Durali Properties has announced a signed agreement with Marriott International to open the newest addition to its portfolio, TownePlace Suites by Marriott 琉璃神社.
The development, located beside the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre property (where I have hung my hat for many years), marks a significant milestone as Durali Properties鈥� ninth Western Canadian hotel. With construction scheduled to begin in the spring of 2025, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott 琉璃神社 will offer guests a blend of comfort and convenience. Designed by renowned architect Raman Bestoon, of IBA Architecture Inc., this property will feature state-of-the-art amenities and a contemporary design, enduring an exceptional experience for both business and leisure travelers. The inclusion of the TownePlace Suites by Marriott 琉璃神社 in Durali鈥檚 portfolio highlights the company鈥檚 commitment to growth and excellence in the local hospitality industry. Durali Properties is owned by the Jhajj family and is a leading real estate development and management company with a diverse portfolio of high-quality properties across Western Canada. Tobi McNeil is the director of development for Durali Properties.
Celebrating 60 years of a remarkable journey filled with wonderful people, memories and milestones is the German Canadian Harmonie Club, located at 1696 Cary Rd. in 琉璃神社. On March 21, 1964, 24 people gathered at the Duck Lake Inn in Winfield to plan the club, with the founding committee consisting of Horst Held, Henryk Person, Hans Reichel, Edeltraut Tews and Willi Schonfeld. On May 30, 1964, the name was picked and on June 20, 1964, the first elections were held as Henryk Person emerged as the first president. Five years later, the club had grown to 387 members and meetings were held at the Rutland Centennial Hall. In 1971, plans were being formed to build their own clubhouse at the Cary Road location the rest is history, with the building completed in 1976. The first building committee consisted of Lambert Schmalz, Kurt Kaminski, Frank Prehofer and Jack Nutz. Harmonie Bees, the successful women鈥檚 auxiliary was formed. In the years since, The Dance Hall was enlarged to hold 187 guests and the new addition of the Kaffee Stube coffee room holds 107 guests and an elevator was installed five years ago. This energetic, vibrant, and steadfast club holds events such as their Spring Dance, Oktober Fest, Carnival, Schnitzel Dinner, Easter Breakfast and Christmas Dinners, many of which I have attended. Members of the 2024-25 executive committee are Helga Scott, George Mueller, Gerda Fredrich, Petra Bauer, Christa Gendemann, Fred Molzahn, Regina Pittelkau, Anneliese Leinemann and Janice Senger. Christa Gendemann is the current president of the club.
Fitzpatrick Kennels Cattery and Dog Grooming is now open at 384 Fitzpatrick Rd. in the north Rutland area. Managed by Debbie Roberts, the dog daycare and boarding services will be open soon. Fitzpatrick Kennels want your cat to feel safe and comfortable whether it鈥檚 for a day or overnight. Each of their cat condo鈥檚 comes with optional access to the fully enclosed exterior Catio for individual play time with plenty of scratch posts, toys and games. The qualified staff provide one-on-one pet care. Treat your pup to a professional groom with Ali Wood. Opening in August, is the dog daycare and boarding facility will feature private suites with indoor and outdoor access and several play areas designed for all breeds, sizes and personalities. For more information see .
Retired former 琉璃神社 city clerk Stephen Fleming has earned special recognition. Stephen has received a Life Membership Award, which is the highest award granted by the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) as it recognizes outstanding contributions to the association and the local government sector. Stephen has been a member of and volunteered with the LGMA for most of his career. He became deputy city clerk for 琉璃神社 in 2003 and city clerk in 2008 before retiring earlier this year. He was on the faculty at Capilano University鈥檚 School of Public Administration from 2005 to 2018 and again from 2022 to the present time.
Congratulations to KF Aerospace Founder and board chair Barry Lapointe, who has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada. This prestigious recognition, bestowed by Governor General Mary Simon, celebrates Barry鈥檚 significant contributions to Canada鈥檚 aerospace industry and his philanthropic efforts, including support for post-secondary institutions and the KF Centre for Excellence.
