Okanagan Life Nov/Dec 2012 by Okanagan Life

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publisher/editor senior editor associate editor creative director administration contributing writers

Michael Botner Laurie Carter Bruce Kemp Susan McIver Dawn Renaud Gillianne Richards Yvonne Turgeon Shelley Wood

contributing photographers

Michael Botner Laurie Carter Bruce Kemp Gillianne Richards Yvonne Turgeon

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ISSN 08405492 (Okanagan Life) / ISSN 11803975 (Okanagan Business) / Okanagan Life magazine is a member of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, Summerland Chamber of Economic Development & Tourism, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce, British Columbia Association of Magazine Publishers (BCAMP), City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) and Circulation Verification Council (CVC).

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contents departments 6

Paul’s Voice

8 Pulse News roundup 10 In Person Cynthia Kereluk and Paul Rodgers 11 Bookshelf Titles from Okanagan authors 12 culturista Yarn bomb! 40 high spirits What you neet to know befor you

pop those preciou bottles into the wine cellar

who among us Homeless people in need of a safe

bed on a winter night receive a warm welcome at Inn From the Cold

46 rearview Postcards past: picture

the memories

28 features 14

Best of the Okanagan Results of Okanagan Life’s 18th annual

Best of the Okanagan Readers’ Choice Awards

Travel Planner Get set to make your getaway: news from Kelowna

special section 37 Flooring Canada Business crisis sparks inspirational

display of team solidarity and community support

International Airport plus spotlights on Puerto Vallarta and Amsterdam

Photos by Gillianne richards, bruce kemp, Rowan Thornton, laurie carter and contributed

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Democracy reigns supreme for BOTO Twice each year for 18 years, readers of Okanagan Life have come together in an exercise celebrating democracy, to vote for their favourite pastimes, businesses and people. It appears the Best of the Okanagan (BOTO) brand is alive and well in the Okanagan—you only have to walk along any Okanagan or Shuswap main street to see the award certificates in the windows and on the walls of the proud recipients. Okanagan business leaders woo your vote by providing exemplary service and brilliant products, and by doing so they instil a steadfast pride in our communities. Okanagan Life editors take BOTO very seriously—largely because the brand has become so important to readers and business owners—but also because this little 25-year-old magazine now boasts one of the largest per capita circulations of all magazines. Because Okanagan Life is delivered to over 10,000 businesses, where practically everybody will have the opportunity to see and read it, BOTO has become even more important. And readers are what BOTO is all about. For years they have been filling out a paper ballot from the magazine to vote for their favourite everything and everyone. This year, Okanagan Life editors directed readers to OkanaganLife.com for a brand new voting experience, free of line-ups, swing states and negative ad campaigns. According to national surveys, holiday shopping will be up this season. The holiday outlook predicts a 15-per-cent

jump in spending over last Christmas. Okanagan shoppers have a plethora of choices, thanks in part to the Best of Okanagan issue. When you’re shopping, shop local and shop Okanagan. Spending on trips is projected to increase as well. You’ll find lots of sunny gems in our travel feature, also included in this best issue. We’ve got hot sunspots and even European excursions to tempt you. The best businesses you will find in this issue were shaped by millions of unconscious purchase decisions by thousands of Okanagan consumers, who vote with their wallets every day. Their theory of who deserves to be named best is an automatic process. They simply vote for their favourites. To that end they are as accurate as their memories and since all memories are re-written each time we remember, we think Okanagan Life is a best reminder.

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pulse

Miradoro CHEF JEFF VAN GEEST (L) with BOGNER’S OF PENTICTON CHEF DARIN PATERSON (R). Above Righ: Jeff Van Geest with gold medal figure skater Jamie Sale.

Okanagan chefs vie for BC Title Vancouver showdown for Gold Medal Plates berth Farm-to-table cuisine is nothing new for the Okanagan chefs who will showcase their culinary talents in Vancouver in mid-November. Ten chefs will compete head-to head for the title of BC’s top chef and a place at the table at the Canadian Culinary Championships set for Kelowna in February. This is Kelowna’s third year as host city for Gold Medal Plates, which is also the largest celebration of Canadian wines in the country and an important a fundraiser for Canada’s Olympic team. Representing the Okanagan are chefs Darin Paterson of Bogner’s in Penticton, Jeff van Geest of Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek in Oliver, and Mark Filatow of Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar in Kelowna. Teaming up with a local producer, Darin had a hand in raising the lamb he’s chosen as his feature entrée. While he won’t reveal all until competition night, he’s sure the earthiness of his choice lamb cut will pair perfectly with

a Reserve Meritage from Red Rooster. “We have an abundance around us and we get to come to work and find things to play with every day,” says Darin, who is particular proud of his culinary garden steps outside of Bogner’s door. “We really need to appreciate what we have here, as many around the world don’t have that abundance.” Jeff and Mark have also chosen locally raised meat to please the palates of the judges and the more than 500 guests expected at the event. Across the fields from Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and Jeff’s kitchen at Miradoro is the Okanagan’s Finest Angus Beef, his pick to present a stunning plate. The Southern Plus Feedlot takes full advantage of our dry, temperate climate, ideal for housing

and feeding cattle (and, as we know, growing grapes). A first time Gold Medal Plates competitor and a new recruit to the Valley, Jeff has fallen in love with the place. “Personally, I love cooking fall food, especially wild mushroom that I pick myself,” says Jeff. “Moving from the Coast I had my spots there. I haven’t found a lot of variety in the south, so I’m looking forward to heading more north.” Mark is also going local but adding a bit of international flare. He’s hoping those flavour notes will be brought out by his wine choice, Orofino’s Scout Vineyard 2010 Syrah. Mark echoes his fellow chefs’ love of cooking in the Valley. “The Okanagan has some of the best ingredients in the world,” he says. “Every time I travel I realize it more and more.” —Yvonne Turgeon Photos by Yvonne Turgeon

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

pulse

Freestylers flying high Apex to host major events The Apex Freestyle Club has been awarded two high profile freestyle ski competitions for the 2012/13 season and will also co-host the Canadian Team Senior Mogul Selections with BC Freestyle. These events are a great opportunity for locals to see Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic hopefuls close to home for free. Drawing some 60 athletes from across Canada, The Canadian Team Senior Mogul Selections, to be held December 13–16, 2012, is an opportunity for Canada’s top mogul skiers to gain a competitive spot in the upcoming NorAm events. This single and dual mogul event is amazing for spectators. The prestigious NorAm Cup is slated for February 14–17, 2013. The only stop in Western Canada this winter, athletes from 10 countries hope to gain points for the jump to national teams and the World Cup. March 14–18, 2013, promising talent from across Canada will battle it out for a chance to become a Canadian Champion and impress the Team Canada coaches at the Canadian Junior Nationals Freestyle Skiing Championships.

The Land is our Culture Exhibition features Syilx artists Barbara Marchand (L) and Janine Lott (R)

The land is our culture Joint Museums/WFN exhibition now showing The Kelowna Museums, in collaboration with Westbank First Nation (WFN), is currently hosting The Land is Our Culture; an exhibition celebrating the Syilx/Okanagan people. Featured in the exhibition are the provocative artworks of Barbara Marchand and Janine Lott, Sylix artists who express their personal and ancestral connections to the land through cultural and contemporary media and techniques. Both artists discourage stereotypes that exclude their place in the context of modern or post modern approaches to art making. As aboriginal women, they believe in a merging of the past, present and future, defined by ancient oral teachings, stories and dreams. Inherent knowledge that transcends time is a common principle associated with the aboriginal world view. “It’s in our DNA” is a phrase coined by elder, teacher and fluent language speaker Delphine Derickson which epitomizes the concept. This collaboration between the Kelowna Museums Society and Westbank First Nation is a first for the two organizations. “Westbank First Nation has had a long and positive relationship with the Kelowna Museums,

and this exhibition is a reflection of that relationship,” says Gayle Liman, heritage officer and curator for the Westbank First Nation. “The visual and written stories in this exhibition represent the authentic voice of the Syilx people, and the Kelowna Museums Society is to be commended for encouraging a collaboration in which that voice is predominant. WFN is grateful to the Museums staff for their hard work and encouragement.” Complementing the body of work created by the artists are exhibits and accompanying descriptions of artefacts bridging their current work to ancestral roots. This marriage of ancient and contemporary blurs the common Euro-Canadian perception of past and present, offering a more circular and unending worldview of “oneness.” “This exhibit has been a wonderful collaborative experience with the Westbank First Nation,” says Patti Kilback, associate director of public programming with the Kelowna Museums Society. “[It] reveals the depth and perspective of this beautiful land that we call the Okanagan.” The exhibition runs to April 6, 2013. Visit www.kelownamuseums.ca for more details.

