Maxine Dehart

Straight from DeHart

Date: April 18/2007

They’ve done it again! Kelowna takes the lead in all of Canada in the life insurance industry. Terry Wardrop, CLU, MGA (Managing General Agent) of Industrial Alliance Pacific Insurance and Financial Service (I.A. Pacific Life) has been named #1 Life Insurance MGA for all of Canada for I.A. Pacific Life. He has been in Kelowna for over 18 years and in the industry well over 40 years. If that wasn’t enough news, one of Terry’s associates, local well-known financial planner Jeff Moffat of Moffat and Associates was awarded #1 overall life agent producer for I.A. Pacific Life for all of Canada. Jeff has been in the industry over 15 years. Terry and Jeff have both been #1 in their respective categories for I. A. Pacific Life for several years. Call 762-2421

Rob Belanger, general manager of Arby’s Restaurant on Harvey is moving on…to Prince George that is, on April 28. After ten years at Arby’s, Rob has accepted a great new management position with BLCO Group and is going to be the new area manager of four KFC’s; three in Prince George and one in Vanderhoof. Although we will all miss him, this is an excellent opportunity. Call 763-0006

Roxy Paul is the new general manager of Arby’s, taking over for Rob Belanger. Roxy has been with Arby’s for 17 years.

The Kelowna Rose and Garden Centre owned and operated by Henriette and John Faber at 1779 Rutland Road N. has expanded. Besides being well known for their fresh cut roses for the past nine years, they have expanded and now offer a new full service garden centre as well. They grow thousands of bedding plants and many hanging baskets. They also carry a good selection of perennials, potted roses, patio pots, soil, fertilizers and garden ornaments. In May and June they will be open seven days a week from 9am-6pm. Call 491-ROSE (7673).

“Kettle Valley Tapas Bar & Grill” has opened in The Village of Kettle Valley. Owned and operated by Mario de Losada, Chris Easton, Kerry Ward and Liz Summerton, the restaurant has 65 seats and a lovely patio. The decor is upscale chic, but with a casual feel. In saying that, it also has a warm and comfortable atmosphere. They serve lunch and dinner, with chef’s signature features every day. Chef Dennis Lowen has put together a great and varied and unique menu ranging from "tapas from around the world” with local ingredients to salads and main courses featuring chicken mushroom rotini, tiger prawns or chicken spinach risotto or seared salmon and crab ravioli. Lunch features salads, tapas, sandwiches and pasta. The owners are not new to the industry, previously owning restaurants in the lower mainland. They are open seven days a week. Call 764-0833

More news in the golf industry. Glen Erickson, formerly of Edmonton has joined the new golf management team at the Shannon Lake Golf Club as senior golf shop assistant and teaching professional. Glen and his wife Gay also operated “A Casual Escape B&B” in Westbank. Call Glen at 768-4653 or the B&B at 768-0331.

Shawn Paduano is the new head golf professional at Predator Ridge Golf Resort hailing from St. Eugene Golf Resort in Cranbrook. Another new face is Sean Richardson, director of instruction at the Predator Ridge Golf Academy. He most recently was the Provincial Coach of the BCGA and previous to that was the Regional Coach with the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

There’s a new company in town that specializes in esthetics and massage. “NV Beauty Ltd.” owned and operated by Brenda Leong and Natalie Lakovic is located in a brand new center on the Westside at #104 - 1195 Industrial Road. The new shop is bright and well appointed. Their esthetic services include acrylic and gel nails, nail art, manicures, pedicures, waxing, eye treatments and tanning. They also specialize in massage, ranging from a 30 minute tension release to a 60 minute full body massage along with aromatherapy. They also have stand up and lay down tanning booths and carry a wide selection of products, body jewellery and accessories, including some really fun purses. Swim suits are coming soon. They are open Tuesday to Saturday. Call 769-4119.

Previously with Quail’s Gate Winery as their on-site sales manager for five years, Katja Oldendorf has moved on and is the new assistant director of food services at UBC Okanagan.

“Driving Miss Daisy” is a new company in town, and it doesn’t have anything to do with a movie. The company owned and operated by franchisee Elyse Selig provides assistance, accompaniment and transportation services to seniors and those with disabilities. This is a door-to-door service that allows those with limited mobility, impaired vision and illnesses, to remain mobile and independent with the respect and dignity that they so deserve. The company only uses P.T. Cruisers and Chevy HHR’s. Clients will be secure, safe and well cared for on their outings; every time they call they will get the same driver and the same car, their slogan being “Ride with a friend, not a stranger.” Driving Miss Daisy was founded and launched by Bev Halisky in Edmonton on January 1/2002. Bev “hand-picks” all her Daisies and has expanded to 15 franchises and 25 vehicles in Western Canada. Call 860-3272

Special thanks to pharmacist Robert Dalke, BSc (Pharm) of Shoppers Drug Mart in Orchard Park for his exceptional service and caring.

The Kelowna Hotel Motel Association is hosting a giant garage sale to benefit the United Way on Saturday, April 21 from 9am-1pm in the rear parking lot of the Ramada Hotel, 2170 Harvey Avenue. Secure Rite is also a sponsor of the event. There will be everything from lamps to couches and everything in-between at unbelievable prices Don’t miss out.

