Maxine Dehart

Straight from DeHart

Date: June 6/2007

Marvel College is celebrating their 10^th Anniversary in business. Located at 1873 Spall Road, Marvel specializes in full time courses in the education of hair styling and esthetics. They also offer evening courses in artificial nails and make-up. The College is open to the public for use by appointment and gift cards are available. They also offer specials in hair styling, body wraps, massage and other esthetics throughout the year. Heli DeBoice is the director, Janette Service the assistant director and Jenai Brown the admission advisor of the College. Call 861-5828.

Congrat’s to Katrina Gerhardt was awarded the Spirit of Sports Award last Thursday for her unbelievable effort for Special Olympics which was presented to her by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who has a long history with the Special Olympics. As well, Katrina will represent us in the National competition in Cross Country Skiing.

Had a great chat with Rose Sexsmith of Rose's Waterfront Pub and Coyote's Restaurant on Water Street. Coyote's is closed and undergoing major renovations. They are also changing the name of the restaurant which has not been determined as yet. Everything will be brand new and they are hoping to open in about 6 weeks or so. Grant DeMontreuil is the new chef at the restaurant and he is working on a new menu for the opening.

A new high-end brand name clothing shop with affordable prices has opened at 1979 Old Okanagan Hwy. on the Westside (Estate Square, off Hwy 97). "Pedra Leisure Clothing" is owned by Noel Derrickson and Leah Sukkel is the manager. There is a large array or products to choose from, for both men and women. They offer all kinds and styles of golf wear, casual office attire, suit jackets, shirts, slacks, shoes, accessories including belts, jewellery, (made in B.C.) sun glasses, socks and much more. It's worth a trip across the bridge to see what they have. Open from Tuesday to Saturday. Call 769-8446

Kudos to the following Exceptional Service Under the Sun winners for the several previous months. Congrat’s to Kristin van Noortwyk of Tourism Kelowna (February winner); Dennis Ringuette of Immigration Canada (March Winner) and Tony Melnik of Corporate Express (April winner).

Raymond James Ltd. is celebrating the 8th anniversary of their firm’s presence in Kelowna. During those eight short years, Paul Johnson, senior vice president and branch manager tells me the company has grown from a standing start to one of the largest full-service investment firm offices in the B.C. Interior. They have 17 experienced, well-respected investment advisors, five of whom have been branch managers and/or senior executives with their former firms, plus ten qualified support staff. Client assets under administration have grown from near zero and are now approaching $1Billion. Their formula for success is simple. They strive to provide the best, most supportive environment for successful investment advisors who also want to provide the highest level of service and capabilities to their clients. The office is located at 500-1726 Dolphin Avenue. Call 979-2700 or Paul at 979-2748

Accolades to Okanagan College Alumnus and Chair of the Business Advisory Board, Cliff Anderson who was recognized with the Alumnus of the Year Award. Anderson co-founded ACE Okanagan and was president in 2005-06. Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) is a national, not-for-profit organization that is igniting young Canadian to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Julia Priest, formerly of Andre’s and Mickie’s Pub is now the new sales manager of Southwind at Sarsons at 4388 Lakeshore Road. Lisa Sather is also on the team with Lisa Moldenhauer and Vicky Drummond. The launch of their second phase is early summer. Drop by their onside studio, open 12-5 seven days a week. Call 764-4444.

Kelowna Insta-Print, owned by Farley Fahey has been sold. The new owners are very familiar to the Kelowna public. They are the Mitzel family that presently own M&M Meat Shops and will continue to do so, owning both the printing company and the meat shops. Gerry Mitzel and sons Colin and Tyler are excited about the new operation, which is located at 110-1715 Dickson Avenue. Kelowna Insta-Print is a full print house specializing in all printing including brochures, flyers, rubber stamps, cheques, perforating, folding, all types of business forms, spot colour, full colour and full web design work. Gerry tells me that Farley is now going to spend more time golfing and skiing. Call 860-3713.

Madhouse Creative Inc. has outgrown their beautiful heritage house on Bernard and is moving to 1353 Ellis Street in September. The company has changed over the past 15 years with their energy attracting new talent from all over the country. During the past year they have added many new players to their team. Nathan VanDriel is a new designer; Randy Reynolds an account executive; Jennifer Walsh, office administrator; Darren Hull, web and interactive manager; Mike Eburne, account manager and the hunt continues on. Tammy Moore is the chief executive officer of the company. Call 860-8651.

Big thanks to Jeff McGeorge and Devin Sulentich of Inland Comfort Air Conditioning on Findlay Road for their excellent service. What a joy to come home to a cool house, after all the heat we have been enduring.

Merle Norman Cosmetics owned by Corinne Blasetti has moved to their new location at 1965 Harvey Avenue (across from London Drugs). The larger premises offer a more relaxed atmosphere and additional services, including in-depth facials and massages with three pedicure stations. Their new name will be Merle Norman Cosmetics and Esthetics and they are celebrating with a grand opening for the public on Sunday, June 10^th from 1-5pm. They are offering discounts, food and prizes. Call 861-1313.

