Justin Paul Fashions is a unique ladies fashion shop that has a little bit of everything, located in downtown Kelowna at 1296 Ellis St.
Owned by Stan Sommerville and managed by Karen Voisin (former manager of Kolu in Spall Plaza), Justin Paul Fashions carries an exclusive line of fashions designed by Shiela Keijhron with the artwork of Daphne Odjij (Stan’s mother). Along with accessories, the store also features Bed Stu Boots, J Shoes, Tsubo Shoes and brands of Ca Va de Soi, Nor, Cecile Benac and Simon Chang. I purchased a lovely Kaida black chiffon drape style top, which I’ve found is one of the most versatile pieces in my closet. They also have some great larger purses for businesswomen on the go. Call 250-860-3666.
Following one of the tightest races in the eight-year history of the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame voting, the 2012 inductees have been decided. Leading the way was our very own Sandhill Wines master winemaker Howard Soon. Capturing the category of “Friend of the Industry,” Soon received this prestigious honour for being “an individual who has provided exceptional support to the restaurant industry—a supplier, member of the media, or politician who has consistently supported B.C.’s restaurant industry.” While in Vancouver this weekend, I picked up The Province newspaper and saw a wonderful picture of Howard at the gala awards banquet, and I personally can’t think of anyone more deserving to receive that honour.
Edo Japan has opened in the Food Court at Orchard Park Shopping Centre. There are 70 Edo Japans in Alberta and 15 in B.C.—including two in Vernon, one in Penticton, one in West Kelowna and now the new Kelowna location. Owned and operated by franchisees Nelson and Estrella Rodriguez, the restaurant offers fresh and healthy Japanese Teppan-style cooking, which is prepared hot and fast with their 450-degree Teppan grills. Alongside its signature side dishes such as sukiyaki beef and teriyaki chicken, Edo Japan offers diverse meal choices including yakisoba noodles, udon soup, fresh California Rolls and many other creations. Their most cherished menu item is the signature Teriyaki sauce that is made fresh daily and served warm over all the Teppan-style meals. Edo was founded by Reverend Susumu Ikuta, a Japanese Buddhist minister who opened the first restaurant in 1979 in South Centre Mall in Calgary. Call 250-860-8551
Gordon Daines, formerly of HSBC in Kelowna and RBC in Vernon, has joined the Canadian Western Bank as a new senior manager, commercial banking. His expertise is in mid-market commercial and real estate lending. Bob Brown is the assistant vice-president and Kelowna main branch manager.
Roy’s Shoes, Boots and Repairs, in downtown Kelowna at 1627 Ellis St., has a new pickup and delivery service for its customers. Owned and operated by the Belshaw family, Roy’s is working in partnership with TIER Support Services (Teaching Independence Employment Responsibility), a local group that works with adults with developmental disabilities to find employment. Spencer will be available to pick up and deliver your shoes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Just call before noon. The service is free downtown and other areas of Kelowna are $5 pickup and $5 for delivery. This is a great deal and a real timesaver service for many people. For areas outside the downtown area, Roy’s is working with a local courier company, Delivery Masters. Call 250-763-5696.
Formerly of RPX Express, now RPX Logistics, Wayne Hopkins has gone back to work after retiring and is the account manager for JM Media.ca, an ad agency specializing in media advertising. Hopkins told me he was “retired before going back to work” but his wife said he was just “out of work.” Call 250-762-9587; rwhopkins@shaw.ca
The Butcher, The Baker, The Wine & Cheese Make—An Okanagan Cookbook by Capital News food and wine columnist Jennifer Schell is celebrating the Okanagan’s food culture and cuisine. The book explores the stories and the relationships between the land, the food, the people and ultimately the recipes and tastes which reach the table. Available throughout the Okanagan. Order at www.anokanagancookbook.com.
