ICON Okanagan Spring 2017

SUMMER 2014

With its sophisticated beauty and athletic stance, the all-new 2017 CX-5 was redesigned to epitomize our KODO “Soul of Motion� design at every angle and every curve.

Plus, its SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY with G-Vectoring Control helps you steer more precisely for an instinctive drive.

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CONTENTS FASHION FEATURES COVER STORIES

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In Progress

The Powerhouse Kelowna.

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Proper Man

Winemaker Jason Parkes.

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The Style Guide

You may want this for the season!

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In Style!

Gentlemen - this one is for you!

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Men Of Style

Find out what’s new and trendy!

OUR SMILES

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Fashion Fever

Wine & Art, Kelowna.

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Giving Giggles

Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna.

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Gold Medal Plates

Delta Grand Hotel, Kelowna.

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Reflecting Emotions The Influence of Colour.

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Okanagan Dream Homes Shabby Chic Couture

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Unique & Unusual Gift & decor ideas.

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In Style!

Ladies - this one is for you!

OUR REVIEWS

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Watercraft

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I’ve turned into a Butterfly! ... but where are my wings?

From WaveRunners to boats.

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2017 Hyundai Sonata

TRAVEL TIPS

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Multigenerational Travel Take the family!

OUR PERSONALITIES

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Al Stober

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Jason Parkes

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Christina Ferreira

OUR COLUMNS

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The Specter Journal The coolest gadgets.

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The Gentleman

They should have taught you this in school.

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When it comes to your Business Systemization=Saleability

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EVENTS CALENDAR

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Thoroughly and Forever Spoiled The Okanagan Summers.

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Puttering Around

An Insider’s Guide to Local Treasures.

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Geneva Car Show An Editor’s Pick.

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Spring Car Maintenance

Prime time for a Comprehensive Service.

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Top Shop Okanagan

An Insider’s Guide to Local Treasures.

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Empower your Health

Why Home Cooked Meals Are The Way To Go.

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Take Back 10 Years Skin Laser Treatment

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The Lady

Be The Woman A Gentleman Adores.

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The Tasting Note

Exploring the Wines of the Okanagan Valley.

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Okanagan Patios Some Local Hotspots.

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The GateKeeper Restaurant West Kelowna.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER What’s with the weather?

It’s mid-March as we write this, and, just two days ago, we got a fresh new load of that white stuff. The white stuff we all love so much for Christmas. And for January, and maybe a bit of February. But mid March? Let’s hope by the time you read this, all the snow in the Valley has melted, we have blue skies and it’s warmed up to a Spring-like 20 degrees.

We want to feel that summer is around the corner, right? That the patios are open again, that the evenings are longer and that the heavy reds have aged for another year and the wine in the glass signals “c’mon, we’re ready!”

Terry Armstrong

Olaf Robrecht

So let’s agree that this is going to be an awesome Spring and Summer. Tourists will flock to the Valley, even more people will fall in love with the area and our realtors will celebrate another record year. Let’s face it: Something special always comes with a price tag, right? OK, enough with what is coming up. Let’s focus on what we have right now: Another edition of your favourite magazine, filled with something for everyone.

Profiles of Progress is a special that we feature in this edition. How often do we ask ourselves who the person, or the people behind one of our local businesses are? Let us introduce them to you...

Enjoy Spring, we’ll see you on a patio around town soon!

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On the cover ...

DDI PR and photographer Sharla Pike got the whole Proper Man band (and that’s frontman Jason Parkes, guitarist Petri Nieminen, Calvin Lechner, Nori Wentworth, Travis Saunders, and Adam Jeffrey Potter) together to take the picture for our Spring edition. Often called a “rock star” in the wine world with over a hundred local and international awards, including double gold in California for premium Bordeaux blend, you have to listen to his new wave meets punk sugar tunes. So just head over to their website www.propermanband.com, listen to their songs and make sure to go to one of their rare live concerts. The photograph on the cover was taken at Knox Mountain Market in Kelowna.

ICON Okanagan The Premier Lifestyle Magazine VICE PRESIDENT/ GROUP PUBLISHER: TERRY ARMSTRONG PUBLISHER: OLAF ROBRECHT SALES DIRECTOR: KRISTA FRASZ SALES MANAGER - SPECIAL PROJECTS: CATHERINE KENNEDY ADVERTISING SALES: JOHN HUDSON, RENOLD MORRISON, RIC BACH, KATHLEEN COUTURIER, MARK WYLIE, CAROLE ERFLE, TOVA TAMBOUR, FRAN NICHOL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: OLAF ROBRECHT DESIGN/ LAYOUT: YADA YADA MEDIA + COMMUNICATIONS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: STEVE MACNAULL, MIKE STRAUSS, CHRISTIAN BRIX, KRISTINE JONES, DEBORAH LAMPITT-MCCONNACHIE PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL HARRISON, SHARLA PIKE, GARY NYLANDER, OLAF ROBRECHT FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE CONTACT: KRISTA FRASZ Phone: (250) 470-0761 Email: krista.frasz@ok.bc.ca

ICON Okanagan is published four times each year by The Okanagan Valley Newspaper Group. Printed in Canada.

All rights reserved. No part of ICON Okanagan Magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. The views expressed in ICON Okanagan are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Although all reasonable attempts are made to ensure accuracy, the publishers do not assume any liability for errors or omissions anywhere in the publication or on the website. ICON Okanagan reserves the rights to ads produced for advertisers.

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1.Ted Baker Polo (England) 2. Ted Baker Shorts (England) 3. R2 Shirt (Netherlands) 4. Ingram Shirt (Italy) 5. R2 Shirt (Netherlands) 6. 7 Downie Shirt (Canada)

7. Vernizzi Belt (Italy) 8. Benchcraft Leather Bag (Canada) 9. Ted Baker T-Shirts (England) 10. Goorin Bros. Hat (USA) 11. Victorinox T-Shirts (Switzerland) 12. Daniel Wellington Watch (Sweden)

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the

STYLE GUIDE

13. Mascarenhas Pen (Canada) 14. Ted Baker Wallet (England) 15. 34 Heritage Jeans 16. Torras Leather Knit Jacket (Spain) 17. Toscano Linen Shirts (Italy) 18. Paradigma Shoes (Portugal)

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01. THE VICTORIAN CYCLE This electric tricycle made in England evokes the spaceflightinspired fantasy of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. Powered by a 36-volt rechargeable battery, the 500-watt electric motor provides assisted pedaling in addition to a seven-speed dérailleur for humanpowered operation. www.hammacher.ca 02. THE WIRELESS JUMP ROPE Do your workout anywhere! The built-in computer with LCD screen calculates calories, number of jumps and more. www.amazon.ca 03. THE LG PRO-BEAM This laser engine video projector is capable of emitting a whopping 2,000 lumens of brightness - an amount LG claims will keep a clear image even in a bright room.

At only 4.6lbs it is the industry’s lightest Full HD laser projector.

Size of picture from 12 ft: 120”. www.lg.com 04. THE DRONESHIELD Yes, it is real: This 6kg drone gun can shoot down UAVs from 2km away, using a 2.4 and 5.8 GHz frequency. The idea is to help protect people from drones carrying explosives or weapons.

Currently awaiting approval in North America. www.droneshield.com 05. THE MEURAL CANVAS Unlike most other connected artdisplays, Meural includes access to more than 20,000 pieces of art in the price of the frame. The 27inch, 1920x1080 display connects via an 802.11n Wi-Fi adapter and can store a number of works. www.meural.com

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06. THE BEER SYSTEM The Fizzics System is the world’s first portable Draft Beer System that improves the flavor and taste of ordinary canned, bottled and growler beer by leveraging sound waves. www.fizzics.com 07. THE BIBO BARMAID The Bibo Barmaid is a smart cocktail self-serve machine that allows consumers to create expertly crafted mixed drinks at home with the touch of a button. Turn it on, fill it with water, select and insert the cocktail mix pouch and add your choice of alcohol. www.bibobarmaid.com 08. THE BARBARIAN Said to be “The Only Bar Tool You’ll Need to Buy!” this 9 in 1 tool is the new age Swiss Army knife – a must for all cocktail enthusiasts. www.barbarianbartools.com 09. THE VIIO MIRROR The Viio Vero is a Bluetooth mirror that lets you stream music from a compatible mobile device and even lets you make handsfree calls thanks to a built-in microphone. And if you’re just concerned with how you look, the Viio mirrors include LED lights around the perimeter.

Available in 3 different models. www.viiomirrors.com 10. THE GO-TOUCH The GoTouch system is portable, easy-to-use, and instantly turns any TV or projector into a giant interactive whiteboard you can write or draw on using infrared light. It consists of an articulated sensor and a silicon stylus, and pairs with a smartphone, tablet, Windows computer, or Mac via Bluetooth.

“Over-the-air capabilities” means you can even invite colleagues to view and/or contribute. www.anyractive.com

Spring 2017

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Shaving Cream Redefine your shaving prep routine with Hawkins & Brimble’s Shaving Cream. This high-quality cream creates a rich lather and leaves skin moisturized and soft well until after you put down your razor. Includes elemi, a wrinkle-reducing essential oil that will smooth lines, and ginseng to revitalize skin. www.hawkinsandbrimble.co.uk Hair Clay Tousle your hair after a tussle. Scaramouch and Fandango’s Hair Clay offers medium hold and an extra matt finish with the addition of pumice powder. It’s a flexible hold conditioning clay to help texturize even the most hipster of hairstyles. www.scaramoucheandfandango.com Skeleton Comb Kostya designed the iconic Skeleton, which has been permanently laseretched on a Model No. 1 Matte stainless steel Chicago Comb. On the back of the comb is inscribed the name of the artist and his work. www.chicagocomb.com

Dead Sea Mud Soap For a relaxing experience made of “Eau de Cologne” and Dead Sea Mud. This “Tripple Milled Soap” collection is enriched with Rich Shea Butter, Almond Oil and Glycerin to give you a luxuriant, moisturising and fragrant bathing experience. www.savonneriesbruxelloises.com

Rolling Razor The Rolling Razor has been engineered with an innovative ring shaped handle that gives the user superior control & maneuverability.

With its unique double-headed, triple convex cartridges, the Rolling Razor is designed to stay in close contact with the skin whether the user is shaving a flat or a curved area. www.rollingrazor.com

Beard Wash This moisturizing beard wash is sulfate-free, super gentle and hydrates your beard, keeping it full of life, soft, shiny and healthy. Oh, and it keeps it clean too. www.scotchporter.com

Peppermint Shampoo & Body Wash This body wash provides all-over hydration and cleansing from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Still made the old-fashioned way, this concentrated, vegetable-based men’s body wash and shampoo is gently scented with pure peppermint oil. www.getluckytiger.com

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Spring 2017

In Style!

Russian Leather Strop Ease into the ancient art of straight razor shaving with this Herold Solingen 180WJ Russian Leather Strop. Made from special Russian leather, the hard-wearing leather and elasticity create ideal conditions for sharpening. www.fendrihan.ca

Philips Norelco SensoTouch Designed to handle the contours of your face, the Norelco utilizes GyroFlex 2D’s two-dimensional contouring technology that’s able to pivot in a circular motion and tilt inwards. Its contour-following system adjusts easily to every curve, minimizing both pressure and irritation. The result is a close shave that’s easy on your skin. www.philips.ca L’Occitane Shower Gel Gents, be different: This gel echoes the rugged aroma of L’Occitan Eau de Toilette. Redolent with authentic A.O.C. lavender, blended with the peppery, nutmeg scent of burnt wood. Purifies the body, cleanses and shines hair. ca.loccitane.com

In Style!

Gentlemen, get yourself a Signature Scent. The Secret Style Weapon - It tells people who you are!

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1. Jimmy Choo Man Intense - A sensual fragrance, created for a powerful and daring seductive man with a rock’n’roll spirit’.

2. Gucci Intense Oud An Oriental fragrance for women and men.

3. Acqua di Parma Colonia Quercia - This fragrance features a heart of deep woods in the classic cologne style.

4. Invictus by Paco Rabanne - Top notes of yuzu, grapefruit and pink pepper are an exhilarating start as the perfume sprints off the blocks. 5. L’Homme Ultime by YSL - The fresh sensuality of sage with the depth of aromatic woody notes creates an ultimately distinctive signature

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smile!

Fashion Fever

FASHION - WINE - ART photography by Michael Harrison

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Wine & Art, Kelowna February 25, 2017 It was a night of style, where locals could dress up and enjoy a fashion show with local models showcasing some of Kelowna’s best selection of women’s and men’s designer wear in an intimate gallery setting.

Organized and hosted by Wine & Art, Kelowna’s wine and piano bar on Lawrence Ave., guests experienced a wine tasting of select local boutique wines with some mouth watering tapas, while models took the ramp in beautiful creations by some of the top designers in the Okanagan.

Live music, art, fashion, food and wine ... ingredients that made this evening a successful one. Go check out the Wine & Art website (www.wa-kelowna.com) to find out what other shows and events owner Wilbur Turner has planned.

Spring 2017

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The Gentleman

They should have taught you this in school....

by Dr. Christian Brix

Getting in the Ring “Even if you genuinely believe in that moment that she is completely wrong and every part of you wants to prove it to her, it is still up to you to decide if you want to tie the gloves on and climb through the ropes.”

The old adage is that women marry men hoping they will change (they don’t!), and men marry women hoping that they won’t change (they do!).

Of course the truth is we are always changing (I prefer to think of it as evolving), and the key in a relationship seems to be to evolve/change/grow together. The couple that can figure that out is the one that doesn’t just have a goal of simply staying together, but rather of actually having a truly fulfilling and fun relationship.

Disagreements or fights are the times when we are our most raw, our most exposed, and where our character is both built and revealed. Learning to fight properly can set a couple on the path to an amazing courtship.

Gentleman, here are some rules: This just in…you’re not perfect If you expect perfection from your partner or yourself, you are set up for trouble. Our past experiences, our insecurities, our fear, and even absent-mindedness sometimes cause us to make mistakes. Recognize that it happens to you, and be kind when she makes them too.

Bike racks at 3:00. Be there Being present in the conversation is so important. Never fight when you are hungry, distracted or tired. This is your favourite person in the world…they deserve all of you in times of disharmony. Don’t just hear, but rather listen to what she is feeling.

Skip the Show It serves neither of you if you are not always being honest. Don’t say what you think she wants to hear if you don’t really feel that way. With that however, it can always be done tactfully and with Love. She deserves honesty and respect, but sprinkle it with kindness too.

Keep it above the belt Focus on her behavior, not her personal characteristics.

Calling names, making crazy generalizations, and attacking her are classic signs that you are an idiot. Stop it.

You can read minds?

If you have agreed to always be honest, then you owe it to her to take what she says about her feelings as they are. Unless you are a mind reader, then don’t tell her how she is feeling or what her intentions were. If she can’t be honest about her feelings, then that is for her to deal with on her own.

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Spring 2017

Blast from the past I know you have saved up 235 examples of her craziness, but there is no way bringing up the past to bolster your argument is helping. Also chances are she knows what she has done before, and is fine not being reminded…it won’t help. Focus on what is current.

Small stuff making you sweaty “Pick your battles” is a phrase that is below you as a gentleman. It’s bigger than that. Is this thing that upsets you worth disrupting the harmony? In the giant scheme of things, does it matter? Worry more about being loving than being right. The messy toothpaste lid isn’t going to kill you (I hope).

Great expectations She expected a romantic dinner and you though it was pizza and game night. Neither of you is “wrong” per se, but it means that expectations need to be more clearly communicated. It means you are both in need of a bit better system for communicating your needs. Talk more!

Empathy: When she is vulnerable or reveals something tender to you, don’t ever use it against her. Accept it with Love and use that as a point to build from. When even a moment of softness is met with a soft reaction, the end of the fight is coming quickly.

Wayne Dyer said “Conflict cannot survive without your participation.” Even if you genuinely believe in that moment that she is completely wrong and every part of you wants to prove it to her, it is still up to you to decide if you want to tie the gloves on and climb through the ropes.

