This week’s column is dedicated to Ita Duncombe, who passed away last week. Ita and I worked together at the Scotiabank on Bernard Avenue in the late 1970s and have remained in touch and friends ever since. My personal condolences to her family and many Scotiabank friends.
HBR Co. has introduced a truly Canadian food product that answers the question: Is Canada more than just maple syrup and poutine?
Mark Hauptman, president of HBR Original Beaver Rub Seasoning, says yes it is, having produced a unique product with a distinctive Canadian flavour and packaging called Haupy’s Beaver Rub (HBR). It’s a versatile 12-ingredient seasoning that can be used as a rub on a variety of meats and also will liven up most any recipe. It’s a mildly spicy, burnt orange seasoning, with a cornucopia of flavours. Beaver Rub Seasoning is an addition to any recipe that you can use as a rub on beef, fowl, pork or fish. It’s also perfect in soups, sauces and marinades. HBR contains no salt or MSG. What it does contain is paprika, garlic, turmeric, fennel, coriander, ginger cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, cayenne, basil and dill. The Beaver Rub website makes on-line purchases easy at haupysbeaverrub.ca. As well, look on the website for fun beaver facts, awesome recipes and assorted merchandise for sale. The product comes in a clever puck like container. It doesn’t get any more Canadian than that. Available at Urban Fare and select Overwaitea and Cooper’s Foods stores.
After 24 years, Doug and Terry Gossoo, well-known business owners of Prosign have decided to take a step back from the business and work on their golf games. In anticipation of this, they recently named their son, Jeff Gossoo, as general manager. Jeff has worked in the business for over 17 years, the last several as production manager, so clients will not see much change. Long-time employee Mike van Kesteren has been promoted to production supervisor and will oversee the fabrication and installation work as well as helping with scheduling. Doug will continue as president and Terry as secretary of the company, working a couple of days a week, mainly from their home office in support roles, notably continuing as a liaison with the community activities the business supports, one being the Maxine DeHart-United Way, Ramada Hotel Drive-Thru Breakfast. The Gossoos are looking forward to meeting their clients and friends around town and hopefully more often on the golf course. Call 250-763-1954.
The 2015-16 executive for the Rotary Club of Kelowna-Okanagan Mission are Iain Allan, president; Laurie Gaymer, past-president; Howard Peat, vice-president; Ross Grimmer, secretary, Monika Grimmer, treasurer, Chris DeHart, Sergeant-at-Arms; Lois Serwa, director and Steve Wolfenden, director. The incoming president for 2016-17 will be Irma Lux. The Rotary Club also gave out four awards at a recent installation dinner that was attended by district governor Bruce Falkins (Donna) and district governor-elect Vern Nielsen (Willy Burgess). The Colin Pritchard Service Above Self Award was presented to Dennis Gabelhouse, recognizing a Rotarian whose efforts go beyond Rotary. A new award, The David Hobson Memorial Award, went to Ken Firkins, recognizing a member who over the years has exemplified dedication and commitment in the operation of the club. Rotarian of the Year, which is awarded at the discretion of the president, recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the club. It was awarded to Ross Grimmer. The Club Service Award, made possible by Laurie Gaymer, was given to Ken Firkins, who has been outstanding in service to the club over the past many years. Ken Kilcullen, with Bell Media, was inducted as their newest member, transferring from the Rotary Club of Kelowna.
Congratulations to Travis Huva and Robyn Carr on their pending marriage this weekend, July 11, at Tantalus Vineyards.
Congratulations to well-known garden guy Don Burnett, who won first prize and the Best of Category for his entry at the Kelowna Garden Club’s annual Flower Show held at Guisachan Gardens. His prize winning entry for both was a Magnolia Grandiflora. Don is well-known for his Saturday morning garden show on AM 1150 and as a regular gardening columnist for the Kelowna Capital News.
The Okanagan College Foundation has five new directors on its 2015 board: Gladys Fraser (North Okanagan), branch manager of Scotiabank Lakeshore Road, Kelowna; Keith Grayston (Central Okanagan), retired director of financial services for the City of Kelowna; Alan Sanderson (Central Okanagan) partner with BDO Canada; Anne Clarke (North Okanagan), retired English professor at Okanagan College; and Bob Eby (North Okanagan), education administrator and chartered accountant. Alf Kempf is the foundation president. Retiring from the board are Frank Richter, Vern Nielsen and Cher Watkins.
