Maxine Dehart

Straight from DeHart

Date: December 19/2007

This is a really cool store and one that you won’t want to miss before Christmas. It’s new, funky, classy, fresh and fun. “jammeez pajamas, etc. inc.” has just opened in the Spall Plaza at 112-1950 Harvey Avenue (by Ruby’s Restaurant). The store is owned by Michelle Paulhus Walts, who relocated from Saskatoon to open the first franchise out of that area. As the name says, “etc.” suggests that they carry more than just pajamas. They also carry spa wraps, handbags, wallets, cosmetic cases, sport and duffle bags and beach and shopping totes for both kids and adults, and are certainly not what we would say are ordinary. They come in the neatest selection of colours, patterns and sizes; even polka dots. They also have a good selection of costume jewellery and fashion accessories. The pajamas are the famous “Frankie & Johnny” brand originated on the “Oprah Winfrey Show”. These are not like the old-fashioned pj’s we used to wear. They are stylist, modern and come in a large array of patterns. Some even have contoured waists. The robes are incredibly soft and cuddly. They are now taking orders for kid’s pj’s for spring and Valentines Day. The newly renovated store boasts chocolate brown accented with hot pink and lime green, which in itself is refreshing. A perfect place to shop for that last minute unique Christmas gift. Call 448-5263 www.jammeez.ca

Long-time Kelowna resident and well-known chartered accountant, Barry Carter of Meyers Norris Penny is retiring May 31/2008 after 38 years as a practicing accounting. Kathy Abel, CA who has worked for the firm since 1994 and is a partner will be taking over for him. Kathy has worked with Barry for the past four years as part of their succession planning. They will be busy over the next few months making personal introductions and ensuring that their clients business will continue to receive the same attention as always. Also Happy Birthday to Barry who will be 58 on the 27^th of December. Call 763-8919 barry.carter@mnp.ca

Well-known insurance guy Dave Shiskin has sold his interest in his long-time company, Southern Insurance at 204-1500 Banks Road (beside Starbucks in Home Depot Mall). David was the last working member of his family, who originally started and owned Southern Insurance since 1972, previously located on Ellis Street for many years. David has sold his interest in the company to AXIS Insurance of Vancouver who specializes in commercial and general home insurance. During the past few years, he was in partnership with Kim Warawa and Mike Newman who have been running Southern’s successful auto division. Both will remain partners with AXIS, business as usual. Call 763-4225

Had the opportunity to try "Taki Japanese Grill" at #102-115 Roxby Rod (across from Cooper's Foods on Hwy. 33). The restaurant is owned and operated by Xuan Tran, Joe Tran and Dang Tran and An Tran is the floor manager. It was fabulous. The food was fresh, well presented and the service was excellent. After turkey, turkey, turkey it might be nice to have something a little different and if you like Japanese or if you would like to try it for the first time, it's the place to go. Make a reservation as it’s fairly small. Call 765-8828

There have been several promotions at Vedanta Academy. Congrat’s to Candence Trites who has been promoted to Principal and Cindy Belliveau has been promoted to Director of Instruction and Director of Special Education. Leha Ward has been promoted to a co-administrator and Krista Braeuer is now in the main office. The Academy is approaching 160 students, Grade 2-12 and they are actively working on expanding their services as well as looking for larger facilities. Mike Guzzi is the VP and Director of Program Development. Call 868-8861

The EDC has new industry sector representatives on their 2008 board. Congrat’s to Guy Gaiser (Life Sciences); Larry Smith (Technology); Mike Gilmore, (Skilled Professional); Brad Field (Manufacturing) and Alison Yesilcimen (Communications).

Well-known pizza place “Vern’s Pizza” located at 1959 Harvey Avenue (across from London Drugs in the Northgate Centre) has new owners, a new logo, new graphics and design and new colours. Along with this, new owners Garry and Cathy Gelech have renovated the entire shop boasting their new colours. Vern’s Pizza is a franchise with its head office in Saskatoon. They have seating for about 12 people, along with their famous great take-out service and delivery, offering pizza by the slice or in 10, 12, 15 and 18 inch (yes 18 inch) sizes. One neat new pizza they are offering is “Vern’s Lite” which I have tried. It’s made with the same delicious crust as their original thick pizza with the same great taste, just less toppings. They also sell snacks and appetizers, salads, lasagna trays and combo platters for one or two. They are open seven days a week. Call 860-8005; Kelowna@vernspizza.com; www.vernspizza.com

Sunshine Dreams for Kids is now officially called “Sunshine Foundation Dreams for Kids”.

