Long-time, well-known realtor, Tracy Nyboe-Styles is celebrating her 25th anniversary in the real estate industry. Tracy has been successfully selling Okanagan and area real estate with RE/MAX Kelowna the entire length of her career. Tracy started with RE/MAX when she was initially hired for the position of realtor services by then-owner, Rick Baker, who has since passed. RE/MAX Kelowna was then sold to Cliff Shillington. In 2000, she took the plunge into real estate sales and has not looked back. Tracy has received numerous awards throughout her career, including the prestigious Hall of Fame, Platinum Club Award and now Lifetime Achievement status. She is also a Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE). Jerry Redman is the current owner of RE/MAX Kelowna. [email protected]
350 Bakehouse and Café has relocated from Bernard Avenue to 1892 Spall Road. Owned and operated by baker Ed Wouda and Lindsay Lapointe, the new premises have a much larger kitchen and baking area. The café is bright and there is ample seating inside and plenty of parking. 350 Bakehouse now has four hot lunch varieties daily that change weekly and a larger Grab & Go Fridge for take-out. Look for all kinds of fresh breads, pastries, cinnamon buns and donuts made the old-fashioned way. Their specialty is lemon tarts and New York-style cheesecakes. 350 Bakehouse also offers catering of hot and cold items. Open 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays. www.350bakehousecafe.ca
Congratulations to all the finalists and recipients of the 50th Annual Civic and Community Awards who helped shine a positive light on our city in 2024. The Anita Tozer Memorial Award, bestowed by the Mayor and Council, was awarded to Pam Turgeon and her daughter, Shadia Dot,y for bringing Parade with a Purpose to downtown Kelowna. The Fred Macklin & Sarah Donalda-Treadgold Memorial Award – Citizen of the Year was awarded to Clayton Gall, and the Young Citizen of the Year Award went to Ainsley Wood, sponsored by the Payton and Dillon Budd Memorial Foundation. For all the recipients, visit www.kelowna.ca/civicawards
Signcraft at 1817 Finns Road has announced the procurement of one of the Okanagan’s oldest sign companies, Commercial Signs. Signcraft owners Troy Scott and Steve Ross have expanded their business by purchasing Commercial Signs and are supporting the former clientele of the sign company. Troy’s father actually worked for Commercial Signs in the early days, so this acquisition is bringing history full circle. Commercial Signs has specialized in illuminated signs, seeing 48 successful years owned by Morgan Hewitt. They have created thousands of illuminated signs for businesses in the valley. Morgan began working for Commercial Signs in 2010, before taking over the business in 2016. Signcraft is a locally owned and operated full-service sign and graphic design shop that began operating in 1982. Founders Jim Scott and Dave Thomas created a strong, community-oriented business based on exceptional craftsmanship and service. Jim’s son, Troy Scott and his brother-in-law, Steve Ross, continue to manage the business, and Erin Scott, Troy’s wife, also works in the business in accounting. www.signcraft.ca
Having been with Predator Ridge for over 14 years and starting in digital marketing, Michelle Beaudry has transitioned into the role of Director of Marketing & Communications at Predator Ridge. With over 20 years in tourism, Michelle has worked with Destination Canada as well as with Big White and Silver Star Resorts. In her role at Predator Ridge, Michelle leads strategy and execution across all marketing efforts, with a primary focus on real estate development and sales. She also oversees the marketing for the resort side of the business, from accommodations and golf, to dining, recreation and events. Predator Ridge has just launched Ellison Landing, the next chapter of life at Predator Ridge. This new neighbourhood is inspired by its natural surroundings and is located next to Ellison Provincial Park, offering a deeper connection to the outdoors. www.predatorridge.com; www.ellisonlanding.com
Nicole Martinez has joined the team at Tourism Kelowna as their new Business Development Sales Manager for the western markets. In her new position, Nicole will lead business development initiatives across Western Canada and the Western United States, working closely with their partners to promote Kelowna as a premier destination for meetings, conferences and group travel. [email protected]
Calling all trivia buffs! The Rotary Club of Kelowna Okanagan Mission is hosting a fundraiser, Trivia Night on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Kelowna Curling Club, 551 Recreation Avenue. All fundraising proceeds support Project Literacy. It’s going to be a fun-packed evening including a pasta buffet dinner, silent auction and door prizes. Full table packages are available. Tickets only $40.00 per person at https://facebook.com/events/s/trivia-dinner-fundraiser/1353718595881378/ or any Rotary Club of Kelowna Okanagan Mission member.
