Straight From DeHart – Dec 6, 2017

Campion Marine Inc. has been named winner of the Environmental Initiatives at the METS Trade 2017 Boat Builder Awards. This category is for boat builders who have implemented and contributed to environmental sustainability. Campion is the first boat manufacturer in the world, dating way back to 2008, to use Ashland`s Enviro Responsible Resin, a renewably sourced bio-derived resin from Ashland Performance Materials. Campion built two test boats and ran them hard on Lake Okanagan, often referred to as the 100-mile test tank. The results of this experiment and much testing over 2008 and 2009 lead to Campion think green and ultimately to practice green in their boat building processes. The ten year green journey to continually work with their suppliers for new and innovative green products has been beneficial to Campion and their boat owners. Brock Elliott is the president of Campion Marine Inc.

<who> Photo Credit: Maxine DeHart </who> L to R: Don Tamaki, plant manager, Chris Forest, general manager, Brock Elliot, president.

Photo Credit: Maxine DeHart 
L to R: Don Tamaki, plant manager, Chris Forest, general manager, Brock Elliot, president.

After 50 years of serving Kelowna, Mel Pearson and the Pearson family is saying goodbye and have sold Shady Rest Fish and Chips effective the end of December. On October 18, I published a feature celebrating their 50th anniversary and Shady’s 70th anniversary. Stay tuned for news on the new owners.

Icon Gallery Framing at 100B – 1021 Ellis Street (north end of Ellis Street) has just completed a major rebranding and renovation. They have added a new gallery space to their shop and are now offering historical and Canadian contemporary art, in addition to the custom framing services and premium artists supplies they have always provided. Icon is associated with Pegasus Gallery on Salt Spring Island. Blain Yetman is the new manager. Open Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or by appointment. www.iconframing.comCall 236-420-0240.

After 39 years with the Central Okanagan Regional District (RDCO) Ron Fralickhas retired. Ron started his career with RDCO as a summer student in 1978 in the weed control department while attending college and later while attending Simon Fraser University until he graduated in1983. From there it was only uphill for Ron with RDCO, working full time in various positons and retiring as Manager of Development Services. He said he is truly looking forward to travelling with his wife, to enjoy his new found freedom and other opportunities that retirement will afford.

Taking over for Ron Fralick at the RDCO is Todd Cashin who is presently with the City of Kelowna as Suburban and Rural Planning Manager. Todd has been hired by the Central Okanagan Regional District (CORD) as the new Director of Planning and Community Services, responsible for planning, building inspections and business licenses, as well as the Police Protective Services Programs (Crime Stoppers, Crime Prevention, False Alarm Reduction Program, Victim Services and 9-1-1). He will assume his new role on December 18th. Before joining the city, Todd was the Regional District’s Environmental Planner, working with the RDCO from 2003 to 2007.

David Komaike will also join the RDCO as their new Director of Engineering Services. David is a local government veteran with over 20 years’ experience along with 13 years’ experience in the private sector. Relocating from Whitecourt, Alberta, he is currently the Director of Infrastructure Services. He will oversee the Regional District`s Environmental Service, Fire Services and Facilities and Fleet areas.

Formerly with Sunshine Market in the Mission area of town for 11 years, Will Hawkins is the new owner of well-known Old Town Market in Rutland at 170 Hollywood Road S. The market offers the freshest local and all natural products of produce, dairy and groceries. Open seven days a week. Call 250-717-3367 www.oldtownfarmmarket.com.

Uptown Rutland Business Association, Business After Hours is December 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by Plaza 33 Shopping Centre. $10.00 per person at the door. There will not be a Business After Hours in January, 2018.

Sisters Jesse and Jori Glabb have joined the team at Back Bar Beauty at #2 – 2925 Pandosy Street, in the heart of the Pandosy Village. Jori does gel nails and Jesse is a hairstylist. Owned and operated by Lexis Dollevoet and with senior stylist Corina Wagner, Back Bar is a full service hair and nail salon, offering men’s and women’s haircuts, colours, balayage, highlights, perms, styles and wedding hair. They also offer manicures, gel nails and pedicures. All stylists and technicians are fully certified with up-to-date education and training. Call 778-215-5982.

Bartle & Gibson in Kelowna and West Kelowna have merged and relocated to a new building to better service their customers at 1115 Stevens Road in West Kelowna. The new 35,000 square foot building has a considerably larger and more efficient sales counter to help speed up in-store service as well as a larger showroom to inspire more kitchen and bathroom ideas. More products will be located out front in the merchandise area and in-stock for faster delivery. Call 250-807-4050.

