Maxine Dehart

Straight from DeHart

Date: May 16/2007

Tri-West Auto Parts at #3-1925 Kirschner Road owned by Terry Feindel has been sold. Feindel has had the operation since its inception in 1989 growing Tri-West to six branches in Western Canada. All six have been sold to Northstar Plating, owned by John Santos. Northstar Plating has been in business for many years with its head office in Winnipeg. Northstar also has a subsidiary company called Wally's Bumper with locations in Saskatoon and Regina. Tri-West specializes in new replacement body panels. Kelly Foy, who has been with Tri-West has been promoted and is now the B.C. Regional Manager. Brady Foy is the new Kelowna service rep and Terri Swyston, formerly of Napa and Canadian Tire is the parts specialist. Tri-West will also be expanding and the company is looking for a new location. Call 762-4506

Owned and operated by Debra Pender, Beyond Wrapture Day Spa has been named one of Canada's best spas in "Glow" Magazine's May/June 2007 issue. This is Glow's 6th annual survey of spas and spa services for Canada and is distributed to over 400,000 Canadian households and available on newsstands coast to coast. Beyond Rapture has six locations throughout the Okanagan and was recognized for it innovative Vinotherapy treatments, including grape pip scrub, honey wine wrap and vinotherapy massage. Call 448-8899.

Two young adults received the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Catherine Read and her sister Jennifer Read received their Bronze Pin and Certificate from Mayor Shepherd in front of City Council on Tuesday.

Good things happening at UBCO and Okanagan College. Russell Currie, Ph.D. has received a promotion and is now the Senior Academic and Research officer for UBCO. He will be dealing with academic and research issues for the institution now. He formerly was the Acting Dean of Faculty of Management at UBCO. Things are really going well for Russell, as I recently announced his upcoming marriage to Karen Vreugdenhil from Langley on July 7th at Minter Gardens.

Blair Spearman, an associate professor of mathematics at UBCO has been selected for the First Annual UBCO Award for Teaching Excellence and Innovation. Gwen Zilm, Associate Vice President Learning Services, spearheaded the creation of the award, which includes a $5,000 prize, to recognize outstanding teachers at UBCO as nominated by students, alumni and faculty colleagues.

Three prominent residents who personify excellence, innovation and commitment in their communities will be recognized as Honorary fellows of Okanagan College. Ross Gorman, Ken Smedley and Lorraine McGrath have been selected by the College for their ongoing contributions to their communities, personal achievements and dedication to excellence.

Jim Hamilton’s term as President of Okanagan College has been extended until March 31, 2010 by the Board of Govenors. He has been affiliated with the institution for nearly 30 years and helped steer the development of Okanagan College through the transition of OUC into the College and UBCO.

RCMP Inspector Cam Forgues was the Reviewing Officer at the #243 Ogopogo Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s 44^th Annual Ceremonial Parade. Medal presentations were awarded to Drum Major Sgt. Kyle Francis who received the Lord Strathcona Medal. Cadet Commander W.O.2 Rodney Earl was the recipient of the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence and Sgt. Colin Long was awarded the Cadet Long Service Medal.

One of Kelowna’s largest manufacturing businesses, FormaShape has produced the world’s largest waterslide part using the Resin Transfer Moulding closed moulded process. FormaShape is renowned for its expertise in the application of the RTM process, but this is the first time it or indeed anyone, has been able to produce a waterslide part of this magnitude using the RTM process. The part and moulds used to create it weight up to 2,500 pounds and has been produced for Whitewater West Industries, a global provider of waterpark attractions. Call 764-9417

Since 2002, Lesley McCallum of Artistic Lighting Design has been making dark yards into inviting havens that homeowners and guests can enjoy year-round. Professionally designed lighting makes water features and ponds sparkle. Barbecue areas, patios and decks can be enjoyed late into the evening As well, illuminating paths, feature trees and rock walls enhances their natural beauty. Lesley has just added another feature to her company. Her “newest old truck” has just been put on the road and it is incredible. The 1955 white Willy (before Jeep) has just been restored and is being used for the business. It’s a ¾ ton, 4 wheel drive, has a small block 350 chev engine, vacuumed wipers (they don’t work going uphill and they go twice as fast on the way downhill), no radio, goes fast and she loves driving it. Now she drives around the valley with the only two men in her life; her Willey and her cute Havanese companion, Walter. For more info on lighting design for your home or business call 864-5483.

Oh my goodness! Eight of Kelowna finest chefs – together. Grey Monk Estate Winery is celebrating 25 years in business. To celebrate in style, they are partnering with the Okanagan Chef's Association on Sunday, June 10 to bring to you "A Culinary Odyssey with Kelowna's Finest Chef's". A reception starts at 11am with brunch at 11:45am. Visit live cooking stations featuring signature dishes of participating chefs, paired with Gray Monk Estates' wines. Talk to the chefs and find out their techniques and secrets of the trade, while enjoying live entertainment, a silent auction and door prizes. Participating chefs are Rod Butters (Fresco); Reinhard Foerderer (Manteo); Dean Hossack (Okanagan Golf Club); Martin Burden (Passion for Pastry); Geoffrey Couper (The Corked Cook Food & wine Co.); Rene Haudenschild (Grapevine Restaurant); Paul Cecconi (Harvest Golf Club) and Willi Franz (Gray Monk). Tickets are $110 inclusive of tax and grat's. Call 250-766-3405

Lynn LaRocque and the staff of our local Horizon Airlines office were proud of this. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, of which Horizon is a part, scored a triple play at this year’s Freddie Awards by capturing three first-place trophies, more than any other U.S. carrier. At Inside Flyer Magazine’s 19^th annual awards ceremony, Mileage Plan won first place for “Best Elite-Level Program” for the second consecutive year, “Best Member Communications” for the fifth year and the “Best Web Site” for the fourth year. Alaska also netted second place for “Program of the Year.” Based on votes cast by more than 440,000 frequent fliers, the “Freddies” are among the most prestigious consumer-generated awards in the travel industry.

