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Pandan Thai Eatery has opened their second location at 482 West Avenue in the Pandosy Village District. Their first location is at 2424 Main Street in West Kelowna. Owned and operated by delightful couple, Victor and Dina Vichiansupawat, the quaint, unique restaurant seats 20 inside with a patio, and fits perfectly in the Pandosy Village area. Pandan offers authentic, yet modern Thai cuisine made with all natural ingredients, fresh to order for lunch and dinner with vegan and gluten-free options. Pandan menu offers small plates, shareables, mains, and add-ons. We sampled Chicken Satays with house-made peanut sauce and Tiger Prawn Skewers, along with Pandan’s traditional Green Papaya Salad to start. Then came the Red Curry with BBQ Duck, served with rice, vegetables, and house-made naan. Of course, we could not leave without sampling the Pad Thai. All the dishes were absolutely delicious and definitely authentic and beautifully presented. As Pandan is quaint, make sure you go early or just take your chances on a table. It will be well worth it. Pandan offers eat-in and take-out options and are fully licensed. Open Tuesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. www.pandanusthai.com
Photo Credit: Pandan Thai Eatery -- Victor and Dina Vichiansupawat
Heritage Office Furnishings has relocated from many years on Penno Road to new offices at Unit 120 – 1700 Dickson Avenue in the Landmark District. With Heritage, work is no longer a place — it is an experience. They are redefining what that experience can be by creating and delivering inspiring spaces everywhere work happens. The company offers murals and artwork, seating, furnishings, moveable wall solutions, technology, desks, tables, storage, architecture, space division, accessories, surface materials, and quick ship. Their new space at Landmark 7 enhances their ability to serve businesses, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. The new space showcases the latest in furniture design, flexible layouts, and innovative workplace solutions that will help clients experience what is next in the world of work. Colin Bridge is the CEO/President, B.C. Interior. www.heritageoffice.com
The Her Heart Matters Lawn Bowling Social drew 130 attendees and raised almost $5,000 in support of women’s heart health, which is a leading cause of death among women. Many women remain unaware of their unique risks, symptoms, and needs. Held at the Kelowna Lawn Bowling Club, the event brought community together for fun, an evening of lawn bowling, food, and connection. The strong turnout and enthusiastic support showed just how much this message resonates. Funds raised will support efforts to advance awareness and action around women’s heart health. Jennifer Monaghan was the event organizer who has been a recipient of a heart transplant.
Treat your mom, grandmother, partner, or a friend to a delightful Mother’s Day Brunch at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre on the lovely outdoor patio, Sunday, May 10th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You will enjoy an elevated brunch buffet, signature house wines and other cocktails, live music by local artist Cal Volpe and a single elegant flower for each mother. Outdoor patio dining, weather permitting. If it rains on our parade, we will move everyone into a ballroom. To reserve and purchase tickets visit https://bit.ly/
Photo Credit: Contributed
Ramada Hotel patio - Mother's Day
Now in its 6th year, The Kelowna Women in Business RISE Awards are Thursday, May 15th, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna. The community is invited to come and celebrate women shaping the Okanagan’s business landscape. This is more than an awards night. It is an experience as guests can look forward to a lively evening filled with great food, engaging performances, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts celebration and connection. The room is electric, bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders for a night that is both inspiring and genuinely fun. I am honored to have been nominated in the Change Maker Award Category, presented by Crowe MacKay LLP, and have been advised that I am now a finalist in that category. To join us and for more information and tickets visit www.kwib.org/newsworthy/
Lenetta Parry has been appointed CEO of Habitat for Humanity Okanagan, assuming the role officially on June 1st. Lenetta has had positions with the Central Okanagan Food Bank and most recently with The Salvation Army Okanagan Central, where she led housing and food security initiatives. Lenetta succeeds Andrea Manifold, who is retiring at the end of May. www.