More often than not, a little time, patience and love can lead you to a place where you are both getting exactly what you need. Tread lightly, speak lovingly, and watch as you and your partner evolve, change, and grow together.

Dr. Christian Brix Dr. Christian Brix is a writer, a gentleman, and a Chiropractor living in and loving Kelowna B.C. www.brixfamilychiropractic.com

in|style

Benvenuto!

Introducing a new fashion look from Europe - the Sneaker Shirt and Sneaker Suit Collection by Benvenuto. Designed for travel and people on the go, this collection offers style, comfort and optimal fit in contemporary easy-care knit fabrics. The Benvenuto brand is known for its Italian-inspired designs and unique, lightweight confortable clothing.

Available exclusively at Landmark Clothiers.

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According to Statistics Canada, Kelowna is leading the country in population growth.

IN PROGRESS

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Spring 2017

KELOWNA Profiles of

PROGRESS

by Mike Strauss

K

elowna is a vastly different city than it was just a few short years ago.

In less than a decade, the city has gone from a quiet tourist town/ retirement village to a fast-growing city and a commercial powerhouse.

Kelowna real estate was one of the biggest news stories of 2016, and continues to be a major theme of urban development. The average price of a detached home in Kelowna sits at just under $650,000, which is an almost 30 percent increase over the year prior, according to Canadian Real Estate Magazine. While market outlook reports from RE/MAX predict that the Kelowna residential real estate market will cool somewhat, it will still see some growth. Commercial and luxury real estate have also seen significant growth, according to BC Assessment.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is expecting the Kelowna CMA real estate market to moderate somewhat over the next two years, with sales numbers declining to the long-term average.

The Kelowna International Airport continues its ambitious expansion, with its current development program scheduled to end in 2020. Airport Director Sam Samaddar says that airport traffic is averaging about 6 percent growth per year, and the City of Kelowna estimates that YLW will serve 3.5 million passengers annually by 2045.

Another major construction project, the $39 million Police Services Building that broke ground in 2015, is set to finish on time and on budget according to project manager Andrew Gibbs. The new 95,000 square foot building serves as a central hub for police services like the traffic department, identification, records storage, and the K9 unit, which were previously housed in separate buildings. A larger and more secure detention

area is expected to streamline arrests, while the on-site forensics lab has been designed with future expansions in mind.

The recently opened Okanagan Centre for Innovation is an architectural marvel and will become the tech industry’s new headquarters. Local tech nonprofit Accelerate Okanagan is currently preparing to move into the building from their current offices on the second floor of the Kelowna Innovation Centre at 1405 St Paul Street. Accelerate Okanagan’s former offices will be occupied by the Okanagan coLab, a local coworking space with 70 current members.

The Central Okanagan film industry is also seeing unprecedented growth in a variety of ways. Anecdotes of celebrity sightings are becoming more and more frequent, with major stars like Nicolas Cage, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Liotta, and Julia Stiles filming movies in the region.

The recent $100 million sale of local production company Immersive Media to Hollywood FX giant Digital Domain is just one example of the level of interest in the Okanagan’s film production scene. The Okanagan Film Commission is now creating a direct impact of $20 million on the local economy, according to Film Commissioner Jon Summerland, and the sudden popularization of events like the Okanagan International Festival of Animation is a positive sign of public support for the growing film industry.

These developments are all great signs for the Okanagan’s economic future. A region that was once considered a simple tourist destination for wealthy Albertans has now come into its own, and continued growth is simply inevitable.

The following pages highlight some local entrepreneurs that contribute to the growth and success of our community.

Spring 2017

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Kelowna Hyundai Supporting the local community is important to our business, and after five successful years of business, the residents of Kelowna have been nothing but welcoming, and we look forward to giving back.

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fter five successful years of business, Kelowna Hyundai is set for another record breaking year, for Hyundai and the Kelowna market.

Kelowna Hyundai stands out from most dealerships because they believe in providing outstanding customer service, whether it is talking to a potential customer, assisting customers who bring their vehicle in for service, or maintaining relationships after a vehicle sale, they make sure to provide the best customer experience.

The passionate staff at Kelowna Hyundai love what they do, and they are motivated to go the extra mile when it comes to making customers happy. The staff is constantly expanding their knowledge on the Hyundai brand from sales to service, to be your certified Hyundai representatives in the Okanagan.

The owner of Kelowna Hyundai, John Kot, brings over 27 years of experience in the automotive industry, and after all that time, he still looks forward to coming to work and having fun. He breeds this type of enthusiasm in his management team as well.

John’s team is complimented by Sam Ghessesow as the General Manager. After 13 years of established success in sales, finance, and management for one of the largest automotive groups in Alberta, Sam moved to the Okanagan in 2014. He is happy to help bring Kelowna Hyundai to even higher levels of success.

John’s son Jordan is the Used Car Manager heading up all used operations with over 100 vehicles, SUVs and cars.

Jordan grew up in dealerships, graduated from Immaculata High School then earned a B.A. in Business in Edmonton where he met and eventually married his wife, Hali.

Jordan plans to take over the reins at some point.

“Our growth is up over 20% year over year and we are very excited about the future,” said Kot. In 2020, Hyundai will be relocating onto a five-acre parcel at 1638 Carey Road. They will boast a new facility as well as the all new Genesis line-up.

to ensure award winning service as we meet our client’s requirements” added Kot. Hyundai’s are packed with cutting-edge technology and deliver a rewarding driving experience so that customers can have a safe and comfortable drive with better fuel economy.

The Sonata was newly named Best Car for the Money by U.S. News & World Report. Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport earned the 2017 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Awards, and Elantra recently received the International Design Excellence Bronze. Inclusively, Hyundai’s nameplate ranking in the 2017 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study saw Hyundai move up 13 rank positions marking the company’s best ranking ever.

“Customers want to know that they’re getting a great product, great service, and a great deal. Hyundai is successful because we listen to the customer’s needs and ensure that we exceed their expectations” stated Kot. In addition to providing award winning vehicles at unbeatable pricing, Kelowna Hyundai has generously donated $100,000 to the new Interior Heart & Surgical Centre, as well as supporting many other charities within Kelowna.

Further, John Kot will be receiving the New Car Dealers Association Spirit of Excellence Award at this year’s Vancouver Auto Show Gala on March 28th. This award is given to specific dealers in recognition of their exceptional charity and community involvement.

“Supporting the local community is important to our business, and after five successful years of business, the residents of Kelowna have been nothing but welcoming, and we look forward to giving back,” said Kot. “We are honored to support the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation in their efforts to provide the highest level of medical care in Kelowna and the Okanagan.”

When you’re looking to purchase your next vehicle, or get maintenance on your current ride, make sure to stop by at Kelowna Hyundai, where there is always fresh popcorn and a happy face to greet you.

Kot continued, “The service team has a fresh approach with Scott Jackson as Service Manager and Whylie Friesen as Director of Fixed Operations. We are pleased to also announce that we will be extending our hours in service from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. “

KELOWNA HYUNDAI 3260 Hwy 97 N Kelowna 250-491-9467 kelownahyundai.com

“Customer’s expectations have changed and we have to accommodate these demands. We have over 15 loaners, a Customer Shuttle, and 10 Licensed Technicians on standby Spring 2017

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Acorn Communities Holmes Approved Homes Builder

A builder that cares: they care about people, their families and the responsibility they have as a homebuilder.

Living your dream life in Kelowna has just taken a dramatic turn.

Acorn Communities is introducing a new and novel concept with their Granite at McKinley Beach project.

Acorn’s Granite at McKinley Beach is a 5.2-acre, multi-family site that will consist of 18 Town Homes and 100 apartment style Condos, with breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake. The project will provide a stress free live/work/play environment that will bring together all lifestyles in a “one of a kind” community.

A patio complete with swimming pool, hot tub, and barbeques, is contemplated for Granite’s second phase.

There is currently an ingenious outdoor gymnasium on site that solely uses your own body weight to exercise every muscle group. And McKinley Beach anticipates hiking and biking trails around the property.

The property itself is around 140 feet from the water’s edge, at an elevation of approximately 60 feet, with a spectacular, panoramic, 180 degree view of the lake.

The McKinley Beach development offers a 96 slip marina, of which Acorn has reserved 5 slips for its residents of Granite at McKinley Beach.

With over 30 years in business, Acorn has developed remarkable Okanagan communities such as Morningside in Glenrosa, West Avenue Lofts in Pandosy Village, and Blackstone at Black Mountain.

Acorn’s Sunset Ranch development is currently over 75% Sold Out, with 285 residents of the 400+ proposed homes. It is a gated community located above Sunset Ranch Golf Course.

Built on the hillside, every home is a walk out rancher with beautiful lake and valley views. Sunset Ranch is surrounded on two sides by Agricultural Reserve land and on one side by Sunset Ranch Golf Course, making it a peaceful community with a rural feel, yet it is only fifteen minutes from the centre of Kelowna.

At Sunset Ranch both Single Family homes and side-by-side, semi-detached Townhomes are available. There are many floor plans to choose from, ranging from 1200 sq. ft. to 1548 sq. ft. on the main floor, all with a full walk out basement available for finishing. Because Acorn is a Custom Builder, customers are free to make modifications and truly customize their own home.

the industry how to build better homes at reasonable prices.

There are things that we can do as an industry that I’ve seen over the course of my career, to make houses better without charging an arm and a leg. So what I did is travel the country to find all the best builders, who really care about what they do, and gather them together to change this industry. We brought together the best builders, who build the best homes in as many towns as we can so people are given a choice.

People always ask me how to build the best home and now I can tell them to call one of my partners and they’ll do it for them. It takes the worry away from homeowners.”

“The best builders stand out from the crowd, and we only allow the best builders to use my name,” Holmes says. “The builders don’t come to us—we go to them,” he explains the certification process.

Holmes, who has been to the Okanagan several times, loves the natural beauty of the area.

“Acorn is a great builder because they build a good house. But I love how they design their homes. Living in a beautiful place like Kelowna, you want a home that is designed to look as good as it’s built.”

Asked about what peace of mind buyers can have by purchasing a home at Granite at McKinley Beach, Mike Holmes says that “buyers will know that they’ve built it right.

Acorn constructed the right foundation, waterproofed, and installed the right insulation and exterior cladding. During the construction process, I send my guys from Mike Holmes Inspections in to make sure nothing is overlooked. In fact, my inspectors go in three times during construction, which is a standard that no other certification in North America requires.

Holmes Approved Homes builders stand behind what they build. I know that Greg and his team at Acorn will make it right.”

If you would like to learn more about Granite at McKinley Beach, just visit their onsite presentation center, open noon to 4:00 p.m., every day except Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Or contact Gerry Lee, 250-212-1809, gerrylee@acornhomes. com.

For Sunset Ranch, visit the two show homes, open daily and on weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m., or contact Chris Lee, 250491-0095, chrislee@acornhomes.com.

Granite at McKinley Beach Presentation Centre: Take McKinley Rd to Shayler Rd, left on McKinley Beach Dr

As a Holmes Approved Homes builder, Acorn Communities is committed to building excellence.

Mike Holmes - “Holmes Approved Homes is my way to show

(250) 212-1809 acornhomes.com Spring 2017

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Pentar Homes

Kara Vista Development nears completion Local builder prepares to celebrate 17 years of investment and hard work.

S

eventeen years ago, Pentar Homes broke ground on what would eventually become one of West Kelowna’s most sought-after planned communities.

Now, with the project coming to an end, co-owner Nadean Ostrom reflects on the company’s two decades of project work – and hints at future plans.

“We’re probably about two years ahead of schedule on Kara Vista,” Ostrom says. “We’re very happy with it. We’re about 90 percent complete in Rose Valley altogether. We’ll be done in under 20 years.”

Ostrom says that Pentar Homes owes the relatively quick development of the local neighbourhood to the builder’s focus on multi-family homes. Townhouses and other multi-family developments are less intensive than single-family and custom builds, she says, which has allowed Pentar to expedite the build process without sacrificing quality.

“The single family homes are unique – different features, different layouts, different topography. From a builder’s perspective, it’s faster and easier to build the multi-family developments because you’re repeating floorplans and features.”

Some of the features that are on offer at Kara Vista include large kitchens, extra large windows, and gas fireplaces – proving that a luxurious build can also be an efficient build.

Pentar’s focus on Kara Vista has meant that the company has put off custom builds, but with the community nearing completion, Ostrom says that more custom builds are most definitely in the company’s future.

“Every custom build is memorable,” she says. “Every client has brought something different to the table, which is part of the fun. We’re starting some more single-family homes this month, and they’ll be available later this fall.”

Ostrom says that fast, high-quality builds are only possible with an experienced team in place, and that the Pentar Homes team’s seamless work is evidence of a great mix of varying skill sets.

Ostrom says that the family-owned company strives to create an accommodating work environment that effectively balances the staff’s professional obligations and personal needs. Pentar Homes is flexible with days off, Ostrom says, so staff can prioritize taking care of ill family members or handling personal issues when the need arises.

“We’re very laid back here, and we like to say that there’s always a solution to any problem.”

Architecturally, the Kara Vista development has adopted the craftsman aesthetic and incorporated it into townhome design. As a mixed community, Ostrom says it was important that the local townhomes blend in with the single-family homes to create one cohesive feel. Shared design features like stucco exteriors and stained beams blend the townhomes into the community, creating a diverse but aesthetically pleasing neighbourhood.

Ostrom notes that the development’s Rose Valley location is just one of the factors that will make it a great place to live.

“It’s close to downtown Westbank and downtown Kelowna, but it’s set in a rural area and it has that small-town feel. The neighbours are friendly, and it feels safe.”

The Kara Vista development was built with aesthetics in mind, and when finished, will blend in with West Kelowna’s hillside topography while still offering access to modern amenities like a daycare center, a hair salon, and public transit. Ostrom says that Pentar Homes is focused on providing affordable homes for mid-range buyers, and to that end, the strata fees will be kept relatively low.

For Ostrom, the single biggest factor leading to Pentar Homes’ success has been the company’s drive to provide a superior product.

“The market has definitely helped, but it all goes back to everyone who works for us. We all take pride in our work, and the clients see it.”

Pentar Homes

“Our office staff, Lee Parent and Kristin Battey, take care of all our bookkeeping. We also have Steve Ellson, our sales manager, who looks after the clients from start to finish, Michael Richards, our on site safety advisor, as well as our site foreman, Kelly Stapleton. There’s one more: James Grassmick, our heavy equipment operator. He’s been with us for over 30 years.”

#6-1718 Byland Road West Kelowna Phone: 778-755-6167 www.pentarhomes.com

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AL

STOBER What brought you to the Okanagan?

I was born and raised on the chilly prairies.

In 1963 on my way to Vancouver from Medicine Hat I took a detour through the Okanagan. The minute I felt the warm sunshine upon my back and saw the breathtaking scenery I knew I was home.

I remember thinking this would be a great place to live and raise my family. A decision I’ve never regretted!

How long have you been in business?

We recently celebrated 60 years in business, 50 of those years here in Kelowna.

Describe the growth of our city over the past 20 years ...

When we arrived in 1963 Kelowna’s population was 17,000. It was a small, undiscovered agricultural community.

Today its almost 10 times that size.

What inspires you?

I love the process of development. I am inspired by creating and imaging would could be built on a particular site. This excitement of the potential possibilities will still keep me awake at night. Watching a project emerge from an undeveloped piece of bare land to a place where people want to live and work brings me a lot of satisfaction.

A typical day in your life ...

I’m an early riser. I usually start the day with a 2 or 3 mile walk and then have breakfast with my lovely wife of 60 years, Sandra. Then on most days I head to the office for a few hours. I like staying in touch, especially with planning new projects. That is still a thrill.

Where do you see Kelowna 25 years from now?

Kelowna has a very bright future; it grew almost 10 times its size since 1963.

