The Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers Corporate Award has been given to City Pawn and Lending Solutions.
Owned and operated by two young entrepreneurs, Steve Fosbery and Derek Cartier, City Pawn has three locations in the area; 1431 Ellis St., 1936 Windsor Road and 2241 Moose Road in West Kelowna. City Pawn is implementing a new program to benefit Crime Stoppers even more. They purchase gold, silver and all other precious metals, along with coins and broken jewelry. From all the monies they collect from these products, they are now giving back one-third of their profit to Crime Stoppers. It will add up to a substantial yearly donation from City Pawn. Crime Stoppers is a great organization to support and these two young men are doing their part to support them. All City Pawn locations are open seven days a week. Call 778-478-0929. Visit www.citypawnkelowna.com.
Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers also awarded Daniell Suter from Global TV, the Media Award for creating Crime Stoppers Cold Case videos and the Officer of the Year Award went to Const. Rick Goodwin of the RCMP. Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers has been in existence since 1987 and since that time has been responsible for the seizure of $84 million in drugs and $4 million in recovered property. They have received 22,343 tips leading to 2,575 arrests, in turn approving 800 rewards.
Lawyer David Rush of Rush Ihas Hardwick LLP at #200—591 Bernard Ave. has received the honorary title of Queen’s Counsel, which recognizes lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. David has been in practice for more than 30 years practicing in civil litigation in the Interior of B.C. Jeffrey Robinson has joined the firm as a partner. He is a civil litigator who practices in the areas of corporate, commercial and estate litigation. He is also a patent and trademark agent. Call 250-868-2313. www.rihla.com.
Corie Griffiths is the new manager for the Economic Development Commission (EDC) under the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Corie is replacing Robert Fine, who is joining the City of Kelowna. She is well versed in the work of the EDC, as she has been its business development coordinator since 2007. Call 250-469-6283 or cgriffiths@investkelowna.com.
Everden Rust Funeral Services and Crematorium have hired Aron Meier as their new funeral director/embalmer. Aron was formerly with Dignity Memorial Valleyview Funeral Home for the past 15 years. Everden Rust provides families with personal service, professionalism and compassion when people are going through the difficult times that follow the loss of a loved one. They are pleased to have Aron join them, as his knowledge and compassion for people will be a perfect fit for the Everden family owned and operated business. Call 250-860-6440.
Samantha Thompson has started Fresh Residential Cleaning. She provides professional cleaning, with attention to detail for residential homes anywhere in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country. Samantha is experienced in this industry and offers different price options, depending on if they use their own cleaning supplies or if the home owners provide them. She will provide references. Cleaning is available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a quote, call 250-878-5224 or freshcleanco@gmail.com.
Mission Park Flowers, formerly located in Mission Park Shopping Centre, has moved to a new location, sharing commercial space with Sassy Shoes at #105—1851 Kirschner Road (behind The Women’s Place). Mission Park Flowers operates from the back of the store and Sassy Shoes displays in the front. It’s a great combination and works well for both Heather Neufeld, manager of the flower shop and for Bonnie Schadeck, owner of Sassy Shoes. The flower shop offers full services specializing in weddings and custom contemporary designs. They deliver in Kelowna and surrounding areas. Dale Erickson is the owner of Mission Park Flowers, open Monday to Saturday. 250-860-4457.
Barb’s Delights, owned and operated by Barb Dumbovic, located in the Blue Heights Centre on the corner of McCurdy and Highway 97 at #88—2789 Hwy. 97N is celebrating its fifth year in business. Barb personally cooks all the food she serves in the restaurant. Eat in or take out, she has breakfast specials (mega size) and the best asparagus omelettes. For lunch she makes homemade soups, sandwiches, BBQ ribs, stews, chili, lasagna, cabbage rolls and perogies. Mark your calendar. Barb will be hosting her fifth annual Perogy Eating Contest with proceeds going to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter on Saturday, May 30. It‘s a great family event. Open Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 778-478-9921.
Pushor Mitchell LLP Lawyers at 301—1665 Ellis St. have three new partners. Melodie Lind’s practice is focused on tax, trust and estate planning. A personal and professional priority for her is to serve clients who are disabled or whose family members have disabilities. Call 250-869-1210 or lind@pushormitchell.com. Vanesa DeDominicis focuses on wills and estates, real estate and intellectual property law. This includes Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements. Vanesa is also a Registered Canadian and US Trade Mark Agent. Call 250-869-1140 or dedominicis@pushormitchell,.com. Greg Pratch is in civil and tax litigation. He practices in personal injury and employment matters, assisting individuals and companies involved in income tax and GST disputes with the CRA. Call 250-869-1194 or pratch@pushormitchell.com.
