International Gems at 648 Bernard Avenue is celebrating 50 years in business in the same location. Owned and operated by Diamond Gemologist Keith Davis and Delores Davis, this well-known business specializes in custom unique and personal design jewelry and retail sales of their own custom design jewelry. International Gems use a specialized CAD system to produce 3D images of their custom design work. They can redesign pieces of your loved jewelry and keep your stones or add new stones to design a special custom piece. I asked Keith what was in vogue this year in the jewelry industry and he was quickly replied the “paper clip style jewelry” in earrings and necklaces, along with the new styles of paper clip jewelry that are diamond set. Colored stones are now very popular especially sapphires alone, or with added diamonds in bracelets, earrings and rings. Yellow gold is coming back strong. www.internationalgems.net
Modern Accents, next door to International Gems, also owned and operated by Keith and Delores Davis is celebrating their 46th year in business in the same location. Modern Accents is chock-full of the most beautiful and unique home décor and is now stunningly decorated for the Christmas season. The store specializes in contemporary and casual designs, with all the accessories you would need for your home. Modern Accents carry a full line of dinnerware, crystal, flatware, tableware linens, art, candles, wrought iron pieces, wine accessories and now home furnishings. My favorite brand, which Delores knows that I love is Vietri Italy dinnerware, which I have purchased over the years. Modern Accents has now graduated into offering Canadian brand furniture. They have a small show room but a vast inventory that you can custom order from. Interior Designer, Venessa Chawick is on hand to help with your decision making. Modern Accents have their own LUXE HOME brand of candles and bath products handcrafted in Canada that are perfect gift ideas. www.modernaccents.com
There’s a new beer in town and it’s being poured at Barn Owl Brewing on Lakeshore Road. Keppler Kolsch, named after well-known, morning radio guy, Stephen Keppler of 101.5 FM (Vista Radio), is a German Pilsner that is clean, cool, crisp and crushable. It is available on tap or in cans. One dollar from every brew sold will go to support the Canucks Autism Network. www.barnowlbrewing.ca
Shane Osborne, well-known Business Development Manager of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has moved on after five impactful years. Shane played a key role in growing memberships to more than 1,000 local businesses and supporting community partners. He is a genuine relationship-builder and is exploring new ways to continue supporting the organizations and businesses in the region. Shane is currently seeking his next opportunity and welcomes you to connect with him at 250-575-8226 or osborneshanem@gmail.com. Of course, if you are at a community event just look for the guy in the Hawaiian shirt and shorts, even in the winter.
After 10 years as the Head Golf Professional of Harvest Golf Club, Bruce Vermee is moving on with his last day being November 30th. Jason McKinlay has been appointed as his replacement as Head Professional. Bruce has joined Play Golf BC, an online tee time booking company that partners with golf courses and focuses on giving back to junior golf and young golf professionals. Visit www.playgolfcanada.com
With seven years of dedicated service advancing animal welfare and strengthening community support, BC SPCA Senior Officer of Community Giving, Karin Massar has retired. Karin played a pivotal role in building donor relationships, expanding community partnerships and supporting programs that improved the lives of thousands of animals. As she embarks on her next chapter, Karin will continue her service to the community as the incoming President of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise.
Rutland Thrift Store is closing its doors after a 61-year legacy of supporting Kelowna General Hospital on December 12th. For many years, it has been a place of family, friendship, and extraordinary generosity. The store was opened by the Rutland Auxiliary and has generated millions in revenue that had been invested back into KGH. The store has been staffed primarily by volunteers, donating more than two million hours. Some of the proceeds from the sale of the building will be re-invested directly into the Rutland community through two significant investments. One grant will go to the Seniors Outreach Society and the second to the Rutland Community Clinic. Nancy Wells lead the operation of Rutland Thrift and facilitated the volunteer program for the KGH Foundation. The community is invited to stop by for one last shopping trip to bid farewell. Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For the second consecutive year, the KGH Foundation has been recognized as one of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy’s (AHP) High Performers in the 2025 Report on Giving. One of only five organizations in Canada to achieve the Higher Performance Distinction in Overall Productivity, the Foundation generated more than $1.8 Million in revenue per full time employee for the year. More than $10.5 Million was disbursed to fund state of the art medical equipment, specialized services at KGH and health care programs in the Central Okanagan outside the hospital. They are the lead organization for JoeAnna’s House and Central Okanagan Hospice House. Allison Young is the KGH Foundation CEO.
