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Next time you are in Peachland or just passing through, stop into the Porto Peach Restaurant in Peachland for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast is served until 2:00 p.m. Owned and operated by Claire Reeder, the quaint restaurant of 40 seats and 22 on the patio is located at 5830 Beach Avenue. In the summer months is becomes an open-air restaurant. Porto Peach has a spectacular view and great atmosphere with the restaurant right across the street from the lake. Long-time 27-year Chef, John Bailey is well-known in our area and serves up the delicious menu, which is local and fresh. We had a lovely breakfast with the Mediterranean ham and cheese omelet and French toast. Both were nothing less than incredible. Or try one of their many benny’s. The lunch menu offers appetizers, shareables, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Unique to Porto Peach is their Hot Sauce Bar. It is a self-service hot sauce bar where you select what hot sauce you would like from the large selection and then enjoy the hot sauce with your meal. Check-out their special events, supper club and entertainment. Porto Peach is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., is licensed, offers gluten free options and a kids menu. www.portopeach.com
Photo Credit: Contributed
Claire Reeder - Porto Peach Restaurant
Md Kamrul Hasan is the new Senior Business Advisor of the Rutland Branch of Scotiabank, 190 Highway 33 W. He is a seasoned professional with over 16 years of banking experience and has been a business advisor since February, 2022.With an MBA, Md Kamrul gives knowledgeable advice on business and financial management. He has worked with small to large corporations across Canada, offering expert guidance on payment solutions, financing and investments.mdkamrul.hasan@
Gasthaus on the Lake’s food bank drive was a huge success, with approximately 800 pounds of food collected. The team at the restaurant has decided to extend the food drive until the end of February. The Gasthaus will now be the only drop-off location for this event. Anyone who visits the restaurant for lunch or dinner and brings a non-perishable food item(s) donation will receive a 20% off discount on any regular menu item on the entire bill, including alcohol as well. February is a very challenging month for the food bank, so take your donation to the Gasthaus and enjoy a wonderful meal. www.gasthaus.ca
Rory Fader, B Mus. RPT is celebrating 40 years in his piano tuning and service business. He has tuned pianos for artists including Victor Borge, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Barishnikov Ballet, Wynton Marsalis, Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis. Rory was the tuner for 17 official pianos, Kimball (USA) and Bösendorfer (Vienna, Austria) at Expo 86 in Vancouver. He has 35 years as a Registered Piano Technician with Piano Technicians Guild, which is a world-wide association for piano technician training and skill upgrading. To be a registered member, one needs to pass a 100-question general knowledge test followed by a tuning exam and a technical exam. Rory is a full-service technician, who can fix most problems on a tuning visit. Services include tuning, technical adjustments, for better playability, minor repairs, reconditioning such as restringing or hammer and damper replacement, purchase evaluations and advice. Rory’s service area is from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm. Rory is the conductor of the local German Liedertafel Choir. faderr@telus.net
Photo Credit: Contributed
Rory Fader
There’s a new game in town and it’s a lot of fun for everyone of all ages. Cornhole, or Bean Bag Toss, was considered a backyard game and is now played in facilities indoors and outdoors all year long throughout Canada. It can be a recreational, social or pro-level sport which makes the game accessible for everyone, whatever your age, gender or skill set. You may think that cornhole is a great game for camping, reminiscent of bean bag toss from your younger days. In fact, Cornhole has become an increasingly popular sport across North America. With 37 leagues and over 3,000 players registered at the beginning of 2024, Cornhole has quickly become an excellent choice for year-round activity. The Kelowna Cornhole League started in September, 2024 with a 12-week season. They are a non-profit society, passionate about the sport and giving back to the community. The January 14th winter league started with a 12-week season. It will be hosted by the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre in the Oak Ballroom on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Come on your own or bring a friend. Drops-ins are welcome anytime during league play for $20.00 or full league play for $160.00. Come and check them out at the Ramada, 2170 Harvey Avenue or check out their Facebook, Instagram, or contact Kindra Wirch, RMT at ktowncornhole@gmail.com for more information or to join.
Huge thanks to Jacob Cinkant of the Okanagan Foundation for your kind help on January 30th on the Okanagan College Campus.
Aaron Wills is the new Regional Sales Manger for B.C. for Old Dutch Foods Ltd. He will be based out of Kelowna. Aaron began his career at Old Dutch Foods as a Relief Sales Assistant in 2003. He then transitioned to an Independent Contractor in 2004, servicing routes in Olds, Northwest Calgary and Airdrie, Alberta. In March, 2014 Aaron was promoted to Business Development Manager for the Calgary Region. Aaron’s 20 years’ experience with Old Dutch Foods will serve him well in his new role. Old Dutch Foods has been a major sponsor of the Maxine DeHart United Way, Ramada Hotel Drive-Thru Breakfast since its inception. Geoff Wiltshire is the Senior Director of Sales, Pacific Region for Old Dutch Foods.