We are well on our way to becoming a sophisticated city of half a million. It is becoming the place to be for creative and innovative people and industries.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

I never dreamed or imagined I would one

day be developing high end commercial and residential properties. I began my life very simply working on my parent’s small farm in Manitoba herding cows. The success of my life still amazes me.

Tell us about the plans you have for the future of your company ...

We are a family owned company, in partnership with our children. Each of them over the years has had a part in the success and growth of the company.

Each of them has gone on to other projects of their liking. The Stober family will continue to give leadership and vision to the company serving on the ASC board of directors.

What direction do you see your company heading in?

The company is evolving from developing high end office and residential space to creating communities that artfully combine the two. We hope to be a leader in creating this concept both at Central Green as well as here in the Landmark Area. We have plans in the works to create a walkable Landmark village with more restaurants, amenities and green space for our tenants to enjoy.

What are some exciting projects in the works?

Our most innovative projects at the moment are the development of an urban style village at Landmark and the Central Green site downtown that we are developing with Mission Group. Both of these sites address the trend towards creating livable urban centres. Residents are looking for live and work options that don’t compromise on lifestyle. I am excited to see the trend towards walkable pedestrian villages, smaller living spaces, and friendly, accessible retail and commercial development.

What would you say the key of your company’s success?

The key to our success is definitely the excellent, hard working staff that we have at every level of our organization.

From the boots on the ground to the executive management we have top Spring 2017

Life is short, make every move count for something more than yourself. notch employees. We have a saying at ASC “come early, stay late.” The staff consistently exceeds this expectation.

Couldn’t ask to work with a better group

Okanagan Icons

introducing PEOPLE who MAKE a DIFFERENCE

meet

AL

STOBER Kelowna Business and Community Titan

photography: Pinstripe Productions style editor: Dena @ Dena Details Inc.

of men and women.

What would you say are the key components to a successful city?

Kelowna is definitely a charmed city. It has all the components of success. Not only does it have great climate, a favored location, and recreational opportunities in abundance it also has strong leadership.

We have a forward thinking business community, strong civic leadership, a Mayor who encourages innovation and a supportive council.

What is the driving force behind your company?

Honestly I’m embarrassed to say, but I grew up quite poor as a result I only had one goal as a young man – to be able to www.iconokanagan.com

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provide for my family. This simple desire to provide combined with my aggressive nature as a pioneer and entrepreneur became the driving force in the early years. Now as an older man having more around me then I ever imagined, my thoughts in development are more about the bigger picture of community development and contribution.

If you could start over, what would you do differently?

Not much, except to say I badly underestimated the potential of the expanding valley. I think I was too cautious and could easily have done a lot more in the 50 some years we’ve been here. I often think about that… missed opportunities.

What’s the biggest lesson learned in your years in business?

In hindsight a lesson I have learned is not to think too small. Too much of our planning has been short-term. We did not take into account the rapid development and potential growth of the valley.

Sometimes a focus on putting out todays fires doesn’t leave enough time to take advantage of tomorrows opportunities.

Now I try to think by reaching 20 to 50 years into the future.

What legacy would you like to leave in the community?

The world. I am a very grateful man by nature. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to live and work here in Kelowna. My wife and myself feel blessed and feel a responsibility to give back both locally and globally. Globally we focus on water wells and community development. Locally, our expression of giving is through the Tree of Hope. This year we have partnered with UBCO for an innovative project that measures the health and wellness of youth and children here in our city. We hope that the outcomes of this project will be translated into programs that improve the lives of children and youth throughout the Okanagan.

What is your favorite project to date?

Definitely a hospital that I was a part of building in the grasslands of Cameroon, West Africa. I and my wife, along with my daughter and son-in- law lived in Africa and worked alongside a crew of 40 locals to construct this much needed centre.

Working with the locals created lots of stories and moments of laughter that I still like to talk about.

Who has been the biggest influencer on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

That’s a tough question. I think because of my humble early family life; I have

always been very open to mentorship. I often tell my children to be careful never to be the smartest person in the room. I have always tried to surround myself and connect to good leaders. In meetings I try to be slow to speak and listen to others ideas and thoughts before expressing my own.

buying heavy equipment. Every year I stroll around at the Armstrong Fair to look at the new tractors. If I have a free afternoon my favorite way to spend it would be operating some type of heavy equipment. Some of my best memories are teaching my young sons to drive an excavator.

How would you like to be remembered?

I truly hope I am seen as someone who added value to the lives of those around them. Entrepreneurs can often be a little rough around the edges.

Has your life been different than what you imagine?

Having grown up during the depression years in the 30’s. We were poor, my expectations were not high, I still feel guilty when I see 20 pairs of shoes or several suites in my closet, and a shiny car in the driveway.

For your great-great-grandchildren listening to this, years from now: is there any wisdom you would want to pass on them?

Life is short, make every move count for something more than yourself.

What are you proudest of?

Definitely my family.

Each one of my children have become great parents and are focused on family. They are people of character and place high importance on giving back to others. What more could a father ask for? I am blessed.

What inspired you to become a good role model?

Easy answer. My 13 grandchildren as they hold the future.

Do you have any regrets?

I don’t have any regrets. But when I see Kelowna’s bright future, I sometimes wish I was 30 years younger. I can always see more land to develop and more projects to undertake in this beautiful city.

To finish the interview and to step outside the office and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning hundred million. What would you do?

Because I have lived a full life and because there are many needy and worthwhile worthy causes I would probably give most of it away.

What motivates you?

The nicest thing about the future is it starts tomorrow. You must have a good reason to get up every morning.

Thank you for this interview!

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I was raised a hard working Baptist… we don’t have guilty pleasures! But If I have to pick something it would definitely be

For all new projects and Landmark community events please visit

Spring 2017

www.landmarkcentre.ca www.iconokanagan.com

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!

!

! !

When it comes to your Business:

Systemization = Saleability

Speak to any business owner, large or small, and they are bound to have countless tales of all the Blood, Sweat, and Tears, that it took to get their business where it is today. There is little disputing the fact that building a successful business requires an enormous input of effort, especially in the early days of the operation.

The key words here are, “EARLY DAYS”. You should have full expectation of going “nose to the grindstone” in the beginning; however, if you are several years into business ownership, and are still in startup mode (read: 80+ hour work weeks), or if there is no possible way that your business could function in your absence, you have got a problem on your hands (at least when it comes time to sell).

It happens all too easily; you start (or takeover) a business and come charging out of the gates, guns blazing! Everything must be perfect! And everyone knows full well, “If you want a job done right; you have to do it yourself”. Fast forward a little, add some moderate growth, perhaps some additional employees and you still find yourself with fingers in a whole lot of pies. Between tasks like: marketing, bookkeeping, banking, manufacturing, sales, H.R., and janitorial…. You may find that you have more pies, than fingers.

When you invariably approach burnout and decide that it’s time to sell, ask yourself: How on earth is any other mere mortal meant to rival my amazing feats of entrepreneurship? The answer is: they aren’t, nor do they want to.

Although you may pride yourself on your unwavering work ethic, and chuckle to your

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friends about being a “control enthusiast”, you are not doing your business (or likely your health) any favours. What do you suppose would happen to your business if you failed to wake up one day?

SYSTEMIZE I attended a seminar some years ago, conducted by author, businessman and motivational speaker, T. Harv Eker. He said something that really rang true to me: “If you’re the major “cog” in the machine, then you’re automatically the major “clog” in the machine.”

Simply put, by making yourself heavily integral to the operation, you deem the enterprise to be near useless without you.

How do you avoid this pitfall? Create good systems.

This means stepping back from a lot of the day to day operations and making yourself “replaceable”. By no means is it an easy task but, it happens by creating things like: staff manuals, upgrading point of sales systems, implementing inventory management and accounting software that can generate quick and useful reports. Task delegation is also critical. Detail every employee’s tasks and responsibilities, and allow them to do their job. Good systems, and direction will remove a lot of the discretionary choices that formerly required your input, and for the employee, it should be as simple as painting by numbers.

The goal of the exercise is to have things so clear cut, and

systemized that although your business still requires some input, it can effectively run on autopilot, and could be mistaken for a franchise. In fact, you should build your business as if it were going to become a successful franchise organization and picture your business to be the prototype for 100 more just like it (who knows? You just might be onto something!).

In the end, streamlining, and systemizing your business is a wining proposition from just about every perspective. Your employees win by having clear cut job descriptions, and more measurable performance. Your customers win, because you are freed up to focus more on them, and the overall growth of your business. Most importantly, you win, not only by reclaiming some free time (and sanity), but more importantly, making your business “Investable” from a buyer’s standpoint.

When it’s time to change operators, it’s much simpler to toss someone the keys to a Chevy vs. a Space Shuttle.

Andrew Pohl Certified Business Broker and Licensed Real Estate Realtor®.

In addition to having an extensive background in the hospitality industry, Andrew also has a Diploma in Business Administration, and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about buying or selling a Business, or Commercial property.

About Business Finders Canada Business Finders Canada is a full service Commercial Real Estate brokerage. We specialize in the sale of Business transactions and Commercial PROPERTY. We help owners sell in a CONFIDENTIAL MANNER to a QUALIFIED BUYER. We use a Confidential software program to protect Confidentiality at all times. We are a one SOURCE for all your professional business broker/commercial needs. Our track record speaks for itself.

Contact us today for more details.

A recent retail study discovered that out of 300,000 sales associates those who were trained in sales averaged 46 percent more sales per hour (and had happier customers) than those who did not train.

Top retailers like "Canadian Retailer of the Year": Lakehouse Home Store, MacDermott's on Bernard, Harvest Golf Club, Beachcomber Home Leisure, Canadian Jewelry Exchange, Kelowna Cycle, Crossings Liquor Store & Treehouse Interiors use Sales Ninja Academy to help develop their teams.

Get online service and sales training designed for retailers at: SalesNinjaAcademy.net

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Main: 250.491.1111

Toll Free: 1.888.377.8009

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Coming Up! April 19 to May 7

APRIL April 7

Okanagan Symphony Italian Airs & Graces Kelowna Community Theatre 7:30PM

April 7

Okanagan Fest of Ale

Penticton Trade and Convention Centre 4:00PM

April 7-9

BC Interior Sportsman Show Capital News Centre Kelowna

April 8

Weezer with The Trews and Flatliners

Okanagan Symphony Orchestra

South Okanagan Events Centre Penticton 7:30PM

April 8-9

Craft Culture Spring Market Kelowna Curling Club

April 10

City and Colour

Cleland Community Theatre Penticton 8:00PM

Anne of Green Gables Kelowna Actors Studio

April 20

Interior Jazz Festival Kelowna Community Theatre 9:00AM - 4:00PM

April 21

Opera Kelowna presents A Bohemian Masquerade Coast Capri Hotel Kelowna 7:00PM

April 22

Sip and Savour

Laurel Packing House Kelowna 5:00PM - 8:00PM

April 22

Appetite for Art Fundraiser Kelowna Art Gallery 7:00-10:00PM

April 24

Ron James

Kelowna Community Theatre 7:30PM

April 28 BC Bacon and Cider Festival Laurel Packing House Kelowna 6:00PM

April 12

MAY

Prozzak

Kelowna Community Theatre 6:30PM

April 13

Jane Goodall

City and Colour

Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre 7:00PM

April 15

Jane Goodall

Kelowna Community Theatre 7:30PM

May 4

Okanagan Symphony Canadian Suite: A Sesquicentennial Celebration Kelowna Community Theatre 7:30PM

May 4-14

Okanagan Spring Wine Festival starts several locations

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Music Arts Culture

June 30 Ribfest

MAY

Okanagan Lake Park, Penticton 11:00AM

JULY

May 6

Okanagan Craft Cider Festival Be Tree Fruits Cider Kelowna 12:00-4:00PM

May 11-13

Great Okanagan Beer Festival Waterfront Park Kelowna 12:00-5:00PM

May 13

Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Ball Quails Gate Winery, West Kelowna

May 31-June 17 The Great Gatsby

July 1

Canada Day Celebration Downtown Kelowna

July 24

Bob Dylan

Prospera, Kelowna 8:00pm

July 28-30

Centre of Gravity Festival City Park Kelowna

Kelowna Actors Studio Kelowna

JUNE June 2 Trooper

Royal Le Page Place, West Kelowna 7:00PM

Get your event listed!

Just contact us ...

(250) 470-0761 Email: krista.frasz@ok.bc.ca

June 22

Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival Okanagan Lake Park, Penticton 5:00PM

June 22

A Night of Bowie The Definitive Bowie Experience Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna 7:30PM

Spring 2017

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Proper MAN photography: Sharla Pike Photography production co-ordinator: Dena Details Inc.

Local Winemaker Finds Success by Putting Creativity and Fun First

“Jason Parkes is the reluctant winemaker.

He’s the classic artist with the confidence to make wines off the beaten path, but with almost no confidence to tell anyone about them. The good news is others are telling that story and it is a good one.”

- Anthony Gismondi

Local musician Jason Parkes says that in music, wine and life, the key to happiness and success is simply being true to one’s self, regardless of what others may think.

Jason Parkes is giving the phrase “rockstar winemaker” a whole new meaning.

The former punk rocker stumbled into the wine world when he took a job at a winery as a means of making money to repair his tour van and get it back on the road.

“I started working at a winery and was kinda made a winemaker prematurely,” he says. “ I had to learn how to make wine on my own as the existing winemaker had left the company. I had to learn quickly – it was sink or swim. That’s where my passion for wine comes from. I guess, in a way, wine itself taught me how to make wine.”

After 30 years in the music industry, Jason tried to put his music behind him and he pursued wine with no intentions to ever reenter music. But when his lifelong friend Petri Nieminen moved to the Okanagan, something unexpected happened.

Nieminen found himself, at this particular time in his life, making a major transition. He was not in the happiest of places. Jason wanted to be there for his friend and was thrilled to have him back in his life, welcoming Petri to rent a home on the winery property.

The two had played together for years, and Jason had considered Petri a pillar of support during his songwriting adventures.

He thought it would be helpful to support and nurture Petris’ musical energy, and asked him to start putting together chord progressions and structures.

Nieminen accepted the challenge, agreeing to alternate weeks between work and song writing. During a hectic day at the winery in the middle of harvest season, Jason decided to head into the on-site studio and work on some material that Perti had left behind.

During this time, Jason struggled to find the right energy for the song.

“It felt like I was back where I was with my old band Glasshead,” Jason felt “But I was determined to find something that works. At first, I just wanted to finish these songs and get my friend excited to finish what he had started, so I had to at least see a few songs through.”

“If Jason Parkes could sing as well as he creates his Proper Man wines, he would be headlining Coachella and Burning Man. He’s that good.”

- Terry David Mulligan Spring 2017

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“ It was love at first sight. Jason is a kooky rock and roll winemaker and we get along brilliantly!”

- Pamela Anderson

Rather than head home for the night, Parkes cracked a bottle of scotch and tried to rekindle the experience he had as a young musician, when music was the only thing he lived for.

“Proper Man makes you want to have a glass of wine and reminisce about grand adventures”.

- Jackie Sonegra

“The 80s is where I went with these songs. To a place where feelings were fresh and exciting, yet also confusing and scared.

It was like being a kid again, but after “I’ve never heard Jason play but writing over 1,000 songs, the same if his wines are any indication he old voice I’d been probably plays pretty good. using took the freshness away.”

The wines are awesome so I can’t imagine he can do two things that good.”

- Michael Pinkus

A few drams of whisky later, and Jason was singing his heart out, fancying he was on

gifted professionals onboard, like internationally renowned producer Travis Saunders.

“Travis has helped us get closer to the sound we hoped for, and his energy and natural abilities are above and beyond what most bands get to be around.”

The slick and attractive Nori Wentworth fills the bass role, while “Cutie Pie” Calvin Lechner beats the skins. The handsome Adam Potter handles the New Wave sound effects and plays guitar.

The band occasionally gets a hand from friend Eric Chisholm, who accepts payment in the form of Jason Parkes’ expertly crafted cocktails.

