Maxine Dehart

Straight from DeHart

Date: October 10/2007

If you’re wondering what’s going into the main level of Playa del Sol on Lakeshore Road (across from Manteo) here’s the scoop! Had a great visit with Ned Bell and Jay Blackford, two young, energetic entrepreneurs, who, along with their partner, Michael Borge are opening the “Cabana Bar & Grille” in early 2008. These three young men are certainly no short of credentials and ideas. Ned, an Okanagan boy and Celebrity Chef from Food Network’s “Cook like a Chef” with another new series starting shortly, brings an affordable menu, focusing on fresh local produce, cooked in innovative ways which will make the restaurant a family favorite and local hot spot. Both Jay and Michael are also not short of experience, both being successful restaurateurs in Calgary and Toronto respectively. Cabana, with a rustic West Coast atmosphere will boast around 300 seats, including a large outdoor patio, kitchen bar, dining room and lounge. They are installing a huge wood stone pizza oven and a commercial rotisserie. Everything will be home-made, including flat-breads with big, bold aggressive flavours. They are very cognizant of servicing the locals and are even offering take-out. Talking to them, I know the “three cabana boys” have a winner. Visit their web-site www.cabanagrille.com and enter to win dinner for eight in your own home prepared by Chef Ned. Call 718-1314.

Well respected and loved by all his staff, sales manager of the Kelowna Capital News, Jason Tansem is moving on to a new venture October 19. He is now the sole owner/publisher of “Sun Cruiser Magazine” based out of Kelowna. The magazine is a well-known boating publication, formerly owned by Andy Cloutier, featuring three separate publications since 1994; one in the Okanagan, one in the Shuswap and one in the West Coast Gulf Islands. You can pick them up at Yacht clubs, boat dealers or marinas. Call Jason at 763-3212 or Sun Cruiser at 762-4188.

On Track Marketing (Tom Light) is presenting an interactive workshop entitled “Finding and Keeping Top Talent” on October 17 at The Ramada Hotel. The three hour workshop is designed to provide employer’s with the tools, ideas and suggestions to assist with their recruiting efforts and is mainly specialized for small and micro managed businesses. It will also help to provide alternative ideas and fresh approaches to finding, recruiting and the retention of employees in today’s difficult labour market. Seating is limited in order to provide a hands-on connection to those attending. For more info or to register call 762-6411 or register on line at www.ontrackmktg.com.

Well-known Vancouver restaurant professional Andre Thomas, who was born in Kelowna, has purchased the first franchise of Memphis Blues Barbeque House at 289 Bernard Avenue. The restaurant was originally opened and operated by the corporate restaurant owners (George Siu and Pak Heffelfinger) since January of this year. Andre has worked at some of the top restaurants in Whistler and Vancouver, including many years in management. The first Memphis Blues was opened in 2002 in Vancouver and now there are four in the chain with plans for more. Call 868-3600

Bruce Howell has officially been named president and CEO of Prospera Credit Union. He was acting as interim president for the past year.

Donna Pawulski and Marlene Barr have been designing jewellery for years and now have put their talents officially into a new business called “Bling”. Their jewellery is hand-made with beautiful and very unique multi-coloured gemstones from all over the world, including Africa, Bali and Hawaii. The jewellery components are made of good quality sterling silver and all pieces are one-of-a-kind, high-lighting all colours and styles. They also offer lovely pieces made of pearls and Swarovski crystals. They design earrings, bracelets and necklaces ranging in price from $15-$200 and everything in-between. To view or purchase call 860-1927.

Cindy Bondaroff has relocated her business “Sage Organizing and Design” from Osoyoos where she was located for the past two years. Cindy is a professional organizer and Certified Redesign and Staging Specialist. She specializes in organizing for home or office; decluttering, redesign, home staging and assisting seniors in downsizing. Call 212-8767 www.sageorganizinganddesign.com

Gus Lundquist formerly of General Fasteners & Shippers Supply has joined the team at Investors Group Financial in Landmark IV. Call 762-3329

The Peacock Sheridan Group has moved into their new premises at #205-1180 Sunset Drive (above Waterfront Wines). The group consists of partners Brent Peacock and Grant Sheridan; Dustin Serviss (associate); Sasha Carter (marketing manager) and Michelle Muhlbach (client service manager). The company provides strategic insurance and investment planning to business owners and incorporated professionals. Call 869-1451.

Brian Bonsma of Business Elements is sponsoring a two hour roundtable discussion for business owners on Thursday, October 18. The event is for any business owner that is serious about achieving significant improvements in their business. The course is being facilitated by John Cameron, president of ROCK SOLID Business Development and board member of the BC Small Business Roundtable. Brian is a certified business coach and ROCK Solid’s Okanagan partner. Business attendees are invited to discuss their challenges and get feedback from other business owners who may have already found solutions that work effectively. For info or to register call 860-4594 or www.businesselements.ca. Space is limited.

