Straight From DeHart - May 6, 2026

Azhadi Vineyards has opened its multi-level gravity flow winery, now welcoming guests for a food wine and a Persian cultural experience. This one-of-a-kind winery features exquisite wines, a year-round restaurant with Persian influences, stunning architecture, art gallery, and incredible views. Family owned and operated with Mike Azhadi as CEO and President; the winery has been in the planning stages since 2018. It is situated on 41-acres, with a 30,000 square-foot winery, combining ancient and modern architectural elements and multi-level patios. It boasts a 20-metre main entry arch, a 6,000 square-foot patio that converts to a crush pad during harvest and an underground tank and barrel cave that doubles as a space for winemaker dinners and barrel tastings. The space also includes an art gallery, featuring vintage Persian rugs and original Canadian artwork. Winemaker Jim Faulkner is proud to present their flagship wine, Griffin, a bold 2020 red blend. Griffin is a mythological creature, half-lion, and half-eagle, often regarded as a protector of both land and sky. While not a family crest, it does appear on the bottles and throughout the winery. On the Kelowna estate, they grow Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Merlot, and Pinot Noir with vineyards in Okanagan Falls and Oliver. Journey, the on-site restaurant, is an intimate setting with indoor and patio seating. Executive Chef Alain Léger celebrates a fusion menu with seasonal local ingredients, while embracing flavors and aromatic spices of Persian cuisine. Reservations for tasting, tours and restaurant recommended. www.azhadivineyards.com

Several awards were given out at the Chamber of Commerce President’s Dinner, by Chamber President, Patrick Bobyn. George Marine of GMK Consulting was presented with the Volunteer of the Year (2026) Award. George has been a long-time Chamber Ambassador and newly sworn in director on the Chamber Board. The Marion Bremner Director of the Year went to Curtis Tarapaski, President of Crosspace Construction. Curtis was Chair of the Policy Advisory Committee. Dan Brown was named Ambassador of the Year; Derek Gratz received his departing Chair Gavel, and Maryse Harvey, Chamber President in 2024 was given a Lifetime Honorary Chamber membership. www.kelownachamber.org

Trevi Pools & Spas Kelowna owned and operating by Paul and Bre Talon is celebrating the official grand opening of its new showroom at their new location at #3 - 151 Adams Road on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Enter to win a pool, grand opening discounts, and free pool water testing. Trevi provide a comprehensive range of offerings, including inground and above-ground pool sales, professional installation, pool liner sales and replacements, seasonal openings and closings, and ongoing maintenance support. The showroom features a full selection of pool and spa chemicals, pumps, filters, heaters, accessories, and water testing services. Trevi’s products, including it pools and liners, are manufactured in Canada, supported by a Canadian head office. Following the grand opening, the showroom will operate Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. www.trevipoolsandspas.ca/kelowna-bc

A.I. Dinner V with Matthew J (99.9) is Friday, May 15th, 2026, on the patio at Perch Sky Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This interactive dining experience will show you what A.I. can do while giving you practical skills you can start using right away in a fun relaxed setting. Whether you are brand new or already experimenting you will leave with a better idea of how A.I. works. Seating is limited. For details and tickets visit matthewjensen.ca/aidv

Hundred Acre Farms began long before it had a name. Jenny Priebe spent hours in the garden with her grampa and that early experience stayed with her, shaping her connection to the land and the way she cared for others. She spent many years working as a nurse and she discovered that people in general, not just patients, had become disconnected from the idea that food is fuel and that it plays a critical role in how we feel, function, and heal. Through Hundred Acre Farms, Jenny has been able to return to something deeply personal: growing food and sharing it in a way that supports others in a tangible, meaningful way. From their gardens and greenhouses, they grow fresh, nutrient-dense produce that is donated directly to local community kitchens. Over the past two years, they have supported organizations such as Freedom’s Door and Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. Now it begins at the source, with food that is grown with intention and given with purpose. Jenny believes that access to nourishing food should not be a privilege. Now she has a way to give back in a way that feels honest, consistent, and deeply connected, one harvest at a time. Follow Jenny and her journey on Instagram @jenny_and_her_garden.

MR MIKES Steakhouse Casual is celebrating Mother’s Day with a MOM-UMENTAL MEAL. Enjoy three courses, zero dishes, and one happy mom for just $49.99 + taxes, available May 8th to May 11th, 2026. You can also enjoy any of the menu items from MY MIKES menu. Reserve through Open Table at MR MIKES – Kelowna Restaurant – Kelowna, BC. or call 778-484-9364 or email kelowna@mrmikes.ca.