Jason Parkes Customs wine clients, including the hatch, Perseus and Indigenous World Winery, have won more than 100 prestigious international and national wine awards, with many more on the horizon. Parkes himself is a Galaxy Rising Star Award recipient and one of Canada’s top indie songwriters. Jason’s songs have appeared in a variety of films, and they were recently named in the CBC’s Top 25 artists. Proper Man is also ranked No. 5 on Ontario college radio.

Parkes says that the wineries he works for are very supportive of his music, and that is why his upcoming album will be available at his client’s wineries throughout the Okanagan.

Proper Man’s vinyl EP, Fancy That, will be released April 30th, and will recommend wines for listeners to enjoy with each song.

Proper Man is currently preparing to start work on a full-length album, which will be written this summer.

Parkes says that he’s grateful to have the support of some of the Canadian music industry’s top people, and while it’s all very overwhelming, he’s grateful to have a second kick at the can.

“The band is full of the best guys I could work with – all very supportive, all skilled. It’s the same energy that I have with the boys in the cellar when I make wine. One thing I’ve learned through both wine and music is that it’s important to surround myself with good, honest people who are better than me at what I do.”

tour with bands like The Cure and Modern English. That’s when he decided to hit the record button.

Nieminen returned, and the two listened to the track together and started dancing around “quite terribly,” Jason says. They had found the energy they were looking for – something that invoked feelings. Whether those feelings were good or bad didn’t matter, as long as they made people dance.

That’s when the Proper Man sound was born.

Over the course of the last several years, Parkes and Nieminen have written countless songs, developed their style and brought

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Parkes also says that his public relations /brand manager Dena Barabash of Details Design Inc., has played a pivotal role in pushing him to find faith in himself.

“Dena has been a great support, and it’s support like hers that makes all of this feel right.”

Stay tuned and look for BIG things happening with Proper Man in 2017. Follow them on Facebook for details.

“Jason Parkes is an excellent wine maker, excellent songwriter and even better friend!”

- Darren Gilmore (manager of Hedley, Mother Mother, Matthew Koma and more)

C

by Mike Strauss

Thoroughly and Forever Spoiled:

The Very Best Things About Okanagan Summers That Keep Us Close to Home Canada’s four-season playground. Wine Country. Orchard City.

No matter what you call it, there’s simply no denying that the Okanagan is among Canada’s premier spring and summer destinations.

From the serene valley views from the top of Knox Mountain to the heart-pounding twists and turns of jet-skis on Kal Lake (that’s Kalamalka Lake if you’re a tourist) to the surprisingly busy nightlife, the Okanagan has absolutely everything that a summer vacation hotspot needs. Here are just a few of the valley’s top summer attractions for locals and tourists alike.

Award-winning Golf Courses and Country Clubs for Amateurs and Pros Alike

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The Okanagan’s 2,000 annual sunshine hours and arid climate make it an ideal setting for golf, and golf enthusiasts and professionals alike have flocked to the region en masse for years. With a wide array of Nicklaus-designed courses in the area, you’ll have no difficulty finding a country club that you can enjoy.

Almost every golf and country club in the Okanagan offers an array of courses ranging in difficulty from Spring 2017

beginner to expert, which means no matter your skill level, you can find a unique golf experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Lively Patios That Would Make Max Webster Jealous When famed Sarnia, Ontario musician Kim Mitchell wrote “Patio Lanterns” in 1986, it was a simple tune about young summer love. What he couldn’t have known at the time was that it would eventually take on a life of its own – as a summer anthem that encapsulates the carefree spirit of the summer patio lifestyle.

here. Ask any five Kelowna or West Kelowna residents, and two or three will tell you they’re transplants from Ontario or the Prairies. People of all ages are moving

to the Okanagan from elsewhere in Canada, and it’s not because they want to acquire some cheap real estate.

From the waterfalls nestled amid the remote West Kelowna bluffs to the soft sandy beaches along the Lake Okanagan shores, the valley is full of nature’s greatest displays of power and beauty – and it’s that wild, untamed landscape that makes the Okanagan the perfect summer vacation destination. With so many great summer amenities here at home, why go anywhere else?

Sure, nearly every part of Canada has its own annual patio socializing rituals, but the Okanagan has patio pastimes down to a science. A lakeside vista against the backdrop of the mountains, a gentle breeze tousling the leaves, a cold local brew to take the edge off the desert heat, and a few good friends to laugh with – that’s the Okanagan patio experience in a nutshell. Descriptions are nice, but the patio scene has to be lived to truly be appreciated.

Natural Beauty Elsewhere

That’s

Simply

Not

Found

There’s something peculiar about people from the Okanagan – most of them aren’t actually from around

Spring 2017

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Puttering Around:

by Mike Strauss

Your 5-Minute Prep Guide for Your Day of Okanagan Golfing The Okanagan has lots of great courses for golf enthusiasts to enjoy, several of which have won some major awards.

But before you head out for a round with your friends, it’s important to take the proper precautions to ensure you have a great golf experience. Here are just a few critical preparations you’ll need to make before you tee off.

Thinking of Tipping the Staff? Check with Management First If the golf course employees are doing an amazing job of serving you, it may be very tempting to tip them for their excellent service. Tipping the caddy, the restaurant server, the bag drop manager, or the person in charge of cart returns may or may not be expected depending on which golf course you visit. Private golf clubs typically include service fees in your membership, so there’s no tipping necessary. Similarly, the staff at public courses don’t expect any tips whatsoever. But at high-end golf resorts, you will be expected to tip.

So who do you tip, and how much? Golf Advisor recommends tipping your forecaddie about $20 per player, your caddie $40, and your locker room attendant $5. When in doubt, ask the golf course management beforehand what an average tip is.

Water, Water Everywhere: Bring Yourself a Drink “Make sure you bring lots of water” is the standard and oft-repeated line in golf, and for good reason. On a hot summer day, golfers can sweat up to 1 litre per hour, or even more. But heat stroke isn’t the only danger golfers face. In 2012, researchers at the University of Lincoln in the UK found that dehydration on the golf course can impair your motor and cognitive function – and throw you off your game. Even mild dehydration can impair your motor control and reduce your accuracy when swinging. Do yourself – and your game – a favour and keep water with you at all times.

Golfing in the Okanagan is a great way to get out, have fun with good friends, and enjoy the scenery. With the right preparatory steps, you can stay at the top of your game without having to worry about the details.

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Now hit the ball ... and FORE! The “must-play” courses of the season are ...

BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE Black Mountain is an 18-hole, par-71 championship mountainside golf course located in the breathtaking Okanagan Valley. Our ongoing commitment is to maintain lush and consistent course conditions while offering an exceptional experience to golfers throughout the season. Enjoy 18 challenging, well thought-out holes, including our signature island green.

Black Mountain golf course offers something for every level of golfer: from elevated greens and tees to undulating fairways and a signature island green unique to this course.

KELOWNA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Kelowna Golf & Country Club is the only golf club in Kelowna that is owned by the members. We are a semi - private Club, which although predominantly caters to member play, we do welcome the public or resort player to come and experience our traditional golf. The Golf Course is a challenging layout that has the characteristics of an old traditional course. Its towering ponderosa pines and meticulous grooming make playing this course a memorable experience. The back nine features five holes in a row where water comes into play for any errant shot. This stretch of holes is known around the Club as our “Amen Corner”.

OKANAGAN GOLF CLUB - THE BEAR & THE QUAIL The Bear Course at the Okanagan Golf Club is one of two spectacular golf courses at this 36 hole golf resort in Kelowna.

Planned by Nicklaus Design to ignite your passion for the game, The Bear’s 18 hole 6,885 yard, part 72 masterpiece design opened for play in 1999 and is unlike any other golf course in British Columbia. With dramatic sculpted fairways surrounded by the forests and sage brush hills of B.C.’s sun-drenched southern interior, The Bear is the crown jewel course of the Okanagan Valley. The Bear’s signature hole comes at number three, 453 yards of challenge requiring a combination of accuracy and distance to avoid two bunkers en route to the green.

The Quail is a magnificent par 72, 18-hole championship golf course that has become an Okanagan Valley favourite since the day it first opened. Designed by renowned golf course architect Les Furber and built in 1994, this unique course features dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views as 6,794 yards of multi-tiered fairways meander around a majestic rock bluff.

MICHAELBROOK GOLF COURSE Michaelbrook Golf Course is widely considered to be the best golf Course in its class in the Okanagan Valley!

In the heart of the Okanagan wine country, Michaelbrook is an 18 hole mid-length, BCGA rated executive par 63 golf course. Located in “the Mission” (central Kelowna), we are minutes to most Kelowna locations.

Michaelbrook Golf Course will appeal to all levels of golfer. Our generous fairways and manageable rough with water hazards on two holes can offer a challenge to most golfers, yet remain accessible even to the novice golfer.

PREDATOR RIDGE RESORT For anyone looking for an Okanagan golf experience, a visit to Predator Ridge Resort should be at the top of the list.

With 36-holes of championship golf and a golf resort community of over 600 Homeowners, it’s no wonder that Predator Ridge is known as Canada’s premier golf resort community and one of the best golf resorts in North America.

Consistently recognized as one of the best courses in Canada over the last 20 years, the Predator Course has twice hosted the prestigious World Skins Game featuring some of the best players in the world. The Predator Course offers a challenge for every level of player. The rolling hills, long grasses and undulating greens make this course - designed by legendary course architect Les Furber - an unforgettable golfing experience.

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Where the Locals Go!

• • • •

18 HOLE EXECUTIVE Golf Course Join a League - Make some friends!

Golf • Banquets • Dine-In Brookside Grill

MICHAELBROOK GOLF CLUB

1085 Lexington Drive, Behind H2O Centre

(250) 763-7888 michaelbrookgolfclub.com

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EXPLORE OUR FRESHEST NEIGHBOURHOOD

The Commonage features modern ranch-style architecture set amongst the beautiful natural landscape and rolling hills overlooking Predator Ridge. Offering a selection of home sites and resort-ready homes with exc e p t i o n a l g o l f c o u r s e a n d v a l l e y v i e w s , t h i s n e w n e i g h b o u r h o o d i n c o r p o r a t e s ove r 2 7 - a c r e s o f d e d i c a t e d p a r k s p a c e - i n c l u d i n g a n i n t r i c a t e t r a i l s y s t e m , l a ve n d e r m e a d o w, t e n n i s c o u r t s , d o g p a r k a n d m o r e .

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BOOK YOUR PRIVATE VIEWING TODAY

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CONQUER WATER.

The all-new 2017 Yamaha EX DELUXE New for 2017 is the Yamaha EX WaveRunner Series designed for buyers seeking an affordable entry to the sport of personal watercraft, but demand the durability, reliability and quality that only Yamaha can deliver.

Included in the EX Series are the EX, EX Sport and the pictured EX Deluxe. These models are shorter in length, lighter in weight, and more affordable than any three-person WaveRunner that Yamaha has offered in the past. However, the EX Series is manufactured with the same durable materials and high level of craftsmanship that Yamaha is renowned for. The result is a fun, exciting Rec Lite WaveRunner that families can enjoy for years.

EX DELUXE The EX DELUXE is powered by Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 three-cylinder marine engine that is 40 percent smaller in size, 20 percent lighter in weight and provides better fuel economy than Yamaha’s previous four-cylinder Yamaha MR-1 engine.

Feeding this engine is a 13-gallon fuel tank that is nearly double

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the capacity of competitive models in the Rec Lite category.

Under the waterline is an all-new hull design that is manufactured to precise tolerances. This lightweight SMC hull delivers excellent stability for one, two or three-up riding and towing, and precise responsiveness and predictability for thrilling one-up riding.

On the handlebars, the EX Deluxe includes Yamaha’s RiDE system, the industry’s first dual handlebar throttle controls that deliver the utmost control moving forward or in reverse. RiDE is the most intuitive driving experience on the water. Squeeze the right handlebar lever to go forward. Squeeze the left lever for reverse. At speed, the left handlebar lever will also slow you down. Release both right and left levers and the watercraft is in neutral. No shifting. No gears.

The DELUXE comes with Metallic paint colors • RiDE • Twotone cut and sew seat • Reverse • Rebounding step • Mirrors • Advanced graphics package

REIMAGINED.

The all-new 2017 212 Series For 2017, Yamaha has reimagined its entire 21-foot boat line.

style removable mats that carry through from the bow to the stern.

The 212 Series now has more in common with Yamaha’s flagship 24-foot models than it does with its predecessor. The new deck and hull design provides more space, more features, updated looks, more storage and improved handling. And new to Yamaha 21-foot models is the award-winning Connext helm control system with 7” touchscreen and joystick control.

Moving into the cockpit, there are dual Captain’s Chairs. The portside chair reclines with self-leveling arm rests and 180-degree swivel action to observe watersports.

The difference between these high-end models is the 212 Limited S includes a forwardswept aluminum watersports tower that is not included on the 212 Limited, and the 212X is designed for watersports action with its 1100 lbs triple ballast system, board racks, oversized billet aluminum rear view mirror, and a premium sound system that includes a tower-mounted sound bar, subwoofer, 500-watt amp, and six Polk audio mid-range speakers.

The refined helm layout now includes Yamaha’s award-winning Connext helm control system and joystick. Connext provides critical information such as water depth, fuel gauge, RPM, compass heading and miles per hour. Connext also serves as the entertainment hub of the boat, providing full access to radio and stereo controls, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and USB connections.

The 212 Series is powered by two 1.8L Yamaha High Output marine engines that deliver excellent performance, reliability, and durability.

Beginning at the bow, the high bow lines create a comfortable, spacious seating area for passengers big and small. Completing the bow on the 212 Limited S and Limited models are upgraded, premium stainless steel handrails, chrome plated cup holders, and premium marine vinyl seating that is hinged to make access to the expansive under-the-seat storage more convenient. There are also two great sounding speakers. The 212X features billeted, aluminum handrails and accents. All three models feature upgraded teakSpring 2017

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BMW 5-SERIES TOURING

VW ARTEON

The load-lugging 5-Series Touring is a direct competitor to the recently released Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The trunk capacity has grown to 570 litres, 1,700 litres with the seats folded down. The rear tailgate is split with a separately-opening rear window and automatic tailgate operation available as an optional extra. Available in several engine options.

The Volkswagen Arteon is the successor of the Volkswagen Passat CC and is positioned in the market above the Volkswagen Passat. The four-door coupé’s styling can be further personalized with Volkswagen equipment lines such as the Elegance and R-Line packages.

PORSCHE PANAMERA SPORT TOURISMO Yes, Porsche has joined the shooting brake market! The Sport Turismo offers a extra usability with a completely redesigned rear section and a higher roofline for easier entry and exit. With its 520-litre storage capacity it has 20 litres more than the regular Panamera (50 litres with the rear seats folded flat).

AUDI RS5 With its massive front air inlets with the honeycomb structure typical of RS models, additional lateral air intakes and outlets next to the optional Matrix LED headlights and wheel arches that are 15 millimeters wider, the new RS5 really stands out. Power is provided by an all-new 2.9 TFSI biturbo engine producing 450 hp and 600 Nm of torque. 0-100 in 3.9 secs, top speed is 280 km/h.

FERRARI 812 SUPERFAST The Superfast replaces the Ferrari F12 as Ferrari’s fastest front-engined, V12-powered GT car. The mid-front engined 812 gets a new 6.5-litre V12 engine with a staggering 789 hp at 8,500 rpm (800 cv in Ferrari terms). The top speed is somewhere in excess of 340 Km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint is done in just 2.9 secs. The 812 Superfast gets a dual-clutch transmission with new gear ratios, reduced shift times and a sharper throttle response. It also comes with Ferrai’s four-wheel steering system called Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV) and EPS (Electric Power Steering).

