Peter’s Your Independent Grocer in Capri Centre Mall has a new owner/franchisee. After 37 years, 26 as a corporate store and the past eleven as an owner/franchisee, Peter Boyd is retiring and a new franchisee is taking over the reins. Mitch Sadler is the new owner/franchisee of the popular grocery store. Mitch has many years’ experience in the industry, with over eight years in various positions in the Kamloops Independent store, two years with Loblaws as a corporate fresh food specialist, and most recently two years as an owner in Vanderhoof, B.C. Over the years, his specialty has been in the fresh food area of the food industry. Mitch is very committed and passionate about carrying on the legacy of Peter and stressed that he will continue to support the community, local artisans, and the local market. Mitch is looking forward to meeting all the long-time and new Independent Grocer’s customers. Peter, in his retirement, will not be sitting still as he is on several non-profit boards in the area and will continue to help them and their members.
Cruzwear Unlimited is celebrating 35 years in business in Kelowna with their long standing bright yellow awning on Bernard Avenue for 30 years and now five years at 1176 Ellis Street, across from the Train Station. Doreen Velin began her business in the swimwear and travel industry in 1979 and now has passed the torch to her daughter Sheri Rothwell, who opened Cruzwear on Ellis Street five years ago. The journey, both challenging and rewarding has given them the opportunity to make so many good friends and customers over the past 35 years that continue today. Sheri and her staff including Desi Beckstrand, Nicole Sutherland and Joyce MacDonald is celebrating by offering 15% off all men’s and ladies clothing and swimwear for the month of June. Cruzwear is very proud of their men’s selection of shirts and shorts for the beach and their everyday wear from beach to the street. They also offer a great selection of wearable swimwear and clothing for the everyday women who want quality, comfort, style, and value. Open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. www.cruzwear.com
Speaking about Cruzwear, CU at the Beach at 3393 Lakeshore Road across from Gyro Beach is Cruzwear’s sister store, also owned and operated by Sheri Rothwell. CU at the Beach boasts a Mediterranean vibe of clay walls, floating beams, breezy fabrics, and clothing from beach to street. CU is celebrating one year in business, and their focus is on quality, comfort, and value for real women to wear anywhere that comfort and style exists. They would like to offer 15% off all clothing and swimwear for the month of June to celebrate their one year anniversary. The relaxed atmosphere and great vibes of CU on the Beach make swimwear shopping fun. Open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. www.cruzwear.com
The Summit 2026 that was held on June 4th and 5th at Sandhill Winery was a huge success. Produced by Amy Cohen of The Chic Experience, Canada’s first immersive Business and Leadership Festival featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, hot seat coaching, and networking for entrepreneurs, founders, and executives. This high-value business festival included indoor and outdoor stages, breakout rooms, a vendor marketplace (The Market), live entertainment and was powered by partners including Scotiabank, KPMG, WeBC, Marshalls Home Living and Sandhill Winery. With over 400 attendees, I was delighted to be welcomed, alongside many respected leaders in the community to be a part of one of the panel discussions titled “Community and Connection: How Relationships Build Great Businesses”. The Summit closed with a fireside chat with Mayor Tom Dyas and Canadian Country Star Dawson Gray. Huge thanks to Makeup Artist Haley Porter who applied my makeup for the panel from The Green Vanity Boutique and Elate Cosmetics, who partnered for the event.
hatchtown! is the newest addition to the hatch and will officially open on Saturday, June 20th, bringing a fun and relaxed new gathering space to the JPC Trail in West Kelowna. Designed as a casual backyard-style extension of the winery, hatchtown! features shaded gazebos, picnic tables, and plenty of room to unwind, with friends and family. A highlight of the new space is Snobby Chix!, a brand new fried chicken food truck serving crispy golden favorites that pair perfectly with a glass of hatch wine. Guests can expect an inviting, easygoing atmosphere where great food and great wine come together in a playful, approachable setting. Pre-booking for hatchtown! experiences is now available at www.thehatchwines.com/pages/
BC SPCA has added two new members serving the Okanagan Region. Both are based in Kelowna, and they feel very much like they are a part of their local SPCA shelter team. Katie Spencer, Senior Officer, Regional Communications oversees regional media and communications, and Corrine Wilson, Senior Officer, Events has stepped into the event and community engagement role previously held by Karin Massar who retired. Shannon Paille is the Centre Manager and Guardian to Stella, Willow, and Logan at the BC SPCA at 3785 Casorso Road. www.spca.bc.ca
Bill Steciuk, writer of novel A Legend Hunter’s Search for OGOPOPO The Elusive Creature of Okanagan Lake will be hosting a book-signing at Indigo on June 13th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. www.ogopogoquest.com
Freedom’s Door Recovery Home is hosting a day of food and fun for the entire family on Saturday, June 17th, 2026, from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Pioneer Road (Turn off Benvoulin Road and go to the far end of Pioneer Road). There will be smokies, chili and beverages. Tour a re-enactment of an old western town with games and an auction. Support Freedom’s Door to support the work of ending addiction and homelessness. Cost $25.00 per person with special pricing for children.
