Okanagan Woman Summer 2017 by Okanagan Woman Magazine

SUMMER 2017

C L E V E R

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C O N F I D E N T

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SUMMER | 2017 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3

CONTENTS PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SUZY VAN BAKEL

The War on Drugs 6

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Healthy Summer Body 10

COVER PHOTO

Investment tips for Women 12

LINDA HACKING

PHOTOGRAPHER – VICTORIA BLAIRE MODEL – SHANELLE CONNELL

WRITERS

DEANNA RAINEY GISELA SCHOLZE LAURA GOSSET PATTI SHALES LEFKOS SHANNON LINDEN

CONTRIBUTORS

COLLEEN MILNE HEATHER ZAIS MEGHAN MACDONALD TANIA GUSTAFSON

SUPPORT STAFF

ASHLEIGH GREEN - GRAPHICS MARION STOLZE - EDITORIAL

PHONE: 1.236.420.4205 EMAIL: INFO@OKANAGANWOMAN.COM ONLINE: OKANAGANWOMAN.COM

ABOUT US

Win a Fabulous Makeover 17 Our Cover Story 18 From Bust to Boom 20 Summer Fashion Photos 22 Westbank Woman Chief 26 She Sheds 28 Not your average Beach 30 Ladies on Literature 32 The King of Cheeses 34

OKANAGAN WOMAN IS AN INDEPENDENT QUARTERLY PUBLICATION, LOCALLY OWNED, PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY SIDE SADDLE MEDIA LTD.

The craft Beer Explosion 36

DISCLAIMER

Summertime BBQ 40

THE OPINIONS AND VIEWS CONTAINED IN SUBMITTED ARTICLES TO OKANAGAN WOMAN MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHER. THE PUBLISHER RETAINS THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL SUBMISSIONS, INCLUDING ARTICLES FOR BREVITY AND CLARITY. COPYRIGHT IS RETAINED ON ALL MATERIAL, TEXT AND GRAPHICS IN THIS PUBLICATION. NO REPRODUCTION IS ALLOWED OF ANY MATERIAL IN ANY FORM, PRINT OR ELECTRONIC, FOR ANY PURPOSE, EXCEPT WITH THE EXPRESSED PERMISSION OF OKANAGAN WOMAN MAGAZINE

Fathers Day Gift Guide 39 Summer Salads & Sides 42 Sparkling Sips for Summer 44 Water is Woman’s Play 46 Heathers Horoscope 50

Meet our

riters Shannon Linden • •

Water is Womans Play LOL Ladies on Literature

Sharon, ‘Queen of the Casserole” can frequently be found in the kitchen…... or out shopping for shoes! Her passions, outside of writing, are ﬁtness, travel, and enjoying time with her beloved family and friends.

Deanna Rainey • •

War on Drugs Craft Beer Explosion

Deanna’s greatest passion outside of writing, is taking ‘staycations’ in the Okanagan with her family and two dogs. One of her favorite pastimes is the pursuit of a good glass of Bubbly!

Laura Gosset •

King of Cheeses

Laura is a recovering lawyer, passionate traveler, serial adventurer and sports enthusiast. Laura believes wholeheartedly that, wine is to women as duct tape is to men, it ﬁxes everything!

Patti Shales Lefkos Not Your Average Beach • From Bust to Boom •

When not travelling, Patti can be found at Silverstar Mountain Resort, gazing out of her ofﬁce window, combatting writers’ block, absorbing the antics of the Steller’s Jays and squirrels eating her prayer ﬂags.

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE | SUZY VB

Welcome to summer! In this issue we commend and celebrate the achievements of women in business and in the community, their courage, passion and tenacity. We started by interviewing Margaret Wort, a charismatic woman whose life-time goal has been to reshape the female form….. one bra at a time – page 20. Another amazing woman, quietly encircling the world, Jill White, whose passion for play made a splash here in the Okanagan and even bigger splashes across the pondpage 46. We caught up with our local beauty queen whose dream is to use beauty for a purpose. Shanelle Connell aims to communicate with women in need, from the centre of the pageant stage – page 18. In this issue, we also continue to follow the plight of Helen Jennens in her courageous fight to win the war on drugs as she endures the pain of losing her two sons – page 6. Join us in celebrating the inauguration of our first female chief, Roxanne Lindley, Westbank First Nation. In her political role, Roxanne’s strategy in part, is to create more transparency in government and to embrace the needs of the community – page 26. Speaking of celebrating… we have a national celebration that will last all year long, so party responsibly – or not!

‘Happy Birthday Canada’ Cheers! Suzy

Gisela Scholze •

She Sheds

Gisela is an avid educator passionate about interior design. Her life interests are often generously seasoned with a fabulous glass of Okanagan wine while discussing globe-trotting adventure tales.

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 5

BY DEANNA RAINEY

THE

WAR DRUGS ON

BATTLES WON BUT THE WAR STILL RAGES 6 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

In the seventeen months since Helen Jennens lost her second son to addiction, much has changed in the war against drug-related deaths. But in some ways, very little has changed at all.

Readers of Okanagan Woman met Helen a few short months after her son Tyler had died from an overdose of pure fentanyl in 2016. Five years earlier, her son Rian had died in his sleep from a prescription overdose. Helen has developed an unbridled passion and boundless energy, creating a voice for her sons and others who suffer from drug issues. She can often be found helping anguished parents who have lost their own children, or have kids battling drugs right now.

For a dozen years, Dr. Maté’s clinic in Vancouver’s East side opened its’ doors to patients challenged by hard-core drug addiction, mental illness, HIV and related health issues. He was also involved in Vancouver’s Supervised Injection Site. Dr. Maté believes that all addiction is related to personal trauma. Individuals who seek relief from a deep, ongoing and personal pain will turn to addictive substances – including drugs, alcohol and a host of other harmful activities – to relieve that

MOMS STOP THE HARM IS A NETWORK OF BRAVE WESTERN CANADIAN MOTHERS WHO HAVE LOST CHILDREN TO DRUG MISUSE, AND WHO NOW ADVOCATE FOR POLICY REFORMS BASED ON SCIENCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS. THEIR GOAL IS TO REDUCE THE VARIOUS HARMS FOR PEOPLE ASSOCIATED WITH PROBLEMATIC DRUG ABUSE. SEE MOMSSTOPTHEHARM.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.

She is an active member of Moms Stop the Harm, a group of mothers who are assisting those other parents and the addicts themselves. She is a driving force behind The Foundry Kelowna, an integrated service centre for drug and mental health sufferers aged 12 to 24. She is a believer in the works of Dr. Gabor Maté, working tirelessly to bring him and his message about harm reduction to Kelowna. Recently Dr. Maté, a renowned speaker, bestselling author and expert on addiction, spoke to a packed house in the Delta Grand, Kelowna, for an afternoon workshop and evening presentation that drew over 1,300 participants.

pain. His belief is that a very humane and respectful approach to treatment may buy time or save a patient’s life. His experiences during that time are reflected in his writing, including In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction. It is a must-read for families and friends of drug abusers. Dr. Gabor Maté is also launching a website offering online courses in his areas of expertise. To learn more, visit his web site and join his e news. www.drgabormate.com Helen Jennens has focused her efforts on Moms Stop the Harm and The Foundry. Both of those groups have had a tremendous impact on the issues surrounding drug use.

Helen admits, though, that the process is a slow one and education of the general public is paramount. A year ago, the British Columbia government declared a public health emergency over the expanding fentanyl crisis, which continues to result in unprecedented overdoses and deaths. According to a recent Castanet report, local 911 calls for overdoses and poisonings are on the rise, reflecting a 40 per cent increase from average monthly calls in 2016. The BC Coroners Service reports that 17 people have died in Kelowna alone from overdoses in the first two months of 2017, while the total number of deaths in 2016 was 48. It is clear that there is much work to be done to save lives. The advent of The Foundry Kelowna will enable mental health and drug patients a ‘one stop shopping’ approach. Prior to this, sufferers often had no way of knowing how and where to get all the help they need. “Right now, several agencies are required for a young person with this type of issue, and every service you want to access is at a different location. You’re in the wrong place or struggling with wait lists. Often, a person will have to tell their story seven or eight times before they get the necessary care,” Helen explains. “The Foundry is an integrated services hub offering all of those services under one roof. It is being built on Kirschner and is due to open in June. A patient will be seen and assessed by the appropriate

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 7

health provider that same day, and a recovery plan put in place. Finally, this is somewhere youths can go.” The Kelowna General Hospital Foundation has thrown their support behind the Foundry in a big way, launching a campaign to raise $2 million to open Foundry Kelowna. Their efforts to date have been successful, but they’re still working on it. Additional funding will come from the Provincial Government. “The creation of Foundry Kelowna is really important to me,” Helen said. “I am now raising two grandchildren that are at high risk for mental health and drug issues because of their own childhood trauma.” Helen says there is now a police vehicle in Kelowna, manned by psychiatric nurses and RCMP, which responds to incidents when someone is in crisis. “They’re there to assess, not arrest. What this vehicle is attempting to do is make it safer for the drug user and the community.” There will also be a mobile Safe Consumption RV that will travel around the city to various hot spots. Contrary to public perception, addicts will not be given free drugs, but will be provided with free needles and as important, needle disposal units. People manning the sites will offer treatment options and help users onto the road to recovery. Naloxone will be available for those who overdose. In this way, a multiple variety of responders aren’t sent out to each and every overdose. “The vans help minimize many of those costs and offer a safe service. It is an attempt to contain drug use and minimize death in a cost-effective, efficient and compassionate way,” Helen said. Her efforts with Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH) have been fueled by their approach to drug addiction and harm reduction. While it is sometimes controversial, this multi-provincial group of Moms who have lost children to addiction believe in different ways of handling the issue of addiction. As Helen points out, though membership in MSTH is growing, it is a club that no one wants to belong to.

“The creation of Foundry Kelowna is really important to me,” Helen said. “I am now raising two grandchildren that are at high risk for mental health and drug issues because of their own childhood trauma.”