RANGE ROVER VELAR This mid-size Range Rover fits into the model range between the Range Rover Sport and the Range Rover Evoque. It comes with some cool features, such as the new state-of-theart Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, super-slim matrixlaser LED headlights, flush deployable door handles and Burnished Copper-coloured detailing embody. The wheelbase is 2,874mm which is around 100 mm longer than the Evoque and 100 mm shorter than the Range Rover Sport.

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MERCEDES E-CLASS CONVERTIBLE The new E-class convertible is arguably the most beautiful. It benefits from the generous size of its new platform, which is now the same as for the E-class sedan. Unfortunately (to many) there is no V-8 option available, the top model for now will be the E 400 with a 329-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. There may be a 3.0-liter inline-six with electric supercharger and a turbocharger a bit later, though, offering more than 400 hp, marketed as the AMG E50.

not just for gearheads

GENEVA 2017 The 87th Geneva International Motor Show

The 87th Geneva International Motor Show closed its doors just 2 weeks ago. One of the most interesting auto shows of the year, GIMS is known for its many supercars and conceptual masterpieces.

JAGUAR I-PACE The I-Pace previews an-all electric concept that sits on the F-Pace’s architecture with a double-wishbone front axle and multilink rear suspension. Jaguar plans to produce it next year. It will accelerate to 100km/h in just over 4 seconds and features rapid charging technology for the 90 kWh battery that produces 395 horsepower.

Which doesn’t mean that manufacturers don’t show cars for the regular buyer, and even if many of them are only available to Europeans we managed to find some models that will or should hit our showrooms fairly soon.

So here’s our pick, a good mix from the convertible, to the family sedan, SUV and the supercar ...

HONDA CIVIC TYPE R Honda premiered the Civic Type-R with a pretty aggressive aerodynamic package. Part of it are a smoother underbody, front air curtain, lightweight rear wing, and vortex generators at the trailing edge of the car’s roof line. The engine is a 2.0-liter VTEC turbo engine, which was optimized to now deliver 320 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Six-speed manual transmission.

An Editor’s Pick Spring 2017

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automotive

2017 Hyundai Sonata

T

he Hyundai Sonata continues to offer a strong lineup in 2017 with three efficient powertrain options, great technology, and newly available dynamic bending light. The 2017 Sonata starts at $24,799.

Dynamic bending light bolsters an already impressive list of available safety features on the 2017 Sonata, including: Automatic emergency braking, Smart cruise control, Lane departure warning, Automatic high beam assist, Rear parking assistance system and Blind spot detection system. Sonatas equipped with blind spot detection receive additional benefits of lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert. T he 2017 Sonata comes standard with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with indicators for each tire.

An all four-cylinder lineup continues to power the Sonata in 2017. The base, naturallyaspirated engine, the 2.4-liter Theta II GDI, produces 185 peak horsepower and 178 lb. ft. of torque. The Sonata Eco comes with a 1.6-liter, turbocharged Gamma engine and delivers 178 peak horsepower and 195 lb. ft. of torque. It mates to an efficient seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Eco models achieve 28 and 36 mpg EPA fuel economy, city and highway, and 31 mpg combined. The rangetopping 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI generates 245 peak horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque. Both Theta engines are paired with a six-speed SHIFTRONIC ÂŽ automatic transmission.

Kelowna Hyundai 3260 Hwy 97 N 250.491.9467 www.kelownahyundai.com

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884 McCurdy Place Kelowna BC 250.860.0041 www.cicustoms.ca

presented by CiC CanadianImageCustoms

SPRING CAR MAINTENANCE! Prime Time for a Comprehensive Service.

From potholes and road salt to ice and snow, winter weather can be brutal on your car. Now is the time to wash away all of the winter sludge, put the summer tires back on, and get your vehicle inspected and maintained. And we can help you with all of it, and more! And CIC we will make sure that your ride is safe and ready for the summer season. Here are some tips for you to get started ...

GIVE IT A GOOD WASH Yes, simple as that! Salt can cause some serious damage to your car. So take it to a good car wash and clean the undercarriage. Use the pressure washer to clean the tires and inner fenders. Now schedule a service appointment with us, and we will do the following for you ...

CHECK THE SUSPENSION AND ALIGNMENT Those potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. Does your steering wheel vibrate? Does the car pull to one side driving straight? We will make sure that everything is in perfect working condition.

CHANGE THE OIL AND OTHER FLUIDS We will make sure that you have fresh oil and

filters, and we will flush your transmission fluid and replace it. And if you need window washing fluid, brake fluid and fluids for your a/c we will do that, too.

PUT THE SUMMER TIRES ON Do you have summer tires? Bring them, we will put them on. Or, should you need new summer tires, we’ve got you covered! We will also rotate the tires, and check the tire pressure including your spare tire.

CHECK THE BRAKES One of the most important parts of the service check-up are the brakes. We will check the pads and rotors to make sure there are no safety issues.

Your One-Stop-Shop ...

At CIC we offer the full service. From car maintenance to tires, rims and more. And those things we don’t offer ourselves are handled by local specialists we work with. You want your car protected with 3M clear film? Not a problem. A vinyl wrap? We will help with it, too. And if your car needs some better performance, a LED light conversion, suspension lits or upgrades, make sure to talk to us. We are also known for our Diesel service.

Service. Maintenance. Quality. That’s CIC!

“With our shared passion for vehicles and our focus on putting the needs of our clients ahead of everything else we strive to assure your satisfaction and excitement with the level of service and quality of the products you receive from CiC. With top level qualified technicians and state of the art equipment we can not only service your vehicles but make them as unique and personal as you can imagine.”

Kelly Mouillierat

DON’T REPLACE

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Premium Service • Premium Quality • Premium Installation

ALL FOR LESS THAN A PREMIUM PRICE! My husband and I decided to re-face our kitchen cabinets. We got a quote from a big box store and a cabinet refacing company. Their price was out-to-lunch! A friend of mine told me to call Mike at Premium Cabinets, so we did. He came, did the lay-out, helped us pick colours and door styles, crown moulding and new handles. We also had them build us a pantry wall cabinet and they also installed granite countertops. We love our kitchen, and Mike!

Pat & Bob, Kelowna

We have over 100 colors in stock

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INSTALLATION or UNDERMOUNT SINK Granite, Quartz, 1 1/4” thick, no imitations, no maintenance

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We had 3 different quotes from 3 different granite companies for granite to be installed in our home. Premium Granite Works was the only company to offer the complete package.They redesigned our kitchen island and supplied the carpenter and the plumber. There was no extra charge for them to remove the old countertops and dispose of them.

The installation was perfect and our granite is out of this world. We would refer Premium Granite Works to friends, family and neighbours. Thanks Bill.

Ask about our Kitchen re-facing Packages!

Ray and Bernice

1132 Stevens Rd., West Kelowna • 250.763.8303 premiumgraniteworks.com

design TRENDS

REFLECTING EMOTIONS The Influence of Colour

by Louise Lambert

What a difference a year makes — not only in our political world, but how we paint our homes.

Colour has the power to reflect our emotions and feelings. In 2016, the Benjamin Moore paint company declared White to be the colour of the year and shocked us with its steadfast austerity. Shadow (paint code: Shadow 2117-30) is this this year’s superstar colour. It is best described as a royal amethyst dripping in drama. Gaia Mueller, of Benjamin Moore in Kelowna and West Kelowna, remarks that rather than being alienating and cold, it is warm, relatable and comforting”.

The artist side of me adores shades purple or aubergine. I use them to create depth and atmosphere. Not an obvious colour to the viewer, it allows objects to take center stage, creating a beautiful back drop.

Shades of purple may work in art, nevertheless, why did Benjamin Moore feel moved to choose something drastically different from their white? Ellen O’Neil, the creative directive of Benjamin Moore stated the following in a recent interview with Architectural Digest. “Simply White, as the 2016 color of the year was a tough act to follow,” and she admits “we all felt a little color-deprived.”

O’Neil was influenced by her travels to Paris, Korea, and Copenhagen.

She says Shadow reminded her a lot of this incredible smoky, deep purple. It is a really usable colour—four walls in that colour would work.

It’s more Russian tea room than Scandinavian cafeteria. People are looking for layers — it’s tactile materials, its textures, it’s palettes that are much bolder.” Perhaps a Russian Tea room is a sign of things to come.

So how does it work at home? Mueller, part owner of Benjamin Moore Kelowna and West Kelowna, provides these convincing thoughts on Shadow or shades like it. “It adds drama and romance to a colour palette which had tended toward minimalism and even austerity over the last few years. Our world is, as Webster’s dictionary put it in their 2016 word of the year, surreal.

“I believe a colour like Shadow takes us away from what can sometime be bleak or austere whites and greys toward the more reassuring warmth

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of jewel homes.”

Outdoor Comfort On Demand Sunesta.com

This rich shade will work very well with our Okanagan palette which we featured in our 2016 articles (see www. winecountrystudios) and May décor article Use darker tones of purple in wine shades in a room you use at night, such as a media room. It will envelope you and feels very peaceful and calming.

Emblematic of royalty, purple may also make you feel rich.

If you’re tired of the beige on beige or grey, try something a little more exciting. It has a powerful effect on our emotions.

If you don’t want to pick up a paint brush, introduce these jeweled tones in your accessories for starters. Embrace the drama of the year with the new colour of 2017.

About Louise Lambert Great style is now within your reach. Professional artist and popular designer Louise Lambert, now offers “Fresh Fix Designs”, collaborative designs that will inspire a creative and cost effective approach to refresh your home.

Custom Retractable Awnings, Screens & Shelters

Outdoor comfort when you need it, Retractable when you don’t.

Custom sizes and fabric Call for a FREE estimate.

Call 250-212-3674 or visit www.winecountrystudios.ca.

At Cooper & Enterprise

250.762.5587 solarcenter.ca

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Fashion Bedding 2821 Pandosy Street

250.762.3130

Toll Free: 1.800.667.4886 www.duckydown.com Spring 2017

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Shabby Chic Couture

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okanagan dream homes

Shabby Chic Couture Designing a home that is both breathtakingly beautiful and luxuriously comfortable to live in is a challenge that Okanagan-based interior design firm, Rock House Style, tackles every day for their clients. This shabby chic, dreamy lower mission home renovation created just that - a space that was elegant, romantic, and filled with treasured antiques and vintage flair, yet still perfect for the home owner’s young, modern family and lifestyle.

photography: Michael Harrison Jenn Beal Photography words: Sam Shakura

The graceful interior celebrates the inherent beauty found in antique pieces and rustic natural materials like the stunning handcrafted old world hickory hardwood floors.

With soft light cascading the rooms through patterned sheer designer drapery, walking into any area feels like euphoria. The jewelry of the space, the spectacular chandeliers, create a mood that is both alluring and harmonious, sparkling in the Spring sunlight.

“We want to design home’s that honour our client’s precious personal belongings, tastes and desires while making sure all of the home’s occupant’s voices are heard and personalities displayed. It’s a balance - of masculine and feminine, of new and old, of luxury and livability. That’s what a ‘dream home’ mean to us - a place our client’s find sanctuary from the outside world, a place they can recharge, rejuvenate, create and dream. A place that not only represents who we are, but transforms and inspires us to be the best version of ourselves, every day.” ~ Sam Shakura, Rock House Style

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In this space, the designers created a serene color palette of whites, off-whites, flax, caramels and rich, dark chocolate browns, incorporating their client’s existing furniture with a few new special pieces, like the linen birdcage chairs and vintage marble and iron coffee table. Sam says “when using a palette that is void of bright hues and overly complicated color combinations, we focus especially on the textural components of the space. With textures like antique mirror, rattan, hand-dyed linen, damask wallpaper, rough brick and delicate marble, the home is a tactile adventure that balances the soul and lifts the spirit.”

One of our favourite design moments in this home are all of the gallery-style photowalls and collections of art and photographs throughout the space. You truly feel, when you enter this home, that it is full of love, life and adventure and occupants who cherish each other and the memories they share. The designers incorporated the client’s young daughter’s art work, vintage frames, and unique decor pieces into the photo collections to give it an extra spark of whimsy and creativity.

Some of the unique features of this Kelowna home are: • • • • • • • • •

Custom-designed 7’ crystal chandeliers Elica hood fan art An antiqued safe built in to the office millwork A giant antique Parisian door hung as art in the living room Architectural plaster moldings, medallions and details throughout Tongue & groove vaulted wooden ceiling Designer wallpapers Freestanding claw foot tub Family ‘Wall of Fame’ photowall

To check out more Dream Homes, visit www.rockhousestyle.com.

Shabby Chic Couture Spring 2017

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smile!

GIVING GIGGLES

Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna, March 6th photography by Gary Nylander

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Kelowna General Hospital Foundation held a celebration event with celebrity guest Jillian Harris and her baby, Leo at the Rotary Centre for the Arts Monday for the successful completion of the ‘Giving Giggles’ campaign that raised $3 million towards specialized equipment and comfort items for KGH’s new Perinatal Unit.

The final amount raised was $3,283,389 which went towards such items as Giraffe Infant Warmer, Wireless Fetal Monitors, Central Monitoring for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, HUGGS Sercurity System, and Kangaroo chairs.

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The Fundraising campaign started was launched in 2015, six month prior to the opening on March 6, 2016. Now, one year open, upwards of 1600 babies have been born. KGH’s Perinatal Unit is the most advanced in the Southern Interior Region. The hospital is rated level 2b, meaning it can safely care for premature infants born up to 10 weeks early.

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UNIQUE & unusual presented by Expressions Kelowna

LAVA GLASS BOWL Blown lava glass melted into a bowl or vase and shaped on a teak wood root.

Each piece is a one of kind sculpture and can be used as a terrarium, fish tank or the coolest salad bowl ever!

METAL ART This circular 40” metal art will create an interesting focal point. Could be used for a patio, too.

SLAT WOOD ARTWORK Oil painting on slat wood 60” x 30”

CURIOUSITY CAT Perched from a shelf, Curiousity Cat makes a unique and interesting sculpture.

GLASS CHARGER From light to dark, this 16” blue glass charger has beautiful color depth, striking texture and includes a display stand to accent any home.

LAMPE BERGER Clean the air with newly arrived decorative “Stone” catalytic lamp. An asymmetrical shape, like a pebble polished by time. A charcoal black finish enhanced with fine metal particles for a natural and mineral appearance. Not only decorative but an unrivalled purifying and fragrancing power!

Expressions 2469 Hwy. 97, Unit 230, Kelowna Phone: 250 868-8261

www.expressionsgifts.ca Spring 2017

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A style for every point of view

Kelowna

250-491-3686

Penticton

250-492-6500

Our Kelowna office & showroom at 1873 Spall Rd. Serving Kelowna, Penticton and the South Okanagan

FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION

www.budgetblinds.com

Saving IdeaS Space Brought To Life

We Offer Free In Home Consultation

• Wall Beds • Custom Closets • Home Office #3-2720 Hwy. 97N Kelowna, B.C.

250-860-7056

www.kelownawallbeds.ca

Style

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Wonderfully stunning lighting styles designed to bring some magic to your home and illuminate more than just your mind... Drop by and see for yourself.

410 Banks Road, Kelowna, BC | (250) 860-9626 | www.robinsonlightingcentre.ca

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Everwood Custom Woodworking

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Also available: Custom Designed Doors, Interior Doors and much more 100% Solid Walnut 2677 “E” Kyle Rd, West Kelowna 778.755.5688

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$15,400

Come visit our Showroom to discuss a volume discount Ducky Down Friendly Service and so much more!

Ducky Down opened its doors in 1983 and five years later, in 1988, Gwen and Adriaan bought the business. Originally from Holland, the power-couple knows their stuff(ing) and is proud of their excellent and oldfashioned customer-service, where the client comes first. It is what sets them apart and often results in long relationships with their returning customers, who order Ducky Down products from as far away as Australia!

“We provide luxury bamboo bedding to many B&Bs, and with our extensive selection of pillows and duvets and even mattresses we are a one-stop for all your bedding needs,” Gwen explains. “Bamboo covers, cases and sheets have so many healthy benefits. They are anti-bacterial and keep you at the optimum temperature for sleeping. You have to experience it.”