MNP LLP is welcoming two Kelowna team members to the partnership in 2026. Congratulations to Irina Rugina and Todd Myles on their leadership, exceptional client service, and their work with private enterprise business owners. Jennifer Hollis, CPA, CA is the Regional Managing Partner, MNP LLP.
When the Kiwanis Club of the Central Okanagan heard from local teens that mental health was a concern, and that in the moment of need they did not know where to get help, the local club went into action. Wendy Falkowski suggested that a wallet card with essential information might be useful along with a sticker that can be placed on items carried around. Club member Tom Cockrell spearheaded the project, and after consulting with teen school groups, school counsellors and School District 23, stickers and wallet cards have now been supplied to all middle and secondary schools in the district, reaching over 12,000 students. The club is seeking input from other schools in the district with requests to join the discussion to be sent to kiwaniskelowna@gmail.com
The Kelowna City Concert Band is hosting their live outdoor music Concert in the Park on June 17th at Ben Lee Park at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. This special evening will feature a lively selection of concert band music filled with connection and summer fun. They invite the entire community to bring a picnic, lawn chairs and enjoy a magical evening under the open sky.
Members of 100 Women Who Care Kelowna donated a total of $9,400.00 to Karis Support Society at their last gathering on May 25th at Sandhill Winery. Karis provides housing, recovery programs, counselling, and life-skills development for women facing addiction, homelessness, mental health challenges, and other significant life barriers. The groups next event will be in August 2026, at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. New members and guests are welcome. www.100womenwhocarekelowna.com
The Greater Westside Board of Trade Business After Hours is June 18th, 2026, at Authentic TRUCK 59 Ciderhouse, Jason Parkes Customs Venue: Truck 59. Registration at www.gwboardoftrade.com
Not only is June Italian Heritage Month, but it is also The Kelowna Canadian Italian Club’s 60th Anniversary. To celebrate, on June 25th, they join their partners at the Kelowna Museums to present the Premiere of a new feature length documentary at 5:30 p.m. at the Mary Irwin Theatre, Su Terra Familiare (On Familiar Ground), exploring the full legacy of Italian contributions to Kelowna. Then move to the historic Laurel Packinghouse at 7:00 p.m. for a reception to celebrate both the 60th and unveil the next phase of the Legacy Project, with a dinner by Chef Ricardo Scebba, recognizing the past presidents and the unveiling of a new website providing a permanent digital home for the KCIC’s Legacy Project. Tickets through the City of Kelowna Box Office. For more info www.kelownaitalianclub.com/
Great local story. Jean Scheidl is 81 and will be taking part in the 5K in the Wine Country Run on June 13th. Her daughter in law, Melissa Scheidl is doing the1/3 marathon for her third time, and her daughter (Jean’s granddaughter) will be doing the 10K. Three generations doing the event at three different distances. Barb Taylor, Jean’s sister will be doing the 5K to keep Jean company.
Birthdays of the week – Happy 80th Wayne Bridges (June 15); Happy 75th Marie Raeburn (June 12); Happy 70th Greg Stark (June 14); Marty Knowles (June 10); Laura Draycott (June 10); Jim Bates (June 10); Ken Chung (June 10); Dirk Rosendaal (June 11); Don Makela (June 11); Tamara Graham (June 11); Pat Moore (June 12); Sarah Porter (June 12); Yarden Gershony (June 12); Ned Bell (June 12); Helene Letnick (June 12); Clarissa Pruden (June 13); Jim Meiklejohn (June 12); John Bohn (June 13); Paula Quinn (June 13); Steve Hardy (June 14); Jennifer Robins (June 14); Maureen Grainger (June 14); Patrick Ng (June 15); Paul Hergott (June 15); Rod MacKay (June16); Stephanie Gilchrist (June 16).
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is John Bohn. John, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Tuesday, June 16 /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
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