The MSTH web site explains, “We envision a new approach based on reducing harm, where people who use drugs are treated with respect, compassion and support.” MSTH supports the creation of safe injection sites across Canada and easier, more abundant access to detox centres. In order for deadly drugs, in particular fentanyl, to be eradicated from the streets, detox centres – including long term facilities - must be enlarged, have more resources and be fully funded. MSTH believes detox centres should take anyone, regardless of the level of addiction. Intranasal Naloxone needs to be provided at no charge to combat the overdose crisis, as well. Helen explains that all physicians should be trained in the use of suboxone

8 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

to assist in treatment recovery, and that physicians stay the course on more conservative opioid prescribing. In BC, the use of Pharmanet – an online resource to check a patient’s prescribing history – must be compulsory when a physician is prescribing opioids. MSTH is founded on the belief that addiction and concurrent mental health problems are treated in a holistic manner with families at the centre of the treatment. Science-based, realistic, age-appropriate education needs to be available in middle and high schools. MSTH’s stance on the war on drugs can be controversial, as they believe that the war on drugs is essentially prohibition, and there will always be people who use and misuse drugs.

“My story is about my children. But this can happen to anyone’s child.” According to MSTH, research shows that if drugs are legalized, regulated and available through legal dispensaries, the profit motive disappears for cartels and dealers in illicit drugs. This has been the case in countries such as Portugal, the Netherlands and Switzerland. These nations have seen decreased death and overdoses amongst drug users, less drug-related illnesses, fewer addicts and safer families. What happens next in Canada remains to be seen, but Helen Jennens hopes her personal efforts will ultimately help reduce death by drugs. “My message is simple…If you are a drug user, recreational or other, carry naloxone and don’t use alone. Go slow and remember, there are people who will suffer deeply if they lose you.” Kelowna is acknowledged as a progressive community in the many ways it is addressing the drug crisis. But, as she points out, drug abuse knows no boundaries.

Fentanyl is an opioid-based pain killer, roughly 100 times stronger than morphine, which can be fatal even in tiny doses.

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HEALTHY

summer body all year round Having been born and raised in Kelowna, I am convinced that summer in the Okanagan provides an advantage when it comes to health and wellness.

Known as a four-season playground for outdoor activities, finding a way to stay active is almost never an issue. As important as it is for us to get up and move every day, exercise determines only 20 to 30 percent of our results while the other 70 to 80 percent is determined by what we eat. Old news for some, but the majority of people really have no idea what we eat has such a huge impact. How lucky are we that the entire Okanagan, rooted in agriculture, wineries and culinary delights, is home to all things food-related. Typically, late winter or early spring is when our thoughts turn to summer. Sunshine, longer days, trips to the beach all sound amazing. But for many, the thought of trading bulky sweaters and jeans for shorts and swimsuits causes anxiety and hasty decisions are made to make changes and lose weight. Statistically spring is when the masses crash diet in an effort to get back into shape, in order to look and feel good on the beach. Unfortunately, without a plan in place to maintain those results throughout the summer and keep the weight off, the vast majority often end up with the same amount of weight (or more!) to lose again next spring. Sound familiar? The good news is that there are things you can do to keep that summer shape year-round and be rid of the yo-yo dieting once and for all. To lose weight, achieve your goals and maintain them, it's important to look for a program that is based on science and works with the way our bodies were designed to metabolize food. It also needs to make sense, and should be something you can do for life, even on vacation. 10 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

PFC every 3

When we eat to stabilize blood sugar, our body moves into homeostasis (balance) and at this point fat is released and used as energy. Eating a balance of Protein, Fat and Carbs within one hour of waking and every three hours throughout the day, stabilizes blood sugar and balances hormones. Metabolism is turned on, fat is burned, weight is lost, muscle is protected, blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure is decreased, energy are increased. Over the last few years, Kelowna and many other cities throughout the Okanagan Valley have become known around the world as winery destinations. And, of course with wine there is always gourmet food. Add in the array of food trucks and new restaurants popping up everywhere around town and you're likely thinking I'm a little crazy for suggesting anyone could achieve and maintain weight loss anywhere in the Valley. At first glance, this abundance of summer fare could cause even the most committed waistline-watchers to throw in the towel, at least until after the September long weekend. But by adopting the proven "PFC every 3" lifestyle and apply these five tips, you'll be able to eat your way through summer without gaining weight.

Never arrive hungry. Going too long between meals allows blood sugar to drop, causing the body to burn muscle. Then, by the time you arrive at dinner, you're starving and are more likely to reach for the bread or chips, causing blood sugar to spike and store fat. Eating PFC throughout the day, allows you to make better choices and your body to continue burning fat rather than storing it.

Pair alcohol with food. Alcohol is a carb, so drinking it on its own causes blood sugar to spike and fat to be stored. Having that same drink with your meal and eliminating processed and white carbs (bread, rice, potato) helps control the carb spike and avoid fat storage. For things like wine tastings and cocktail parties where alcohol is served without a meal, opt for a small handful of nuts or a little something from the meat and cheese tray to curb the spike.

3 4

Drink lots of water. Water not only hydrates the body, it also flushes out fat, toxins and things like salt, sugar and alcohol which cause our bodies to retain bloat.

When eating out, choose your favourite protein dish and don't be afraid to make substitutions. If you're choosing to have a glass of wine with dinner and the preferred entree includes a baked potato, sub for a tossed salad or steamed veggies. It's best to also request sauces and dressings on the side, allowing you control over the fat and sugar added to your meal.

Whether it's weekend camping, backyard BBQs, touring wineries or farmers' markets, summer is the season of food here in the Okanagan. And when you choose to live the season PFC every 3 and apply the tips, you'll be able to enjoy the tastes of summer without gaining weight. TANIA GUSTAFSON Nutritionist & Fitness Coach (IBNFC)

To get and keep your summer shape, join Tania's "Summer Shape Up Challenge" at fuelignitethrive.com Tania, owner/founder of FIT Nutrition, is a global nutritionist and fitness coach, fitness instructor, workshop facilitator, educator, speaker, writer and success creator. She is currently one of only five health professionals licensed and certified in Canada to coach this proven, three-phase program providing blood sugar stabilization, not dieting. For more information go to fuelignitethrive.com

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Listen to your mom. I bet most people remember hearing their mom say breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Well, she was right. Starting your day off, PFC balanced with an energized metabolism, sets the pace for good eating habits the rest of the day. EATING PFC THROUGHOUT THE DAY, ALLOWS YOU TO MAKE BETTER CHOICES AND YOUR BODY TO CONTINUE BURNING FAT RATHER THAN STORING IT.

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Your Wealth. Your Future. Our Focus.

With the recent volatility of the equity markets and the rates on Government Bonds and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) near historical lows, you may be uncertain about which investments will be most effective for you. Introducing TD Structured Notes (TD Notes), an investment product designed to help you combine the potential for higher returns offered by the equity markets with downside protection if held to maturity. Whether your focus is on generating more income, growing your initial investment or reducing the risk of what you currently have invested in the stock market, TD Notes offer a wide variety of options to help you reach your goals and diversify your portfolio. In addition, we can recommend TD Notes that can meet your unique investment objectives, such as term, yield and downside protection. Investors have used TD Notes as replacements to Preferred Shares, High Yield Bonds, Mutual Funds and ETFs. Practical Investment Solutions for Investors Seeking Safety, Growth and Income Meghan MacDonald, CIM® MacDonald Wealth Group TD Wealth Private Investment Advice 1633 Ellis Street Suite 410 Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A8 | T 250 470 3026 meghan.macdonald@td.com Macdonaldwealthgroup.com

MacDonald Wealth Group

Investors are encouraged to read the Information Statement or Notes to obtain additional Prospectus for the Structured information and all material facts relating to the Notes TD Structured Notes are offered by TD Wealth. The offering documents and certain additional information about the Notes can be found on tdstructurednotes.com. MacDonald Wealth Group MacDonald, Investment Advisor, Meghan consists of Dan MacDonald Investment Advisor, Laura Wierzbicki Client Service Associate, and Kathleen Brouse Client Service Associate. MacDonald Wealth Group is part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice; a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Member of the Canadian Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Investor Protection Fund. ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The TorontoDominion Bank. 12 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

INVESTING

in 2017: A DIFFERENT APPROACH REQUIRED FOR FEMALE INVESTORS BY MEGHAN MACDONALD

Do you feel in control when it comes to your investments? If you’re like many Canadian women, you are running the household finances, but you may be taking a back seat when it comes to investments and retirement planning. A recent TD Women Investor Poll¹ found that fewer women than men are responsible for managing investments, dealing with financial professionals, and planning for retirement. Women are also less likely to have financial advisors or their own direct investing accounts, and Canadian women are less likely to view managing their investments as a positive activity than women in other parts of the world. (While 29 per cent of Canadian women enjoy managing their investments, 41 per cent of women surveyed around the world stated the same in a recent 2014 study².)

So why are we reluctant to lead when it comes to our ﬁnancial futures? Ask a woman that question, and the list of answers is likely to be long. Chief among them are lack of time and lack of knowledge. Dig a little deeper and the reasons become clearer:

LESS THAN ONETHIRD OF WOMEN SAY THEY FEEL VERY WELL-PREPARED WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR RETIREMENT SAVINGS

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For many women, becoming comfortable with their financial plan means a complete understanding of their investments and how the strategies help achieve their personal and financial goals. They want to know that they will be okay and that they will be able to take care of their families. That means women are also more likely to look to their investment advisors for financial education, market information, and a partnership approach when it comes to their wealth management.

Men and women are on the same page when it comes to their definition of financial success, they define it as having enough money saved for a comfortable retirement. However, less than one-third of women say they feel very well-prepared when it comes to their retirement savings. While it's essential to plan and save, it's also important to feel confident about your investments and the progress you're making toward your financial future. Mapping out your financial goals for retirement and your strategy for achieving them can help increase your confidence. Understanding how to invest in order to attain your goals is also important—educate yourself, talk to your family and work with professionals you trust.

About Meghan MacDonald, CIM® Meghan is Investment Advisor with the MacDonald Wealth Group, who serves, retirees, business owners, professionals and their families throughout the Okanagan. Meghan specializes in building relationships with, and meeting the unique wealth management needs of women investors. ¹12th annual TD Waterhouse Women Investor Poll, 2012 ²Black Rock – Global Investor Pulse survey, 2014 The views expressed are those of Meghan MacDonald CIM®, Investment Advisor with the MacDonald Wealth Group as on April 18, 2017, and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. The information contained herein is for information purposes only. The information has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. Where such statements are based in whole or in part on information provided by third parties, they are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Particular investment, trading or tax strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information or for any loss or damage suffered.