At Ducky Down they also custom make duvets, or refurbish any old and well-loved pillows and duvets and make them look like new. As for the filling you can choose between down, wool and silk.

Exclusive to Ducky Down are latex gold organic mattresses from Vancouver, which offer the best natural and restful sleep. “Our customers can’t believe the difference this mattress makes,” says Gwen, “and we also carry TempirPedic pressure relieving mattresses which are known for their remarkable comfort and support .”

So if you are looking for a new look for your bedroom, or a new mattress, look no further and visit Gwen and Adriaan at theirt store on 2821 Pandosy Street in Kelowna.

(250) 762-3130 www.duckydown.com

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Beachcomber The Freedom of Choice is yours...

Our aim is your pleasure - to be enjoyed in countless special moments indoors and outdoors.

QUALITY FURNITURE FOR THE DISCERNING HOME DECORATOR.

Visit our spacious showrooms where you will find a variety of the leading names in home furnishing and outdoor leisure products Beachcomber is the best of the best!

Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

VERNON 5309 26th St.

250.542.3399

KELOWNA 2457 Hwy. 97 N

www.bhleisure.com Spring 2017

250.763.8847

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TopShopOkanagan!

An Insider’s Guide to Local Treasures Forget online shopping - we have some of the trendiest stores with some of the coolest and unusual gift items right here in the Okanagan. Whether it is a bring along for a dinner invitation, a gift for a birthday or anniversary, or some new decoration for your own house ... shop local! We spent some time in the city and tried to find some interesting ideas for you!

ELATE CLEAN COSMETICS The Eco Luxury Natural Makeup. Found exclusively at the Green Vanity Boutique, Kelowna.

HIGHLINE ETAGERE The Highline Etagere by Rachael Ray Home includes one pass-through drawer, three adjustable glass shelves and a 3-way touch light. Born of clean, modern styling and rich textural finishes, this piece is a reflection of the heart of New York City: bold and fresh. Available at Beachcomber Home Leisure.

ATHENA DOOR This Phenomenal Door Package comes with a solid 42” x 96” Door slab & sidelights made out of 100% Medieval Walnut along with the Custom Iron Frame Work.This timeless, old-world door makes walking into your home special every time!

Available at Everwood Custom Woodworking in West Kelowna.

BEER BAG Can’t arrive to that barbeque with warm beer! This Beer Bag six pack tote can protect and maintain ideal temperature for up to 3 hours. Great for beach, picnics,or boating. Available at Expressions, Kelowna.

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RONIX HONEYCOMB POWER TAIL The Ronix Honeycomb Core Powertail Wakesurf Board features a ton of surface area in the tail for bigger airs off the top deck without sacrificing a bit on board feel for rail to rail maneuvers. Featuring a Powertail shape that combines the stable aspects of a Longboard and the bottom turn drive of a Thruster, the Ronix Honeycomb Core Powertail Wakesurf Board has the ability to air out like no other board you’ve surfed.

Available at Dockside Marine in Kelowna.

TopShop!

Okanagan

ADIDAS TOUR360 BOOST Featuring a premium leather upper with climaproofÂŽ technology for a rich look, soft, comfortable feel and long-lasting protection and durability, the TOUR360 boost helps you perform at your best while maintaining a sharp look on the course. Available at The Okanagan Golf Club in Kelowna.

TAYLORMADE M1 DRIVER Better Everything! The all-new M1 driver takes multi-material construction to the next level to deliver distance, forgiveness and complete personalization. Available at The Okanagan Golf Club in Kelowna.

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Make

lasting memories

with the

people you love!

by Donna Bennett

Multigenerational Travel

The excitement was building as Bill was being strapped into the zip line harness. He took a deep breath, lifted his legs, and away he went. Screams of delight rang out as three generations of family members cheered on Grandpa Bill as he zipped across on the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship. Bill unbuckled the harness, stepped off the platform, and greeted his family with a large grin across his face.

It was a magical moment, and everyone, the grandkids, the parents, and the grandparents knew it.

Multigenerational family vacations are growing in popularity, as they provide opportunities to create a lifetime of wonderful memories together.

Families today are often separated by geography, lead hectic lives, and the urge to reinforce familial bonds and reconnect is stronger than ever.

Young children and Millennials have a great sense of wanderlust. They love to actively participate in the decision of which destination to visit, and give suggestions on what daily activities are of interest to them.

While the young children and Millennials influence the planning, it is often the Grandparents (35% of the time) versus the parents (25% of the time), that are paying for the vacation. Grandparents are often helping their family have a vacation they might not have been able to do on their own.

When arranging a trip for a larger family group, it is best to plan early (a year ahead if possible) so you have the best selection of cabins on a ship, hotel rooms, flights and land tours. If possible, choose a destination that is convenient for the group, to keep the travel time down to a minimum.

Ocean cruising is a great vacation choice for a multi-generational family, as parents and Grandparents can have plenty of alone time, while the younger children and teens are in fully supervised in programs.

Many ships have state of the art fitness centers, water parks, zip-lines, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, basketball courts, bumper cars, roller skating rinks, discos, comedy shows, educational lectures, culinary demonstrations, casinos, bowling lanes, Broadway shows and nightly entertainment. And, after all that activity you can go for a relaxing massage in the spa. Ahh‌ Shore excursions also provide an opportunity to have experiences together, like snorkeling among the colorful sea life in the Caribbean, mushing with the sled dogs in Alaska, tubing down a river in Costa Rica, or learning to make pasta in Italy.

When people think of cruising, many people think about all the amazing food. We love food! When you are cruising with your extended family, everyone can meet up to share laughter and the highlights of their day at dinner. Cruise ships have award winning chefs and are floating gastronomic wonderlands. They can accommodate guests with special

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dietary needs, and have lots of kid friendly choices. Whether you are craving some sushi, escargot, quesadillas, steak, pasta, a salad, salmon, vegetarian dishes, ice cream or a pizza, there are numerous options. Are you suddenly getting hungry?

There are many different stateroom choices on a ship. You can get budget friendly inside cabins with virtual views, ocean-view cabins, balconies, and upscale suites. There are connecting rooms, side by side rooms, and accessible rooms available.

While most of the cruise lines do offer something for all age ranges, it is important to get professional advice, before you book a cruise, to get the right cruise line, ship, itinerary, and staterooms for your family. Cruise lines like Disney are a great choice when it comes to a family vacation, and give you the full Disney experience at sea. Disney is a 5- star cruise line and you will find Mickey Mouse on board, but no Casinos.

Royal Caribbean Cruise lines (4 star) is a solid choice for multigenerational cruising, and their entertainment is exceptional. They offer full Broadway shows like Cats, Chicago and Mamma Mia, and a DreamWorks Experience including parades with characters like Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. The have spectacular aqua and skating shows too!

Royal Caribbean is also the first Autism Friendly Certified cruise line, so you can feel totally comfortable leaving all your children in their care.

Princess (4 star) and Celebrity (4 ½ star) are also excellent choices for a multigenerational cruise. If your family has quite a limited budget, then Carnival and Norwegian cruise lines (NCL) are (3 star) options to consider.

Carnival’s newest ship the Vista has a massive 455-foot-long slide called the Kaleidoscope slide, and it provides fun for all ages. They also have “Seuss at Sea” and have character appearances, parades and activities including a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with the Cat in the Hat. Cool!

River cruising is also an option for the whole family. Uniworld Boutique river cruises provides discounts for travelers 4 – 18 years of age traveling with adults, and they have dedicated Family Hosts to help out.

There are family-friendly itineraries including “Christmas with Dinosaurs”, which includes shopping at the classic Christmas markets and a visit to Frankfurt’s paleontological museum. A family cruise down the Danube called “Fascination BMW” includes a tour of the state-of-the-art car facility. These and other sailings are specially priced cruises, that are perfectly planned around vacation days, and would make an ideal family getaway.

AMA Waterways is also embracing multigenerational river cruising with open arms, and has designed their newest ships to have family-friendly features like connecting staterooms, that can accommodate families of up to five people. They also have cabins that can have convertible sofa beds that can sleep 3 or 4 guests in a room.

Adventures by Disney is using the new AMA Viola ship to

offer family-themed voyages during school holidays. These sailings will offer immersion into the local culture and onboard activities such as family karaoke, magic shows, cooking classes and movie nights for Junior Adventurers.

Tauck has introduced a new river cruise for 2017 called “Family Fun Along the Seine”, and children can have a hands-on experience at the D-Day academy, and climb into authentic tanks. This is would be an incredibly educational experience for all ages.

If your family is more interested in a land tours, there are many choices available. Tauck Bridges specializes in family discovery tours like the “Grand Family Safari” in Tanzania. Other companies like Goway Tours, G- adventures and Trafalgar to name a few, are perfect for families who want to experience places like Italy, Ireland, Iceland, or Mystical Peru.

We can use our 20 years of experience to help you with every detail, so your vacation is seamless, and stress free.

Whether you go with your family on a cruise, or a land tour, travel is a wonderful way to explore new destinations, experience new cultures, and make lasting memories with your “Grandpa Bill” and the people you love.

Donna Bennett donna@kvi.travel 1-888-768-6777 Ext. 303 www.travelwithgd.com KVI travel, Kelowna’s Luxury Travel Boutique,

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The changing of seasons means it’s also time to transition your fragrance choices for SPRING. So how about ...

Eau de You! 5

1

2

3

4

1. Izia by Sisley Paris - A “modern, new and multifunctional” perfume with a focus on the note of rose. 2. Citron Fig by Clean Reserve - Ginger, fig, lemon, mandarin, and mint give this green fragrance a unique and refreshing depth. 3. L’eau Bleue by Miu Miu - A lighter, airier version of the original lily of the valley-centric Miu Miu scent. 4. Devil Tender by Ex Nihilo - Reveals a pure and reassuring sensuality through an harmonious blend of Musk,Tonka, Vanilla and Benzoin.. 5. Good Girl

by Carolina Herrera - Who cares about the scent (which is a sexy blend of jasmine, cocoa, and tonka bean) when you see this bottle?

OnlineCheck-In

Download our free app or visit greatclips.com

Because you deserve a great haircut, without having to wait!

Now four locations to serve you!

KELOWNA Brandt’s Creek Crossing, (Next to Coopers Foods in Glenmore) 110 - 1972 Kane Road 250.860.8853 Orchard Plaza (Next to Save-On-Foods) 1876 Cooper Road 250.763.1229 Airport Village (Next to Tim Hortons) 1470 Pier Mac Way 778.753.7030 WEST KELOWNA Governors Landing (In front of Superstore) 3041 Louie Drive 778.754.7588 Canadian Owned and Operated!

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SPRING 2017

in-style | SPRING 2017 CARRY ON: Chloe Nile bag; Anya Hindmarch satchel bag; Moschino flower leather bag (l-r)

Dare to Wear!

SPARKLING: Stephen Webster Fly By Night oendance necklace; Lana Fringe earrings; Tory Burch beaded tasssel necklage (l-r)

STYLISH: Sunglasses by BP; “Simple shapes with a big mix of color and textures” dress by Missoni (left); “Florals, tailoring, strong shoulders” by Michael Kors (right)

TRENDY: Prada brushed leather and jute platform slingback shoes; Aquazzura Dolce Vita snakeskin leather pumps; See by Chloe leather espadrille wedge sandals; Tabitha Simmons Harlow cork platform sandals; Stuart Weitzman Nugal leather espadrille (left to right)

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“I’ve turned into a butterfly -

My wings just haven’t arrived yet! ” We’v e Mo v ed! Aft er 1 0 y ears in a space t h at frankl y fel t ju st as mu ch a part o f my h o me as my h o me does , we t o o k a big bo ld st ep t o mo v e o u r bu sin ess. Ev en thoug h we really o n ly mo v ed t wo blo cks away, t h e ch an ce to re in v en t o u rselv es was exh ilarat in g an d t errify in g. Our ol d lo cat io n h ad serv ed u s well h o wev er o v er t ime thi ng s ch an ged bit by bit . We kn ew it was t ime fo r a cha nge h o wev er we man aged t o feed o u rselv es ju st en oug h excu ses t o prev en t u s fro m mo v in g fo rward. It wa s kin d o f like t ry in g t o driv e fo rward wh ile s ta rri ng in t h e rear- v iew mirro r.

Un t il... we go t t h e pu sh we co u ldn’t ign o re . Jus t like a cat erpillar t h o u gh , we h ad t o ju mp al l i n an d do t h e wo rk t o beco me t h e bu t t erfly !

We h ear it all t h e t ime in t h e ch an ge ro oms “ I’ l l get a go o d bra o n ce I’v e lo st so man y p ounds . ” o r “I’ll make do wit h garmen t s t h at aren’ t fi tti ng o r makin g me feel go o d u n t il...” O n ce a cl i ent sh ared wit h me t h at sh e was fin ally go in g to trea t h erself t o so me n ice u n derwear becau se sh e h ad j us t re ceiv ed a t ermin al diagn o sis. S h e said, “If I can’ t ha ve n ice u n derwear n o w, t h en wh en can I h av e it .”

Th e o n ly co n sist en cy in life is ch an ge. Wh et h er it i s s el f in it iat ed ( alway s preferred) o r impo sed o n u s; life rarel y allo ws u s t h e o ppo rt u n it y t o co co o n o u rselv es unti l the met amo rph o sis is co mplet e. S o met imes we ju st ha ve to make t h e mo v e an d o pen t h e do o rs ev en wh en we a ren’ t perfect ly o rgan ized an d lo o kin g o u r best . We need to giggle an d lau gh t ill we cry at t h e fears t h at can keep us st u ck. It go es bey o n d t h in kin g po sit iv e o r bein g op ti mi s t ic. It is abo u t accept in g wh o y o u are righ t n o w. Love t h e bo dy y o u h av e t o day an d t ake t h at added s tres s of self crit icism fro m y o u r sh o u lders - o t h erwise h o w wi l l the win gs gro w.

If y o u are go in g t h ro u gh a met amo rph o sis co n sider yourself a bu t t erfly wh o se win gs h av en’t arriv ed y et . By s i mp l y t reat in g o u rselv es wit h grace, kin dn ess an d co m p as s i on in t h e h ere an d n o w it will make t h o se t ran sit io n s ea s i er!

An d if t h at is difficu lt t h en do like we did, pu t o n a s ports bra pu ll u p y o u r big girl pan t ies an d bu ild so met hi ng d i fferen t . We do mo re t h an lift y o u r spirit s!

NEW ADDRESS: Esteem Lingerie Westridge Centre Mall #23 - 2484 Main St. (corner of Eliott & Hwy 97S) West Kelowna, BC 250.768.0171 www.esteemlingeriegroup.ca

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Time for a refreshed younger look?

Illustration Purposes Only

If you are wondering how eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can change the way you look, call for a consultation with Dr. C. Bakala.

Surgery to the eye lids and eyebags is a procedure to remove excess skin and reposition fat from the upper or lower parts of the eyelid, giving a refreshed, younger look to the eye area and face. The eyelids heal remarkably quickly.

Financing available.

Dr. C.D. Bakala M.D. FRCSC Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Skin Care

204-3330 Richter Street, Kelowna, BC cdbakala@uniserve.com

phone: 250-868-8056

www.facesofkelowna.com

Choose the Dental Office that is Right for You and Your Family!

Finding a dental office that can accommodate the needs of you and your family isn’t easy; let alone finding THE RIGHT ONE. It is important to create a relationship of trust and understanding with the dentist and dental team who will oversee your oral health. Not only should the office you select have comprehensive background and years of dental experience, but you also want a cool environment filled with people you can relate and connect with, a place that you truly look forward to going to and that is actually open when you need it!

How to select the right dental office.

Are They ‘Full Service’?

The best dental practices will offer a comprehensive array of treatment services in house and extended office hours to accommodate their clients and their busy lifestyle.

The more treatment the office is able to provide the better the understanding is going to be of your treatment history, needs, and expectations; which results in creating a better relationship.

