Straight From DeHart – Nov. 20, 2019

Well-known restaurateurs, Dave and Rhonda Lindsay, owners of the Train Station Pub have renovated and re-branded the former Xchange Restaurant at 1615 Dickson Avenue, in the Landmark District. Now known as Mid-Town Station Kitchen + Drink, it’s another station that is meant to bring the people who live and work in the area together. The restaurant has a fresh casual menu, created and designed by chef/general manager April Roy, featuring more diversity than the Train Station and also offering vegan and gluten-free options as well as international cuisines. Mid-Town’s menu has everything from Chili tofu and Korean pork buns to flatbreads, burgers and avocado toast. Their most popular dishes are the pan seared trout and beef poke, but I think the lemon poppy seed cheesecake must be a close second. There is a full wine and cocktail list with eight options of BC draft beer on tap, of which one will be constantly rotating for variety. Patrick Ray has joined the team as operations manager, Amanda AylenHeins is the events coordinator and Adam Schafer is the sous chef. Open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Friday with happy hour 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. www.midtownstation.com

Former long-time executive Chef of Manteo Resort and the Eldorado Hotel, Marc Schoene has moved onto a new venture. He has joined the team of the Culinary Arts Program at Rutland Senior Secondary School. Mark has three children and a hobby farm and this new position fits in perfectly with his after-work life style. He is excited to teach local nutrition and to make sure everyone knows where their food comes from. During our chat, he also told me that his high-school teacher in Salmon Arm was very instrumental in his career and now it’s all fitting in. [email protected]

Rob Davis has joined the firm of Farris Barristers and Solicitors at 1800-1631 Dickson Avenue as a litigation and dispute resolution associate. His experience includes resolving commercial, construction, shareholder, intellectual property and insurance disputes. Rob brings with him experience as an associate at a leading national firm and most recently in-house counsel experience working with Avigilon Corporation, a Motorola Solutions Company. [email protected]

Recently relocating from the lower mainland  Kirsteen McCulloch is the new executive director of the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan (ARTSCO).  Previous executive director, Dustyn Baulkham takes his leave after a highly successful two year run with the council, during which time he assisted in facilitating a new strategic plan and helped to implement and run new programs such as Culture Couch and the Kelowna Fringe Festival. ARTSCO is a non-profit charity that serves the Okanagan’s artistic community and fuels the creative economy through advocacy, empowerment and partnership. [email protected]

 

Seven of Kelowna’s top chefs competed in the First Regional Great Kitchen Party with the one goal to win gold and stand on the podium as Kelowna’s First Regional Chef heading to the Canadian Culinary Champion in Ottawa in 2020. Congratulations to Chef Kai Koroll from Block One at 50th Parallel Estate paired with 50th Parallel 2017 Chardonnay of Lake Country. Silver went to Chef Andrea Callan from Red Fox Club at Indigenous World Winery paired with Indigenous World 2018 La’p Cheet of West Kelowna. Bronze went to Chef Chris Braun from RauDZ Regional Table paired with CheckMate 2014 Black Rook Merlot of Kelowna.

The Regional District Central Okanagan Board have approved two appointments to its Central Okanagan West Advisory Planning Commission. Dave Cousins and Barb Hayden will serve four years terms through November, 2023. The Commission review land-use applications, proposed planning bylaws and permits and provides advice to the Regional Board. www.regionaldistrict.com

The provincial government recently named Karley Scott and Dale Safinuk to Okanagan College’s Board for a one-year term, ending July 31, 2020. Karley has her own business, Karley Scott Consulting and she also works with the Parole Board of Canada. Dale is a financial service executive with over 20 years leadership experience, most recently as District Vice President of TD Bank Financial Group. They are replacing departing board members Charity Gerbrandt and David Porteous. Re-appointed to the Board of Governors were Bob McGowanTina LeeJuliette Cunningham and Shelley Cook. Other government appointed members include Chair Chris Derickson and Gloria Morgan, the  board’s Vice Chair. Elected members include Devin RubadeauBlack EdwardsSophie Chair and Neerah Sharma. Ex-officio members are President Jim Hamilton and Education Council Chair Chris Newitt.

