Straight From DeHart - October 1, 2014

Left to Right: Amanda Martins - Deli Manager, Wray Pickett - Meat Manager, Dennis Mitchell - Owner, Andrea Scheneider - Bakery Manager

What goes around comes around! MarketPlace IGA is once again rebranding back to IGA. Dennis Mitchell, 28 year owner/operator of IGA in Rutland at 590 Hwy 33 West has completely renovated and rebranded his IGA into a new “all fresh concept store”. The front-end has been totally redone; the aisles have all been streamlined; there is a new huge bulk section, including organic products; the produce section has been re-configured with more fresh and bulk produce; the in-store bakery has been upgraded and new bulk bakery bins have been added; the deli has been upgraded incorporating a new soup station, delicious Panini’s, fresh deli sandwiches, in-house-made pizzas, and a new coffee station. The cheese section has also been hugely expanded. One of the most impressive changes is the new fresh seafood case filled with all kinds of fresh seafood. Of course, they still offer their wonderful fresh meat products. A few small patio tables have been set up outside the store under cover for coffee and a treat. (I tried an apple and oatmeal muffin and it was delicious). IGA is now an entirely new store. Call 250-762-9234

The Central Okanagan Search and Rescue Society (originally called Kelowna Search and Rescue) are celebrating 60 years of service as lifeline responders to the citizens of the Central Okanagan and Province of B.C. They are celebrating by hosting an open house on Saturday, October 4^th at their hall located at 4086 Old Vernon Road from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Team members will be putting on several displays and seminars that day, including a “bear aware talk”, how to create your own personal preparedness plan, high angle rope, first aid and racking demonstrations. Other emergency services will be joining them with more displays for the public. This is the oldest organized search and rescue group of its kind in B.C. In 1997 Kelowna and Westbank Search and Rescue joined forces. For more info call Duane Tresnich at 250-317-3069 or vicepresident@cosar.ca

The Society of Hope is celebrating their 25^th Anniversary. The Society has focused on providing quality affordable housing. It serves three primary groups; families, seniors and women in transition. They have six family town house sites stretching from the District of Lake Country to Peachland and also operate six senior housing sites. The Apple Valley project near Orchard Park serves as its flagship. Most new housing programs focus on one-time capital grants rather than on-going subsidies to lower the rents. The Society provides reduced rents to qualified tenants by adding some market rents into new projects. Many rents are set at 30% of a person’s income. With a board, long serving staff and strong partners, their new 70 unit Pleasantvale project is now underway and they are ready to expand Apple Valley by 78 units. Lorne Gerber is the president and Luke Stack, the executive director of the Society. Call 250-878-4990

Congratulations to the City of Kelowna who received, for an unprecedented second year in a row, the province’s “Open for Business Award” presented at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) annual convention. As a community where 94 per cent of businesses have fewer than 20 employees, the City of Kelowna has adapted and streamlined service to ensure entrepreneurs receive prompt service and advice on technical and licensing matters.

Prospera Credit Union and Westminster Savings Credit Union have recently initiated merger discussions, believing that joining forces will build on their strengths and long-standing success to create an even stronger and better Credit Union equipped with the resources to innovate and invest in expanding their products, services and technology solutions. Their next step would involve seeking consent from the Financial Institutions Commission and approval from their membership in the spring of 2015. The two credit unions jointly represent more than 118,000 members, 800 employees and assets under administration exceeding $6.3 billion.

Congratulations to Councillor Robert Hobson who was presented with a certificate of appreciation from colleagues around the province at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. The certificate was to recognize the long and thoughtful service of Councillor Hobson, who joined Kelowna City Council in 1988 and has chaired the Regional District board for the past 20 years.

Chris Thorburn and Johanne Corbin of Kelowna Ballroom Dance Studio

Do you dance the Watusi? Professional Dancer and Instructor Chris Thorburn and business partner Johanne Corbin are the owners of Kelowna Ballroom Dance Studio at 125-1979 Windsor Road (off Spall in Ramco building). They teach all types of ballroom dancing, including Foxtrot, Tango and even the whacky Watusi. From Calgary at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, to working on cruise ships for 15 years, Chris has been in the industry since 1979. Johanne is originally from Montreal and was a three time provincial champion in her teens and then again discovered her love of ballroom dancing while on cruise ships also. The studio offers private, group lessons and practice parties, with a free introductory dance lesson. Call 250-575-4580. Visit www.kelownaballroom.com.

