The date of June 2, 2012, marks the 100th anniversary of the Ellison Community Hall.
Public education in the Ellison District began in 1894 in an upstairs room in the Christien house, moving to a new school house in 1895. As the Ellison population grew, a larger school was built in 1912. This school, now the Ellison Community Hall, provided many generations of students with a sound education. On June 2, the public is invited to a variety of events, including a heritage classroom historical photo display, children’s art display, fire hall, fire safety house, vintage vehicles, and a display of the 75th anniversary time capsule’s contents (1987) unearthed on April 12 along with a DVD presentation of the unearthing. Pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. with present and former residents, students and teachers.
The Bay general manager Rein Nurmsoo has moved on to take on the same job for the Vernon store, the community where he also lives. Darla Strutt, who was the general manger in Vernon, is now the new general manager of the Kelowna store.
Sherry’s Tanning, (formerly Island Tan), now located at 2009G Enterprise Way, celebrates the store’s 10th anniversary on June 1. Owned and operated by Sherry Crandell, the business relocated to Enterprise Way three years ago. Crandell plans to celebrate her business success the entire week of May 28 to June 1, offering one free tan during that week to anyone who brings in a food bank donation. She has been a supporter of the Kelowna Community Food Bank for 10 years. There will also be free coffee, treats and wine all week long, along with lots of give-a-ways, draws for gift bags, baskets and free tanning. Watch for will also be amazing deals on tanning, infrared sauna and products up to 70 per cent off. Call 250-763-5300 for an appointment.
Scott Alexander is the new Silver Lake camp director at the YMCA-YWCA operated facility, bringing outdoor recreation experience and wilderness survival instructor training. Silver Lake will host an open house on Saturday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the H2O Centre and Monday, May 28, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Kelowna Family Y on Hartman Road in Rutland. Call 250-764-9621.
Tom Keitel, senior account executive, Western Canada of Entertainment Publications, is back in town after overseeing the Vancouver Entertainment Book for the past 10 years. He started distributing the book in the Okanagan/Thompson area in 1995. Entertainment Book is one of North America’s leading providers of discounts and promotions that bring together companies to support schools and charitable organizations. Entertainment Publications now has a new mobile app, which subscribers can download to their smart phones. If you are interested in being a merchant in the program or selling books as a fundraiser contact Keitel at 250-707-0303; tkeitel@entertainment.com
After an intense day of great plates, exceptional produce and intense concentration, Jenna Angle was awarded B.C. Junior Chef of the Year in a black box competition. She will now represent our province at the national conference set for Halifax in June. Angle currently works at Local Lounge and Grille in Summerland.
Home Instead Senior Care, owned by franchisees Don Henke and wife Anita Johnson-Henke, celebrates its 10th anniversary this month.Home Instead is one of the world’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care and companionship services for seniors. Non-medical services include companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, Alzheimer’s care and escorts for errands and shopping. The company’s 50 CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded, insured and have successfully passed criminal background checks. Henke is currently serving on the Seniors Outreach board, a non-profit society that helps seniors within the community. The company has also been involved in the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program providing seniors with gifts at Christmas. Call 250-860-4113; www.homeinstead.com/3005
After 10 years at Lakeshore Place, general manager Carole Felton is retiring May 31 and relocating with husband Rick to Niagara on the Lake in Ontario. Sarah Zimmermann will be the new general manager. Felton’s parents live in Toronto, so she is looking forward to the move.
Heart And Sol Tours offers carefully designed fun-filled, seven-hour Okanagan sightseeing day trips. Owned and operated by business woman Sherry Cote and husband Kevin Jackson, tour guests will be taken to the most beautiful locales in the region, showcasing the natural beauty and spirit of the valley. Guests will be chauffeured in a custom executive air-conditioned luxurious mini-bus with their knowledgeable and interactive hosts, Sherry and Kevin. The day trips are packed with just about any kind of Okanagan trip, such as train trips, gourmet lunch stops, wine tastings, boat tours, lakes, orchards, vineyards, lush gardens, mountains, farms, museums, galleries, crocodiles , tortoises, kangaroos and exotics birds. The reasonably priced day trips will run from Monday to Friday, with private group tours available on the weekends. Call 250-762-7167; www.heartandsoltours.com
Had a delightful coffee and treat at the new Giobeancoffee house, 1320 Water St. The move and renovation did proprietor Giovanni Lauretta well, with the entire atmosphere definitely “like an Italian Piazza.” I tasted a delectable authentic Italian apricot croissant (Cornetto) and it was deliciousoo! They offer a spacious patio and the staff are excellent. Giovanni himself is the perfect host to all the clientele. They will also be serving authentic Gelato soon. Call 250-868-2992
Happy 47th anniversary Emilio and Kelly Padula (May 22).