Paragon Pharmacies Limited announced that it has entered into a purchase and sale agreement to acquire all of the assets of Westcoast Central Fill Ltd. from Westcoast and its parent, Catalyst Healthcare Ltd. Westcoast is located in Kelowna and carries on the business of providing pharmacy services to assisted living and long-term care residents in Kelowna and Richmond. The total cost of the purchase was $5,750,000 subject to adjustments. Paragon is headquartered in Kelowna and owns and operates 18.5 retail pharmacies and two home healthcare stores in Western Canada. Craig Cameron is the president and CEO of the company. Call 491-3936

Came across a rather unique gift for golfers. "The Magnot" is advertised as the world's smallest, most compact anodized aluminum golf ball retriever ring. It's certainly that. It attaches to your golf bag but is easy to use and very light. All you do is remove the ring from its holder, insert the pin into the end of a golf grip and then just touch the ball by using the small ring at the end and "voila" you have your ball. You can use it in the water, through a fence or even to retrieve your ball out of the hole. It can also be used to keep grips off of wet grass. A company logo can be permanently printed on the holder. Larry Trudeau of Dead Center Golf Inc. is the distributor of this neat little product where he has a kiosk set up in the Orchard Park Mall just straight down from Shopper's Drug Mart. It would make a great stocking stuffer or gift the person that has everything at $19.99 with discounts for larger orders. Call 701-3425

Many long-time employees of the Okanagan Regional Library have retired and are retiring in 2007. The following have retired: Joan Couves (19 years); Sharon Dyck (27 years); Beth McKee (36 years); Susan Mitchell (13 years); Sandi Murdock (19 years); Anthea Pitt (18years); Chris Ross (32 years); Rita Skodyn (12 years) and Lois Stubbings (11 years). The following are retiring at the end of the year: Bev Neetz (36 years-payroll); Lee-Anne Wilson (36 years); Diane Findlay (30 years) and Charlene Woodbury (32 years). That adds up to a ton of years.

This is quite a coup for local singer/songwriter and voiceover actress Janyse Jaud. She was the only Canadian invited to gift all presenters and performers backstage in the Gift Lounge at the 9th Annual "A Home for the Holidays" TV Special produced by Steven Spielberg and Henry Winkler, airing December 21 on CBS. Janyse personally handed her Children's CD "The Magic of Think" and her original Christmas CD "The Magic of Christmas" and her trendy tees to the top celebrities performing which included Fergie, James Blunt, Rene Russo, David Krumholtz and Carole King. Other celeb's that received the gift bags were Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Diana Krall, Halle Berry, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, Tiger Woods, Tori Spelling and many, many more, too many to mention. Both the CD's can be purchased at Mosaic Books, The Natural Baby Shop and at www.magicalvoice.com or call 979-0076. I’ve heard both and they are excellent.

Here's a neat gift for a techie. Hi-tech security consultant Mark Stone has released his first novel "Behind the Screen: Hacking Hollywood." The book follows the daily life of a computer security specialist, monitoring firewall and intrusion detection logs for a large financial company. The job is mind-numbing until, like some of his fellow employees, he begins compromising the privacy of others, the very thing he was hired to protect. In real life, Mark formerly was an information security analyst for large government organization. Sounds like a wild technological thriller of a plot. the book is available at Chapters and Mosaic. For more info call 864-2294 or mark@triadsecurityconsulting.com

People In Motion are moving their offices from Bernard Avenue to Suite 280-1855 Kirschner Road effective tomorrow and services will only be available for essential needs from December 20 to January 6/2008. They will be re-opening for regular services at their new address on January 7. Call 861-3302. Their new e-mail is info@pimbc.ca

If you're going by Baxter's Bar and Grill on Spall Road and you drop off a stuffy of any kind. Owners Ron and Debbie Doig will have a special treat for you. They have collected a huge bin of stuffed animals for kids for Christmas and would like to go "way" over the top with the stuffies. So, stop by and stay a while. Call 868-3724

By the way ladies, two of the hottest red nail lacquers for this season are “An Affair in Red Square” (which I’m wearing and have got tons of compliments on) and Vodka & Caviar” from OPI’s Russian Collection. If you’re not into red, “Ruble for Your Thoughts (copper-penny shimmer); Boris & Natasha (sophisticated shade of raisin) or Kreme De La Kremlin (terra cotta pink) are also popular. You can pick them up at “At Your Fingertips” on Enterprise Way.

Okanagan Symphony is bringing good tidings with a special performance of ‘Festival of Christmastide” on December 22^nd at 7pm at the Kelowna Community Theatre. The full orchestra takes the stage under the baton of Music Director and conductor Rosemary Thomson in a 90 minute program that includes music from around the world in orchestral settings and includes orchestrations with voice. For tickets 860-1470

Merry “Christmas” everyone and I also love “chubby” Santa’s, “Christmas” cake and yes, of course, “Christmas” presents! We’re off to Vegas for Christmas. Apparently, Vegas boasts “billions” of lights and enormous Christmas trees. Like they say, everything is big in Vegas.

Quote of the week – The worst thing about the office Christmas party is looking for a new job the next day! (Submitted by Tracy Nyboe RE/MAX Kelowna)

Birthdays of the week – Happy 65^th Milena Cunial (Dec.14); Tim Allan, Power 104.7 and B103.1 (Dec.14); Jim Janzen, Jim’s Lock Services (Dec.15); Rachelle Ernst, Ramada Hotel (Dec.19); Joan McCormack (Dec. 20); Wutke Rennie, Valley First Credit Union (Dec. 20); Marie-Yvonne Cleaver (Dec. 25); Chris Cleaver (Dec. 26).

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)