Straight From DeHart – Feb. 13, 2019

Keltech Environmental Ltd. is a new company doing business in our city for one year with offices located at 110-1649 Cary Road. Owned and operated by Allan Robison, who was formerly with Golder Associates for 20 years, Keltech specializes in environmental consulting and training services. They offer many environmental services some of which are asbestos containing materials surveys and management, designate substances (lead based paints on building surfaces, mercury in equipment and fixtures, and radioactive building components) and asbestos abatement monitoring. Keltech can perform and support complex and time-sensitive assessments for any number of air quality concerns and provides mould/microbial contamination consulting, including air, bulk, surface and swab sampling and respirator fit testing services. The company also offers a full line of environmental consulting services, including environmental soil, water, vapour, air monitoring, geotechnical field support and respirator fit testing. Training and awareness is one of the main focuses of Keltech. For their entire services visit www.keltechenvironmental.com.

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>Keltech Environmental Ltd. (L to R) Dan Almond, Philip Perseval, Allan Robison (owner) and Elaine Robison

Csek Creative, founded by Nikki and Jim Csek celebrates 20 years. The business started 20 years ago in the living room of the Csek’s and now has three offices in the Thompson-Okanagan with the head office at 1600-1631 Dickson Avenue in Landmark 6. The parent company, Csek Creative employs over 40 people and is also responsible for the development of KelownaNow.com.

Jen Zielinski has been appointed to the position of Bureau Chief of BC, Interior South Division of Black Press Media. In her role, Jen will be responsible for both print and digital editorial across the BC Interior South Division. She joined Black Press in 2017 and was originally the Okanagan Digital Editor shaping and directing Black Press’s transformation to a print/digital strategy. Dave Hamilton is the President of Black Press Media, Interior South Division.

Ronic and Annie Kwong of the Wok Out Chinese take-out only restaurant in Glenmore at #111 – 437 Glenmore Road in the Glenmore Plaza (Brandt’s Creek) have a brand new website www.wokoutglenmore.com. The take-out restaurant has not closed as stated on their former website; they just have a new website with all the updated menus. I have known Annie and Ronic for 30 years and they have fresh fabulous Chinese food. Call 250-763-3888. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>Wok Out Restaurant

The Downtown Kelowna Association is hosting Downtown After 5 on Tuesday, February 26th at the Kelowna Yacht Club from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10.00 or bring a group of three for $25.00. www.downtownkelowna.com/after5.

Wally and Flo Rowney of Wally’s Speedy Delivery have retired after owning the business for 16 years. Walley formerly retired from TELUS in 2002. Young entrepreneur Aaron Dickson is the new owner and will continue to operate under Wally’s Speedy Delivery. Aaron also owns and operates Kelowna Junk Removal. The company will remove anything. Nothing is too large or too small. Call 250-718-0992.

Known as the perogy lady, Barb Dumbovic of Barb’s Delights Restaurant at #88-2789 Highway 97N in the Blue Heights Centre is celebrating her 9th anniversary. She will be celebrating on Friday, February 15th with an incredible special on her famous mega breakfast and serving cake. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday with a large menu of home-made delights and of course perogys. Barb’s food is delicious and like it says, Barb is truly a delight. Call 778-478-9921.

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>Barb's Delight

Congratulations to Stephanie Chittick (Ramada Hotel) and Steven Panucci on the birth of their daughter Avelina Sera Marie Panucci on February 5th.

After a flood in October, Mavazi Apparel at 1579 Pandosy Street, next to Olive and Elle, was sold to Alicia Meier and will re-open in the spring after remediation and renovations are complete. Alicia is a local gal and retail veteran, being the former manager of Georgia Girl Vintage for seven years. The new business is named Textile Apparel and is focused on new and sustainable consignment clothing that is made with natural fibres of cotton, silk and wool, from fair wage and fair trade sources. Alicia is currently in the US meeting with suppliers and selecting the stores initial lines. Textile Apparel will be open for modern consignment daily.

Lowe’s Canada (RONA) is recruiting to fill thousands of positions across Canada this spring with 30 positions available in Kelowna at RONA Home and Garden at 1711 Springfield Road. National Hiring Day will be held on Saturday, February 23. Candidates interested will visit RONA between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to learn more about the positions with management teams on site to accept applications and meet the candidates.  Whether you are looking for a summer job, a career in home improvement or an opportunity to share your home improvement knowledge in your retirement, this is the time to attend the National Hiring Day.

