Homestead Foods has opened at 415 Old Vernon Road. The family-owned farm is dedicated to providing locally grown, spray-free, chemical-free products, with sustainable farming practices and the ability to provide fresh, healthy food all year round. The farm uses natural fertilization methods and embraces advanced farming technologies, including a vertical rotating hydroponic system. Neil MacNeil, the operations and grow facility manager is also developing a new rotational hydroponic grow system. All this innovation increases productivity by more than 20 times per square foot, which allows the farm to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs, even in the winter months. Homestead Foods is known for its grass-fed, grass-finished beef and farm-fresh eggs from heritage hens. In their farm-to-table year-round storefront farm market grocery, customers can find a wide variety of products beyond fresh produce, including grass-fed beef, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, including freeze-dried strawberries and kale and handmade goods, including tea and in-house whipped tallow, which is cream from their own cows. They also have a local and organic dairy section, honey, pasta, balsamic vinaigrettes, local salad dressings, canning, candy and freeze-dried organic candy, pumpkins, fresh and dried herbs and their most popular home-made freezer jam. Homestead also sell their lettuce wholesale to local grocery stores. I was sent home with a container of fresh lettuce and the most wonderful, freeze-dried strawberries. With Chelsea’s recommendation, I put the strawberries in yogurt, and they were delicious. You must drop by and see their mini cows that Neil brought to Kelowna all the way from Illinois. Kendra Kraft is the store manager and Chelsea McEvoy is the marketing director. Homestead is community minded. You might even find a gift card in one of your Maxine DeHart – United Way Drive-thru Breakfast bags on October 17th. www.yourhomesteadfoods.ca
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Grant Thornton LLP Canada is now Doane Grant Thornton LLP. The company made this change because of the importance they place on their presence in communities across Canada, combined with the power of being a member of Grant Thornton International’s global network of resources. By reintroducing Doane, the firm’s founding partner to their name, they honour their Canadian roots and the values that have driven their success for more than 85 years, while reinforcing their strength in the Canadian market. Their new name empowers them to make even stronger contributions to the businesses they support and the communities they live and work in. Kevin Santos is the local Managing Partner, Interior British Columbia at #200, 1633 Ellis Street.
Local author George S. Drew has published his novel Elemental Wall: Spirit Binds. A Fantasy Novel, The world of Xera has long forgotten why the gods erected walls between the nations and the scourge of the dark god’s forces. High above the land on the floating island the spirit goddess watches the centuries go by and the elemental walls begin to weaken. When the dark god begins to stir, the goddess reaches out and puts into motion the only hope that may defeat the dark god. George will be hosting a book signing at Indigo Kelowna on October 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Drop in and speak to this new local author and get a signed copy of this wonderful fantasy novel.
Almost here, the Maxine DeHart – United Way, Ramada Hotel Drive-Thru Breakfast is Thursday, October 17th, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The sponsors and volunteers are geared up to greet you on this special day. Colin Bridge, President, BC Interior of Heritage Office Furnishings called to say that they are donating a major prize of a Sheelcase Ology L-Shaped height adjustable desk. They are also donating an ergonomic Steelcase Leap Chair. Thee items have a value of just over $3,000.00 and one lucky person will find the prize letter in their breakfast bag. The Case Lot Guys led by Rob Cividino (The Blueberry Guy) is adding 20 - $20.00 gift certificates to redeem some of the Okanagan’s best fresh produce at amazing prices. Their Facebook page is The Case Lot Guys – Okanagan. IGA is donating lots of gift cards to spend in their stores, Hudson’s Bay is donating gift baskets from their cosmetic department, Mario’s towing always have their lit-up tow truck in the parking lot and donate a huge prize and RE/MAX Kelowna is donating two apple watches that I’m sure anyone would love to win. Haven Mattress Co. is donating one of their fabulous mattresses, Burger Baron in Rutland is donating gift cards for their popular burgers, Papa Johns come on board in a big way with tons of pizzas and Kelowna Wallbeds have purchased a wonderful getaway to the Lakeside Hotel & Conference Centre in Penticton. Kirschner Mountain is donating Rockets Hockey passes and you will find the popular Karma Fruit Company soda in your bags. See you on the 17th.
