Italian Sandwich Co. has opened in The District, at 565 Bernard Avenue in the The District Mall Food Pavilion. Owned and operated by Michael Tofano, the sandwich shop offers a good variety of fresh, made-to-order Italian sandwiches on daily baked bread, with locally sourced ingredients. La Famiglia is where the art of the Italian sandwich is rooted in “Famiglia” (Family), where every bite is fresh, simple and authentically Italian. Michael made me one of his most popular sandwiches for lunch called “Mungie” with prosciutto, cotto, capocollo, salami, shredded lettuce, tomato, onions, banana pepper, mustard, mayo and their signature O/V dressing. It was delicious and quite large, so I took half of the sandwich home. Along with the good variety of sandwiches, Italian Sandwich Co. offers breakfast sandwiches, salads, a good variety of pastries, desserts and specialty coffees using local Giobean coffee. They also cater their sandwiches, cookies and pastries for all kinds of events. Eat-in or take-out. Open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Google Italian Sandwich Co. is to be directed to their website.
Neil Rachynski is the new Multimedia Marketing Consultant at the Kelowna Capital News and Black Press Media. Neil is not new to the industry, with more than 30 years in media and communications. After 27 years in Kamloops, he has relocated to Kelowna. Neil was one of the original partners with the ad agency Pulse Group Media and Communications, and most recently managed communications for the Thompson Region Division of Family Practice. He has also worked with Pattison Broadcastings, Pattison Outdoor and Kamloops newspapers. neil.rachynski@kelownacapnews.com
After 10 years as an Associate Professional at The Harvest Golf Club, Jason McKinlay is the new Head Golf Professional, replacing Bruce Vermee. Jason is a graduate of the Professional Golf Management program at Grant MacEwan University and began his career in his hometown of Consort, Albert, where he and his father operated a junior golf program. He then spent five years at the Lacombe Golf & Country Club as an Assistant Golf Professional. Following his time in Lacombe, Jason continued to expand his experience with a season at the Belvedere Golf & Country Club, a private club in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Jason spent one season at Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club under the then Head Golf Professional Bruce Vermee and later joined Bruce at The Harvest Golf Club.
Now open in Kelowna, Gameday Men’s Health, with franchisee Russell Mortlock, is introducing a modern, science-driven approach to men’s wellness at a time when conversations around men’s physical and mental health are becoming increasingly urgent. With rising stress levels, busier lifestyles, and growing awareness of hormone-related health challenges, the clinic’s services are designed to fill a critical gap in the community. Their goal is to give men a place where they can get real answers, real support and real results. Located at Unit 25, 565 Bernard Avenue, Gameday specializes in hormone optimization and peptide therapy, two rapidly growing fields that have proven benefits for energy levels, recovery, mood, sleep, metabolism and longevity. Beyond that, Gameday serves as a one-stop destination with medical consultants, customized treatment plans, vitamin and peptide therapy and ongoing health tracking. To book a free consultation, visit gamedaymenshealth.ca
Jason Peters, CFP®, FP Canada™ Fellow, Financial Planner, Scotia Financial Planning, has moved to Scotiabank from Valley First Credit Union, bringing market insights and the financial planning process to the bank’s Lakeshore Centre location at 3275 Lakeshore Road and the new Mission Village location at 110 – 940 Frost Road. In the industry for over 22 years, and in Kelowna since 2016, Jason has many years of experience navigating the investment markets, and he works closely with the Scotiabank branch teams to assist with their clients’ unique goals through a financial plan that evolves with the clients’ priorities and circumstances that might change. Call 250-863-3759 for an appointment.
A heavyweight of the Canadian music industry has returned to his roots, and he is bringing a serious upgrade to Kelowna‘s cultural landscape. Darryl Neudorf, former drummer for 54/40, a Canadian ‘songwriter’s Hall of Fame inductee and co-writer of “I Go Blind” has officially opened the doors to Primalux Institute of Music and Technology. After leaving Kelowna in 1982 to pursue a music career, Darryl spent the last four decades building an impeccable resume. He has engineered and produced for icons like Blue Rodeo, Sarah McLachlan, The Grapes of Wrath, Neko Case and The Weather Station, racking up Platinum records and Grammy nominations. Now, Darryl has returned home with his partner, Tracy Pillsworth, with a mission to create the next generation of hitmakers. Located in a state-of-the-art facility featuring an immersive 12-speaker Dolby system, Primalux is more than a recording studio; it is a launchpad for young artists. Darryl offers mentorship in production, songwriting and the science of sound for students aged 8 and up. They are accepting registrations for their Winter Song Surge Camp, which is an intense, hands-on program challenging students to write, record, mix, master, and release a song to streaming services, all in one week over winter break. For aspiring producers and parents looking to spark a creative fire, the beat is finally dropping in Kelowna. For more information or to book a session, visit primalux.ca
If you are craving a turkey dinner for Christmas and do not want to cook, Specialty Bakery at 833 Finns Road is roasting turkey Christmas dinners for take-out, with all the trimmings, including mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, home-made stuffing, cranberry sauce, and the bakery’s own dinner rolls, and a slice of their delicious apple pie. Pre-order by Monday, December 22nd, with pickup Tuesday, December 23rd, by 2:00 p.m. or Wednesday, December 24th, by noon. All for $29.99 per individual dinner. Order in person or call 250-765-5822.
