Boulevard Okanagan, July/August 2020

JULY / AUGUST 2020

OKANAGAN LIFE AT ITS FINEST

CELEBRATE It’s a new day!

PICNIC PERFECT The pleasure of portable cuisine

SHAKE, MUDDLE & STIR Cocktails from around the world

TAKING ROOT

Indigenous fashion

design | build | enjoy 778 351 4088 | villamar.ca

CONTENTS 46

On the Cover Photo by Lia Crowe

2020 high school grad Kate Oppenheim, photographed on location at Father Pandosy Mission.

GRAD 2020

46

30 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

30 MEDITERRANEAN

6

CONTRIBUTORS

8

EDITOR’S LETTER

Feasting on the flavours of local

By Susan Lundy

TWIST

Luxury, functionality and splendour in Lower Mission

By Valaura Jones

40 TAKING ROOT

... and looking forward: Indigenous fashion

10

LIFE. STYLE. ETC.

Raquel Millikin

By Jenny McKinney

By Lia Crowe

12

DESIGN NOTES

56 SHAKE, MUDDLE & STIR

4

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Cocktails of the world

Oh Canada! A nod to local

By Susan Lundy

By Hannah Berger

JULY/AUGUST 2020

40 14

WELL AND GOOD

A hobby renaissance

By Kaisha Scofield

18

GOOD TASTE

Stephanie Stanley, Frederic Czapek: O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars

By Susan Lundy

36

60

26 IN STUDIO

70 SECRETS AND LIVES

Cohesion in chaos: Alana Archer

Amber Kronyk

By Angela Cowan

By David Wylie

36 BUSINESS CLASS

Current success: Dale Conway

By Toby Tannas

22 WEEKENDER

60 FOOD AND FEAST

Home away from home: art-full living in Tofino

Picnic perfect

By Susan Lundy

By Ellie Shortt

66 TRAVEL

Driving in circles: Circle routes in BC

By Bruce Cameron

72 NARRATIVE Match

By Karen Van Rheenen

74

BEHIND THE STORY

By Lia Crowe

SPECIAL SECTION

46 GRAD 2020

A time to celebrate

By Lia Crowe

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contributors “I am not easily impressed these days, having been through dozens of luxury homes over the years.

VALAURA JONES WRITER MEDITERRANEAN TWIST

Granite countertops are ordinary, swimming pools are expected and lake views are de rigueur. So imagine my surprise when my jaw physically dropped multiple times during this most recent house tour. I was particularly delighted by the private courtyard off of the en suite and the practicality of the chandeliers. For me, thoughtful planning and practicality are the crux of any great home and luxury simply isn’t possible without them.” Valaura is a writer, marketer and community enthusiast with a passion for great design and unusual spaces.

High-end electric cars with falcon wing doors, drivers in suits and a fancy app to book your ride. Current Taxi made a trip to the airport or out to dinner something special. When I sat down with founder and CEO Dale Conway I expected to hear about how his history in the taxi business fuelled his desire for an elevated experience. What he actually told me is shocking.

I bet you’ll be surprised too!” You can catch Toby weekday mornings on Kelowna’s New 103.1 Beach Radio. She’s a regular contributor to Boulevard.

PAGE 36

“I stumbled across Alana Archer’s re-imagined version of Frida Kahlo’s 1941 painting, Me and My Parrot, while browsing the website Reddit. Impressed and amused by how well

DAVID WYLIE

BLACK PRESS MEDIA Penny Sakamoto GROUP PUBLISHER

BOULEVARD Mario Gedicke

GROUP PUBLISHER 250.891.5627

info@blvdmag.ca

MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

DESIGN Michelle Gjerde Tammy Robinson

“I remember when Current Taxi’s first white Teslas hit the road in Kelowna. It was a big deal.

WRITER CURRENT SUCCESS

J U LY/AU GU ST 2 02 0

PAGE 30

TOBY TANNAS

O K A N A G A N L I F E AT I T S F I N E S T

she pulled off the Getty Museum Challenge, I didn’t realize at the time that she was from Kelowna, or that I would have the chance to interview her about the surreal experience of going viral on the internet and how COVID19 would change her life.” David Wylie is a freelance journalist living in the Okanagan and a regular contributor to Boulevard.

WRITER COHESION IN CHAOS

PAGE 26

ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Vicki Clark

CONTRIBUTING Hannah Berger

WRITERS Bruce Cameron Angela Cowan Lia Crowe Valaura Jones Susan Lundy Kaisha Scofield Ellie Shortt Toby Tannas Karen Van Rheenen David Wylie

CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe PHOTOGRAPHERS Todd Byrnes Matt Van Emmerik

ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy

CIRCULATION & Brian Gold

DISTRIBUTION 250.763.7575

TRENDING ONLINE:

View Boulevard’s Fashion Friday

www.vicnews.com/life Any device. Any time.

Victoria Boulevard® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com

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PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

feasting on the flavours of local

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Many summers ago, we flew to New Brunswick, picked up our 1978 VW camper van (driven east a year earlier by my daughter) and drove it back across the country.

We gave ourselves three weeks for the drive and planned several stops… assuming we’d putter along at an average speed of 100 km per hour. In fact, we chugged and sputtered at top speeds of 80 km, and fellow drivers hated us, especially on hills. (In a particularly dimwitted moment we bought a bumper sticker that read, “We may be slow, but we’re ahead of you”— almost certainly fuelling the road rage that burned behind us.)

Ultimately, we decided to avoid the speedy Trans-Canada, bypass big cities and take slower, secondary highways. It was the perfect choice. We motored through sprawling farmland and expansive prairies; small towns with towering church spirals and rural homes with lines of colourful laundry fluttering in the wind. We saw Canada as a living, vibrant tapestry, passing by the rugged, rocky shorelines of Cape Breton, quaint villages in Quebec, luminous lakes in Ontario, and under the vast and ever-changing prairie skies. We viewed the otherworldly rock formations in Alberta’s Badlands, and thick, green forests in BC, stopping finally beside the wild, crashing waves of Tofino’s shoreline. We saw things we would have missed had we sped quickly across the country.

As the summer of 2020 unfolds amid travel bans and concerns around the spread of COVID-19, we have a unique opportunity to get out and explore our province and perhaps other parts of the country as (and if) they open up to visitors.

In doing so, we experience this remarkably diverse place we call home and, at the same time, help spur local economies.

On our trip, we savoured the landscape of the country, but also relished the tastes of Canada. We ate scallops (pronounced skaw-lops) in Charlottetown and lobster in Nova Scotia. In Quebec, we tasted fresh pie from a sweet-smelling bakery; we sipped ice cider and sampled “sirop d’erable” from a bustling urban market. We sipped Scotch at a Nova Scotia distillery; and shared a bottle of bitter mezcal with a friend, as we sat in a boat on the still waters of Lake Huron. (No regional affiliation with that bottle of mezcal, but I can confirm it did taste better with each round.)

We drank coffee perched on a hilltop at the tip of Cape Breton and drank beer at a cowboy bar in Longview, Alberta.

We savoured Okanagan wine on a patio overlooking a lush, sprawling vineyard, ate our way through a bowl of Fraser Valley berries, and lunched on BC wild salmon. The trip was a feast for the senses—and it all took place in this country that others from around the world pine to visit.

This edition of Boulevard is all about ways in which to enjoy life in your own backyard, whether that takes the form of a cocktail on your patio or a picnic in nearby park; working on a hobby at home or travelling near and far in British Columbia.

This is a time like no other to get out and relish the flavours of home.

And if you have a slow-moving VW van? All the better!

You’ll certainly get a chance to savour the sights.

landmarkclothiers.com

life.style.etc.

RAQUEL MILLIKIN INTERIOR DESIGNER AT ISABEY INTERIORS AND ALIGN WEST HOMES

“I don’t follow trends; we set trends here.”

WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Originally from Saskatoon, Raquel will never forget the first time she saw Kelowna.

“I fell in love with it and I knew I’d move here one day,” She says. “I never take for granted the beauty that surrounds me in this city. The lake, mountains and skylines calm me and having nature or the lake close by makes me feel like I’m on vacation whenever I get the chance to enjoy it.”

With the word “faith” tattooed on her wrist, she got into decorating for friends while going through a divorce. The business grew to friends of friends and eventually her own company, Nest Design. After years of success with her own company, she recently joined Isabey Interiors, and says, “I absolutely love working with this amazing team of talented designers!”

Asked what aspect of her work fires her up the most, Raquel says it’s all about watching a home come together—as well as the people.

“I love meeting new people and I get excited designing a space that suits them. I am a Gemini and joke that ‘I have a personality for every style.’ I love it when clients want to do something risky or daring with colour or wallpapers. I encourage people to make their home ‘theirs’ and to not worry about trends or what other people like.”

When it comes to personal style, Raquel describes herself as a classic dresser: “I don’t like to spend a lot of money on trendy clothes, so the majority of my wardrobe is made up of timeless styles. I love florals and polka dots, but I mainly stick to black, white and navy. I do like to splurge on purses and shoes because I never ‘grow out’ of them.”

She adds: “When you can mix expensive items with less expensive or vintage items and make it all come together, I feel that is a good sense of style. You don’t have to spend a lot to have good style.”

Outside of work, Raquel is passionate about friends and family, and when asked what the best life lesson she’s recently learned is, Raquel answers, “I have learned that if you truly visualize your dreams and work toward them, you will be blessed beyond words.”

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FASHION & BEAUTY

STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE Style icon: I really like the way Meghan Markle dresses. Her choice of sheath dresses, clean lines and colours are what I would choose if I were royalty.

Favourite artist: Bobbie Burgers for her giant floral paintings.

Piece of art: I have a couple framed originals taken at Burning Man by a photographer named Victor Habchy. My favourite is called “run boy run” and I loved it the second I saw it. I love to add a bit of whimsy into my decor.

Favourite fashion designer or brand: I really like Banana Republic, Aritzia and RW for everyday classic styles.

Favourite musician: I love Eric Church but also love listening to Andrea Bocelli and dreaming I’m in Italy. Whatever I listen to, I listen to it loudly!

Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: Well, I guess Sons of Anarchy when I’m out riding the Harley with my hubby.

Favourite cocktail or wine: Tequila. I love a good tequila and my favourite mixed drink is one ounce tequila, half an ounce triple sec, sparkling grapefruit soda with a large splash of guava. Garnish with pink peppercorns.

Mmmmm.

Album on current rotation: I have a country music playlist I listen to all the time.

Favourite flower: I love bouquets with green, white and pink. My friends recently gave me this bouquet and tequila for my birthday. What can I say? They know me well!

Favourite city to visit: Some of my favourites have been St. Augustine, Savannah, Locorotondo, New York and Matera. All of these cities are steeped in history and culture, and are so fun to get lost in.

Favourite place in the whole world: Always Italy. My heart misses that country like a teenager misses her long-distance boyfriend.

One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during these hard times: Definitely music and dancing. My husband David and I love to dance!

All-time favourite piece: My soft leather jacket: my husband bought it in Italy and it goes with everything.

Favourite pair of shoes: I love the Miz Mooz line. They are beautiful and you can wear them all day.

Favourite day-bag: Everyday I use a Michael Kors bag and coordinate it with what I am wearing.

Favourite work tool: My MacBook in my beautiful Kate Spade black case with gold zipper.

Favourite jewellery piece or designer: I love my gold Stella and Dot cross necklace and wear it everyday with everything.

Accessory you spend the most money on: Michael Kors purses.

Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: Good skincare and good shoes!

Moisturizer: I use Rodan + Fields skincare and I love it.

Scent: Perfume gives me a headache and so I love wearing Saje products.

Must-have hair products: La Biosthetique hair products; they smell so good!

Beauty secret: Good skin is important and I believe it starts from within. I see Alana Berg who is the most amazing naturopath and she keeps me glowing from the inside out.

One thing that has been torture to live without during the COVID-19 pandemic: My friends.

READING MATERIAL What do you read online for style?: I am extremely busy at work, so I spend a lot of time on Pinterest. I also like House and Home because I feel like it shows classic, yet current styles that people seem to love in Kelowna.

Fave style blog: Kim XO is my favourite fashion stylist. I help her with interior design and she helps me with clothing. I believe we need to use each other’s gifts.

Coffee table book/photography book: I love organic items with soft, layered textures.

Last great read: Keep Your Love On by Danny Silk. I’ve read this book four times; it's amazing.

Favourite book of all time: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I think everybody should read this book.

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design notes

Oh Canada!

A nod to local WORDS HANNAH BERGER

INTERIOR DESIGN BY SHIFT INTERIORS

X PHOTO BY EMA PETER PHOTOGRAPHY

PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER, OWNER / HANNAH KATEY INTERIOR DESIGN

During times like these—when businesses are struggling to stay afloat—we want to celebrate and support local whenever we can. Highlighting Canada and all of its beauty, plus the hardworking talent that exists within it, we are proud to support brands that are made here and inspired by our surroundings.

We have kept this palette warm, light and neutral, with raw materials and pops of red providing a nod to our flag.

These pieces exude quality, craftsmanship and luxury.

Showing support to some of our favourite local furniture shops, Lexi & Lake, ScanDesigns and Muse & Merchant, we have featured some of their top made-in-Canada pieces.

The gorgeous oatmeal-linen sectional is available through custom order at Muse & Merchant, with the live-edge dining table available at ScanDesigns (call for price). The platform bed, marble coffee and console table (call for price), statement red chair ($1,295) and custom resin art by an amazingly talented Vancouver-based artist, Martha Sturdy ($1,595) are all available at Lexi & Lake.

well and good

A Hobby Renaissance Discovering extracurricular wellness WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD

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JULY/AUGUST 2020

Oceanfront Resort Sooke

i

t all started with bread. Social media feeds began filling up with pictures of perfectly formed loaves, lovingly nestled in vintage baskets or staged with linen towels. The next wave, undoubtedly influenced by the warmer weather, was a move outside, and gardens became the inspiration. Seeds started disappearing from garden stores and window sills were soon overflowing with little green seedling starts. In the evenings, when every documentary and old movie had been watched on Netflix, learning apps and master classes streamed everything from Nantucket basket weaving to symphonic ukulele.

We have entered into a hobby renaissance.

Social distancing and self-isolation have given us an unprecedented amount of extra time and many have chosen to use it on growth, creativity, education and the mastery of new skills. Baking, arts and crafts, gardening and elective education are at peak popularity.

These hobbies are so popular that grocery stores face shortages of baker’s yeast, seed companies are unable to keep up with demand and online education classes are wait-listing. While we are all undoubtedly eager to return to normal life, perhaps we can find joy this gift of spare time.

Baking the perfect loaf of bread or planting an herb garden may seem insignificant, but engaging in activities that challenge us and provide an outlet for creativity can also produce a sense of purpose and the ever-important feeling of accomplishment. Learning new skills and taking on new tasks, reminds us of our capabilities, of our strength and resilience. Developing these skills increases self-reliance, helping the nervous system maintain a steady state. All forms of learning exercise the brain, and the challenge of developing a new skill, or honing an existing one, supports brain development. Neural pathways are created through all forms of stimulus and movement so the brain doesn’t necessarily differentiate between learning a TikTok dance and fighting a tiger.

Full-service resort only 45 minutes from Victoria Stay two nights and receive a $50 dining credit or stay three nights and save 25% Call directly to book. prestigehotelsandresorts.com

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100% Lake Country 100% Estate Grown on, 100+ ACRES

TASTING ROOM - OPEN DAILY 11-5

Ask about our tours and tasting experiences

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Enjoy our seasonal menu, inspired by our bright and complex wines, on the patio overlooking the vineyard

Happy Hour – daily 3 - 6pm Date Night Fridays – dinner for 2 – 3 course menu Inner Circle Tour Experiences – includes cheese and charcuterie

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Our current circumstances have provided a natural transition away from a dependence on consumables. We are faced with the recognition of just how much we rely on others for our food, goods and services. Some people are taking the opportunity to transition to self-sufficiency, which is defined as supplying one’s own needs without external assistance.

Primarily, this is via micro-agriculture and hobby farming, but it can also be as simple as growing your own produce or raising backyard chickens. Having the ability to feed and create for oneself and, by extension, the community, can create a feeling of self-reliance and security.

This is not the first time in history we have turned our collective attention to creativity and self-reliance during global crisis. War times also saw the growth of skill development in the home and society. Civilians who were left behind to raise families and continue domestic life were encouraged to do their part to support the war effort through homesteading practices. “Digging for Victory” appeared on posters during the Second World War as Victory gardens were introduced to help boost produce production. Volunteers travelled to people’s homes and taught them how to turn manicured lawns into home food gardens.

The slogan “make do and mend” also comes from the Second World War. It encouraged people to make household goods last as long as possible so resources could be redirected to the military supply and munitions manufacturing. These campaigns were also used to boost morale and support community.

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The ability to share our creations and connect over seemingly simple hobbies like gardening, baking or cross-stitch provides more than camaraderie. It produces a platform for community and connectivity. This is one of the only times in history that globally, we are all facing the same fear. We are more alone than ever, yet we are also more connected than ever before. Separate yet together. We are able to share in the desire for connectivity and relate to each other’s need for growth and expression. We all have chosen to share through creativity and self-expression, and, of course, beautiful loaves of bread.

As we transition away from full social isolation, restaurants, salons and boutiques are opening their doors. What does this mean for the sourdough starts bubbling on counters and the seedlings lining window sills? Will we return to the convenience of commercial production? Maybe, maybe not. But the skills developed during isolation will stay with us forever. It is very likely that growing our own vegetables, baking sourdough and even mending clothing might become the new normal.

We don’t need a pandemic to point out that we humans are incredibly industrious. Our exceptional adaptability is due primarily to our capacity to learn new skills, problem-solve and navigate difficult situations. This generation of people who endured a global pandemic and lockdown will come out the other side with the ability to harness their creativity and curiosity with an increased sense of resilience and strength.

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good taste

CHEF

Frederic Czapek

&

WINEMAKER

Stephanie Stanley

of O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars

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Stephanie Stanley Winemaker at O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars

quick facts: • Born and raised in Kelowna, BC. • Studied at the Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute at Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario.

• One year at O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars, but three harvests. Before that: four years of shared time between New Zealand (Wither Hills, Marlborough) and the Okanagan (including start-up of Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards in 2016 and harvests at Peak Cellars in 2017 and 2018). Prior to that, over 11 years as a winemaker at Andrew Peller in Kelowna (Sandhill, Wayne Gretzky Okanagan, Peller Estates and Calona Vineyards).

How did you get started in the wine business?

I was taking a year off from university after two years of science studies and I worked in a restaurant in the Pfalz, Germany, in the heart of wine country.

It was there that I discovered that making wine was a brilliant way to unite three of my passions into a career: science, languages and travelling.

How do you know when you have a particularly good vintage?

We have a pretty good idea at harvest, when we’re tasting the grapes in the vineyard to make the picking decision.

What is one of your favourite varietals to work with and why?

Gewürztraminer, because when I first discovered Alsatian Gewürztraminer over 20 years ago, I fell in love with the luscious texture and intensity of these wines. My quest is to experiment with different techniques to make a similar style from the Okanagan.

Do you have a favourite wine or vintage that you have made?

Tough call, that’s like trying to pick a favourite child… but if I had to pick one variety, hands down it is Riesling.

How do you develop a menu with wine as the starting point?

It is important to first taste the wine and evaluate its flavour profile and structure: acidity, intensity, balance, tannin, any sweetness, etc. From there, we brainstorm different foods or styles of dishes that we think would go well with the wine – what type of protein if any (meat, cheese, fish), creamy or light fresh dishes, particular fruits or veg, herbs, etc. From there, we can create the dishes and taste them with the wine and make any adjustments if necessary.

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Frederic Czapek Chef at O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars Garden Bistro

quick facts: • Born and raised in Germany.

