Wow, how time flies!
The Maxine DeHart 鈥� United Way, Ramada Hotel Drive-Thru Breakfast is fast approaching, set for Thursday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 9 a.m.
All the new and existing sponsors are geared up with overwhelming enthusiasm. WestJet has been an amazing sponsor since day one of the Drive-Thru and have again donated a trip for two as a major prize. You might be lucky enough to receive it in one of the famous Interior Savings Credit Union (Beem Credit Union) breakfast bags, who has also been a sponsor since day one. Initial sponsor Sun-Rype are generously on board again with their famous juice and Fruitsource bars. Again this year, you will be treated to a delicious cup of Tim Hortons coffee and also this year, Tim Hortons owners are upping the stakes and providing a scrumptious muffin for every bag. Major long-time initial sponsor IGA is donating gift cards for their stores and have also helped with attracting other major food producers. Michael J. at Big White is donating an opening day lift voucher for each bag at a value of $92 each. Coca Cola will be providing their Dasani water for everyone. All the media are geared up, including 琉璃神社, Bell Media (AM 1150, MOVE 101-5, 99.9 Virgin Radio); 琉璃神社Now.com, Castanet and even Global TV. Other sponsors onboard again are Mario鈥檚 Towing, RONA, Tom Harris Cellular, Wealthlink Financial Services, Costco, London Drugs and Heritage Office Furnishings. I will be giving an update of the Drive-Thru each week from now until Oct. 17, so stay tuned to read about all the existing and new sponsors and volunteers. I know this has been a challenging year, especially for business, but if you would like to donate anything for the event, it would be humbly appreciated. Please give me a call at 250-862-7662 (mobile), email me at maxine.dehart@ramadakelowna.com or just drop into the hotel for a chat.
I was humbled and honoured to have received a King Charles III Coronation Medal for Community Service at a ceremony this past Wednesday, Aug. 28. Huge thank-you to 琉璃神社-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick for his generous nomination. Norm submitted the nomination to the King鈥檚 representatives in B.C. and Canada (the Provincial Lieutenant Governor鈥檚 office and Governor General of Canada office) to determine the recipients. The Coronation Medal was created to mark King Charles III being Crowned Monarch of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on May 6, 2023. Congratulations to the other recipients; Nick Arkle, Maria Byland, Larry Gray, Dr. Rhonda Nelson, Domenic Rampone, Carmen Remple, Lois Serwa, Mohini Singh, Steve Thomson and Peter Wannop.
Well-known local Mike Penninga has accepted a full-time position with Canadian Blood Services as one of its provincial community development mnagers. The position entails helping to build partnerships with local organizations, companies and individuals to support the important, life changing work of blood and plasma donations. Having donated 55 times over the years, Mike is a perfect person to leverage his own leadership skills and roles to introduce Canadian Blood Services as a great way to make a positive difference in our community. Mike will be working alongside Gayle Voyer, associate director donor relations BC & Yukon for Canadian Blood Services. Mike鈥檚 specific region of focus will be Surrey in the Lower Mainland, although he will be based in 琉璃神社.
The 琉璃神社 Apple Fest is on now to Sept. 8. The city-wide event is a grassroots effort aimed at supporting local small-family farmers who have been deeply impacted by the recent closure of BC Tree Fruits and the challenging growing season. With over 60 local restaurants, cafes and businesses participating, 琉璃神社 Apple Fest promises a week filled with delicious apple-themed dishes, beverages and events that showcase the best of what our local farms have to offer. From apple-infused cocktails to savoury dishes and sweet treats, the community is rallying together to ensure that these vital producers can continue their work. The Farmers Market will also have a special market day dedicated solely to growers on Sept. 8. Jason Chan is the organizer of Apple Fest. For more information about 琉璃神社 Apple Fest including a list of participating businesses and how you can get involved visit .
Say goodbye to: 鈥淚s this listing still available?鈥� RentalHunt is a 琉璃神社-based startup alleviating the housing crisis through its free, all-in-one marketplace that automates renting right from finding a verified listing to signing a lease, all in just a few clicks. Whether you are a student, newcomer, long-time renter or landlord, RentalHunt is a simpler, quicker and more transparent way of renting in the Okanagan. Rent stress-free using AI-powered features such as auto apply, one-click applications, in-built house viewing scheduling, centralized tenant screening, digital tenancy agreements, secure chat/video calling and much more. Sign up for free at .
