In one year and out the other. Happy New Year!
This week‘s column is dedicated to our only aunt on my mother’s side of the family. Auntie Delores Kuchala passed away just past her 95th birthday due to a bad fall. Auntie Delores was with her daughter, Cheryl and our niece Aimee, who lives in Las Vegas part of the year. A short time, just before her 95th birthday party, Auntie fell and was airlifted back to her home in Calgary, where she went into the hospital and then into hospice a very short time later. RIP Auntie with Uncle John Kuchala.
Vicky Chan is celebrating her 30th anniversary working at Wendy’s, in the same location, in West Kelowna at 2330 Highway 97S. Vicky has literally done it all at Wendy’s. She started at the French fry station, then went on to sandwiches, then to the grill, onto the front cash and then as a drive-thru order taker. Vicky is a model employee who has actually never called in sick in her 30 years of employment. She is the kind of employee that we all would like to have in our businesses. Vicky values her customers and is not even thinking of retirement. She is also a regular volunteer with the OCCA Communities Association and also volunteers at the Rotary Center for the Arts, clocking over 75 hours of volunteerism in one year. Drop in and congratulate Vicky from Monday to Friday anytime from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. www.wendys.com
Dustyn Baulkham has been appointed as the new Chair of the Okanagan College Board of Governors. Dustyn is an entrepreneur and founder of Rebellious Unicorns Production Company Inc., a 100% 2SLGBTQ+ owned company focused on building a strong 2SLGBTQ+ community within the Okanagan and around B.C. through events and digital content. Dustyn replaces Dale Safinuk, who completed his two-year term. Board members have re-elected Andrea Alexander to the vice-chair role.
The May Bennett Meal Program urgently needs volunteer drivers to help deliver fresh, nutritious meals to seniors and homebound individuals in our community. Volunteers ensure that nearly 500 clients receive fresh meals prepared at the May Bennett Wellness Centre and are delivered right to their door. Meal service runs Monday to Friday, with deliveries between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Volunteers use their own vehicles, and Interior Health provides a stipend to help offset fuel costs. By giving a few hours of your time, you can make a difference for people transitioning from hospital to home or those who rely on regular meal support to stay independent. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Teresa Hiob at 250-860-3378 or teresa.hiob@interiorhealth.ca
Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) will have several Board of Directors positions opening in the New Year, and they are looking for dedicated leaders to help shape their 2026 priorities. As a board member, you will help advance URBA’s vision of supporting economic prosperity, advocating for issues that matter to members, and fostering community pride. You will also connect with local stakeholders and organizations and bring your expertise and professional demeanour to the team. If you are interested or would like more information, contact executivedirector@uptownrutland.com
Well-known business, Peters Wealth Management & Insurance Solutions, owned and operated by William Peters, is now the Presenting Sponsor for a high-demand event in our community in 2026. The well-sought-after Kelowna Polo Classic by La Chaine Des Rotisseurs – Val d’Okanagan on Saturday, June 27/2026. Get fancy and enjoy a day of sport, social, delicious food and beverage. Early bird discounted pricing is available for a limited time, so hurry and get your tickets as this event will sell out. Book on Eventbrite. www.kelownapoloclassic.com.
Scotiabank, in partnership with the Food Bank and Save-On-Food locations across Kelowna and West Kelowna, collected food and cash donations. Scotiabank then donated $15,000 to match the funds raised. Raychel Wickins, Branch Manager and Mutual Fund Representative of the new Mission Village Scotiabank at 940 Frost Road, led the initiative.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has launched its Top 40 Under 40 for 2026. Ken Carmichael, Partner, BDO Canada LLP, has backed the program since its inception as the presenting sponsor. The Top 40 Under 40 recognizes and honours individuals in the community who take leadership, philanthropy, and business to the next level. Nominations are now open at www.kelownacc.awardify.io, closing February 20th, 2026.