The Kelowna Museum Society has a new 2007-2008 Board. Congrat's to Bob Groves, president (lawyer); Jim Grant, past president (Grant Thornton); Rob Peter, vice president (marketing consultant); Garry Filafilo, treasurer (MacKay LLP); Vince Bezeau (retired); Jack Dangerfield (retired); Murray Glazier (Glazier Polley Lawyers); Carol Gran (Councilor); Howard Hisdal (Okanagan College); Dale Knowlan (Canada Lands); Glen Lucas (BC Fruit Growers); Paul Seguna (Canadian Armed Forces); Donna Senese (UBCO) and Julia Trops (artist). The board conveys their sorrow at the recent passing of Brian Weddell, a dedicated board member since 2003. Wayne Wilson is the executive director and Risti Nykiforuk the marketing and special events coordinator.

Podiatrist Randy Gerber sent me a note about “feet.” May is Foot Health Awareness Month and the B.C. Association of Podiatrists is sponsoring a “Share Your Soles” shoe drive throughout the month of May. Everyone is welcome to drop off their GENTLY used shoes at any Podiatrists office in Kelowna and the shoes will be cleaned up and given to the Canadian Diabetes Association Clothesline Program to be passed on to those who need them. You can call Randy at 762-6097 or drop off your shoes at his office at 102A-1100 Lawrence Avenue.

The KGH Auxiliaries are holding their Annual Blossom Time Fair this Friday, May 18^th at 2pm at Cottonwoods Extended Care. They have plants, baking, pies, cookies, crafts, collectibles, a BBQ, Strawberry tea, books, raffle tickets and much more. This year’s proceeds are allotted to patient care at KGH.

Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society have a new board for 2007/2008. The executive committee remains unchanged with president, Bruce Vidal (Prospera); Vice-president Len McFarlane (retired); treasurer, Tyler Neels (Grant Thornton LLP); secretary, Lori Field (Pacific Safety) and Director at Large, Don Robichaud (business development). New members to the board are Jennifer Hindle, Grace Young, and Neil Cadger (UBCO). Remaining directors are Michael Conlin (Okanagan College); Ross Dumontet (Hudson Road Elementary); Sue Goodwin (Goodwin Marketing); Karl Hourigan (Centre for Arts and Technology); Ken Ihas (Petraroia Langford Rush LLP) and Dani Eisler (Media specialist). Tracie Ward is the executive director of the Society.

Good news for non-profit community groups who utilize the Mary Irwin Theatre. Effective immediately, non-profit rentals of the Theatre will be based on a flat daily rate. The percentage of gross ticket sales will no longer apply to non-profit rental rates. Secondly, in regards to the regular daily rate, the Theatre will now be $500 per day, while non-profit group rates will be decreased to just $250 per day effective January 1/2008.

Boaters and Boat Passengers. Get your “Pleasure Craft Operator Card” which is mandatory by September 2009 and compulsory by Federal Law for everyone who operates a powered pleasure craft on any Canadian Waters. This includes all sail craft fitted with an engine running or not. Also, as a boat passenger, it is beneficial to understand what to do in the case of an emergency and to learn boating safety. Why risk a $250 fine, points added to your driver’s license or marine incident court challenges? The course is 5 hours over two evenings May 22 and May 23 at 6:30pm-9pm at North Glenmore Elementary. It is very interesting and presented by professionals. For more info call Teresa Johnston 469-2928.

Something really neat happened at our garage sale last Saturday. Wendy and Tom Lange came by and were looking through a large box of old books and calendars that Barry and Linda Brandon had for sale. Tom picked up a 1973 “Beautiful British Columbia” calendar and said their picture was in the calendar. Guess what – they were; walking down Hot Sands Beach. You never know what you’re going to find at a garage sale.

Golf is in full swing and starting in next week's column, you'll once again read about great golf tips from Jason Laczkovics, Golf Shop Manager at The Okanagan Golf Club (Quail and Bear) and Jon Kadin, Head Professional/Director of Golf at Gallagher's Canyon. I'm already getting calls on when they are going to start their weekly tips. These two professionals are going to keep us on track all season long and believe me; I need all the help I can get.

Just a reminder to all of you who send me e-mails and faxes. Would you please include a phone number?

Quote of the week – Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way. (Booker T. Washington)

Birthday of the week – This week’s birthday is dedicated in memory of my dad, Edward Abram who passed away 22 years ago and whose birthday was today. Happy 50^th Doug Shemley, Alcaro Plastics (May 18); Happy 55^th Debbie White, Porter Ramsay (May 15).

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)