Nominations are open for the annual 琉璃神社 Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards until Sept. 23. Businesses and organizations in 琉璃神社 and surrounding areas can be nominated, including self-nominations in 16 categories. Applicants are reviewed by an independent panel of judges and finalists and when selected, are visited by the judges. The program is presented by title sponsors Lawson Lundell LLP and Beem Credit Union (Interior Savings). Maryse Harvey is the chamber president and chair. For more information contact Heather Hild, programand member services lead, at heatherh@kelownachamber.org.
The 2024 Cops for Kids Ride, presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, will be back on the road for the annual ride across Southeastern B.C. to raise funds and awareness for local kids. The riders will depart on Friday, Sept. 6, from the Sandman Hotel, with speeches at 7:30 a.m. and departure at 8 a.m. The cycling team have been fundraising, training and volunteering at community events for a number of months in preparation for the ride. The riders will return to 琉璃神社 on Sunday, Sept. 15, to the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, 2170 Harvey Ave., at 11:30 a.m. (Enterprise Way entrance) To donate visit .
The City of 琉璃神社 has been presented with the 2024 Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award at the Esri User Conference, presented by Jack Dangermond, Esri鈥檚 president and gounder. The SAG Awards are presented to outstanding organizations that have pioneered new ways of using GIS technology. Since the inception of this prestigious award in 2015, 14 Canadian organizations have been honoured with the City of 琉璃神社 City Hall staff proud to be the fifth municipality and the first one in B.C. to receive this recognition.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan will host the annual free tire collection event on Saturday, Sept. , from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Okanagan College in Parking Lot #17, off West Campus Road. You are invited to drop off any old or used tires on or off rims that may be a habitat for mosquito larvae. Although there is no limit to the number of tires individuals can drop off, it is intended for residential cleanup only.
The first Business After Hours for the fall for the Greater Westside Board of Trade is Sept.19, from 5 to 7 p.m,. at Manchester Signs Printing and Graphics. Register .
After decades in the broadcast trenches, Andy James returns to Canadian airwaves. The veteran radio and TV talent inks with Hoss Management Group for radio imaging and TV station branding representation. It is possible to have a 30-year career as voice over talent. Individually Andy and Tamara (TJ) Joel bring that to the microphone. This dynamic duo鈥檚 voices have that rare ability to lift the words off the page and tell your brand鈥檚 story to your customers.
Vocals Unlimited 鈥� 琉璃神社鈥檚 Singing Sensation is an SATB adult singing group who loves to perform for local audiences. They meet Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. for rehearsals. The group is currently looking for more members to join them. If you sing soprano, alto, tenor, baritone or bass, contact music director Brian Street at bmstreet@telus.net for more information.
Birthdays of the week
Happy 95th John Moxness (Sept. 7); happy 70th Maureen Harke (Sept. 5); former mayor Walter Gray (Sept. 4); Jackie Browne (Sept. 4); Bozidara Udzenija (Sept. 4); Jean Treadgold (Sept. 4); Chef Bernard Cassavant (Sept. 4); Chris Wills (Sept. 5); Peter Rochfort (Sept. 5); Mikuki Kobayashi (Sept. 5): Kenn Gordon (Sept. 5); Sharon Bazil (Sept. 5); Andy Le (Sept. 5); Jay Wills (Sept. 5); Bruce Stone (Sept. 6); Gail Magrath (Sept. 6); Betty Russell (Sept. 6); Iris Moffatt (Sept. 7); Kim Froom (Sept. 7); Garth Letcher (Sept. 8); Cheryl Jeffs (Sept. 9); Larry Salloum (Sept. 9); Naze Khajavi (Sept. 9); Bryden Winsby (Sept. 10); Amber Gerding (Sept. 10); Eunice Foster (Sept. 10); Heather McCullough (Sept. 10); Bill Wightman (Sept. 10); Pam Turgeon (Sept. 10); Isabella Donn (Sept. 10); Mike Haines (Sept 10); Gord Oliver (Sept.10); Stan Steed (Sept. 10).
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake winner of the week is Bryden Winsby. Bryden, please pick up your Birthday Cake at any Specialty Bakery location before Sept. 11.
Maxine DeHart is a 琉璃神社 city councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662, email max@maxinedehart.ca.