Jeanette CowanElaine Miller and Dawn Steel have joined Kelowna Hostesses. With 40 now in their membership, Kelowna Hostesses welcome you to join their wonderful organization and volunteer activities. Contact Brenda Scruton, president at 250-452-6719 for more information.

Headquartered in Kelowna, Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc. at 809 Finns Road has acquired Lang Business Systems and is expanding their sales and service coverage into the West Kootenay region. Since 1984 Lang Business Systems has been a leading digital imaging sales and support company throughout the West Kootenays for over 30 years. Innov8 has a team of over 60 employees and seven locations across Vancouver Island and the BC Interior. Their focus is on providing synergies between the traditional market of digital imaging of copiers, printers and scanners and Managed IT solutions. Innov8 sells and supports office and IT technology solutions by Canon, Sharp, HP, Lexmark and many more. Andre Brosseau is the president of the company. www.innov8ds.ca

The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) Kelowna Branch is hosting a breakfast seminar on Monday, March 4th at the Kelowna Yacht Club entitled “How to get on Boards”.  The panel will include John Jennings, the co-lead of Executive and Director Search at the Vancouver based Governance Advisory firm WATSON Inc. and Interior Savings Director Rolli Cacchioni.  An optional workshop will follow the breakfast event, offering attendees commentary on how to create a compelling directors profile. If you are interested in attending register at https://www.icd.ca/Events/Upcoming-Events/BC-Chapter/2018-2019/-How-to-get-on-Boards-(Kelowna).aspx. The ICD Kelowna’s Branch Executive is Tim Manning, OBC, ICD.D (Chair); David Bond, CPA, CA; David Burke, CPA, CMA ICD.D; Ron Cannan, P.C., ICD.D; Lorraine Carruthers, ICD.D; Michael Conway, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D; and Robert Scott.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 3rd for The Kelowna Buddhist Temple Semi-Annual Chow Mein Sale, 1089 Borden Avenue for pick-up from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. You can pre-order before February 27th at 250-860-2980 or [email protected]. Offered is Veggie/Pork Chow Mein, Inari Sushi, California Rolls, Pork Gyoza and a limited supply of frozen apple pies both regular sugar or Splenda. All proceeds go towards the maintenance and operation of the Temple.

Congratulations to Prestige Hotels and Resorts for winning the Hospitality Blood Drive 2019. www.blood.ca

Congratulations to Kelowna poet, Fern G. Z. Carr, whose debut poetry collection has been released by Silver Bow Publishing. Fern’s poetry has been published extensively worldwide from Finland to Mauritius and she has had her work recognized by the Parliamentary Poet Laureate. One of her poem’s is currently orbiting the plant Mars aboard NASA’S MAVEN spacecraft. Shards of Crystal is available for purchase on Amazon. To read excerpts from the book or to contact Fern, visit www.ferngzcarr.com.

Hands in Service presents their 5th Annual Magical Night of Laughter featuring the award-winning comedy of Dan Taylor as seen on CBC, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and Los Angeles Inside Jokes, along with Kelowna’s magically talented Leif David. Join them for appetizers, cash bar, 50/50 draw, silent auction and wandering magician on Friday, March 1st at 6:30 p.m. at the downtown Okanagan Regional Library. Tickets $30.00. Call 250-861-5465 or www.tinyurl.com/lovegivesback19. $35.00 at the door. Hands in Service provide caring volunteer assistance with basic housekeeping, laundry and simple food preparation to mobility and health challenged individuals ages 19-64. Pam Watland is the Hands in Service Field Coordinator.

Art Evolution Gallery at the Delta Grand Hotel is featuring photography artist Christopher Francis. As a professional photographer for 35 years, he originally studied classical photography under Frank Criccio and Don Blair, two of the most recognized award-winning photographers in North America. www.artevolution.com

Birthdays of the week – Happy Valentine’s Day; Laurie Gaymer (Feb. 13); Jim Laing (Feb. 13); Todd Cashin (Feb. 13); Buck LaRoche (Feb. 13); John Kilpatrick (Feb. 13); Jim Card (Feb. 13); Dale McKenzie (Feb. 14); Gary Kreller (Feb. 15); Seymour Zidle (Feb. 16); John McIntyre (Feb. 16); Philip Patara (Feb. 17); Bill Cook (Feb. 17); Arlene McClelland (Feb. 18); Tal Jandali (Feb. 18); Murli Pendharker (Feb. 19); Brad Campeau (Feb. 19); Don Favell (Feb. 19). In memory of my brother in law Rod Warnock on Feb. 17.

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Contact her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662. E-mail [email protected].