Okanagan Life October 2015 by Okanagan Life

Wayne Wilson • Bob McCoubrey • Annie Bordeleau • Luca Paola

okanaganlife.com

OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2015

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Millennial shopper Mykha Wetjen

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Publisher/editor J. Paul Byrne Senior editor Laurie Carter Administration Wendy Letwinetz Graphic design Andrew Hutton,

Mishell Raedeke Account executive Alan Monk

Contributing writers Michael Botner, Laurie Carter, Bruce Kemp, Darcy Nybo, Gillianne Richards, Judie Steeves, Dona Sturmanis, Shelley Wood Contributing photographers Michael Botner, Laurie Carter, Bruce Kemp, Gillianne Richards, Judie Steeves, okanaganlife.com & social media Yvonne Turgeon

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October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

© 2015, All rights reserved. Opinions and perspectives expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the ownership or management. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s consent is strictly prohibited. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40028474 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO BYRNE PUBLISHING GROUP INC. 814 LAWRENCE AVENUE KELOWNA, BC V1Y 6L9 email: info@okanaganlife.com

CIRCULATION VERIFICATION

C O U N C I L

Shopping styles

The year of your birth may have far more impact on your shopping habits than you realize

06 Paul’s Voice A new beginning 46 Rearview Dress code

Pulse

Good Life

Valley Views

Culturista

More Valley Views

Kitchen Confidential

Good Neighbours

High Spirits

Fun facts, local news and photos, plus a Q&A with author Alix Hawley

Ciritcal land trusts protect Okanagan spaces: Wayne Wilson

Bob McCoubrey lends lifelong experience to community farm projects

Don’t laugh oﬀ this club. They’re really onto something

Chef Luca Paola rolls out bold new service option

New and noteworthy: wineries of the Naramata Bench

Community U

See how UBCO makes a big diﬀerence to so many facets of life in the Valley

Taster’s Choice Five wines from The Bench, worth a look for your cellar

On the cover: Millennial shopper, Mykha Wetjen. Cover photo by Bruce Kemp. Contents: top photo by Bruce Kemp; centre photo courtesy of UBC; bottom photo by Michael Botner.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

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October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

PAUL’S VOICE A new beginning Democracy is far from perfect, but it is the best system we have. Over 78 days of Canadian non-perfection, 23 political parties put 1,792 candidates in front of some 26.4 million eligible Canadians to lobby, cajole, pontificate, embellish and beg for their votes. A new beginning starts with a Liberal majority with Justin Trudeau as prime minister and his promise to rebuild the Canadian middle class. Albert Einstein once said that there are only two things that might be infinite: the universe and human stupidity — and he confessed he wasn’t sure about the universe. Fitting then, that almost 100 years to the month since his general relativity theory changed the rules of human reality, the longest, weirdest, most expensive and most controversial election in Canadian history has ended. In addition to this column, I have also written dozens of songs for a new musical called Cash Dough Money. It will ask audiences if we are ready to embrace a new way to think about money. If we are prepared to think differently, I believe we can — and will — change the world. Presently, we live in a world where we not only pollute the air, rivers and oceans, but a more insidious pollution invades our minds. We ignore the warnings of 97 per cent of the world’s most brilliant scientists about global warming in favour of a few psychopathic oil CEO’s and their lap-dog politicians. Why? Money. Studies prove that the human species is not just bad at probabilities and statistics, but it seems we are predisposed to incompetence. (Half of us think 100 million equals a billion. A rat beats 20 Harvard students in a probability study.) We will support illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan just to fit in, even when we know it is wrong. Why? Money. We connect the dots our way and assume we couldn’t possibly suffer from confirmation bias, prejudice or narrow-mindedness — when they actually rule our lives. We cannot grasp the idea that money, above everything else on this finite planet,

is the cause of all of our political, social and environmental problems. The reason: notorious neo-conservative, Wall Streetfunded think tanks have spun tales, fables and lies about a trickle-down economy that was supposed to reward everyone. The truth is, only the rich got richer — the trickle never happened — never will. The cognitive dissonance from “lack of money” affects our decision-making ability; we feel guilty for even asking why. You can change that—by openly discussing income inequality. Liberal candidate Chrystia Freeland wrote Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super-Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else, a best selling book about the half of one per cent. Believe me, it is worth the read. Last issue I penned an opinion piece that was decidedly critical of Stephen Harper. Anyone But Harper obviously resonated with readers, because the same day that 17,000 magazines were delivered to businesses, offices and residences, I was inundated with emails and phone calls of overwhelming support; more than any editorial in 35 years publishing city and regional magazines. I was surprised that there were only a couple people who admonished my views. Trans-national corporations have tricked, fooled and robbed small and medium sized businesses of their money to the point where the half of one per cent now own more wealth than the 99 per cent. We can change that. In the last five years of my 57-year life, I have come to realize that much of what I thought or understood about how the world worked, acted and behaved was desperately and decidedly wrong. It follows then, that I have been wrong. I admit it. I now know that capitalism needs so much more than a tweaking or Band-Aid, it needs an overhaul. It begs us to learn how to think again. I was a huge conservative supporter, advocate and fan for 90 per cent of my life—but I learned that trickle-down doesn’t trickle. Justin promised to fix that, and he will need our help. A new beginning continues by buying local. Support the small and medium-sized businesses that operate right here in BC.

John Paul Byrne publisher/editor paul@okanaganlife.com

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PULSE: Valley Views bythenumbers Up to

$1 billion will be spent on Halloween by Canadians this year. Including candy, costumes, props and entertainment.

Last year

76 % of Canadian households shopped online. Source: Canada Post

Syilx lives New hope for endangered Okanagan language Like most indigenous languages, Nsyilxcn (the Okanagan language) is dying, with fewer than 100 fluent Elders and no new speakers in Canada in over six decades. The Syilx Language Association was formed to change this outcome. Lead teacher, Michele Johnson, who has been working toward the vision for six years, launched a bold collaboration between Osoyoos Indian Band, Penticton Indian Band and Westbank First Nation. “There are several young people in each community,”

she says, “that are passionate about learning the language — that are taking it on as a role and responsibility to their communities.” The program has 13 beginners, 5 co-teachers (also students) and 4 Elders. Johnson projects that it will take 2,000 hours of study (about 4 years) for the students to achieve high-intermediate fluency. — LC

Millennials number

8.9 million Canadians, a bigger bulge of population than the Boomers (some 8.2 million). Source: Abacus Data

Some

8,400 students are enrolled at the Okanagan campus of UBC this year. Source: UBC

More than

1,000 international students now attend UBC Okanagan. Source: UBC

Developer milestone benefits shelter Mission Group Enterprises CEO, Jonathan Friesen, presents cheque to Kelowna Women’s Shelter executive director, Karen Mason.

When Mission Group Homes reached the impressive milestone this spring of handing over the keys to their 1,000th homeowner, the company chose to celebrate by donating $10,000 to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter. Marking its own milestone of 35 years of service to the community, last year the shelter housed more than 200 women, provided 15,500 meals and delivered more than 1,000 counselling sessions.— LC Photos contributed.

October/November 2015

Alix Hawley Hundreds of KGH Kids (born at Kelowna General Hospital) were on hand at Strathcona Park to witness the launch of the Giving Giggles fundraiser, which was kicked oﬀ with a $30,000 donation from the title sponsor of the event, Grant Thornton.

