Straight From DeHart - July 3, 2024

Durali Properties is announcing a signed agreement with Marriott International to open the newest addition to its portfolio, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Kelowna. The development, located beside the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre (where I have hung my hat for many years), marks a significant milestone as Durali Properties’ ninth Western Canadian hotel. With construction scheduled to begin in the spring of 2025, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Kelowna will offer guests a blend of comfort and convenience. Designed by renowned architect, Raman Bestoon of IBA Architecture Inc., this property will feature state-of-the-art amenities and a contemporary design, enduring an exceptional experience for both business and leisure travelers. The inclusion of the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Kelowna in Durali’s portfolio highlights the company’s commitment to growth and excellence in the local hospitality industry. Durali Properties is owned by the Jhajj family and is a leading real estate development and management company with a diverse portfolio of high-quality properties across Western Canada. Tobi McNeil is the Director of Development Durali Properties at tobi@duraliproperties.com; www.duraliproperties.com

Kelowna couple Stephanie Larsen and Neal Hagreen of Trulli Italian Supermercato in Rutland are hosting an excursion to Piglia, Italy this September from the 8th to the 16th for an unforgettable farm to table experience. This trip will feature tastings at wineries and olive oil producers, lessons with a local cook, visits to historic sites and ancient towns and full immersion into the locally sourced slow food culture that is the heartbeat of the south. This experience is for small groups of 8 to 10 people and space is limited. Details at www.deadelvino.com or stop by Trulli Italian Supermercato at #102 – 200 Dougall Road N. in Rutland. www.trulliitalian.com

Well-known mattress guy, Ken Thompson is celebrating over 30 years in the mattress industry and 19 years with Sleep Country Canada as Western Canada Competition Shop Team Lead, #302 – 3550 Carrington Road in West Kelowna. He says that his hair and beard have changed to gray now, but he has helped thousands of customers get a better night’s sleep and has the opportunity to help customers find their sleep solution. Sleep Country on Carrington Road has over 60 mattresses on display along with many sleep aid options.

Kudos to Leon Thomas who aced his first hole-in-one at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club on Hole #2 – 142 yards.

Fitzpatrick Kennels Cattery and Dog Grooming is now open at 384 Fitzpatrick Road, in the North Rutland area. Managed by Debbie Roberts, the dog daycare and boarding will be open soon. Fitzpatrick Kennels want your cat to feel safe and comfortable whether it’s for a day or overnight. They strive to provide a welcoming environment so the animals will have peace and you will have peace of mind. Each of their cat condo’s comes with optional access to the fully enclosed exterior Catio for individual play time with plenty of scratch posts, toys and games. The qualified staff provide one-on-one pet care. Treat your pup to a professional groom with Ali Wood. Opening in August is the dog daycare and boarding facility which features private suites with indoor and outdoor access and several play areas designed for all breeds, sizes and personalities. The Kennel provides the highest level of care and service by making sure they put safety first. Stay one day or one week and they will tend to your dog’s needs. To book or for more information visit www.fitzpatrickkennels.com

Retired Kelowna City Clerk, Stephen Flemming has received a great honour. Stephen received a Life Membership Award which is the highest award granted by the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) and recognizes outstanding contributions to the Association and the local government sector. Stephen has been a member of and volunteered with the LGMA for most of his career. He became Deputy City Clerk in Kelowna in 2003 and City Clerk in 2008 before retiring earlier this year. He is faculty in Capilano University’s School of Public Administration from 2005 to 2018 and again from 2022 to the present time. Stephen taught, mentored and provided advice to hundreds of local government professionals across B.C.

Congratulations to KF Aerospace Founder and Chair of the Board, Barry Lapointe, who has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada. This prestigious recognition, bestowed by Governor General Mary Simon, celebrates Barry’s significant contributions to Canada’s aerospace industry and his philanthropic efforts, including support for post-secondary institutions and the KF Centre for Excellence.