Junior Chamber International Kelowna (aka Kelowna Jaycees) is hosting a New Members Night on May 22nd, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mercedes Benz, 2580 Enterprise Way. The Junior Chamber is seeking young professionals and community-minded individuals for this event, from 18 to 40 years of age. It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to give back, and JCI Kelowna offers a welcoming hub for those who want to contribute to the community. Whether you are looking to advance your professional skills, make new connections or get inspired, join JCI. Tickets $10.00 on Eventbrite – JCI Kelowna.
The Visually Impaired Lawn Bowling League play has now started, every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Kelowna Lawn Bowling Club in City Park on Abbott Street (beside the parking lot). All bowlers must bring a director, who is someone who assists the bowlers during play. The club provides training to anyone who has never bowled or been a Director. For more information, contact coordinator Cathy Hopfner at [email protected] or 204-447-7675.
Local writer, producer and theatre enthusiast, Tammy Andreotti has been writing and developing an original musical called “The Ester Project – A Musical that she has worked on for the past three years. It’s a full-scale production with an original script, ten original songs, a local cast of 20 performers, a live band and a passionate creative team. The show premieres May 23 – 25th, 2025, at the Creekside Theatre in Lake Country. It’s a story that parallels the ancient tale of Esther with a modern-day journey of courage, truth and purpose, built entirely from the ground up by local artists. Tickets and info EPMlaunch.com; www.estherprojectmusical.com
Canadian Home Builders Association – Central Okanagan is hosting Building Safer Workplaces: Site Safety & Mental Health in Construction on May 27th, 2025. Join the Canadian Mental Health Association for a practical, leadership-focused session designed to help business owners, managers, and team leads support their team’s mental health while improving workspace safety, performance and culture. Free to attend. Registration required at www.chbaco.com
Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers raised $5,300 at their annual “Make Bail” fundraiser. This signature event was both fun and impactful, as community leaders were held in custody and tasked with reaching out to their contacts to help garner donations to make bail. Proceeds will be used to reward local anonymous Crime Stoppers tips and promote program awareness throughout the Central Okanagan. www.rdco.com
May is Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Awareness Month in Canada. Local gal, Cindy Fairs, was a founding member of this national organization approximately 35 years ago. She continues to serve as the B.C. Representative to support families in our province. Cindy has a child with this rare disease and would like to promote some awareness around the condition. TSC is a rare disease affecting one in 6,000 to 10,000 individuals. This debilitating disease can be characterized by skin lesions, seizures, benign tumours in the brain, eyes, behavioural autism and sometimes with the inability to walk or talk. www.tscanada.ca
Kelowna Ride for Autism is an annual cycling fundraiser in support of Canucks Autism Network on May 24th, 2025. Starting at the Kitsch family property at 3330 Neid Road, teams of cyclists will choose their own adventure and visit select wineries, distilleries and cideries before returning to the Kitsch property for a post-ride picnic complete with live music. Since 2008, CAN has delivered programs, services and training to individuals on their autism spectrum and their families. Each year, the ride allows us to sustain and grow our programming in Kelowna. All funds raised at the ride stay in Kelowna, and thanks to the generous friends of the Stober Foundation, all funds raised will be matched to $150,000. With one in 25 children and youth on the autism spectrum in B.C., the need for support is greater than ever. www.canucksautism.ca;Â www.ride4autism.ca.
The IG Wealth Management Walk of Alzheimer’s is Sunday, May 25th, at City Park at noon. Guy Bird is this year’s Volunteer Walk Chair, and the honourees are Michele and Chuck Liebrock, who was an all-Canadian with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In addition to the walk, there will be live entertainment featuring Anna Jacyszyn and Loni, a BBQ hosted by three area Lions clubs and prizes. Last year, they raised over $38,000 and would like to surpass that amount this year. www.walkforalzheimers.ca or Guy at 250-317-4446.
Birthdays of the week – Happy 75th Frank Stewart (May 15); Shane Osborne (May 14); Mike Schell (May 14); Marilyn Guimond (May 14); John Davina (May 15); Debra Mauro (May 15); Stan Martindale (May 16); Lori McCormack (May 16); Jamie Tawil (May 16); Judi Ronacher (May 16); John Glennon (May 16); Michael Dorsel (May 16); Judy Syrnyk (May 17); Brent Lobson (May 17); Margaret Kinney (May 17); Tammi Watson (May 17); Barb Chapman (May 18); Rae Stewart (May 18); Wendy Soon (May 18); Robert Moore (May 20); Carie Metzger (May 20).
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Shane Osborne. Shane, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Tuesday, May 20/2025.
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662. Email –  [email protected]