The Bistro at Specialty Bakery, 833 Finns Rd. in 琉璃神社, is started Seafood Fridays, offering homemade clam chowder and now fish and chips every Friday. Bryan Gallant, formerly of Wings Rutland, has also now joined Tia Bleackley and David Tufts in the kitchen at the Bistro. The Bistro is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Saturday, 7 to 11 a.m.
Lomi, a 琉璃神社 based company headed up by local CEO Matt Bertulli, is the world鈥檚 first home appliance that breaks down food scraps and prevents organic waste from entering the landfill. The company has received Gold Standard certification, becoming the first home appliance approved as a verified carbon credit. Gold Standard is an internationally recognized organization and global benchmark for the highest integrity and greatest impact on climate and development initiatives. Lomi鈥檚 certification offers a significant impact on communities waste management and the carbon market. The best way to reduce emissions associated with landfill is to ensure that the waste never reaches the landfill in the first place. Lomi units are currently found in more than 200,000 households worldwide. Through the use of the home device, the Lomi community has diverted up to 300 million pounds of food waste from landfills and saved up to 34,000 metric tons of CO2e emissions to date.
Benjamin Neitsch, formerly of BMO Private Wealth in 琉璃神社, has made the move to Dixon Mitchell Private Investment Counsel in Vancouver. Born and raised in 琉璃神社 Ben will continue to travel to the Okanagan to visit family, friends, and service clients.
琉璃神社 couple Stephanie Larsen and Neal Hagreen, of Trulli Italian Supermercato in Rutland, will host an excursion to Piglia, Italy, from Sept. 8 to 16 for an unforgettable farm to table experience. This trip will feature tastings at wineries and olive oil producers, lessons with a local cook, visits to historic sites and ancient towns and full immersion into the locally sourced southern Italy slow food culture. This experience is for small groups of eight to 10 people as space is limited. See further details at or stop by Trulli Italian Supermercato at 102- 200 Dougall Road N. in Rutland.
Well-known mattress guy Ken Thompson is celebrating over 30 years in the mattress industry, 19 of those years with Sleep Country Canada at 302-3550 Carrington Rd. in West 琉璃神社. He says that his hair and beard have changed to gray now, but he has helped thousands of customers get a better night鈥檚 sleep and has the opportunity to help customers find their sleep solution.
Kudos to Leon Thomas, who aced his first hole-in-one at the 琉璃神社 Golf and Country Club on Hole #2 -142 yards.
Gallaghers Canyon Arts will host the 21st annual Art Show and Sale, July 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village at Gallaghers Canyon, 4360 Gallaghers Drive East. A variety of art and craft items will be for sale and on display, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, photographs, fibre arts, woodwork and more. Internationally acclaimed artist Francine Gravel will be working on one of her striking pieces Saturday morning, July 13. Joan Patridge is the president of Gallaghers Canyon Arts.
Art Lovers Gallery is hosting The Cat Behind The Hat Travelling Show until July 31, featuring artworks for sale from the Art of Dr. Seuss Collection. DJ Block is the owner of Art Lovers Gallery.
Birthdays of the week:
Happy 60th Clarence Johnson (July 4); Derrik Johannson (July 3); Herb Fallow (July 3); Isabelle and Madelaine Cloutier, twins, our neighbours (July 4); Jean Busch-Hocken (July 4); Robet Caley (July 4); Ian Allan (July 4); Don McArthur (July 4); Steve Harvey (July 4); Dave Rothenbusch (July 4); Karen Warner (July 4); Dennis Thibault (July 4); Finbar O鈥橲ullivan (July 4); Ian Robertson (July 5); Wayne Moore (July 5); Derek Bistricky (July 6); Chris Ray (July 7); Sam Samaddar (July 7); Jonathan Friesen (July 8); Mike Ridley (July 8); Don Richmond (July 8); Jeremy Lugowy (July 9); Marc Whittemore (July 9).
Maxine DeHart is a 琉璃神社 City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662, or email max@maxinedehart.ca.