photos contributed

okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

inperson

Cynthia Kereluk

Celebrity critter Care Cynthia Kereluk and Paul Rodgers, Summerland’s beauty queen/ rock legend couple, lend a helping hand to animals in the Okanagan and around the world. “I love animals and I love my hometown of Summerland,” says Cynthia. Winner of the 1984 Miss Canada title, she later became a fitness guru with her own television exercise program. In 2007, Cynthia married Englishborn Grammy winner Paul Rodgers and the couple settled in Summerland. Paul is best known as a member of the rock bands Free, Bad Company, The Firm and Queen. He wrote and sang lead on such memorable songs as Feel Like Makin’ Love, Can’t Get Enough and his biggest hit, All Right Now. Both serious animal lovers, the couple share their home with Saxon, an elderly SPCA rescue Doberman, and seven cats. This past summer Cynthia gave Critteraid, a Summerland-based animal sanctuary, a big boost. She purchased the building located at 10118 Main Street and offered the upstairs rent-free to Critteraid for its Charity Shoppe. The Shoppe’s Canada Day grand opening was a smashing success. “Paul was here until late the

night before we opened helping us set up,” says Deborah Silk, Critteraid founder and president. Cynthia’s second reason for her purchase was to help keep Summerland’s Main Street alive. “I believe in putting your money where your heart is,” she says. The Shoppe offers carefully selected donated goods ranging from fine china and clothing to furniture and pet supplies. “I come here at least once a week. There is always something new and it is always high quality,” says customer Lee Fisher. Deborah and Cynthia are pleased that donations and shoppers come from up and down the Valley. All of the proceeds go to help the animals. Cynthia joins other Critteraid volunteers in operating the Shoppe, which is open Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (although sometimes later). Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cynthia says she’s working as much as possible now because January through April she’ll be with Paul on the Rock Meets Classic tour of Europe with the The Bohemian Symphony Orchestra Prague.

Last year she arranged for Critteraid to host a raffle at Paul’s concert in Kelowna and this year she covered the shortfall on a stable project. Paul and Cynthia are also benefactors to other animal charities. The Willows Animal Sanctuary in Scotland and the Racehorse Sanctuary in England receive much of their attention. This summer Paul and Cynthia became Patrons of Willows, a sanctuary for severely distressed animals, and organized a raffle that raised muchneeded cash to save it from closing. Raffle items included autographed guitars donated by Paul and Brian May of the rock band Queen. Cynthia’s brain-storming talent also assisted Willows in making an arrangement with a wind turbine company to provide the sanctuary with free power and to pay rent for use of its land. Over the years, Paul has performed concerts to benefit the Racehorse Sanctuary and recently, provided an interest-free loan to purchase suitable property when it became necessary for the sanctuary to relocate. The couple provides financial assistance to other animal charities including Animals Asia and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. —Susan McIver Photo contributed

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

Deanna Kent & Neil Hooson, Kelowna Genre: Boys’ adventure Format: eBook When 12-year-old Artemis Ulysses Flatsch inherits a mysterious letter, he finds himself on an epic quest. His mission? To capture and document the never-before-seen, newly discovered species: Fartanimals. More at www.fieldguidetofarts.com.

Judy Berg, West Kelowna Genre: Inspirational Format: Paperback A fresh new message about what it means to be prosperous, this book provides practical how-to techniques for success and abundance. A useful bridge between concept and practice. More at www.soulabundant.com.

Judie Steeves, Kelowna Genre: Cookbook Format: Paperback Celebrate BC’s seasons of abundance. These 200 recipes focus on using fresh, local ingredients, in season to produce nutritious, simple, good food all year long. More at www.okanaganinstitute.com/ publications/judeskitchen.php.

D.P Scott, Kelowna Genre: Fiction kids 10+ Format: eBook Saturna, a princess like no other, receives an unexpected gift, a ring that changes everything. Step into another solar system where the unusual is normal and what seems utterly impossible—happens. More at www.smashwords.com/books/view/159273.

Gary Bazan, Summerland Genre: Humour Format: Paperback & eBook This collection of life stories—covering a wide range of subjects, emotions, locales and adventures—begins with a look back at growing up in the Bear Creek and Kelowna areas in the ’30s and ’40s. More at www.mystorybasket.ca.

Jennifer Schell, Kelowna Genre: Cookbook Format: Paperback & eBook Recipes and stories from the top chefs in the Okanagan, along with cheese makers, fishmongers and award winning wine makers. Includes Okanagan family recipes that have been handed down for generations. More at www.anokanagancookbook.com.

Titles from Okanagan authors are ripe for holiday giving with books for cooks, kids, thoughtful reflection and just plain laughs.

okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

culturista

Left to right: Rena Warren, executive director and instructor, Cool Arts Society; Hamid Raza Zareie, volunteer; and Jordan Lige, artist. Inset: Bobby Botham. Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 / Sat 10-4 Closed Long Weekends

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Explosion of art knits community spirit We are ready for Christmas celebrations! Darn. We’re late again. I race along spaces get “bombed” with blankets of

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for the Arts with my children. Somewhere inside the building a patient friend sits waiting for our coffee date. I’m about to run through the door when something catches my eye—a tree wearing a sweater. I’m thrust into a slow motion scene where I’m pelted with unexpected bullets of beautiful art. They blow through me, leaving holes that peer into a place of childlike joy, while simultaneously stimulating my tendency towards melodramatic interpretation. Yes, trees in fall clothing do it for me. To some it may seem like a Gap commercial gone wild, but to me it is the gateway to a state of wonder. “Oh my goodness,” I gasp to my kids. “It’s a yarn bomb!” Yarnbombing is a type of modern graffiti that I’ve longed to witness for years. Also known as yarmstorming and guerrilla knitting, it’s when public Greg Carter, CFP, GBA, CHS

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november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

knitting. The medium leaves the mark of the artist without damaging or ruining the space it’s on. I squeeze my little seven-year-old’s hand so tightly she has to use her leg to lever herself from my grip. My children have no expectations around my sanity when it comes to moments like this. They see me drooling over art and whisper things to each other like: “You’re looking after her when she’s 80.” I tell them whoever complains next will be on sponge bath duty as I pull them to the centre of the action. A table and tent are set up and reams of yarn are strewn about amongst weavers and knitters and stitchers of beauty. A sign says, Cool Arts, and I think: “Good point, G, be cool.” I slow my giddy dance to a saunter and try to mingle with the calm and peaceful crowd. The leader of the gang, Rena Warren, fills me in on their story. Photos by gillianne richards

Cool Arts Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fine arts opportunities to Okanagan adults with developmental disabilities. They think outside the box and aren’t afraid to draw outside the lines, producing a quality of art and artistic experience that is a gift to our entire community. Today’s yarn bomb is a perfect example. Rena, the society’s executive director, gives me a tour of the show. “I believe our artists really thrive when working in a public setting,” she says. “Creating art in the community provides opportunities for engagement with the general public. It raises awareness of disability (or diversability) arts and challenges people’s perception. It poses the question: ‘What is art?’” I walk over to a young woman wrapping a railing with an eight-foot cozy. I run my hands along a thousand little pink and white knits and purls. Cold steel becomes cuddle guard. I give it a small hug. “Did you make this?” I ask the woman. She says “Yes, me and my mom.” I pull out my camera and she lovingly poses in front of her art with a pride that makes me wish I had such rapport with my own. Then I meet Bob. He looks about mid-20s. He’s built strong and stands tough near the tent with a Clint Eastwood glint in his eye. I move in closer to see what he’s doing, hesitant to disturb him. He sees me coming and whips around, popping a huge smile. He lifts a colourful woven star made of sticks and yarn and gives a laid back nod at its awesomeness. I tell him I love it, he tells me he does too. Rena takes me over to a tree being adorned with multi-coloured wrap. Collectively it’s the most beautiful display of art I’ve seen all year. It’s easy to see why the practice of yarnbombing has a tight knit following (and brings out the puns in me). It’s yet another example of what’s wonderful about the Okanagan. On any given Sunday you can stumble upon really cool art being made by really cool artists from any one of the many amazing groups we have in town. It’s the kind of thing that can leave you so inspired you’re fit to be tied, to a tree.

okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

May 2011 okanaganlife.com

These results were tabulated from official ballots that were at least 50 per cent complete when submitted. There is neither editorial nor advertising influence on the results. This is the 18th consecutive year that our readers have voted for their favourite business heroes in the North, Central and South Okanagan. Happy business people who receive the hottest award in the Valley know that Okanagan Life readers vote by way of official ballot. These quality businesses display the Best of the Okanagan award in their offices and retail stores for all to see. In Okanagan Life’s 24-year life we’ve worked hard to highlight courageous and innovative people whose efforts and dedication to our communities, towns and cities, make the Valley the wonder it is. This story is different because readers wrote it—we simply tallied the results and created the art and design that you see. This issue is all about recognizing the great business ideas and effort that owners, managers and staff put forth to earn their Best of the Okanagan award. Being named the best is an honour and a privilege. Please celebrate the winners, patronize them and thank them for living up to the moniker—Best of the Okanagan! —Paul Byrne

PROFESSIONAL Best Real Estate Company North 1 Re/Max 2 Century 21 3 Sutton Lakefront Realty Central 1 Re/Max 2 Royal LePage 3 Century 21 South 1 Royal LePage 2 Re/Max 3 Sutton Power 1 Realty

Best Insurance Brokerage Firm North 1 Capri Insurance 2 Baron Insurance Broker Group 3 A.E. Berry Insurance Central 1 Capri Insurance 2 Western Financial Group 3 Southern Insurance