The Board of Directors of Westminster Savings Credit Union and Prospera Credit Union have mutually agreed to cease merger discussions effective immediately. Since announcing they had entered merger discussions last September, both credit unions have been carrying out due diligence to help determine whether the proposed merger was in the best interests of their members, employees and communities. Given the challenges they continue to face in their operating environment and the costs required to bring their two credit unions together, both boards believe it is in the best interests of their members and employees to pursue independent business strategies at this time.
More legal beagle news. Courtney MacRae has joined the firm of Phil Law at 300- 1465 Ellis St.. She is focusing her practice in corporate, real estate, wills and estate law. Call 250-762-5434. www.pihl.ca.
Steve Thompson, former morning man, has turned to sales guy (marketing specialist) at Power 104 and Q103. Call 250-469-1777.
If you are looking for something to do with the kids this Thursday or Friday, Jump2it, an indoor playground at 228-1891 Springfield Road, is celebrating its first anniversary with special admission rates Feb. 3-6. Jump2it is made up of giant inflatables for kids to enjoy. Come and play for only $5 per child when you bring a non-perishable food item for the Kelowna Food Bank. Normal cost is $7.95 – $10.95. Call 778-484-2524 or visit www.jump2it.ca.
The City of Kelowna and the Civic & Community Awards Steering Committee is partnering with the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation to provide direct funding to the youth finalists of the Young Male and Young Female volunteer of the year award categories. The Foundation will be providing $1,000 to the recipients and $500 to each of the remaining finalists for a total of $4,000 towards these categories. One hundred per cent of the funds donated by Tom Budd will be handed directly to the successful youth finalists to help with their post-secondary plans. Youth awards, along with many other award categories are open for nomination until Friday, Feb. 13. Visit www.kelowna.ca/residents to nominate someone today. Individuals with questions regarding the nomination process can contact Amber Gilbert at 250-469-8967 or agilbert@kelowna.ca. The 40th Annual Civic & Community Awards Gala will be on April 30 at the Kelowna Community Theatre. I am honoured to be the chair of the Civic & Community Awards, representing the City of Kelowna, appointed by Mayor Basran.
Kelowna Women in Business (KWIB) is hosting a luncheon at the Ramada Hotel on Feb. 11 at 11:30 a.m. The speaker is Darren K. Fraser, of Manulife Securities Investment Services, with the topic Your Financial Plan—It’s Important. The event is sponsored by Ashbury Bridal. Register at www.kwib.org. Payment is not accepted at the door. Member and non-members welcome.
Beginning this month the Legion at 1380 Bertram St. will hold dinner/dances every second Friday. The price of admission is $14 for members and $17 for non-members. Where else can you have dinner and dance to good live music this affordably? 250-762-4117.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is asking students and employers to sign up for its new Launch Students into Business Program. The Chamber will match third and fourth year college and university students with companies for networking and mentorship, which could lead to employment. Contact Stephanie@kelownachamber.org.
The Kelowna Family Centre is hosting a Variety Show on Monday, Feb. 9 (Family Day) from 7 to 9 p.m. at 1310 Bertram St. (Unitarian Centre). The theme is Business Supports Mental Wellness with performances by local business people. Tickets $20 with a silent auction. Tickets at the door or call 250-860-3181. www.kfscs.com.
Birthdays of the week—Happy 65th Laura Appleby (Feb. 9); Rob Belanger, Arby’s (Feb. 4); Ross Fitzpatrick (Feb. 4); Manon Ste Marie (Feb. 4); Ted Farr (Feb. 4); Kelly Wolfe (Feb. 6); Don Martin, (Feb. 6); Sergio Cunial, Ramada Hotel (Feb.7); Jim Juba (Feb. 7); Christine Dawson (Feb. 7); Bob Brown (Feb. 8); Darren McClelland (Feb. 7); Gary Tebbutt (Feb. 7); Karen Erickson, Investors (Feb. 7); Bernice Williams (Feb. 8); Cathy Wahowski, Rona (Feb. 9); Mark Ryan Kapiniak (Feb. 9); Dodeen Visti (Feb. 10); Donnie Ungaro (Feb. 10); Wayne Horning (Feb. 10); Ernie Webber (Feb. 10); Gerald Klatt (Feb. 10).
