Straight From DeHart – Feb. 12, 2020

Players Choice Sportscards & Collectibles at 470 Cawston Avenue (across from the Laurel) has won a prestigious International Award for Best Hobby Retailer of the Year.  Owned and operated by Jason Wobshall and Katie Jenion, the award was received from Upper Deck at their Certified Diamond Dealer Conference. Named the Steve James Award, it was presented for tireless effort in engaging customers with interactive programs and improving the hobby for future generation. Player Choice Sports offers new and old sports cards, sports memorabilia, framed autographed photos and jerseys, Sport Pop! Figures, collectibles for all ages from kids to grand-parents and unique memorabilia. They also have game worn gear and equipment. Jason and Katie offer unique events in the store. On Saturday, February 15th they will celebrate National Hockey Card Day, giving away free packages of cards. www.playerschoicesports.com

Kelowna House of Floors has relocated to 2890 Highway 97N, next to Scandia in the former M & M Performance store. Formerly at 1905 Baron Road, the company is owned and operated by Ewan Lilford. Check out their new digs on Friday, February 14th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The official grand opening will be on February 29th. www.houseoffloors.ca

PGA of Canada Head Golf Professional at the Harvest Golf Club, Bruce Vermee has been voted onto the board of directors of the British Columbia Professional Golfers Association (BCPGA) for a two year term. BCPGA is the professional provincial body of the PGA of Canada. Bruce has been in the golf industry for 30 years and at the Harvest Golf Club for the past five.

Abelin Care is a new handcrafted 100% vegan, natural self-care skin care start-up company in Kelowna. Founders, husband and wife team Yinka Onikoyi and Kayla Pagliocchini produces the products that are all handmade and packaged right here in our city. Products that are offered are Pit Cleansers (Deodorants), Pit Rub (Underarm cleansers and scrubs), Pit Fresh Spray (Neutralizes odor), Face Cleansers of Chi-Mi (3-in-1 Cleansing Oil Serum) and Face Fresh (3-in-1 Cleansing Gel Serum). Yinka and Kayla also giveback as every product sponsors the education of orphaned, vulnerable children living in developing countries, currently focused in Lagos, Nigeria, Yinka’s home city. All products are available from the Abelin Care website at www.abelincare.com.

Known as the perogy lady, Barb Dumbovic of Barb`s Delights Restaurant is celebrating her 10th anniversary in business. Located at #88 – 2789 Highway 97N in the Blue Heights Centre, the celebration will take place on Friday, February 14th from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in her quaint restaurant offering the popular mega breakfast special for $10.00 (no sharing) and cake and coffee. The restaurant’s full menu will also be available throughout the day with wraps, perogies, cabbage rolls, smokies, burgers, soups, sandwiches and salads. Try the asparagus omelette, it’s my favourite.

Downtown After 5 is Wednesday, February 19th at Craft Beer Market at 257 Bernard Avenue. Admission is $10.00 which includes complimentary appetizers and two complimentary beverage tickets.

Due to medical circumstances beyond their control, the Divas and Diamonds committee has reluctantly decided to postpone the April 18, 2020 event until April 17, 2021. They are very appreciative of all the support they have received for this year’s event and hope sponsors and supporters are willing to come back on board for 2021.  Contact Shelley Sweeney at [email protected] or 250-212-2025.

After 25 years with the Central Okanagan School Board Alan Lalonde is the new Assistant Superintendent and will serve under Superintendent Kevin Kaardal.  Alan will replace Vianne Kintzinger who is retiring. He has held teaching and administrative positons at all levels from kindergarten to Grade 12.