Giving Giggles fundraiser launched The official launch of Giving Giggles, a campaign to raise funds for Kelowna General Hospital’s new perinatal unit, serving expectant mothers and newborn babies, took place last month at Grant Thornton Kids of KGH Day, a celebration at Strathcona Park for all those born at KGH. The new perinatal unit is moving from its current location in the

Strathcona Building, to the top floor of the new Interior Heart & Surgical Centre, and boasts significant upgrades including single-patient post-partum rooms and an expanded NICU. The project should be completed by spring 2016. The new facility will open in March 2016. For more information on the unit and the fundraising campaign, visit www.givinggiggles.ca.— LC

YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids

The annual fundraiser at the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre smashed records, raising $75,000. Many of the 300 participants dressed up to add fun to the event.

Author, All True Not a Lie in It Why Daniel Boone as your central character? I tried to run, but he kept hooking me! It was like a rugby match. I remembered reading about him in National Geographic as a kid, and when I looked him up again, I couldn’t believe the power of his story — someone searching for paradise whose actions end up causing his son’s death. I tried every which perspective, but his was the one that worked. He won. Who is likely to enjoy reading this book? From what I hear, you don’t have to know anything about Daniel to enjoy it. It’s about what it’s like to be someone famous and confl icted, but it’s also a love story, a family story, a history, with some blood and guts. So I’d hope it has broad appeal. If you like Hilary Mantel or Peter Carey, you might give it a try. What’s the best part about the reaction to your debut novel? Winning the Amazon First Novel Award was a delightful shocker, as was being listed for the Giller Prize. But I’m also thrilled to have heard from so many readers with questions, stories, thoughts, conspiracy theories… Will you continue to work with historical characters ? The next novel is a sequel to All True, taking up where that leaves off. Many of the same characters appear, but Daniel’s wife Rebecca has a bigger role, and some of the book will be in her voice. After that, I have plans for a ghost story (boo!). How do you manage writing, husband, small children and teaching at Okanagan College? With a long whip. — LC

Photos contributed.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

PULSE: Valley Views

Land trust legacy Protecting precious habitat for future generations

Above: COLT executive director Wayne Wilson studies a donated parcel that will be

leased by the Central Okanagan Regional District and co-managed as a regional park.

Verdant wetlands, colourful wildflower meadows, rocky crags, and panoramic views over Okanagan Lake are just some of the natural features protected with the 2011 donation of the 324-hectare Johns family property in Kelowna’s south slopes area to the Central Okanagan Land Trust (COLT). Since then, the trust has reached agreement with the Central Okanagan Regional District to lease the property

and manage it, in collaboration with the land trust, as a regional park. COLT will ensure the family’s wishes are carried out—that it also remain viable habitat for wildlife, in perpetuity. It’s what land trusts do, explains COLT executive director Wayne Wilson, who came on-board in 2012, working on a contract basis after his (early) retirement from heading up the Kelowna Museums.

He explains that hiring someone in 2012 to stick-handle projects and carry out the day-to-day administrative duties of the organization was a natural evolution of the land trust, which was formed 25 years ago this year, by the Central Okanagan Foundation, with seed money from both the City of Kelowna and the regional district. “I’m guessing the Johns property donation took COLT around a corner in its evolution. It was a significant contribution to the community and it needed to be managed well,” says Wilson. The role of the land trust will become more critical as huge pressure on habitat and biodiversity continues in this valley, he notes. “Land trusts maintain and strengthen biodiversity by protecting habitat. We’re better off as a species if we protect habitat for other species. We’re all part of the web of life.” Wilson comments that natural features help to characterize our region and their protection is important for tourism and the economy, as well as to human and community health in general. “COLT’s role is illuminating those environmental values and illustrating the social and cultural value of our unique natural surroundings,” he says. Wilson believes that partnerships with all levels of government, with agencies such as the Okanagan Basin Water Board and with community groups such as the Central Okanagan Naturalists Club, the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Mission Creek Restoration Initiative, are vital to keep the community land trust relevant and linked-in. As well, he says the COLT collaborates with sister organizations that operate in the Valley, from the North Okanagan Parks and Natural Areas Trust (www.nopnat.com) to the Okanagan Region Wildlife Heritage Fund Society (www.orwhfs.com) soon to be re-named the Southern Interior Land Trust; and the wider-ranging Nature Trust of B.C. (www.naturetrust. bc.ca) and Nature Conservancy of Canada (www.natureconservancy.ca). “Good relationships in the community help you all to move forward,” Photo by Judie Steeves.

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

says Wilson. “Partnerships are likely to increase in importance and number as COLT is seen as a strong voice for the natural environment in the Valley.” He notes that studies have proven green spaces to be particularly important in maintaining human health and reducing stress, plus people are healthier when their air and water are kept clean—and stewardship of the natural environment helps ensure that protection. COLT celebrated its 25th anniversary with a reception at Sandhill Wines’ new facility on Ellis Street in Kelowna’s north end on Oct. 17, called Legacy Lands: 25 years of COLT conservation. A number of funding announcements were included in the birthday “gifts” and a collection of “sterling silver” silent auction items helped raise money to continue the trust’s work. Over the years, the land trust has also been involved in purchasing the property that became the seed for Rose

Good relationships in the community help you all to move forward. Valley Regional Park; then the Gellatly Nut Farm; Rotary Marsh at Brandt Creek; as well as Lot 502, which became part of Okanagan Mountain Park; and portions of the Mission Creek Greenway. COLT also holds protective covenants on a number of properties, including Thomson Marsh, a portion of Robert Lake and the Strachan property at the end of Lakeshore Road. Currently, COLT is working with the City of Kelowna on naturalizing the

area around Munson Pond and with the Mission Creek Restoration Initiative on a dyke setback project for restoration of natural flows along a portion of that creek, as well as implementing the management plan approved last year by all parties for the new Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park. If you have a favourite natural feature in the Central Okanagan you feel should be preserved for future generations, contact Wilson or one of the volunteer directors to discuss it, and if you are interested in a donation of property or funds to purchase property; or you would like more information about a protective covenant, email: info@coltrust.ca Wilson says, “We are a member of the Land Trust Alliance of B.C. and we maintain the standards of the Canadian Land Trust Alliance. We work with professional biologists, lawyers and accountants who help us make informed decisions.”—Judie Steeves

Mission Creek restoration

From left: Joe Enns, Andrew Jakubeit, Doug Anderson, Bryn White, Helena Konanz and Kerri Milton plant a native species tree on the bank of Penticton Creek.