South 1 Capri Insurance 2 Johnson Meier Insurance 3 Westland Insurance

Best Mortgage Company North 1 Dominion Lending Centres 2 Prospera Credit Union 3 The Mortgage Centre Central 1 TD Canada Trust 2 Royal Bank 3 Centum Casa Noble South 1 Valley First 2 Invis 3 Scotiabank

Best Credit Union or Bank–Personal North 1 Prospera Credit Union 2 Royal Bank 3 Scotiabank

Central 1 Interior Savings Credit Union 2 Royal Bank 3 Prospera Credit Union South 1 CIBC 2 Summerland Credit Union 3 Valley First Credit Union

Best Credit Union or Bank–Business North 1 Prospera Credit Union 2 Scotiabank 3 Royal Bank Central 1 TD Canada Trust 2 Interior Savings Credit Union 3 Royal Bank South 1 Summerland Credit Union 2 TD Canada Trust 3 Bank of Montreal

Best Investment Firm North 1 Canaccord Wealth Management 2 Fraser Financial 3 VantageOne Central 1 RBC Dominion Securities 2 Edward Jones 3 Raymond James South 1 Bank of Montreal 2 The Co-operators 3 Scotiabank

Best Law Firm North 1 Nixon Wenger LLP 2 Davidson Lawyers LLP 3 Allan Francis Pringle Lawyers LLP Central 1 Pushor Mitchell LLP 2 Porter Ramsay LLP 3 Doak Shirreff LLP

Photos contributed

okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

readers'choice South 1 Boyle & Co. Lawyers 2 Kampman Oliver Keene McAndrews 3 Bell Jacoe & Company

Best Accounting Firm North 1 Agar Schneider Lett 2 KPMG 3 Sladen Moore Central 1 MacKay LLP 2 Grant Thornton 3 Meyers Norris & Penny South 1 White Kennedy 2 BDO 3 Kemp Harvey Kemp

Best Private School North 1 Vernon Christian School 2 St. James School 3 Pleasant Valley Christian Academy Central 1 Immaculata Catholic High School 2 Aberdeen Hall 3 Studio 9 South 1 Summerland Montessori School 2 Holy Cross School 3 Penticton Christian School

Best Software Development / Web Design North 1 Bold Media Group 2 Servillian Technology 3 Sproing Creative Central 1 Atomic 55 2 Navigator Multimedia 3 Spincaster Productions South 1 Windward Software 2 Shadowfax Communications

Best Computer Services North 1 JBJ Computers 2 Rent-A-Geek 3 Protocol Technologies

Central 1 Simply Computing 2 Northern Computers 3 London Drugs South 1 Docâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Computers 2 Bad Robot Summerland Electronics 3 One Information Technology

HEALTH CARE Best Dentist North 1 Dr. Bernie Grages 2 Vernon Dental Centre 3 Cornerstone Dental Central 1 Simply Amazing Smiles 2 Okanagan Smiles 3 Peachland Dental South 1 Summerland Dental Centre 2 Smart Choice Dental Excellence 3 Penticton Dental Centre

Best Optician North 1 Vernon Optometry 2 Discover Eye Care Clinic 3 Corner Optical Central 1 Tutt Street Optical 2 iSight Optometry 3 Mission Creek Optometry South 1 Waterfront Eyecare 2 Summerland Optometry 3 Penticton Optical

Best Medical Walk-in Clinic

Best Hearing Clinic North 1 Connect Hearing 2 Rockwell Audiology 3 Expert Hearing Solutions Central 1 Okanagan Hearing Solutions 2 Connect Hearing 3 Hummingbird Hearing Aid South 1 Beltone 2 Expert Hearing Solutions 3 Hummingbird Hearing Aid

Best Massage and Physio Therapist North 1 Concept Physiotherapy 2 Spine & Sports Physical Therapy 3 Easthill Physiotherapy Central 1 The Core Centre of Health 2 Affinity Family Wellness 3 Sun City Physiotherapy South 1 Summerland Physiotherapy 2 Dale Charles Physiotherapy 3 Osoyoos Physiotherapy

Best Chiropractor North 1 Arise Chiropractic 2 Vernon Active Health 3 White House Wellness Central 1 The Core Centre of Health 2 Brix Family Chiropractic 3 Westbank Chiropractic South 1 Dr. Adam Konanz 2 Dr. Ken Zagrodney 3 Summerland Family Chiropractic

North 1 North Okanagan Medical 2 Vernon Family Doctors Medical 3 Gartree Medical Clinic Central 1 Mission Medical Clinic 2 Capri Medical Clinic 3 Lakeshore Medical South 1 Apple Plaza Walkin 2 Rosedale Medical Centre 3 Peach City Medical Photo contibuted

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

Best Place for Nonsurgical Makeover North 1 North Okanagan Skin & Laser 2 Enhance Studio 3 Smooth Effects Central 1 Lakeshore Vein & Aesthetics 2 De Pieri Clinic 3 DermMedica South 1 Front Street Laser 2 Penticton Laser

Best Naturopathic Physician North 1 Okanagan Natural Medicine 2 Balance Natural Health Clinic 3 De Monte Centre Natural Medicine Central 1 The Core Centre of Health 2 Dr. Emily Pratt 3 Dr. Garrett Swetlikoff South 1 Dr. Natalie Mazurin 2 Dr. Sherry Ure 3 Dr. Megan Kimberley

Best Veterinary Service North 1 Vernon Veterinary Clinic 2 Creekside Animal Clinic 3 Central Animal Hospital Central 1 Fairfield Animal Hospital 2 Mission Creek Animal Hospital 3 Okanagan Veterinary Hospital

readers'choice South 1 Anderson Veterinary Clinic 2 Lindsey Veterinary Hospital 3 Summerland Animal Clinic

South 1 Please Mum 2 The Bay 3 Angel Babies

FASHION

Best Fashion Accessories Store

Best Women’s Fashion Store North 1 104 Grey Clothing 2 Reitmans 3 Pampered Perfection Central 1 Blonde 2 The Bay 3 Bella Clothing Boutique South 1 The Suburban Princess 2 Three Wishes 3 85th Street Boutique

Best Men’s Fashion Store North 1 Milano Clothing 2 Marks Work Wearhouse 3 The Cowboys Choice Central 1 Moores Clothing 2 MacDermotts Mens Wear 3 The Bay South 1 Grant King Men’s Wear 2 The Bay 3 Elliott Row

Best Children’s Clothing North 1 Chicken Little 2 The Children’s Place 3 The Cowboys Choice Central 1 Carters | Oshkosh 2 Scallywags 3 Baby & Me

North 1 Pink Bug 2 104 Grey 3 Blackbird Boutique Central 1 Frakas 2 The Bay 3 Posh South 1 The Suburban Princess 2 85th Street Boutique 3 Sass

Best Place to Buy Footwear North 1 Red Top Footwear 2 Vernon Shoes 3 Marc Footwear Central 1 Downtown Shoes 2 Aldo 3 Hollywood Shoes South 1 Fritz Shoes 2 Shoe Biz 3 The Suburban Princess

Best Cosmetics Store

Best Book Store

North 1 Shoppers Drug Mart 2 The Bay 3 Merle Norman Central 1 Sephora 2 Shoppers Drug Mart 3 Mac Cosmetics South 1 Shoppers Drug Mart 2 The Bay 3 London Drugs

North 1 Bookland 2 Coles 3 K&K Book Store Central 1 Chapters 2 Mosaic Books 3 Bell Tower Books South 1 The Bookshop 2 Hooked on Books 3 Chapters

Best Jeweller

Best Cell Phone Store

North 1 Gregory’s Fine Jewellery 2 J.C. Bradley 3 HM Krause Jewellers Central 1 JK Schmidt 2 La Roca Watch & Jewellery 3 Posh South 1 Gold Dust Jewellers 2 Michael Hill 3 Delong Studio

RETAIL SERVICES Best Place to Buy Gifts North 1 Good Gracious 2 Interior Gift Gallery 3 Simply Baskets Central 1 Funktional 2 Rafters 3 Dragonfly and Amber Gallery South 1 Willowbrook Lane 2 Random Thoughts 3 Terwilligers

Best Florist North 1 Vernon Flower Shop 2 27TH Street Flowers 3 Harris Flowers Central 1 Creations by Mom & Me 2 Art Knapps 3 Bloomers Floral Designs & Gifts South 1 Edgy Petals 2 Art Knapps 3 Carl’s Flowers

1 Telus Mobility 2 Bell Mobility 3 Andres Central 1 Telus Mobility 2 Bell Mobility 3 Andres South 1 Telus Mobility 2 Bell Mobility 3 Andres

Best Pet Supply Store North 1 Healthy Spot 2 AJ’s Pets & Things 3 Pet Planet Central 1 Pet Smart 2 Petcetera 3 Total Pet South 1 Total Pet 2 Critter Corner 3 Pet Pantry

Best Children’s Toys North 1 Teeter Totter Toys 2 Vernon Teach and Learn 3 Chicken Little Central 1 Toys“R”Us 2 Baby & Me 3 Loadza Toyz South 1 Sirius Science and Nature 2 The Bay 3 Hooked on Books Photo contibuted

