New and different, innovative but traditional is how to describe Kaya Japanese Fusion Sushi & Grill, which has just opened at 101 鈥� 1730 Pier Mac Way in Airport Village. Owned and operated by Roy Eum, the full-service restaurant has an extensive menu for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Kaya specializes in fresh fish and monthly seasonal exotic fish dishes which are hard to find. A large variety of the fish comes from Japan, which includes Blue Fin and Seabream. Executive chef Tetsuo Tawara is not new to the industry as he has owned his own restaurant in Tokyo, Japan for many years. Specialty menu items are Ishiyaki Beef served sizzling on a hot stone which you cook yourself. You could also try Kyoto-style braised pork or Dashimaki Tamago which is a Japanese omelet. The menu items are endless and all sauces are house-made. They also serve many oyster dishes and there is lots of cold bottled Sake to quench your thirst. The restaurant is a must try. Claire Cho is the front-end manager. Call 778-753-7090. www.kayasushiandgrill.ca.
Travis Whiting who has served as Deputy Fire Chief for the past two years was the successful candidate as the new Fire Chief for the 琉璃神社 Fire Department.
Cora 琉璃神社 in Orchard Park Mall has a new patio for guests to enjoy their breakfast outside under colourful yellow umbrellas. They have also implemented an early bird menu for those who come in before 8 a.m. You can enjoy the early bird menu with fulsome and healthy offerings and a free coffee for under $10. Cora鈥檚 new owners are Douglas Chan and husband and wife team Wendy Cheung and Kenneth Chau. Cora is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week.
CJR Acupuncture is 琉璃神社鈥檚 only community Acupuncture studio located in the Glenvalley Plaza at #203 鈥� 437 Glenmore Road. Owned and operated by lead acupuncturist Christopher Russell, CJR offers accessible treatments ($35) from a registered acupuncturist in a serene setting with comfortable reclining chairs and tea service. Christopher also practices in other Chinese therapies. Reserving is convenient with on-line bookings and direct billing to MSP is offered along with all other major insurance providers. If you do not have extended medical benefits, but qualify for MSP premium assistance, you can receive a community acupuncture treatment for only $12. For patients that require additional service they offer private acupuncture appointments, cupping therapy, Gua sha therapy (myo-fascial technique), Tui Na (Chinses massage), diet and lifestyle advice. CJR sells treatment 10 packs for community acupuncture and if you have extended medical you can purchase a 10 pack for $300. This is more affordable for people without insurance coverage. For more information call 236-420-1711 or check out www.cjracupuncture.com.
Well-known wine guy Bill Wightman is the new director of hospitality at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Bill will be reporting directly to owner/operator Stephen Cipes. He will be helping with special projects and also assisting to build the winery business. Bill will be looking after contacts in the wine world and will be working with more groups coming to the winery and 琉璃神社. Call 250-863-1862 or bill@summerhill.bc.ca.
Gypsy Soul Malas, owned and operated by Krista Gray is celebrating its one year anniversary. Krista started the business with her love of jewellery, gemstones and art. She has been designing her own gemstone jewellery for 20 years and loves to share her creations through her company. Every gemstone used has unique properties and every piece of jewellery sold comes with the stones meaning. She creates only one-of-a-kind jewellery and never duplicates unless requested of for multiple orders. Mala is a Sanskrit word for garland. Traditional Mala beads were used for a style of meditation called Japa or to recite. Krista鈥檚 mala necklaces are the traditional 108 beads and the bracelets are different counts depending on the size of the gemstones. On a personal note, I received one of Krista鈥檚 creations as a Christmas gift and it is truly beautiful and a treasured piece. Visit www.gypsysoulmalas.com or www.facebook.com/gypsysoulmalas.
The contact information for Shaun Pierce, AMP of Creative Mortgage is spierce@creativemortgage.ca or call 250-878-8977. www.creativemortgage.ca.