• European certification (Red Seal) gained in Austria, moved near Innsbruck, Tyrol, at the age of 15 to spend a total of eight years within different locations in Austria. Moved to Canada in 2012 due to a job offer from Sparkling Hills.

• One and a half years at Garden Bistro. Before that: executive chef at Gasthaus. The food consultant and operating head chef for two businesses at the Vancouver Christmas Market; chef de partie at the Prestige Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland; sous chef at Whistler’s Araxi and Nita Lake Lodge (one year at each); sous chef at Sparkling Hills.

Why did you decide to become a chef ?

The joy of creating food has always fascinated me, plus the ability to travel and incorporate experience from different cultures into dishes—this interest developed when I was six years old and it still grows in me every day.

What is a good simple piece of advice for pairing wine and food?

Determining if you want to feature the dish with the wine, or if the wine is being charmed by the dish. This is the way… you know how to develop the charming dance of these two.

What ingredients can you not live without?

Tomato and onion/garlic.

What is your go-to meal when you’re low on time?

Pastas, risottos, salads.

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weekender

home away

from home An art-full vacation that’s perfect for the times WORDS SUSAN LUNDY

eat.

The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn. With panoramic, 240-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, surrounding islands and wildlife, The Pointe Restaurant offers the very best in inspired West Coast cuisine and attentive service. Much of the fresh seafood is fished from the very waters overlooked by The Pointe, and a long-standing focus on locally sourced, high-quality ingredients is continually elevated by Executive Chef Carmen Ingham.

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see.

X

For a truly art-immersive experience, visit the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery in downtown Tofino.

Located in a traditional Northwest Coast longhouse with a carved cedar plank exterior and doors of beaten copper, the gallery is softly lit, and plays a backdrop of peaceful music, transporting visitors to a different world. The mesmerizing art of Vickers, a renowned Canadian First Nations artist, hangs on hand-adzed cedar walls among totem poles and carvings, and is a reflection of the area’s stunning beauty.

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PHOTOGRAPHY TODD BYRNES

do.

sleep.

Take a guided hike with Long Beach Nature Tours. We met up with a tour guide at Pacific Rim National Park Kwisitis Visitor Centre and embarked on an absolutely fascinating, information-packed beach walk. The company, which was founded in 1996, promises to “pour our heart and soul into every tour; combining our expertise, knowledge and creativity into giving travellers the best adventure travel experience Tofino has to offer.” With a number of different wildlife tours, hikes and walks (even heli-hikes), this is definitely something to check out.

Chesterman Beach B&B offers three private suites at the edge of Chesterman Beach, and tucked into ancient grove of spruce and cedar trees. We stayed in the roomy two-bedroom Ocean Breeze Suite; there’s also the romantic Lookout Suite and cosy, one-bedroom Garden Cottage, set in its own private oasis. Recognized with TripAdvisor’s “Top B&B in Canada Award” and consistently rated as a preeminent Tofino accommodation, this is the spot to unwind in true west coast form.

i

am lying on a massage table in the living area of an exquisite B&B in Tofino. Firm fingers knead my back, a sumptuous scent hangs in the air and a soft tune plays in the background, eclipsed only by the muffled roar of the ocean outside.

Months before staying at home was a “thing,” my husband and I embarked on a gloriously relaxing “home-away-fromhome” vacation in the sea-swept town of Tofino. Amid the cosy, beachy elegance of Chesterman Beach Bed & Breakfast, we supped on a gourmet feast prepared in our own kitchen, relaxed in-house under the capable fingers of a massage therapist and enjoyed breakfast—delivered to our door each morning—on our own edge-of-the-sand patio. Here, surrounded by art, both actual and environmental, it felt as though we’d landed in a glorious, living motif.

3937 Lakeshore Rd. Kelowna lexiandlake.com 778-477-4787

Bring home – the – Luxury

9

Find everything from home furnishings to jewelry.

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As the world adjusts to life with COVID-19 and travel starts up again, a stay-at-home vacation might just be the answer. At Chesterman Beach B&B, guests come and go from their private entrances, cook their own meals and walk on an uncrowded beach just steps from the back door. Owners Lynda Kaye and Todd Byrnes will also, on request, shop and stock the fridge for guests, eliminating the need to venture to the grocery store. And finally, the company owned by our in-house chef—RedCan Gourmet—also offers full, delivered-to-your-doorstep feasts.

For our at-home dinner, chef Tim May set the bar high, preparing a swoon-worthy, multi-course spread of seared red albacore tuna with organic field greens; poached prawn salad with arugula, apple and cumin creme fraiche; braised chicken, spaghetti squash and rosemary jus; oven-roasted vegetables; and poached pear frangipani and vanilla chantilly.

The flavours harmonized like a symphony and Tim adeptly walked the line of staying in the background and yet answering our questions and describing his cuisine. RedCan Gourmet specializes in take-out, professional catering, weddings, daily menus and artisan pizzas.

As we feasted, we watched the sun set over the beach, the water on the sand reflecting the colours like a glass sculpture. Later, we joined the delightful Lynda and Todd at the outdoor fire pit and somehow found room to eat fireside s’mores. Later still, we slept amid silky crisp linen, satiated with good food, good company and the beautiful setting that embraced every sense.

The next morning, Lynda dropped off an absolutely divine breakfast-for-two and we sat outside at a weathered-wood table on the beachside patio. For our breakfast the next morning, Lynda delivered a box of delectable goodies from Tofino’s popular Summit Bakery. We ate these tasty treats inside, enjoying the suite’s

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artful touches, like the stunning Indigenous mask, a surfboard lamp, a beautiful old chest recreated as a coffee table and Todd’s evocative west coast nature photography.

One of our favourite spots in the cottage was a glassed-in solarium, where we reclined and relaxed on cushiony seats. There’s also a full kitchen, gas fireplace, two queen bedrooms and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, massive tub and heated floors.

It was in this beautiful space that massage therapist Robert Kowatsch set up the following morning. His Nature Cycle Massage company offers in-home treatments, with the massage table delivered via bike and trailer. Robert provided an amazing massage and is definitely on my list as: repeat.

We arranged dinner on our second night to coincide with the sunset. Leaving our truck at the B&B, we set off walking down Chesterman Beach to the Wickaninnish Inn, which sits perched on the rocks at one end. As the sky blazed and the hues of red, orange and even purple deepened, it felt as though we were walking in a Roy Henry Vickers painting. We sat down at our ocean-side table at The Pointe Restaurant just as the sun dipped below the horizon. As we ate, the drama in the sky continued and the visual feast intertwined with the west coast flavours for a night of culinary theatre.

It marked the perfect conclusion to a home-away-from-home vacation that encapsulated artful living.

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Showhome Open Daily 12 - 4, Closed Mondays 9686 Benchland Drive – Lake Country Lakestone Preferred Builder | www.homesbydestination.com boulevardmagazines.com |

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in studio …

WITH ALANA ARCHER

Cohesion in Chaos WORDS DAVID WYLIE

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PHOTOGRAPHY ALANA ARCHER

“I think now, more than ever, people are wanting art to feel connected, and for things to be exciting again.”

Struck by sudden inspiration, Alana Archer quickly turned her house upside down, gathering the hodgepodge of items she needed to re-create an image of artist Frida Kahlo’s 1941 painting Me and My Parrot.

Instead of four brightly plumed birds, Alana posed with neon-green household products—including a jug of laundry detergent and a tub of dishwasher pods—perched on her shoulders and embraced in her arms. She substituted the cigarette between Kahlo’s fingers with a thermometer.

Archer posted her photo to Instagram and on the popular website Reddit, where it fast became one of the day’s top posts, viewed by hundreds of thousands of people.

“I was hoping to just make people laugh for a little bit. The symbolism was there and colour was there,” Alana said. “The response was incredible. It just took off like wildfire.”

The Kelowna artist’s image was inspired by the Getty Museum Challenge, an online callout to re-create art using a small number of objects lying around the home. The challenge went viral during the first couple weeks of pandemic isolation, and social media feeds were populated with creative and funny interpretations.

People commenting on Alana’s posting quickly pointed out the reproduction was missing the original artist’s distinct unibrow.

“There was so much controversy about the eyebrows, and it was interesting how people were interpreting it,” said Alana.

“Some people were taking personal digs at me and saying I completely missed the mark. I took it all with a grain of salt.

It was fascinating seeing people’s spectrum of reaction.”

Inspired, Alana delved deeper into Kahlo’s art and re-created another piece, Self-Portrait with Braid. She included the unibrow this time and incorporated a PlayStation controller as the necklace. Alana’s play on that portrait was printed in People Magazine. Her re-creations were also featured through PBS NewsHour.

The exposure helped her pick up more fans and followers on social media at an important time in her art career—one that has involved going through her own transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in her being laid off from her job in interior design. As a result, she switched her focus to her own art.

“I’m keeping up with my personal projects. I’ve been running a separate art and painting company on the side for a few years. It’s been a bit of a hobby, but now it’s getting my full attention,” she said. “I think there’s lots of opportunity right now for people to just jump in and be a little bit entrepreneurial and make opportunities for themselves. And I think now, more than ever, people are wanting art to feel connected, and for things to be exciting again.”

She’s stayed busy on Instagram and her website, getting updates done that she had previously put off.

“Everyone’s getting really creative in different ways.”

Alana tries to express a humanitarian message through her work.

Her dad is from the Republic of Chad, in central Africa, and her mom is Canadian. They were “pretty nomadic,” she said.

“I was back and forth quite a bit throughout my childhood.”

Alana has spent time in France, Spain and Portugal—connecting with family and exploring. She said experiencing different places and cultures, especially Third World countries, has helped her appreciate things more.

Her dad worked in construction and she spent time around the different trades. Her mom enjoyed experimenting with artistic pursuits, switching up mediums often—from pastels to sewing.

“I got the best of both of their worlds, I think,” she said.

Alana pursued interior design after high school, studying at the Centre for Arts and Technology in Kelowna. Still, as much as she loved interior design, she found it incredibly

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fast-paced and detail-oriented. The construction side of the business also has its own inherent challenges.