This is exactly why True Dental offers treatment options above and beyond general dental

services like in-office sedation, hospital dentistry for children and special needs adults, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery.

Yes, we do fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, IV sedation and Implants and dentures too!

We are open Monday-Thursday from 8am-8pm, Fridays 8am-3pm, with select Saturdays and have FIVE Dentists in house to serve you and yours!

Do they Make You Feel Comfortable?

People don’t always remember what you say but they’ll always remember how you made them feel!

When you are comfortable in the dental office, it’s a good feeling for everyone involved!

Maintaining good oral health and providing exceptional treatment is simply easier and less stressful when everyone is calm and relaxed. The best dentists also recognize that dental anxiety is increasingly common and will work with you to create a comforting environment.

And for patients who feel safest when they’re in control, we provide intra-oral cameras that allow you to see exactly what’s happening in your mouth.

Do They Educate You? As a client, you have the right to determine which treatment route you take. That’s why at True Dental, we make it our mission to review all treatment options and costs before beginning work. We’ll also explain what procedures are and are not covered by your dental insurance provider. By being as transparent as possible with treatment and insurance details, we empower you to stay in control. Oral health is an investment that pays dividends for years and we’re here to assist and facilitate in any way you see fit.

So check us out online or give us a call to see what we’re about!

At True Dental, your personal comfort is our focus! This means providing a custom tailored experience that makes you feel safe. For those who crave a distraction, True Dental offers flatscreen TVs and customizable ambient music.

Unit 208-525 HWY 97 South, Kelowna

778.755.2577

www.truedental.ca Spring 2017

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M

EMPOWER YOUR HEALTH Why Home Cooked Meals Are The Way To Go

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Many of us claim to be too busy to prioritize our health. We run big companies, care for busy families, and are obligated to more than we have time for and as a result, our health suffers.

The proof is in the pudding...literally. We are most overweight, diseased, medicated, and caffeinated adult cohort in all history. And we get it, you’re busy. But guess what? We all are and your health shouldn’t suffer for it. Afterall, what’s the hustle worth if you don’t have the energy to enjoy the fruits of your labour? How much freedom can you enjoy if you get heart disease, diabetes, or cancer because you’ve eaten like you’re a garbage dumpster for two decades and now you’re stuck in a hospital bed? Take the time to care for yourself now and you will win later.

We’re a calorie-rich and nutrient-poor culture. We eat foods that clog our bodies systems instead of picking items that cleanse and enrich our bodies and we value convenience over nutrients, calories over chemicals, and trends over nutrition. We listen to “health” companies that offer quick fix products to our health problems. But newsflash; they’re not interested in your health. They’re interested in making money placing your health low on their radar.

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But nowadays, even if you wanted to get started on a health journey, it’s kind of daunting, don’t you think? Should you be gluten-free? Paleo? Vegan?

Raw food? Should you be drinking a mixture of cayenne pepper and maple syrup this week (a famous Beyonce diet)? No more caffeine? Are we juicing this week? Eating has become complicated and complexity is the enemy of execution. With all these options, it’s hard to get started.

So if we want to invest in our health and energy for the long term, we’ve got to keep it simple. We have to go back to basics; seasonal fruits, veggies, nuts, legumes, and seeds as local as possible and home-cooked meals more often; aka REAL FOOD. Eating has to make sense. If your goal is to care for and empower your health, does it make sense to eat a granola or protein bar that has 17 listed ingredients, most of which you cannot pronounce?

Does it make sense to eat anything with a year long shelf life? Keep the knowledge common people, keep it common.

If there is one area of your life you must master, this is it. Your health, which gives your the energy and vitality to live your life, is the foundation to everything else. A boatload of money ain’t worth much if you’re too sick to enjoy it. You don’t want to be one of those people who knows the value

of their health so deeply only because it took losing it to understand this. Be proactive, make baby decisions everyday like drink more water, eat your veggies, and cook meals at home.

It’s the baby investments that have the biggest impact in the long run.

Again, we all have dreams to do more, achieve more, and experience more. Life is truly incredible and we’re all so blessed to experiencing it at a time of endless opportunities. Don’t squander your quality of life because you’re tired, because you’re under the weather, or because you’re sick in a hospital somewhere. Life’s too good to let it down. Eat well, live well - it’s really that simple.

Make It Count: Easy Practices For Great Health Eat Local

Fresh fact: spring is here in the Okanagan which means farm fresh local veggies available to all of us. Eating local is good for the economy, great for the environment because you skip the long truck drives to get your produce here, and it’s great for you body. Produce that is picked while it’s green is subjected to harsh chemicals to make it ripen off the vine. Local veggies skip this step and are available at local farmers markets and fruit stands.

Make Home Cooked Meals

There is something irreplaceable about a home cooked meal plus, it’s the best option for great health. Eating out all the time subjects you to many added sugars, fats and salts that create energy crashes and make it hard to manage weight. Yes, cooking at home is time consuming but there are several companies today that take care of the shopping, cooking, and cleaning for you and offer healthy, home cooked meals for you to enjoy daily. AKA you have no excuses.

Learn To Zig & Zag

Take note that this is a game of balance. Changing the way we eat is often associated with deprivation from some of our favourite things and none of us want to engage in that game. So play the game of Zig & Zag. Think of it as the 80-20 rule. 80% of the time you’re choosing green, live, fresh foods and 20% of the time you’re enjoy the ice creams, pizzas and steaks in life. Our bodies are incredible and a glass of red wine on a Saturday night isn’t going to kill you.

Enjoy life but gift yourself with good health by choosing good nutrients the majority of the time.

Allie Henderson is a born and raised Kelowna resident who experienced the loss of her own health when she lost over half her pancreas in a motorcycle crash. That situation made it clear to her that without our health, we have nothing and has since made it her mission to empower her own health and bring others along with her.

Allie started Temple Foods, a whole-food meal preparation and delivery service in Kelowna that provides clients with a days worth of empowering, home cooked meals, fresh and ready to eat. Meals are delivered every weekday morning so clients can eat healthy, home cooked meals while saving themselves the 16 hours a week it takes to shop, cook and clean for themselves. www.templefoods.ca or (250) 864-6423.

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health|beauty

Skin Laser Treatment:

by Dr. Janna Bentley

TAKE BACK 10 YEARS

Men and women can rejuvenate their skin with a fractionated CO2 laser treatment I was born and raised in Kelowna, and as a kid spent the entire summer swimming in our beautiful Lake Okanagan… and to this day, summer in the lake is bliss.

Inevitably, with time passing and loving the outdoors, we all can get a lot of sun exposure. Damaged and aging skin shows up as roughness, spots and lax or wrinkled skin.

Most of us wish we could turn back the clock.

A recent Allergan/Leger poll said: “Close to one-half (41%) of women in their 40s want to look 6-10 years younger to reflect on the outside how they feel on the inside….

Canadian women want natural-looking results. ” Further, that “…for 30-60 year olds the #1 beauty priority is improving the appearance of skin on their face.”

For serious skin rejuvenation with improved texture and spot removal, my recommendation: fractionated CO2 laser treatment. Very little comes close the results of this treatment. Besides, what is more natural than simply turning back your own clock by as much as 10 years!

Treatable areas?

The face, eyelids, neck, back, chest/décolletage area, arms and hands.

How does it work?

When the word “laser” is mentioned, one thinks of advanced technology, high energy and maybe even James Bond. Simply put, a laser generates energy in a beam of light made up of only one wavelength – versus visible (many different wavelengths). In medical cosmetic usage, this focused beam of light can target specific things.

Why is the fractionated CO2 great? Our skin is largely water, and this is what the CO2 laser targets. The “fractionated” part is where the energy is distributed in a dot matrix manner. In other words, microscopic holes are punched into the skin in a pattern; in a way, like aerating your skin! Only approximately 20% of the skin is treated, leaving the remaining 80%. The treatment is adjusted by the physician depending on skin type and area.

Post-treatment expectations: Patients are typically presentable within 5–7 days, though some feel best with another few days. (Lighter treatments are an option, but results are not as significant.) Within the first few weeks after treatment, results include tightening of the pores, lessening of fine lines, improvement of skin texture and rough sun-damaged areas, reduction of acne scarring, and removal or reduction of sun spots and redness. The skin appears fresher and rejuvenated. After 30 days, the collagen remodelling begins; tightening occurs and continues for the next 3 – 6 months.

Investment: for smaller areas like around the eyes and eyelids, it is typically around $500 per treatment. A full package for face, eyes and neck for is typically $3000 per treatment. For optimal results, often 2 – 3 treatments are required per area, but not with the larger, more aggressive packages. With those, 1 treatment is often sufficient, but clients are so pleased with the results, they often want to repeat it in a few years. This is not necessary.

Results are amazing: years can be taken off of the age of your skin due to collagen stimulation and removal of the outer, damaged layers. Check out more before and after photos: veinskin.com/before-and-after/laser-skintreatment.

The bottom-line is ... that lasers are a remarkable part of medicine. They are powerful – so credentials and expertise is important – but used competently a fractionated CO2 can give beautiful results – and up to 10 years back!

Dr. Janna Bentley is a cosmetic medical doctor, and the Medical Director and founder of Lakeshore Vein & Aesthetics Clinic.

3293 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna care@veinskin.com Phone 250-860-9919 Toll free 1-888-860-9919 www.veinskin.com

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The Lady

by Kristine Jones

Be the woman a gentleman adores....

It’s Friday afternoon ...

It’s Friday afternoon and I did it again. I took a left onto Enterprise and very quickly came to a halt on the backside of London Drugs. Ten years ago, sneaking down Enterprise was like taking the back-way around Kelowna... quick and easy access to all your favourite intersections.

Today, taking Enterprise is like the Kelowna version of bigcity gridlock; and I am just like the many other people who whine about the traffic and how it has increased so much over the recent years. We say things like “does anyone even work in this town anymore?” and then very quickly make a mental note that it’s 1:27 pm on a Wednesday and maybe the rest of Kelowna has that one errand to run as well. Heck, there is no way you want to attempt this same errand on a Saturday at 1:27 pm, it’s even busier then.

I’m being cheeky, yes. Although getting around does take a bit longer these days, the increase in traffic around the Okanagan is actually a testament to how well we’re doing.

We live in a thriving valley amongst constant change, and I think Shrek said it best, “Change is good, Donkey.”

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle of our own day-to-day lives that we forget to soak up everything the Okanagan has to offer. It’s been a long winter so keep these ideas handy over the next few months because I challenge you to be a tourist in our own valley! Get out and re-discover, see how we’ve grown and evolved over the years. On the flip side, you’ll also experience how some things never change; like getting ice cream from Moo-Lix on Bernard, or stepping in goose poop in the park.

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Check out a distillery instead of a winery. Gasp!

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Drive to Ex Nihilo for wine and pizza – or splurge and take a helicopter there;)

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For a quick hike, try Mt. Boucherie, the views are stunning

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Take the orchard tour at Davison Orchards in Vernon – then try the pie!

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Order coffee from Bliss Bakery and head to the Gellatly Nut Farm in West Kelowna

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Yoga at a winery. Yes, this is a real thing!… try Off The Grid Organic Winery

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Head to Lake Country to visit The Kangaroo Farm, pack a picnic for afterwards

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Sunday Drive! Hit a fruit stand for snacks, stop at parks, get your toes wet, crank the tunes and just get lost

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Visit Carmelis Goat Cheese and The Okanagan Lavender Farm in the same day… then stop in at The Vibrant Vine

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Big or small… you’ll have a great time at Atlantis Waterslides in Vernon

_______________ YOU FILL IN THIS BLANK _______________..

Here are just a few ideas…

Next time we’re stuck in traffic, instead of cursing the long line in front of us, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come as a community and tourist destination. People spend their hard earned savings vacationing here, and we are the lucky ones that get to live here!

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Pile blankets and pillows into the vehicle and head to the Enderby Drive In… be sure to feed the goats at The Log Barn along to the way

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Have a picnic lunch on the patio at Dirty Laundry in Summerland

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Grab a bucket and pick your own cherries this summer

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Take a walk downtown and actually stop to read the historical signs

So this year, when you’re in a constant state of changing over the bed-sheets in the guest room… keep on smiling because what we take for granted every day, is what others are in absolute awe of when they arrive here. It’s actually pretty cool.

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Check out the funky mural behind Hotel Zed and then take a selfie next to Ogopogo by The Sails

Enjoy the sunshine!

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Take walk or bike ride at Myra Canyon Park

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Visit our local museums – they love to see locals wander through

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Order a London Fog and peruse the old books in Pulp Fiction

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Go for an evening mini-putt at Rattlesnake Canyon in Osoyoos

Kristine Jones ~ From a Thirties Girl Twitter @whitedaisies14 Facebook: Kristine Jones One day I’ll learn that Snap Chat thing. But that can be my 2018 resolution…

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iconic events!

Gold Medal Plates

Canadian Culinary Championships

And the winner is ... Chef Jinhee Lee, from Calgary. Jinhee put herself on top of the podium with her final dish on Saturday, “Cha Ca La Vong�.

A delicious ensemble of a turmeric fish mosaic with dill, paired with a Bartier Bros. 2014 Gewurztraminer, turned out to be the winning combination for the 2017 Canadian Culinary Championships. Chef Joe Thottungal, from Ottawa, and Chef Eric Hanson, from Edmonton, came second and third respectively.

The competition took off with the Mystery Wine Competition on Friday, where all chefs had to create a dish that paired with a bottle of wine they were given that day.

Saturday started with the Black Box Challenge where the chefs had to use all the ingredients they found inside their black box.

The Grand Finale was on Saturday evening at The Delta Grand Hotel. The Canadian Culinary Championships will be held annually in Kelowna until at least 2020. www.goldmedalplates.com

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iconic events!

Delta Grand Hotel, Kelowna February 3-4, 2017

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EXPERIENCE paired perfection The goal at Ex Nihilo Vineyards is that each and every guest can share in our passion while enjoying our wines. Join us and let our friendly staff guide you through an unforgettable wine paired epicurean journey with our new Tasting and Tapas sit down journey.

Book online for Okanagan’s best Tasting & Dinner Experiences

1525 CAMP RD LAKE COUNTRY BC V4V 2L3 250 766 5522 • exnihilovineyards.com

the tasting note

EXPLORING THE WINES OF THE OKANAGAN VALLEY

Is it spring yet? Did you read our Publisher’s Letter? Where we were complaining about the winter-like weather in mid March? We can’t say it is unseasonally warm, that is for sure, but we finally want to feel the warmth from the sun rather than heat from a fire. So we have hope! An extended dusk at least announces that spring is finally here. Which usually means lighter meals, and for the wine connoisseur pushing back the full bodied reds and getting the whites, lighter reds and rosés to the front. Let us introduce you to some local crisp, aromatic whites, but we also made sure to include two fantastic reds in case the cold stays around for a bit longer.

2015 BORDERTOWN GRÜNER VELTLINER

2015 NIGHTHAWK CHARDONNAY

2015 CHAOS BIANCO

BY EX NIHILO

Bordertown is one of the few producers of “Austria’s gift to the wine world” in the Okanagan. The two year old winery just north of Osoyoos, whose production has jumped to about 10,000 cases, has a young block making it a rare treat indeed.

It’s a winner .. the winner of the Bronze Medal at 2016 British Columbia Wine Awards to be exact. Silky and smooth on the mid palate with a crisp long finish, this wine from the Nighthawk Vineyards in Okanagan Falls, aged in French Oak for 10 months, features aromatic elegance and mineral complexity.

An angel craving Chaos… A storm with desire. A true love story ...

The “Grüner” blends aromas of pineapple and melon with a nice touch of minerality, followed by flavours of white peach and apricot.

“Full-bodied and luscious” ... but subtle by nature it is easily overwhelmed by pungent foods. We would pair this Chardonnay with meaty fish such as halibut or cod, or shellfish (we decided for some delicious Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese).