Penticton Creek restoration The restoration of Penticton Creek was identified during the 2012 Downtown Plan and construction started Aug. 4. The historic event saw concrete pulled out of the creek for the first time in over 50 years. The showcase project was designed to demonstrate what creek restoration can look like, with the goal of restoring fish habitat, maintaining flood protection and stabilizing creek banks.— LC

New project coordinator, Steve Matthews, will lead the Mission Creek Restoration Initiative (MCRI) into Phase-1 construction. With 38 years of provincial fisheries and related project management experience, Matthews is well qualified to support MCRI’s vision of restoring and protecting Mission Creek to Steve Matthews enrich historical, ecological, and recreational values for the Okanagan. “MCRI has huge potential over the long term,” says Matthews, “for providing a wide range of benefits for Kelowna and area, and will be key to recovery of Okanagan Lake fish stocks.”— LC

Photos contributed.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

Pulse: Good Neighbours Story and photo by Judie Steeves

Grow,

feed,

teach Community Farm Society beneﬁts food banks; encourages new farmers

his spring, volunteers planted more than 100,000 seeds on the Central Okanagan’s fi rst community farm, and after much weeding, hoeing and plucking under the hot sun, harvested more than 10,000 pounds of produce for Central Okanagan food banks. “It’s mainly green leafy vegetables; good nutritious stuff that they’re short of,” says Bob McCoubrey as he bends over the chard under summer skies and picks the lush green leaves into a basket. The idea came out of a meeting of the Central Okanagan Food Policy Council, the retired orchardist explains. “I could see they needed input from a farmer.” So he found himself a member of the board of the new Central Okanagan Community Farm Society. There were five founding members, and eight generally attend meetings, he says. It’s a policy board, but a few directors also volunteer in the garden, including Bob. Th is fi rst half-acre community farm is on land made available by Paul and Judy Shoemaker in Lake Country, adjacent to a community garden where a number of

Retired orchardist Bob McCoubrey harvests produce destined for local food banks from a community farm in Lake Country.

area residents come and raise some of their own food in small plots. Next year the plan is to farm another half-acre adjacent to this one, as well as at a farm in Kelowna, if there are enough volunteers and land is available. Although the current community farm got started with money put up by board members, they then received a grant from the Central

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

Okanagan Foundation to continue. Bob was raised on a 10-acre orchard and bought a small orchard next door when he was 23 years old, selling it and retiring four years ago. He was also Lake Country’s fi rst mayor after its incorporation 20 years ago. Bob concedes that raising 20 different commodities on a mixed farm is quite a different proposition

from growing tree fruits which generally only have a single harvest. “It’s hard to keep track of what’s ready,” he says with a rueful grin. Crops include sunchokes, carrots, spinach, kale, lettuce, chard, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, tomatoes, peppers, beets and three different squashes. However, he’s learning as he goes along and what he learns will be passed along. Another project the society is working on is the Okanagan’s fi rst incubator farm, which would allow aspiring farmers to learn a bit about farming, without investing fi rst in the land and equipment. Currently, they’re looking for five acres or so of irrigated land with good soil and for mentors willing to help guide new farmers. The time commitment could vary, depending on whether a question just needs to be answered or whether a field trip is needed, says Bob. He envisions people who are innovators, thinkers and people who like to share their knowledge. He’s interested in both projects not only because he fi nds community service satisfying, but also because, “I love being outdoors, getting some exercise and fresh air.” As well, he says he loves growing things. Bob also fi nds, “It’s more fun when it’s not important that you make money from it. It takes the pressure off.” However, the new farmers will have to come up with a management plan and farm the land they rent with a view to marketing the produce and making a success of the operation. After a few years, they would be expected to decide whether they want to throw in the towel or buy land to begin their own farm. If you’d like to volunteer at the community farm; if you have suitable land available for an incubator farm; experience with farming or farm equipment and are interested in mentoring; or if you’re interested in embarking on a career in farming, you can contact Bob McCoubrey at: grow.feed.teach@gmail.com.

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okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

Ernie Perry and his wife Darlene, typical Silent generation shoppers, wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sacrifice quality for a bargain.

re you a bargain-hunting Boomer or a search-savvy Millennial? Maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more in line with buy-whatyou-like Gen Xers or brand-loyal shoppers from the Silent generation. See where your shopping style fits.

Shoppin The Silents

70-95 years old; with an eye on value

These shoppers have seen enough to know what they like and they’re very brand loyal. They look more for value and comfort than price and style. The majority of Silents are retired, own their home, live on a budget and love a bargain, but not at the expense of quality. Twenty-five per cent will read product reviews. Silent shopper: Ernie Perry Location: Vernon Age: 74 Status: Retired, married, homeowner Combined household income: $50,000 to $75,000 When it comes to brand loyalty, Ernie Perry is very much like his contemporaries. “We don’t buy noname brands because I think it is inferior quality every time,” he says. “And when it comes to vehicles, I only buy new and direct from the dealer. I know what trucks I like and those are the ones I buy.” He and his wife Darlene usually shop at big box store grocery outlets. They rarely visit smaller stores because of the higher prices.

throu the

generations By Darcy Nybo

When it comes to fresh produce that’s where they draw the line. “We get good fresh produce from our farmers’ market. We don’t look for organic specifically, but if it’s the same price we’d get the organic.” As for larger items, quality and history play a major part in the purchasing decision. “We buy wellknown brands of appliances because they have a good track record. I don’t buy cheap stuff — I want quality.” However, when it comes to discounts and price checking, there is room for discussion. “Advertising doesn’t really affect my purchases, but I do look at the flyers and price check to see who has sales on or who has the best deal,” says Perry. “For larger, more expensive items, like small appliances, electronics, etc., I would check to

see if there was a discount for floor models. We just bought a table that was a demo, but there was nothing wrong with it. If it was damaged in a noticeable way I wouldn’t buy it even if there was a discount.” When it comes to impulse buying, Perry says it rarely happens. “We may buy more than we intend to at the big box stores, but that’s because the prices are good.”

of Silents read product reviews before buying

Photos by Bruce Kemp.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

Baby Boomers

51-69 years old; tech savvy coupon clippers

If I see it and I want it, I buy it. I was in a wine store and bought a pair of shoes because I liked them.” Doris Langlois

These shoppers are used to being catered to. Once the largest demographic on the planet, most Boomers are still in the work force and planning for retirement. They shop at discount and thrift stores, they comparison shop for almost everything and see expensive purchases as long-term investments. They also shop online and buy eCoupons. Twenty-five per cent of Boomers are impulse shoppers. Baby Boomer: Doris Langlois Location: Kelowna Age: 59 Status: Single, empty nester, condo owner Household Income: $75,000 to $100,00

when it comes to impulse shopping, Langlois admits she is one of the 25 per cent. “If I see it and I want it, I buy it. I was in a wine store and bought a pair of shoes because I liked them.”

when it comes to comparison shopping, Doris Langlois is very much a Boomer. she checks out several stores before making large or important decisions. smaller items like clothing and groceries depend on where she is and what she needs. “when it comes to grocery shopping, for the big shops I go to my big supermarket. For small items, I go to the local grocer. when it comes to brand loyalty, it depends on the product. For example, I buy no-name canned corn, but I buy a known brand laundry detergent because I know it works for me.” Langlois does not use social media to help make her buying decisions; however, she is not averse to online coupons for items like eyeglasses. she estimates 10 per cent of her total spending, including travel, is done online. “I do download books on kobo and I’m signed up for emails that often have sales and I’ll buy those products online.”

Impulse shopper

Boomers love a bargain. They’ll shop around and compare for the best deal.

of Boomers admit to impulse shopping

of this Boomer’s shopping is done online (including travel) Left photos contributed; Penticton farmers’ market photo by Bruce Kemp; Brodo photo by Laurie Carter.

