This week’s column is dedicated to my long-time friend Paul Johnson, who passed away Jan. 13. My husband Chris went to school with Paul and Paul’s father also taught him in shop class. I met Paul when I came to Kelowna many years prior to him starting his career in the investment industry. Personal condolences to Jessie, his entire family and many friends.
After more than 25 years in the radio industry in the Okanagan Valley and one of the founder/shareholders and then general manager for the past three years at K96.3 radio, Dallas Gray has moved onto a new career venture.
Having sold his interest in K96.3, Gray is now the new marketing agent, commercial leasing for the Al Stober Group, sarting his new job Feb. 1. As well, Dallas has purchased the LED Electronic Billboard sign on Bridge Hill, which is the only LED billboard in the Okanagan Valley. That billboard is 11 feet by 32 feet and is capable of playing static or fully animated video ads. The eBoard, which started operating in November 2009, is environmentally friendly. Besides using less power because it is LED, the board ads are created on a computer so there is no need for expensive sign wraps and bucket trucks to install them. It’s like having your advertisement displayed on a billboard-sized TV screen. The colours will never fade and the board is equally brilliant and clear day or night. Call Dallas at 250-826-5963 or email electronicboard@gmail.com.
Maribeth Friesen, former CEO of BrainTrust Canada for four years, is the new manager, regional services (BC Interior) for the Alzheimer Society of B.C., at 307-1664 Richter St. This is a newly established positon in the Interior to support the development of programs and services. Call 250-860-0750, emial mfriesen@alzheimerbc.org or check out website alzheimerbc.org.
Associated Property Management has again grown its commercial strata services. Certified property manager Pat Davies has joined the company with over 35 years experience, specializing in strata and commercial property management. She has completed many real estate and construction courses, including finance, investment analysis, ethics, problem solving, decision making, leasing and management of various types of properties. She has completed university courses which help her in the industry; a couple of them being basic structural engineering and thermodynamics. Daniel Lobsinger is the president of the company. Call 250-712-0025; online associatedpm.ca .
WildPlay Element Parks has a new park trailblazer among their team at 5983 Highway 33, located just past Black Mountain. Amber Hall, former sales manager at the Coast Capri Hotel and The Cove Lakeside, will unleash her expertise in marketing, sales and guest services to connect residents and visitors with the many unique aerial adventures and zip lining at the park. One of Amber’s tasks in her new position will be to bring general awareness to the park in our community, which will re-open on March 14. For a complete schedule, bookings and season passes visit wildplay.com or call Amber at 1-855-595-2251 (local 502).
Congratulations to Gary Wardrop (Wealthlink Financial), Chantelle Mitchell and daughter Raine on the addition to their family with the birth of their son and baby brother, Lennox Reid Mitchell-Wardrop.
Mark Watt, formerly with the City of Kelowna, is the new president of the BC Pacific chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America. The organization’s mission is to advance the responsible management of solid waste as a resource. Mark’s background is with the region’s solid waste collection, solid waste program and had a leadership role in the development of the Glenmore Landfill and the invention of Ogogrow. Watt also runs his own business, Watt Environment Consulting. Call 250-862-2112; emial mwatt@outlook.com.
Accolades to senior manager in assurance services Tyler Neels, who has been promoted to partner at Grant Thornton LLP.
The Kelowna SPCA Thrift Store has opened a second location at 160 Dougal Road N. in Rutland at the former A.G. Superstore site building. With a second store, owner Greg Dahms feels they will now be able to thin out their Mission location at the corner of Casorso and Benvoulin and accept larger items like sporting goods and furniture. The Casorso location will now accept furniture that will be transferred to the new location. Donations will only be accepted during business hours Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No donations will be accepted on Sunday or after hours and no dumping is allowed. Call 250-717-3366.
Well-known Dilworth Safeway gal Holly Finney has retired after 30 years of service. Holly started with Safeway at the Orchard Park location and then moved to the new Dilworth store. She has been a cashier, trouble shooter and customer service agent in the cash office during her tenure with Safeway. In retirement, she plans to pursue a new journey in her life.
Kelowna Kiwanis Festival will celebrate its 90 anniversary with a concert and reception on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m., at The Rotary Centre for the Arts. Performing will be Graham Vink (piano/classical), Desiree Bortolussi (ballet), Kim Rhindress (musical theatre), Michelle (Bardot) Carlisle (woodwinds), The Night Owl Orchestra, The Bob Rebagliati Trio (jazz) and Saul Berson (saxophone). Tickets available at the Rotary Centre box office.
