Studio on Water, an art and artisan storefront has opened at 1302 Water Street. Owned and operated by founders and business partners, wood crafter Josh Perrault of J.P. Crafted and artist and author Cherie Rousson, this multi-use artist collective space has many purposes. Studio On Water is more than an artist and artisan shop. They are creating a space for the inspiration of writing, art, music and community. Along with being a unique retail space for local artists and artisans to display and sell their items, many varied studio sessions, workshops and classes are offered, and the space is also available for studio session rentals. Studio on Water has 60 vendors who are now showcasing their beautiful items. Kathy Sawchuk is the program facilitator, coordinating programs including creative writing and poets, Anytime Artist Afternoons (both by Cherie), glass fusion, jewellery making, painting with mocktail nights, watercolors, and pottery, just to mention a few. Kathy coordinates instructors to come to the studio to teach the public seasonal programs, with the spring programming starting in March. You will need plenty of time when visiting as the studio is chock-full of lovely distinctive pieces and is a true experience to enjoy. They also have many antiques, and you can even play on the baby grand piano. Open Wednesday to Sunday. www.studioonwater.com
The Gyro Club of Kelowna is celebrating their 100th anniversary in the city today, February 14th. The primary purpose of the club is the promotion of fun and friendship amongst men of all nations, starting in Cleveland, Ohio in April 1912. The Kelowna Club chartered on February 14th, 1924 at the Lakeview Hotel and was sponsored by the Vancouver Club. Dr. Bruce MacEwan was the first President along with 28 charter members. Gyro Club of Kelowna has one life member being W.R.(Bill) Bennett, former Premier of B.C. who passed away in 2015. The Club meets bi-weekly except for July and August on Tuesdays for dinner meetings with guest speakers. In 1932, Dr. Benjamin deFurlong Boyce donated five lots of this property to the Kelowna Gyro Club for use as a Lakeshore Park. The Gyro Club purchased the adjoining five lots to enhance the size of the park. Until 1974, the park was maintained by club members but due to increasing maintenance required, it was donated to the City of Kelowna with the provision that it remain a park in perpetuity for the free enjoyment of its citizens and friends. Boyce Gyro Beach Park has 877 ft. of sandy lakeshore situated on Lakeshore Road on Okanagan Lake.
The Greater Westside Board of Trade is hosting their Business After Hours on February 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank. Advance registration is recommended. www.gwboardoftrade.com
With 25 years in business, ABC Hobby has moved to a bigger, brighter space at 2065 Enterprise Way. Owner James Elliott and the staff pride themselves on customer service, being a full-service hobby shop for all ages, offering RC cars, boats and planes for all skill levels, along with plastic and wooden kits, disc golf, disc cast cars, model trains and paint and building supplies. Go visit and check them out. www.abchobby.ca
Andy Gebert of St. Hubertus Vineyards has sold St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Vineyard (26 acres) to the Mark Anthony Group. Leo Gebert, who owns the adjacent vineyard will continue farming along with Barb and Reto Gebert, the 56-acre certified organic vineyard under the St. Hubertus Vineyard name. This was the original name he gave the property when he purchased it back in 1984. The grapes will be sold to local family run wineries.
Elaine Miller is celebrating her 5th anniversary with volunteer organization Kelowna Hostess this month. If you would like to join this wonderful volunteer organization, contact Roberta Withers at davebert@shaw.ca. Darlene Hass and Grace Naka are the co-chairs of Kelowna Hostess. Many organizations in our city have used the services of the Kelowna Hostess as they bring sparkle to any event.
Believe it or not, Irene Wangler is retiring from the City of Kelowna after 42 years with the city in March. Irene started her career with the city on December 16th, 1981 at Parkinson Rec Centre where she worked in various positions, including reception, typist, cashier, first aid attendant and pool receptionist. In 1986 she went to building services, licensing and bylaw departments. Irene then took a position at City Hall as receptionist and in 1989 went back to Parkinson Rec Center as recreation clerk. In 1991 she moved to City Clerk’s office and in 1993 back to Parkinson Rec Center. Parkinson Rec Center just would not let her go. In 2004, Irene started in parks and transferred to infrastructure . In 2020 Irene moved to the executive office of City Hall as executive assistant to the senior leadership team, where she is presently. Irene has worked on many projects and supported on many fronts for the City of Kelowna over her 42 years, which there are way too many to mention. She has had quite the career at the City of Kelowna and as you can see, will be truly missed with all her talents. Irene was also a BCD RCACC Reservist (Ret’d Capt.) from 2003 – 2022. Incidentally, it is Irene’s birthday today.