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 13

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY Reduce symptoms of aging.

Nurse Lauren Woychuk and her husband, Dr. Wesley Woychuk, owners of W180MD, answer some commonly asked questions regarding the increasingly popular hormone replacement therapy. The majority of our patients come to W180MD for hormone replacement therapy or a combination of treatments that include hormone replacement therapy. Our patients receive care in a private, safe setting, with experienced, trusted professionals to confide in. We work together to meet each patient’s needs in a discreet, comfortable and luxurious location.

A higher muscle mass helps our body function more efficiently, removes unneeded storage of excess fat, and places less stress on our joints. AT WHAT AGE IS HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY RECOMMENDED?

Hormone Replacement Therapy replaces hormones that naturally begin to decrease as we age, aiming to slow down or decrease symptoms of aging.

Most of our hormone replacement therapy patients are between the ages of 50 to 60. However, it depends on each individual person and their body. We see patients in their 40s inquire about hormone replacement therapy to delay the onset of menopause for example, and at times, it could also be because of a decrease in their strength or pain and inflammation in their joints. We don’t typically recommend hormone replacement therapy for anyone under the age of 35 unless there has been a significant trauma to the body. But as far as an age limit, there really isn’t one.

HOW DOES IT WORK TO REDUCE SIGNS OF AGING?

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WITH TREATMENT?

WHAT IS HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?

As we age, certain hormone levels begin to drop, causing our bodies to fail at carrying out processes that keep us looking and feeling healthy. We can experience aches and pains, digestive issues, fatigue, menopausal symptoms or diminished libido. We notice our skin weathering and excess fat in places that were once lean. Hormone replacement therapy replaces these decreasing hormones and facilitate muscle mass to ease that bothersome knee or aching shoulder. Increased muscle mass is one of the key reasons that hormone replacement therapy makes us feel so much healthier.

14 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

Many of our patients appreciate that our clinic has both a male doctor and female nurse who work together with each patient. This way patients can discuss sensitive concerns, or questions, with either a male or a female, whichever they feel most comfortable with. During the initial consultation, Dr. Woychuk will sit down with the patient, go over their medical history and talk about their concerns and the results they’d like to see. He will explain the treatment process and recommend a treatment plan, which typically includes a combination of injections

and oral pills. The injections are usually in the pen form - for those who dislike needles, it’s quick and easy. For those who are interested in pursuing the treatment, Dr. Woychuk will provide a request to have some blood taken. He will then review the test results and adjust the treatment plan based on his findings. WHEN WILL I START SEEING RESULTS, AND HOW LONG DOES THE THERAPY LAST?

It typically takes two to four weeks to start feeling and seeing results. The recommended length of therapy varies, but if the patient is feeling great then it is not uncommon for patients to request to stay on hormone replacement therapy for years. IS THERE A RISK OF CANCER? There is no known risk of cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy. The testing process may possibly increase the chances of a cancer being detected as indicators could show up in blood or urine during testing. IS IT SAFE? Hormone replacement therapy is completely safe. As with any treatment, there are risks, but they are minimal and any concerns are always addressed during the consultation.

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

Lauren Woychuk | Nurse & Director of Operations

Dr. Wes Woychuk | Physician

Thoroughly trained with years of experience as an emergency room nurse, and with exquisite attention to care and anti-aging treatments. Lauren ensures your W180MD experience is flawless, and your results are outstanding.

Over his many years of practice, Dr. Wes has established an impeccable reputation for his attentive, accurate and effectual care. Further to his extensive experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Wes applies his talents in the field of aesthetic medicine to enhance your wellbeing with anti-aging treatments.

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On Our Cover

Shanelle Connell Our very own Okanagan woman, Shanelle Connell, is competing in the Miss Universe Canada pageant this fall, her inner beauty shines even brighter than her amazing looks. At just 21 years of age, Shanelle has developed a keen awareness of what is important to her, and her compassion for women in need, knows no bounds. She takes her passion and beliefs to the upcoming pageant with a simple purpose…to shed light on women’s mental health issues. The Miss Universe Canada pageant will be held in Toronto in September. Shanelle is a perfect fit with the organization’s motto…confidently beautiful.

One of the top five pageants in the world, Miss Universe Canada expects much of their contestants. Shanelle will attend promotional media events, charity fund raisers and other activities related to the pageant. This year, their focus is Operation Smile, helping kids with cleft palates. And her adventure will provide many opportunities for her own advocacy. “My biggest passion is mental health, particularly for women. I would love to work with women who have had to deal with toxic backgrounds or abusive relationships. Recently I was asked by the Elizabeth Fry Society to be the ambassador of their Speak Out campaign, on behalf of women who are facing these issues,” she said. Currently enrolled in university, most of Shanelle’s courses have to do with marriage and relationship counselling. One of her key goals is to become an international speaker dealing with these areas.

“I knew mental health was a problem, but until recently I didn’t realize how big a problem it was. That is the platform I’ll carry to Miss Universe Canada.” 18 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

“I envision something online where people who are interested, or need help, can participate and still keep their anonymity."

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“It is so sad to see how limited our resources and understanding of mental health are in Canada. I knew mental health was a problem, but until recently I didn’t realize how big a problem it was. That is the platform I’ll carry to Miss Universe Canada.” In her barely-there spare time, Shanelle loves to get involved in live theatre. “I used to love to get involved in acting. I haven’t been performing for the past few years and it has evolved into a passion for public speaking,” she says. She is also a budding entrepreneur. Her initial formal education was in the area of graphic design and she operates a small online business designing graphics for women. She is currently developing online workshops for young women in the area of relationship building. “I envision something online where people who are interested, or need help, can participate and still keep their anonymity. I also plan to build a relationship podcast component to go along with it.” Her other great loves include writing, art and - a true Okanagan girl - wine-tasting and food. “I love wine tasting…it’s my favorite thing to do. And I’m a huge foodie!” Shanelle Connell is a young woman who is going places, and she loves the thought of her future. She sums it all up this way: “I have so many grand ideas. I believe in life, it’s the big thinker that makes a difference.”

info@bheer.com 1.250.861.1090 or 1.877.792.0440 www.bheer.com OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 19 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 19

From

Bust Boom to

BY PATTI SHALES LEFKOS

From selling bras door-to-door to creating Fashion Foundations, Kelowna’s downtown hot spot for bras, bustiers and bodices, Margaret Follmer Wort, aka the bra lady, has seen it all in the world of lingerie. A true Kelowna woman, Margaret was born in 1930 in a bunkhouse run by her Hungarian-Rumanian immigrant parents on St. Paul Street. She attended Dehart Primary School, Central Elementary, Kelowna Junior High. After high school Margaret attended Hebert’s Business College and landed a job as an office assistant. A few years later, fate intervened, and Margaret followed her older sister and sister’s engineer boss to Victoria. There at an afternoon tea dance, she fell in love with Don Wort, a young sailor stationed at Esquimalt. “There were lots of sailors to choose from,” she says with a laugh. “I brought him home to work with my dad at the family orchard in Rutland where we had our daughter, Susan.” Sadly, her husband Don died in 1970. Now a single mom, Margaret temporarily made ends meet as a bookkeeper. Then one evening, providence intervened again, this time in the form of a CBC TV talk show featuring a woman describing what sounded like a miracle bra. “It did everything but do the dishes for you,” she says with a giggle. “I had been looking for a new bra and couldn’t find what I wanted, so I wrote to her. She said the bra was only available in Toronto. I decided to go to Toronto to see it for myself. When I tried the bra on, my daughter, Susan, told me I looked ten years younger.” 20 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

That comment encouraged Margaret to bring home a suitcase full of bras to Kelowna. She was soon selling them door-to-door out of the back of her 1970 Volkswagen station wagon. “I couldn’t carry enough sizes, so I went to city hall in 1976 to get a business license. Fashion Foundations was born and I had people come to my home for fittings.” As the popularity of the business grew, Margaret dedicated an entire floor of her house on Richter Street to a display and fitting room. “I must have fitted everyone in Kelowna at least once,” she quips. Finally, in 1992 Margaret opened her first storefront on Pandosy Street, two years later moved to a location on Lawrence Avenue. “I stayed there for 19 years” Then we moved to 1385 Ellis Street. Her daughter, Susan, ran the store but parking became a real issue there. “We are happy to say that on June 1st, we move to the Spall Plaza, #118 – 1850 Harvey to a larger location with great parking!” Margaret worked full time until she had a knee replacement in 2011. “Are you still involved with the store?” I asked. “Absolutely. I’m designing the layout for the new store. There will be more space for displays and larger fitting rooms. And, easy parking. We want customers to enjoy a relaxed experience.” During her leisure time, Margaret watches talk shows. “You can always learn something from Dr. Phil,” she says. She’s also a big fan of Downton Abbey and has the swag to prove it. “I have their tea, tea cup and even a Downton Abbey handbag Susan bought for me at a church silent auction.”

”

Our staff show understanding and respect to all women, petite to plus size and provide considerable empathic expertise for post-mastectomy patients.”

FULL SUPPORT AND COMFORT DURING HIGH-IMPACT ACTIVITY.

- MARGARET FOLLMER WORT

A student of history and biography, Margaret owns a complete set of Okanagan Historical Reports, from 1925-present. She also reads the Vernon, Kelowna, Rutland and Coldstream newspapers with scissors in her hands, searching for articles that may need her personal comment or rebuttal. Look for her succinct, carefully crafted, often witty letters to the editor in local newspapers. “Looking back, the business was a success because we expanded gradually, paying as we went. We built a solid reputation along the way as good fitters. Our staff show understanding and respect to all women, petite to plus size and provide considerable empathic expertise for post-mastectomy patients.” “From our door-to-door beginning, we’ve gone from one bra style in many sizes to at least ten brands. I’ve gone from custom fitting bland Spirella corsets in the 80s to a rainbow of colours and sizes of luxurious lingerie, including bathing suits and loungewear. We even sell SAXX, the men’s underwear line created by local Kelowna entrepreneur, Trent Kitsch. I know Susan will carry on our legacy of style, service and care for our customers at our new location.” And, while Margaret plans to live to at least 100, she’s already written her own obituary. In the meantime, what does she hope people say about her at her 90th birthday? “They’ll probably say I am the crabby lady who writes all the letters to the newspapers, but I hope they also remember that I have a warm heart, love my cat, my city and my business.”