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† Lease offer is available through Acura Financial Services Inc. on approved credit. 2013 ILX 5-speed automatic (model DE1F3DJ) leased at 1.9% APR for 36 months. Monthly payment is $298 (includes $1,945 freight & PDI), with $2,800 ($3,800 less $1,000 Year-End Holiday Bonus) down payment. First monthly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $13,528. Option to purchase at lease end for $16,396.10 plus taxes. 60,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km for excess kilometres. $1,000 year-end holiday bonus available on the 2013 Acura ILX and will be deducted from the negotiated price before taxes and can be combined with special finance or lease offers. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. *$3,000 ($2,000 manufacturer to dealer incentive plus $1,000 Year-End Holiday Bonus) Acura cash purchase incentive is available on select new 2013 ILX models (DE1F5DJN/DE2E5DJN/DE1F7DKN). Acura cash purchase incentive will be deducted from the negotiated price before taxes and cannot be combined with special lease or finance offers. Retailer may lease for less. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Offers are only valid for BC residents at BC Acura retailers until November 30, 2012. See Harmony Acura for full details.

readers'choice Best Place for Printing North 1 Wayside Press 2 Electric Paper Co. 3 Printech Corp. Central 1 Kelowna Insta Print 2 Rapid Printing 3 Print Three South 1 Allegra 2 UPS Store 3 Kick Start Printing

HOME & DECOR Best Custom Kitchen Vendor North 1 Westwood Cabinets 2 Dream Easy Kitchens 3 Harris Cabinets Central 1 Westwood Fine Cabinetry 2 Norelco Cabinets 3 Kekuli Bay Cabinetry South 1 Ellis Creek Kitchens 2 Innovation Kitchens & Bath 3 Heritage Millwork

Best Paint & Decorating Vendor North 1 Benjamin Moore 2 Cloverdale Paints 3 General Paint Central 1 Benjamin Moore 2 Home Depot 3 General Paint South 1 Benjamin Moore 2 True Colours Paint 3 Rona

Best Custom Window Coverings North 1 AKA Room Services 2 Designers Gallery 3 Budget Blinds Central 1 Advantage Blinds 2 Budget Blinds 3 Blinds Plus

South 1 Skyview Blinds & Closets 2 Budget Blinds 3 True Colours

South 1 Willowbrook Lane 2 Terwilliger’s 3 Random Thoughts

Best Flooring Store

Best Art Store

North 1 Livingwood Floors 2 Nufloors 3 End of the Roll Central 1 Nufloors 2 Flooring Canada 3 End of the Roll South 1 Nufloors 2 End of the Roll 3 Sierra Flooring

North 1 Nadine’s Fine Art 2 Picture Perfect 3 Earth Art Studio Central 1 Picture Perfect 2 Tutt Street Gallery 3 Sopa Fine Arts South 1 The Lloyd Gallery 2 Dragon’s Den 3 Tumbleweed Gallery

Best Furniture Store

Best Garden Centre

North 1 City Furniture 2 Case Furniture 3 Beachcomber Home Leisure Central 1 Marshall’s Home Living 2 Ashley Home Furniture 3 Lazy Boy South 1 Guerard’s Furniture 2 Penny Lane 3 Kondolas Furniture

North 1 Swan Lake Garden Centre 2 Art Knapp’s Plantland 3 Blue Mountain Nursery Central 1 Art Knapp’s Plantland 2 Byland’s Garden Centre 3 The Greenery South 1 Art Knapp’s Plantland 2 Giardino Garden of Penticton 3 Windmill Garden Centre

Best Home Electronics Store North 1 Future Shop 2 Andres Electronics 3 Parnell’s TV & Appliance Central 1 Best Buy 2 Future Shop 3 Visions South 1 Andres Electronics 2 London Drugs 3 The Source

Best Home Accessories North 1 Good Gracious 2 Room Collection 3 Beachcomber Home Leisure Central 1 Home Sense 2 Pier One Imports 3 Home Outfitters

BUILDING Best Residential Builder

Central 1 Al Stober Construction 2 ANR Construction 3 Plan B Contractors South 1 Greyback Construction 2 McLean Construction 3 Buccaneer Contracting

Best Renovation Company North 1 Keith Construction 2 Redgewell Construction 3 Yes Dear Handyman Central 1 Stutters Disaster Kleenup 2 MS Budd Construction 3 Big Valley Homes & Renovations South 1 New Spaces Construction 2 MB Home Improvements 3 S & M Construction

Best Electrician North 1 1&2 Electric 2 Arrowhead Electric 3 Litzenberger Electric Central 1 Keldon Electric 2 Krueger Electric 3 Hotwire Electric South 1 Eckert Electric 2 G. Little Electric 3 Martens Electric

North 1 Keith Construction 2 Braden Robertson Construction 3 Hildebrandt Homes Central 1 Authentic Homes 2 Jazel Homes 3 Dilworth Homes South 1 New Spaces Construction 2 McLean Construction 3 Black Hawk Contracting

Best Commercial Builder North 1 Hildebrandt Homes 2 Silverrock Land Corp. 3 Graham Construction Photo contibuted

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

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PEACHLAND Dental Centre 4405 3RD STREET PEACHLAND T. 250767-6411 EXT. 2 PEACHLANDDENTISTS.CA okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

readers'choice Best Plumber North 1 Aberdeen Plumbing & Heating 2 Burton Plumbing & Heating 3 Franks Plumbing Central 1 Wiener’s Plumbing 2 Ace Plumbing 3 Vision Mechanical South 1 Quality Plumbing 2 Mavco 3 Integrity Plumbing

Best Roofer North 1 Laing Roofing 2 Armstrong Roofing 3 Primrose Roofing Central 1 Madge Contracting 2 Vista Roofing 3 Tomtar Roofing South 1 Beaver Home Improvement 2 Nielsen Roofing 3 Shamrock

Best Landscape Designer North 1 Nokomis Landscaping 2 Inspira Landscaping 3 Pinnacle Landscaping Central 1 Art Knapp Plantland 2 The Hampton Group 3 Zerra Landscaping South 1 Emerald Landscaping 2 Greensleeves Lanscaping 3 Monkey Puzzle

Best Hot Tub & Spa Dealer North 1 Beachcomber Home Leisure 2 Sundance Pool & Spa 3 Backyard Pleasures Pool & Spa Central 1 The Wet Zone 2 Sunshine Pools & Spa 3 Arctic Spa

South 1 Classic Leisure Lifestyles 2 Deckside Pools & Spas 3 Summerland Home Spas

Best Swimming Pool Dealer North 1 Imagine Pools & Waterscapes 2 Backyard Pleasures Pool & Spas 3 Sundance Pools and Spas Central 1 Sunshine Pools & Spas 2 Valley Pool & Spa 3 The Hampton Group South 1 Fun Water Pools 2 Classic Leisure Lifestyles 3 Deckside Pools & Spas

TRANSPORTATION Best Car Dealer North 1 Bannister GM 2 Watkins Motors 3 Bannister Honda Central 1 Kelowna Ford/Lincoln 2 Harmony Honda/Acura 3 Kelowna Toyota South 1 Penticton Toyota 2 Penticton Honda 3 Murray GM Penticton

Best Truck Dealer North 1 Bannisters GMC 2 Vernon Toyota 3 Vernon Dodge Central 1 Orchard Ford 2 Kelowna Ford/Lincoln 3 Okanagan Dodge South 1 Parker’s Chrysler 2 Murray GM Penticton 3 Skaha Ford

Best RV Dealer North 1 Mike Rosman RV Sales 2 Gilmay RV 3 Vernon RV Central 1 Country RV Centre 2 Voyager RV Centre 3 Western RV South 1 Country RV 2 Midtown RV 3 Okanagan Travel Land (Summerland)

Best Boat Dealer North 1 Valley Marine 2 Banner Recreation 3 Captain’s Village Central 1 Rayburns Marine World 2 Dockside Marine 3 Malibu Marine South 1 Penticton Yamaha

Best Motorcycle Dealer North 1 Vernon Motorsports 2 Seasons Motorsports 3 Banner Sea & Ski Central 1 Kanes Harley Davidson 2 Kreators 3 Valley Motorsport South 1 Penticton Honda 2 Penticton Yamaha 3 South Okanagan Auto Cycle

Best Car Audio Service Valleywide 1 Andres Electronic Experts (Kelowna) 2 Visions Electronics (Kelowna) 3 Auto Sound Plus (Vernon)

Best Auto Body Repair North 1 Fix Auto 2 Frank’s Autobody 3 Manfred’s Autobody Central 1 Craftsman Collision 2 Boyd Autobody 3 Prestige Collision South 1 Alder Street Autobody 2 Penticton Collision 3 Boyd Autobody

Best Auto Maintenance North 1 Courtesy Motors 2 Kal Tire 3 Bannister GM Central 1 Harmony Honda/Acura 2 Kal Tire 3 AutoPlace South 1 Adrians Automotive 2 Midas 3 Larsen’s Excel Tire