“Having my layoff now, I’ve been given the opportunity to just dive full force into my own artwork,” she said. “I’ve been diving into a lot of resin art recently. It’s one of my more exciting mediums to play with because it has a mind of its own and it will not be controlled. It’s like watching a story unfold right in front of your eyes.”

Art using resin is a big investment of time and materials.

There are multiple layers on top of each other that can be manipulated, or left to level out.

“It’s a material that you have to listen to. It’s definitely interactive. There are times it co-operates and times that it doesn’t.

I’m still learning how to tame it. Everything has a lot of energy, a lot of colour.”

It’s also a delicate material; resin reacts to chemicals in the air and to temperature.

One of her more complex pieces is a round, abstract work with six materials creating cohesion in chaos. It plays together and reacts. Another piece, called Extraneous, was displayed recently as part of the Kelowna Art Gallery’s exhibition for local artists.

She’s recently been working on a 30-inch round birch canvas, layering it with resin and also incorporating mirrored glass.

All of the proceeds from this year’s sales of Alana’s art will be donated to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.

For more information, visit alanaarcher.net.

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hot properties

Mediterranean Luxury, functionality and splendour in Lower Mission estate

twist

WORDS VALAURA JONES

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PHOTOGRAPHY MATT VAN EMMERIK

quick facts: Design time: 5 years Build time: 17 months Square feet: 10,500 finished square feet, including the cabana Bedrooms: 7, including main floor master and two bedrooms in guesthouse Bathrooms: 9 Notable features: Tiled swimming pool, sports court, two-bedroom guest house with elevator access, butler’s pantry, spacious home gym on second floor, theatre room, home automation and sound system, hand-honed ash hardwood flooring, 400-amp electrical, built-in vault, LED-lit water fountain in driveway, imported French wall fountain, outdoor living room.

L

ocated in the Lower Mission, Kelowna’s prestigious Hobson Road is peaceful and serene, yet everything you could want is nearby. One of the most impressive homes on the block isn’t on the waterfront, but sits on the other side of the road, guarded by a pair of towering, stately maple trees.

At some 10,500 finished square feet, the house is understandably grand, but it is the thoughtful details that set it apart. The homeowners, Dale and Lisa Lamb, spent five years in the planning stages, undertaking 14 designs and variations, before finally breaking ground in 2009.

“We put a lot of thought into how we would use the house and how it would flow and function,” explains Lisa. “Shane Baxter [the home’s designer] is like a wizard with that kind of stuff.”

Influenced by old-world Mediterranean villas, the exterior of the house is clad in a warm, European-style layered stucco with loads of character that never seems to age. The tile roof adds an additional dimension, as do the five generous balconies that overlook the property. Of course, no home of this style would be complete without a tower, and this particular one is round and stretches three storeys high. As a delightful sur-

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prise for guests, the push of a button activates a water fountain in the centre of the stone driveway, complete with colour-changing LED lighting to illuminate the streams of water.

The backyard is an oasis with a nearly endless list of features. A sports court at the back of the property is the perfect place to play ball hockey in the summer, but it can also be flooded in the winter so you can create your own rink. The fully-tiled swimming pool is oversized at 22 by 47 feet, making it great for parties or for swimming a few laps. The adjacent wading pool is great for kids and pets, or those who just want to dip their toes in the water while they read a good book.

The pool house and guesthouse are located in the same building, although they are on different levels. A cabana-style great room is easily accessible from the swimming pool and also acts as a games room with a pool table, lounge chairs and three television screens to watch your sport of choice. The fully-equipped wet bar has everything needed to whip up a snack or make a cocktail too.

Guests can take the stairs or an elevator to the second floor, where a two-bedroom apartment with all the conveniences of a luxury vacation rental awaits.

Dale’s favourite “room” is the outdoor living area. It’s enclosed on three sides and fully covered with infrared heaters that make it usable year-round. The glass doors to the

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Influenced by old-world Mediterranean villas, the exterior of the house is clad in a warm, European-style layered stucco with loads of character that never seems to age. kitchen open completely, making it perfect for summer barbecues or watching the big game on the large television screen that hangs above the outdoor fireplace.

“I sit out here all winter and watch hockey and other sports,” Dale smiles.

Back inside, the oversized kitchen is a chef ’s dream and built to entertain in style. A magnificent island holds pride of place in the room, with a built-in eating area for casual dining, homework or a glass of wine with friends.

The adjoining two-storey great room has soaring ceilings, rich, dark cabinetry and a colossal fireplace made of the same granite stone that adds texture and classic charm throughout the house.

Around the corner, a formal dining room is ensconced in the circular rotunda, complete with a glittering chandelier overhead. A fantastic, temperature- and humidity-controlled wine cellar with a lead glass window and a Viking cooling system is across the hall.

Large, glittering chandeliers hang throughout the home, in-

cluding in the dining room and formal entry. While beautiful, it is a practical detail that leaves me awed; the chandeliers can be lowered to the floor at the flick of a switch, making cleaning and maintenance a breeze.

“There’s a lot of attention to detail in terms of functionality of this house,” explains Lisa. “It’s very much a family home.”

Down the hall, we come to the master suite with French doors that open onto a backyard patio and the swimming pool. A double-sided fireplace offers a cozy ambiance in both the bedroom and en suite, where a free-standing, classic soaker tub is off-set in the centre of the room. Large sliders open into a delightful, private, stone-walled courtyard.

“This courtyard opens out into the hot tub, so it’s very secluded and jungle-like,” Lisa says. “It’s nice because you can be in your bathroom and have the natural light, but you don’t have to worry about privacy.”

A wrap-around walk-in closet leads into a private attached laun-

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The oversized kitchen is a chef ’s dream and built to entertain in style.

“There’s a lot of attention to detail in terms of functionality of this house.

It’s very much a family home.”

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dry room, which opens into another garage. The laundry room features a large, durable island on casters that has been the site of many crafting adventures, gift wrapping and other memories.

Upstairs, the luxury continues with a spacious home gym, theatre room, four additional bedrooms with walk-in closets and private bathrooms, a flex area and a second laundry room. The room at the top of the three-storey tower started life as an office, but it is romantic and serene, giving it the potential to be a fantastic art studio, library, meditation or yoga space.

It has everything a family or entertainer could want, but life has its seasons, and the Lambs are readying to sell and move on to their next adventure.

When I ask Dale and Lisa about favourite memories in the home, they reflect fondly on their daughters’ friends visiting often and a wedding they hosted. Dale is a financial planner and has a particular niche with clients in the NHL world, so a Stanley Cup party at the house also holds a special place in their hearts.

The family hopes that the home’s next owners will find the same joy within its stately walls. As Dale says, “It’s got good karma about it.”

For more information, contact Jane Hoffman Realty.

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business class

current success WORDS TOBY TANNAS

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Unique formula drives Kelowna-based taxi business X

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

“S

ervice should be magical, not tolerable.”

That deeply ingrained belief is what launched Kelowna’s Dale Conway into the taxi business three years ago. With a more than two-decades-long career in hospitality under his belt, Dale set out to change the game in an industry he believed had been sub-standard for far too long. An industry in which he had no previous experience.

“I spent more than 10 years dreaming up a business plan. I’d never worked in the taxi business but I had been working in casinos for 17 years. The two industries actually have a lot in common,” Dale explains. “They are both highly regulated by the government. I know how to work with regulators.”

Dale may have been green when it came to running a taxi business, but so was his vision: to create a local, environmentally friendly company that the community could be proud of, with high-end electric cars, well-dressed, personable drivers and rates on par with other companies.

“I knew my plan was solid. When I finally decided to quit my job, I shared it with two of my co-workers and they asked to be part of it.”

The Current Taxi team was born, but the real work lay ahead.

Conway knew it had been 14 years since the Transportation Board last approved a new taxi service for Kelowna.

“Getting taxi licenses is notoriously hard. I had to make a strong case.”

Dale knew community support was vital. His application included a stack of letters from various hotel managers and the Mayor of Kelowna.

“They gave me a shot. My partners and I, we pooled our money, we bought two Teslas and hit the road!”

That was February of 2017. It was just Dale, his business partner Jerry Pokorny and four part-time ambassadors behind the wheel in those early days. But after only a few months it became apparent two Teslas weren’t going to be enough to meet demand.

“By April we were turning down 500 calls a day; we went running back to the Transportation Board for more licenses. If we couldn’t expand our fleet, we were quite literally going to drown in our own success.”

Dale’s business plan is not one for the faint of heart. Buying $100-thousand dollar vehicles, paying drivers a true living wage and keeping prices in check takes a lot of juggling. But Dale is adamant that is what’s fuelling Current Taxi’s success.

Dale was granted approval for four more cars.

“I was happy. That was the original business plan. Six cars in Kelowna. I was going to drive a taxi for a living. It would be a small, family-run business. I realized fairly early on, though, that wasn’t going to be the case.”

Word of Current Taxi’s exceptional service was spreading quickly. Emails poured in from all over North America. “‘Why aren’t you in Calgary?’ ‘Why aren’t you in Edmonton?’

‘Come to Ottawa,’” Conway recounts with a chuckle. “‘Have you thought about Vegas?’ ‘What about Hawaii?’”

Fast-forward three years. There are 10 cars on the road in Kelowna and in December of 2019 Current Taxi expanded into Victoria with six Teslas.

“Victoria made sense,” Dale explains. “The city is environmentally focused. A lot of the local politicians in Kelowna used us to get to the airport for their Victoria-bound flights and they’d say they wanted to make the entire trip green, so could we pick them up on the other end? Now we can.”

Dale’s business plan is not one for the faint of heart. Buying $100,000-dollar vehicles, paying drivers a true living wage and keeping prices in check takes a lot of juggling. But Dale is adamant that is what’s fuelling Current Taxi’s success.

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“We could grow quicker with less expensive cars, but that’s not what we set out to do,” he says. “We are committed to never cutting corners with the cars or losing focus on the environment or the quality of our staff.”

Dale beams with pride as he talks about his team and the seemingly endless number of five-star Google reviews they’ve earned the company.