Fashion Foundations.ca PHONE 250.763.1473

Fashion Foundations.ca

— WE’RE MOVING — We are excited to be in our new location at SPALL PLAZA on July 1st!

COME VISIT US in our new location where you’ll see all of your favourite brand labels and much more!

OUR NEW ADDRESS:

#118 – 1950 HARVEY AVENUE (SPALL PLAZA) KELOWNA BC V1Y 8J8 | PHONE 250.763.1473

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 21

PHOTOGRAPHER: VICTORIA BLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY CLOTHING: GYPSY SOUL DESIGNS BICYCLE: FRESH AIR, BIKE RENTALS MODEL: SHANELLE CONNELL

22 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

PHOTOGRAPHER: VICTORIA BLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY CLOTHING: GYPSY SOUL DESIGNS MODEL: SHANELLE CONNELL

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 23

24 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

PHOTOGRAPHER: VICTORIA BLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY CLOTHING: CELLADORA SWIM, KELOWNA MODEL: SHANELLE CONNELL

Step through the door of Casa Bella Boutique in downtown Vernon, and you’ll find yourself in a veritable wonderland with a charming atmosphere, friendly people and - as for their products - the very best of everything. Casa Bella was originally created as a high end bedding store, but proprietor Diana Vona has expanded her offerings to include chic and comfortable women’s apparel, accessories, an array of bath décor and gift ware. Whether you’re running your hands across a beautiful blanket or slipping into a linen dress, the fabrics are sublime. When Casa Bella opened its’ doors in March 2014, Diana brought in lines that she herself would want to own. In the bedding area of the boutique, you’ll find Bella Notte linen, Cuddle Down, the classic St. Geneve and the funky and modern Reville products for you to customize your bed from top to bottom in sheer luxury. The décor and accessories at Casa Bella Boutique reflects the nearby beaches of the Okanagan. With lake, nautical themes, shells and starfish…everything is open, airy and alluring.

Casa Bella Boutique

1 - 3212 30TH AVENUE, VERNON | 778.475.4603

CREDIT PHOTO: BELLA NOTTE LINENS

Capture the charm in the heart of Vernon A trip up the stairs at the back of the store leads you to the upper level clothing boutique, including an entire room devoted only to night wear. Diana describes her clothing as “funky and classic,” and that is reflected in the fabulous dresses, tops, pants and specialty clothing found here.

“I carry a lot of different lines,” she says. “I buy classic but edgy, high-end clothing.” Some of her favorite labels include “I carry a lotSarah of different she says. Frank Lyman, Pacinilines, and”Velvet. “I buy classic but edgy, high-end clothing. She carries only two of any item, so her ” Somedon’t of her favorite labels dressed include in clients find themselves Frank Lyman, Sarah Pacini and Velvet. the same clothing at the same function! She carries only two of any item, Casa Bella also caters to all sizes, so andher if an clients don’t find themselves dressed in if item is not in the store in your size, and the same clothing at the same function! its available, they will bring it in. Casa Bella also caters to all sizes, and if an In 2017, Diana says to watch for item is not in the store in your size, if clothing that is classic but fun. Blueand is the its available, they will bring it in. go-to colour this year, along with creams Inwhites. 2017, Diana says to watch for and clothing thatcase is classic but fun. is the As is the with most veryBlue successful go-to colour this year, along with creams businesses, Diana, is most committed and whites. satisfaction. She said the to customer As is thehas case withofmost very successful boutique “tons” repeat clientele. businesses, Diana, is most committed to customer satisfaction. She said the “I has have a lot of passion boutique “tons” of repeat clientele.

for what I do, and to see “I have a lotIoflove passion for what I do, my happy. ” ” and I love to clients see my clients happy.

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Roxanne Lindley,

FIRST WOMAN CHIEF of Westbank First Nation

WHAT MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH POLITICS? My love of politics started when I was really young. My dad was the first elected chief of Westbank First Nations in the early 1960s. I grew up with him being really politically active, I think it was quite natural for me to step into politics.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAMILY'S REACTION WHEN YOU WERE ELECTED?

WHAT ARE YOUR THREE BEST TRAITS? I would think that compassion is the most important thing I carry. I think humility is critical and honesty.

My husband and I live in Cherryville and he was instrumental in pushing for me to be elected. When I was elected, suddenly, I'm gone Monday to Friday. We were together 30 years, now we have a weekend romance and get to date again. It was a big change for my kids, too. There was some excitement and some apprehension. I think they were looking at where I was prior to being elected. I was retired, travelling and living my own life. There is a lot of support out there.

DO YOU THINK THESE THREE TRAITS HELP YOU AS CHIEF? I think when you step into any elected role, you must always be comfortable putting yourself and your own personal thoughts on the backburner. Everything I do now is for the betterment of Westbank First Nation members. It's very much about representing the people.

BEING THE FIRST WOMAN CHIEF, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR WOMEN? I believe that with the women in our community, they've seen that anything is possible. If you have it in you to dream, you have it in you to succeed. I've interacted with some of the professional business women from Westbank and there was a lot of emotion. I was quite surprised about the reaction of nonnative women coming up to me, hugging, crying and saying that I made such a difference. My little granddaughter, she writes about me in school and how I'm in an inspiration to her.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT IN THE OFFICE? When I leave here, I go home to Cherryville. It's there where I get grounded. I vacuum, I do laundry and look after my animals. I find being able to go home and wear my pajamas until noon is nice. I appreciate those two days of the week when I can have time for myself and my husband.

26 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR WOMEN TO BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS? Most indigenous societies are matriarchal and I think it's critical that we get our women elected as councillors and chiefs. We have the gift to nurture. We can nurture the whole community. I can care about the 10,000 plus non-native residents living on the reserve. We are multitaskers. I think that's the gift women bring.

“

I think to have unconditional respect is a really beautiful thing and I would like to see a lot more of that."

IF YOU COULD ASK THE PRIME MINISTER ONE QUESTION, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would want to speak to him specifically about truth and reconciliation and the role of the government and their concept of what truth and reconciliation is. I had an opportunity last year to go to Auschwitz. Do you want to see truth? That's where you see truth. That's where you see the reconciliation. That's where you see that horrible part of history that no one is trying to hide. I would want to talk about those truths and I would want that part of history to be put out there because for true healing we all need to cry together. I'd also talk to him about pipelines and how critical water is.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I really like being a grandmother. I think for me that's probably the greatest gift that I could ever have or want to have. I get to see my kids in my grandchildren. I get to see myself in my grandchildren and I really love all of them. I felt really fulfilled even before being elected just because I'm a grandma and that's my role.

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WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU'RE HAVING A BAD DAY? I get a lot of peace, comfort and healing from the water. I think that goes back to when we were kids and how we were raised with a lot of cultural activities. The water was also so critical for cleansing and purification.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2017? Creating accountability and transparency as a government. I really believe we have the capability with this chief and council to have a very functional government. A government that can embrace the needs of the community. We can enhance all the lives of our community members, native or non-native.

WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO WOMEN? I would tell women to embrace their female side. Embrace their gentleness. Embrace the nurturing because there's a need for it. It doesn't matter whether you enter politics or are a nurse, principal or the mayor of West Kelowna, you would need to be able to embrace and accept all. No judgement. I think to have unconditional respect is a really beautiful thing and I would like to see a lot more of that. OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

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SHE SHEDS..she said

Ancient caves of early man have inspired the man-cave for modern-day men. Kids have play houses for escapism into their own make-believe worlds. But what about the ladies?

What is their special "retreat" space to hide away, play and get a break from the daily grind of life.

BY GISELA SCHOLZE | INTEGRO DESIGN

The conversion of an old shed or constructing a DIY pop up single room building for the special lady of the house is gaining rapid momentum and has been creatively dubbed as the "She Shed". On the rise across Britain and North America; She Sheds are essentially a private retreat space that provides an escape from your personal kingdom, conceived and created by the Princess herself - even if her crown is comprised only of craft store pipe cleaners!

28 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

Historically known as a bower; the room was a woman's private apartment in a castle or an attractive personal retreat that provided a woman with a safe place to harbour her moods and emotions. Professional women today faced with the economics of home based businesses look to the contemporary bower or She Shed to help provide some balance between work and home life.

The two key ingredients to a “She Shed” are inspiration and an empty space. Be it an old tool shed, garage or chicken coup; the ideal empty shed can morph into a creativity cocoon. This creativity space gives a mini private retreat to leave stressful issues behind and embrace your favorite activity alone - without having to actually leave your home. It can be thought of as a space for a brief "staycation" ..... of sorts. Your special "She Shed" should be the sanctuary you've always dreamed of; be it a personal office, yoga studio, sewing room, music room, gym, art studio, craft space, reading room, photo studio, jewelry room or gardening shed. It is a safe haven where you can read, relax, catch up on sleep, drink wine or write a book to your heart's content. The point of a “She Shed” is to have a quiet personal space that allows you to embrace a hobby that's important to the special princess in your life - also known as YOU. The concept isn't about spending oodles of money. Let the space speak to your inner royal highness - creating the ultimate expression of pampered, relaxed and cozy. Source materials through thrift shops, estate sales, garage sales, sprinkle with family heirlooms like granny's old rocking chair.

THE POINT OF A “SHE SHED” IS TO HAVE A QUIET PERSONAL SPACE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO EMBRACE A HOBBY THAT'S IMPORTANT TO THE SPECIAL PRINCESS IN YOUR LIFE ALSO KNOWN AS YOU.

Decisions of what to include are made solely by what brings you a sense of contentment and peace within. If transforming an existing backyard shed isn't feasible for you, the next option may be to buy a DIY shed kit and create your own She Shed space. Shed kits are fast to build and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. From mid century modern, shabby chic, romantic, to eclectic thrift - pick a style that speaks to you. Once you've picked your “She Shed” style then use that as the benchmark for all your material selections; from shelving through to lighting. Often the She Shed contains nothing more than a big comfy chair and an old barrel side table to park the obligatory glass of wine or cup of relaxing herbal tea. Whatever your taste – just enjoy, she said! Gisela xox

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OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 29

Not your average

GRAB A TOWEL, PICNIC, SUMMER NOVEL, HAT, SUNSCREEN, YOUR BATHING SUIT, (OR NOT) AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOME OF THE

WORLD’S MOST SPECTACULAR BEACHES.