Best Tire Dealer North 1 Kal Tire 2 Peters Tirecraft 3 Big O Tire Central 1 Kal Tire 2 OK Tire 3 Cavell Excel Tire Centre South 1 Adrians Automotive 2 Big O Tire 3 Larsen Tires

Photos contibuted

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

readers'choice Best Car Wash North 1 FoamShine 2 Silver Star Car Wash 3 Wise Guys Car Wash Central 1 Skogie’s Auto Wash 2 Bubbles Car Wash 3 Mission Super Wash South 1 Wise Guys Car Wash 2 Super Wash 3 Pioneer Car Wash

SERVICES

South 1 The Best Little Hair House 2 Heiress 3 T’Zers

South 1 Spa Tranquila 2 Melt Mineral Spa 3 Naramata Heritage Inn Spa

Best Day Spa

Best Manicure / Pedicure

North 1 Kur Spa 2 Just For You Spa & Salon 3 Merle Norman Central 1 Beyond Wrapture 2 O Spa 3 Total E’Clips

Best Hair Salon North 1 Reflections 2 O’Hairas Salon 3 Just For You Spa & Salon Central 1 Total E’Clips 2 Plan B Headquarters 3 Loyal Hair Therapy

Best Travel Agency North 1 Marlin Travel 2 UNIGLOBE Kalamalka Travel 3 Visions Travel

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North 1 Merle Norman 2 Emma’s Nails 3 Just For You Spa & Salon Central 1 O Spa 2 Spa Pure 3 Beyond Wrapture South 1 Without A Doubt 2 The Good Life Osoyoos 3 Spa Tranquila

Central 1 Mission Park Travel 2 Flight Centre 3 Expedia Cruise Ship Centres South 1 Bank’s Travel 2 Expedia Cruise Ship Centres 3 Hartford Cruise & Travel

Best Tour Guide North 1 MJO Tours 2 Roseanne Van Ee Central 1 Monashee Adventure Tours 2 Bowies Marketing & Entertainment 3 Distinctly Kelowna Tours South 1 Top Cat Tours 2 Unveil Shuttles 3 Grape Escapes Wine Tours

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readers'choice Best Photographer

South 1 Apex Ski Shop 2 Pentagon Boardshop 3 Sport Chek

North 1 Brenda Hala Photography 2 Red Door Photography 3 Krista Kay Photography Central 1 Candid Apple Photography 2 Daniela Star Photography 3 Photography West South 1 Stuart Bish Photography 2 Jodie Lemke Photography 3 Szabo Photography

Best Snow Board Shop North 1 Attridge 2 Stussi Sports 3 Silver Star Mountain Resort Central 1 Island Snow 2 Deviate Board Shop 3 Freeride Boardshop South 1 Freeride Boardshop 2 Pentagon Boardshop 3 Apex Ski Shop

Best Dry Cleaner North 1 Toppers Cleaners 2 Vernon Downtown Drycleaners 3 Centre Dry Cleaning Central 1 Mission Dry Cleaners 2 Minnella Dry Cleaners 3 Eco-Clean Cleaning Centres South 1 Classic Cleaners 2 Plaza Cleaners 3 Martin Cleaners

LEISURE / SPORTS Best Bike Shop North 1 Olympia Cycle & Ski 2 Sun Country Cycle 3 Skyride Cycle Central 1 Cyclepath 2 Kelowna Cycle 3 Fresh Air South 1 The Bike Barn 2 Freedom Bike Shop 3 Double O Bikes & Sports

Best Golf Shop North 1 Strictly Golf 2 Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club 3 Vernon Golf & Country Club Central 1 Golf Town 2 Nevada Bob’s 3 The Harvest Golf Club

Best Fitness Club

South 1 Penticton Golf Club 2 Nevada Bob’s 3 Summerland Golf Club

Best Outdoor Sports Gear Store North 1 Attridge 2 True Outdoors 3 Sun Valley Source for Sports Central 1 Sport Chek 2 Fresh Air 3 AG Outdoor Superstore South 1 Sport Chek 2 True Outdoors 3 Peach City Runners

Best Ski Shop North 1 Attridge 2 Stussi Sports 3 Olympia Cycle & Ski Central 1 Fresh Air 2 Mojoz Surf n’ Snow 3 Cyclepath

North 1 Ladies World 2 Excel Fitness 3 Fitness West Central 1 H2O Adventure & Fitness Centre 2 World Gym 3 GoodLife Fitness South 1 The Gym Penticton 2 Crossfit South Okanagan 3 Bodies on Power

Best Yoga / Pilates Studio North 1 Bikram Yoga Vernon 2 Hayden Fitness 3 Inner Light Yoga Studio Central 1 Moksha Yoga Kelowna 2 Inside Out Pilates 3 Oranj Fitness South 1 AB: Solution Pilates & Fitness 2 Bodies on Power 3 Get Bent

ENTERTAINMENT Best Radio Personality North 1 Brian & Betty–105.7 Sun FM 2 Frank Martina–107.5 Kiss FM 3 April Lyn–105.7 Sun Fm

Central 1 Kevin & Sonia–99.9 Sun FM 2 Andy & Tj–101.5 EZ Rock 3 Alya Ramadan–CBC Radio South 1 Randy & Mare–97.1 Sun FM 2 Allan Gee–800 AM EZ Rock

Best TV Personality Valleywide 1 Mike Roberts–CHBC 2 Rick Weber–CHBC 3 Doris Bregolisse–CHBC

Best Local Writer North 1 John Lent 2 Kevin Mitchell 3 Kristin Froneman Central 1 Laurie Carter 2 Darcy Nybo 3 Jack Whyte South 1 Dawn Renaud 2 Rick Cogbill 3 Yasmin John-Thorpe

Best Live Performing Arts Group North 1 Caravan Farm Theatre 2 The Goods 3 Powerhouse Theatre Central 1 Kelowna Actors Studio 2 Ballet Kelowna 3 Okanagan Symphony Orchestra South 1 Many Hats Theatre Co. 2 Soundstage Productions

Best Local Musician / Music Group North 1 Andrew Allen 2 The Goods 3 Salmon Armenians Central 1 Cod Gone Wild 2 The Young’uns 3 Fields of Green 3 Ryan Donn South 1 Ari Neufeld 2 Michael Muscow 3 Kyle Anderson

snowboarding photo contributed, O'Keefe ranch phot by laurie carter

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

Best Annual Community Event North 1 Sunshine Festival 2 Vernon Winter Carnival 3 Interior Provincial Exhibition Central 1 Centre of Gravity 2 Canada Day–Festivals Kelowna 3 Downtown Kelowna Block Party South 1 Peachfest 2 Summerland Festival of Lights 3 Fest-of-Ale

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Best Place for Family Fun North 1 Davison Orchards 2 Atlantis Waterslides 3 Silver Star Mountain Resort Central 1 Scandia 2 H2O Adventure & Fitness Centre 3 Energyplex South 1 Loco Landing 2 Apex Mountain Resort 3 Kettle Valley Steam Railway

We want the things you don’t! Gladly accepting donations of gently-used clothing, shoes, linens, and household items

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Proceeds from donations will help support the work of the Association Ad sponsored by Byrne Publishing Group Inc.

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After a 120’ Pine Tree decided to take a nosedive recently on my workshop here in Grand Forks I had to have the resulting mess cleaned up and my workshop rebuilt. Stutters took care of the clean up in a timely manner and very quickly did an excellent job of removing all the debris and damaged contents. Therefore when the insurance company asked me if it would be acceptable to me if Stutters did the rebuild I had no hesitation on agreeing. The rebuild far exceeded my expectations, the service was friendly informative and I was included at all stages of the decision making. The lead carpenter Nick Hugh-Jones is a master of his trade the quality of the work that he did was exceptional and both he and the other carpenter with him Kiren Qurnnell were more than helpful, it was a pleasure having them around. I would recommend your company to anyone requiring similar work and those two individuals in particular. Thank you for a job well done. Paul Lewis

Kelowna: 250.763.1555 • Vernon: 250.542.9893 Penticton: 250.490.3552 • Salmon Arm: 250.832.9818 Big White: 250.448.7326 • Osoyoos: 250.495.2805 Oliver: 250.498.8384 • Toll Free: 1.877.763.1540

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Photos contributed

okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

readers'choice Best Tourist Attraction North 1 Davison Orchards 2 Silver Star Mountain Resort 3 Historic O’Keefe Ranch Central 1 Myra Canyon KVR 2 Mission Hill Winery 3 Big White Ski Resort South 1 Kettle Valley Steam Railway 2 Penticton Channel 3 S.S. Sicamous

Best Nightclub North 1 Monashee’s Bar & Grill 2 Club 29/29 3 Sneakers Sports Bar Central 1 Sapphire 2 Flashbacks 3 Rose’s Waterfront Pub South 1 The Mule 2 The Barking Parrot

VALLEYWIDE DESTINATIONS

Best Place to Taste Wines

Best Place for Adrenaline Rush

1 Mission Hill Winery 2 Summerhill Pyramid Winery 3 Quails Gate Winery

1 Silver Star Bike Park 2 ZipZone (Peachland) 3 Oyama Zipline Adventures

Best Romantic Hideaway 1 Sparkling Hill Resort 2 Hotel Eldorado 3 Naramata Heritage Inn

Best Weekend Getaway 1 Sparkling Hill Resort 2 Spirit Ridge Resort 3 Lake Okanagan Resort

Best Family Resort 1 Silver Star Mountain Resort 2 Big White Ski Resort 3 Manteo Resort

Best Place to Get Married 1 Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2 Sparkling Hill Resort 3 Linden Gardens (Kaleden)

Best Golf Course to Play 1 Predator Ridge Golf Resort 2 The Harvest Golf Club 3 Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club

Best Ski Hill 1 Silver Star Mountain Resort 2 Big White Ski Resort 3 Apex Mountain Resort

CITY LOCATIONS North: Salmon Arm / Sicamous / Enderby / Armstrong / Vernon Central: Kelowna / West Kelowna / Lake Country / Peachland South: Summerland / Penticton / Kaleden / Naramata / Okanagan Falls / Oliver / Osoyoos

We want to thank everyone who took the time to vote for Best of the Okanagan 2012. The response to our first online ballot was astounding. Winners of the draw will be contacted by email or phone.