February 17th to 23rd is National Heritage Week. The Central Okanagan Heritage Society (COHS) takes the lead in organizing Heritage Week celebrations along with 13 local organizations representing history, culture and heritage. With many events scheduled throughout the week, a couple of highlights are the Kick-off on Monday, February 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Kelowna Community Theater lobby. Enjoy entertainment, displays, scavenger hunt and beverages. The Heritage Awards and Lunch is Wednesday, February 19th at Benvoulin Heritage Church. Tickets available at the COHS office at 250-861-7188. Jim Burkinshaw is the managing director  of COHS. Visit www.okheritagesociety.com

Kelowna Women in Business (KWIB) launched their inaugural Rise Awards, a new awards initiative to the City of Kelowna and a celebration of all local women of influence and individuals impacting change in our community. The two awards that will be presented are BCD Woman of the Year and Crowe MacKay LLP Change Maker. The winners will be announced at the gala evening on March 18th, 2020. The Keynote Speaker is Allison Grafton, Founder and CEO of Rockwood Custom Homes. Crispin Butterfield is the President of KWIB. www.kwib.org/rise-awards/

Sarah Bourne’s Exploration Dance Kelowna Winter Season sessions are on now until March 18th. Classes are free but you must register with the Rotary Centre. Everyone is welcome to join at www.rotarycentreforthearts.com/event/RCAAllBodies/.  If you would like to connect with Sarah and learn more about the programs visit www.explorationdance.ca.

Hearing Life is celebrating their grand opening with a winter sale of buy-one get-one 50% off Bogo hearing aid sale at their new clinic at 401 – 2755 Tutt Street (at Tutt Street and Osprey Avenue) until February 29th. The original location is in Orchard Plaza at 110 – 1876 Cooper Road. Abby Brackett, B.A., R.H.I.P. is the registered hearing instrument practitioner. Call 1-844-339-4251 or book online at www.hearinglife.ca/GOBOGO

International Women’s Day is March 8th. To celebrate, the Peachland Community Arts Council is hosting two same day events; an Afternoon High Tea and an Evening of Wine and Cheese with many local women speakers at the Peachland Community Centre, 4450 – 6th Street. Monies raised will be used towards a scholarship for a female graduate. On the afternoon agenda are Cindy Fortin (Peachland Mayor),  Pam Rader (Shift Power Yoga/Shift Coaching and Leadership) and Nikki Csek (KelownaNow/Kelowna Chamber of Commerce). For the evening wine and cheese are Judi Wallace (Laughter Yoga Leader/Power Coach and Cancer Survivor), Dr. Tavi Nicholson (Clinical Psychologist) and to round up the evening is yours truly, Maxine DeHart (Media/Tourism/City of Kelowna Councillor). Come join us for some social fun and comradery. Tickets are $10.00 available at Peachland Art Gallery or by calling 250-767-7422.

Cindy Atkinson is hosting Happy Hormones for Women at the Ramada Hotel on February 20th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Cindy will help bring your hormones back into balance so you can get relief from the discomfort and pain hormone imbalances cause. Discover five easy steps you can take right now to feel like yourself again. $10.00 or two for $15.00. To register call 250-864-5294 or email [email protected]

The new President and CEO of the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) is Ingrid Jarrett. Ingrid has been on the board since 2004 and was chair in 2013/2014 and since then has been on the executive. She is presently employed by The Royal Kelowna. www.bcha.com

Last minute Valentine’s gift. How about a Singing Valentine? For $25.00 a small group of singers from the award-winning White Sails A Cappella Chorus will serenade your sweetie and present a card and small gift on your behalf. They will be out and about February 14th and February 15th. Call/Text Margaret at 250-717-7969 or [email protected]

Cora Kelowna is giving back to the community. For the entire month of February, Cora Kelowna is holding a food drive in collaboration with the Central Okanagan Food Bank. Bring a non-perishable food item into the restaurant and their team will supplement your contribution by donating $2.00 per item to the Central Okanagan Food Bank to a maximum of $1,000.00.

Birthdays of the week – Nikki Csek (Feb. 12); Laurie Gaymer (Feb. 13); Jim Laing (Feb.3); Todd Cashin (Feb. 13); Buck LaRoche (Feb. 13); Jim Card (Feb. 13); Dave Glendinning (Feb. 13); John Kilpatrick (Feb. 13); Irene Wangler (Feb. 14);  Gary Kreller (Feb. 15); Dennis Williams (Feb. 15); Seymour Zidle (Feb. 15); Rob Siddon (Feb. 16); Philip Patara (Feb. 17); Bill Cook (Feb. 17); Arlene McClelland (Feb. 18).

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662. E-mail [email protected] and web-site www.maxinedehart.ca