BY PATTI SHALES LEFKOS

Tired of sharing your bit of Okanagan paradise with too many other sunworshippers? Longing for a secluded spot to swirl your toes into warm sand while losing yourself in the pages of a juicy summer novel? Read on.

beach

Whether you’re seeking sandy tranquility or a bustling upbeat lakefront location for serious swimsuit clad people watching; whether you’re a history buff or prefer to sunbathe in the buff; if you’re a dedicated water baby or have a baby; there’s an Okanagan beach waiting for you! Arrive early to enjoy a peaceful sunrise or linger late and watch as one of the Okanagan’s famous sunsets transform the water below to matching pink, orange and peach hue. Grab a towel, picnic, summer novel, hat, sunscreen, your bathing suit, (or not) and take advantage of some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. For water babies who prefer open water swims to indoor pools, head to Juniper Beach in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. The beach is accessed from Twin Bays parking lot via a paved trail that drops gently to the lake, picnic area and start of the swim. “Juniper is my favourite spot for open water training. I swim from Juniper Beach, around Rattlesnake Point to Pet Beach and back,” says Mike Stamhuis, one of five members of the Okanagan Masters Swim Club Lake Monsters who battled cold water, jellyfish, strong currents and ocean swells to successfully cross the English Channel in 2013. If dry land is more your style, continue the trail to

SCENIC CITY VIEW

Lower Turtles Head Point,

sometimes known as Rattlesnake Point, but keep in mind that some trails are rough and close to steep drops. Kalamalka wilderness park, is also home to wood ticks, poisonous rattlesnakes, bears and cougars, visitors are cautioned to keep a close eye on children and pets. Situated on the northeast shore of Okanagan Lake, the beach at Ellison Provincial Park is the first choice of Silver Star Massage Therapist Radha Fisher when planning a beach outing with her husband and toddler daughter. “Ellison is a great

30 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

place for young families. The adjacent campground can be busy during the summer but the 16-kilometre winding drive from Highway 97 helps to regulate the beach crowds,” says Fisher. There are two parking lots for the day-use beach areas. The way to the beach is a relatively steep, coarsely paved trail, but has benches conveniently located at the switchbacks if rest stops are needed. At the bottom of the trail, warm, crystal clear waters of

Otter and South Bay Beaches provide an inviting spot

for young children to wade and learn to swim. The third beach,

Sandy Beach, is pet-friendly.

“The grassy park and playground area and flush toilets are great for kids,” says Fisher. To top it all off, this little gem on the edge of Vernon is maintained by friendly on-site staff. For those who like to mix winery tours with their beach outings, two lesserknown Regional Parks on the shore of Okanagan Lake might just fit the bill. Although seriously damaged by the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park forest fire in 2003,

The perfect beach romp for aficionados of Okanagan history is the easy 20-minute hike from the bottom of Knox Mountain along the Okanagan Lake shoreline down to the protected bay at Paul’s Tomb. Rembler Paul, one of the areas original settlers, had a tomb built for himself, his wife Elizabeth and, apparently, her cat. The arched concrete crypt, built in 1910 on Paul’s land, was meant to house eight coffins.

BERTRAM CREEK PARK BEACH

Bertram Creek Regional Park reclamation efforts had it open

again for public enjoyment in 2004. Just south of Kelowna on Lakeshore Road, it’s about a five-minute drive from Summerhill Winery. It’s the perfect spot for a cool dip, a late picnic lunch and a relaxing nap following an afternoon of wine tasting. Across the lake, close to Mount Boucherie Family Estate Winery,

AFTER VANDALS BROKE INTO THE TOMB IN THE 70S, A LOCAL CONTRACTOR PLACED A 3-METRE HIGH MOUND OF DIRT IN FRONT OF THE DOOR OF THE TOMB TO PREVENT FURTHER INCIDENTS.

This tribute to Paul’s family, sits 30 metres above the lake and 30 metres back from the water. Mrs. Paul’s lilacs still bloom and her irises line the bank to the lake. The astonishing views of the lake provide a glorious backdrop for a picnic and an evening read of a great summer novel before sunset. If you’re one of those people who want to experience nature in the buff, it might be time to check out the area known as

White Rock or Railway Beaches, situated along the tracks

beside Vernon’s Kalamalka Lake. Accessed at the end of WestKal Road, 200 metres past the boat launch, small beaches have been created by locals wanting to meet and sunbath in peaceful locations all the way to Kekuli Bay. If by the end of the summer all this sandy serenity is becoming just too much to handle and you’re up for some excitement, save the Labour Day weekend for the 8th annual Kalamalka Classic Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Festival on Kalamalka Lake Beach. Short courses, relay races, sprints, and kids’ races all lead up to the marquee event, a 16-kilometre trek across the full length of the lake. To participate, bring your own SUP, rent one at Kalavida Surf Shop, volunteer or just lounge on your towel and enjoy the view of welltoned paddlers of all ages competing in neon swimsuits. What a fitting way to celebrate the end of the beach season.

Kalamoir Regional Park

offers two small tranquil pebble beaches at the bottom of a short winding drive from West Kelowna. Hikers, dog walkers and birdwatchers will love the walks along the lakeshore and grassland trails, with views of the lake, intermittent creek beds shaded by Black Cottonwood and the gentle sounds of nesting birds. Rock hounds can be on the lookout for geological remnants from volcanic disruptions. Keep an eye on the time if you want to pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy at home. The winery closes at 5 p.m.

PAULS TOMB TRAIL

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 31

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PASSION

Featuring Ok Miss Universe anagan's Canada

FINALIST N

BY SHANNON LINDEN

Join us here in Okanagan Woman and online, at shannonlinden.ca, for recipes and reviews.

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Well, hello summer! We’re so excited to see your sunshine and sip your bounty as we celebrate two of the best books we’ve ever read. Along with fun and friendship, we recently gathered in support of our local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association (cmhakelowna.com) and Room to Read (www.roomtoread.org), a non-profit focused on girls’ education and children’s literacy in Asia and Africa. Check us out online for recipes and more reviews at shannonlinden.ca.

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32 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN BY GARTH STEIN

If you've ever loved a canine, you're gonna love this book. The story follows the life of aptly named racecar driver, Denny Swift, but it's told from his beloved dog’s point of view. Enzo is some sort of lab-terrier mix (Stein had me at mutt; our German Shepherd Border Collie-X was adopted from the SPCA). Named in tribute to Enzo Ferrari, of the high-performance Italian car fame, he’s not your ordinary pooch. Convinced he will return as a human in his next life, Enzo devotes himself to caring first for Denny, followed by his wife, Eve, and eventually, the most vulnerable of his two-legged charges, their daughter, Zoe. Enzo takes his duties as dog of the house seriously whilst astutely studying the habits of humans in preparation for his eventual reincarnation.

“

There is no dishonor in losing the race.There is only dishonor in not racing because you were afraid to lose.” -Garth Stein

Though he bemoans his lack of opposable thumbs (and envies monkeys and their fortunate dexterity) he is quite industrious at communicating. Most of what he learns he acquires from watching television all day, but he also picks up some pretty touching analogies from watching old race car driving tapes with Denny. You know it's going to be a tissuegrabber right from the wave of the green flag, when it opens with Enzo acknowledging he’s an old dog on his way out, but he's okay with that because he's always known “he's stuffed into a dog’s body, but…it’s what’s inside that’s important. The soul.” Reflecting, Enzo recalls how he initially resented the arrival of Eve—she who was well groomed, unlike him. “Did I envy her?” Enzo asks. “Perhaps.” With her “soft green eyes” that peered out “from under stylish strands of straight blonde hair,” Enzo can’t help but admire Eve’s appearance, including trimmed (and painted) nails. He is in awe of her clean smell and the fact Denny indulges her every whim. Ultimately Enzo comes to admire the female sex—the “life makers”— marveling that they carry an entire creature inside (“other than tapeworms, which don’t really count since they’re parasites that should never have been there in the first place”). The book is laugh-out-loud funny but chockablock full of poignant lines, among my favourites: “No race has ever been won in the first corner; many have been lost there.” And this gem: “There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you were afraid to lose.” Like the most faithful of companions, ever-loyal Enzo sees his family through many years and a multitude of events, including Eve’s cancer diagnosis and her parents’ shocking betrayal of Denny. I won’t say more lest I spoil the rather abrupt change of course the book takes. While the in-laws are presented as cardboard cut outs of horrid people and the event that leads to their betrayal is a little convenient, these minor criticisms are easily forgiven because this story is so fantastically told.

Enzo is such an endearing narrator and the book’s theme, “Life, like racing, is about so much more than simply going fast,” is so poignantly driven home, my thanks to Cindy W for selecting what has become one of my most beloved LOL reads.

5/5 Cheers!

“

Brilliantly told and breathtakingly beautiful, it’s one that will haunt you, like the ghost of the child lurking on nearly every page.” -Shannon Linden

THE POISONWOOD BIBLE BY BARBARA KINGSOLVER When LOL member, Laurie, chose The Poisonwood Bible, I said a prayer of thanks. One of my all-time favourite books by one of the authors I most respect, I first read this epic novel more than a decade ago, when I lived in The Middle East. We were a group of

Canadian girls who convened in airconditioned apartments once a month, and while the location and the ladies have changed, this book still beckons. The story has stayed with me. Brilliantly told and breathtakingly beautiful, it’s one that will haunt you, like the ghost of the child lurking on nearly every page. Nathan Price is an Evangelical Baptist, as fierce as his hair is red. His mission to Christianize the 1959 Belgian Congo results mostly in misery for his family, apathy and then acrimony for the Congolese. A hugely ambitious undertaking, the novel spans three decades of postcolonial Africa and well over 500 pages of reading. It truly begs for a bigger review, given its breadth and complexity. "Dancing between the dark comedy of human failings and the breathtaking possibilities of human hope,” the work establishes Kingsolver as a fastidious researcher and a profound poet. Her website sums the plot best, noting the book is, "Set against one of the most dramatic political chronicles of the 20th century: the Congo's fight for independence from Belgium, the murder of its first elected prime minister, the CIA coup to install his replacement, and the insidious progress of a world economic order that robs the fledgling African nation of its autonomy." Told in the alternating voices of the resigned wife, Orleanna Price, and her four daughters: the shallow teenager, Rachel, gifted twins Leah and Adah, and the “prescient” five-year-old, Ruth May, each character represents a unique perspective of the family’s shared experiences and most often tragic events. "Marked in surprisingly different ways by their father’s intractable mission, and by Africa itself, each must strike her own path to salvation." Maybe even better the second time around, you’ll need time to read it, but this book will educate you, endear you to Africa, and have you asking endless questions.

