Straight From DeHart - April 23, 2025

Maxine DeHart | April 23, 2025 in Straight from DeHart

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TW Outdoors, formerly Trout Waters Fly & Tackle, was started by Savas and Lori Koutsantonis 30 years ago in a small 500 sq. ft. store on the Westside as a little fishing shop.  In 2003, Nick Pace joined the business as a partner. Now TW is nearly 7,000 sq. ft. carrying not only fishing equipment, but has expanded their outdoor selection for camping, hiking, climbing, skiing and travel.  Some of their product lines are Patagonia, Sea to Summit, Sage, Yeti, MSR, Black Diamond, Solomon and Scarpa. To celebrate their 30th Anniversary, TW Outdoors is hosting an event from Friday, April 25th   to Sunday, April 27th. There will be huge sales, door crashers and lots of door prizes and give-a-ways. www.twoutdoors.ca 

Photo Credit: Contributed
TW Outdoors - Savas Koutsantonis (L) and Nick Pace (R)

Trinity Legacy Foundation, the organization that operates Helen’s Acres Community Farm, is hosting a city-wide celebration to launch what is expected to be a record-breaking season. Helen’s Acres Season Opener takes place at Helen’s Acres, 2424 Mayer Road on Saturday, April 26th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for Kelowna to come together to shine a spotlight on how working together can make a tremendous impact in addressing issues of food security. Helen’s Acres is a working farm that has been producing fresh produce for distribution to those in need since 2016. Scott Cochrane is the Executive Director of Trinity Legacy Foundation.

El Salvador Bar & Grill at 482 West Avenue in the Pandosy area is celebrating one year in business, acquiring their liquor license and opening for lunch. Owned and operated by Doug Vasquez and his niece Rachel Murga as manager,  this quaint restaurant has seating for about 20 inside and a lovely large patio for summer. El Salvador brings authentic, delicious Salvadorian food to the area with fresh tropical flavors. All the national and popular dishes of El Salvador, including their own chips and sauces are home-made by cook Manuel Flores from El Salvador. The restaurant is now licensed for beer, wine and some very interesting cocktails, with a happy hour from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, try a Horchata, which is El Salvador’s traditional beverage. El Salvador is a seafood-oriented country and new to the restaurant’s menu is the most delicious Ceviche De Cameron with home-made chips. Also new on the menu is Chiles Rellenos (Stuffed Poblano Pepper) and Pan con Pollo, which is a traditional chicken sandwich. The Ceviche portion was very generous, and the Chiles Rellenos was delicious. El Salvador offers celiac, vegan and gluten free options. Eat-in, take-out or Door Dash, Open Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.    

Photo Credit: Contributed
El Salvador Bar & Grill

Vista Radio has launched three distinct stations in Kelowna. The trio of stations reflects Vista’s renewed commitment to local talent news, and connections. Local voices like Stephen Keppler, B Mack & Karly and Marc Dermott remain at the heart of these formats, ensuring continuity and community engagement. They have also launched MyKelownaLakeCountryNow.com, a digital news hub for breaking stories, weather, events and entertainment updates. Tune into GO FM 101.5, a vibrant “Feel Good Pop” format with hits from the ‘90’s 2000’s, and today;  99.9 SUN FM with the return of a local icon, blending top 40, pop throwbacks and fresh hits and AM 1150, a refreshed take on news, talk, and sports, still anchored by the legendary Phil Johnson. Ken Kilcullen is the General Manager.

Treehouse Interiors at 1901 Windsor Road has undergone some changes. The business was originally founded by Rob and Karen Horner under the name Sleep On It, located where White BBQ currently sits on Spall Road. Over time, they relocated and rebranded as Country Treehouse Interiors on Spall Road in the current Napa location. In 2000 they moved to the current location and adopted the name Treehouse Interiors. In 2021, alongside Melissa, which was Rob and Karen’s oldest daughter, and present owner Gaetan Benoit who is married to their youngest daughter Ashley, they took ownership of the business. Since then, they have given the store a major facelift. As of March 31, 2025, Ashley Horner and Gaetan have officially bought out Melissa and her husband and formed a new partnership with Jaxon Nohr, who has been an integral part of Treehouse for over six years. Over the last month, they have been busy building new displays and are currently refacing the home décor and accessories area of the store. Treehouse is hosting a Customer Appreciation Sale from April 25th to May 3rd where customers will enjoy a minimum of 20% off everything, including custom orders and up to 70% off select items. It will be their biggest sale of the year. www.treehouseinteriors.ca     

Photo Credit: Contributed
Treehouse Interiors

The Kelowna City Concert Band’s Spring Concert "Music from the Silver Screen" is Saturday May 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at The Sanctuary Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Road. This is their flagship event of the year. Musical Director Robert Payne has chosen an exciting repertoire that falls under the Silver Screen theme encompassing soundtracks from a variety of genres ranging from westerns and spy movies to musicals and more. Adults $25.00; Seniors $20.00; Students $12.00 and 12 and under free. Tickets at Kelowna Community Theatre Box Office at www.BoxOffice@Kelowna.ca or 250-469-8940.

