Straight From DeHart - July 1, 2026

This year, we celebrate two of Kelowna’s most distinguished culinary figures as they mark 25 years of culinary excellence, innovation, and unwavering dedication to our community. Award-winning Chef Rod Butters and Audrey Surrao of RauDZ Creative Concepts celebrate 25 years in business in the Okanagan. They arrived in Kelowna 25 years ago and opened Fresco Restaurant and Lounge, a fine-dining restaurant that earned a Four Diamond designation within just three months—the first outside the Vancouver area. In 2009, the original Fresco space became RauDZ Regional Table. In 2013, they opened micro bar & bites on Water Street, later selling it to their manager, Kaidi Richardson. In 2016, Rod and Audrey opened Terrafina at Hester Creek in Oliver, a fine-dining restaurant with an Italian influence. Sunny’s Modern Diner on Bernard Avenue and The Okanagan Table - kitchen – events – catering on Pandosy Street followed and remain in full operation. The Okanagan Table offers in-house catering and a gourmet kitchen market featuring a wide selection of house-made items. Rod also published a Canadian bestselling cookbook, The Okanagan Table: The Art of Everyday Home Cooking. I am fortunate to have received a signed copy, and it remains one of my most treasured cookbooks. Despite their many accomplishments, Rod and Audrey remain focused on supporting local farmers, food producers, food artisans, winemakers, and the community. They have donated thousands of dollars and countless hours to Okanagan charities and fundraisers. www.theokanagantable.com

One of Kelowna’s most treasured landmarks is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone. Hotel Eldorado Resort will mark its 100th anniversary over the August long weekend with special events honouring a century of hospitality, history, and memorable moments on the shores of Okanagan Lake. For one unforgettable evening, Hotel Eldorado invites guests to the 100 Grand Ball, a celebration a century in the making. Champagne will flow, exceptional cuisine will be served, and a 19-piece live orchestra will set the tone before the dance floor comes alive late into the night. Wear black tie, the dress you have been waiting for an occasion to enjoy, or your sharpest tuxedo. Bring someone who loves to dance—or someone you would like to dance with. This elegant evening of indulgence and glamour celebrates 100 years of moments on Okanagan Lake. It is a rare opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Reserve your place at eldoradoresort.ca/100-years/. Tickets are limited.

Master chocolatier Matan Volach has operated his high-end chocolate company, Naked Velvet, in Kelowna for five years. Formerly known as Drop Naked, the company makes artisan chocolates using real, 100% plant-based ingredients, European dark and white chocolate, with all-Canadian packaging. Naked Velvet products include dark chocolate hazelnut truffles, Mylk chocolate hazelnut truffles, hazelnut chocolate crisp, and two new varieties: dark chocolate raspberry truffles and Mylk chocolate peanut butter truffles. The bestseller is the two-pack dark chocolate raspberry truffle. Matan also provides these delicate, delicious chocolates as wedding-table gifts for guests. They are available locally at Don-O-Ray Farm Market, Chai Baba Tea, Nature’s Fare Markets, and Urban Fare. My favourite is the hazelnut chocolate crisp. If you are If you love chocolate and have not tried Naked Velvet, you are missing out. www.nakedvelvet.ca

Happy 60th Anniversary Walter Gray (Former Mayor) and Doreen Gray (July 2).

The Legacy on the Links Charity Golf Tournament is Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club in support of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA). This is COHA’s first golf tournament and will feature a shotgun start. Participants can enjoy 18 holes, on-course contests, hole-in-one prizes, big wins throughout the day, dinner, and plenty of prizes. Registration is $295 for a single golfer or $1,180 for a foursome. For sponsorship information, visit www.hospicecoha.org. Rob Gibson is the golf committee chair and volunteer contact at 250-826-4200.

DatingKelowna.com is dedicated to helping Okanagan singles and couples find local date ideas, relationship advice, and dating resources. Founder Michael Burke emphasizes that the site is not a matchmaking platform; instead, it provides content that supports the Kelowna dating community. The website features articles on local attractions, creative date nights, and activities that make planning memorable dates easier. It also invites local dating organizations to submit upcoming events and welcomes local contributors to share dating advice and suggestions. Popular topics include creative first-date ideas, romantic picnic spots, winery and brewery experiences, relationship advice, dating tips, and unique Okanagan experiences. www.DatingKelowna.com

The BC Summer Games are coming to Kelowna July 22 to 26, 2026, and organizers are in urgent need of volunteers who can commit to at least one short shift to help create lasting memories for B.C. youth. Top young athletes will compete at venues throughout Kelowna, and volunteers are needed for duties such as sign-ins, supervision, and transportation. Whether you support the full Games or take one four-hour shift, your help will contribute to an event that will bring a significant economic boost to the community. To volunteer, visit www.bcgames.org/volunteer/. Devin Rubadeau is president of the 2026 BC Summer Games.

