Straight From DeHart – Sept. 18, 2019

Okanagan Boys & Girls Clubs is celebrating their 60th Anniversary. In keeping with their goals of creating a “Stronger Community Where Everyone Belongs”, they are hosting, along with Kelowna Chevrolet, an evening with Vu Le (Voo lay), writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces and the executive director of Rainer Valley Corps, a non-profit based in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and fostering  collaboration between diverse communities. Vu will share how, in this sociopolitical climate of uncertainly, the fostering of community and belonging continues to be critical. Join them on Thursday, October 3rd at the Kelowna Community Theatre from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Doors open 6:30 p.m.) to celebrate this amazing evening and their 60th along with their efforts to impact our communities children, youth and families in a positive way. Tickets $30.00 must be purchased prior to the event at www.selectyourticketscom.

With CIBC for 15 years and starting her career in North Vancouver, Katie Newman is now the Community General Manger, Personal and Business Banking – B.C. South. Katie moved to the Okanagan in 2010 to take on a portfolio of clients as a financial advisor. Previously, for two years, Katie was the General Manager of CIBC’s Orchard Park location. She has been a CIBC leader in West Kelowna, Keremeos, Nelson, Lake Country and Kelowna.  CIBC is hosting the Downtown Kelowna Association (DKA) After 5 on Wednesday, September 25th at the Laurel Packing House from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Connect with friends after the busy summer season and make new ones at this popular event. [email protected]

Milkcrate Records, owned and operated by Richard Rafton at 527 Lawrence Avenue is closing its doors on September 28. They will not be opening in another location at this time as Richard has been unsuccessful in securing another space. The store caters to vinyl collectors and music lovers in the community and hosts live shows providing a venue for artists, musicians, singers and bands. The shop will officially be closing on September 28th with a live show and eight live performances until September 28th.

Well-known local Bill Wightman is now the new managing partner of the Lakeview Liquor Store at 855 Anders Road in West Kelowna. 250-863-1862.

 

Michael Crow is the new general manager and Stacey Fyvie is the new theatre manager of Orchard Plaza Cineplex Cinemas. Cineplex has a new app that can be accessed in the app store. The gives you access from purchasing your movie tickets in advance to watching trailers at www.cineplex.com. Attending a move at this theatre is pure luxury. The five theatres boast leather, extra-large, high back luxurious fully electric reclining seats. Don’t fret; you will not have your movie disturbed when people are walking in front of you to their seats, as there is ample space between the large recliners and the one in front of you. Not attended a movie in this theatre? You are definitely missing out. It is truly a wonderful movie experience.

The Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre, 2170 Harvey Avenue (where I hang my hat) has completely renovated the entire conference center. Along with that, we have acquired the most fabulous new state-of-the-art conference chairs with a lumbar feature. The Ramada now has 500 green conference chairs to sell that are in excellent condition and extremely reasonably priced. Any businesses, restaurants, associations or non-profits who are interested should contact Stan Martindale at 250-979-4546 or [email protected]. For a meeting room or conference contact Sergio Cunial at 250-979-4540 or [email protected].

Along with celebrating their 8th anniversary in business, Affinity Family Wellness, owned and operated by Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) Kyla Feddersen, at #2 – 1890 Ambrosi Road has renovated and expanded the clinic and also expanded their team. Affinity now offers Chiropractic care, Kinesiology, Counselling and Acupuncture and has nine RMT’s on staff. The staff and RMT’s at Affinity include Manager Sandy Ridley: Chiropractors Cheryl Kalashnikoff and Clayton Selles; Kinesiologist Melissa Brunn; Kinesiologist Co-op Student Christina Shearer; Acupuncturist Nir Saar; Counsellors Dana Patterson and Cherise Lowe; Front end staff member Erin Johnson and RMT’s Karissa Parsons, Frances Russell, Anthony Teichroeb, Amber Welder, Kylagh Cornford, Cynthia Mayeda, Kalli Betemps and Katherine Mixwww.affinityfamilywelness.ca

 

Tim Hortons Smile Cookies are back the week of September 16th to 22nd. Cookies sell for $1.00 plus tax and the entire dollar goes to support local charities and community organizations in the country-wide fundraiser.

