This week’s column is dedicated to John Chow who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Ione and John have been long-time friends of the DeHart’s and our heartfelt personal condolences go out to the entire family and John’s many friends.
Young local entrepreneur Jeff Smith has started a new business. Taking after his father who was a master electrician for over 40 years and learning from him, Jeff has opened 33:3 Services. The business is a general repair and installation company that specializes in appliance diagnostics and repair, minor electrical work and installs, including installing and swapping out light fixtures, ceiling fans, switches and plugs, minor automotive repair, as well as small engine repair and maintenance. Jeff excels in excellent customer service as well as installations that do not require new gas, electrical or plumbing provisions. It’s often hard to find a person that will do small to medium sized jobs in the market and Jeff is ready and willing to accommodate those tasks. Call 250-300-3443 or Facebook 33:3 Services.
The head of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission will serve on the executive of the national body for economic developers. Corie Griffiths was elected to the secretary position for the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC). Corie has been with the Economic Development Commission since 2007. She was appointed Manager of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission in 2015 and Director one year later. www.edac.ca
Local writer, Judie Steeves has received the Silver Award from the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation, in competition with 43 others from across Canada in the news feature category for a story she wrote on biodiversity ranches in the Okanagan for Country Life in B.C. Judie still writes her food column Jude’s Kitchen, which runs weekly in the Kelowna Capital News and every month for Country Life.
The business campaign for the 2020 Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26 Poppy Fund has commenced. Volunteer canvassers usually call on all area businesses seeking their financial support but due to COVID-19 the canvassers this year are only calling on Kelowna area businesses, either directly or virtually, who have donated within the past two years. Businesses that are not called on are encouraged to donate and contact Vince Lemke at [email protected] or mail in your donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, 1380 Bertram Street, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 2G1. All funds collected stay in Kelowna and are used for the welfare of Veterans and their immediate dependents that are in need of assistance as well as other local charities, cadets, student bursaries and awards. The Legion is gratefully appreciative of all donations in this unusual year. John Cashin is the chair of the Poppy Campaign.
In their fifth year of business, boutique accounting firm Creekside Accounting has relocated to new and larger 1,600 square foot premises at #225 – 1855 Kirschner Road, just outside the Landmark District. Chief Executive Officer and owner, Jillian Battaglio, CPA, CA made the move to accommodate a growing business and team of six, providing ample space for collaboration, in-person meetings as well as plenty of parking. Team members are Renee Altman, Emmanuel Fombuena, Andy Haimerl, Jenny Bun, Sara Boake and their popular office dog Rhea. Creekside is locally focused and specializes in easing the burden of taxation services for small businesses. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. www.creeksideaccounting.ca
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, we knew that healthcare workers are an integral part of our community. The shortage of healthcare workers across the Okanagan and the demand for healthcare aids is high. Two local companies, known for their success and innovation, First College and Vantage Living, have partnered to encourage students to join a fully accredited Health Care Assistant (HCA) Program. Through the partnership they will help student’s secure full training funding through WorkBC. Students can then immediately start working at Brandt’s Creek Mews, a healthcare facility located at 2081 Cross Road after the program is complete. The training program is January 20th, 2021 to September 13th, 2021. Students need to submit an application along with application fee. After that, student services and Vantage Living will help students apply for this funding under the aforementioned conditions. Apply at www.firstcollege.ca/hca
Nathan Miller is the new Membership Chair of the local Entrepreneurs’ Organization Okanagan Chapter. For more information on this organization visit www.eonetwork.org; [email protected]
Outskirts Press has announced the latest highly anticipated juvenile fiction/fantasy and magic book from local author Myrna Doreen White and illustrated by Ginger Triplett. Marbles: Eye of the Tiger is about 12 year old Lyle and his mother who move from San Francisco to India and Lyle does not know what to expect. He is leaving everything familiar behind except for his beloved pet cat, Tingy. But, as they travel, Kyle finds something special in Tingy’s cage, a marble, unlike any he’s ever seen. The marble brings mystery into Kyle’s life as other people seem interested in it as well. The book is geared to ages 8 to 15 but Myrna tells me that adults have enjoyed it also. Myrna, now retired from a career in mental health, gave her a gift for listening and her interest in people’s life stories. The book is available world-wide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble and locally at Kennedy’s Parable at 31 – 2070 Harvey Avenue. There will be a book signing from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kennedy’s Parable on October 17th.
