Straight From DeHart - May 13, 2026

Kelowna Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic (formerly Kelowna Medical Aesthetics) has a new name and has moved to a new location at 223 Bernard Avenue, next to Earl’s on top and formerly located on Water Street. Owned and operated by former nurse, Suzette Sandrin, this downtown wellness clinic has been continuously growing from 900 square feet, now to 4,000 square feet with an incredible view of Okanagan Lake. Kelowna Medical Aesthetics & Wellness offer a one-stop shop of medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, nurses, and medical aestheticians to treat people inside and out, as people are moving more to holistic services and health wellness. Some of the services offered is Microneedling, Dermaplaning, Exosome Stem Cells. Facials, HydraFacial, Skin Resurfacing, PRP, Dysport, Botox & Nuceiva, Dermal Filler, IPL, IV Drip Infusions, Chemical Peel, Laser Hair Removal, Skin Cancer Screening, and general Dermatology. The clinic is now expanding into Hormones, Nutrition, Weight Loss, and RMT Massages. To expand, they are looking for additional Nurse Practitioners, Medical Doctor’s, or Naturopathic Doctor’s with an established business to join their team. I have had the opportunity to start a skin care journey with Suzette, focusing on softening fine lines, revitalizing my skin texture while helping reverse the effects of sun damage over the years. You might notice next time you see me. As most of you know, I walk most days and now have an excellent sunscreen that I mix with my daily facial cream, which is an improvement over products I previously used that never seemed to provide enough protection. It’s Alumier MD SPF 40 and it’s a keeper. If you are stuck or confused on what to do with your skin, where to go, or just need some pick-me-up for the summer months, meet with Nurse Suzette for a free skin consultation and create a skin journey together specifically crafted for you. www.kelownamedicalaesthetics.com

At the AGM of Tourism Kelowna, a new Board of Directors was elected for the 2026-2027 term. Executive roles will be determined at the Board meeting on May 27, 2026. They are Edan Fay, The Royal Kelowna; Tara Gerald, Delta Hotels by Marriott; Dale Sivucha, Coast Capri Hotel; Carla Carlson, Comfort Suites; Gil Vallee, Eldorado Resort; Lynette Peter, Prestige Beach House; Heather Courtney, Sandhill; Joanna Schlosser, Niche Wine; Clee Varon, Mission Hill; Christina Ferreira, Impact Events and Tascheleia Marangoni, Creative Okanagan. Appointees are Kelly Watt, Past Chair, Sandman Hotels; Elyse Godard, KMHA, Hotel Zed; Sam Samaddar, YLW; Councillor Loyal Wooldridge; City of Kelowna; Mayor Blair Ireland, Lake Country; Cori Derickson, WFN. www.tourismkelowna.com

Next time you are in Peachland, take a look at Sweat Culture, which is a community focused sauna based on the beach in Peachland. Owned and operated by Braden and Nina Dombowsky, they run wood fired sauna sessions with cold lake swims and encourage group runs and workouts. The purpose behind Sweat Culture is to bring people together in a healthy, outdoor setting to experience the intensity of high heart rate activities. Their model is simple; community sauna sessions at $25.00 for 50 minutes within small groups, typically four to six people at one time. They are not luxury; they are about lifestyle. Sweating supports the body’s natural detox process, and sauna use benefits the cardiovascular system, skin, and brain. Pairing sauna with cold plunging enhances the experience and offers long-term benefits. Braden owns Inovatto Build Co., which designs and builds all of their saunas. Nina runs Nina Maria Photography and leads the visual storytelling, marketing, and guest experience. Their son, Ezra, has been leading in their brand identity. www.sweatculture.ca

Kelowna entrepreneur and founder of Do Gooders, Kathleen Lemieux, CFRE is celebrating five years in business. Do Gooders, is a grant research and writing firm that supports charities, not-for-profits, and Indigenous Nations across Canada. Since launching in 2021, the company has helped secure millions of dollars in funding for community initiatives and has worked with more than 170 organizations nationwide. Do Gooders was recognized as the 2024 winner of the Kelowna Chamber Business Excellence Award for Community Impact. This milestone reflects both her dedicated team and the clients they support, adding that demand for grant funding continues to grow as organizations face increasing pressure to deliver services. www.dogooders.ca

It has been announced that former NHL superstar, Olympic Gold Medalist, and mental health powerhouse, Theoren Fleury is officially joining the Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride or Walk on June 7th, 2026, at Sutherland Bay Park. Theo is coming to Kelowna to be a part of the event as his incredible commitment to mental wellness in our community. Theo knows the power of resilience and the importance of showing up for one another, and he would like to see you at the ride. Join them to walk or ride, get your swag, and enjoy a catered lunch and community celebration after the finish line. Whether you are a die-hard hockey fan or a champion for mental health, this is a day you will not want to miss. Register or donate at www.buddride.com

Alex Munn has joined Scotiabank in the role of Financial Advisor - Investment & Retirement Planning Associate at Scotiabank’s Mission Village Branch in the Ponds. With experience at both HSBC and RBC, Alex brings a strong understanding of client needs and a practical, personalized approach to long-term financial planning. He focuses on each client’s unique goals and priorities, and develops personalized strategies designed to provide structure, direction, and long-term peace of mind. His priority is to provide transparent, informed guidance that helps clients move forward with confidence.