Rebecca Robinson is the proprietor, producer and certified legacy advisor of Life Story Film, a business about your life, your story and your film. It’s a unique business that really caught my attention. She produces custom family documentaries, memoirs, guided autobiographies and legacy rescue and preservation. How wonderful it would be to have a video of your parents or grandparents just to hear their voices and watch them talking. Wouldn’t it be great to introduce them to other family members or friends through a Biography Channel style film? This is what Rebecca does; a life story film so that people will not have the same regrets. Getting a film done not only offers great relief to those that fear upcoming loss, but also means you have insurance against losing your most important values, life lessons, wisdom, family heirloom photos, home movies and stories forever. Or, you can choose tribute films for retirees, special milestone birthdays, anniversaries and in hospice audio recordings. Visit www.LifeStoryFilm.ca. After all, what have you got to lose? Call 250-808-6968 or rebecca1robinson@yahoo.ca

Rebecca is also hosting an event, Kelowna Show and Tell – Meet to tell the story of a unique item, article or photo. Its Antiques Roadshow meets Ancestry.com in the Westbank Museum on October 4 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Andy & TJ's 'Save 2nd Base' T-Shirts

Has breast cancer hit home to you? Are you passionate about finding a cure? Show your support by buying one of Andy & TJ’s “Save 2^nd Base” pink T-shirts for only $20 supporting awareness and research. Drop into the 101-5 EZ Rock studios at 435 Bernard Avenue or watch for the T-shirts being sold around town (cash only). They also hope to see you at the CIBC Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation “Run for the Cure” on Sunday, October 5^th at City Park.

Breakfast on the run? Drive, walk, blade or bike through the Ramada Hotel (Enterprise Way Entrance) and pick up your breakfast bag at The Maxine DeHart, United Way – Ramada Hotel Drive –Thru Breakfast. It’s just over a week away on Thursday, October 9 from 6:00 - 9:00 a.m. This year we will be implementing kid’s bags for the children that bring their own donation, which in the past has been many. Usually it is their piggy banks that they want to give to me and now they will receive their own special bag for their donation. In the kids bags will be treats from Chapters, McDonalds, Interior Savings, Energy Plex and many more. With the Big White $70 ski pass and the $60 jewellery appraisal certificate the bag is now worth well over $160 and that does not take into consideration that you might win a grand prize or one of hundreds of gift cards that are hidden in the bags. So, open your hearts and your wallets. Remember, all monies stay right here in our community and not one cent is taken for any administration fees for this event. The Sponsors give it all!

The Love Tripper Magazine, which is a popular web-based publication specializing in romantic destinations, refer to local business “A Vista Villa” owned and operated by Sherry Cote, as a “Majestic Paradise” and “Lover’s Ivory Tower” and to the Okanagan Valley as “Canada’s Summer Wonderland” and the “Western Garden of Eden”. The author was Habeeb Salloum, a freelance writer and author in Toronto. Call Sherry at 250-762-7837 or www.lovetripper.com. Come to the Maxine DeHart – United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast on October 9 and you might be the lucky recipient of a $250 gift certificate that Sherry has donated for the event.

Julie Clitheroe, owner/founder of Magnetix Matchmaking is hosting Tick Talk; The Next Evolution in Speed Dating is Saturday, October 18^th at Hanna’s Lounge, 1352 Water Street. Meet between 15 and up to 30 quality singles in one night between the ages of 35 - 65 plus. Seating is limited. Magnetix prescreens and verifies all your matches including a criminal back ground check, provides a recent picture of your match in every match emailed they send you and match within their database plus proactively source for your ideal match in your area. Email ticktalk@magnetix.ca or call Julie at 250-864-2324 for more details and to book.

Barb Vermassen has joined the team at Dynamic Promotions (DynaPro) as an independent contractor, sourcing and providing promotional advertising products to businesses. They offer anything and everything you want to put a company logo on, big or small. Barb is also representing New Deal Athletics, an affordable supplier of quality athletic gear, offering products for running, hiking and golfing. Call 250-212-3641 or barbvermassen@dynapro.ca

The Uptown Rutland Scarecrow Festival is Sunday, October 5^th from noon – 4 p.m. at Lions Park on Gray Road (behind Coopers). There will be entertainment, scarecrow building, kid’s zone, crafting, vendors and foodies. Come out and see the United Way - Maxine DeHart Drive-Thru Scarecrow! Call 250-451-9861 or visit www.ourrutland.ca

The Kelowna Capri Rotary Club is hosting Harvest Feast on Saturday, October 18^th at the Kelowna & District Fish and Game Club, featuring spit roasted pork and roast beef, a silent auction, entertainment and door prizes. Funds to benefit local Kelowna projects. Tickets $55 from club members, White’s BBQ & Fireplace Centre or Illichmann's Deli.

Prince George is catching up in the Blood Drive. Kelowna has about 168 appointments to fill next week. Bring a friend and book today. Call 1-888-2-DONATE, www.blood.ca or download the GIVEABLOOD APP. Call Gayle Voyer at 250-448-4022 or gayle.voyer@blood.ca

Birthdays of the week –Happy 89^th Ruth Hill (Today, Oct. 1); Susie Docherty (Oct. 1); Happy 60^th Mary Jane Drouin, Regional District (Today, Oct. 1); Marlene Saumure (Oct. 2); Gary Jones (Oct. 4); Dave Proctor (Oct. 5); Marlene Murray (Oct. 6); Kelly Padula (Oct. 7); Happy 18^th Sydney Voyer (Oct. 7); Barb Martindale (Oct. 7); Wendy Weller (Oct. 7).

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662, fax 250-860-3173, E-mail maxdehart@telus.net and web-site www.KelownaNow.com (click on Good Stuff, Columns and then Maxine DeHart)