Should I laugh or should I cry? Please join me for the Inaugural United Way Celebrity Roast featuring yours truly, Maxine DeHart, presented by Interior Savings Credit Union on Thursday, October 24th at Willowstone Academy Auditorium on Lakeshore Road from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. It’s going to be a night of laughter and giving. All this, while supporting vulnerable people in our community through the United Way. There is a Match Max Challenge of $1,000.00 to start the giving. I would love to see all of you there and I’m also told there is nothing like this event in our region and possibly the only one this side of Montreal. Huge thanks to the event sponsors who are Fondation Roasters (Yes, Fondation, not Foundation), Capital News, AM1150, EZ ROCK 101.5, Virgin Radio 99.9, Global Okanagan, KelownaNow, Castanet, Interstate Battery Centre and Westkey Graphics. Special thanks to graphic and web design class students Taylor Field, Chantell Schulz and Tessa Here from the Centre for Arts and Technology, led by instructor Carrie Mayhew (of Twirling Umbrellas) for the art graphics for all the advertising materials for the event. Carrie actually brought the project to United Way. I would be absolutely delighted for all of to join me. You can donate or buy tickets at www.unitedwaycelebrityroast.
Never Young, a book by local author Krystyna Bellamy has been nominated for the book of the month award by company Interviews & Reviews. All winners go on to be finalists in their Book of the Year Awards. Krystyna will also be at Kennedy’s Parable Book Store on Thursday, November 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The City of Kelowna is seeking up to seven applicants to provide expertise and advice on community recognition and program development for the Civic and Community Awards Steering Committee for a four year term to run concurrent with the Council term. The committee is an Advisory Committee of Council who oversees the City‘s annual awards program to recognize outstanding contributions and achievements in our city. The steering committee has four sub-committees and two supporting organizations that assist with nominations and the selection process of the awards program. If you are interested in serving on this committee complete the online application at www.kelowna.ca/civicawards. Deadline is October 20th. Call Melina Moran at 250-469-8646 or [email protected] for more information.
Accelerate Okanagan now has a new CEO. Brea Lake, for the past nine months has been the acting CEO and now has been awarded the full-time position. In her previous role as Director of Operations, she managed the team, ensured the successful implantation of entrepreneurial programs, as well as strategic initiates. Brea is currently an advisory board member for the Canadian Digital Media Network, an executive committee member for the Cascadia Venture Acceleration Network, director of the Okanagan College Foundation and an executive board member on the YMCA Okanagan. www.accelerateokanagan.com
Congratulations to the recipients of the Greater Westside Board of Trade Key Business Awards. Quails’ Gate Winery (Business of the Year); Marjolein Lloyd (Citizen of the Year); Prospera Credit Union (Community & Public Service); Westside Celebration Society (Tourism & Hospitality); Vertical Edge Window Cleaning (Small Business); Country Pawn (Indigenous Business); Creative Okanagan (Performing Arts); Environmental Towing Ltd. (Young Entrepreneur); Off The Grid Organic Winery (Sustainable Green Business); Quails’ Gate Winery (Large Business); 9 Round Fitness (New Business); Snap Commercial Photography (Platinum Service Provider).
Kelowna Buddhist Temple is hosting a Farmers Market Sunday, October 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1089 Borden Avenue. Pick up apples, pears, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, squash and other veggies, along with a bake sale.
Happy 57th Anniversary Bob and Sonja Rosco (Oct. 22).
Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist Mona Chan, BSc. moved to Kelowna from Hong Kong for education purposes when she was a teenager. After finishing her bachelor degree in Medical Biochemistry in 2010, Mona decided to stay in Kelowna and make it her home. Subsequently, Mona opened Reflexcare-Reflexology Clinic in 2012 at 202 – 436 Cedar Avenue, helping clients to overcome their health challenges. After working alongside a neurologist in her early years, Mona’s focus is mainly with the nervous system issues, including headaches, migraine, concussions and stress management through the soles of the feet and the energy of the body. Mona also offers professional deep massage. Open Tuesday to Friday. Call 778-484-5800 or book on-line at www.reflexcare.net
Rutland has two new businesses. Wong’s Won Ton House has opened at 130 Rutland Road in the former Cedar’s Restaurant location and the new East Indian Market, Maharajah Grocerz has opened at 150 Asher Road.