“They are our ‘secret sauce!’ We are extremely picky. That makes hiring tough, but it pays off in the long run. The novelty of a Tesla will wear off, but if people get the doors opened for them, have engaging conversation with a knowledgeable, well-dressed person behind the wheel, it’s what keeps them calling.”

The Current Taxi driver roster isn’t what you would expect. It includes former bartenders, real estate agents, lawyers and photographers. Like Dale, most had never driven a taxi before they got behind the wheel with Current. The turnover rate is low because they love the job, the people and the company. Their service excellence is having an effect on the entire market.

“What’s getting us excited is that other taxi operators are starting to notice. Now I see other taxi drivers wearing suit jackets. It’s what should be happening. When service gets better it benefits everybody. We raised the bar. That’s a good thing!”

It’s why Dale isn’t worried about ride-share companies coming in to take a piece of the pie.

“There’s a place for ride share and I’m probably the only taxi service provider that’s going to say ride share is a good thing. Are they going to be competitive with me and try to take my business?

Yes, but I’ve never been afraid of competition. I believe my service is better.”

The only time fear has been a factor for Dale is when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March. Current Taxi had just expanded into Victoria.

“Things just died; we started pulling cars off the road. We were afraid like everyone else. April and May were tough.”

Dale wasted no time outfitting the Tesla fleet and his drivers with the required safety equipment. Today, call volumes have returned to pre-COVID levels and that’s turned fear into optimism.

“Before the shutdown, at least 50 to 60 per cent of our business was coming from an airport, a hotel or a restaurant. When you factor in that those places have been essentially closed and are just starting to re-open, but our call volume is still high, we can say we’ve actually built business.”

Dale predicts he will have all of the 28-car fleet on the road in Kelowna (13) and Victoria (15) by the end of the year.

“And we’re not stopping at 28. I got into this business to disrupt something. I am an instigator. I want to make the other businesses sweat a little,” he says with a laugh.

Dale’s hope is that what he’s instigating on the environmental side will also shift into high gear.

“Our six cars in Kelowna put on three million kilometers in three years. That’s 700 tons of CO2 we’ve saved. We’re five per cent of the local market. Just imagine if the entire taxi industry in Canada electrifies, which it will eventually. There’s a big difference to be made.”

With a team he’s proud to work with, Dale is looking to the future.

His wife Trisha has joined him and Jerry full time since the Victoria expansion. She manages the growing number of staff (90 and counting) as director of people and culture. Fourth partner Kate Wilson handles the marketing.

“It’s been a heck of a ride for the first three years,” exclaims Dale.

“Where it will take us, we don’t know…”

Dale actually does know where Current Taxi is next hitting the accelerator on expansion but (at the time of publication) the where and when are still a secret.

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fashion

“Morning Star” jacket and “EARTHLINE” jacket made from woven silk, ultra suede lacing and fringe, shell buttons and feathers

by EARTHLINE FASHIONS by Shannon Kilroy. No pricing: pieces are part of a private collection displayed at the Merritt Museum. These pieces can be made by special order.

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Taking root and looking forward PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE WORDS JENNY McKINNEY through conversation with Celina Manson

Boulevard is honoured to feature fashion created by Indigenous designers—EARTHLINE by Shannon Kilroy and ONLY CHILD Handicrafts—worn by two Indigenous women, Jenny McKinney and Lauryn Manson, and shot at the home of Celina Manson. A totem pole in the great room of Celina’s home honours her Northwest Coast heritage. Of this heritage, Celina says: “We are the new standard bearers, pathmakers for the next ones coming up. The way that we can look upon ourselves and the way that others can look upon us is built on the foundation of the ones who have gone before us: the elders, the ones who sacrificed. We are enough, we are standing in who we are, and we represent the mantle that has been passed on. It is really a beautiful thing to be Indigenous; we can like who we are in total without compartmentalizing. It is blended and sifted and woven into everything about who we are. We are celebrating in the open all forms of art that at one time was illegal—and this brings healing.”

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Jean jacket and “Moon Blouse” made from silk dupion with ultra suede appliqué

by EARTHLINE FASHIONS by Shannon Kilroy. No pricing: pieces are part of a private collection displayed at the Merritt Museum. These pieces can be made by special order; matte metallic sage, dark grey silk and matte metallic blush fringe earrings ($125) by Only Child Handicrafts by Krysta Furioso.

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Moon shawl made from silk, trimmed with beaver fur, silver willow beads and ultra suede appliquĂŠ by EARTHLINE FASHIONS

by Shannon Kilroy. No pricing: pieces are part of a private collection displayed at the Merritt Museum. These pieces can be made by special order. Earrings, modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own.

“Morning Star Jacket” made from raw woven silk with ultra suede appliqué and fringe by EARTHLINE FASHIONS

by Shannon Kilroy.

No pricing: pieces are part of a private collection displayed at the Merritt Museum.

These pieces can be made by special order. CTFO fringe earrings ($215) by Only Child Handicrafts

by Krysta Furioso.

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“Moon blouse” made from silk dupion with ultra suede appliqué and “Moon Skirt” made from raw woven silk with ultra suede appliqué, shell buttons, leather lacing and feathers, both by EARTHLINE FASHIONS

by Shannon Kilroy. No pricing: pieces are part of a private collection displayed at the Merritt Museum. These pieces can be made by special order. Matte metallic sage, dark grey silk and matte metallic blush fringe earrings ($125) by Only Child Handicrafts

by Krysta Furioso.

Lipsticks by Cheekbone Beauty created by Jennifer Harper

Shannon Kilroy of EARTHLINE FASHIONS is of N’laka’pumux ancestry from the Nicola Valley located in southern interior of BC. The totem was carved by Glen Wood. The drum was painted by Celina Manson design by Glen Wood.

Model Lauryn Manson is of Ts’msyen of Lax Kw’allaams of the Eagle Clan and Jenny McKinney is a Carrier from Lake Babine of the Beaver Clan.

– 2020 GRAD –

A TIME TO CELEBRATE Boulevard congratulates the grads of 2020 on reaching this milestone occasion.

We wish them all the best as they pursue their goals and dreams.

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE, on location at Father Pandosy Mission

Special thanks to Kelowna BMW

Lauryn Adams

Okanagan Mission Secondary Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m known for wanting to explore and learn new things.

In September, I plan to attend UBCO and work towards a Bachelor of Arts degree.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to travel around the world, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy life.

Jamie Fisher

Okanagan Mission Secondary Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m known for being a hard worker.

In September, I plan to attend Okanagan College and work towards a Bachelor of Business degree.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to be successful at everything I encounter in life.

Lauren Hunt

Immaculata Regional High School Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m known for my athletic abilities in the hockey arena, high academic performance, my sense of humour and my kindness towards others.

In September, I plan to attend UBCO for a Bachelor of Science in nursing. I am very excited that I have been accepted into this program and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ready to face the challenges of whatever learning is going to look like in the upcoming years.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to become a pediatrician and provide a loving home for my future family.

Kate Oppenheim Okanagan Mission Secondary

I am known for community service and volunteerism.

Some of my favourite memories of high school are from volunteering at KGH. In September, I plan to attend the University of Victoria and study commerce at the Gustavson School of Business. I hope to specialize in marketing.

Looking at my life goals, I hope to become a marketing specialist and use my communication skills to create socially responsible businesses. I believe that my passion for innovation and idea generation will allow me to leave a meaningful legacy in the business world.

Audrey Wittmann

Okanagan Mission Secondary I’m known for being a good friend. I am a really good listener and always do my best to help my friends through whatever they’re going through.

In September I plan to attend MC College and begin my career in the beauty industry.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to continue growing and evolving. I want a balanced life where I’m successful in both my career and relationships.

Amber Wimbleton

Okanagan Mission Secondary I’d say I’m known for the fact that I’m always down for adventures; I’m very trustworthy, reliable and someone people can always turn to in a time of need.

In September, I plan to attend UBCO, there I will be studying psychology, with a plan to become a forensic psychologist.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to get a great job, buy a nice farmhouse and start a family. I also hope to change the world a little bit—even if it’s small.

Brooke Forrest Okanagan Mission Secondary

I am known for my strong work ethic, intelligence and humour.

In September, I plan to attend the University of Victoria, where I will complete my degree in history.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to earn my certification to become a secondary school teacher.

Jordan Johnston Kelowna Secondary School

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m known for my involvement within the school community. Throughout the duration of my high school years, I have been actively involved in many leadership events and opportunities within our school.

This has helped me to earn the title of 2020 KSS Valedictorian.

In September, I plan to attend the UBC Sauder School of Business in Vancouver, where I hope to develop a foundation for my future career path.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to continue my education through to law school with the hopes of eventually obtaining a career within corporate law.

Kenzie Smedley Kelowna Secondary School

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m known for always putting others before myself and making sure others around me are okay.

In September, I plan to attend Okanagan College, in the Legal Assistant Program.

Afterwards, I hope to work my way up to be a paralegal and one day attend law school.

Looking at my life goals, I plan to finish post-secondary school and obtain a dream job of mine. And then I would like to travel to Greece, Australia and Paris.

Kelsey Hanson Kelowna Secondary School

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m known for my hard work, positive attitude and leadership skills, which I consistently apply to both my academic and athletic endeavours (cross-country and track).

In September, I plan to attend the University of British Columbia to begin my studies in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree.

Looking at my life goals, I hope to complete medical school and become a medical doctor.

Elle Kreitz

Okanagan Mission Secondary I’m known for always dancing no matter where I am or who I am with.

In September, I plan to attend school at Blanche Macdonald Centre for the Global Fashion Marketing program.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to continue my education in hopes of becoming a retail buyer and or social media marketer.

Savannah Joy Goncalves

Okanagan Mission Secondary I’m known for my passion for dance.

In September, I plan to move to Vancouver and continue my dance career at the Harbour Dance Centre. I will be attending their intensive training program and will be working with worldrenowned choreographers, photographers and talent agencies.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to make a move to the US to work in the commercial dance world with the goal of landing jobs in TV and movies, and as a backup dancer for big-name artists.