Ben Vos, owner of Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals, has donated 20 new bicycles to Pathways Abilities Society’s BikeWays program. Operated by Pathways Abilities Society, BikeWays gives new life to gently used bicycles and helps make cycling more affordable for individuals and families. Its mission is simple but powerful: reduce waste, create training and employment opportunities, and make transportation and recreation more accessible. Donations of any kind of bike support the people working and learning at BikeWays. Assembling, repairing, organizing, and preparing bikes for use helps participants develop technical skills, customer service experience, teamwork, and pride in a job well done. The donation of 20 new bikes strengthens that mission in a meaningful way. Now, 20 people will have a reliable way to get to work, school, appointments, recreation, or community programs. Twenty bikes may seem modest, but through BikeWays they become much more: training opportunities, affordable transportation, environmental stewardship, and community connection. Terence Ginther is co-interim executive director and associate executive director/facilities manager of Pathways Abilities Society. www.pathwayskelowna.ca

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is hosting ConneXpo 2026, its premier one-of-a-kind business trade show and expo, bringing together businesses, organizations, and community members from across the Okanagan. This event is an opportunity to explore local businesses, discover new products and services, and learn more about the organizations contributing to the vibrancy of the region. Business owners, professionals, residents, students, newcomers, and anyone interested in the local business community are invited to attend. The event takes place Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis Street. www.kelownachamber.org

Rob Cividino, who I call the blueberry guy, and The Case Lot Guys are offering again this year free delivery of top-quality fresh B.C. blueberries to workplaces and residences for the 19th year. Remarkably, there is no price increase this year: 10-pound boxes remain $40.00. For pre-orders or questions, email orderdeskCLG@gmail.com, and The Case Lot Guys will guide you through the process. A five-box minimum is required for delivery, so order with friends, family, neighbours, or co-workers. This year’s pick-up location is the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre, 2170 Harvey Avenue. Pick-up and delivery are expected around mid-July, and customers will be contacted with date and pickup details.

Registered nurse Carly Gunn (CJ Gunn) is also a recently published first-time children’s author. The Quail Run, written for ages eight to 12, is deeply rooted in Kelowna and inspired by the quail community in and around Guisachan Heritage Park. The story follows a cast of quail navigating life in an urban neighbourhood while learning about courage, friendship, resilience, and community. Its strong connection to Kelowna makes the book especially unique. Young readers will recognize local landmarks, parks, streets, and neighbourhood references woven throughout the story. It also touches on themes inspired by the Okanagan wildfire season and the impact of those events on both people and wildlife. The Quail Run offers a distinct Kelowna perspective that many families and educators will enjoy. Available locally at Once Upon a Bookstore, Mike’s Orchard on Benvoulin Road, Nourish Health Clinic, and online through Amazon. Follow Carly’s journey on Instagram at @cjgunnstories.

Rosebuds Designer Consignment Boutique, owned and operated by Lela Milacic, is hosting a huge one-day Tent Sale on July 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is Rosebuds’ biggest sale of the year, with thousands of items available. Many are brand new with original tags. Shoppers can expect incredible bargains, with items marked down to $5 and $10. As the sale is only one day, customers are encouraged to arrive early. Complimentary refreshments, including coffee, cookies, juice, and water, will be available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the local food bank. www.rosebudsconsignment.com

Birthdays of the week – Happy Birthday Canada (July 1); Linda Brandon (July 1); Pawen Aulakh (July 1); Jenz Madsen (July 1); Mike Schleppe (July 1); Anne Ellchuck (July 2); Devin Rubadeau (July 2); Derrik Johannson (July 3); Manveer Sandher (July 3); Barb Taylor (July 3); Shawna Gray (July 3); Ankush Kohli (July 3); Whisper Bergeron (July 3); Clarence Johnson (July 4); Isabelle and Madelaine Cloutier, twins, our neighbours (July 4); Jean Busch-Hocken (July 4); Robert Caley (July 4); Don McArthur (July 4); Steve Harvey (July 4); Iain Allan (July 4); Dave Rothenbusch (July 4); Karen Warner (July 4); Dennis Thibault (July 4); Kristen Oliver (July 4); Finbar O’Sullivan (July 4); Wayne Moore (July 5); Sue Beagle (July 5); Judy Kay (July 5); Derek Bistricky (July 6); Danielle Clark (July 6); Chris Ray (July 7); Sam Samaddar (July 7); Jonathan Friesen (July 8); Dennis Gerace (July 7); David Spevakow (July 7); Mike Ridley (July 8); Don Richmond (July 8).

The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Pawen Aulakh. Pawen, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Tuesday, July 8/2026.

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