Straight From DeHart - June 3, 2026

Earthly Creations Floral Art and Gift Gallery at 2630 Pandosy Street is celebrating 26 years in business. Owned and operated by Marie Shandalla, once you have visited Marie in her shop, you will experience the magic, creativity and beauty of her floral art. Marie designs and delivers florals for every occasion during the year, specializing in creating stunning arrangements that blend creativity, elegance, and seasonal beauty. Every bouquet is thoughtfully designed with Marie’s personal touch and attention to detail. More than just a floral shop, you will need time to browse in the art and gift gallery as the store is chock-full of all kinds of gifts, chocolate, and local artisan items. As a cherished part of the community, the shop has been helping customers celebrate milestones, express emotions, and brighten days through Marie’s electric personality. The teapot is always on in the shop, so stop by and wish her a happy 26th. Call 250-861-55825 or marie@earthlycreations.net

Trulli Italian Supermercato at #102 – 200 Dougall Road North is celebrating their 5th Anniversary in business. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Neal Hagreen and Sommelier Stephanie Larsen, the supermarket is chock-full of authentic Italian products that focus on the Southern Italian Region of Italy and beyond. Catering to both chefs and the public, they offer a large variety of olive oils and dried pasta. They carry Italian coffee beans, cookies dried herbs from Sicily, a good variety of preserved veggies, along with a huge variety of olives, canned beans, tomatoes, and tuna. The store has a wonderful atmosphere, and you will need some time to view all the products. www.truliitalian.com

The Kelowna Bocce Club invites you to join them for their annual picnic, on June 14th, 2026, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at 2340 Aberdeen Street. There will be a BBQ, great food, and an informal afternoon of fun bocce play. Ticket available at the door at $25.00 and kids 12 and under are free. Bring your family and friends as they look forward to welcoming you.

Colleen Nasholm is the Sr. Account Manager of Westkey Xibita, located at 1660 Innovation Drive. Westkey has six areas of business: print and branding, apparel and promotions, labels, wide format, exhibits, and millwork. Colleen relocated from Edmonton in 2019 where she worked for many entities, including manager of Visions Electronics in the Insurance and Commercial Division, and collaborated with clients such as the Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Eskimos (now Elks). She also worked for Alexander Agencies as a Healthcare Manufacturers representative and Display Systems. In Kelowna, Colleen previously worked for Cancadd Imaging Solution and UDI. www.westkeyxibita.com

One year ago, Okanagan Communicators (OC) Toastmasters was a club of just eight members. Today, they have grown to 18 members and are becoming a vibrant and supportive organization. OC meet every Monday from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Community Theatre. Their meetings are welcoming, supportive, and open to anyone interested in becoming a more confident speaker or communicator. Members learn by undertaking short speeches, get constructive feedback, in a positive environment where progress happens step by step. Guests are welcome with no obligation to join or speak. At the center of this transformation is an inspiring story. Grace Zhu, originally from China, joined the club less than two years ago. Like many who speak English as a second language, stepping into public speaking was a personal challenge. Grace made a courageous decision to compete this year in the Toastmasters International Speech Contest. Representing OC, Grace advanced through each level of the competition with remarkable determination. Grace won Area 80, placed second in Division J., and reached the District 21 finals in April, a remarkable achievement. Pablo Moreno is the VP Public Relations at pablo@masvino.ca or visit www.octoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org

Executive Director Alda Messiah is the CEO of Ascentia Career Institute and Elevare Career Institute, which are Kelowna-based, accredited private career colleges focused on practical, career-driven education designed to help students transition into high-demand industries. Together, the institutes offer hands-on training in healthcare, dental, wellness, education, and professional development programs, with a strong emphasis on student support, community impact, and work force readiness across the Okanagan region. Alda is an immigrant from South Africa and the Executive Director of both colleges. She has more than 30 years of experience in the education sector and is passionate about creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds and helping individuals gain practical skills that lead to meaningful careers and long-term success. www.ascentiaci.ca

The Okanagan Student Support Society (OSSS) was launched in September 2025, by David Chatterson and Alistair Taylor, awarding hardworking local high school students to overcome financial barriers that threaten their ability to graduate. OSSS currently provides monthly financial awards of $100 to students selected by school counsellors and principals based on need and merit, offering both financial relief and the reassurance that their community believes in them. Directing 100% of donations to the students, with all administrative costs covered by their directors, community support helps ensure these students can graduate, strengthen their futures, and build a more resilient community. OSSS currently helps students at Rutland Senior Secondary and will be adding Ecole Kelowna Secondary, Kelowna Secondary, Okanagan Mission Secondary, and Mount Boucherie next year. To donate or for further information contact Ruth Benedict, Fundraising Developer at 250-870-8746 or visit www.osss.ca

Enactus Okanagan College has been named the 2026 Enactus Canada National Champion after defeating more than 45 universities and colleges from across the country at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Montreal. Enactus Okanagan College will now represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup in Sao Paulo, Brazil in November, completing against top student teams from around the globe.

