This week’s column is dedicated to long-time local businessman Randy Quigley. Not only was Randy an exemplary Rotarian and Advocis leader, he was also a long-time friend, going way back to his Sears days. His quick wit, sense of humour (sometimes very dark—ha.) and his ability to bring people together will be missed by his family, his extraordinary number of friends and our community. Personal condolences to Arlene and family.
The Harvey’s traditional burger is back. Swiss Chalet, at 2115 Louie Dr. in West Kelowna, in partnership with Harvey’s Hamburgers has added the hamburger franchise to “only” the take-out area of the restaurant. Both franchises are owned and operated by Maurice and Lois Baker and their daughter Deena James. Operating hours are Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 250-707-1900.
Entertainment, producer of the Entertainment Book, has developed a customizable rewards program that is a valuable customer engagement tool. Imagine your business having its own custom branded rewards program powered by over 10,000 leading discounts at restaurants, golf courses, attractions, hotels, retail outlets and service establishments in Canada. Entertainment has been providing the most valuable discounts available for over 50 years. Tom Keitel, senior account manager for Western Canada, says this program would be of particular interest to any organization or company that has member based customers or employee base they would like to thank or give incentives. For more info call Tom at 778-839-6208 or email TKeitel@Entertainment.com.
Rhonda Nelson is the new executive director of the Central Okanagan Child Development Centre, located at 1546 Bernard Ave. in Kelowna. Relocating from Saskatchewan, her PhD in educational psychology will bring a unique perspective and skill to this position. Nelson has a background of working with children with disabilities and her leadership will play an important role in influencing the programs and services offered by COCDA. Call 250-763-5100 (230) or email Rhonda@cocda.com. Carol Meise is the COCDA board president.
Darcy Provost has started K-Town—House Sitters Kelowna, a premier house and pet sitting company servicing Kelowna, West Kelowna and Peachland. Call 250-718-8100 or email darcy@k-townhousesitters.com. The website is www.k-townhousesitters.com.
Marketing /PR professional Angela McManus is open for business again at McManus Marketing & Communications, after completing her role for The View Winery with a strong finish at the recent Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Her expertise is in marketing and public relations and she is looking forward to new challenges and opportunities in the New Year. Call 250-764-5315 or email mcmanusmarketing@telus.net.
Brenda Sbrozzi has started the new position of admissions representative for the Kelowna campus at the Academy of Learning College, 100-1740 Gordon Dr. The academy provides blended learning programs for mature students, assisting them to upgrade business, healthcare and IT skills to help them secure employment or advance employment opportunities within today’s workforce. Call 250-868-3688 or email brendasbrozzi@310jobs.ca.
Local couple Karim and Seham Merali have taken over seven Sylvan Learning Centers in B.C., including Kelowna. Karim had opened his own vocational rehabilitation business while Seham had been running the Montessori Schools in Port Moody and Coquitlam. Catherina Butler has been appointed the centre director at the Kelowna location. Originally from Ontario, Butler relocated to the Okanagan in 2010 and continues to further her knowledge of teaching at UBC Okanagan Inclusive Education Program. She previously taught for three years at Sylvan before taking on this new role. Call 250-861-1255 or email kelowna@sylvan.bc.ca.
The secret is out. Secret Hair Affair, at 101-1289 Ellis St., has expanded again. Owner and stylist Sharleen McBlain, 28, recently celebrated her sixth year in business by launching a new website at www.secrethairaffair.com. Recently, Bruce Landry, an advanced colour technician, joined the shop. The intent is to hire another creative and talented stylist. If you think you would like to join her team, call Sharleen at 250-860-0040.
Ashley Kallstrom is the chef at Milestones Grill & Bar. After attending the culinary arts program at Okanagan College, Kallstrom started working at Milestones. She has accomplished three levels of her culinary arts program and is now going for her Red Seal in the next couple of months, then will be a certified chef. She started working at Milestones in 2009 as a sauté cook. Early in 2011, she was promoted to kitchen manager and in February 2013 was promoted to senior sous chef. In September 2013, she was promoted to head chef. She has won Gold in a Skills Canada Competition preparing a roasted garlic mushroom soup and a pan seared red snapper on a bed of roasted root veggies. Milestones is located at 2121 Harvey Ave., open for breakfast every day of the week until 4 p.m. One of my favourite dishes at Milestones is their butternut ravioli. Kallstrom is happy to meet any of the Milestone guests. Call 778-436-2308.
Congratulations to Fern G. Z. Carr, a member of The League of Canadian Poets, lawyer, teacher and past president of the Kelowna branch of the B.C. SPCA for her 2013 Pushcart Prize nomination for poetry. Nominees are selected world-wide and the prize is considered one of the most honoured in America. Carr has been published world-wide from Finland to the Seychelles. One of her haiku was saved to a special DVD attached to NASA’s recently launched MAVEN spacecraft destined for the planet Mars. www.ferngzcarr.com or ferngzcarr@shaw.ca.
Dennis Kirkey, a teacher at Mount Boucherie Secondary School, has been recognized by The Board of Education as recipient of the Outstanding Secondary Teaches Award handed out by the BC Association of Mathematics Teachers.
Reminder that Breathe of Life Day at the local A&Ws is Saturday, Dec.7 where the popular restaurant chain will donate $1 from every burger sold, plus 100 per cent of all donations received will go to helping young Canadians with cystic fibrosis. There will be free root beer refills, visits by the Great Root Bear and tons of fun.
Would you like a picture of your pet or pets with Santa? Capital News columnist Dr. Oz and the Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital, located 112-2476 Westlake Rd. in West Kelowna, will host an opportunity for your pet dogs or cats to get a picture with Santa on Dec. 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be refreshments served and the cost is all by donation in support of the SPCA. Call 250-769-9109 or check the website www.kelownavet.ca.
A Classical Christmas, sponsored by Opera Kelowna, takes place Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m., starring Alexandra Babel at the Kelowna Community Theatre. Enjoy an evening of traditional, sacred and operatic selections with ballet, fully staged opera scenes and a cast of over 40. Some special guests include Arnold Draper, Max de Beeson, Kevin Armstrong, Matt Chittick, Mark Wells, Eeva-Maria Kopp, Melena Ivanova, Carmen Harris, Alexa Hildebrandt, Haley Porter, Lauren Hughes, Quinn Bates, Angel Jutzi, Manuel Sorge, Jedidiah Duifuis and Andrew Smith. Tickets at www.SelectYourTickets.com or 250-762-5050.
Birthdays of the week: Don Holzer (Dec. 2); Beth Myers (Dec. 3); Kamel Abougoush (Dec. 5); Anne Schneider (Dec. 6); Dallas Gray K963 (Dec. 6); Gary Winchester (Dec. 8); Will Hoogewoonink (Dec. 8); Barry Lapointe (Dec. 10); Mel Cooper, Victoria (Dec. 10); Gabriele Giammartino, Via Veneto (Dec. 10); Mary Jo Schnepf (Dec. 10); Ann Gilbert (Dec. 11); Bob Levin (Dec. 11) Gerry Fraser, Re/Max (Dec. 11).