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

Baby Boomer: Jan Dickins Location: Kelowna Age: 59 Status: Lives with signiﬁcant other, empty nester, townhouse owner Combined household Income: $150,000 Internet savvy Boomers, like Jan Dickins, do online research and online purchasing because of convenience. “I often use consumer reports online to do larger item

research such as electronics, cameras, food processors etc. I also use the Internet when comparing items. I do purchase quite a bit online, about 20 per cent of my purchases. I buy books, skin care, watches, camera lens, colouring books, you name it, except clothing — I don’t buy clothing online.” when it comes to brand loyalty, Dickins goes for quality and price when shopping for big-ticket items. “when I bought my new vehicle I went around town and test drove 12 diﬀerent brands of cars until I found the one I wanted.” Dickins admits she’s not good at asking for money oﬀ, so she sends her partner in to do it. “He will ask for price matching. He also is the one who asks for the discounts.” groceries are purchased at the closest larger grocery store; but fresh fruits and veggies come from the farmers’ market and organic grocers. “I don’t mind paying extra for local, organic foods and locally made items,” says Dickins. I don’t live in a neighbourhood where I can walk to the shops, but I do have a few favourite gift stores I like to shop at.” Dickins also loves a good bargain when she can find it. “On occasion I will shop at consignment stores or discount fashion stores to see what I can find. If I don’t have to pay full retail, I’m a happy camper. you can get good quality at these stores for a third of the cost.” she also admits to being an impulse buyer. “If I see something I like and there is a birthday or anniversary or special occasion coming up, I’ll buy it.”

I don’t mind paying extra for local, organic foods and locally made items.” Jan Dickins Comparison shopper

The promise of fresh, local products entices Boomers to shop at farmers’ markets.

of this Boomer’s shopping is done online

Farners’ market photos by Laurie Carter.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

48%

of Gen X shoppers check for discounts and sale items

I am a busy mom, I run a business, and a household. I have limited time to shop.â&#x20AC;? Jennifer Vincent Thorough researcher

Gen X shopper Jennifer Vincent does her research online to save time.

64%

of Gen Xers read product reviews before buying

Jennifer gives her daughter, Molly, a head start on nextgeneration shopping.

Generation X

35-50 years old; independent, research-driven shoppers These shoppers understand marketing and media better than the generation before. They prefer to research instead of asking friends, take pride in their individuality and start families later. gen Xers are early adopters and are rarely brand loyal. Discounts are checked by 48 per cent of gen Xers and 64 per cent will search out product reviews before buying. Gen Xer: Jennifer Vincent Location: Penticton Age: 37 Status: Married, homeowner, one child Combined household income: $75,000 to $100,000 Jennifer Vincent knows the value of time and is a master researcher. “I am a busy mom, I run a business, and a household. I have limited time to shop.” Vincent researches items and services she deems important for her lifestyle. “I have a diaper service and I did quite a bit of research on who to use. when we bought our espresso machine, I researched it for

four weeks. I read a series of online reviews, magazine reviews, consumer reviews and I checked locally. no one was selling what I wanted, so I ended up buying online from Ontario.” she also loves a bargain. “since having the baby I have paid more attention to sale prices and find myself price checking more. It has been interesting to me to see that change. Most of the baby equipment I bought was sourced second hand or handed on to us by people whose buying choices I respected. I knew that I wanted a vintage pram and we bought one online. Very little of the baby equipment I have is new. It makes me happy as a consumer as I am aware

of my footprint for some things [the baby] will only use for three to six months. Then I can pass them along.” although not brand loyal, buying local is important to Vincent. “we bought all our household furnishings locally. There was enough of a selection to make us happy. we wanted something BC-made and waited until they went on sale to buy them. we were happy to pay a higher price for a high quality, locally-made product. I also love shopping for books locally. I love the smell of bookstores.” when it comes to entertainment purchases, Vincent goes online. “I have a large collection of music I digitized and for new music we just stream it from a subscription service or online radio. we also get movies online.” Her gen X independence shines through when it comes to essentials like groceries. “we source them locally at farmers’ markets, or we trade with neighbours. we have backyard chickens, bees, peaches, plums, tomatoes, kale, squash and apricots to trade.”

Photos by Bruce Kemp.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

Millennials or Generation Y

20-34 years old; bargain hunters with an eye for quality surprisingly similar to the silents, Millennials prefer cash over credit and are, for the most part, fi nancially conservative. They are a larger generation than the Boomers and, like them, they love coupons, shop online and seek out bargains. Over half will check for a discount and 69 per cent read product reviews before buying. They are also the highest group of impulse buyers at 53 per cent.

Millennial Mykha Wetjen looks for quality while keeping an eye on the price tag.

of Millennials read product reviews before buying

Millennial: Mykha Wetjen Location: Vernon Age: 21 Status: Single, renter Yearly Income: $15,000 to $25,000 when it comes to larger purchases, Mykha wetjen is a bargain hunter. “I go to the stores and look at the descriptors on the product. Like for a TV, I just take how many pixels; size, warranty etc., I find that out in the store.” Unlike the majority of her generation, wetjen doesn’t usually price check. “I prefer to shop at stores that have most of what I need, like big box drug stores that have electronics, furniture, post office, small appliances, etc. For groceries I shop at larger stores. I can’t afford to shop at boutique/organic places for food and I’ve never been to a farmers’ market.” wetjen isn’t a stickler for brand names if quality appears to be the same. she does not ask for price matching. “Because I’ve worked retail I don’t ask for price matches when I shop. It’s a lot of work for the staff for usually a very small savings. I would ask for a discount if the product I wanted was slightly damaged or used, like clothing or floor models of electronics and appliances.” Like the majority of her generation she does read product reviews before purchasing. “It’s also part of my job to know which products perform better as I work in a hardware/all purpose store.” wetjen is a bit of an anomaly in that she rarely purchases anything, including music, online and she seldom buys anything on impulse.

of Millennials admit to impulse buys

Photo by Bruce Kemp.

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

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Up to 19 years old; educated entrepreneurs who hope to change the world They may be young, but they have big dreams. They spend more money on food and drink than any other generation. They value quality over brand names and want items that fit their specific needs; 60 per cent want cool products, 40 per cent are looking for cool experiences. They also don’t hate ads, especially if they’re humorous or have good music. The most commonly purchase device is a mobile phone.

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Gen Zer: Bradyn Krauza Location: Kelowna Age: 19 Status: Single, lives with parents Yearly Income: $15,000 to $25,000 Bradyn krauza knows what he likes when he sees it. “I shop mostly at one store and if I like it, I buy it, no matter what the price. I like simple clothes and the brands that I shop for are simple and comfortable.” krauza doesn’t shop much online. “I only spend about $100 a year online — maybe less. I don’t like to wait to get the stuﬀ. when it comes to gaming, I still buy them from the store because I don’t like to wait. Music is about all I buy online. I just get it from iTunes and download it.”

will watch an ad if it has good music

Brand names don’t impress Gen Z shopper Bradyn Krauza. If he likes the product and it meets his needs, he buys.

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

The_Creeks_1-3Pg_Okanagan_Home_Ad_Resized.pdf

I shop mostly at one store and if I like it, I buy it, no matter what the price.” Bradyn Krauza

2015-09-24

10:41 AM

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as for cell phones, he just recently purchased one. “I went and got my own account started. I decided to go with the company that had a large data plan. I got limited calling, unlimited texting and lots of data. It’s what I needed and they gave me what I wanted.” as a musician, krauza goes more for quality than brand names. “I’m a drummer and I like my sticks to be black — it doesn’t matter where I buy them as long as they are black. I set up my kit how I like it so it is unique to myself, I just added on to a basic kit. I buy drums for their sound and quality, not for their name.” when it comes to big purchases, krauza says he’s saving up for a car. “I usually just consider someone else’s opinion and, if it’s a hard decision, then I’d ask my parents opinion and then I’d decide for myself.” Like most of his generation, krauza eats out quite often. “I prefer going to restaurants instead of fast food outlets and as long as the food is good I don’t care where I eat.”