The Kelowna Yacht Club’s (KYC) Environmental Committee held its Third Annual Shore Clean-Up with 40 members attending. The clean-up provides the KYC an opportunity to give back to the community and the environment by removing all kinds of items from along the shoreline, including garbage and harmful materials. The removal resulted in over six large garbage bins of discarded items from the waterfront including a bowling shoe and a pair of jeans. As the first B.C. Interior facility to hold a certified 4-anchor eco-rating from Clean Marine B.C. KYC is committed to protect our ecosystem and continually improve their environmental performance. Christian Brix is the KYC Environmental Committee Chair.
Happy 50th Anniversary to Vince and Ruth Lemke (October 10th).
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce 2020 Business Excellence Award nominees have been chosen and judging is now underway with finalists being announced at a virtual event on Wednesday, October 14th at noon. There were a record number of nominees in the following categories. Rising Star – less than 3 years in business, Small Business – 4 – 15 employees, Midsize Business – 16-50 employees, Large Business – over 51 employees, Young Entrepreneur – under age 40, Not for profit Excellence, Social Leadership – for profit, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Arts and Entertainment, Technology Innovator, Excellence in Tourism, Ethics in Business and Inclusive Workplace Award. The Business Leader of the Year Award is sponsored by MNP LLP and is chosen by the judging committee and announced in advance of the awards event. Other sponsors are Farris LLP and Interior Savings Credit Union – Co-presenting, Crowe Mackay LLP – Diamond, TELUS, Fortis, PARC- Pacific Arbour Retirement – Platinum, TD Bank Group –Premier and Bell Media, KelownaNow – Media. For a full listing of the nominees visit www.kelownachamber.org
Okanagan Clinical Trials at 204 – 1353 Ellis Street is inviting parents with children who suffer from treatment-resistant migraine headaches to consider having them participate in a clinical research study. The investigational study drug, Lasmiditan is a tablet taken when needed to relieve migraine headaches and is already approved for use in adults in the USA, but not yet in Canada. Volunteers meeting the criteria will be asked to undergo a screening visit to determine eligibility. Approximately 800 children and adolescents worldwide are needed for the study. Dr. Colleen Maytham, MD is the principal investigator. www.okanaganclinicaltrials.com or 250-862-8141.
Kudos to Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign where a record breaking number of cookies were sold during their 24th Annual Cookie Week, which equated to a 46,300.00 donation in support of the YMCA of Okanagan’s Child Care Program. The one week campaign in September saw tens of thousands of Tim Horton’s customer’s purchase a smile cookie in support of this great cause. www.ymcaokanagan.ca
Birthdays of the week – Phil Johnson (Oct. 14); Linda Winnick (Oct. 14); Ruby Sargeant (Oct. 14); Barbara Vanstone (Oct. 14); Mac Leitch (Oct. 14); Brenda Kraberger (Oct. 4); Vivian Chen (Oct. 16); Colleen Kerr (Oct. 17); Samuelz Galvez (Oct. 17); Jim Csek (Oct. 18); Dorothee Birker (Oct. 18); Amber Freeman (Oct. 18); Debbie MacMillan (Oct. 19); Gord Brennan (Oct. 19); Charlotte Springate (Oct. 19); Ron Spence (Oct. 19); Ken Good (Oct. 20); Bob Kuehn (Oct. 20); Dennis Perley (Oct. 20); Brent Hampson (Oct. 20).
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662. Email [email protected]; Website www.maxinedehart.ca