5/5 Cheers!

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 33

When he proclaimed, “Cheese – milk’s leap toward immortality,” American writer and media personality, Clifton Fadiman may have been referring to France’s iconic Roquefort. CHOLESTEROL, SALT AND FAT BE DAMNED, THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE A FRESH, CRUSTY BAGUETTE SLATHERED WITH A CRUMBLY WEDGE OF THIS CREAMY, MARBLED CHEESE - PARTICULARLY WHEN IT IS PUNGENTLY PAIRED WITH A GLASS OF BOLD, RED WINE. Mais oui, it’s old; it’s moldy; it smells - yet the delectable combination of salty and sharp flavours melt in your mouth, leaving an intense, rich, tangy punch.

The King of

CHEESES! BY LAURA GOSSET

In a country that loves its fromage and produces more types than there are days in a year, the French consider Roquefort to be the King of Cheeses and the Cheese of Kings. In France, no self-respecting cheese platter would be without it. From a personal perspective, I blame my love affair with this cheese on my husband. He made the introduction soon after we met. At first, I regarded the delicate, blue-green veins with curious repulsion, but after tasting the cheese several times, I found my palate was left craving more. Before long, ooh-la-la, I was hooked. 34 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

As a result, years later we found ourselves driving the winding road leading to Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, a tiny, ancient village nestled at the foot of the Combalou Cliffs in the Midi-Pyrenees region of Southern France. Our objective: to explore the place that has given its name to its famous cheese and tour the caves where the locals have produced it for centuries. Here’s what we learned... It was a natural disaster - the collapse of a mountain about a million years ago - that created the extensive network of caves in the area surrounding Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.

“A MEAL WITHOUT CHEESE IS LIKE A DAY WITHOUT SUNSHINE.” LET THERE BE CHEESE, S’IL VOUS PLAIT!

QUALITY, IT’S THE LAW

IN THE CASE OF CHEESE – AGE MATTERS

GOATGONZOLA, OKANAGAN’S VERY OWN KING!

Local legend claims that an ardent, young shepherd was resting in one of the caves when he spied a beautiful maiden. Hastily, he tossed aside his lunch of bread and cheese, left his flock to fend for itself and chased after her. Upon his return to the cave days later, his round of cheese had become moldy. Hungry and undeterred, he ate it anyway. As it turns out, it was surprisingly tasty. Voilà – Roquefort was born! Penicillium Roquefort, the magic microbe that once upon a time turned the poor Romeo’s lunch green, flourishes in the caves and creates the veining and distinctive character of the cheese. Traditionally, cheese makers extracted the fungus by simply leaving bread in the caves until it was consumed by mold. Now it is cultivated in laboratories – not nearly as romantic, but undoubtedly more efficient.

Only seven producers are legally approved to make this cheese. “Roquefort Société”, which accounts for 60 per cent of all production, offer cellar visits to “Roquefortphiles” like us. As we descended the narrow staircase with our tour group into the very heart of the mountain, the chill and dampness of the air was palpable. Water dripped from stone walls speckled with bits of emerald green lichen. Deep underground we were surrounded – eleven stories filled with row-upon-orderly-row of round, glistening, ivorycoloured spheres. No wonder the pungent, olfactory aura of maturing cheese followed us like a cloud. Fluerines (faults or tunnels through the limestone) provide the caves with a perfect year-round environment for ripening cheese: fresh air, a constant temperature of 10°C and 90 per cent relative humidity. These faults can extend up to a kilometer through the rock mass to the outside, so no sophisticated climate and humidity control systems are necessary. It’s all très naturel. All stages of ripening – an extremely complex process - are carefully monitored by the Master-Ripener (yes...there really is such a vocation). The cheese loaves or pains (to the French) take a minimum of three months to mature in the caves.

Roquefort has been protected by Royal Charter since 1407 and was the first cheese to be granted its own Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), a French certification more readily recognized for wine. This designation means only cheeses ripened in the caves at Roquefort-sur-Soulzon can bear the celebrated name. Under French law, the cheese-making process is held to rigorous and clearly defined standards. Traditional methods of production are meticulously mandated and the ingredients must be local. For milk to make the leap towards Roquefort immortality, it must be 100 per cent from sheep - and not just from any old sheep. Only milk from the local Lacaune ewe can be used in the cheese production. The milk must be raw (as in unpasteurized) and whole – as in full-fat. Mon Dieu... tell me again, how do French women not get fat?

Take heart, you don’t have to travel to France for quality blue cheese. Clinging to the hillside approximately twelve kilometres south of downtown Kelowna, a boutique, family-run dairy and cheese-making enterprise, is churning out Goatgonzola - a Canadian cousin to French Roquefort. Using traditional methods imported from France, Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan Inc., crafts a variety of rich, complex cheeses from locally produced goat milk. Whether it is in belle France or right here in our own uniquely beautiful Okanagan Valley, remember the French proverb, “A meal without cheese is like a day without sunshine.” Oh, and wine – don’t forget the wine. That would be an obvious faux pas!

Laura Gosset, a recovering lawyer, is a passionate traveller, serial adventurer, sports enthusiast and writer. She believes wholeheartedly wine is to women as duct tape is to men, it fixes everything! Visit her at http://www.lauragosset.com to read her published work and sign up for her travel blog, Away, eh!

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 35

In a valley filled with world-class wines, another industry is coming on strong. Craft beers have hit the Okanagan with their uniquely delicious blends and women are loving them more than ever before.

Meet Melody Schneider. In her position as Okanagan Territory Licensee Manager for Andrew Peller Limited, she knows her wines. She talks, tastes and sells wines all day. And after a long day of being immersed in the world of wines, Melody loves nothing more than a sip of one of the great craft beers made in the Okanagan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love the diversity of craft beer from the Okanagan, the smallbatch brewers that are making experimental things like sours to really hoppy Indian Pale Ales (IPA) to a big, dark stout. I love supporting local!

CRAFT BEER Explosion THE

BY DEANNA RAINEY

36 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

With all the breweries here, you can go beer tasting like you can do a wine tasting tour. Wine is complex, and there are so many different types to pair with food. You can do the exact same thing with beer. Good wines must be balanced and the same holds true for beer,” says Melody. Cannery Brewing has been around since 2001 and is one of the Okanagan’s longest operating craft breweries. Kim Lawton of Cannery Brewing, knows her beer. Kim has been in the craft beer industry for ten years, and is currently president of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) South Okanagan, which has been in place for three years. Amongst their initiatives, CAMRA hosts events at breweries and offers educational activities to the beer-drinking public! Cannery Brewing and CAMRA were involved recently in the wildly successful Okanagan Fest of Ale, which offered 175 choices for the beer-loving public to try. Kim explained that craft beers are locally made in small batches, which allows for a lot of diversity. It also enables the brewer to experiment with their products, like changing the hop profile to change a beer. This gives them the freedom to respond to changing consumer demand. “Craft beer is exploding right now,” Kim says. “People are looking for different flavours, hand-crafted products and natural products. At a craft brewery you can meet the brewer, walk through the brewery and see how the beer was made. A lot more women are drinking craft beer because of its complex flavour profile.”

"Now people realize you can pair it with foods." Lorraine Nagy, proprietor of Tin Whistle Brewing in Penticton, says beer is very exciting now, with the advent of fruit beers and an endless list of new styles of beer. “BC has come of age and we are learning that beer is not just one item that is short on variety. Now people realize you can pair it with foods. There are hundreds of kinds of beers now, and brewers and the consumer are more educated,” said Lorraine. “We already have eight seasonals such as the Christmas Chocolate Cherry and in the fall, a Stag Ale (Scotch apple ale). We also have the Osprey, our white IPA pear beer. In the spring and summer people are looking for their strawberry or raspberry beer. The selection with the fruit beers is very appealing to women.” According to Lorraine, the whole beer scene has changed, as has the way consumers perceive beer. Craft beer is usually made hands-on in small batches and it takes a lot of people to prepare beer, so it costs more per bottle to make. Most craft brewers use only premium ingredients with the freshest and finest of hops.

Pearl and Stefan Marten, proprietors of Marten Brew Pub in Vernon, have seen a significant increase in women beer drinkers and they attribute that to the amazing array of beers being produced locally. “Our most popular craft beers include the Cookie Monster Stout, with hints of chocolate and oatmeal. The BC Bud IPA uses BC hops, and is another of our staples. In the process we let the beer go flat then infuse it with nitrogen for a mellow and unique flavour,” Pearl says. Kelowna is home to one of the newer craft breweries, the BNA Brewing Company and eatery. BNA’s Jill Jarrett explained that a group of people who formerly worked together had a dream to develop a craft brewery and Kyle Nixon headed up the group who did just that. BNA is named after the British North American Tobacco Company, which is the original site that BNA currently occupies. BNA is expanding their operations and last year started packaging beer, which can be found in most Kelowna and Okanagan liquor stores. Their most popular offering is Earl, a pale ale with a touch of Earl Gray tea in it. Their newest offering is Blood Sugar Hops Magik, an ISA brewed with blood oranges. Jill also recommends Check Your Head, an all-season stout.

“Craft Brewing is more about experimentation than specific trends,” she says. “Our goal is to get people talking about beer and trying different things. Women are becoming educated to the different flavours and tons of varieties they can try. I’d say we have as many women as men visiting us.” The Okanagan’s Craft Beer market is indeed on fire!

Okanaga n

This year, tip your glass and enjoy the wonderful surprises you’ll ﬁnd in modern beers. They’ll surprise you and keep you coming back for more!