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Commercial Real Estate Kimmitt Wrzesniewski is pleased to assist our clients in all aspects of their real estate development from land assemblies, lot consolidations and subdivision matters right through to real estate sales. We assist our clients with financing, real estate acquisitions, bare land, strata developments, and drafting of disclosure statements. We advise both landlords and tenants on all aspects of leasing activities, including ground leases, and the leasing of retail and office space.

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Soprano Chelsea Rus performs Je Veux Vivre from RomĂŠo et Juliette at the 2015 Opera Under the Stars event produced jointly with Opera Kelowna and staged at the UBC Okanagan outdoor amphitheatre.

By Dona Sturmanis

UBC Okanagan celebrates its 10th anniversary and Valley communities celebrate the connection

ommunity ngagement

highly-popular presentation by a celebrity Canadian astronaut; a wellattended public festival at Kelowna’s downtown park; a project using art to generate knowledge and interest in endangered native bees; an award-winning author’s talk dispelling the mysteries of Alzheimer’s; a school district science fair with 300 student participants — these are just a sampling of the tremendous number and variety of community engagements in which UBC Okanagan participates.

A common idea about universities is that they are isolated institutions where academics secretly carry on obscure research and have no connection with the surrounding world. Our regional university, UBC Okanagan, is the complete opposite of this ivory tower myth — involvement with the community is one of its main mandates. “We know our partnerships and activity in the community have very real impact — in our neighbourhoods, our social and cultural lives, and the Okanagan’s economy,” says

Bud Mortenson, director of university relations. “From UBCO’s opening day, we have engaged the community in the life of the university.” Internationally-acclaimed opera singer Judith Forst was the star performer at an opening night at the university back in September 2005. More than 600 people attended the event, which also featured UBC’s student opera ensemble from the Vancouver campus. It was a grand celebration of UBC’s new Okanagan campus, and just the start of UBC’s ongoing contribution to the

All photos courtesy of UBC.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

A great university doesn’t just contribute to the wider community, it must be a vital part of it.” Bud Mortenson director of university relations

An Evening Under the Stars for UBCO alumni at DRAO.

vibrant cultural life of the region. The Distinguished Speaker Series (www.speakers.ok.ubc.ca) has been a tremendous success since it was established in 2006 with more than 20,000 people attending these public talks over the years. More than three dozen speakers of renown have made presentations, including the enigmatic retired Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, in October 2013. His evening appearance in downtown Kelowna was so popular the university telecast the talk to two other theatres on campus. Up to 10,000 people attend class, work or visit the UBC Okanagan campus daily. In 2014, 138 public events were held on campus and another 75 off campus in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan Valley. While UBC Okanagan is located in Kelowna, the institution lives up to its name and serves the whole region. “The academic

plan which shaped [us] was created through consultations with communities throughout the Southern Interior,” says Mortenson. As UBCO enters its second decade, the university fosters partnerships with communities in the South and North Okanagan, in the Similkameen and the Kootenays, and is interested in growing an even greater number of beneficial relationships across the region. Activities include presentations, art exhibits, stage performances, film screenings, visiting scholars, authors, artist lectures, concerts, dialogues on critical issues such as children’s health, seniors’ health, alternative urban futures, violence against Indigenous women, ecology, conservation, management of biodiversity and water resources. “As a world-class research institution and public university, UBC Okanagan has a responsibility to address the aspirations and challenges facing society, and to learn from the experience

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

Where they put the people Spaces for presentations on campus are limited to about 300 people. Larger local public events are held in venues such as the Rotary Centre for the Arts, the Mary Irwin Theatre and the Kelowna Community Theatre. UBC Okanagan has partnership locations in the Kelowna Innovation Centre, operated by Accelerate Okanagan in downtown Kelowna. That space is used by a variety of university-community partners, including the faculty of management, as a downtown meeting location for students to connect with their business partners and discuss projects.

The UBC Okanagan Eco Cultural Centre is a 3.5-hectare parkland property adjacent to the Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park in the southern Mission neighbourhood of Kelowna. The faculty of creative and critical studies (FCCS) has created an innovative multiuse space for summer artist and research programs and is promoting partnerships with local groups for public activities, events and educational programming. UBC Okanagan hosts a family-friendly community street party in Kelowna’s downtown Kerry Park in September. Public theatre and conference locations in Vernon and Penticton are used when planning events in those communities.

Alumni add to the community Since the first graduation ceremonies in 2006, more than 11,000 students have received UBC degrees in the Okanagan. This large and growing community of people remain closely connected with the university. Engagement activities include working with many young alumni just getting started in their careers here in the BC Interior. Your Next Step is a career development website that contains links to events, webcasts and podcasts: www.alumni.ubc.ca/careers.

and knowledge of communities,” says Mortenson. “When we think of a university engaged in the community, there are obvious public activities — compelling speakers, for example — but UBC Okanagan is engaged with communities in many ways. We know the university can only serve a greater good if it is thoroughly integrated in the regional community, educating citizens and answering the research needs of the Okanagan Valley.”

Mortenson says the university knows how powerful community participation is for the institution. “A great university doesn’t just contribute to the wider community, it must be a vital part of it. We could not meet our academic goals — which include providing enriching, realworld learning experiences for students — without the collaboration we enjoy with so many organizations and individuals in the Okanagan. Details at www.events.ok.ubc.ca.

Distinguished Speaker Series featured Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

UBCO community partnerships Celebrate Research Week: In March each year, UBC Okanagan welcomes the community to participate in a variety of activities that highlight the impact of research on our lives. During Celebrate Research Week last year, UBC Okanagan’s Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention and the North Okanagan Hospice Society presented a discussion entitled: What makes for quality of life when you have an advanced life-limiting illness. Healthy Cities: Together with the City of Kelowna and Interior Health, UBCO helps to identify factors that aﬀect resident attitudes towards increased residential housing density in their neighborhoods and across the community. AlterKnowledge Discussion Series: This monthly forum for public dialogue brings university and community participants together to discuss issues of social concern in the Okanagan region. For UBC’s centennial year, AlterKnowledge is oﬀering a special calendar of events to explore themes of relation, identity and place in the Okanagan.

Focus on the department of creative studies Over 80 public events a year are hosted by the department of creative studies, with programs in visual arts, creative writing and performance. This department falls under the faculty of creative and critical studies (FCCS) along with the department of critical studies (with programs in English, art history, cultural studies, French, Spanish and other languages). “Art needs audiences so we program into our classes several public engagement projects such as visual art exhibitions and theatre performances,” says Nancy Holmes, associate professor, creative writing, poetry. “You can’t have art without that relationship with the reader, viewer or experiencer. Our work is meant for that.” From Holmes’ perspective, it is particularly important that artistic and cultural resources continue to develop in the Okanagan. Research shows that people want to live in culturally-rich communities. “Therefore, many of us want to help generate regionally unique art-making structures and elements. We want to help our students and people in the community see

themselves in an artistic ‘centre’ even though physically they are in what may seem to be a peripheral region like the Okanagan. This kind of engagement may, over the long term, help keep creative people in the region, which will help to continue to develop rich cultural resources.” Some major annual creative studies events include: • presentations by visiting authors and artists • Art on the Line, a major fundraisers for visual arts students • year-end BFA show, “one of the most exciting and well-attended art events in the the Valley” • year-end performances of graduating theatre students • Theatre 26, the annual roster of professional theatre groups that come to Kelowna under creative studies sponsorship • the biennial Okanagan Print exhibition Holmes says creative studies students also do numerous other public events such as poetry readings, book launches, gallery exhibitions and performances.