Photo contibuted

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

YOUR AUDIT ISN’T ADDING ANY STRATEGIC VALUE.

Where do you go from here? Without the assurance of relevant, reliable and independently examined financial information, it’s difficult to make strategic decisions with confidence. That’s where MNP can help. Darcy Haw has almost 20 years of experience delivering audit and assurance services to public and private sector organizations. Beyond just meeting your regulatory requirements, Darcy can help you evaluate and improve your risk management, internal controls, and governance processes and strengthen the overall operations of your organization. Contact Darcy Haw, CA, Regional Assurance Leader, at 250.979.1737 or darcy.haw@mnp.ca.

3 upper photos contributed 2 lower Photos by laurie carter

Travel

Get set to make your getaway

Planner By Laurie Carter

Winter clouds gather on the horizon and we start thinking snowbird thoughts; it’s a reflex. This year the soaring loonie is making those southern destinations look more attractive than ever. But I’ve also found some cool options that may tempt you to spread your wings in a new direction. And while you’re in planning mode, remember that now’s the time to book if you’ve got a mind to walk among Amsterdam’s sea of tulips in April or glide among the castles, vineyards and cityscapes of Europe next summer. Escaping the Valley (just for a little while) gets easier every year with constantly improving air service through Kelowna International Airport—our own YLW. It doesn’t get better than direct, non-stop flights. WestJet offers seasonal fall/winter/spring non-stops to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix in the US, and Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun in Mexico, designed for independent travel or to coordinate with WestJet Vacations. For all-inclusive fans, Transat Holidays and Sunwing Tours schedule non-stop departures from mid-November to the end of April for package vacations in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

Much of the rest of the world is only a single, well-timed connection away. Alaska Airlines jets you to Hawaii through Seattle. With codesharing partners like Lufthansa, Air Canada puts Europe in easy reach via Calgary and Vancouver. Beginning on December 18 United Airlines starts flights between Los Angeles and Kelowna, and between January 6 and April 6 United has added an extra Saturday flight specifically timed to meet connections in LAX for Australia, New Zealand and Latin America. Getting home is getting easier as well. Significant upgrades to the YLW terminal now make returning from your cross-border break less of a downer. The expansive new International Arrivals area not only looks beautiful, as it represents the people and places of the Okanagan Valley, but it works beautifully, too. No more tussling to retrieve your bags then wrestle them through crowded customs line-ups. YLW is all grown up with the same systems as major air hubs. Although there’s no getting away from customs queues, you now work through passport control before collecting your bags, with lots more space to maneuver.

okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

timespotlight Puerto Vallarta

I’ve joined the Puerto Vallarta fan club pretty late. I know this former Mexican fishing village with the romantic Liz TaylorRichard Burton connection has long been a favourite of my Okanagan neighbours, but I didn’t get the attraction. Labouring under the belief that PV is just another beach lined with highrise hotels, I wasn’t interested. My idea of purgatory is a full week stuck in a beach resort. Call me crazy (and many of you will), but although I like a poolside Margarita as much as the next winter-weary Canadian, I can only down so much tequila and after I’ve ploughed through my second trashy e-novel, I just have to get up and do something—preferably involving a new experience and an excuse to haul out my long lens. So I was less than enthusiastic about PV as the location for a conference I recently attended. Boy, how wrong could I be? I admit to considerable pleasure in walking up to the lobby bar for a hibiscus martini any time I liked, but the prices at my all-inclusive were so reasonable that I didn’t feel chained to on-site food choices and when I ventured into the broader PV dining scene, what a shock. Like the Okanagan, the PV lifestyle has attracted outstanding chefs from around the world. I had some of the best meals of my life at Kaiser Maximilian and Café des Artistes. Both

are located in the historic Old Town, where I found unexpectedly fine colonial architecture and whimsical sculpture lining the waterfront Malecon. The riverside market yielded some cute gifts for my grandkids, but I was just as interested in the iguanas sunning in the trees. I got another surprise when I realized that I could make a day trip to the mountains (blissfully cooler than the coast in hyper-humid October) to take in

Photos by laurie carter

November-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

Non-stop from YLW Los Angeles Disneyland, Universal Studios and Venice Beach mark LA as a top family destination. But there’s plenty of action for adults, too: shopping Rodeo Drive, star-spotting, great restaurants and the cultural experience of the Getty Center.

Las Vegas It’s showtime. Sure, Lady Luck beckons from the casinos, but there’s no denying the lure of the footlights and the chance to take in one headliner after another. Vegas is also a great place to kick back for some pampering spa time.

Your dream vacation is closer than you think.

With non-stop or as little as one connection you can visit over 365 destinations from Kelowna International Airport.

Phoenix We’re talkin’ Arizona snowbird country. The Scottsdale-Paradise Valley area is known for five-star resorts, destination spas and golf. Shopping, dining and gallery hopping are other popular ways to while away a sunny winter day.

Cancun White sands and turquoise Caribbean waters set the scene for snorkelling, diving the barrier reef or just paddling around at the beach. Flip a coin and you’re deep in the tropical jungle exploring the Mayan ruins.

Los Cabos Luxury yachts and charter fishing boats fill the marina. Seafood tops restaurant menus and the club scene rocks. The twin capes—San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo—offer golf, outdoor adventure, nightlife and romance.

Puerto Vallarta Spanish colonial history, colourful local markets and sculptures lining the waterfront Malecon define old PV. Zipline in the jungle, release an endangered baby turtle, then sip a poolside Margarita and dine on the cuisine of the world.

@ylwkelowna ylw.kelownaairport

ylw.kelowna.ca okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

more history at San Sebastián, a former silver mining town and UNESCO site where I got some lessons in Mexican cuisine from a guy cooking chicharrón in the street and a woman pressing fresh tortillas. We sipped home brew: rich, dark coffee at a tiny organic plantation and, at a roadside family distillery, raicilla, the local agavebased brew I prefer to tequila. One sweltering afternoon I escaped the meetings for a horseback ride through the forest into the foothills near Hacienda Doña Engracia, where the highlight was a blissful cool-down swimming the horses in the river. Who needs a pool? And besides, I did get in some beach time. At dusk I joined a bouncing-off-thewalls gaggle of school kids to help send over 200 baby Olive Ridley turtles flippering across the sand to their destiny. I can’t tell you how I bonded with my wee turtle, pliable in my hand as its shell hadn’t yet hardened and wriggling like mad. Together we all stood behind a literal line in the sand (to avoid stepping on any of our charges) and cheered our tiny turtles in their race to the sea. Mine took a scary sideways detour, but it got back on track and there were tears when it finally disappeared into the froth of a gentle wave. It was a little hard to hear the biologist’s talk over the excited chatter, but I didn’t mind, because the kids’ enthusiasm is the best hope for these and other endangered creatures. I was so impressed with the sense of eco-stewardship from the municipality and beachfront hotels that I shouldn’t have been surprised by another discovery not five minutes from my swim-up bar. Bordering the busy main thoroughfare in the heart of the hotel zone is the Estero El Salado sanctuary. While research in this mangrove ecosystem has been ongoing for 12 years, El Salado only opened to the public in April 2012. With an expert guide we boarded a spanking new boat to negotiate the narrow mangrove-lined channel that

threads through the reserve. My long lens got a real workout and I came away with keeper shots of at least 11 different bird species, an iguana and myriad little red crabs. I got just a little closer than expected to a couple of lazy boas and our guide searched hard until we hit the jackpot with two crocodile sightings. I couldn’t have been happier—and not an umbrella drink in sight.