Bust’n Loose, Kelowna Breast Cancer Paddling Team celebrates its 25th anniversary this year as a breast cancer dragon boat team. October is Breast Cancer Month and Bust’n Loose is presenting The Boob Tour Comedy Show fundraiser is a stand-up comedy show fighting cancer with laughter on October 19th, 2024. The fundraiser helps to support the team so it can continue to paddle for fun and health, as well as attend dragon boat festivals, along with donating funds to a breast cancer initiative at the Kelowna Cancer Centre. Tickets can be purchased by ordering at info@bustnloose.com. For more information www.bustnloose.com
Okanagan College has recognized a long-serving leader and champion of post-secondary education at it fall convocation and commencement ceremonies. Allan Coyle is the former Associate Vice President, External and Strategic Initiatives and worked at OC for nearly 23 years between 1998 and 2021. In honour of his contributions, Allan has received the College’s Distinguished Service Award.
Join Dress for Success, Kelowna’s 2nd Annual Fall Fashion Show Fundraiser – Watch Her Soar on Saturday October 19th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Metro Hub for an evening filled with inspiration, transformation and community impact. The event will be set in a cocktail party style with canapes, self-serve charcuterie tables and other snacks and treats. Your ticket includes food and one welcome beverage of choice with additional beverages available for purchase. There is a limited number of VIP tickets available for an elevated event experience. www.eventbrite.ca/e/watch-her-soar-2024-tickets/
Huge congratulations to local ski racer Finley Cashin for being nominated to Team Canada for the 2025 FISU World University Games in January, 2025 in Torino, Italy. Finley will be competing for Canada on the ski cross track in Bardonecchia, Italy. The Okanagan Ski Team alumni and now first year University of Calgary Dino’s racer began skiing at the age of two, first taking lessons at the Big White Ski School and started ski racing at the age of six, also at Big White. Last season, Finley won Gold at the FIS Dreadnaught Downhill at Kimberley, won Silver at a FIS Ski Cross race at Sunday River, Maine, won double Bronze at the Teck Ski Cross BC Provincials hosted by Big White and was a forerunner at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup. Finley is also competing on the NorAm circuit this season while studying at the U of C School of Engineering. Are you interested in sponsoring a future Olympian? Finley is currently fundraising for the upcoming season. If you, or anyone you know would like to sponsor Finley, email FinleyOnSnow@gmail.com or for more information www.linktr.ee/finleycashin
Kelowna Hostess are celebrating several long-time anniversaries. Congratulations to Rose Adams, 15 years and Bev Huntley and Mignon Fritschi, both with five years. You will see the Kelowna Hostess at the Maxine DeHart – United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast on October 17th, 2024. They are an integral part of the event.
Congratulations to Hudson’s Bay Manager, Robert Evans and Pauline (Collins) Evans on their recent marriage on Saturday, September 28th. Also, after 5 years with the Hudson’s Bay, Robert is retiring on October 31st. The new Hudson’s Bay Manager is Carmen Maturo, who is relocating from the lower mainland. Before moving to Kelowna to join the Hudson’s Bay, Robert was with Sears for 40 years.
Yee Haw! Canadian Fiddle Champion Scott Woods will be performing at the Okanagan Mission Community Hall on Wednesday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m. Reminiscent of the iconic TV Show, experience the best in Country music, trick fiddling, award-winning step dancing and humour. Along with Scott, there will be multi-talented band Champion Fiddler, Kendra Norris, Champion Step Dancer, Leo Stock, Guitar Virtuoso, Steve Piticco and Guest Vocalist and Bass, Kurk Bernard. Tickets, $45.00 by calling The Scott Woods Band at 1-855-726-8896 toll free or online at www.scottwoods.ca
JCI Kelowna is hosting the 7th Annual Mayor’s Luncheon, with Mayor Tom Dyas on October 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Royal Anne Hotel. The event brings together local business leaders and community members. It’s a great opportunity to connect, engage and grow within your community. They are also actively seeking community sponsors for the event. For sponsorship and tickets visit www.jcikelowna.com/events or contact luncheon organizer Mohana Rambe at mohanarambe2018@gmail.com
Birthdays of the week – Happy 65th Teresa Hodge (Oct. 13); Jeramie Cole (Oct. 9); Karen Roen (Oct. 9); Virginia Pisio (Oct. 9); Denette Sumners (Oct. 9); Rosy Agostino (Oct. 12); Cecilia Jans (Oct. 12); John Eakins (Oct. 12); Mervin Mascarenhas (Oct. 13); Linda Winnick (Oct. 14); Ruby Sargeant (Oct. 14); Barbara Vanstone (Oct. 14); Carson Chan (Oct. 10); Michele Rule (Oct. 11); Stan Biggs (Oct. 11); Jan Verhagan (Oct. 11); Jerry Cronquist (Oct. 14); Phil Johnson (Oct. 14);
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Rosy Agostino. Rosy, please pick up your birthday cake at any Specialty Bakery before October 15.
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