After selling his 15 year business, Kelowna GuitarWorks, Kurt Phillips is now focusing full time on his music. He has a solo acoustic finger-style instrumental music project called “Wood & Wire”. He plays at restaurants, weddings, art galleries, private parties, wineries and corporate events. He even played in an elevator for the Posh/Life and Arts Festival. Its great background music that’s non-intrusive. He also plays in a European-style symphonic metal band called “WARHAG” with some awesome local musicians and won the B.C. Musicians Magazine Award for “Metal Band of the Year” last year and are working on a new record. He is also pursuing offering educational seminars in churches and schools on “Guitar Playing and Gear” and has started a rental business for microphones and small P.A. gear and also he subs out as a tech person. Good thing he sold the business, so he has time to do all his favorite things. Call 317-0621.

Joyce Sen of the Imperial Banquet Restaurant at 233N Rutland Road had some unfortunate news to tell me. Their head chef was hit by a car a couple of weeks ago and they have had to change their hours dramatically to 3:30pm to 9:30pm Tuesdays to Sundays (instead of their usual 3:30pm to 1:00am, seven days a week). Don Ng, their chef is slowly improving and will try and get back behind the wok again soon. Call 765-1129

CedarCreek Estate Winery's Fourth Annual Sunset Concert Series presented by 101-5 SILK Fm takes place July-Sept. at the winery's spectacular Vineyard Theatre. Proceeds will benefit Kelowna's Rotary Centre for the Arts. The four concert series starts on July 18 with legendary singer-songwriter John Fiddler of the UK. For tickets call Ticketmaster at 860-1470 or www.ticketmaster.ca or for more info on the upcoming concerts, call Angela McManus at 764-8866 ext. 106

Mellow Yellow Clothing understands the importance of Big Brothers Big Sisters work and they want to help. If you drop off your used clothing until June 15 at Mellow Yellow in Spall Plaza you will receive a $10 gift card from Mellow Yellow Clothing and get a chance to win a $500 wardrobe. Everyone wins!

This is a great government service for the public. Some tourists came into the hotel as they were looking for a government office that apparently was close to the Ramada Hotel. I had not heard of the agency or knew where they were located. After looking through the blue government pages of the phone book with no luck, I saw a number that said “Inquire B.C. 1-800-663-7867”. I called the number and a pleasant gentleman quickly gave me the address, phone number and also told me exactly where it was located. This is a great service and I will certainly use it again if needed.

Congratulations to Tom (Kelowna Blue Granite) and Trixie Sylvester (OK Excavating) on their recent marriage on June 2.

The Kelowna Royal Purple Ladies, after 67 years are without a permanent home, since the Elks Hall was demolished last month. Keeping very active, they are holding their meetings in a rental facility. They would like to advise the public, that after the summer break they will be available for catering in a hall of your choice for weddings, funerals or family functions. Their volunteering and charities contributions in the community will be keep up as usual. If you would like to book their services, join their organization or get to know more about them call Sheila Falk at 768-7733.

The fundraising cruise originally scheduled for June 6 on the Iristani Princess in support of Brain Trust Canada has been postponed to July 19. Call 878-9978

Some friends have lost their cat Georgie. It’s a Manx (no tail), tabby colouring on his back and face and a white stomach with a white spot on his back. He has big ears. Tattoo #199NBP in his ear. Is missing from North Glenmore. A reward is offered for his return. Call Dave or Robyn at IHOP at 860-2771.

P.S. To Councilor Norm Letnick – It came from a good source (but I cannot reveal my sources) that you look better without hair than with hair. I haven’t seen you yet, so you’ll have to wait for my opinion on that one (ha).

TaylorMade Golf Quote of the week – By Jon Kadin - Are you purchasing golf equipment the right way? Years back when you entered a golf shop, the local professional would have a large assortment of equipment “in stock” ready to purchase. The consumer basically looked at something being displayed and if they liked it, they bought it. No questions asked, no demonstration use and certainly no custom fitting session. This is no longer the case. When you are in the market for new equipment make sure to do the following: 1) Research new products. There are so many options today, make sure you choose something that is appealing to you. 2) Ask questions. PGA Professionals are knowledgeable in the latest and greatest in golf equipment. 3) Demonstrate with more than one manufacturer. Even though you may really enjoy one brand, trying them all may have surprising results. 4) Most importantly however, make sure you are custom fit with proper shaft length, shaft flex and lie angle will be determined during a fitting. More often than not, a player is currently using product not right for them. (Jon Kadin is the head professional at Gallagher's Canyon and Greg Murtland is the territory manager of TaylorMade).

Birthdays of the week – Happy 60^th Gary Sweetman, Kelowna Party Rentals (May 30); Dirtman (Dan McFarlane), CKOV-Power 104 (June 1); Diane Lazauskas, Diane’s Fine Jewellery in the Ramada Hotel (June 9); Jeanne Crandall, (June 10).

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)