Rob Siddon is riding in The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Kelowna on May 17th, 2026, for Men’s Mental Health and Prostate Cancer Research. This global event has raised over $60M since inception. Last year, Rob raised over $10,000 and he is seeking your help this year. Donations at https//gentlemanssride.com/
Wendy Wright, formerly of GreenStep Solutions is the new Fund Development Officer at Childhood Connections – Strong Roots Centre. Join them for their Annual Colours for Caring Run on Sunday May 24th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ben Lee Park. The family friendly event brings together children, youth, caregivers, and community members for a fun-run that raises awareness and essential funds for Childhood Connection programs. Register at https://trellis.org/colours-
Photo Credit: Contributed
Wendy Wright
A.I. Dinner IV with Matthew J (99.9 Sun FM’s “Tech Tuesday”) is Friday, April 24th, 2026, at Perch Sky Lounge in downtown Kelowna from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on the patio. The interactive dining experience will give you practical A.I. skills in a relaxed setting. Seating is limited and advanced registration required. I attended this event with friends, and we were happy to get the basics of A.I. Whether we like it or not, A.I. is here to stay, and it’s good to know about how to use it and what it is all about. For details and tickets visit https://matthewjensen.ca/aidiv
Until June 30th, Crime Stoppers is teaming up with Skogies Car Wash. Drop your Skogies car wash tokens in the Crime Stoppers donation box at the exit of any of the three Skogies locations. Every token helps fund Crime Stoppers tip rewards, supporting safe neighborhoods and it is an easy way to help. www.rco.com
The Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame is inducting the following members into the Hall on May 7th, 2026, at the Laurel Packinghouse at 6:00 p.m. Inductees are Jessica Peattie (Nee Denys) Athlete 2023, Robert “Bob” Harris (Builder-Coach 2023), Dave McClellan (Builder 2024); Silverado Socrates (Athlete 2024) and William “Bill” Stephens (Pioneer Builder 2023). Guest speakers for the evening will be members of the Kelowna Rockets. Lorne Buna is the Manager, Central Okanagan Sport Hall of Fame. www.kelownamuseums.ca
Last week, I attended the UBC Okanagan Engineering Capstone Showcase and spoke on behalf of Mayor and Council. There were so many exceptional projects. Congratulations to Smart Retrofit Solutions: Using BIM and AI for Smart Building Upgrades who took first place in Software and Data Systems. Team members were Jaeda Yurkiw (team lead), Colby Yurkiw, Arshia Boroomandrad, Kurt Galanto, Kasra Kazerooni, and Daniel Lu. Their project sponsor was professor Dr. Qian Chen, faculty advisor Dr. Babak Tosarkani, and teaching assistant (TA) Jonathan Kettle who were instrumental in their success. Jaeda’s brother Colby Yurkiw was also on Jaeda’s team, which made that very special for Jaeda. www.engineering.ok.ubc.ca
Photo Credit: Contributed
UBCO
Around town…..
Kelowna City Concert Band Spring Performance is April 25th, 2026, 7:30 p.m. at the Sanctuary First Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Road. Adults $25.00, Seniors $20.00, Students $12.00, and Children 12 and under free. This is the Band’s only paid event for the year, as all others are free.
The 5th Annual Walk for Her is April 25th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mission Creek Greenway, to support education and empowerment programs for women and girls in Nepal. The event has raised over $30,000 since its inception.
Ballet Kelowna is hooting Cikilaxwm: Controlled Burn on May 1st at 7:30 p.m. and May 2nd at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 2026 at the Kelowna Community Theater presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation. Co-produced by the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund. Simone Orlando is the Artistic Director and CEO. Tickets at www.theboxoffice.ca
Join the Central Okanagan Heritage Society for an intimate evening with Robert Fine and Neville Bowman on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Brookside Manor. Tickets www.okheritagesociety.com
Helen’s Acres is celebrating ten years of feeding the Okanagan with volunteers, partners and the community coming together. Join them on April 25th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., 2424 Mayer Road to kick off the season. There will be a treasure hunt, guided farm tours, prizes, giveaways, and family friendly activities. Register at www.helensacres.com
Birthdays of the week – Happy 70th Victor Hass (Apr. 17); Aleisha Earle (Apr. 22); Travis Pye (Apr. 22); Shawn Attwood (Apr. 22); Jill Seibert (Apr. 22); Chris Koutsantonis (Apr. 22); Steve Thomson (Apr. 22); Aldina Loureiro (Apr. 22); Shelley Vida (Apr. 22); Brenda Siebert (Apr. 22); Lana Teichmann (Apr. 23); Marie Gelinas (Apr. 23); Mary Clark (Apr. 23); Wade Webb (Apr. 23); Ellen Walker-Matthews (Apr. 23); Norm Felty (Apr.24); Shaz Burchell (Apr.24); Alana Francis (Apr. 24); Ross Siebert (Apr. 24); Dan Ring (Apr. 25); Hermina Klajnsek (Apr. 25); Myrna Telford (Apr. 25); Maria Rizzo (Apr. 25); Alan Dolman (Apr. 25); Aria Yen (Apr. 25); Sia Koutsantonis (Apr. 25); Lynn Kratzer (Apr. 26); Minik Dhir (Apr. 26); Wendy Herrington (Apr. 26); Lorna Wilson (Apr. 26); Phyllis Litz and Con Litz, husband and wife (Apr. 27); Chuck Dixon (Apr. 27); Raghwa Gopal (Apr. 27); Lois Serwa (Apr. 27); Myrna Wilde (Apr. 27); Linda Verna (Apr. 28); Richard Erickson (Apr. 28); Ron Labossiere (Apr. 28).
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Chris Koutsantonis and Sia Koutsantonis. Chris and Sia, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662. E-mail max@maxinedehart.ca
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