Dr. Ike Karunayasopon is a Yolo Medical LipoLaser certified clinician, certified professional life coach, certified clinical hypnotherapist and certified Thai massage therapist. He has opened a new stress and wellness clinic, 230-1855 Kirschner Road, utilizing inter-disciplinary and collaborate approaches to ensure the most appropriate services for each customer. Call 250-862-6530; www.stressandwellnessclinic.com
Hometown Furniture, at 2643 Enterprise Way, has expanded to two floors and now has over 33,000 sq.ft. of space to display their extensive line of home furnishings. Owned and operated by Joe Kandola, Hometown has been in business in the Okanagan since 1988 (started in Penticton) and has been in Kelowna since 2005, with a warehouse in both Penticton and Kelowna. This local company has continued to expand, even in the tough economic times. The expanded store offers a wide selection of mattresses, including Sealy, Serta Sova and iComfort brands. Buying their furniture in bulk, means that savings are passed onto the customer and Hometown also offers custom orders of the Elite Furniture brand out of Vancouver. Along with all the furnishings for your home, Hometown has a great selection of accessories. Call 250-762-3646
The United Way Dinner of Distinction is Nov. 15 at the Coast Capri Hotel. The evening is a key fundraiser for the annual campaign. This year’s honouree is Investors Group regional director Paul Demay, who is the 10th United Way Dinner of Distinction honouree. Past recipients will also be acknowledged at this year’s celebration including Mike Roberts, Albert and Beryl Baldeo, Ken Harding, Walter Gray, Mel Kotler, Glen and Ev Rae, James Stuart and yours truly. Also being honoured with the Mel and Dina Kotler Humanitarian award is past Kelowna mayor Sharon Shepherd. For tickets contact 250-860-2356; judy@unitedwaycso.com
Congratulations to several City of Kelowna employees who are celebrating long service milestones—Ron Westlake, regional services and Pamela Wilson, recreation and culture (25 years); Lyla Wiebe, recreation and culture; Steve Whiting, airport; Gregory Newmark, transportation services; Steven Muenz and Chris Greenway, development services; Darla Fitzgerald, police services and Grant Campbell, recreation and culture (all 20 years).
This Sunday, Nov. 4, is the Fall Bridal and Grad Expo 2012 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Visit and talk with over 80 local wedding vendors to get ideas for your special day. There will be fashions shows, entertainment, lots of give-a-ways and over $20,000 worth of indoor prizes. Stop by Booth #10 (main floor just down from Staccato’s) and visit Sergio Cunial and Cindy Atkinson from the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre. They are the wedding specialists. Tickets $20 available at L’Amore Bridal and Formals or call 250-717-5673.
The Lady of the Lake Society is offering a six month training program which focuses on public speaking, networking, area knowledge, stress reduction, time management, self-defense and nutrition (just to name a few) for young women who will be 16 by Dec. 31 and no older than 18 by Aug. 1, 2013, and a Canadian citizen. Young women will be given a chance to obtain skills that will help them succeed in many aspects of life. If you are interested in becoming a candidate (2012-13) or have any questions, e-mail kelownaladyofthelake@live.ca. Please include your name, address, birthday, phone number and e-mail address. You will be contacted to attend an informational meeting.
The Rutland Park Society Antique & Collectible Show is this weekend, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3, at the Rutland Centennial Hall. There will be an eclectic array of items sure to tempt everyone’s taste. Admission by donation to the Rutland Park Society Charity Fund.
Lynn Sorsdahl is desperately trying to find her dog “Eddie” a white, male Pomeranian with a black eye patch/face that went missing from a pet sitting service on Rio Drive South. Eddie is still missing and they feel he could be in someone’s care. If you have seen Eddie or have any info, call Lynn at 250-491-1997 or the dog can be dropped off at the Alpine Pet Hospital, 1725 Baron Rd. (250-763-7385) with no questions asked.
Have you noticed the colourful composting bins along the south side of Kelowna City Hall? These bins are part of the new composting project taking place at City Hall. The program started as a pilot on the second floor and it has now expanded to include the fourth floor as well. All City Hall staff are invited to participate in the program by using the compost bins on the second and fourth floors to collect organic material. Staff volunteers maintain the kitchen compost bins, take the compost to the outdoor bins and ensure all areas are tidy. The Cool Arts Society volunteers painted the outdoor bins. Kudos to all!
The Okanagan Live Transplant Support Group will meet at Perkins Restaurant in the Ramada Hotel on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 10:30 a.m. This is for post- or pre-liver transplant patients or caregivers. Email John.brenda@shaw.ca for more information.
Birthdays of the week: Happy 102nd Annie Maze, The Chatsworth (Nov.1); Darran Light, Laing Roofing (Oct.28); Chrisie Leathly (Nov. 2); Glen Kunth, Greyhound Courier (Nov. 2); George Colpron (Nov. 2); Doreen Gray (Nov. 3); Les Crosby (Nov. 4); Frank Williams (Nov. 4); Terry Hoogewoonink, Premier Salon (Nov. 5); Rick Appleby, Okanagan College (Nov. 6).
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546, fax 250-860-3173, email maxdehart@telus.net.