Coyotes Basketball are kicking off the Kelowna College Basketball Society’s 2025 Fundraising Campaign. They are hosting an on-line auction and a 50/50 draw at www.kelownabasketball.com. Key dates are now until May 29, for the on-line auction and 50/50 draw with May 29th 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Midtown Station being where the auction and 50/50 winners will be announced. The fundraiser will help grow OC’s men’s and women’s basketball programs and build momentum for the new 2026 gymnasium. Some auction items are sports memorabilia, golf packages, wine, a balloon ride and more.   

Trevi Pools and Spas is a leading name in Canada’s pool and spa industry. Owned and operated by Paul and Bre Tallon, this Canadian company provides in-ground and above-ground pools and premium pool liners that are all available with no tariffs. With over 30 years of experience, Trevi is renowned for its high-quality, affordable pool product, proudly manufactured in Montreal, Quebec. Their expansion into the Okanagan is now available for homeowners and builders without the extra costs associated with imported goods. The company boasts there are no international shipping delays, no import duties and competitive pricing. Trevi’s lineup of products include customizable in-ground and above-ground pools; long lasting Canadian-made liners in modern styles; eco-friendly options and smart pool automation; Lacus Spas and Dynasty Spas at competitive prices, financing and professional installation support. Trevi has a strong focus on sustainability, water management and customer service.www.trevikelowna.ca    

Photo Credit: Contributed
Trevi Pools

Spray free local asparagus is on the verge of being ready. Grown in Armstrong at Sparrow Grass Farms, another one of nature’s local superfoods can soon be on your table.  It is so tender you can eat it raw and rarely need to waste any by cutting the ends off. Did you know that if you stand asparagus in water, it will stay fresh for up to a month? Rob Cividino, (also known as the Blueberry guy) of The Case Lot Guys, who are celebrating 18 years of doing business in Kelowna, will be making it easy by delivering asparagus to homes and workplaces throughout the Okanagan from Vernon to Osoyoos, starting from late April and most of May. You can preorder and reserve your spot on the truck. It looks like it will be a crazy busy this year for local produce, and yes, The Case Lot Guys will also sell in bulk. The best way to order and learn more is on their Facebook page at The Case Lot Guys – Okanagan. While you are there, give them a like/share/follow to keep up to date when the blueberries, which is their best seller, will be ready in July. If you are not on Facebook, email them at orderdeskCLG@gmail.com and they will send you a shareable order form(s) and flyers. The Case Lot Guys truck will be set up from time to time at the Mission Community Hall, and they will be a vendor at the upcoming Collective Energy Market on Sunday, May 4th at the same Mission Community Hall. Facebook or email them for the upcoming schedule.  

In honour of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the KF Centre for Excellence is hosting Triumph & Tragedy: The Tale of WW II’s Most Accomplished Bomber, Mosquito ‘F for Freddie’, a special edition of their Speaking Series on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Renowned aviation historian Richard de Boer will present the true story of F for Freddie, a de Havilland Mosquito Bomber that completed more missions than any other Allied aircraft during WW II, only to tragically crash in Calgary days after the war ended in Europe, Tickets $10. per person and available for this one-night only event at kfcentre.ca

Photo Credit: Contributed
KF Centre for Excellence

Birthdays of the week – Marie Gelinas (Apr. 23); Mary Clark (Apr. 23); Wade Webb (Apr. 23); Ellen Walker-Matthews (Apr. 23); Lana Teichmann (Apr. 23); Norm Felty (Apr.24); Shaz Burchell (Apr. 24); Alana Francis (Apr. 24); Ross Siebert (Apr. 24); Hermina Klajnsek (Apr. 25); Myrna Telford (Apr. 25); Maria Rizzo (Apr. 25); Alan Dolman (Apr. 25); Aria Yen (Apr. 25); Sia Koutsantonis (Apr.25); Manik Dhir (Apr. 26); Wendy Herrington (Apr. 26); Phyllis Litz (Apr. 27); Con Litz (Apr. 27), yes husband and wife on the same day; Chuck Dixon (Arp. 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); Jim Hedman (Apr. 28); Lynn Tamaki (Apr. 29); Alison Love (Apr. 29); Dave McLean (Apr .9); Brett Kryskow (Apr. 29).   

The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Manik Dhir. Manik, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Tuesday, April 29 /2025.  

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662.

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