Payton Ward

Okanagan Mission Secondary I’m known for playing soccer and school volleyball, for always making people laugh and being super energetic and loud!

In September, I plan on moving to Calgary where I will be attending the University of Calgary and completing my Bachelor of Science in psychology.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to make a difference in people’s lives.

I want to create lasting relationships and also, one day, go back to school and get a master’s degree.

Shea Ursel

Okanagan Mission Secondary I’m known for my positive attitude towards anything I pursue!

In September, I plan to attend the University of British Columbia to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree In looking at my life goals, I hope to one day become a doctor, specializing in either pediatrics or sports medicine.

Sophia Millikin Kelowna Christian School

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m known for my quick wit and being clumsy.

In September, I plan to attend UBCO in the Bachelor of Sciences program.

In looking at my life goals, I hope to become a clinical psychologist.

lifestyle

Shake, muddle and stir Cocktails from around the world WORDS SUSAN LUNDY

The walk from our sea-level hotel in San Francisco took us huffing and puffing up and over some of the city’s famous hills…but we were on a mission.

Similar to other quests during travels near and far, we sought the birthplace of something culturally significant to the city; in this case, the Lemon Drop cocktail.

We knew that Henry Africa’s bar—where the Lemon Drop was invented sometime in the 1970s—no longer existed. But perhaps another bar sat in its place?

Finally finding the spot, we discovered a taco joint had replaced Henry Africa. A dive bar on the other side of the intersection did not serve Lemon Drops, nor did the Michelin-starred restaurant, Lord Stanley’s, directly across the road. But no matter! We’d found the cocktail’s birthplace and sampled a San Fran classic elsewhere in the city.

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The adventure was reminiscent of other travels— when we’d sipped a Manhattan in New York City, savoured a Caesar in Calgary and even sampled a little-known cocktail called a Toronto in that Canadian city.

These days, as the COVID-19 pandemic makes international travel a distant dream, and yet the sun is shining and the backyard beckoning, it seems the perfect time to hit the home bar and mix up some cocktails for a virtual round-the-world tasting trip. We’ve found some ideas to help you shake, muddle and stir a range of spirits that will transport you to a variety of countries and cities. These recipes were found on the site liquor. com (but it doesn’t take much internet research to discover numerous delectable variations on them).

SAN FRANCISCO / LEMON DROP 2 ounces vodka 1/2 ounce triple sec 1 ounce simple syrup 1 ounce fresh lemon juice Garnish: sugar rim

ONE WORLD-CLASS MARINA. TWO UNIQUE HOTELS. THREE DINING EXPERIENCES.

Coat the rim of a cocktail glass with sugar and set aside (do this a few minutes ahead of time so the sugar can dry and adhere well to the glass). Add all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into the prepared glass.

ITALY / APEROL SPRITZ 3 ounces Prosecco 2 ounces Aperol 1 ounce soda water Garnish: orange wheel Add all ingredients into a wine glass with ice and stir. Garnish with an orange wheel.

PERU / PISCO SOUR 2 oz pisco 1 oz fresh lime juice 1/2 oz simple syrup 1 Egg white Garnish: Angostura bitters Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice. (Alternately, you can pour it neat into a Nick & Nora glass.) Garnish with 3 drops of the bitters. Using a straw, swirl the bitters into a simple design.

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BERMUDA / DARK AND STORMY 1 1/2 ounces Gosling’s Black Seal rum Stormy ginger beer, to top Garnish: lime wedge Fill a tall glass with ice, and add the rum. Top with the ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.

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SPAIN / SANGRIA 1 bottle dry red wine, like Rioja 1/2 cup brandy 1/2 cup orange juice 2 tbsp sugar 1 orange, cut into wedges 1 apple, cored and diced 1 lemon, cut into wedges Garnish: orange wheel In a large pitcher, add the sugar, orange, apple and lemon and muddle for 30 seconds. Add the brandy and orange juice and muddle again for 30 seconds. Add the red wine, stir, add ice and serve in a red wine glass.

FRANCE / KIR ROYAL 1/2 oz crème de cassis Dry sparkling wine, to top Garnish: lemon twist Pour the crème de cassis into a Champagne flute. Top with the sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.

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UNITED KINGDOM / PIMM’S CUP 2 ounces Pimm’s No. 1 Cup 3 ounces Sprite, 7 Up or ginger ale 1 slice cucumber Garnish: mint sprig Garnish: strawberry Garnish: lemon wheel Garnish: orange wheel Add all ingredients into a highball glass over ice and stir to combine. Garnish with a mint sprig, skewered strawberry and optional lemon and orange wheels. To mix things up a bit, you can replace the Sprite, 7 Up or ginger ale with Champagne.

NEW ORLEANS / SAZERAC Absinthe 1 sugar cube 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters 2 dashes Angostura bitters 2 oz Russell’s Reserve rye whiskey Garnish: lemon peel Rinse a chilled rocks glass with absinthe, discarding any excess, and set aside. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube and both bitters. Add the rye, fill with ice and stir.

Strain into the prepared glass. Twist a slice of lemon peel over the surface to extract the oils and then discard.

SINGAPORE / SINGAPORE SLING 3/4 ounce gin 1/4 ounce Grand Marnier 1/4 ounce cherry liqueur 1/4 ounce herbal liqueur 1 ounce pineapple juice 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1 dash bitters Club soda, to top Garnish: orange slice Garnish: cherry

MEXICO / PALOMA 2 oz tequila 1/2 oz fresh lime juice Grapefruit soda, to top Garnish: lime wheel

Add all the ingredients except the club soda into a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a highball glass, and top with the club soda.

Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Add the tequila and lime juice to a highball glass filled with ice. Fill with grapefruit soda, and stir briefly.

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food and feast

Picnic Perfect

The pleasurable portability of summertimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most simple form of al fresco dining

WORDS ELLIE SHORTT

X

PHOTOS LIA CROWE

i

“There’s something timeless, even nostalgic, about laying out a blanket and haphazardly arranging your assortment of snacks, and then nibbling, tasting and slowly savouring as you soak in the sunshine.”

t’s a warm sunny afternoon. You’ve been cooped up inside for what feels like days, weeks, even months now. You look longingly out your window, watching the trees sway in a gentle breeze. Wouldn’t this be a perfect day to take your next meal outdoors?

The answer is, “yes”—an enthusiastic and resounding “yes!”

To me there’s nothing quite like eating al fresco.

Whether on a patio, beside a campfire, perhaps lounging next to a pool or dining on a deck, the combination of good food and fresh air seems to check off all the boxes. It can be luxuriously vacation-like or profoundly primal. It can be fastidiously organized or wonderfully spontaneous. No matter the vibe, the location, the complexity or simplicity, it always seems to be a deeply satisfying experience.

Not everyone has access to a poolside vista or even a deck of their own, but one thing that is remarkably accessible, and equally as delightful, are outdoor picnic spots. Head to a park or hop on over to a beach—you choose your backdrop, your budget and what’s included in your scrumptious spread. There’s something timeless, even nostalgic, about laying out a blanket and haphazardly arranging your assortment of snacks, and then nibbling, tasting and slowly savouring as you soak in the sunshine and care-free conversation.

There’s no rush, no agenda, no ceremony nor unnecessary stiffness. You are exactly where you need to be, and doing exactly what you’re meant to be doing.

While there are few requirements for a fun and successful picnic, there are some potential considerations for comfort and ease. Namely, the

portability of the elements involved. I love a supersized summer salad, but if you’re looking for fingerfriendly foods, it can be more challenging.

Collard wraps or a colourful crudité selection coupled with a simple dip can provide some veggie love in a transport-friendly and snack-appropriate format. Charcuterie and cheese is a shareable delight that is a personal favourite of mine, but with certain recommendations of the moment, it might not be a COVID-safe option if you’re enjoying your picnic with a friend or two. (Not to mention the fact that to orchestrate a comprehensive meat and cheese board with all the lovely accompaniments of cornichons, mustards, preserves etc. requires ample equipment including knives, spoons, ramekins, even a heavy wood platter that can be a nuisance to pack and carry.) But bundling up all those beloved flavours in a baguette (or bread of your choosing) is an easy and delicious solution as shown in these charcuterie-inspired sandwiches.

Fresh fruit is always a refreshing addition to a picnic, and simply serving some grapes, a few apples or a bowl of strawberries is an easy option. However, if you’re looking for a funkier flavour combination, these skewers, motivated by a strawberry-watermelon margarita, make for a light and lovely dessert.

These are solely potential ideas, suggestions and considerations when planning your next basket-borne feast, so know that no matter how you do it and no matter where you do it, there’s no wrong way to have a picnic. Allow the process of choosing your flavours and finding a spot to be part of the adventure. And once you’ve arrived, physically, mentally, even emotionally, let any worries, stresses, or feelings of confined isolation float away with that sweet gentle breeze.

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Simple Greek Yogurt Dip with Fresh Herbs + Lemon What you’ll need: 1 cup Greek yogurt (I used local favourite Tree Island) 2-3 tsp fresh lemon juice 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped 1 tbsp Italian parsley, finely chopped 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste) ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper (or to taste) How to do it: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Gently stir in the herbs, and let it sit refrigerated for about 10 minutes for the flavours to settle and the herbs to soften.

Serve with vegetables, chips, collard wraps, or even as a dollop on your favourite summer salad.

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Charcuterie Board Inspired Sammy What you’ll need for two sandwiches: 1 French baguette (or another bread of your choosing) 2 tbsp grainy mustard (I used the Charcuterie Mustard by Saltspring Kitchen Co.) 2 tbsp fig preserve (I used the Fig + Walnut Wine Preserve by The Preservatory) About 100 g brie cheese (I used the grass-fed Island Brie by Little Qualicum Cheeseworks) About 100 g prosciutto (I sourced mine from local favourite artisanal salumeria The Whole Beast) About 100 g salami (I sourced mine from The Whole Beast) About 4-6 cornichons (or baby dills), thinly sliced A handful of baby greens (arugula, romaine or some sort of mix) How to assemble it: Trim the top and bottom of your baguette and cut in half. Slice each piece down the centre. Spread the bottom piece of each baguette half with about 1 tbsp of fig preserve, and then the top of each baguette half with about 1 tbsp grainy mustard. Evenly disperse about 50 g of brie cheese over each bottom half (the fig preserve one). Top each of the cheese layers with about 50 g of prosciutto, followed by about 50 g of salami, half the cornichon slices and some baby greens. Finally, add the top layer of the baguette halves, and enjoy!