The Bistro at Specialty Bakery at 833 Finns Road is now celebrating Fridays with Seafood Fridays. They are making homemade clam chowder and now are also offering fish and chips every Friday. Bryan Gallant, formerly of Wings Rutland is now joining Tia Bleackley and David Tufts in the kitchen at the Bistro. The Bistro is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Lomi, a Kelowna based company with local CEO Matt Bertulli is the world’s first home appliance that breaks down food scraps and prevents organic waste from entering the landfill, has received Gold Standard certification, becoming the first home appliance approved as a verified carbon credit. Gold Standard is an internationally recognized organization and global benchmark for the highest integrity and greatest impact on climate and development initiatives. As a project with Gold Standard-certified carbon credits, Lomi can sell its credits on the carbon market, and the proceeds can be used to bring Lomi food recyclers into new communities, effectively increasing Lomi’s positive impact on the environment. Lomi’s certification offers a significant impact on communities waste management and the carbon market. The best way to reduce emissions associated with landfill is to ensure that the waste never reaches the landfill in the first place. Lomi units are currently found in more than 200,000 households worldwide. Through the use of the home device, the Lomi community has diverted up to 300 million pounds of food waste from landfills and saved up to 34,000 metric tons of CO2e emissions to date. www.lomi.com

Benjamin Neitsch, formerly of BMO Private Wealth in Kelowna, has made the move to Dixon Mitchell Private Investment Counsel in Vancouver. Born and raised in Kelowna Ben will continue to travel to the Okanagan to visit family, friends, and service clients. www.dixonmitchell.com

Gallaghers Canyon Arts is hosting their 21sst Annual Art Show and Sale, July 13th and 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Village at Gallaghers Canyon, 4360 Gallaghers Drive East. A variety of art and craft items will be for sale and on display, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, photographs, fibre arts, woodwork and more. Artists will be painting on site and will talk about their work throughout the weekend. Internationally acclaimed artist Francine Gravel will be working on one of her striking pieces Saturday morning. Free Admission and door prizes. Joan Patridge is the President of Gallaghers Canyon Arts.

Art Lovers Gallery is hosting The Cat Behind The Hat Travelling Show from June 29th to July 31st. For over 60 years, Dr. Seuss’s artwork has brought a visual realization to his fantastic and imaginary words. Throughout his lifetime, Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) created paintings and sculpture. Art Lovers Gallery will share a compelling selection of artworks from The Art of Dr. Suess Collection at their location at 1310 Water Street. Visitors may explore and acquire works from Dr. Seuss’s best-known children’s books, as well as those from a mind-expanding collection based on decades of his private artwork. DJ Block is the owner of Art Lovers Gallery.

The German Canadian Harmonie Club, 1696 Cary Road is celebrating 60 years of a remarkable journey filled with wonderful people, memories and milestones. On March 21st, 1964, 24 people gathered at the Duck Lake Inn in Winfield to plan the club and the first committee consisted of Horst Held, Henryk Person, Hans Reichel, Edeltraut Tews and Willi Schonfeld. On May 30th, 1964, the name was picked and on June 20th, 1964 the first elections were held, and Henryk Person emerged as the first President. Five years later the club grew to 387 members and meetings were held at the Rutland Centennial Hall. In 1971 plans were being formed to build their own club house at 1696 Cary Road and the rest is history, with the building completed in 1976. The first building committee consisted of Lambert Schmalz, Kurt Kaminski, Frank Prehofer and Jack Nutz. Harmonie Bees, the successful women’s auxiliary was formed. Over time, the membership expanded, and an expansion was approved. The Dance Hall was enlarged to hold 187 guests and the new addition of the Kaffee Stube coffee room holds 107 guests and an elevator was installed five years ago. This energetic, vibrant, and steadfast club holds events such as their Spring Dance, Oktober Fest, Carnival, Schnitzel Dinner, Easter Breakfast and Christmas Dinners, many of which I have attended. Members of the 2024/2025 Executive committee are Helga Scott, George Mueller, Gerda Fredrich, Petra Bauer, Christa Gendemann, Fred Molzahn, Regina Pittelkau, Anneliese Leinemann and Janice Senger. Christa Gendemann is the current President of the club.

Birthdays of the week – Happy 60th Clarence Johnson (July 4); Derrik Johannson (July 3); Herb Fallow (July 3); Isabelle and Madelaine Cloutier, twins, our neighbours (July 4); Jean Busch-Hocken (July 4); Robet Caley (July 4); Ian Allan (July 4); Don McArthur (July 4); Steve Harvey (July 4); Dave Rothenbusch (July 4); Karen Warner (July 4); Dennis Thibault (July 4); Finbar O’Sullivan (July 4); Ian Robertson (July 5); Wayne Moore (July 5); Derek Bistricky (July 6); Chris Ray (July 7); Sam Samaddar (July 7); Jonathan Friesen (July 8); Mike Ridley (July 8); Don Richmond (July 8); Jeremy Lugowy (July 9); Marc Whittemore (July 9).

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