Community Service Learning (CSL) Program: Classroom learning is combined with student volunteer work that achieves community goals. Students understand how their course work relates to critical social issues by linking real-life experiences in the community to academic content. Beneﬁts are received by both students and the organizations they’re serving. BC Interior School Districts: Each year, hundreds of teachers in training from the faculty of education are hosted by mentor teachers in elementary, middle and secondary schools. Annual Central Okanagan School District Science Fair: More than 300 students from the local district participate in the competition, which is held during UBC Okanagan Celebrate Research Week. Another 1,200 students visit the campus during the fair.

UBC Okanagan hosts the Central Okanagan School District Science Fair as part of its Celebrate Research Week.

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Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention (www.ihlcdp.ok.ubc.ca): The Institute creates and uses new knowledge to enhance healthy living and chronic disease prevention through community-based collaborations. This is an example of how UBC Okanagan is very active in community-based research. Community-University Partnerships for Health Series: This is an ongoing series of public events in which people from anywhere in the Southern Interior can attend in person or participate via webinar or teleconference. Many discussions are archived on the Institute’s website. Walk ‘n Talk for Your Life: In partnership with Global Fitness, this community health research study is designed to increase socialization and healthy lifestyles among seniors. Seniors receive a 10-week program facilitated by professional fitness trainers and assisted by UBC Okanagan students. UBC Faculty of Medicine Southern Medical Program: Closely partnered with Interior Health across the Southern Interior, medical students study on campus in Kelowna, train at Kelowna General Hospital and in family physician offices in the community, and complete their medical education at hospitals and health centres in communities from Trail and Cranbrook to Penticton and Kamloops. Survive and Thrive Applied Research (STAR): This facility brings together researchers from across the faculties to help industry develop ideas that can be applied in a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, natural resources, healthcare and defense. For example, Prof. Paul van Donkelaar is working with a novel new shock-absorbing material called Armourgel (developed at Imperial College London, in the UK) and Kelowna’s Helios Global Technologies to develop a helmet liner that could lessen the impact of blows to the head, specifically in contact sports. Research partnerships with businesses: UBC Okanagan faculty and graduate students are engaged in dozens of research partnerships with businesses from Salmon Arm to Oliver, examining everything from improving wine production and accessing global markets, to better ways to build safer, more sustainable homes.

Women’s volleyball players were among the UBC Okanagan Heat studentathletes volunteering at water stations to support the Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon in September 2015. Heat student-athletes are very active in the community, visiting local elementary schools, and participating in a wide variety of community events each year including the Parkinson Super Walk and the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike-a-thon.

Creative studies along with critical studies also has a partnership with the Regional District of the Central Okanagan to hold readings, community master classes and workshops at the Woodhaven Eco Culture Centre in the lower Mission area of Kelowna, especially in the summer months. The department also has several research projects that engage with the community. Over the past four years, Holmes and Denise Kenney have created, curated, facilitated or supported over 20 community art events through the Eco Art Incubator, a SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council)-funded research project to support the development of eco art or place-based art in the Okanagan. One of these projects is the unique Dig Your Neighbourhood project where creative

writing and visual arts students create a package of art for Kelowna neighbourhoods, which is then distributed to the Welcome Wagon (with some items for sale at the Okanagan Heritage Museum). Holmes is also starting a new project called The Public Art Pollinator Pastures, a three-year project also funded by SSHRC, which will focus on endangered native bees, using art as a generator of knowledge and interest. Dona Sturmanis is a Kelownabased freelance writer, editor and writing instructor.

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There’s a solution to your sleep problems! We have all had those days when we feel like a train wreck, but if railroad carnage is your normal, it’s time to get back on track. The occasional day of fatigue or restless night is unavoidable, but you can’t allow it to be a way of life. Most of us do not realize that sleeping too little, too much, or at inappropriate times is an actual health concern requiring serious attention. Some individuals have suffered for so long that they assume this is “their normal” sleep behaviour. Other people think there isn’t anything that can be done to correct it. Lastly, there are a few who are simply in denial of having any problem at all, even though their bed partner has been witnessing sleep issues for years. Solutions are often hard to find and many get frustrated and just try to endure the problem. Sleep is never considered a “priority” when compared to other medical issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

There are numerous kinds of sleep disorders affecting people today. Some of the ones we see most commonly include: insomnia, restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, snoring and sleep apnea. Regardless of which sleep problems you are experiencing, do not underestimate the importance of taking action. Some disorders can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Poor sleep can also have a profound impact on your quality of life and work performance. The treatment of sleep disorders is a form of preventative medicine. If somebody with severe sleep apnea goes untreated, that person may well be admitted to hospital sometime in the future after suffering a stroke. Promptly addressing sleep disorders may save lives and improve quality of life, but it can also reduce the health care burden by avoiding the more morbid consequences. So, the next time you’re grumbling about being awake all night or sleepy during the

day, take the first step and do something about it. Don’t allow your sleep disorders to become disabling. This is your health, take control! Call one of the professionals on these pages who are all committed to working together to solve your sleep difficulties! sleep information contributed by: alena Krizek, rPsGt, r. eeG t. Certified Clinical sleep educator

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GOOD LIFE: Culturista Story and photos by Gillianne Richards

Funny you should ask Okanagan club takes laughter very seriously

hen I was a kid, it was Mary Poppins who first taught me how to really laugh. Or rather, it was Uncle Albert. In the movie he suffered from an unusual condition where he would start laughing and couldn’t stop. During the fits he’d float around like a balloon fi lled with hysterical helium. If other people saw, they’d soon find themselves laughing and floating up in the air, too. It’s never been hard for me to get a good chuckle going, but Uncle Albert taught me sometimes we really need to go for gold. That’s why, when I discovered Kelowna’s Laughter Club, I had to check it out. The club takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights at the Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan on the corner of Richter and Bernard in Kelowna. Annie Bordeleau is a professional laughter consultant (yes, that is a career option) and she runs the group in both English and French, as needed. I’ve brought my sister along because like me, her laugh has a quick trigger, going off like a shotgun and fi lling the air with delightfully wicked chortles that amuse us to no end. We share an addiction and are there for a fi x. But what could possibly happen that would be so funny? Are

Leader Annie Bordeleau (ﬂoral top) leads a group laugh.