Chrissy and Ryan Murphy have relocated from Calgary and opened a new franchise business called Real Deals, Kelowna’s On Home Décor Boutique, at 1075 McCurdy Rd. It’s the only Real Deals franchise in the valley, the nearest being Kamloops and Cranbrook. The store is chock-full of unique items including mirrors, wall hangings, clocks, bird cages, clocks, lamps, small tables, candles, silk flowers, frames, decorative signs, ceramics, room dividers and many more home décor accessories. It also offers some clothing, and purses, along with an entire wall of jewelry. The store is open three days per week, Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 778-363-6185; online www.realdeals.net/kelowna.
The Lakeshore Save-On-Foods will host a Best of Kelowna local demo fair July 12. A variety of local vendors will be in attendance between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., showcasing their products and offering tastings. Some of the vendors will include Pioneer Coffee, Lake Country Harvest dried fruits, Swheatgrass (frozen wheat grass), Queen B Popcorn, Girl Grill BBQ sauces and rubs, Habby Jacks hot sauces, Zero Zeno products, Caramoomel, Moteas and much more. The Okanagan Sun Football players will be doing a hot dog sale with all proceeds going to BC Children’s Hospital along with basket raffles. The Lakeshore store has spent the past few years creating a local aisle in their store and recently expanded their offering to an amazing 36 foot located in aisle #2. The aisle showcases many local vendors at no cost to them, supporting our own local vendors and economy. Tara Culbert is the local product specialist and Don Gandy is store manager.
Happy 62nd anniversary to Stan and Phyllis Nisbet (July 3).
Tom Harris Cellular, 2447 Highway 97 North, will host a charity BBQ on Friday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of their Banks Centre store while accepting shoes, food and cash donations for the local food bank and Shoe Bank Canada. Drop in for a bite while supporting the community. Call Laurie Foster at 250-861-8848.
Congratulations to Bob McGowan, who aced his second hole-in-one at the Norm Letnick Golf Tournament at Sunset Ranch Golf Club, Hole #15-177 yards. The big shot for Bob won him a $10,000 prize donated by Capri Insurance.
The Kelowna Communities in Bloom committee recognizes various areas around the city that they believe to be a “Kelowna Beauty Spot.” The intent of this recognition is to promote businesses, communities and individuals to notice the Beauty Spot and to encourage others to do the same. Congratulations to Ted and Marilyn Wiltshire, of 1979 Abbott St., as their beautifully landscaped corner lot home and garden earned the special beauty spot recognition.
Congratulations to Franco Coccaro, of LaBussola Restaurant, who was inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame 2015 for the category of Front of House (Industry Award).This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional professionalism working in the restaurant industry.
If you are looking for something a little different and a little bit of fun, drop into Giobean, owned and operated by Gio and Lucy Lauretta, on Water Street in downtown Kelowna. On Friday evening, July 10, the Laurettas will put on a fundraiser for the KGH Foundation’s Be a Life Saver campaign. A DJ will be on the patio with admission by donation. The Delta Grand Hotel has allowed them to play the music until 10 p.m. and the atmosphere will be fun. Drop by and have a specialty coffee or gelato.
If you would like to see the Okanagan Roller Derby Association (OKRDA) in action, their season ends this Saturday, July 11, at Memorial Arena, 1424 Ellis St. The final game will see the Sun City Sirens from Kelowna taking on the NWO Rollergirls from Chilliwack. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday night, being family friendly with some of the league’s biggest fans being the children of the players. Roller Derby is one of the fastest growing women’s sports in the world with more than 1,000 women’s leagues in over 36 countries. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The first whistle blows at 7 p.m. The OKRDA is the Okanagan’s first flat track roller derby league, founded in 2009 with now more than 60 skaters.
The Friends of Fintry annual Summer Fair takes place Sunday, July12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the grounds of the Manor House, 7655 Fintry Delta Rd. This year’s emcee is Don Burnett. Enjoy a variety of vendors on-site including, B.C. potter Bob Kingsmill, musicians such as the Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band, along with a bouncy castle and games for the kids. House of Caribbean and the Crepe Bistro will be onsite for purchased food. Entry is by donation and tours of the Manor House and Barns is $5 per adult and no charge for members and school-age children.
Birthdays of the week: Happy 70th Henry and Albert Willms, twins (July 13); happy 70th Don Spencer (July 13); happy 70th Gerry Moller (July 13); Don Richmond (July 8); Marc Whittemore (July 9); Sherry Huva, my niece (July 10); Shirley Hutt (July 10); Cathy Comben (July 13); Marilynn Huband (July 13); Stacey Metcalf (July 14); Bo Skapski (July 14); Robert Jay (July 14); in memory of Doreen Ross (July 12).