Kelly O’Bryan’s Neighborhood Restaurant at 262 Bernard Avenue is celebrating their 37th Anniversary in downtown Kelowna. To celebrate, they are throwing a huge birthday bash on Saturday, February 17th featuring the musical talents of Conroy Ross, an all-day happy hour, food and drink specials, and lots of prizes. This will also be the launch of their Count Down to Green contest where they are hosting weekly draws. The pub will book up fast, so call 250-861-1338 to make your reservation.
URBA’s AGM is Thursday, February 22nd at 5:30 p.m. at Valleyview Funeral Home. www.uptownrutland.com to register.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is celebrating BC Chamber Week, this week, February 12th to 16th. It’s a special week, highlighted by the sold-out Okanagan College Speaker Series event hosting Mayor Tom Dyas giving his first State of the City address since his election on Thursday, February 15th. The Annual Business Walks will take place on Wednesday, February 14th where board members, including myself, the CEO and key staff members will fan out throughout various business districts, doing in-person pulse checks of how businesses are faring. Join the Chamber for their networking event, Commerce Connex at DeDutch Pannekoek House, 1749 Gordon Drive on Thursday, February 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. It’s a busy week for our local Kelowna Chamber as they prepare to review the provincial budget one week later. I am honoured to be the City of Kelowna Council board representative for the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. www.kelownachamber.org
MNP would like to invite the community to join them at the City of Kelowna Family Fun Day event at the new MNP Place on Gordon Drive on Monday, February 19th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event will feature fun games for the entire family, including active games, tri-it sport, scavenger hunt, bouncy castle and free skating. This is a free event, but donations are appreciated in support of Jumpstart. There will be prizes including prize packages from the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Kelowna Rockets.
Take the chill off February with an evening of whisky tasting while supporting the Okanagan College and other charities. The Ogopogo Rotary Annual Charity Whisky Tasting is Saturday, February 24th in OC’s Centre for Learning. Enjoy seven mystery scotches paired with delicious appetizers and home baked shortbread. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 draw and door prizes. Register on Eventbrite at Charity Whisky Tasting.
Long time hair stylist Tara Johnson has left her home salon after 11 years to join the team at Opus Salon at 1611 Ellis Street in downtown Kelowna. Tara started her career in hair at well-known salon, Hyde Park on Lawrence Avenue, where she worked for a few years. Tara is a bridal hair and event specialist, having styled hair for 54 events last year alone. She also started her own product line four years ago, Vault Hair Care. Tara has trained with many elite industry artists in Canada, USA and Europe. She is always searching for the newest, latest and greatest for her clients. Opus Salon, a Redken hair salon shop, is owned and operated by Ludovic and Jessica Jan. Ludovic is a Redken artist and Jessica is an only coloring hair stylist. Vault Hair Care is available at Opus Salon and on-line at www.vaulthaircare.com
Birthdays of the week – Happy Valentine’s Day. Irene Wangler (Feb. 14); Ana Kraljevic (Feb. 14); Mike Culos (Feb. 14); Dale McKenzie (Feb. 14); Rob Tornberg (Feb. 14); Corie Griffiths (Feb. 14); Emily Matotek (Feb. 14); Gary Kreller (Feb. 15); Pam Nease (Feb. 15); Dennis Williams (Feb. 15); Ivy Le (Feb. 15); Evelyn Carlson (Feb. 15); Seymour Zidle (Feb. 16); Rob Siddon (Feb. 16); Bill Cook (Feb. 17); Phil Patara (Feb. 17); Arlene McClelland (Feb. 18); Tal Jandali (Feb. 18); John Peacock (Feb. 18); Brad Campeau (Feb. 19); Don Favell (Feb. 19); Rodney Gray (Feb. 20); Mayor Tom Dyas (Feb. 20).
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
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