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

We laugh at ourselves and at each other, and bask in a shared humility that allows us to feel truly accepted and seen.

we going to hear jokes? Tell embarrassing stories? Surely we won’t be laughing for the whole hour? Funny thing is, the laughter comes from within and did indeed keep coming for the whole class. Annie trained in laughter yoga and wellness in Vancouver and became a laughter consultant in 2013. The study of the healing impact of laughter became popular over the last century. In 1995 laughter yoga was developed by a doctor in India named Madari Kataria, who wanted to offer his patients a path to health beyond prescribing medication. The concept has since expanded into a holistic wellness practice and now there are over 7,000 laughter clubs in 65 countries. “It’s a movement for peace, health and joy,” says Annie. “Life nowadays can make us take everything very seriously, like it’s the end of the world if you don’t succeed at something. There’s a lot of expectations, so this helps to just take it more lightly.” The club starts off like many clubs with everyone introducing themselves. Except this time, right after you say your name, you let out a big laugh. Fake it till you make it is the motto and it’s surprising how many real laughs an initial forced one can bring. Tonight it’s all women, including a lovely grandma who you can tell has been through a thing or two in her life. She lights up the room, spreading a laugh fi lled with hope and love. “This is my therapy,” she says. Annie combines breathing techniques, gentle stretches and laughter games to create an hour that is relaxing, releasing and connecting on a gut level. Any nervousness at the beginning melts away by the time we get to the second or third game. When people are nervous they laugh, but when they don’t have to stifle

of drunken laughter goggles? Or is the explanation more simple: when you crack open a hardened shell with an hour of laughter, the softer expressions and an inner warmth are free to shine through again. Annie says, “Give it a chance and believe it can make a difference in your life, it sure has for me. As far as my patience level, my tolerance for things that happen in my daily life, it’s made me a better mom, with lots of physical, emotional and mental benefits. When you laugh you don’t think about your problems for that short period of time, you’re removed from your circumstances and you’re just allowing yourself to be in the moment with a group of people experiencing laughter.” Best of all, you get to feel the magic that comes with being in a state of illogical ecstasy. It’s amazing how easy it is to keep laughing once you start. The effect remains long after the club is over. I guess Uncle Albert was on to something after all, LOL. Top: Bev Brown. Middle: Sarah Sutherland. Bottom front to back: Sunny Bordeleau, Sophie Planchat and Lisa Boesten.

Date Book Shannon Ford, Solo Exhibition Penticton: November 5-25 Canadian artist Shannon Ford’s equine and grizzly bear paintings are turning heads. Her powerful acrylic with gemstone work reveals an unspoken understanding between animal and viewer, an homage to our increasing understanding and enriching bond with animals. Lloyd Gallery, Penticton: Mon. to Sat., 10am-5:30pm. Details at www.lloydgallery.com.

Having Hope at Home Vernon: November 25-29 A side-splitting look at a family learning to love again. On a winter night in a drafty farmhouse a baby is about to arrive. But modern medicine meets midwifery head on in a torrent of family feuding. As tensions rise between three dysfunctional generations, so does the laughter. Powerhouse Theatre, Vernon: performances 7:30pm; Sat. matinee. More info at www.powerhousetheatre.net.

The Nutcracker Kelowna: December 11-13 Experience the magic and wonder of this beloved classic, set to Tchaikovsky’s memorable score and presented by The Canadian School of Ballet and Ballet Kelowna’s company of dancers. Kelowna Community Theatre, 7:30pm, plus Sat. and Sun. matinees. Tickets and info at www.balletkelowna.ca.

The Glory Passes it, the laughter turns into a feeling of freedom. In the group we laugh at ourselves and at each other, and bask in a shared humility that allows us to feel truly accepted and seen. Annie’s radiance and playfulness give proof that the classes work well on both the inside and out. In fact, by the end of the night everyone in the room seems to look more beautiful than when they walked in. Am I seeing them through some kind

Kelowna: November 3, 10, 17, 24 This exhibit stresses the transition from “Happy Warrior” to fatalistic, pragmatic soldier with captivating, hands-on displays designed to appeal to children and adults. Try using a periscope to see over a replica trench wall or a sighting device and maps to calculate the distance to familiar locations in Kelowna. Okanagan Military Museum, 7pm. Info at www.kelownamuseums.ca.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

GOOD LIFE: Kitchen Confidential Story and photos by Bruce Kemp

New exec chef thinks beyond the menu Imaginative program complements reinvented bill of fare to embrace Valley foodies of every age Chef Luca Paola Sunset Organic Bistro at Summerhill Pyramid Winery

“I

t comes down to the carbon footprint at the end of the day and the Okanagan is very much in tune with that,” says Sunset Organic Bistro executive chef Luca Paola. That, along with the availability of fresh, organic produce appealed to him. “Why should I use blueberries from Chile, even if they are organic, when I have locally grown organic cherries just down the road? Doesn’t make sense.” It’s this attitude that brought Luca across the country from his hometown of Stratford, Ontario, to Smithers, where he was in charge at the Eddyline Bistro. “Up north there’s only so much locally grown produce and I ended up producing a lot of beef and root vegetables,” he says. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but the scope was much broader in the Valley.” One of the great features he likes about the bistro at Summerhill is that honey and wine play a big role in everyday life. Not just the drinking of wine, but its production and, although bees aren’t necessary to pollinate the vineyard’s grapes, Luca likes the fact that they have an apiary on site to produce honey that takes advantage of the local plants and herbs. A graduate of the reputable Stratford Chefs School, the 29-year-old comes by his interest in food honestly. He began working with his mom in her kitchen at home. After a brief flirtation with accounting, he moved on to the food business, graduating in 2011. Winters in Smithers pretty much rivaled those of Stratford and in 2014 he moved to the Okanagan to become chef de partie (chef in charge of one particular area

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

It comes down to the carbon footprint.

along with vegan desserts and appies. One of his creations is a cucumber soup garnished with pine nut mayo. But, realizing this may not suit everyone’s palate, especially older patrons, Luca and his team have come up with a radical new approach to servicing Central Okanagan seniors— the Summerhill Ride Program. Complementing a menu that now includes updated standbys like liver and onions (calf’s liver in a red wine and fig jus, caramelized onions with bacon, backed up with mashed potatoes and poached figs), Summerhill is operating a bus call-up service. It will collect seniors at their homes, bring them to the Upper Mission property and, after dinner, take them on a mini-wine tour. Luca has designed the new service to stay within a modest fi xed-income budget and, starting around five o’clock, the timing is perfect for an early meal.

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Clockwise: Chef Luca Paola; preparing

of production) at Mission Hill. He started cooking under Summerhill’s Chef Jonas Stadtlander this past spring and when Stadtlander stepped down for health reasons, Luca was the man to step up. Since then he has been putting his own brand on the Pyramid’s menu. “I have to be careful because a certain style works when you’re cooking at a winery. Here the wine comes first and seasoning and ingredients cannot reach the point where they overwhelm the subtleties and nuances of the varietal our patrons choose to set off their meals.” Luca’s strong suit is that he knows the business and is putting his mark on Summerhill. For the moment he’s tweaking his dinner menu, but has introduced a very Mediterranean-cum-fusion lunch bill. The new offerings include a number of gluten-free and meat-free dishes

a simple tomato salad with a variety of heritage tomatoes and a sea-salt/basil seasoning; pan-seared halibut on a bed of sautéed kale with braised root vegetables and a squid ink risotto.

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okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

GOOD LIFE: High Spirits Story, photos and reviews by Michael Botner

Naramata Bench Been there, done that? Think again; wineries of the bench continue to evolve

early 40 wineries populate the ragged cliffs and undulating slopes along both sides of Naramata Road, a meandering country byway between the village of Naramata and the city of Penticton. Known as the Naramata Bench, it is certainly home to the most concentrated and diversified assemblage of wineries in British Columbia. But for the southwest orientated bench, mostly under the influence of Okanagan Lake, with ancient lake bed soils interspersed with braids of rock, sand and gravel, the bench is too new and varied to have developed an identifiable wine type or style. Truly a sub-region in the incubation phase of its evolution, growers are still researching the best variety or clone for a patch of land, and wineries strive for a unique place in the busy landscape. Best to start with one of the originals such as Lang Vineyards, the first farmgate winery in BC, and Hillside Winery & Bistro, both launched in 1990. Following Nichol Vineyard in 1993, Lake Breeze and Kettle Valley Winery opened in 1996. At Kettle Valley, named after the storied railway above Naramata, now used as a hiking trail, co-owners Bob Ferguson and Tim Watts first planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir back in 1987, against the advice of experts. A big celebration is planned for 2016, the 25th vintage for the winery. “We’ve kept a stash of all our wines from the first two vintages, 1992 and 1993,” says Bob.

