymond James (Jan.21)
- Happy 40^th Randy Jones, Viking Refrigeration (Jan.27)

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)