The wine festival is over but things are still going strong for CedarCreek Estate Winery. They are slated as a finalist for Canada’s top wine honour; Wine Access Magazine’s Canadian Wine Awards “Winery of the Year”. They garnered the Winery of the Year Title in 2002 and 2005 and is a finalist for this prestigious award now in 2007. CedarCreek is celebrating their 20^th Anniversary this year and continues to consistently produce premium wines that are highly sought-after in the market place. The winery is owned and operated by the Fitzpatrick family. Call 764-8866

World Gym has been added to the list of available fitness centres to train with Chris Collins and his company “Okanagan Peak Performance”. World Gym has high quality facilities with a high level of service and overall cleanliness. Call 212-2972 or chris@okanaganpeakperformance.com

Come to the market! The Okanagan Chef’s Association will be celebrating International Chefs Day on Saturday, October 20^th at the Kelowna Farmer’s Market. The World Association of Chefs Societies, of which the OCA is a member, has initiated this event. It is now celebrated around the world and a way to get involved in a social responsibility initiative in their communities. Local chefs will be serving up seasonal items like Indian Spiced Kabocha Squash Soup, Butternut Squash Risotto and Pumpkin Bread in exchange for a donation to the Food Bank.

The Kelowna Centre for Positive Living is hosting Dr. Kenn Gordon in the on-going Spiritual Psychology Lecture Series entitled “Applying the Principles of The Science of Getting Rich” on Friday, October 12 at The Mary Irwin Theatre at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Based on the book by Wallace D. Wattles that inspired the movie “The Secret” this lecture will help you unleash your potential and attract greater prosperity into your life. The previous lecture entitled “Going Beyond The Secret” was a sold-out event. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Box Office or www.ticketmaster.ca or 717-5304.

The Kelowna presentation of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival “Best of the Fest” World Tour is Saturday, October 20 at 7:30pm at the Kelowna Community Theatre. Tickets only $14 at Outdoor Adventure Gear & Travel Outfitters at 1967 Harvey Avenue or $16 at the door. Call 860-9481

Theatre Kelowna Society (TKS) has been selected to host "ACToberfest", a new initiative of Theatre BC that kicks off October 12 at the Kelowna Community Theatre’s Black Box Theatre and the Royal Anne Hotel. This first-ever annual one act festival is being launched by Theatre BC as part of its 75^th anniversary celebrations. Tickets at TicketMaster or www.ticketmaster.ca Call Ray Mordan at 215-7571.

Before you consider rewiring your home, installing a propane heater or doing any renovations that involve gas or electricity, think twice about doing it yourself. The British Columbia Safety Authority has launched a province-wide campaign after a successful pilot project in the Okanagan this past spring. The “Heads Up For Safety” campaign aims to educate homeowners about the importance of hiring licensed contractors and obtaining the necessary permit for electrical and gas renovations. What most homeowners do not realize is that gas and electrical installations pose some of the greatest safety risks and are complex and can be dangerous if you do it yourself. Hiring licensed contractors helps ensure the work is done correctly and under the necessary permits as required by law for regulated work. Pearse Walsh, Business Development Leader for the BC Safety Authority recommends hiring a contractor who is licensed by the BC Safety Authority which lists all licensed electrical and gas contractors on its website. Visit www.safetyauthority.ca or call 1-866-566-SAFE (7233) to protect yourself and your property. Contact Pearce at 718-1958

Four of UBC Okanagan’s Deans will give a first-ever special series of lectures at the downtown library. It’s a brown bag lunch event, with coffee and tea provided. Dr. John Bottorff will present “In Mixed Company: Women and Prostate Cancer Support Groups on Oct.12; Dr. Ian Stuart will present “Can Canadian Manufacturing Survive the Soaring Loonie?” on October 19; Dr. Marvin Krank “Adolescence and Substance Abuse” on Nov.16 and Dr. Robert Belton “New Research Directions in Creative Culture” on Nov. 23. Call 807-8177

Take a hike! Each season a series of outdoor adventures with Linda Jones-Evans, an experienced leader with Sport & Recreation Kelowna at Parkinson Rec Centre has been organized to enjoy nature, fresh air and exercise while learning more about the Okanagan. These hikes are in October and early November and December. Register in person at the Rec Centre, call 469-8800 or www.sportandreckelowna.ca

Kelowna has placed second to the City of Vancouver in the inaugural Green Cities Program sponsored by the Ministry of Community Services. We were one of two finalists in the 100,000 and above population category which saw five cities competing for an award. The City of Kelowna Works and Utilities department coordinated the award application, under the direction of Director John Vos.

Quote of the week – The least expensive plastic surgery is simply cutting up your credit cards. (Unknown).

Birthday of the week – Happy 90^th Mildred Backosti (Oct.14). Diana Warnock, my sister-in-law (Oct. 12)

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)