Clockwise: Lindsay O’Rourke, Tightrope; Emma Emanuela,

Quidni; Will and Bryan Hardman, Deep Roots; Bob Ferguson, Kettle Valley; Rob Thielicke and Todd Moore, Quidni.

When it’s time for lunch, put Upper Bench Winery and Creamery, at the south end of the Naramata Bench, high on your list. Owned by Gavin and Shana Miller, a talented winemaker and cheesemaker duo, this winery and fromagerie offers a unique experience. On the shaded patio, enjoy a sampling of Upper Bench wines and cheeses with such extras as locally-made charcuterie and baguettes, plus seasonal chutney and fruit. Next stop must be Quidni Estate Winery, a new, consumer-friendly arrival opened in spring 2015 after taking over the location of 3 Mile Estate Winery the previous fall. Kudos for the biggest and coolest transformation in the shortest time go to wine industry guru Todd Moore, now assisted by winemaker Rob Thielicke.

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

Years of preparation by the New Zealand-trained winemaker/ grape growing team of Lyndsay and Graham O’Rourke underpins the stylish, functional Tightrope Winery. Plantings started in 2007 when they purchased the 10-acre lakeview property. Deep Roots Winery takes its name from the Hardman family, fourth generation farmers on the same Naramata property since 1920. Little has changed except that Bryan Hardman has converted his nine acres to vines. He also grows 11 acres on leased land north of Naramata and operates a 5-acre vineyard to the south, all within a 5-kilometre radius. The rustic, purpose-built winery opened in 2014, with son Will Hardman ably assisting as winemaker.

GOOD LIFE: Tasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Showcasing a quintet of fabulous wines from selected producers on the multi-faceted Naramata Bench. The five-star rating system stresses value for price.

LAKE BREEZE 2014 PINOT GRIS

TIGHTROPE 2014 VIOGNIER Penticton, British Columbia

HHHH

KETTLE VALLEY 2013 GREAT NORTHERN VINEYARD ZINFANDEL

Naramata, British Columbia

$27

Naramata, British Columbia

HHHH $19

Barrel-fermented for three months, the result is a refined, well-mannered Viognier. It offers yeasty, floral aromas and complex, bone dry flavours of pineapple, tangerine, apricot, nutmeg, ginger and mineral refreshed by zesty acidity. Likes butter and cream sauces.

HHHH

Poised Pinot Gris pleases the senses with aromas of white flowers and candied peach, pear and apple fruit. Rich, honeyed palate sports ripe fruit and smoke with zesty acidity and a note of bitter almond on the finish. Try with fettuccine in a tomato and basil sauce.

DEEP ROOTS 2013 SYRAH Naramata, British Columbia

HHHH $34

Sourced from Grizzly Meadows vineyard north of Naramata Village, this ultra-delectable Syrah delivers layers of ripe, supple black currant and plum spiced with game, smoke, chili and vanilla, and backed by sweet, meaty tannins. Best with grilled beef or venison.

$24

Not just a pub drink, this dry-style, effervescent brew features character and style. Bourbon barrel fermentation adds a smoky, spicy character to the crisp, clean, juicy, slightly yeasty, bittersweet, cider apple flavours. Partners pork with apple stuffing.

QUIDNI 2012 BARREL SELECT MERLOT Penticton, British Columbia

HHHH $29

With only two barrels or 47 cases produced, smashing Merlot will go fast. Creamy smooth and velvety in texture, it boasts elegant blueberry, damson, sour cherry and cassis fruit with nuances of cocoa, leather, tobacco and toasty oak. Pairs with roast leg rack of lamb.

okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

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October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

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REARVIEW By Shelley Wood

Dress code Employer demands can say a lot about a business, and the progress of equality in the workplace

“I

like your hair,” my friend told our harried waitress, who could have smoothed a fast hand over her artful up-do, mumbled a thank you, then dashed away with our drink order. Instead she made a face and cast a quick glance at the phalanx of suits with name tags loitering near the bar. “Oh thanks,” she murmured. “But it’s going to get me in trouble with my boss.” We leaned in, hooked, conspiratorial. “Why?” She plucked at her spaghetti strap. “We’re not allowed to wear our hair up. It needs to be long and, you know ,” she bit her glossy lip, “down.” Down? My girlfriends and I looked at one another, then glanced around. Sure enough: punching in orders, sashaying between tables in short skirts and skimpy tops, not one server had short hair and nary a ponytail among them. Clearly we’re getting on, my friends and I. We must be. To even bat an eye at the news that hairstyles can get you in hot water or to raise an eyebrow at skirt-length dates us, as if we’d cooed over her friendship bracelet. This? I was thinking. This again? Somehow, by getting older and selecting a career chosen more or less equally by men and women wearing similar garb and earning roughly comparable salaries, I’d assumed this battle had already been fought and won. Silly me. For all the ways in which certain workplace barriers have been trampled over the last few decades, some walls are still standing, particularly when it comes to appearances in service jobs. Men are subject to their own set of stereotypes and expectations, but women more so. Even those who think of firemen as eye-candy wouldn’t expect them to rush into a burning building looking like they’ve stepped out of the Sizzling Firefighters fundraising calendar. We want

October/November 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

them in safety gear and suitable shoes. So why do certain restaurants still expect their female servers to dress as if there’s more on the menu than steaks and flat bread? When I waitressed in my teens and 20s, appearance mattered, but to the best of my recollection, my blouse only got me in trouble if it was rumpled or had food stains, not if the neckline was too modest. And the rule was to wear hair up, not loose where it might drift too close to whatever I was serving. Working as a waitress is a rite of passage for many young women. So, too, I realize, is the time honoured right of older women to cluck disapprovingly over the wardrobe choices of younger generations. And of course, many of the highheeled, high-gloss women busting it in the restaurant that summer evening were working to pay their university tuition or other professional training programs. A coveted high-tips job in a busy restaurant is one of the best ways to do so. The fact is, some waitressing gigs are better than others. In the Okanagan, a handful of restaurants and shops require a certain look for their female staff, one that matters more than the quality of the service itself. And the standard is different for men and women. While our waitress teetered back to us on stilettos, a cluster of her male colleagues were hovering nearby in boxy suits, looking more like pimpsin-training than service staff, their eyes flitting over their female coworkers. Ridiculous. For many of these girls and women, this was likely one of their first real jobs and their first decent wage. And this was the required uniform. I have five young nieces. I’d brought the eldest, now 13, to this very restaurant a few weeks earlier, her bright eyes taking in every gesture, every inch of skin, the haughty competitive glances between servers. I’ll support any woman’s right to wear whatever she wants to wear without someone else deciding what that says about her or how she should be treated. But I do know that provocative dress neither adds nor subtracts from the ability to remember an order, offer menu advice, or serve a Szechuan lettuce wrap. I hope my nieces learn to work hard and excel at their jobs so that they can save for whatever opportunities come next. In the meantime, I’ll be voting with my feet, taking them places where good service embraces diversity, and where professionalism, skill, and work ethic are valued over looks.

... sashaying between tables in short skirts and skimpy tops.

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okanaganlife.com October/November 2015

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