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THREE DISTINCTIVE VENUES. LAKESIDE DINING, BOARDWALK DINING AND SMACKDAB.

eldoradoresort.ca (TEL) 250.763.7500 500 Cook Rd, Kelowna, BC

Collard Veggie Wraps What you’ll need: Collard greens (you’re looking for large, flat, evenly textured leaves without any holes or rips) Spread (the Greek yogurt dip shown here is a great choice, but I also love hummus, fromage frais or simply some smashed avocado) An assortment of vegetables (pictured here is thinly sliced bell pepper and cucumber, as well as grated carrot, and mixed baby greens) *Note: you can add in whatever your heart desires. Some tuna or egg salad, or even deli meat are all great choices!

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How to do it: Trim the stems off the collard leaves, and lay out some paper towel or cloth near your stovetop. Fill a deep-dish frying pan with about one inch of water. On high heat, bring the water to a low boil, then turn down the heat to simmer. Using tongs, place a collard leaf in the simmering water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If the water isn’t deep enough to cover the whole collard leaf, you may need to flip it halfway through. You’re simply blanching the leaf—you want it to be soft enough so that you can fold and wrap it up easily, but not so overcooked that it loses its integrity and falls apart. Once blanched, transfer to the paper towel.

Repeat with all your leaves, patting each one dry as you go. Take a dry leaf, turn it so that the trimmed stem is on the left, and the leaf is pointing to the right (so, longways if the leaf isn’t evenly round).

Disperse a small amount of your spread in a narrow strip, north-tosouth down the centre. Top with a small amount of prepared veggies or filling of your choosing.

Now wrap it up like a burrito: fold in the top and bottom of the leaf, and then starting from the left side, roll overtop of the filling.

Roll carefully but tightly, so that it’s tidy and compact. Either enjoy as is, or slice on the diagonal for serving. Repeat with remaining leaves and ingredients, and enjoy!

Strawberry Watermelon Margarita Skewers What you’ll need: 2 loose cups of strawberries, trimmed and cut in half 2 loose cups of watermelon, cut into cubes (about the same size as the strawberry halves) 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 1 oz tequila (optional) A handful of mint Sea salt for sprinkling Skewers How to put it all together: In a large mixing bowl, toss your strawberry halves and watermelon cubes with the lime juice and tequila (if you’re going for it). Starting and ending with a strawberry half, stack your skewer with a strawberry, followed by a mint leaf, followed by watermelon cube, followed by another mint leaf etc. Once you’re out of fruit, line up your skewers, sprinkle with a small pinch of salt, and enjoy!

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travel

Driving around in circles

Touring beautiful British Columbia

We have had the good fortune to visit many incredible places in BC, and we especially love driving circle routes, where we can explore and travel at our own pace.

WORDS BRUCE CAMERON

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While the COVID-19 crisis has caused a lot of painful disruption, one pleasant side effect is the unusually peaceful roads during what is normally a busy tourist season.

Roads, lodges and ferries throughout BC are quieter these days. With American and international tourists staying home, many places that were almost impossible to reserve are open now and welcoming of fellow British Columbians. My wife and I have had the good fortune to visit many incredible places in BC, and we especially love circle driving routes, where we can explore and travel at our own pace.

Here are some of our top picks for driving tours that will allow you to discover, or re-discover, the beautiful place we call home.

FROM THE OKANAGAN

Those living in the Okanagan may question whether or not to even travel elsewhere given the glorious summer weather and abundance of wineries, farms and markets to sample here. But if you want to do a multi-day driving tour, here are a couple of great routes:

Okanagan Kootenay Circle Tour (1,100 km, about 4-7 days)

Head north out of Kelowna toward Vernon, making a first stop at the Kangaroo Creek Farm, and continuing on to the small town of Sicamous, known as the Houseboat Capital of Canada.

Go east on the Trans-Canada Highway, with potential stops at The Enchanted Forest, Crazy Creek Resort and Hot Pools, and Three Valley Gap. Once you get to Golden, turn south and head down through the Columbia River Valley, where you can visit Fort Steele, a recreated old west town, and St. Eugene Mission, with its fascinating history and recent rejuvenation by the Ktunaxa First Nation.

Further west, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll approach Osoyoos by descending a steep switchback with breathtaking views of the Southern Okanagan desert. From here drive through the Okanagan back towards Kelowna, stopping at any of the many wineries and fruit stands along the way.

Kootenay Rockies Hot Springs Tour (800-900 km, about 3-5 days)

Just east of the Okanagan, dotted throughout the Slocan, Kootenay and Columbia valleys, there are amazing natural hot springs where you can stop, soak and stay.

Head east from Vernon along Highway 6, taking a free ferry across Upper Arrow Lake to Nakusp Hot Springs.

Just north, up Highway 23, is one of our favourite hot pool spots—Halcyon Hot Springs.

Travelling south from Nakusp, Highway 6 takes you through New Denver (site of a beautiful Japanese garden commemorating Japanese Canadians who were interned during the Second World War), on to Kaslo and ultimately Ainsworth Hot Springs, on the shore of Kootenay Lake.

Further east in the Columbia Valley, you’ll find Radium Hot Springs, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and the wild and wonderful Lussier Hot Springs, where the spring tumbles down into pools next to a freezing cold mountain river.

Take the Crowsnest Highway 3 back to Vernon via the scenic Highway 33.

St. Eugene Mission in Cranbrook.

PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM CRANBROOK

FROM VANCOUVER

Starting in the Lower Mainland, there are dozens of routes to take east, north or west of Vancouver.

Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island (400-500 km, 3-6 days)

Take a ferry out of Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, near Gibsons, where older readers may recall the popular CBC series The Beachcombers was filmed.

Travelling up the Sunshine Coast and taking another ferry, you’ll arrive at Powell River, where a nearby recreational spot enjoyed by locals, Powell Lake, extends deep inland into the coastal mountain valleys.

Further north, the highway ends at Lund, a picturesque town that is the unofficial start (or end) of the world’s longest highway (called 101 in the US and Mexico); it stretches from Lund all the way to Castro, on Chile’s south coast.

From Powell River, take the ferry to Comox, and from there drive south down Vancouver Island, with hundreds of great spots to discover.

A few highlights include Shelter Point Distillery, just north of Comox, the Cumberland Brewing Company, discovered in a quaint old retired mining town, The

Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara, and for oyster lovers, the Fanny Bay Inn on the Old Island Highway.

If you have more time, there are a number of small islands off the east coast of Vancouver Island to explore, including the gorgeous Gulf Islands. Visit the lovely seaside town of Sidney, right near the Swartz Bay terminal, before grabbing a ferry back to the mainland.

Shelter Point Distillery is found just north of Comox.

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Coast Mountains Circle Tour

How does CHBA benefit you?

(850-1,200 km, 3-6 days)

This circle route starts on the world-famous Sea to Sky Highway, improved in 2010 for the Winter Olympics, to the resort town of Whistler. The Sea to Sky Gondola, located near Squamish, offers spectacular views, and as the route travels further north, the road narrows through Pemberton and Lillooet, following the creek and river valleys deeper into the Coast Mountain range. As you carry on along Highway 99, though Cache Creek towards Kamloops, the landscape changes to higher, drier cattle country.

From Kamloops, you can either head south down Highway 5 back to the Lower Mainland, or continue further east to Highway 97 into the Okanagan. From here, drive all the way south to the Okanagan connector near Summerside, which links back to Highway 5 near Meritt, home of a popular country music festival most years.

The CHBA has over 270 industry leaders locally in the Central Okanagan, over 2,500 members provincially, and more than 8,000 industry leaders nationally. As an association, we have a collective strength and visibility to help serve our industry, all while offering our members a number of direct benefits.

BENEFITS YOU CAN BUILD ON.

BECOME A MEMBER.

To become a member visit chbaco.com/join-now Or call us at 250.861.3988

FROM VICTORIA OR VANCOUVER Stop wasting money on wines you don’t like.

Download the free TasteAdvisor app and discover BC wines that match your personal tastebuds.

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Discovery Coast/Inside Passage Circle Tour

Nature abounds in Port Hardy.

PHOTO BY SARAH ETOILE

(1,400-2,000 km, 7-14 days)

This ambitious route can be taken in either direction from Victoria or the Lower Mainland. But starting in Victoria, head north up the Vancouver Island Highway, stopping along the way at Telegraph Cove, or visiting via ferry Sointula Island (formerly a secretive Finnish colony), and one of our favourite places in the world: Alert Bay on Cormorant Island (home to the Kwakwaka’wakw people whose carvings and art are world-renowned). During the COVID era, check with both communities to ensure visitors are welcome.

At the tip of the Island Highway sits Port Hardy, jumping-off point for the wild and majestic North Coast Trail and the port where the ferry takes you to a number of destinations, from Bella Coola to Prince Rupert and even remote Haida Gwaii.

Take a ferry to Bella Coola, located deep in the inlet of Bentinck Arm. Be sure to stop at Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, and nearby Tweedsmuir Lodge, which offers popular bear-watching river tours in the the fall.

Further east on Highway 20 is Anahim Lake, the birthplace of Olympic Gold Medal-winning NHL goaltender Carey Price.

For those with a little more time on their hands, extend the trip by taking the ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert, boating through the fjords of the Inside Passage, before heading inland to Prince George and through the Cariboo region back south to the Lower Mainland.

Consider stops at Averill Creek Vineyard near Cowichan Lake, Red Arrow Brewing Company in Duncan and the Villa Eyrie Resort, perched on the mountains overlooking the Saanich Inlet near Goldstream Provincial Park.