Kudos to Bernie Ryan and the businesses and volunteers who participated in the Kelowna Industry and Trades Day. The day raised $3,364.30 in support of JoeAnna’s House. In addition to the monies raised, the business community left a positive impression on every child that came through their business doors, big and small.

Friends of The Library: Summer Book Sale is Saturday June 13th and Sunday June 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Unit #114 – 2476 Westlake Road, West Kelowna. Gently used, quality books for all ages, puzzles, games, and unbeatable bargains. Cards and cash are accepted. www.kelownafol.ca to donate books or fol4k@hotmail.com for more information.

Join the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society on June 6th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Okanagan Regional Library. I will be, as Deputy Mayor, kicking off the day at 10:30 a.m. with my DeHart story and a look at how city cultural grants support projects. The day features shocking tales like My Mother the Unwitting Cannibal, plus sessions on DNA discoveries and AI. Attendees can get one-on-one expert research help and free obituary downloads from a data base of 25,000 records. Bring your own obituaries to scan and register on the day to win prizes like DNA tests and genealogy online database subscriptions. Free admission, no-pre-registration and suitable for all skill levels. tinyurl.com.4dhbvbjt

Peter Boyd, owner of Peter’s Your Independent Grocer in Kelowna was the first retailer to take a chance on Rad Jamz from local entrepreneur Kyla King. Peter played a huge role in helping Kyla grow her business and now she has created something special to thank him. To mark Peter’s retirement. Rad Jamz has created a limited- edition Seedless Blackberry Jam inspired by a favorite childhood memory. The recipe was developed to resemble the blackberry jam that Peter’s mother made for him when he was growing up. Only 400 jars will be produced, making the release a unique collector item for customers and community members who have come to know Peter throughout his years of service. The commemorative jars will sell for $9.99 each and will be available exclusively at Peter’s Your Independent Grocer beginning Thursday, June 4th, while quantities last. 100% of the proceeds are being donated to the Lake Country Food Bank.

The Kelowna Okanagan Mission Rotary Trivia Fundraiser is Saturday, June 13th, 2026, at the Kelowna Curling Club. Tickets are $60.00 For a great evening of trivia, buffet dinner, silent auction, and prizes. For tickets email Stephen Smit at stephentsmith@telus.net.

The Rotary Center for the Arts (RCA) is hosting the Creative Aging Festival from June 13-19, 2026, at the RCA. This free community festival is designed for adults aged 55+ as well as those who cherish the enriching interactions with older members of our community. Through workshops, performances, cultural experiences, and social gatherings, the festival celebrates creativity, lifelong learning, and the power of connection through the arts. Visit www.rotarycentreforthearts.com/creative-aging-festival/

Congratulations to Dan DeJager who shot his first hole-in-one at hole #10, 212 yards, at Mission Creek Golf Course. Dan has recently relocated from Vancouver to West Kelowna.

Friday is National Donut Day, and what could be better than celebrating donuts? Specialty Bakery celebrates the day as they bake more than 25 different flavours and varieties of the doughnuts. Of course, they specialize in their famous Kelonut, which is half donut and half croissant with crème filling. Other varieties are Apple Strawberry Cinnamon, Black Forest, Banana, Blueberry Custard, Brownie Explosion, Cappuccino, Jelly, Lemon, Long John Cream, and Maple Bacon just to mention a few. Let’s all celebrate. I’m having a Brownie Explosion.

Birthdays of the week –Happy 50th Kyle Douglas (June 4); Jo-Anne Grove (June 3); Allison Ramchuk (June 3); Brenda Josephs (June 3); Don Hucculak (June 3); Linda Russell (June 3); Mark Lindsay (June 3); Tamara Joel (June 4); Bill Winters (June 4); Andrew Gaucher (June 4); Kathy Montgomery (June 5); Laura Pelletier (June 5); Gary Brucker (June 6); Gary Parmar (June 6); Darryl Reuter (June 6); Wanda Turkington (June 6); Alexandra Collins (June 7); Pam Samaddar (June 7); Gordon Oliver (June 7); Larry Clements (June 7); Terry Armstrong (June 8); Sandy Hilton (June 8); Kim Koutavas (June 8); Terry Armstrong (June 8); Sandy Hilton (June 8); Tammy Hughes (June 8); Kathy Krasnov (June 8); John Bohn (June 9); Gilles Dufort (June 9); Dianne Garries (June 9); Laura Doncom (June 9); Fabiola Montalvo (June 9).

The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Kim Koutavas. Kim, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Tuesday, June 9/2026.

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662. E-mail max@maxinedehart.ca