Hooligans Hot Dogs has opened a second location at 304 鈥� 1500 Banks Road behind Montana鈥檚 Restaurant. Their first location was opened at 101 鈥� 555 Montgomery Road in Rutland and they also operate a food truck. Owned and operated by Jordon Schwebius and Ben Cramb, Hooligans do not serve ordinary hot dogs. Ben and Jordon buy fresh local ingredients and make their own in-house sauces. Their dogs are all beef with no additives or preservatives and there are also gluten free and vegetarian options. Their best seller is the Master Perog with garlic, smashed potatoes, Armstrong cheddar cheese, garlic pepper bacon, sour cream and chives.. Open seven days a week. www.hooliganshotdogs.com
The Okanagan Mission Residents Association (OMRA) has a new board for 2016/117. Congratulations to Brent Pay (president) and directors Darren Schlamp, Paul Durose and Len McFarlane. Leaving the board this year are Brenda Sbrozzi, Nancy Marlatt, Trudi Trask, Davin Shillong, Mary Gates and Alison Corbett. The OMRA is still in need of directors. Call Brent at 250-878-4834.
Esteem Lingerie has relocated to 23 鈥� 2484 Main Street in Westridge Mall at the corner of Elliott & Hwy. 97S in West 琉璃神社, only a couple of blocks from their previous location. Owned and operated by Angela O鈥橞rien and Florenda Pickett, the new store is spacious with more change rooms and lots of parking. They carry bras, underwear, lingerie and swimwear, professionally fitting women of all sizes. Esteem鈥檚 entire staff has been certified as professional bra fitters by Ali Cudby鈥檚 FAB Fit Academy. They will be celebrating their grand opening from June 19 to July 1 with promotions and discounts. Call 250-768-0171.
Kudos to the United Way and 琉璃神社Now.com. With 琉璃神社鈥檚 help they raised $4,000 on their first 琉璃神社Now.com on-line Auction. I was pleased to have donated a house boat cruise for twelve people on the Shuswap. They will be partnering again with 琉璃神社Now next year, so keep your eyes open to bid and also to donate.
A Local author is making some waves in the original concept writing world. Kenneth R. Loomis has published a new short story series blending future technology and time travel into current events with powerful political consequences. Titled, Time Protector鈥檚 it promises to be entertaining and thought provoking. The books can be purchased on-line in paperback or e-book through Amazon, Goodreads or Crete Space, etc. You are welcome to email Ken at 2770auburn@hushmail.com for more information.
The 琉璃神社 District Genealogical Society is hosting a Family History Forum, researching English ancestors on Monday, June 26 at 7 p.m. at the Okanagan Regional Library, 1380 Ellis Street. Free to anyone interested in tracing their family history.
A free workshop by Dr. Dale Forsythe on F.A.S.(Falling Apart Syndrome) Upper Extremity Issues is Wednesday, June 28th at 6:30 p.m. at 202 鈥� 125 Hwy 33 E. Reserve at 250-765-1466.
On Monday, June 26 at 6 p.m. at Olympia Greek Taverna there will be a Brandy Bistricky Memorial Dinner Party. All proceeds will go towards Brandy鈥檚 memorial site and monument hoping to raise $4,800. Only 110 tickets available at $30. Olympia will be closed that evening in hour of this special lady. No tickets at the door. Call Derek Bistricky at 250-864-5069 for info and tickets. Brandy passed away April 11 from brain cancer at the age of 43.
Mark your calendars for the 琉璃神社 City Concert Band free Concerts in the Park 2017 on June 28 at Guisachan Heritage Park and July 5 at Island Stage - Waterfront Park. All concerts at 7 p.m. weather permitting. Bring a lawn chair.
UBCO Alumni Alana Pidwerbeski will be representing the Okanagan in the Miss Canada Globe pageant in August in Toronto, where she will also be raising awareness for Plan Internationals 鈥淏ecause I am a Girl鈥� campaign. Alana will be hosting an Okanagan themed fundraising event on July 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Vibrant Wines Winery. The funds will not only help to get her to Toronto, but a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the campaign. The evening aims to bring together local talent and businesses to create an evening of music, art and good food. For tickets call Alana for tickets at 778-215-4351 or apidwerbeski@gmail.com.
Birthdays of the week 鈥� Happy 50th Grant Stobbe (June 21); Gail Given (June 21); Marlene Proctor (June 22); Dick Gunoff (June 22); Meghan MacDonald (June 23); Dr. Fred Froese (June 24); Doug Gossoo (June 23); Dennis Campbell (June 25); Janet Wourms (June 25); Evans Premachuk (June 25); Kent Wedewer (June 25); Greg Carter (June 26); Jeffery Foisy (June 27); Roger Powley (June 27); Eileen Cordingley (June 27).
Maxine DeHart is a 琉璃神社 City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546, fax 250-860-3173, E-mail maxdehart@telus.net.