Congratulations to the Regional District Board of Central Okanagan for 2019/2010. Gail Given, Chair (Councillor, City of Kelowna); Gord Milsom, Vice-Chair (Mayor, City of West Kelowna); Mark Bartyik (Central Okanagan East Electoral Area); Wayne Carson (Central Okanagan West Electoral Area); Colin Basran (Mayor, City of Kelowna); James Baker (Mayor, District of Lake Country); Cindy Fortin (Mayor, District of Peachland); Maxine DeHart (Councillor, City of Kelowna); Charlie Hodge (Councillor, City of Kelowna); Brad Sieben,(Councillor, City of Kelowna); Luke Stack (Councillor, City of Kelowna); Loyal Wooldridge (Councillor, City of Kelowna); Stephen Johnston (Councillor, City of West Kelowna); Jordan Coble, Non-Voting Member (Councillor, Westbank First Nation). www.regionaldistrict.com

Joie, A Christmas Art Show is being held at Infusions Restaurant at Okanagan College on November 30th and December 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Well-known artists include Alex Fong, Dave Watland, Bobby Vanderhoorn and Glenna Turnbull (Stained Glass). There will be a draw for an Alex Fong gift along with wine from Nighthawk and Vanessa Vineyards. As well, delectable treats will be created by the Okanagan College culinary team. Please bring a gift/toy for a child of any age for KelownaSanta.com. Donations will also be raised for the Culinary Arts Program at Okanagan College.

Congratulations to the Regional District of Central Okanagan 2019 Years of Service Award recipients. Murray Hanson, Parks Services (25 years); Alison Campbell Urness, Parks Services (20 years); Jennifer Maximuik, Community Services and Charles Scholl, Parks Services (15 years); Scott Bruce, Engineering Services and Dave Orlando, Information Services (10 years); Brad Ackerman, James Chester, Britney Currie, Kim Mussenden, Parks Services (5 years); Janelle Harrison, Financial Services, Diane Merenick, Corporate Services, Valentina Trevino, Economic Development (5 years).

The Sons of Italy, Galieo Lodge is celebrating its vintage Vendemmia with a special dance on November 30th at the German Hall on Cary Road. Enjoy a live band, home-made pizza from the original inventors of this delicacy and a wine contest will be held to honour the best home winemaker. For tickets $20.00 call Ono at 250-862-7799.

Kudos to Larry Tuovila of The Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre who has donated his 150th pint of blood to Canadian Blood Services in Kelowna.

Around our Town…..

November 28; Embrace, a heartfelt movie about women’s body image is being hosted by Marie Martin at Okanagan College for United Way 6:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/events/417383662292256/

November 30; Kelowna’s Barbershop Chorus presents The Secret of Christmas with Vernon’s Kalamalka Sweet Adeline’s Chorus at Okanagan College Theatre at 7:00 p.m. Admission $15.00 at door or call 250-868-3796.

November 30; Kelowna Community Chorus presents Christmas Dreams, a Cantata by Joseph Martin and Heather Sorenson, as performed by their choir at Carnegie Hall at 7:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. Tickets www.kelownacommunitychorus.com.

November 30; White Sails A Cappeolla Chorus presents A Christmas Choral Fundraiser for BC Heart and Stroke at Rutland Centennial Hall at 6:30 p.m. Silent auction and 50/50 tickets. Tickets $25.00 at www.eventbrite.com

Birthdays of the week – Marjana Campbell (Nov. 20); Luanne Kumagai (Nov. 20); Mike McLoughlin (Nov. 20); Craig Garries (Nov. 20); Barry Gerding, Black Press (Nov. 21); Mike Krevesky (Nov. 21); Rudy Metzger (Nov. 21); Kevin Crowell (Nov. 22); Danny Richardson (Nov. 23); Gail Schlosser (Nov. 23); Barry Brandon (Nov. 24); Diane MacDonald (Nov. 24); Clare Mallow (Nov. 25); Pamela Pearson (Nov. 26); David Wikenheiser (Nov. 26); Kenn Dixon (Nov. 26).

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 maxinedehart.ca