The AGM of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26 is Tuesday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m. New at Branch 26 is the Legion’s Chaplain, The Reverend David Ryttersgaard. Back from Ethiopia, he is happy and privileged to be serving all Legion members and their families. Jim White is the current president of The Legion, Branch 26. The Legion recently celebrated members in long service. Congratulations to Comrades Troiano, Roughsedge and Timlick (45 years); Pihach (50 years); Desjardine (55 years) and Cole 75 years.  Comrade Syd Pratt received an Honourable mention for his service and support to the Legion in his 99th year.

Globally Fair at 3001 Tutt Street, owned and operated by mother-daughter team Cindy and Kate Henderson is celebrating their 5th anniversary in business on Saturday, September 21st. The business was opened with the store purchasing from two fair trade organizations representing makers and farmers from 20 countries. They now deal with 34 fair trade organizations representing 42 countries. To celebrate, they are offering buy one item and get one item 40% with some exceptions. With a purchase of $50.00 or more you can enter to win a $50.00 Globally Fair gift certificate. You can also pick up your 20% off one item coupon for November 20th to 27th. Open Monday to Saturday. www.globallyfair.ca.

 

Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) Kelowna Branch is hosting a Leadership Reception: Leadership and the CEO/Board Relationship on Thursday, September 28th from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. with speaker Renee Merrifield Wasylyk, CEO and Corporate Director. The event is sponsored by First West Credit Union at the Kelowna Yacht Club. Register at [email protected]. Previous chair of the Kelowna Branch of ICD, Tim Manning has moved on to become the chair of ICD – BC Chapter. Michael Conway, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D has taken over as the new chair. ICD has a membership of 129 at this time.  The remainder of the ICD Kelowna branch executive are David Bond, CPA, CA; Deborah Buszard, PhD, ICD.D; Lorraine Carruthers, ICD.D; Larry Smith, Judy Bishop, David Burke, CPA, CMA, ICD.D; Ron Cannan, P.C. ICD.D, Meryle Corbett, FCPA, FMA, C. Dir. and Robert Scott. Non-members welcome.

Local business, Haven Sleep Products with CEO Scott Amis has partnered with HGTV’s Bryan and Sarah Baeumler on mattress donations to aid those affected by the destructive power of Hurricane Dorian that hit the Bahamas last week. HGTV’s “Island of Bryan” has been filming episodes in the Bahamas. While the resort itself was not directly affected, many of the staff and families are still dealing through the loss of life and property. Although it was a challenge to get their Canadian made plant-base mattresses through the various touch points the essentials have now arrived. Haven donates one mattress to charity for every ten sold. www.havenmattress.ca or [email protected].

Kelowna Liedertafel Choir is presenting their annual Oktoberfest Concert and Dance with Vic’s Dance Band on Saturday, September 28th at Parkinson Rec Centre. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with concert at 7:00 p.m. Tickets available at Illichmann Deli on Gordon Drive, call 250-862-2798 or at the door $20.00. German dinner available.

Friends and residents of the Abbott Street Heritage Conservation Area Society are invited to Mill Creek Bridge (corner of Abbott and Harvey) for the unveiling of their new heritage sign from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Can’t make it to a Rocket’s game? No problem! Season Ticket Holders can now donate tickets to future games to three local charities. Give 48 hours minimum notice so that tickets can be dispersed properly. Contact the following: Marianne Dahl, United Way 250-860-2356; Kathleen Lemieux, Habitat for Humanity 778-755-4346 or Misty Mischek, Mamas for Mamas 778-215-6773.

 

The Musical Actors and Singers of Kelowna, M.A.S.K. is presenting “I Got Rhythm”, an evening of snapping, foot-tapping, swaying and grooving musical numbers. From the music of Gershwin to The Beatles, these singers perform a wide variety of genres with wonderful choreography at the Creekside Theatre on September 21. Tickets at www.kelownatickets.com.

Fern G. Z. Carr will be featured at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in the Mary Irwin Theater on Sunday, September 29th from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. for a free presentation Poetry as Compact Storytelling. This will be followed with an audience Q & A as well as a book signing. www.ferngzcarr.com.

Birthdays of the week – Bernie Senuk (Sept. 18); Jean Russell (Sept. 18); Chris Jennens (Sept. 18); Felix Benincasa (Sept. 19); Mo Crosby (Sept. 19); Lea Gray (Sept. 20); Alexandra Babbel (Sept. 20); Peter Baker (Sep. 29); Laurel D’Andrea (Sept. 21); Alyos Orsulic (Sept. 21); Steve O’Brien (Sept. 22); Susan Downey (Sept. 24).

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-454 or 250-862-7662. E-mail [email protected] Website maxinedehart.ca