The Greater Westside Board of Trade has a new board of directors for 2025/26. President, Bryan Fitzpatrick, a partner at Pushor Mitchell LLP will be leading the board for his third term. The executive are Julie Pringle, Snap Commercial Photography (Vice President); Scott Beaton, Beaton Rettich Water Advisory (Treasurer), Tina Bisson, Manchester Signs & Printing (Secretary) and Heather Robinson, Executive Director. Directors at Large are Roberta Fidalgo, YET Human Resources and Coaching; Trevor Jones, II Mercato Social Kitchen & The Landing Kitchen + Bar; Rebecca Myers, COBS Bread; Danielle Nielsen, Valley First; Patryk Norek, Accel Okanagan Real Estate; Stephanie Oliver, Porrelli Law; Dr. Lauren Tomkins ND, West Kelowna Integrative Health Centre and John Whitehead, John K. Whitehead and Associates. Appointee Directors are Rod Aubichon, Kelowna Metis Society/Terracom Systems and Sharon Bond Hogg, WFN/Kekuli Café.
FILL Kelowna’s Refill Store in Mission Park shopping Centre and FILL Vernon’s Refill Store have saved 500,000 plastics from local landfills. Owners Teresa Sanders and Gabi Goossen are thrilled with the incredible milestone reaching 500,000. FILL gives eco-minded residents a chance to refill containers with everything from hand and dish soap to laundry detergent and window wash at a range of price points and sustainability grades. FILL also offers sustainable products for living and gifting, from refillable deodorants and organic face care to locally printed tea towels and charcuterie boards.
The Habitat for Humanity Okanagan Jingle Bell Build 2025 was a huge success. Congratulation to H&H Custom Homes, Holiday Hooligans who were the 2025 Gingy Cup Winners. The place winners were Norson Construction, Norson North Pole Division (2nd place); Castanet, Click Here for Christmas (3rd Place); Total Restoration, Total Gingeration (4th Place) and Hotel Eldorado, Ring My Bell (5th Place). Over $43,000.00 was raised for Habitat for Humanity.
The Kelowna City Concert Band’s upcoming Christmas Concert is Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at Sanctuary Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Road. The band’s dynamic performance will ring in the holidays with an evening of festive music and cheer with a heartwarming celebration of the season featuring joyful classics, sparkling new arrangements and a few surprises along the way. Admission is free, but donations of cash or non-perishable food items for the food bank will be appreciated. It’s a holiday tradition you will not want to miss.
It was 15 years ago that Larry McGuire envisioned his unique music genre and now his dedicated “One Hit Wonders” playlist has reached 4,000 titles. Barry at the BIG1510.com has supported Larry through his continued support of One Hit Wonders Wednesday, each and every week, now in its third year and 125+ shows later.
Kiwanis Central Okanagan is hosting a fundraiser, Come Meet “Olaf” to take photos with Olaf from Frozen. Join them Friday, December 5th at Village Flowers, #110 – 1010 Enterprise Way from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 7th at Burnett’s Florist & Gifts, 453 Bernard Avenue from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Money raised support children and youth programs.
The 8th Annual Kelowna Christmas Turkey Drive, hosted by Immaculata Regional High School in support of the Central Okanagan Food Bank is Friday, December 12, 2025 at 1493 KLO Road from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. K96.3 will be broadcasting their morning show live from the parking lot and the kids will be on hand to accept donations of frozen turkeys as well a monetary donations toward the purchase of turkeys.
For the 7th year, the Kettle Valley Neighbourhood Association (KVNA) will host its Holiday Light Up Contest. Sponsored by Richard Deacon of ENGEL & VOLKERS, Casey Clarke from New Country 100.7 and Richard will cruise the neighborhood on December 10th from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. picking the best and brightest lights, with winners being announced across the KVNA Facebook and Instagram.
Birthdays of the week – Krystyna Werbury (Dec. 3); Sherry Cote (Dec. 3); Ken Fix (Dec. 3); Brian Street (Dec. 3); Edan Fay (Dec. 3); Andrea Lindal (Dec. 4); Chris Sobon (Dec. 5); Miles Palahniuk (Dec. 5); Anne Schneider (Dec. 6); Heather Van Der Gaag (Dec. 6); Harold Rempel (De. 8); Dallas Gray (Dec. 6); Judy Steeves (Dec. 6); Holly Routley (Dec. 6); Sonia Withers (Dec. 6); Tanya Terrace (Dec. 6); Sherri Paiement (Dec. 6); Steven Finkleman (Dec. 6); Matt August (Dec. 7); Beth Cross (Dec. 7); Rose Grund (Dec. 7); Tracy Padula (Dec. 8); Will Hoogewoonink (Dec. 8); Garry Winchester (Dec. 8); Norm Parent (Dec. 8); Shelley Ann Zemlak (Dec. 9); Rob Mutch (Dec. 9); David Bubyn (Dec. 9); Diane Feist (Dec. 9); IN MEMORY of Bylle Orsulic (Oct. 4);
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Anne Schneider. Anne, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any Specialty Bakery by Tuesday, December 9/2025.
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