As well, congratulations to the present board of directors of the Kelowna Kiwanis Festival: Marion MacNeil (president), Zonia Arnold (vice-president), Sandy Kakoschke (volunteer coordinator), Eric Reitsma (treasurer), Gill Goadby (secretary), Peter DeRoche (choir director), Denise Andre (dance director) and Chris Thatcher and Bob Bissell (directors). Marv Machura is the executive director of the society. Call 250-860-5033; online kelownakiwanisfestival.com.
Steven Chung, formerly of Sears Home, is a new cost analyst specialist at Okanagan Office Systems, 523 Lawrence Ave. in Kelowna. Call 250-469-3002 or email kchung@okanaganofficesystems.com.
Cedars Hairport has opened at 1131 Sutherland Ave. in Kelowna. The salon is owned and operated by Mona Dib, who formerly owned Allure Hair and Lounge. Her new shop has six stylists along with Mona, plus a full-time esthetician and one nail technician who specializes in gel nails. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Call 250-861-8626.
Factor Furniture on Kirschner Road in Kelowna’s Stewart Centre celebrates its first anniversary this month. To mark the occasion, store owners Scott and Leeann Vigar are featuring Gus Furniture, the elegant and industrial modern furniture with sale pricing and free delivery in Kelowna. Factor offers stylist and unique furniture from brands you previously had to go to Vancouver or Seattle to purchase. If you like a cool look and function, Factor Furniture is your place. Drop by and enter to win club seats to the next Kelowna Rockets Friday night game. No purchase necessary and the contest is on for the entire season. For more information see factorfurniture.com
The Uptown Rutland Business Association’s next Uptown After Hours social gathering is Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Valley First Credit Union, 101-110 Highway 33. Zabb Thai Restaurant and Camelot Vineyards will be featured.
The Greater Westside Board of Trade has a new board for 2016 headed up by chair Christopher Cruz, consultant AMC Tours and Dolicious Donuts, and vice-chair Gary Schlenker, with Grant Thornton LLP. Other executive members include second vice-president, Elfriede Schmoll (Best Western Plus); treasurer, Aaron Dodsworth (White Kennedy LLP); secretary, Holly Plante (Essence Creative) and past chair, Norm LeCavalier (Silver Fox Business Strategies). The board directors are Jesse Bernhardt (Pushor Mitchell, LLP); Bobby Gidda (Volcanic Hills Winery); Marion Henselwood (Valley First); Bill Raine (Coldwell Banker); Jim Reid (Alpine Helicopters) and Gary Zvanovec (Okanagan Business Centre).
On Jan. 30, there will be a celebration of life for former B.C. premier Bill Bennett at The Delta Grand Hotel and Conference Centre, 2 p.m.
Peter Lepold, a member of the Kelowna and District Stamp Club, has created a commemorative stamp, which Canada Post printed this month. Canada Post has printed numerous stamps designed by Lepold, which honour Okanagan landmark anniversaries, including the opening of the William R. Bennett Bridge and its fifth anniversary. For more information on the club and stamps call 250-765-3502; email plepold@hotmail.com
Interior Savings Credit Union has made an urgent call to action for students to claim their share of the Million Dollar Bursary Fund before Feb. 1. For the third year in a row, Interior Saving is continuing its commitment to award up to one million dollars in bursaries annually. The goal is to support young people in realizing their full potential and with over $500,000 still available for students to access, Interior Savings wants to ensure this funding does not go untapped. To be eligible for a bursary, students have until Feb. 1 to become an Interior Savings member. Eligibility is for students ages 17 to 24 who are entering or returning to full-time study towards a degree, diploma or trade certification program at a designated post-secondary institution with classes starting between September 2016 and August 2017. See milliondollarbursary.com.
Until Monday, Feb. 8, at 4 p.m., nominations are being accepted for the 2016-17 volunteer board of directors for the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. Eight positions are available with five incumbents seeking election and three vacant positions. Visit www.kelownachamber.org or contact Caroline Grover at either 250-469-7356 or caroline@kelownachamber.org.
The 39th Annual St. Valentine’s Gala Dinner and Dance, hosted by the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club, returns to the Parkinson Recreation Centre on Saturday, Feb. 13. Music by the popular Rann Berry and The Random Act while executive chef Kim Wallace will oversee preparing the meal. Tickets $45. Call Joe at 250-878-3619.
Birthdays of the week: Mark Burley, Bell Media (Jan. 27); Randene Wejr, BC Cancer (Jan. 27); Lil Colpron (Jan. 27); Bernie Legatto (Jan. 28); Darren Mohl (Feb. 28); Lorne White (Jan. 29); Rick Potter, Rutland United Church (Jan. 31); Mike Huntley (Jan. 31); Krys Logan (Feb. 1); Linda DeCosta (Feb. 1); Rod Romanow (Feb. 2).