November-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

Photos by laurie carter

november-december 2012

Coolpl

Amsterdam

Book now if your cool 2013 travel plans include Europe, especially if you’re looking at popular river cruises or events like Holland’s tulip festival where ground zero is Keukenhof with its seven million blooms, open from March 31 to May 30. Amsterdam is a terrific base for both and easily accessible with direct flights from Vancouver. Apart from dodging the multitude of bicycles, this is a pedestrian-friendly city where everything in the historic centre is walkable or just a short tram ride away. To take full advantage, pick up an “I amsterdam” smart card for canal rides and free public transit plus admission or discounts on museums, attractions, food and drink. I used my card to stand in the room of Rembrandt’s house where he painted

November-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

plans

his masterpieces; to behold first hand the surreal luminescence of Van Gogh’s iconic sunflowers, hanging in the museum that bears his name; to lose myself in the mystical light of a Vermeer at the legendary Rijksmuseum (main building reopening in April 2013 after massive renovations); and to feel humbled by the heroism memorialized at the Dutch Resistance Museum. But the best of Amsterdam is free. I love just walking, taking in the city-wide gallery of architectural design (can’t get enough of those Art Nouveau details), mingling with the crowds amid the fragrant exuberance of the Flower Market (cannabis seeds optional), window shopping the antique stores (just looking), and people watching from a sidewalk table with a mid-morning cappuccino or a brew from a local pub. Now, that’s Amsterdam.

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okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

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Business crisis sparks inspirational display of team solidarity and community support Flooring Canada Kelowna’s motto is “With you every step of the way.” For the past year, while the business has been recovering from a crisis, owner Perry Hildebrandt says that their motto took on a new meaning: the community was supporting his company every step of the way. In August 2011, as Perry watched fire destroy his showroom, he wondered what would become of his company. Today he’s amazed at how the

business has flourished. “My team deserves the greatest acknowledgment,” he says. “There was no question in their minds as to whether or not the business will go on; it was only a question of how.” His dedicated staff met at a local coffee shop and quickly put a plan of action together. Almost immediately, a huge wave of community support began to roll in. Over the years, Perry has built a reputation for Flooring Canada Kelowna that is based on integrity, trust and mutual respect—even with his competitors. Within days of the fire, they were offering to let Perry’s team use their own

showrooms to sell from samples, a testament to these Kelowna businesses’ regard for Perry, and to their extraordinary sense of community. “We all like to think of Kelowna as a small city, but really we’re a village,” says Perry. “Without a doubt, we have the highest calibre of competitors; it’s a tough market. But they are first and foremost great people. We all know each other very well and they supported us simply because it was the right thing to do.” Others from the Kelowna business community also stepped forward to support the company. Because Flooring Canada Kelowna’s temporary location wouldn’t be available for two weeks, their telecom supplier offered the use of a boardroom, with dedicated phone lines installed and ready for his team to use. Numerous others brought neces-

okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

sary supplies or whatever else was needed to keep the business running. Perry is pleased to report that insurance broker, Capri Insurance, also provided much-needed support. “I can emphatically say, without the business package they developed for me and the continual guidance they have provided over the years, I would be floundering,” he says. Building a resilient and respected company didn’t happen overnight. Long before the fire, there was a time when Perry’s business was experiencing difficulty. Realizing he needed help, he engaged a leadership consultant to conduct an analytical assessment of the company, and was advised the biggest change had to come from him: he needed to provide his associates with greater transparency and more trust. He also needed to be more actively involved with the customers, the systems and the products. Inspired, Perry heeded the advice. The associates of Flooring Canada Kelowna now treat the company like it’s their own, and this couldn’t

have been more evident than the days following the fire. “My deepest appreciation goes to my team, my colleagues, my friends,” says Perry, and he has high praise for Kelowna’s business sector, too. “You have set the bar for how a business community should work together for the betterment of all.” Flooring Canada Kelowna is delighted to invite new customers and old friends into their impressive new showroom, which includes a new designers’ lounge and a greater selection of samples than ever before. As experts in flooring, they provide a vast range of products and services for both residential and commercial customers. Their goal is to ensure every customer has the perfect floor for the way they live, work and play. As part of North America’s leading flooring retail group, their 500-store buying power guarantees investment on products that are backed by the most solid warranties in the floor covering industry. Visit Flooring Canada at 325 Banks Road in Kelowna.

Custom Design Service •STRUCTURAL STEEL •MISC METALS

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ksf@kelownasteel.com

Flooring Canada would particularly like to acknowledge the contributions of Alarm Masters, Capri Insurance, Kelowna Steel Fabricators Ltd, MGC Construction and Norelco Cabinet Solutions

Photos contributed

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

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okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

highspirits

Better with age? Maybe not

by Michael Botner

What you need to know before you pop those precious bottles into the cellar and let the dust settle All wines do not benefit from aging in the bottle. In fact, most wines are made for immediate consumption, highlighting the exuberant aromas and fresh, lively fruit flavours of youth, often their biggest virtue. Move up to the premium category, however, and the wines will generally improve for two, maybe three years, even though they are also likely to be delicious at purchase. At the tip of the pyramid—the best wines from the best vintages—the more exclusive the wine, the more it will benefit from additional, even long-term aging. The most ageable red wines are made from thicker-skinned grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Nebbiolo and Touriga Nacional of Douro Valley fame. The grapes are crushed and the

juice fermented at a warm (not hot) temperature in contact with the skins, supplying the wine with greater phenolics including anthocyanins and tannins. Over a period of time, say five years, phenolics tend to aggregate and, too heavy to remain in solution, precipitate as sediment. As a result, the wine, which started out as deeply purple with mouth-puckering texture gradually gets paler and browner in colour, while tannins soften and become silkier. The fresh, ripe fruit dries out, but the wine gains complexity and delicacy from developed aromas and flavours, the result of aging in wood and bottle. Acidity and alcohol levels do not change, but become more pronounced as the wine loses its initial intensity. Eventually the wine fades into

a hollow shell of its former glory. The aim is to find the window of time when the factors are optimized and the wine reaches its plateau of maturity or drinkability, which varies for each wine and type of wine. White wines differ in that they are made from light-skinned grapes (except for blanc de noirs) and are fermented at a low temperature, often with little or no skin contact. But many white wines—great Rieslings, Chardonnays and Semillons, for example—age as long and sometimes longer than red wines. Unlike reds, white wines deepen in colour with age, going from yellow to gold to amber to brown. While they lose their youthful vibrancy they acquire a honeyed richness and nutty complexity as they age. Photo contributed

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

highspirits Showcasing a selection of holiday wines and a luxury spirit from the Okanagan and around the world. The five star rating system stresses value for price.

NAVALON ANCIANO 2001 TEMPRANILLO GRAN RESERVA AGED 10 YEARS Valdepeñas, Spain HHHH $15.99

APPLETON ESTATE 21-YEAR-OLD JAMAICA RUM St. Elizabeth, Nassau Valley HHHH1/2 $149.99

SUMAC RIDGE 2010 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, BLACK SAGE VINEYARD Summerland, Okanagan Valley HHHH $23.99

From the torrid heart of Spain, this is a quality wine with substantial barrel and bottle aging. It shows complex, velvety flavours of prune, stewed cherry, cinnamon, tobacco, saddle sweat and violets. Recommended with paella and Manchego.

Celebrate the holiday season with buried treasure in the form of a classy, numbered Jamaican Rum. Dark amber in colour, this elegant spirit tastes of burnt toffee, almond, orange peel and cigar box. Treat it with the same respect as you would an X.O. Cognac.

LANG VINEYARDS 2011 MARECHAL FOCH Naramata, Okanagan Valley HHHH $17.90

MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS 2010 TRIBUTE SERIES CHARDONNAY Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley HHHH1/2 $35

NOBLE RIDGE 2009 THE ONE SPARKLING WINE Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley HHHH $39.90

Apart from the deep colour and smoky character, this has the hallmarks of a young, dense, spicy Cru Beaujolais. It unleashes flavours of juicy blackberry and raspberry with earth, tobacco and roasted chestnuts, and a succulent finish. Calls for Christmas turkey.

Dedicated to championship wheelchair athlete Sonja Gaudet, this poised Chardonnay is made from fruit grown in MFV’s Naramata Bench vineyard. The elegant flavours suggest pineapple, brioche, hazelnut and creamy vanilla. Perfect with grilled salmon.

The first bubbly from Noble Ridge was conceived on 01/01/2001. The One is as classy as traditional Champagne. Full and rich, the clean, elegant palate exhibits notes of apple, apricot, hazelnut, mineral, toast and citrusy acidity. Partners seafood and shellfish.

QUINTA FERREIRA 2009 SYRAH Oliver, Okanagan Valley HHHH $29.90

8TH GENERATION 2011 RIESLING Summerland, Okanagan Valley HHHH $19.99

TINHORN CREEK 2008 OLDFIELD SERIES PINOT NOIR Oliver, Okanagan Valley HHHH1/2 $29.99

Strapping Syrah sports wildflower, raspberry and smoked meat aromas and a big, dense palate. It displays jammy blackberry and black cherry fruit spiced with black pepper, espresso, cocoa and smoky oak backed by chewy tannins. Enjoy with venison or duck.

From grapes grown on 26-year-old vines in Okanagan Falls, this stylish Riesling likes roast pork, as well as smoked fish and spicy Asian food. Richly fragrant, the off-dry palate offers apple, peach, apricot, orange peel, mineral and honey, with exquisite balance and a long finish.

Tinhorn Creek’s first ever release of Oldfield Series Pinot Noir features a lovely nose and silky, seamless, richlyconcentrated palate. It delivers supple black cherry and plum with coffee, tobacco, truffle and sweet, spicy oak. Serve with roasted or casseroled game.