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 37

ACQUA DI GIÒ, from Georgio Armani, evokes sea and water with a natural simplicity and authenticity. Light, aquatic nuances mix with jasmine fragrance, crisp rock rose, rosemary, fruity persimmon and warm Indonesian patchouli to create a men's fragrance that is both fresh and sensual.

Style: FRESH. PURE. STIMULATING.

A modern and charismatic reinterpretation of the Pasha de Cartier iconic fragrance, PASHA EDITION NOIRE speaks to the modern, yet reﬁned man, who exudes freshness and elegance while maintaining his bold aura of masculinity.

SUMMER 2017 FRAGRANCES For the special man in your life.

Style: MODERN. MASCULINE. URBAN.

BVLGARI MAN IN BLACK

expresses virile strength and irresistible seduction in equal measure. The signature bottle in black with pinkgold accents is an elegant allusion to the most exclusive BVLGARI watches for men, which balance the cool intensity of black with the warmth of rose-gold.

Style: INTENSE. MAGNETIC. IRRESISTIBLE.

Love, passion, beauty, and desire are the key concepts behind the new men’s fragrance by Versace. As Greek mythology and classic sculpture have characterized the perfection of the male body in the Versace world since the beginning. VERSACE EROS is a fragrance for a strong, passionate man.

Style: PASSIONATE. SEXY. STRONG.

38 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

Dolce & Gabbana’s fragrance

LIGHT BLUE POUR HOMME. represents a new intensity. The watery and citrus freshness is combined with a base of musk and woody notes for an irresistible unique fragrance for men. Inside the cool frostedglass bottle, it takes on the evocative, light blue shade of the Mediterranean Sea.

Style: EVOCATIVE. FRESH. COOL

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Each time he wears them. he'll think of you.

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OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 39

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRILLING A FROZEN BURGER AND SMOKING THAT BARBEQUED CHICKEN?

Okanagan Woman headed over to Bernard Avenue to put this question to Andre Thomas, owner of Kelowna’s Memphis Blues Barbeque House. Andre has been serving up southern comfort food to Okanaganites for the past decade, so we know we’re in the right place!

Summertime Andre, is there a difference between grilling and barbeque?

What's the perfect drink to help pair with smoked meats?

"As Canadians, what we're typically doing on a hot afternoon, when we're throwing hot dogs and burgers on a grill, is grilling. It's not what Americans consider barbeque. Barbeque is slow cooking. You're cooking at a low temperature, typically using indirect heat, using some type of hard wood for flavour.

Wine. Wine really opened my eyes to how the wine and food could be so elevated by each other. Drinking German Rieslings with rich, smoky meats, is incredible. Smoked meats go great with sweet, aromatic, high acidity whites.

Do you find people know the difference between grilling and barbeque? "More and more, but when we first opened Memphis Blues, it was an educational process. When you smoke the meats, the outside of the meats, including chickens and ribs, turns a bright orange, red or pink colour. People would mistake that for meat not being done properly. But, that's not the case. It’s an educational type of cooking."

40 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

What makes a great barbeque? "There are different ways to truly barbeque. The most economical way is to buy a smoker. You can even convert your grill at home to become a smoker”.

How do you convert your grill? “If you have a charcoal grill, all you need to do is soak some wood chips, make sure it's wood that can be used for

What's the perfect amount of time to get your smoky flavours? "I'll do a cedar plank salmon where I'll soak the planks for a half an hour and then I'll put the dry-rubbed salmon on the top rack of my smoker at a hot temperature like 450 degrees. After 15 minutes, it's golden and tastes amazing."

What type of wood chips are the best for the different meats? "At home, I have buckets of pecan, cherry, hickory, apple and mesquite. It's nice to try different woods with different foods. Usually, I find that applewood and cherry goes better with fish and light meats like pork and chicken. some of the heavier smoked meats like steaks, go much better with hickory and mesquite, so it doesn't over smoke the meat.”

Barbeque smoking. Soak for 30 minutes, then throw the chips right onto the charcoal. If you have a gas grill it's almost the same process. You must soak the chips for about half an hour, but instead of putting them right on the gas, which you must not do, you wrap them in aluminum foil, two or three times and poke a few holes in the top. Put the foil package in the corner of the grill and it will help slowly smoke your meats to your desired flavour."

You personally barbeque and grill, why? "I do it on a commercial basis and at Memphis Blues we use a hickory barbeque pit. It makes it easy because it's gas powered and we have all the dials, bells and whistles. At home, I have a Louisiana Grill. One thing I like about it is you can do both. You can smoke and you can finish off on the grill. Usually, I'll put on a nice tenderloin with some hickory and put it on a low temperature for about half an hour. Then I'll open up the grill and finish it off on the open flame."

What's the #1 rule you live by when it comes to barbeque? “Learn. It's constantly a learning experience. There are so many different recipes, sauces, and dry rubs out there. It's not an exact science because it depends on what different individuals like.

Try things out and see what you like. Give it a shot, what's the worst could happen?“

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 41

Summer Salads & SIDES Beet Salad

with Grapefruit, Blue Cheese & Walnuts YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

SERVING SIZE: 3/4 CUP CREDIT RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY COLLEEN MILNE THE FOOD BLOG THEFOODBLOG.NET@GMAIL.COM THEFOODBLOG.NET

CHIMICHURRI MAKES 1 1/2 CUPS CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS *Roasted Beets 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed 2 shallots, sliced 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper *Salad 1 large grapefruit, peeled, sectioned, with pith removed 2 oranges, peeled, sectioned, with pith removed 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1/2 tsp course salt 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled 2 green onions, sliced

Sauce

TOTAL TIME: 45 MINUTES

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 400Â° Line a baking sheet with foil, twice the size of the pan. Put cubed beets and shallots in middle of foil. Sprinkle beets with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper and toss with hands to combine Wrap ends of foil over the beets and fold to make a package Roast until beets are fork tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, open foil, and allow to cool In a bowl, combine beets, grapefruit and orange segments Whisk together olive oil, cider vinegar, and salt. Pour over salad and toss to coat Add walnuts and blue cheese and gently combine Refrigerate for about an hour top with green onions for serving

NOTES Most of the time allotted for this recipe is the roasting time for the beets. You can roast the beets anytime and keep in the fridge until you want to make this salad; or, use leftover beets. If you or someone you are serving has a nut allergy, you can leave out the nuts. The slightly bitter crunch is what they bring, so if you can, substitute arugula, or radicchio. 42 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups parsley leaves, coarsely chopped 1 cup cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped 1 medium jalapeno, seeded and chopped (optional) 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 4 tbsp red wine vinegar 3-4 garlic cloves 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Put all ingredients into a blender or food processor and puree. Taste and add more vinegar if needed. Put into a jar or container with lid, and let stand for 2-3 hours to allow flavours to meld. Will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

strawberry Caprese Salad INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a sauce pan, bring balsamic vinegar, pepper, and salt to a boil 2. Reduce heat to medium and allow to boil gently until reduced by two thirds, whisking frequently. 3. Remove from heat and allow to cool. 4. In a salad bowl, combine strawberries, cheese, and basil 5. whisk olive oil into the cooled balsamic reduction. 6. Just before serving, drizzle salad with the balsamic mixture

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS SERVING SIZE: 3/4 CUP

INGREDIENTS 1 cup dark balsamic vinegar 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp salt 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced 1 cup bite sized bocconcini balls 1 cup fresh basil leaves 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil NOTES: Caprese salad is best served at room temperature

FENNEL Cabbage SLAW

INGREDIENTS 1/2 head small red cabbage, shredded 1 fennel bulb, trimmed, and shredded 1/4 daikon radish, peeled, and shredded (about 1/2 cup) 3 carrots, peeled and shredded 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (juice of two oranges) 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tsp honey 1 tsp kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a large bowl, toss together cabbage, fennel, daikon, and carrot 2. In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey, and salt 3. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to combine 4. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours. 5. Before serving, toss again

GINGER PEACH

SALSA

INGREDIENTS 3 medium peaches, peeled and diced 1/2 cup diced red onion 1 thumb sized knob of fresh ginger, grated zest and juice of one lime 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or flat leaved parsley 2 green jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely diced salt and black pepper, to taste.

DIRECTIONS Put all ingredients in a bowl and gently combine. Refrigerate for an hour or more before using. Serve on grilled salmon, chicken, or pork. This is also excellent on grilled Portobello mushrooms, chicken, or turkey burgers, and as a taco topper.

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 43

Pussy Foot INGREDIENTS 50ml orange juice 30ml lemon juice 30ml lime juice 15ml grenadine syrup 10ml sugar syrup 1 egg yolk Cold sparkling soda water Orange slice

MO CK TA ILS

DIRECTIONS Pour all the juices and syrups into a cocktail shaker with ice and add the yolk. Shake well then strain into a large tumbler half filled with ice cubes. Top up with soda water. Garnish with an orange slice and optional decoration.

SPARKLING SIPS

LADY LAVENDER

DIRECTIONS Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the grapefruit juice, Lavender Syrup and grenadine and shake well. Strain into an icefilled collins glass, stir in the club soda and garnish with the basil and lavender sprigs.

INGREDIENTS Ice 3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice 3/4 ounce Lavender Syrup 2 ounces chilled club soda 1 basil sprig 1 fresh lavender sprig (optional) 1/4 ounce grenadine, preferably homemade

Honey-Vanilla SERVINGS: 4

CREDIT: MARTHA STEWART

INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup honey 1/2 cup water 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped 1/4 cup fresh lime juice Ice 4 cups chilled seltzer 44 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

Spritzer

DIRECTIONS Bring honey, water, and vanilla bean to a simmer in a saucepan. Cook, stirring, until honey dissolves. Let cool completely. Strain through a fine sieve (there will be some seeds). Stir in lime juice. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Top with seltzer.

LS I TA K C O C

MANGO Margarita

INGREDIENTS 2 oz margaritaville tequila 1 oz vitality mango puree 0.25 oz simple syrup 1 oz frozen lemonade mix 0.50 oz pineapple juice

DIRECTIONS Add all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice. Shake vigorously Pour into a margarita glass.

for SUMMER

GARNISH: Mango wedge. Cocktail stick with fruit optional.

