Kelowna and District 4-H will celebrate 100 years of 4H in B.C. with a cake and coffee open house on Sunday, June 8, at the Ellison Community Hall, 4411 Old Vernon Rd., from 2 to 4 p.m.
Anyone who has ever been involved in 4-H is encouraged to attend and reminisce about your participation in the 4-H program. If you have any 4H photos or memorability, bring them along to share. The Kelowna 4-H Club has records dating back to the early 1960s. The local executive is Melody Kouwenhoven (president of the local club); Sheila Lawrence (district key leader); Lea Allen (vice-president) and Diana Dore (secretary). For more info call Melody at 250-765-3479 or Sheila at 250-763-2339.
Shelley Gilmore is the new executive director of Central South Okanagan United Way as of June 16. Gilmore is well versed in the not-for-profit sector, being self-employed for 10 years and providing senior level support and training to organizations within this sector. She also has many years of volunteering and fundraising experience in the community. Bruce Olsen is the chair of the United Way board.
Tru Frozen Yogurt Bar has opened in SOPA Square, 2994 Pandosy St. Locally owned and operated by Jeff Krivoshen and his wife Dr. Tricia Rychjohn (Tutt Street Optometry), the store is managed by Shauna Rawlyk.
This is a non-franchised, upscale, boutique, self-serve, pay-by-weight frozen yogurt bar. The flavours of yogurt and toppings are constantly being changed to provide a new experience each time you visit the store. Also in the store is Harden & Huyse hand-crafted Belgian chocolates, which are sold individually by weight as well as in different box sizes. I sampled a chocolate and they are delicious. They offer a Tru Rewards loyalty program and are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. ,Thursday to Saturday.
Jeff Keen has resigned as chief executive officer of Accelerate Okanagan to pursue a business opportunity with a Kelowna startup technology company. Under his leadership, Accelerate Okanagan and the local tech startup community has flourished. He has a passion for entrepreneurism and community development which has positioned AO as a thought leader within the B.C. tech community, says Richard Favro, board chairman of Accelerate Okanagan.
The Planning Institute of B.C. (PIBC) has awarded the City of Kelowna a Gold Award in Planning Excellence for 2013 in the category of Planning Practice—City and Urban Areas, for the Bernard Avenue Revitalization Project. It was stated that the renovation is a bold step for a mid-sized city. It underlines the importance of Kelowna’s downtown and local independent businesses in the community.
Speaking of our city, long-time director of financial services, Keith Grayston is retiring on June 27 after 25 years of service. He started his career at the city as intermediate accountant—revenue; then moved on to senior accountant—budget; then financial planning manager; and finally the top job as director of financial services. Grayston originally came to Kelowna from Armstrong and has 35 years of experience in the financial industry. When I asked him what he was going to do in retirement, he said he wanted to spend more time skiing, curling, cycling and golfing. I know that because I have already seen him a few times at the golf course practising up for his retirement. He would also like to look into some volunteer opportunities. This is great as I will be recruiting him for the Maxine DeHart—United Way, Ramada Hotel Drive-Thru Breakfast in October. I hope he still returns my phone calls after he reads this (ha!). Sounds like he is going to be one busy retiree.
Melonie Dodaro, of Top Dog Social Media is #1! She recently launched her book, The LinkedIn Code, and it took the top spot on Amazon.com. The LinkedIn Code was officially released June 3 on Amazon and skyrocketed to the top of the Canadian, UK and American book selling charts. Anyone will benefit from the book that is in business. The LinkedIn Code is the only no-fluff, direct, how to use LinkedIn for generating leads book that is available today. And, if you know Melonie, she is a no-fluff gal who is extremely proficient and knowledgeable about LinkedIn. She has helped me tremendously in the past, which is quite the feat for anyone.
Cadence Trites is the new principal of Studio9 School of the Arts as of July 1, bringing with her a fine arts passion and background as well as vast experience in teaching and administration. She is currently completing her Masters in Psychology from the University of Calgary. She has been vice-principal and director of special education at Studio9 and was principal at Vedanta Academy. She replaces Karlisa Hiebert, who is moving back to the stage at the Kelowna Actors Studio. Mike Guzzi is the CEO/teacher of Studio9 School of the Arts.