Recently launched with a new, eyecatching label, this elegant Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a layered palate with supple cassis and black cherry fruit, mocha, licorice, sweet pipe tobacco and toasty oak complexity with a velvety finish. Pairs with lamb or beef.

Photos by michael botner

okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

whoamongus

Inset: Inn From the Cold volunteers meet with executive director Tara Tschritter

Photos by Bruce Kemp

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

whoamongus by Bruce Kemp

Inn From the Cold Homeless people in need of a safe bed on a winter night receive a warm welcome from Tara Tschritter and the dedicated volunteers at this Kelowna shelter Lining the walls of the men’s section at Inn From the Cold–Kelowna (IFTC) are 12 sets of bunk beds. Unlike military barracks, the bunks here are not all metal-framed—two wooden beds keep the room from feeling regimental. In the women’s area beyond a divider are four sets of bunks. Each bunk is numbered and comes with a corresponding locker. The walls of the room are brown and the ventilation system looks industrial. Yet for all that, the room has a warm and welcoming feel. Staff and volunteers who run IFTC want it to be user-friendly for the nearly 300 people who will find a bed in the hostel this year. Inn From the Cold is a volunteer program designed to give shelter, food and other necessities to Kelowna’s homeless population. The Inn offers “low barrier” accommodation and help to its guests. “We try to keep it as accessible as possible,” says executive director Tara Tschritter as she outlines the Inn’s philosophy. “Pets are okay and we have space for carts and

am 6

Volunteers start preparing breakfast and wake the guests. Unlock lockers. Guests eat breakfast and use the showers.

am 7

Guest check-out. Cleaning and maintenance work on the shelter.

bikes. The only condition we have is that our guests are non-violent.” Volunteers are trained to deal with violent guests by de-escalating the situation. There’s even a “naughty” bed in the area where the overnight staff work. If a guest can’t be calmed, the RCMP are called in, but this rarely happens—guests are grateful for the efforts of the organization and volunteers. When the question of prohibited substances or alcohol arises, Tara doesn’t dodge it, but acknowledges the reality of the streets. “We don’t prohibit someone from coming in if they’re under the influence. Nor do we ban illegal substances, we just ask that they aren’t used on the premises and we make sure they’re locked up for the night in the person’s locker.” Once guests have stored their gear in their locker the volunteers lock the doors then keep the keys. Guests can’t access them until morning. This ensures that nothing is stolen, a common complaint among some shelters where theft is

am 9

Volunteer-run free store opens. Tara does administrative work, problem-solving, community outreach and fundraising.

rampant, and that drugs and alcohol aren’t used on the premises. Make no mistake: this isn’t a haven for drug addicts. The majority of people who use the shelter’s facilities are men in the 40- to 60-year-old age range. In the past two years, Tara has seen more and more seniors taking advantage of the Inn’s services and there are even couples who come in for temporary accommodations. “Housing prices in the city,” she says, addressing one cause of homelessness in Kelowna, “are still way too high for many people to afford, and the low rates paid by income assistance helps to keep people on the streets. What we need to deal with the homeless here in Kelowna is more affordable housing.” Tara is relatively new to Kelowna. She came here from Victoria via Northern BC where she did community development work. Tara grew up in Victoria and is a graduate of the University of Victory with a degree in International Relations majoring in community development. Although she manages the day-

Doors open for the night. Guests use the Inn’s computers to find affordable housing, search for jobs, prepare resumes and send emails.

Volunteers serve dinner. After dinner, guests shower, do laundry, do job searches or relax in the common area watching movies, playing board games or reading.

pm 10

Lights out. Guests get a good night’s rest in a warm, safe bed.

okanaganlife.com november-december 2012

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whoamongus to-day operations of the organization, Tara isn’t a full time employee. No one is. She gets help at the Inn from Jordan, a social worker, and John, a retired NGO worker who spent a good portion of his career in Thailand and Cambodia. In addition, more than 330 active volunteers work more than 1,000 shifts a season at the shelter and in the Outreach and Inn Home Support programs for people who want to stay in their homes, but need help to do so. Guests who use the accommodations are encouraged, but not required, to help around the facility. They man the free store operated by IFTC to provide necessities like soap, toothpaste and warm clothing. A number of guests are tradesmen and they donate their time to do some of the physical maintenance on the building. Local businesses have also jumped on board with support. IFTC has an annual budget of approximately half a million dollars. Funding is split with $250,000 needed to pay rent, utilities, food, maintenance and other cash requirements, while another $350,000 comes in the form of donations of goods and services. Local companies like the Delta Grand Resort, Pit Stop Husky, Cobb’s Bread and Sparkling Hills Resort give extensively throughout the year. Service organizations like the Capri and Ogopogo Rotaries do a lot of fund raising for the group. Food is provided by other charitable organizations like the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which donates fruit and vegetables, and the Salvation Army which comes in twice a week to bring food then cook and serve the meal. There’s even a man simply identified as John-the-Coffee-Guy who provides the shelter with coffee for the year. Seated around tables in the centre of the room in mid-October were 13 new volunteers undergoing training to work at Inn From the Cold. They’ll take courses like Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Meet The People—a curriculum for dealing with the homeless.

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

Some of the volunteers learned about the Inn by word-of-mouth while others actively searched the Internet for the organization’s website or for online ads. Guys like Michael, who owns a company and has the time to volunteer, and women like Debra, who lives downtown and was inspired by the number of homeless men pushing carts laden with all their possessions, are joining the others to help alleviate the problem as best they can. Inn From the Cold’s shelter program opened its doors for another season last month and will operate through until spring. December is a busy month for the group, but pressure drops off around Christmas as many homeless people reconnect with their families for the holidays. January and February are the shelter’s busiest months. Demand for beds dies off as the weather improves. The shelter closes down with the warm weather because many of the homeless are fiercely independent and camp out through the summer so they can maintain control of their own lives. The Outreach and Inn Home support programs run year-round. It’s biblically fitting that the shelter facilities for Inn From the Cold are situated in an upper room above the St. Vincent de Paul store on Sutherland Avenue. And, although IFTC tries to maintain its secular approach to community service, it is the child of a number of different local churches and denominations. Kelowna’s Inn From the Cold was created in 1999. Surprisingly, it’s not aligned with other organizations across the country despite the fact that they all have the same goal and similar names. “We’re always recruiting volunteers and can use donations of money or goods” says Tara. For more information on Inn From the Cold and details on how to volunteer or contribute in another way, call 250-448-6403 or visit www.innfromthecoldkelowna.org.

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rearview by Shelley Wood

Postcards past Picture the memories

This is what “searching your inbox” used to mean: pulling a battered cardboard box off a top shelf, dumping its contents on the floor, then shuffling through a stack of yellowed papers seeking a certain handwriting style. I’m hunting for the pointy A’s and sloping T’s of an old friend from high school who’s turning 40 tomorrow; another friend has planned a surprise party in Vancouver and had asked everyone to show up with photos and stories. I’m hoping I can do even better. I don’t know what prescience led me to keep boxes of old letters and cards: some early foreboding that memories wouldn’t stick with me as long as many of the people in them. Most of all I’m pleased I’ve saved postcards, faded and soft from their time in storage and their journey from wherever it was they started before making their way to me. A globetrotting father sent my brother and me countless postcards from the exotic places his work took him when we were children. My mother did the reverse when I headed east, then south, for school— sending me regular postcards from my hometown. “I thought you might be needing a glimpse of the mountains. I bet you’re missing Lions Gate Bridge.” These days I send postcards to my nieces from all the far-flung places I’m lucky to visit with my own job. I hope they are keeping them in a box under the bed and that they pull them out from time to time, scrutinize the corny photos and stamps, feel the weight of a distance travelled in words. For all the ways that email, Skype, and Facebook are shrinking our big wide world, I’m hoping an old-school postcard might, occasionally, crack it wide open again with wonder. Make them want to get out there and explore it themselves. “Look at the crazy hats people wear here! The cheese pictured on the reverse is roughly half of what I ate for dinner last night.” Sometime in my lifetime, postcards will go the way of

november-december 2012 okanaganlife.com

telegrams and Kodak film. I figure I’ve only got a narrow window in which to buy the kookiest cliché images and write a few choice comments on the back. These days, my hands are cramped and sore after writing six short cards; I’ve lost my stamina for handwriting. Tonight, I’m lost in memories in this old box of dispatches, reacquainting myself with forgotten friends and kind of meeting, anew, the person they were writing to. Finally, I find it, a postcard from Alison, sent from the South of France where she was working as an au pair. In a fine and spiky script that wound up and around the postage, she’s recounted a hilarious brush with a parade of men dressed as Fred Flintstone pelting the crowd with small balls of chèvre during the annual festival in her little town. I can’t make it to Al’s surprise party, and—a symptom of the times—I’ve left it too late to write her a personal letter to send via old-fashioned post. Instead, I prop my iPad on my desk and film myself, showing her old photos of some of our past shenanigans, and reading aloud to her the postcard she sent me more than two decades ago. I’ll post it on a private channel on YouTube and text her the link.

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