Larry and Bernie Koftinoff’s popular local “Sunshine Market” on Lakeshore Road is having a grand-reopening to celebrate their expansion and new look. Head chef Chris Stamcoff and his crew of chefs have expanded the “Gourmet to Go” section of the store and taken the department to a new level providing fresh home cooked entrees, soups, salads and side dishes. The dishes are always fresh and always different, available from Wednesday to Sunday. They also offer a hot lunch program. The deli has been expanded with new equipment and bakery manager Karen Ramsay brings her scratch baking skills to the market. I’m told she bakes amazing fat free banana bread. Open seven days a week. Call 764-7344

After ten years of successful business, Karen Murphy’s Express Gift Baskets Inc. is expanding their market with the launch of “CookieExpress.ca.” The new kitchen is built and orders are coming in. Partnering up with friend Jenny Finley to start Cookie Express, there seemed to be a consumer demand for shippable gifts under $50. They came to the conclusion that fresh baked cookies were the answer to the growing corporate gift market. Customers can go online 24/7 and order fresh baked cookies to be shipped overnight anywhere in Canada as an affordable way of thanking a customer for their business or sending a tasty congratulations note. Orders that are placed for shipping before 9am are baked and packaged the same day. Local orders can often be shipped same day within the city. Gifts start as low as $26.95 with minimal shipping rates. The cookies are delicious and I was very impressed with the lovely packaging. Call 448-9981 or www.CookieExpress.ca

Lillie Louise Major is a free-lance photographer from Vancouver. She specializes in wedding, portraiture, editorial and stock photography. Working with some of the finest wedding, fashion and advertising photographers in Vancouver she now brings her new business to Kelowna. Blending digital technology with classic methods and a modern eye she brings a fresh perspective in her work. Some of her work can be seen in upcoming issues of Okanagan Live Magazine or check out her website at www.lillielouisephotographer.com Call 718-6512 or louisemajor@shaw.ca

L.A. Weight Loss is hosting a celebration open house the week of April 23. There will be lots going on with prizes and Heather Adams live on location with SILK-FM. There will be a 25% discount on premier programs and great product discounts. I’ll be dropping in and out. Call 862-2606

The Okanagan Military Museum Society has elected a new Board of Directors for 2007. The new board is Bob Hadgraft, president (Naval Veterans Assoc.); Vince Bezeau, vice-president (member at large); Jack Dangerfield, treasurer (member at large); David Anderson (British Columbia Dragoons); Denis Cyr (British Columbia Dragoons Whizzbang Assoc.); Art Hine (Kelowna Naval Veterans Assoc.); Howard Hisdal (British Columbia Dragoons); Everett Jarvis (Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans); Robert McKellar (Royal Canadian Legion); John Ponte (Air Force Assoc. of Canada); Syd Pratt (Royal Canadian Legion); Paul Seguna (North Okanagan & Canadian Forces Liaison); Sharon Simpson (member at large); David Snyder (South Okanagan/British Columbia Whizzbang Assoc.); Ray Sowerby (Air Force Assoc. of Canada) and Tom Wolf (member at large).

Here’s a perfect way to spend this Sunday, April 22, while helping the BC Cancer Foundation raise funds to support The Bone Marrow Outreach Clinic at the BC Cancer Agency. Book your spot today to avoid disappointment by calling Total E’clips at 764-8117. There are three “Starlight Selection” packages to choose from; Buff and Polish, Soothe and Soften and/or Head-to-Toe. Each package is $150 and includes champagne and canapés served by celebrity hosts, with some light entertainment. All Starlight Selections will receive a Swag Bag, free fluff and sparkle hairdo and makeup refresher. Limited spots are available. The salon and staff have donated the entire day to the event and Debbie MacMillan was the organizer. Along with all this, Bruce Davies of CKOV is waxing his legs for pledges of $5,000, which he already has. A very brave man-ouch! Alex Fong is donating art and Tom Budd with wine and unique auction items.

This is really neat. Nick Cosentino of Nick-n-Willy’s Take-n-Bake Pizza has a brother who is going to be on Iron Chef America, this Sunday, April 22. Chris is an executive chef of San Francisco’s Incanto, where he cooks in an earthy rustic Italian style.

The Kelowna Farmers & Crafters Market has opened for its 12^th season and was proud to be nominated for the Business Excellence Award in 2006. They run every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am-1pm until the end of October on the corner of Dilworth and Springfield. This year, they have also added a Thursday evening market that will open on Thursday, June 7 from 4pm-8pm and run every Thursday under the end of September. The market is looking for a retired professional to join the board. Call Bob Callioux at 878-5029

There will be a major fund raising event on Thursday, April 26 at Rutland Senior Secondary, featuring internationally and locally well-known comedian Herb Dixon. The proceeds raised will be split 50/50 between the RSS-2007 Grads and the Jessica Jack Memorial Bursary Fund. Doors open at 7pm, show at 7:30pm. For more info call Don Jack at 317-4650.

The Exceptional Service Under the Sun annual breakfast is being held this Friday, April 20^th at 7:30am at the Royal Anne Hotel on Bernard Avenue. Tickets available for only $20 at the Chamber office or call 861-1515, ext. 21.

The Kelowna Lioness is hosting an open house on Sunday, April 22 from 2-4pm at the Copperstone Gate Condo meeting room at 933 Harvey Avenue. There will be free refreshments. Reservations Lenore Rush 868-6790 or Sue Kuipers 764-4740.

Quote of the week – Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. (Oscar Wilde)

Birthday of the week – Happy 60^th Susan Steen, C.E.O. of United Way. (May 3). I am telling everyone now, as Susan will be away for her birthday. She’s a good sport! Also Happy 50^th to Lynn Kratzer on April 21 (I’m not sure if she’s going to be a good sport about this!)

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)