ARA & TOBY B E AC H M O R N I N G S

secrets and lives —

AND THE 7 SINS with AMBER KRONYK

i

n her fourth year of real estate, Amber Kronyk embraces a positive, heart-centred approach to finding perfect homes for her clients.

“I love it because I can use my creativity and passions for writing and design all in one place. I really enjoy the people I get to meet, and the diversity of the job,” she says. “I always put 100 per cent into everything I do, and real estate is one of those careers where if you want to succeed, you have to be willing to put in the time and the hard work.”

Working in the health and fitness industry for much of her career, she had been considering a change for quite a while.

“With my husband in the building and development industry, [real estate] seemed to make sense,” she says. “I’ve learned a lot from him, and it has definitely increased my knowledge base on home construction for working with my clients.”

Amber grew up in Williams Lake on a hobby farm surrounded by animals, and was thrilled to get her first horse at five years old. She spent her childhood exploring the land on horseback, and then shortly after high school embarked on a year of travel overseas. University in Victoria followed before she moved to the Okanagan, and she and her husband have been in McKinley Beach for about three years now.

“It’s such a beautiful spot,” she says. “I can hike from my back door, walk to the lake and boat. And the neighbours here WORDS ANGELA COWAN

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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

“I love it because I can use my creativity and passions for writing and design all in one place.”

are awesome! I actually felt very lucky to be isolated here during COVID.” Outside the office, she takes advantage of everything the Okanagan has to offer.

“I love water sports, biking, hiking and exploring local wineries and restaurants,” she says. “And hopefully, I’ll be able to get back to some travelling soon.”

Above all, Amber is a lifelong learner.

“I want to continue growing, both in a broader sense of travel and exploring other cultures, and also in a career sense,” she says. “I am passionate about the earth, and want to learn more about sustainability in home construction and renovations, and to be able to utilize that knowledge for my real estate clients.”

GREED:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

Easy. A large property in a tropical place where I can take in rescue animals.

WRATH:

Pet peeves?

Negativity. Life is too short to dwell on the rough parts.

Live in the now, focus on gratitude and your mindset will shift to positive thoughts.

SLOTH:

The 7 Sins ENVY:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

I’m a big fan of the scientist Sylvia Earle. Not only has she explored some of the ocean’s most untouched places and seen firsthand the changes over time, but she has used her knowledge to become a voice of change for the oceans. To be able to use your time on earth to actually make a difference like she has is so inspiring.

GLUTTONY:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

Pickles, Greek food, Indian food, tacos. Was I supposed to only pick one?

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

I’m not very good at doing “nothing,” so it would have to be somewhere with good exploring and fun outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, scuba diving and surfing.

PRIDE:

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of ?

My husband, who is the hardest worker I have ever met, and is always pushing me to improve my business and be the best version of myself. And my amazing circle of friends and their ability to stick together through some of the hardest things life can throw at you, and still come out with smiles on their faces.

LUST:

What makes your heart beat faster?

When my clients get an offer on their home, I get very excited for them! Or when my buyers find that perfect home that gives them goosebumps; I have been known to tear up occasionally, haha!

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narrative

WORDS KAREN VAN RHEENEN

X

ILLUSTRATION SIERRA LUNDY

MATCH 72

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hen I was a teenager, I was considered a bit of a babe. I had long blond hair and was teenage thin. To my pleasure, I was chosen high school football queen. Granted, it was a very small school in a very small town. There was never any problem getting dates, partially, I assume, because there were few girls.

I went off to university, met the man of my dreams, married at 22 and he died of cancer 40 years later. It was a great marriage and none of my dreams included being a widow at 62.

Five years later, on a Saturday night, and with the prodding of friends, I joined match.com. It was spur of the moment. In hindsight, perhaps I should have avoided posting the Halloween picture with the witch’s hat, but hindsight is 20/20.

It was amazing to me how many men said they liked to walk on the beaches by the ocean at night by the moonlight.

I am amazed they were not tripping over each other on Dallas Road. It was also evident that there were few looking for a 68-year-old woman and none that stipulated “pleasantly plump.”

The first action was a 72-year-old man that invited me for coffee. We had coffee, then a dinner date. He hugged me goodbye and said he would call, and he never did. That was my first clue that I may have passed my best-before date.

Granted, the long blond hair was long gone, and although my husband had assured me he found my extra 15 pounds cuddly, it dawned on me that this may not be a universal opinion.

The second man was very nice, but his wife was barely dead in the ground.

The third man said he was 72 with a vision problem. He ended up being 92 and blind. He should have been seeking a driver and a nurse instead of a date. He was a nice old guy, a bit deluded, but I took him out weekly for a drive until he passed away.

Requests for chats were slow. When I was young, the man always initiated. It was difficult for me to write to someone to say I was interested. However, realizing I should get with the times, I sent messages off to two men. Both thanked me for my kind words and that was it. So much for liberation.

Then it happened. Sam wrote to me and said he liked my picture and that it sounded like we had lots in common. His wife had died five years before. He had one adult daughter studying in Greece. Though he was still working as an engineer, he planned on retiring soon. He worked on the islands off northern Scotland in a two-week rotation. He lived just south of the border and he had attended conferences in Victoria and would love to live here.

It made me re-evaluate and recognize that what I wanted was what I had had earlier in life but was unlikely to have again.

He asked about my favourite movies, musicians, books and travel plans. Born in Italy, he was looking forward to trips to his homeland. He phoned me from Seattle before heading out for his job; his voice was sweet and he assured me that our relationship was progressing.

I was ecstatic. I envisioned trips to Greece to meet his daughter and Italy to visit his birthplace. I started to diet. I bought new clothes. I got my hair re-styled. I can’t even tell you about the dreams I was having. I shared my excitement with a couple of friends, and they were happy for me.

Then it happened. An anxious call from Sam at work. A boiler had burst and there were significant problems. Could I send money immediately? It was a crisis.

Indeed, it was a crisis. I was not so far gone that I did not realize I had been scammed. I hung up, blocked him and reported him to match.com.

That all happened six months ago and was the end of my online dating and my hope for a second happy relationship.

That it happened was a good thing. It made me re-evaluate and recognize that what I wanted was what I had earlier in life but was unlikely to have again. It also helped me to come to grips with being alone.

I belong to two book clubs, have annual passes to two theatre companies, volunteer with a Syrian Refugee Committee and Special Olympics, chair our strata, have two daughters, a son-in-law and two grandchildren all nearby. I also have a supportive faith community. I do 10,000 steps a day and yoga twice a week. My friends are wonderful and I have both male and female friends. My life is great.

I continue to diet, though have chocolate if I want to and don’t feel the least bit worried about it.

Do you have a good story to tell—and the ability to write it? Boulevard readers are invited to submit stories for consideration and publication in the Narrative section. Stories should be 800 to 1,200 words long and sent to managing editor Susan Lundy at lundys@shaw.ca. Please place the word “Narrative” in the subject line.

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behind the story

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE OF AUDREY WITTMANN

Boulevard’s associate editor and staff photographer Lia Crowe helped execute this edition’s special grad feature. As a parent of a 2020 graduate, she feels the sorrow of loss experienced by the grads, who—due to cancelled grad and prom ceremonies—missed out on this milestone occasion. She says: “Graduation and prom are things my daughter has been excited about since she started high school, and preparations have been mounting: there was the grad dress shopping (which started about this time last year); the ordering of the flower crown this past January; and many other preparations—all of which came to a screeching halt as the global pandemic hit. It is important to keep it all in perspective, but the loss is there nonetheless. So, it was a huge treat for me to photograph high school grads for our grad features—to see them all dressed up in their finest and give them a moment to shine, a moment to play and be the centre of attention. At the beginning of each shoot, I asked the graduates to pause and fill up with the satisfaction of their accomplishments, to reminisce about the best parts of their high school days and to feel the excitement of moving on to the next phase of their lives.”

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2020 2020DISCOVERY DISCOVERYSPORT SPORTSS

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LAND ROVER KELOWNA LAND ROVER KELOWNA 839 Finns Rd. Kelowna 839 Finns Rd. Kelowna (250) 491-9348 (250) 491-9348 LandRoverKelowna.com LandRoverKelowna.com

*Lease a new (in (in stock) 2020 Discovery Sport S (246 hp)hp) with an an annual percentage raterate (APR) of 2.9% for for up up to 42 months on on approved credit (OAC) from Land Rover Canada Financial Services.

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Some conditions apply and a mileage restriction of 56,000 over 42 months applies.

A A discount for lease only applied}: monthly payment is $429, total lease obligation is $24,017, optional buyout is $26,322. Some conditions apply and a mileage restriction of 56,000 over 42 months applies. charge of $0.20 perper kmkm over mileage restriction applies plus applicable taxes. *Offer includes freight ($1,700), PDIPDI ($495), Admin ($395), ACAC Charge ($100) andand TireTire Levy (up(up to $36).

Licence, insurance, finance charge of $0.20 over mileage restriction applies plus applicable taxes. *Offer includes freight ($1,700), ($495), Admin ($395), Charge ($100) Levy to $36).

Licence, insurance, finance charges, all applicable taxes andand other charges depending on on your province areare extra.

Special order may be be required.

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Please Land Rover Kelowna details. © 2020 Jaguar Land Rover Canada ULC.

REALIGN

Through this time of constant change, all of us are challenged to adapt to new realities.

It has also become essential that we stay true to our values.

In Wilden, we are putting more effort than ever into managing our ecological footprint.

We are dedicated to growing this sanctuary that we call home mindfully, preserving its pristine beauty. Wilden is passionately investing in research and progress towards sustainable home building and energy conservation.

More and more families are choosing to build a future in this vast, master-planned community. Buying in Wilden means investing in balance and lasting values.

Visit us to dive into all the possibilities.

Currently selling: Single family lots and semi-detached townhomes, just a ten-minute drive from downtown Kelowna and the airport.

Parade of Showhomes and Presentation Centre open daily from 1-5pm except Fridays 路 1454 Rocky Point Drive 路 Kelowna Wilden Sales: 250.762.2906 路 sales@wilden.ca 路 #WildenKelowna

Wilden.ca