It has generous weight and a rich texture on the palate, with a delicious, crisp and persistent finish. BC VQA Certified.

$25.00 Alc./Vol.: 13.2% www.bordertownwinery.com

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$49.99 Alc./Vol.: 13.5% www.nighthawkvineyards.com

2012 INDIGENOUS SIMO SMALL LOT RED BLEND

This wine has been handcrafted and blended by Winemaker Jason Parkes with the utmost care. Simo has won numerous international awards including a bronze at Decanter and Gold at the San Francisco International Wine and Spirits competition.

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$34.99 Alc./Vol.: 14.2% www.indigenousworldwinery.com

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An ideal patio wine. Pair with sushi and spring rolls. Vintages $20.00 Alc./Vol.: 13.8% www.exnihilovineyards.com

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2014 NK’MIP MER’R’IYM

“A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this wine was aged 27 months in oak which contributed to the long, silky and polished tannins. It has aromas and flavours of cassis and black cherries which open as sweet fruit on the mid-palate. A hint of cedar mingles with the fruit on the long finish. 92.” - John Schreiner

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The v.2015 Chaos is a blend of Riesling (which adds some acidity), Gewurztraminer (there’s a spicy aroma), and Pinot Gris (the body), giving it a mild nose of well-integrated citrus, floral, and peach, as well as some lemon drop candy acidity on the finish.

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Mer’r’iym (pronounced mur’-eem’) means “marriage” and is the inspiration for a wine that represents the perfect union of Merlot 44% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Malbec. It is the top wine at Nk’Mip where the winemakers combined only the best blocks of grapes with some of the finest French and American oak barrels to produce a wine of genuine elegance and finesse.

Warm, rich and inviting, this full bodied wine shows aromas of blueberries, black currants and tobacco with flavours of berries and chocolate leading into a lengthy and structured finish.

Wonderful.

We had this iconic wine with braised venison with rosemary and fresh shiitake mushrooms. $54.00 Alc./Vol.: 14.5%

www.nkmipcellars.com

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Okanagan Patios: Add These Patios to Your List of Must-See Hotspots Those patio lanterns, they were the stars in the sky Those patio lanterns, lighting up our lives - Kim Mitchell, “Patio Lanterns”

It’s time to raise your glass to patio season! The weather is warming up, and with higher temperatures comes a longawaited annual ceremony, a sacred Okanagan event that marks the start to a spectacular summer: The Opening of the Patios.

The Okanagan most definitely isn’t wanting for patio space, and no matter what kind of a patio experience you want, there’s something for you. Here are just two of the area’s must-see patios.

The Best Patio View: Enjoy the Okanagan Landscape with Drink in Hand As far as views go, few patios can rival the bell tower patio at the Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Winery. This elevated open-air patio, supported by elegant stonework and capped with a rustic wood beam roof, offers amazing lake views. Nestled against the natural hillside amphitheatre, this covered patio is an ideal place to enjoy a few drinks with friends or catch one of Mission Hill’s renowned concerts.

truckload every day. While the crowds are looking down at their guidebooks trying to find their way from that Pandosy Street to the other Pandosy Street, you can take advantage of the area’s sudden short-term urbanization by people-watching - and there’s no better place to peoplewatch than at Earl’s On Top. This hotspot offers refreshing drinks and great food, and it gives you a good vantage point to survey the crowds below. It’s also popular among vacationing celebrities, making it a fantastic place to play Celebrity Bingo or Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

The Perfect Patio for People-Watching: Blend in and Observe Interesting Local Characters

The Okanagan is home to lots of great patios, all of which offer something different.

Check out some of these local patios and discover what the patio life is all about!

Summer’s arrival means tourists will arrive by the

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Discover the difference that a single vineyard can make. Visit Sandhill Winery in the heart of downtown Kelowna.

KELOWNA’S URBAN WINERY Sandhill Winery is located beside one of Kelowna’s best kept secrets, Calona Vineyards Winery Boutique. Both stores offer wine tastings of a large selection of wines, including award-winning Sandhill single vineyard wines and many rare Small Lots ... all of which you can taste year round. Located in the heart of downtown Kelowna, at BC’s oldest winery location, our Urban Winery is a ‘must stop’ on your Okanagan wine route!

B C VQA OKA NAGA N VA LLEY • B C VQA SIMILKA MEEN VA LLEY

Discover the difference that a single vineyard can make.

Visit Sandhill Winery in the heart of downtown Kelowna.

1125 Richter Street, Kelowna, BCBC •250-979-4211 1125 Richter Street, Kelowna, 250-979-4211 www.sandhillwines.ca us @sandhillwines www.sandhillwines.ca Follow• Follow us @sandhillwines

ROSE’S WATERFRONT PUB

KELO URBAN

Sandhill W beside one kept secrets Winery Bou offer wine t selection o award-winn vineyard win Small Lots … taste year ro heart of dow BC’s oldest w Urban Winer your Okanag

Great Food & Drink Great Entertainment Great Atmosphere

Rose’s is the only true waterfront pub in Kelowna, located downtown on the water next to the Delta Grand Hotel.

With a casual comfortable interior and a large patio overlooking the lake it is the perfect place to relax and have fun.

Rose’s Waterfront Pub offers a wide variety of delicious food choices as well as an extensive gluten friendly menu. From standard pub fare to gourmet entrees. Combined with daily specials and great services, you are not only sure to find something to fill your appetite, but have a good time doing so!

Rose’s offers pool tables, and a large dance floor.

1352 Water Street Kelowna, BC 250-860-1141 www.rosespub.com

QUINTA FERREIRA ESTATE WINERY Quinta Ferreira is known for their award winning wines such as the 2008 & 2009 Syrah, and, of course, the 2008 Obra Prima.

Providing stunning photo opportunities and excellent views of both Oliver and the surrounding mountains, Quinta Ferreira is also the perfect setting for events and your special day.

They also host public events that feature portuguese cuisine. Bifana’s (pork on a bun) is in spring, Paella in summer, and winemakers dinner in the caves in fall.

Wedding ceremonies usually take place atop their own caves, followed by a reception in either a 200 person tent, on the licensed patio, or in one of the handbuilt caves which will accomodate 80-100 people.

6094 Black Sage Road Oliver, BC 250-498-4756 www.quintaferreira.com

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Gate Keeper Restaurant and Lounge ... a comfortable place to meet!

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t the helm of the Gatekeeper Restaurant and Lounge at the Holiday Inn West Kelowna is Chef Chad Brigden.

He has over 23 years of experience and looks forward to providing you with a top notch culinary experience.

At a young age, he knew cooking was his passion. As his love for cooking blossomed, a career in the kitchen was his destiny. Chef Chad continued his education at SAIT in Alberta to obtain his Red Seal credentials. He began his career as a Chef in hotels before moving on to become the General Manager of Red Lobster,Tony Romas & Chop. He has studied under award winning chefs.

He later moved to the Okanagan to gain more experience in food and wine pairing. Chef worked at the Wine Festivals and gained wine experience by creating food and wine pairings with Sommeliers.

Chef Chad is forever looking for new flavours & techniques, fusing together different tastes to create exciting new recipes.

His fresh soup creations are a huge hit with the local guests.

Potato, broccoli & cheddar & chicken thai soups are to name but a few.

Chef Chad loves the summers here in the Okanagan working where he can work with fresh fruits & vegetables to create enticing dishes. At home, Chad is always making new recipes and his current passion is Thai inspired recipes.

He joined the Holiday Inn West Kelowna team in early 2016. Since that time the Gatekeeper has seen a resurgence and has a new vitality. Their new and vibrant menu is meticulously prepared by Chef Bridgen and his top notch kitchen staff. He believes that excellence is achievable whether you are dining out, or are part of an on-site catered event.

If you are looking for great food, outstanding service and a friendly relaxed ambiance, the Gatekeeper Restaurant and Lounge at the Holiday Inn West Kelowna should be at the top of your list. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast or a special night out, you need to look no further with Chef’s delicious menus. A must try appetizer for dinner is the jumbo firecracker shrimp in a red chili sauce that pops with sweet Asian heat.

The Braised Beef Short Ribs is Chef Chad’s signature dish. Topped with a Cabernet demi-glace it may be the best you’ve ever had! And don’t forget dessert - always seasonal, always changing!

Chef Chad Bridgen

Friday & Saturday nights are Prime Rib, Chef Bridgen’s hand selected cuts enhance an extraordinary meal that comes complete with homemade jumbo Yorkshire Pudding, baby roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetable and au jus.

“My goal is not only to provide our residential guests with a superior dining experience, but rather to also provide our community with a dining experience that we can all be proud of,” says Bridgen. To compliment his appetizing meals the Gate Keeper Restaurant & Lounge has an incredible listing of 100% local wines, with the majority from smaller wineries right here in West Kelowna.

Gate Keeper Restaurant and Lounge Holiday Inn West Kelowna 2569 Dobbin Road West Kelowna T: 250.768.8879

Winter 2017

www.holidayinnwestkelowna.com

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The Chef’s Corner!

The Must Have Kitchen Essentials Meet Bolo Bolo combines two of humanity’s most important inventions to date: the knife & the wheel – creating the perfect Rolling Knife! Perfect for dicing, slicing, chopping and mincing each and every time. www.meetbolo.com

Hot Dog Toaster The Nostalgia Pop-Up Hot Dog Toaster cooks two regular-size or extra-plump hot dogs at a time. Great for entertaining and as a fast meal solution for the whole family. Walmart, Home Depot etc.

Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker Just choose your bread and layer on the fixings: egg, cheese, precooked meat, or the ingredients of your choice.

Cook two breakfast sandwiches to perfection and to your preferences, and know when it’s ready with the built-in digital timer. Cleanup is easy - all removable parts go in the dishwasher. www.hamiltonbeach.com

Jokari Pasta Basket The portion control Pasta Basket measures one serving of pasta.

Its silicone basket provides a contained cooking space and up to four baskets fit into one pot. www.jokari.com Jovial Tea Infusers This is the set of three figures that infuse one’s tea with whimsy.

Made from BPA-free silicone rubber, a mellow manatee, smiling sloth, and happy-go-lucky human each open at the waist to accept your preferred loose-leaf tea. Each hangs from a teacup’s or mug’s lip by its flippers, hands, or elbows with an expression of contentment while its perforated lower half brews one’s hot water into a pleasing reminder that tea-time can be taken anytime. www.hammacher.com

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Spring 2017

The Pet Store Must-Haves For Your Best Friend

HandsOn! Bentley says: “I need a massage!”

For bathing and grooming, the scrubbing nodules on the fingers and palms provide a deep thorough clean and are the best de-shedders. www.handsongloves.com

The BrilliantPad Bentley says: “I think I would destroy it...”

The Shark Kitty Bed Bentley says: “And she’s eaten alive!”

It is the world’s first self-cleaning indoor dog potty, for puppies & small dogs. A pad roll motor automatically replaces soiled pads with a fresh leak-free odor shield lining.

This special edition Cat Ball cat bed has been cleverly recreated to be a ferocious cat-eating shark. “A modern cat bed with a great cat approval rating.” www.thecatball.com

pad.com

Treat & Train Bentley says: “Can I check my text messages?”

www.brilliant-

Created to fit both small dogs and cats, the Scollar smart collar is a sleek little device that has an interactive display screen, GPS with Bluetooth for dog and cat tracking, reminders and notifications for feeding, flea and tick applications and other medication. www.scollar.com The Paw Hide Bentley says: “Figure it out!”

The Paw Hide inspires natural, treat-seeking fun! www.outwardhound.com

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the last word...

What We Love About The Okanagan

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Edited by Deborah Lampitt-McConnachie. Photo by Carmen Tomé.

Insider information is everything! This issue we speak to Christina Ferreira, owner of Impact Events, about some of her favourite things in the Okanagan.

Okanagan Farmer’s Markets: I especially love the one in Penticton. I’m a dog person, so lots of my decisions are based on what I can do with my dog - Grace, the 9 year old collie/shepherd cross - and I can take her there. It’s worth the trip from Kelowna.

You can spend the day and come home with lots of great organic produce.

Hiking Trails: I hike year round – unless the snow gets so bad that I can’t get up the hills. Rose Valley Regional Park has kilometers and kilometers of trails. It’s really well maintained by the City of West Kelowna, well-marked, and has the most incredible views.

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Urban Harvest: This is a great home delivery service I utilize outside of the regular farmer’s market season. Fresh organic food is delivered to my door in a big Tupperware container – you can order weekly or by subscription, and there are flat rate baskets, or you can pick and choose what you get. It is really convenient for a busy person.

Visiting Wineries: I could do this every weekend, and I love that our wineries are clustered, so you can visit a bunch at the same time. 98% of the wine I drink is from BC, and 90% of it is from the Okanagan. I’m a big supporter of local, and most of these are wines I pick up from my tours.

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Dog Beaches: If I’m not drinking wine I am enjoying the dog beaches with Grace. Gellatly Dog Beach is always a great one, and I am also at Cedar Creek Park all the time. I’m really looking forward to the possibility of the city opening up some more.

Boutique Shopping in Pandosy: There are all these great boutiques, whether you want clothes, gifts, etc. You can walk around, it’s a beautiful area, lots of great places to eat…

Bar Culture: I really like venues that have great bars to sit at. Oak N Cru, Raudz, Micro Brewery are some of my favorites. Sitting at the bar is really social, and you always meet new people.

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Brunches: I love that we have so many farm-totable chefs around. Weekend brunches are so social – they are a great way to spend Sundays with friends. Old Vines at Quail’s Gate is always great for brunch. And I really want to try Krafty Kitchen, I hear great things about it.

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The Bone & Biscuit Co.: This is where I go to shop for Grace. They always have really trendy and affordable collars and leashes, plus locally baked treats for your dog.

www.iconokanagan.com

Spring 2017

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Dîner en Blanc: This is the not to be missed Okanagan event. The energy you see – 1200 to 1500 people who come together and get along.

So much happy! The attendees get so creative, make such an effort, and people always come away from the event with new friends.

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Patio’s: the patio culture in Kelowna is great, especially after the revitalization of Bernard Ave – there are now so many patios where you can spend the afternoon. Lakeside at Manteo or the Eldorado are great too.

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Oak + Cru: Definitely on my ‘must’ list. I like the food, the patio, the bar, the cocktail culture.

When you sit on the patio at Oak + Cru you don’t feel like you are in Kelowna. Also, I’m gluten free and they have lots of gluten free choices!

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Local Performing Arts: Ballet Kelowna, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, Kelowna Actors Studio, Opera Kelowna – all create programs that cater to everyone. Over a season you will definitely find something you like.

Live Music: the Eldorado have music on Friday nights, and Oak + Cru has either DJ’s or live music. I love that they are bringing this energy into their locations. When planning Friday or Saturday night with friends, I always think ‘who’s got great cocktails, a great bar and live music?’

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Live Music + Wine: This combination is a miracle to me. The Cedar Creek Concert Series, or the Summer Concert Series at Mission Hill...

Sitting at a winery listening to music - it’s hard to explain, but so wonderful. I most recently saw Michael Bolton at Mission Hill, and I discovered I knew all his songs. I love that wineries are thinking out-of-the-box with their events.

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REGENERATIVE MEDICINE SPECIALISTS Combining experience in care and expertise to provide Lake Country with treatments to look and feel younger.

Dr. Wes Woychuk | Physician

Over his many years of practice, Dr. Wes has established an impeccable reputation for his attentive, accurate and effectual care.

Further to his extensive experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Wes applies his talents in the field of aesthetic medicine to enhance your wellbeing with anti-aging treatments.

Lauren Woychuk | Nurse & Director of Operations

Thoroughly trained with years of experience as an emergency room nurse, and with exquisite attention to care and anti-aging treatments.

Lauren ensures your W180 MD experience is flawless, and your results are outstanding.

250 878 6043 • L AKE COUNTRY, BC • W180.CA HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY • BODY CONTOURING • LASER THERAPY FOR SNORING • STEM CELL THERAPY • INJECTABLES