The City of Kelowna, Public Works Yard celebrated long time employees with long time service awards. Congratulations to Maryann Allan, Jean Philippe Poirier, Karl Kaesmodel, Neil Domonkos (10 years) and Stuart E. Evans (15 years).

Johnny’s Fresh Meats and Deli at #10 – 190 Hollywood Road in Rutland have a loyalty program. For every $100.00 spent you get a 2.5% return. You can apply the amount right away or accumulate it for use later. Next time you are in ask the staff to sign you up. Just like the good old days, you can do into Johnny’s and ask for any cut of meat. Open Monday to Sunday. Call 250-860-5646

What is a bell ringer? A bell ringer is someone who stands beside the iconic Salvation Army Christmas Kettle and receives donations from passers-by. They ring bells where permitted to subtly remind people of those in need at Christmas in our community. The Salvation Army is still in need of bell ringers. If you can help, contact Chantal Kumar, Kettle Coordinator at 250-860-2329 (324) or [email protected]

Huge thanks to Sonia Kinsman of Home Outfitters on the exceptional service I received from her in the bed/bath department last week.

Chef Jas Dosanj is hosting a culinary tour to the South of India, taking a group from the Okanagan for 15 days in February, 2018. From visiting spice and tea plantations and markets, to relaxing on a beach in Goa and learning regional cooking or feasting on the street food in Mumbai, this tour combines a mix of home cooked meals by local families, eating at carefully selected hotels and smaller independent restaurants, plus a hands-on cooking class in Keraia. Contact Jas at [email protected] or 250-899-3615

Uptown Rutland’s Christmas Light-Up is Sunday, December 10th from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. presented by Valley First. Official light-up is 4:30 p.m. at Roxby Square with caroling by the RRS Choir, hockey with the Kelowna Chiefs, hot chili, cookies, hot chocolate and the City of Kelowna active living team. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army. www.ourrutland.ca

The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society has a new board of directors for 2017/2018. Congratulations to new chair Lindsay Kelm (Quails’ Gate). Other directors are Bruce Hibbard, past chair (Hester Creek), Jonathan Rouse (Okanagan College), Andy Gebert (St. Hubertus), Jan Nelson (Tinhorn Creek), Melody Schneider (Sandhill), Daniel Bibby (Nighthawk Vineyards), Carolyn Nixon (Nixon Hospitality), Julian Scholefield (Okanagan Crush Pad), Annika Betts (Wayne Gretzky Okanagan) and Dominique Dooley (Public Liquor). Ex-officio members are Angela Brown (Valley First) and Geoff Barlow (Container World). www.thewinefestivals.com

Living Nativity presents Scrooge and the Saviour at Willow Park Church, 439 Highway 33. This musical drama is for all ages. Walk through some amazing Christmas scenes while enjoying hot drinks and cookies and enjoy the Bethlehem petting zoo. Friday, December 8th 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 9th 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 10th 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 7:30 p.m. For more information call 250-765-6622 or [email protected]

It’s time to recognize the artists, athletes, volunteers, businesses, organizations and community leaders who helped to shine a positive light on our city in 2017. The 43rd Annual Civic & Community Awards are April 26th, 2018 at the Kelowna Community Theatre. Nominations are now being accepted until January 26th, 2018 in the following categories: Man & Woman of the Year, Young Male & Female Volunteer of the Year, Honour & Teen Honour in the Arts, Volunteer Organization of the Year, Corporate Community of the Year, Champion for the Environment, Male & Female Athlete of the Year, Volunteer Coach of the Year and Athletic Team of the Year. Nominate someone today. www.kelowna.ca/our-community

Birthdays of the week – Happy 50th Stu Leatherdale, City of Kelowna (Dec. 2); Sonja Rosco (Dec. 3); Chef Mathew Morazain (Dec. 6); Sonja Withers (Dec. 6); Sherri Paiement (Dec. 6); Monica Harrison (Dec. 6); Lynne Gilbert (Dec. 7); Will Hoogewoonink (Dec. 8); Gary Winchester (Dec. 8); Patti Stott (Dec. 9); Barry Lapointe (Dec. 10); Gabriel Giammartino (Dec. 10); Mel CooperVictoria (Dec. 10); Mary Jo Schnepf (Dec. 10); Anne Gilbert (Dec.11); Anne Marie Kirby (Dec. 11); Gerry Fraser (Dec. 11); Bob Levin (Dec. 11).

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546, fax 250-860-3173, E-mail [email protected] and web-site www.welcometokelowna.com(click on Business)