The Okanagan Masters Swim Club (OMSC) has announced that Kelowna will host the 2026 Provincial Masters Championships Swim Meet from April 17th to 19th, 2026, at the H20 Adventure + Fitness Centre. The three-day event will bring together 300 athletes, plus friends and family, for a weekend of competition, community and camaraderie. Swimmers from across B.C. and beyond will compete in events ranging from sprints to distance races. OMSC extends their thanks to the Masters Swim Association of B.C. (MSABC) for selecting Kelowna as the host city. Greg Harris is the OMSC President. Visit www.okmasters.com
One Hundred Women Who Care Kelowna has generously donated $4,000.00 to Meals on Wheels – Central Okanagan. Meals on Wheels supports seniors, individuals living with disabilities and those recovering from illness or surgery by providing freshly prepared, nutritious meals delivered directly to their homes. The program helps people remain independent, maintain their health, and stay connected to their community while aging safely at home. The bulk of their donation will be directed to supporting seniors who are experiencing financial hardship after recently losing access to weekly meal support from another agency. For many of these individuals, the contribution will help ensure they continue to receive regular meals during a time of uncertainty, providing both nourishment and peace of mind.
Helen’s Acres Community Farm yielded a staggering 189,000 pounds of fresh produce in 2025, nearly doubling last year’s output of 96,000 pounds. Every pound of food has been donated directly to eight local food banks to feed families throughout the Okanagan. Helen’s Acres is the only non-profit farm of its kind in Canada that operates on this scale. The 2025 harvest serves as the ultimate kick-off for the farm’s most significant milestone yet: its 10-year anniversary in 2026. They are now launching a fundraising campaign with three distinct ways for the community participate: (1) Sponsor a plot; (2) Farm to family produce box; (3) Fuel the farm. Visit www.helensacres.com
Central Okanagan residents can Chip Your Christmas Tree for Free and recycle by dropping them off at a convenient Chip It location from December 26th to January 31st , 2026. Trees are chipped and composted into GlenGrow, available at the Glenmore Landfill. Before dropping off, residents are asked to remove all decorations, tinsel, bags and other materials used for transporting trees, as these items interfere with the composting process and contaminate the final product. For more information, visit rdco.com/wasterreduction, Call 250-469-6250 or email recycle@rdco.com
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery would like the community to rally behind a cherished team member, Jenny Newell, who is terminally ill. Jenny, a fixture in the BC wine and spirit industry for 25 years, was diagnosed with high-grade glioma, an aggressive and terminal brain cancer. The campaign is to support her husband and children, as Jenny is the primary earner for her family. Tyler Dyck is the CEO of Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery. Visit www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-jenny-the-gift-of-time
The Greater Westside Board of Trade’s first Business After Hours of 2026 is January 15/2026, at Pearl & Fern Pottery Supplies and Plants. Members pay $10, and future members pay $20. The Key Business Awards Nominee Celebration and Finalist Announcement Lunch presented by Coast Capital Savings is on January 22nd, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Register for both at www.gwboardoftrade.com
2026 Sizzles at the Creekside Theatre. There is quite a line-up. Coming up on January 28th is The Latin Project with Rachel Therrien. Known for her very personal signature with influences from jazz to afro-Latin and Global music. Rachel has developed a reputation as a highly skilled, versatile, and innovative artist. Visit www.lakecountry.bc.ca for all the performances and to book.
Birthdays of the week – Debbie Robert (Dec. 31); Karyn Mackenzie (Dec. 31); Derek Edstrom (Dec. 31); Claire Smith Burns (Dec. 31); Gavin Dew (Jan.1); Janice Stuart (Jan. 1); Wayne Pierce (Jan. 1); David Russell (Jan. 1); Dustin Serviss (Jan. 1); Donna Martin (Jan. 1); James Kay (Jan. 1); Fiona Chum (Jan. 1); Larry Lenarduzzi (Jan. 1); Dawn Wilkinson (Jan, 1); Mitch Carefoot (Jan. 2); Clifford May (Jan. 2); Carol Wardrop (Jan. 3); Kim Williams (Jan. 3); Shanie Dwyer (Jan. 4); Cheryl McNaughton (Jan. 4); Stephen Fleming (Jan. 4); Jody Miller (Jan. 4); Christy Lovig (Jan. 4); Cliff Shillington (Jan. 4); Gary Barnes (Jan. 5); Brenda Geen (Jan. 5); Colin Moorman (Jan. 5); Scott Lanigan (Jan. 5); Mike Borg (Jan. 5).
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Cheryl McNaughton. Cheryl, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Tuesday, January 6/2026.
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