Photo Credit: Contributed
Aaron Willis
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Heart of Hospitality Awards. They are Heart and Soul June Memorial Award, Jack Milner (Housekeeping Supervisor at Hotel Zed); Service Superstar, Bud Stirman Maintenance Technician, (Comfort Inn & Suites Kelowna); Tourism Spirit, Miriam Halpenny, Marketing Manager (Coast Capri Hotel). I was honoured to be a judge for the awards.
From February 5th to 23rd the Actors Studio is hosting WAITRESS, The Hit Broadway Musical. Life may be messy, but waitress will remind you that even the toughest challenges come with a recipe for hope, resilience and a fresh start. The musical is pure joy and a beautiful reminder of the power of community and courage. Follow Jenna, a talented baker with big dreams and sing along with Sara Bareilles’ Iconic Score. The cast stars Kelowna favorites Joanne Ryan, Delphine Litke, Gracelynn Sali, Nathan Flavel, Ron Green, Chad Abrahamson and many more. www.kelownaactorsstudio.com
The nomination deadline for the City of Kelowna 50th Annual Civic & Community Awards is Monday, February 10th, 2025. If you have a nominee you would like to bring forward in any of the categories and need assistance, there are committee members that can help you with the process. If you have any questions regarding the nomination process or the event, please contact the events team at 250-469-8423 or email civicawards@kelowna.ca; www.kelowna.ca/civicawards
Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers recently honoured their volunteers and presented several awards to their supporters. Award recipients were Avi Fraser and Jared Larabie (Paladin Security); Tanvir Toor and Wishudeep Toor (So Fetch); Toby Tannas (103.1 Beach Radio) and the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Join Crime Stoppers for a Valentine’s Day full of laughs fundraiser, Comedy For A Cause, on Friday, February 14th at 6:30 p.m. at Dakoda’s Comedy Lounge, hosted by Riley Hlndley and featuring Amanda Rose. Tickets $20 at www.kelownacomedy.ca. Submit your tips to Crime Stoppers anonymously online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Photo Credit: Contributed
Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers
The OCCA Spring Lantern Festival is a time for you to bring your family and friends to immerse in the joy and cultural richness of the Lunar New Year in Kelowna, which will be celebrated on Sunday, February 9th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Parkinson Rec Centre as the Year of the Snake is welcomed with a spectacular free evening filled with culture, entertainment and fun for all ages. It’s more than a celebration, it’s an opportunity to experience the rich traditions to the Lunar New Year with our vibrant community. I’m looking forward to seeing you there. Fei Liu is the Executive Director of the association. Reserve your spot and complimentary dumpling today on www.eventbrite.ca.
Virgin Radio 99.9 - 8th Annual B Mack & Karly Cold Weather Clothing Drive, supporting the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is in full gear running until February 28th to keep Kelowna’s most vulnerable warm and cared for. Thanks to your donations, over 30,000 items of winter jackets, boots, socks, sleeping bags, hoodies, toques, gloves, handwarmers and blankets, along with monetary donations have been collected and distributed. B Mack and Karly are still looking for items until the end of February. The main drop-off location for donations is Kelowna Toyota on Cary Road. Monetary donations are accepted on www.virginradiokelowna.ca with a tax receipt along with all the information on the most needed items.
After 16 years as CEO of Urban Systems Ltd., Martin Bell is stepping down and passing the baton to Jacob Scissons, P.Eng. whose leadership alongside their 120 partners and 750 employees will guide Urban into its next chapter as they celebrate their 50th anniversary and their third generation of leadership. Martin worked closely with co-leader Steve Frith. Since 2008 they led a fully employee-owned, proudly Canadian company that redefined the employee experience and earned recognition as a 15-Time, Top 100 Great Place to Work. While Martin will not be in the shop, he will stay connected as a mentor and advisor, supporting their next generation’s success. First, though, Martin will be taking time to recharge, travel and prepare for some new professional adventures.
Photo Credit: Contributed
Martin Bell
Birthdays of the week – Gary Barnes (Feb. 5); Jake Imrich (Feb. 5); Ken Murray (Feb. 5); Nica Graziotto (Feb. 5); Ian Wilson (Feb. 5); Teena Gowdy (Feb. 6); Kelly Wolfe (Feb. 6); Sergio Cunial (Feb. 7); Darren McClelland (Feb. 7); Karen Erickson (Feb. 7); Andre Desrosiers (Feb. 7); Marci Paynter (Feb. 7); Darlene Jackson (Feb. 8); Regan Bartel (Feb. 8); Robin MacMillan (Feb. 9); Ken Millen (Feb. 9); Gayle Voyer (Feb. 9); Karen Gee (Feb. 10); Donnie Ungaro (Feb. 10); Ernie Webber (Feb. 10); Blayne Brethour (Feb. 10); Wayne Horning (Feb. 10); Jim Stuart (Feb. 11); Kasha Lanyon (Feb. 11); Tim Light (Feb. 11); Marshall Jones (Feb. 11); Dave Lange (Feb. 11).
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Kelly Wolfe. Kelly, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Tuesday, February 11/2025.
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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