Mojito

MAKES 1

CREDIT: THE FOOD NETWORK

INGREDIENTS Ice 6 ounces light rum 12 mint sprigs, or spearmint, 8 roughly broken apart 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice 4 tablespoons sugar Club soda 4 slices lime

DIRECTIONS Place ice in beverage shaker then add in the rum, 8 broken up mint sprigs, lime juice and sugar. Shake well and serve over ice in a high ball glass. Top off each glass with a splash of club soda. Garnish each with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint

GIN DANDY

CREDIT: MARTHA STEWART

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 1/2 cups pomegranate liqueur 1 1/2 cups gin 2 lemons, cut into wedges

DIRECTIONS In a saucepan, bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let the mixture cool, then pour ice in a large pitcher. Stir in lemon juice, liqueur, and gin. Ladle into glasses garnished with lemon wedges.

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 45

WATER is

WOMAN'S

PLAY BY SHANNON LINDEN

It's the perfect time of day To throw all your cares away Put the sprinkler on the lawn And run through with my gym shorts on. ~the Barenaked Ladies (“Pinch Me”)

LISA NEILSON AND JILL WHITE

Before built-in pools, there was the good, old garden hose. Hooked up to a sprinkler that moved around the lawn in a desperate attempt to keep grass green, the system also served to cool hot kids. While the technology has changed, the sentiment remains: playing in water is fun! A treasured memory for many of us; it's the thriving business of some dynamic Okanagan women. 46 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

LOCATION: HOEVEN, NETHERLANDS

PLAY is their PASSION Waterplay Solutions Corp.—a Kelowna-based company—dreams, designs and delivers water parks. With thousands of installations around the world, including Canada, USA, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, United Kingdom and the Netherlands, they build everything from small community parks to big destination attractions. "Our goal is to have Waterplay products within a 100-kilometre radius of any child. Everywhere but Antarctica," President, Jill White, says with a chuckle. “Play is our passion.” Vernon born, White grew up in an entrepreneurial family. Business ran in her blood, but it did not sit on her doorstep. "I'd always wanted to run my own business and I would send our accountant, the late Jim Mills, ideas and he would make fun of me, saying, 'Come on, Jill! That'll never make money!'” Until one day her mentor presented White with a unique opportunity. "I still remember Jim and I came out of a board meeting and he handed me this catalogue and said they were looking for investors or to sell… I flipped through and right there, I saw the potential! The brochure was showing parks and rec installations and immediately I thought, hotels, resort, campgrounds… It was endless where it could go.” Before White acquired the business and moved it to Kelowna in 2004, the original owners ran an irrigation business and sold playground equipment out of Penticton. Visiting Expo ’86 in Vancouver, they noted the UFO station with ground spray and thought, what if we ran water through our playground equipment? And whoosh! The splash pad industry was born. Their first park, installed a year later in Whistler, is still running – albeit with tens of layers of paint and glacier-fed water. "It's literally the coldest park in the world! Kids’ lips turn blue," White says, grinning. Fast forward to 2017 and Waterplay is celebrating its thirty-year anniversary and displaying distinguished awards. In 2016, the company was named one of Canada's top 100 businesses led by female entrepreneurs. The rankings, published by PROFITguide.com and Canadian Business Magazine, are based on size, growth rate and profitability. White is justly proud, but she's quick to point out she grew up surrounded by brothers. "I don't see gender," she admits. "All of our employees are here because they offer a specific skill set we need and they're all valuable." LOCATION: WINNIPEG, CANADA

OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017 47

A champion Alpine ski racer in her youth, she still remembers a coach who told her not to measure herself against the girls but to ask herself, who is the fastest? Period. Of the 55 people Waterplay employs in Kelowna, more than a third are women. They fill every kind of role including fabricators, engineers, product designers, administration and support staff, sales, marketing and finance. LOCATION: GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA

bring in the manufacturability and safety aspect – they give it back and you wonder what happened to our exciting idea? Someone could get caught on this or climb on that and sometimes you have to shelve it.” As for conservation, specialized systems ensure water is recirculated and treated in various forms.

CHANGING the WORLD One Park at a time:

Waterplay implements 250 projects a year around the world but when pressed, White and Neilson agree, their favourite is close to home. “It's the story behind it,” White says. “It literally transformed a neighbourhood.” Once a forgotten greenspace in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Central Park now unites a multicultural area, employs people and helps keep a lid on crime thanks to a massive revitalization plan. Waterplay features prominently with a wading pool and aquatic play pad covering some 8, 600 square feet of the park. The project presented many challenges but two separate water treatment systems allow the wading pool to draw from recirculated water while the spray park operates as an independent drain-away, thus avoiding cross-contamination. A gorgeous glass structure catches sunlight and reflects water while it safely houses washrooms, lockers, and the mechanical room. "I grew up in Winnipeg,” Neilson says, and this once-drug Managing director, Lisa Neilson, says, “You can design and ridden park now draws families. It's a source of pride." position product in a way that is attractive to say a landscape Other notable projects include memorial parks, like Ava’s architect or a designer, but at the end of the day, is that really Splash Pad in Tennessee, named after the two-year-old who died adding to the play experience for kids? We keep that in the unexpectedly following complications from routine surgery. With forefront of our minds – not getting caught up in what will sell but custom airbrushed strawberry and blueberry graphics, monkey what will engage kids… An exceptional experience for the ones and bumblebee water cannons, rainbow arches and colourful using it, not the ones forking out the money. It's a balancing act." dumping buckets, Ava lives on in the laughter of the children who Indeed, lots of balance is required in a visit the park. business like Waterplay, including carefreeWater even goes to the dogs. The Rex Dog fun versus risk of injury, water conservation Hotel in Vancouver features a waterpark and changing technology. The company designed for furry friends, fetching much spent last year revamping their entire amusement with water-ball launchers, popoffering. Things like remote monitoring its and geysers. and access to control systems and the A project for penguins is part of the linking of multiple parks to be controlled company’s portfolio too! Although, when through one interface, as well as different the call first came from a zoo that wanted White quips. options for design and layout allowing for squirting features and ground spray coming retrofitting into existing parks. through the rocks—all in a treated system— What about the kid who breaks his arm there was some consternation. on the slide? “We were stressed,” White says, sharing a “At the risk of putting myself out there, knowing look with Neilson. “We were scared I think a kid needs to learn how to fall,” we were going to kill the penguins!” White says. “When we grew up, if you fell out of the tree, you No surprise, a sense of humor—or least a sense of fun—is a learned… We should support play advocates – not be reckless – prerequisite to employment at Waterplay. “You don't need to be but let kids be kids.” young to work here, although we were young when we started,” That said, the company takes the safety of their play equipment White quips. “You just need to be young at heart.” seriously. “There are very set safety regulations for wet playgrounds For more information, visit waterplay.com or call that have evolved over time,” Neilson says. “You can fall in love (250) 712-3393. And by the way, the penguins are still happily with a great concept, give it to the engineers to draw out and build, playing.

BALANCING FUN with all that Other Stuff

“

You don't need to be young to work here, although we were young when we started,” “You just need to be young at heart.”

48 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

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HOROSCOPE by Heather Zais

Taurus

Aries

MAR 21 - APRIL 19 Jun - Your communications are showcased locally or connected to distance. Teach or be a director. Jul - Look within or at the deeper side of life. You may need alone time. This is by choice or not. Aug - Luck is on your side and your status or position can change in unexpected ways. Jump on.

APRIL 20 - MAY 20 Jun - A lovely focus on your finances or assets sees you happier with the results or other benefits. Jul - Meet with those who have the know how or Midas touch. The influence helps bottom line. Aug - Entertain or have an open house. Others are interested in what you have or how you do.

Jun - The sun in your sign puts added attention on you. Demonstrate your abilities in creative ways. Jul - Re-organize or tweak your sources of income. Get rid of what is not performing or viable. Aug - You are comfortable in the spotlight on a small or large scale. Showcase plans clearly.

JULY 23 - AUG 22

AUG 23 - SEPT 22

Jun - Be in touch with those who have the power to grant or expedite your wishes. You are optimistic. Jul - Choices you make now will have long term effects. Pay attention to security issues or actions. Aug - You receive added affection or adoration. Circulate and enjoy the connection to them all.

Jun - Look at avenues that would improve your status or reputation. Avoid grinding the process. Jul - Think outside the box to bigger and better things. Those who are connected open doors. Aug - Sit back, holding your cards close to the vest. You need to see how associates will play.

Cancer

JUNE 21 - JULY 22 Jun - Private talks or behind the scenes activity has some inﬂuence on home or base of operation. Jul - Take more of a leadership role personally or in business. All are not on the same page. Aug - Look at the past or tried and true ways to boost your income. Add to your assets now.

SEPT 23 - OCT 22 Jun - Check out alternate locations to travel or work. The world is open to you. Spread your wings. Jul - You may need more privacy or a controlled space to work in. Take work home with you. Aug - You could beneﬁt ﬁnancially by chance or through lucky circumstance. Look at opportunities.

OCT 23 - NOV 21 Jun - The past or other funds and assets can become a source of income. Check the data. Jul - Taking a holiday or time out is okay because you are always working anyway. Walk a bit. Aug - Step up in position or take on extra responsibility with ease even if you are still green.

DEC 22 - JAN 19 Jun - Others appreciate you more than you think. Career or status gets a boost. Enjoy the perks. Jul - Meetings can feel like a grind but are necessary to level the playing ﬁeld. Aug - Be ready to adapt to others needs or expectations. Connections become stronger.

MAY 21 - JUNE 20

JAN 20 - FEB 18 Jun - You have luck with travels or those over distance. An easygoing relationship develops. Jul - Handle serious matters or paperwork in private or with a select few. Rein others in. Aug - Reach agreements to work or be together on the same page. Partner or plan to wed.

50 OKANAGAN WOMAN SUMMER | 2017

Virgo

NOV 22 - DEC 21 Jun - Take time away together to analyze the future in personal or business relationships. Jul - Acting more independently works for you as you don’t need a lot of input or talk. Aug - Connections over distance grow deeper or more secure. You affect their lives.

FEB 19 - MAR 20 Jun - Major decisions affect your longterm goals or where you want to be. Stay in comfort zone. Jul - Activate your creative side or showcase what you already have. Romantic life improves. Aug - Your intuition is strong and has an effect on your romantic life. Make plans for the future.

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