On May 17th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens and Gallery, 250 Reynolds Road is inviting the public to join Geert and Elly Maas and their family to explore a world where art and nature intertwine. Experience Geert Maas’s acclaimed bronze sculptures, paintings and installations in Kelowna’s inspiring Sculpture Gardens and Gallery. www.geertmaas.org

Westside Board of Trade is hosting Business After Hours at Nufloors at 1726 Byland Road, West Kelowna. Connect, network, and build on May 21, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. $10 members and $20 future members. Registration at www.gwboardoftrade.com

Canadian business Chopped Leaf is expanding its menu options and has launched their new premium sandwich lineup featuring toasted Ciabatta creations. The new sandwiches deliver bold flavours and high-quality ingredients that Chopped Leaf is famous for. Heading the launch are four brand-new toasted ciabatta sandwiches - Southwest Steak, Chicken Club, Spicy Chipotle Chicken and Cranberry Pesto Chicken, all served on an 8” toasted ciabatta bun. In addition to the ciabatta lineup, Chopped Leaf has elevated two classic comfort sandwiches – Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese and Tuna Melt, both served on thicker, heartier sourdough bread. All sandwiches are served with a choice of ranch or chipotle ranch signature dipping sauce. Chuck Marjara, who retired from the RCMP and Chuck’s wife Nav Marjara, along with their son Tan and daughter Amrita own the Kelowna Chopped Leaf at #142 – 1876 Cooper Road in Orchard Plaza. Chuck sent me home with the four new sandwiches which we tasted and shared with others, as all the sandwiches were very substantial and generously filled with fresh ingredients. The sandwiches are definitely built for travel, takeout, and delivery. Guests can earn bonus loyalty points when purchasing sandwiches through the Chopped leaf app. www.choppedleaf.ca

Most summer camps keep kids busy but launching this July and August at the East Kelowna Hall, The Okanagan Young Entrepreneurs Summer Camps give kids something to be proud of. The program takes youth, ages 8 to 13 through a complete micro-enterprise experience, guided by a small business curriculum developed by the founders themselves. Over four days, students develop a business concept, create their own products, build their brand, and sell their work face-to-face with real customers at a live community market. Students leave with new skills, new confidence, and a share of the revenue their team earns. Two camps, one curriculum, and endless activity. Camps are July 20-23 and August 10-13, 2026, and it’s not too early to sign up. Spaces are limited to 20 students per camp week. Families can register, review full program details, and learn more at the East Kelowna website at www.eastkelownamarket.net. Kathy Sawchuk is the Creative Director & Facilitator and Rene Wolfe is the Program & Event Manager.

Creative Okanagan is launching their new Artist Development Series: Music Development, a program designed to support emerging and developing musicians while strengthening the broader cultural fabric of the Okanagan. The series is a strategic investment in the region’s creative economy and community well-being. Creative Okanagan’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion ensures that the program welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds and experience. For more information or to register visit www.creativeokanagan.com.

The City of Kelowna 51st Civic & Community Awards were a huge success. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. Huge congratulations to Shane Worman who received the prestigious Anita Tozer Memorial Award which is bestowed unanimously by Mayor and Council and is kept a surprise until the end of the evening.

Birthdays of the week – Arnie Schneider (May 13); Joy Huculak (May 13); Marian Grimwood (May 13); Frank Stewart (May 15); Shane Osborne (May 14); Mike Schell (May 14); Marilyn Guimond (May 14); John Davina (May 15); Debra Mauro (May 15); Stan Martindale (May 16); Lori McCormack (May 16); Jamie Tawil (May 16); Judi Ronacher (May 16); John Glennon (May 16); Michael Dorsel (May 16); Judy Syrnyk (May 17); Brent Lobson (May 17); Margaret Kinney (May 17); Tammi Watson (May 17); Barb Chapman (May 18); Rae Stewart (May 18); Wendy Soon (May 18).

The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Stan Martindale. Stan, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Wednesday, May 19 /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