Canadian brand, SERELIS brings thoughtful formulation and a natural wellness. Founded in Kelowna by Mona Chan, SERELIS was created with a vision, not only to formulate clean and effective products, but to bring a sense of calm, joy, and quiet balance into everyday life. With a background in Medical Biochemistry from UBC, Mona is also the formulator behind each product, ensuring both integrity and quality at every step. SERELIS focuses on 100% natural, pure, plant-based formulations, free from GMO’s, parabens, phthalates, PEGs, synthetic fragrance, and silicones. The result is a collection that feels both elevated and intentional, never diluted, never filled, or compromised. SERELIS has two curated products that they are offering for Mother’s Day. A deeply calming sleep essential oil blend, crafted with high-purity essential oils to support rest and realization and a botanical scalp serum designed to nourish the roots and promote health circulation. SERELIS also collaborates with local company, Dream Skin Company located at #201 – 3030 Pandosy Street. I have been using both the essential sleep oil and the botanical scalp serum in my daily routine. For Mother’s Day, the gift sets will be offered 40% off. To purchase www.serelisnatural.ca

Mayor Tom Dyas has been elected to the prestigious position of Chair of the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia (MFA), a cooperative financial institution that provides borrowing and investment services to local governments and public sector organizations across B.C. Owned and governed by BC’s Local Governments, the MFA plays a key role in helping communities access low-cost financing, manage investments, and support strong financial practices across the province. The MFA currently manages more than $11B in assets. Mayor Dyas was elected Chair by colleagues from across B.C. MFA is unique in Canada, independent of the Province of B.C. and holds a credit rating of AAA from three major credit agencies.

Local Tim Hortons owners, Angelo, Dawn Fiacco, and family received the Western Canada Community Builders Award. The Fiacco’s have been active business owners in Kelowna and West Kelowna since 2009 and now in Vernon. They have attended numerous events in our city and continue to represent the Tim Hortons brand, donating their product and time. In honour of receiving a $5,000 award, they have donated it back into the community and presented it to the YMCA “Strong Kids” program, which actively helps local kids in our community. Tim Hortons have been long-time sponsors of the Maxine DeHart United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast and continue to support many other events in our city.

Kelowna-based app bibidi founded by CEO Tiffani Hardie, was recently featured in Techcouver, B.C.’s leading tech news publication, highlighting what this local “yellow team” is building for small businesses across the Okanagan. bibidi is now calling on independent workers in the Central Okanagan who want more bookings. Whether you are in the trades, dog walking, aesthetics, or crafting, they have created a place where you can get found, booked, paid, and reviewed, all in one spot. This month, new users can also receive a free headshot and a one-on-one meeting with a bibidi ambassador to help optimize their profile. You can download the bibidi app and set up your profile yourself or call 778-484-6778 and they will help you get started.

Congratulations to Art for Impact 2026 in support of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission on raising $199,000 to support their shelter, meals, and essential care for our neighbors in need. 60 original art works by talented artists across Canada were auctioned and it was electrifying. If you did not attend this year, see you at Art for Impact in 2027.

Effective May 21st, 2026, Cassandra Zerebeski has been appointed President & CEO of Tourism Kelowna. Most recently, Cassandra has served jointly as Policy Director with the Tourism Industry Association of BC and Executive Director of the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC, advancing industry advocacy and policy priorities at the provincial level. She previously served four years as the inaugural Executive Director of the Silver Star Resort Association (Destination Silver Star). www.tourismkelowna.com

Birthdays of the week – Councillor Charlie Hodge (May 6); Jason Mann (May 6); Marlies White (May 6); Phil Taneda (May 6); Candace Chisholm (May 6); Curtis Trager (May 6); Kim Wallace (May 7); John Cashin (May 7); Bonnie Redman (May 7); Justin Amis (May 7); Rhonda Lindsay (May 8); Susan Johal (May 8); Councillor Ron Cannan (May 8); Lori Metcalf (May 8);Vicki Bissillion (May 8); Joanna Bernath (May 9); Cecilia Orton (May 8); Melanie Hall-Szyszkiewiez (May 9); Michael J. Ballingall (May 10); Kamlesh Patel (May 10); Clair Jantzen (May 10); Justin Lu (May 10); Andrew Bruce (May 10); Grant Wolfe (May 10); Clair Jantzen (May 10); Shannon Blanleil (May 11); Jason Friesen (May 11); Bob O’Connor (May 11); Sandi Deschner (May 11); Rick Essler (May11); Rob Balsdon (May 12); Bruce Henderon (May 12).

The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Rob Balsdon. Rob, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Wednesday, May 13 /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