The “Dragon in the Drink” dragon boat crew paddled to a gold medal in the Women’s A Division at the Deep Cove 2012 Dash Dragon Boat Festival. There were 14 teams in the women’s division with very tight competition, including FLCC Fast and Furious women’s team from Fort Langley, who are heading to the World Club Crew Championships in Hong Kong. Only 17/100 of a second separated first and second in the final heat, with DITD finishing in a time of 57.03 and FLCC finishing in a time of 57.20. Dragon in the Drink also posted the fastest women’s time of the day at 54.35. Team members are Jan Johnston, Kerry Bulatovich, Val Dougans, Meggan Gibson, Marianne Leimert, Roxanne Pederson, Lissa Heathcote, Kathy Montgomery, Anne Bida, Cindy McNeely, Phyllis Paine, Treena Harley, Donna Rimmer, Tammie Sexsmith, Sharon Taylor, Ivan Carothers (coach), Sandi Cristofoli, Val Cons, Nicole Cons, Hazel Christy, Deb Champion, Jennifer Bregolisse, Ashleigh Haner and Diane Dahl.
Skyway Ventures, in partnership with the Kelowna Airport is converting the Skyway Atrium Lounge to a White Spot Restaurant, set to open June 1. During construction, the lounge will be completely closed, however ,food and beverage services will continue to be available at Tim Hortons and the White Spot and Skyway Cafe and Wine Bar after security in the departure area. People dropping off passengers, area residents and passengers themselves will now have more food options at the airport. www.ylwkelowna.ca
The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission was the recipient of the Economic Development Leader of the Year Award. The economic development commission is a function of the regional district, providing a dedicated resource that responds to business-based inquiries and undertakes business development initiatives. Robert Fine is the executive director.
Zoe Nixon, who now runs a home-based gluten-free bakery, and will display her products at the Canadian Celiac Association National Conference taking place this weekend at The Delta Grand. The Sin Grano Ancient Grains Bakery, which means “without grain” in Spanish, specializes in 100 percent gluten-free products. With support from Community Futures, Nixon saw the need to provide healthy, great tasting gluten-free bread and baked goods, perfecting the products for five months before putting them into the market. Great tasting products are exactly what she is producing. Among some of her products are Sun-Flax or Buck-Qui bread, Ciabatta and chocolate brownies, which I have tasted. They are unbelievably delicious. Her goal this year is to expand the company into larger retail stores, restaurants and Internet sales. The products are already offered through a number of local businesses, including Urban Harvest (Saturday’s-Crowley Ave.), Fresh Green Grocer (Lakeshore Road) and the Organic Cupboard. Go to www.singrano.com for a line-up of products. Call 250-808-5999.
Congrats to the following Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce Key Business Award winners: Nadine Casey French, NCF Law (Business Person of the Year); Geometrik Mfg., Natasha Bolshakova (Large Business); Buy the Sea Seafood, Mike Stokes (Retail); Peachland Castle, Jamie Symington (Service); The Chef Instead, Martin Laprise (home-based); Chase Office Interiors, Danny Chase (Aboriginal); Post Net, Craig Garries (New Business); Kalala Organic Winery, Karnail Singh Sidhu (Green); TD Canada Trust, Kim Booker (Platinum service provider); Ali K. Zam Productions, Leif David Thordarson (Young Entrepreneur); Westbank Museum, Margaret Jackson (Arts and Cultural Improvements); Jeffrey Zilkowsky, Hergott Law (Community Social Development).
Arlo’s Honey Farm, located at 4329 Bedford Lane in Kelowna, is owned and operated by Helen Kennedy and Rick Appel. The farm will celebrate International Day of the Honey Bee with an open house on Sunday, May 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kennedy and Appel will host guided farm and field tours, bee hive viewing, honey tasting, sell Honey Bee products, offer food, activities and above all fun. Arlos’s farm is a full garden market and sell garlic, onions, cherry tomatoes and rhubarb, and is also part of the Farm Studio Tours promoted through Tourism Kelowna. Call 250-764-2883;www.arloshoneyfarm.com
The 24th annual M&M Charity BBQ for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada was held May 12 in Kelowna at all locations was a huge success. This year’s efforts of grilling M&M hamburgers and hot dogs and selling ice cream surpassed their expectations and raised a whopping total of $1,546,000 Canada wide. This brings their 24 year total to $23,106,000. Not only did they exceed their goal, they exceeded last year sales of in-store Stars, Blossoms and Coupon books by over six per cent.
Birthdays of the week: Mike Mervyn, Wealthlink Financial (May 22); Don Shafer, Astral Media (May 25); Lucas Griffin (May 27); Cindy Atkinson, Ramada Hotel (May 29); Marilyn Tyreman (May 27); Rev. Fr. Andriy Werbowy (May 28); Ron Mattiussi, City of Kelowna (May 25); Crystal Bouchard (May 25); Edward Burran (May 25); Jeremy Harris (May 27); Ria York (May 28); Richard Prowse (May 28); and Don Judiesch (May 30).
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546, fax 250-860-3173, email maxdehart@telus.net.