Local radio stations 99.9 Sun FM, 101.5 GO FM and AM 1150 are hosting their 4th annual Toy Drive under a new name, Toys for Joy. The toy drive will take place from December 11th to 13th at Orchard Park Mall, with the collection point located near the Peach Entrance. All donations will directly support the Salvation Army’s Christmas Gifts of Hope program. Community members are encouraged to donate unwrapped toys for children of all ages, including teens. Cash donations are welcome and will allow the Salvation Army to purchase specific items required by families. Teams from the three radio stations will be on hand to greet you.
Stuff the Cruiser, hosted by our local RCMP and London Drugs, is Saturday, December 13th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Drop off unwrapped toys at either the Kelowna RCMP Detachment on Clement and Richter Street or at London Drugs on Harvey Avenue. The event is organized by Reserve Constable Michael Kube, Kelowna RCMP Community Safety Unit.
Happy 59th Anniversary, Lillian and Gerald Moller (Dec. 12).
In their 11th year of supporting the Salvation Army Red Kettle Fund, from November 26th to January 4th, 2026, the 875 Theodora Road Christmas Light Display 2025 is ready for viewing. Lights go on daily at dusk, about 5:00 p.m., and stay on until about 10:00 p.m. Some of the fantastic venues visitors will see this year are a penguin hockey game, a 3-D train of 28 cars and Engine 875, a caboose full of stuffed penguins, a full-sized one-horse open sleigh, lighted candy canes everywhere, and hundreds of stuffed penguins everywhere around the display, just to mention a few of the displays. There are loads of parking spaces for walking around the cul-de-sac. Cash is collected in the Red Kettle out front, and there is also a QR Code. Visit Facebook – 875 Theodora Christmas Light Display. You can also donate locally at kelownasalvationarmy.ca/donations.
If you have been inspired by someone making a positive impact in our community, celebrate their accomplishments by nominating them for the 51st Annual Civic & Community Awards at kelowna.ca/civicawards. Nominations are now open for outstanding Kelowna residents, volunteers, athletes, artists, non-profit organizations and businesses who made a positive impact in 2025. These awards are our opportunity to recognize and celebrate the amazing individuals and groups that help make Kelowna special. Perhaps it’s someone whose hard work, commitment and compassion to others deserve recognition? Nominations are open until Monday, February 26th, 2026. Award winners and nominees will be honoured at an evening gala to be held in April 2026. Nomination forms, award criteria, and past recipients can be found at Kelowna.ca/civicawards. I am honoured to be the council representative for Kelowna City Council on the 51st Civic & Community Awards.
Birthdays of the week – Barry Lapointe (Dec. 10); Terry Gossoo (Dec. 10); Mel Cooper, Victoria, BC (Dec. 10); Anne Gilbert (Dec. 11); Gerry Fraser (Dec. 11); Lois Bennett (Dec. 11); Bob Levin (Dec. 11); Birte Decloux (Dec. 11); Donna Mitzel (Dec. 11); Bonnie Siddon (Dec. 11); Terry Dowler (Dec. 12); Ken Firkins (Dec. 13); Gary Johnston (Dec. 13); Gloria Sloan (Dec. 13); Cynthia Deserranno (Dec. 13); Lucy Litz (Dec. 13); Frank Richter (Dec. 15); Larry McGuire (Dec. 13); Eric Falkenberg (Dec. 13); Toby Tannas (Dec. 13); Helena Wyzykowski (Dec. 14); Jake Tang (Dec. 14); Melina Cunial (Dec. 14); Tim Allan (Dec. 14); Lawrence Nagy (Dec. 14); Frank Richter (Dec. 15); Hugo Morawsky (Dec. 15); Anna Stuart (Dec. 15); Doreen Rigby (Dec. 15); Sandra Sellick (Dec. 16); Tyson Irmen (Dec. 16); Jacqueline Schneider (Dec. 16); Peter Wannop (Dec. 16); Steven Duke (Dec. 16); Jacqueline Schneider (Dec. 16).
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Ken Firkins. Ken, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any Specialty Bakery by Tuesday, December 16/2025.
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