Furniture Heaven, 435 Banks Rd., is selling the new Cottage Paint and offering classes on how to use it. Cottage Paint adheres to just about any surface—wood, plastic, metal, brick, melamine, arborite, old varnish, shellac, enamel paint, kitchen cabinets or glass. There is no sanding, priming or stripping required, just a clean surface and you are ready to paint. It is an all-Canadian innovative product made from water-based minerals and clay. Within an hour you can begin to distress it with a damp cloth. The paint takes on a very smooth, time-worn appearance and just needs a finishing coat of wax or varnish and your old furniture will look beautiful once again. Visit www.furnitureheaven.net for the classes. Instruction is by interior artist Gail Hodgson. Call 250-762-2231; email furnitureheaven@shaw.ca.
CFL Grey Cup winner and business mastermind Joe Forzani was in Kelowna last week to film some endorsement videos for Martin McDermott’s PowerPlant Whole Food Bars. The PowerPlant bars are portable, organic and as close to natural as you can get, says Forzani. He has health issues and other bars he has tried are loaded with sugar, trans-fats and preservatives, none of which the PowerPlant bars have. Best of all they are low in calories and great for the golf course or at the office. PowerPlant bars and products can be found at Nature’s Fare. Visit www.powerplantwholefoods.com.
Dr. Blair Broaderip has been practicing dentistry for the past 30 years. He has a dental practice in Kelowna and has recently bought an existing dental practice in Vernon. Along with his spouse, Teresa May, and his office manager, they have renamed the practice to Abby Dental Care. Abby meaning a father’s joy/gift and having BB his initial within the name. Naming it in honour of his 100 year old father, Herb Broaderip, they will bring him to Kelowna and Vernon for the official opening celebration. Abby Dental Care is located at the Fruit Union Plaza, across from Polson Park in Vernon. Call 250-542-1404 or 250-469-2928; website www.abbydental.ca.
The World Cup of soccer will start in Brazil on June 12. Italy will be playing England on June 14 at 3 p.m. Kelowna time. There are many fans in our city that support the Italian team. The Sons of Italy Galileo Lodge invites fans to come and cheer for Italy at Michaelbrook Golf Course (Brook Bar and Grill) on Lexington Drive, wearing the Italian team colours of green, white and red. Watch the game on an eight-foot screen with friendly sportsmanship. On June 20, Italy will play Costa Rica at 9 a.m. local time and also on June 24 against Uruguay at 9 a.m. all at the same venue. For more info call Ono at 250-862-7799.
The TELUS Motorcycle Ride for Dad is Sunday from Banner Recreation with registration starting at 7 a.m. The first 300 riders will receive a free meal ticket from Montana’s. The RCMP escorted ride leaves at 10 a.m. and will go to the Great Canadian Super Store in West Kelowna. Ride for Dad helps fight and cure prostate cancer. Contact Ron Wittenberg at ron.witt@hotmail.com.
This unique fundraiser is Saturday, June 7 at 11 a.m. at Auction World, 3953 Hwy. 97 N. for BrainTrust Canada. The auction will include vehicles from dealerships around the valley plus amazing things like a trip to Puerto Vallarta, guitar signed by rock band members such as KISS and Survivor, two ultimate date nights, jewelry and lots more. For photos and a list of items visit www.braintrustcanada.com.
The contact number for Platinum Tattoo was omitted from last week’s column. The business is located at 234 Leon Ave. in downtown Kelowna. Call 250-763-2211.
Kudos to Mark Watt who aced a hole-in-one at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club, 145 yards, with a nine iron on hole #15.
Chris and I have a friend coming to Kelowna from Alberta to work in our city for the summer. If anyone has or knows of anyone who might have a small carriage house or suite for rent for a few months, please give me a call at 250-862-7662. This gentleman is single, very responsible and has a small dog.
Birthdays of the week: Sherry Huva, my niece (July 10); Shirley Hutt (July 10); Andy Smith, Royal LePage (June 5); Martin McDermott (June 8); Jan McArthur (June 9); Gilles Dufort, (June 9); Laura Duncom (June 9); Jeanne Crandall (June 10); Nova Tourney, Ramada Hotel (June 11); Al Horning (June 11); Don Makela (June 11).
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna city councillor and hotelier. Phone 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662, fax 250-860-3173, maxdehart@telus.net.
