Business Briefs

"Mitzel’s to change name to Elmer’sIt will be business — food, drinks and catering — as usual at Mitzel’s restaurant on Highway 20 in Oak Harbor. Oak Harbor Mitzel’s General Manager Ken Harrison said that the restaurant recently “merged” with Elmer’s Restaurant, Inc., which is a Portland-based restaurant chain. Elmer’s purchased the restaurant’s assets, he said. The Mitzel’s restaurant in Mount Vernon, however, recently closed.Harrison said that John Mitzel, a Seattle-area resident, is still a partner in the business and will remain in charge of the day-to-day operation. From the customers’ perspective, nothing will really change.“We’ll still have the same menu and everything,” he said. “We’re definitely not leaving.”New Web business opens in Oak HarborA new dot-com business is starting up in Oak Harbor. Local resident and computer guru Chris Cather recently created CET Enterprises, a single company that covers many different Internet ventures.There’s A&M Enterprises, a Web design and e-book construction subsidiary. The headquarters are located in cyberspace at a-mdesigns.com. He’s also starting a unique type of chat room geared toward all types of role-playing games — from the old Dungeons and Dragons game to the newer Gore. Someone who wants to be the “dungeon master” or “moderator” can lease a chat room where all the other players can play for free. Cather says he will also offer players other services, like a graphic of their role-playing character and even personal ads.Cather, however, warns that the chat room, at freakmanor.com, will likely be very adult-oriented and not suitable for children. He hopes to get the Web sites up and running this weekend.Naturopath joins Island Drug staffInterested in medicinal herbs or nutrition? Make a trip to Island Drug and meet a new staff member who is an expert in alternative and natural medicines.Dr. Raymond Dent, ND, is a 1982 graduate from Bastyr University and has experience and knowledge in homeopathy, natural medicine, nutrition and other alternative medicines. He will be available to answer nutritional and natural medicine questions every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.Island Drug is located ar 230 SE Pioneer Way, next to Ace Hardware. In addition to a pharmacy, the store includes the Whidbey Wellness Nutrition Center, with a wide assortment of alternative medicines and information.Council helps cover energy billsNeed help paying your energy bills? There’s an easy way to find out if you are eligible for assistance. The Island Opportunity Council has administered the Low Income Home Energy Program in the community for many years. Anyone can contact the office at 679-6577 or (800) 317-5427 to determine eligibility for help. There is no charge for the service. Best Western offers entertainment nightOak Harbor’s Great American Catering presents “Love, Laughter and Live Music” Saturday, Feb. 10, from 6:30 p.m.-midnight. There will be dinner at the Best Western Ballroom, a comedian and live music. The cost is $35 per person. Call 679-1913 for more information. Globetrotter tickets to be given awayWin a family four pack of tickets to see the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters on Feb. 17 at Key Arena. Entries are available at Island Drug in Oak Harbor. Drawing will be held Feb. 9.Trio returnsThe Daily Grind is presenting a return engagement of Trio Encore in concert. Ute Freund, Kimberly Breilein, and Sharon Ringer will present a special Valentine show Salut D-Amour on Friday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, Feb.17. The $20 admission fee includes coffee, and a delicious Valentine dessert. Seating is limited, so reserve early. The Daily Grind is located at 1351 SW Barlow St. Call 675-2767 for more information. "

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