Haupy’s Beaver Rub founded by Mark Haupy has just surpassed selling 100,000 units overall just this month. If you would like a taste of Beaver Rub, The Jammery has now put Beaver Rub on their latest special sheet. They are even offering up Beaver Rub chicken waffles with spicy syrup. There is more great news for this company. The product is now in the hands of the rich and famous and was recently a part of the collection of Swag Bags given out at parties at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). It was also part of the Bobby Orr Celebrity Golf tournament in Parry Sound. The brand recognition from events like these virtually guarantees that their product will be in the right hands. www.haupysbeaverrub.ca; www.torontosun.com/news/local-news/braun-gift-bags-fit-for-the-stars-at-tiff/
Looking for something to do this Saturday, October 19? Maybe find some great deals and taste some amazing food? Then you should Do Downtown. This one-day event celebrates our amazing Downtown Kelowna local businesses. What a better way to celebrate than with sidewalk sales, food trucks, lunch specials, pop-ups, buskers and more.
Kim Berg, co-owner of European Goldsmith Fine Jewellery is the new president of the Canadian Jewellery Group Cooperative Association (CJG), and only the second woman to be elected President of this prestigious group. CJG is Canada’s largest jewellery buying group and leading group of independent jewellery store owners. Founded in 1977, the association has 97 retail members with 121 jewellery stores across the country. As present, it is Kim’s role to help members evolve with the times and stay ahead of change in fashion, marketing and security. European Goldsmith Fine Jewellery is located on Pandosy Street with an on-site goldsmith, John Berg. www.canadianjewellerygroup.ca
The YMCA of Okanagan is inviting adults 50 years of age and older to attend their upcoming free Seniors Health Assessment at the Kelowna Family YMCA and H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre. Each assessment takes 40-65 minutes and measures a variety of health indictors to help prevent the risk of disease, including blood pressure, cardiovascular endurance, balance, flexibility, agility and more. Times and dates are Friday, October 25, at H2O on Gordon Drive and Friday, November 1st at Kelowna Family YMCA on Hartman Road from between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Registration is required at 250-491-9622 (426) at H2O and 250-491-9622 (211) at Hartman Road. www.ymcaokanagan.ca/SeniorsHealth
Find out how to keep your personal information and money safe and avoid popular internet and phone scams. Adults over age 19 with autism or diversabilities (disabilities) are welcome to join a free presentation by Holly Davis on Identify Theft and Fraud Prevention at Pathways at 128 Franklyn Road on Saturday, October 26th from 1:00 to2:30 p.m. Holly has 10 years’ experience in the financial industry and will cover topics such as how thieves steal and use your personal information, give tips to keep your bank and personal information safe and will tell you what you can do if you are victim of fraud of identity theft. You must register to attend with Linda Youmans at 778-478-1304 or [email protected].
Well-known Artistic Director of Opera Kelowna Society, Alexandra Babbel has announced it will be her last season with Opera Kelowna. Alexandra, along with colleagues founded Opera Kelowna Society in 2013. The board will now be looking for a replacement in the New Year. Under Alexandra’s lead, Opera Kelowna grew ticket sales and audience size by approximately 33% per season for the first three seasons. In the fourth season, an astounding 100% jump in ticket sales was reached. www.operakelowna.com
The Fall Social of the Okanagan Historical Society Kelowna Branch is Saturday, October 26th at Missionwood Retirement Resort; 1075 Barnes Road from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Guest speaker is LindaDigby, executive director of the Kelowna Museum. For tickets ($10.00) call Chris Jennens at 250-862-2801. Parking is limited so carpool if possible. Save the date for the 2020 AGM on Saturday, April 4th at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre with guest speaker Don Burnett.
Birthdays of the week – Vivian Chen (Oct. 16); Douglas Brown (Oct. 16); Samuelz Galvez (Oct. 17); Jim Csek (Oct. 18); Dorothee Birker (Oct. 18); Amber Rose Freeman (Oct. 18); Charlotte Springgate (Oct. 19); Gord Brennan (Oct.19); Ron Spence (Oct. 19); Deb McMillan (Oct. 19); Ken Good (Oct. 20); Jim Hamilton (Oct. 20); Dieter Oldendorf (Oct. 20); Bob Kuehn (Oct. 20); Dennis Perley (Oct. 20); Roxy Paul (Oct. 21); Dorothy Peter (Oct. 22); Jenelle Hynes (Oct. 22); Brent Pay (Oct. 22).
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662; E-mail [email protected]; Web-site maxinedehart.ca
