spring & summer 2012
a superlative
Okanagan
SUMMER EXPERIENCE
45": t 4*1 t 4)01 Little-known trivia to test your knowledge of local wineries!
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Okanagan lifestyle
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1994 Springfield Rd. 250-860-5633
Publisher Karen Hill
Managing Editor Barry Gerding
Writers Barry Gerding Kathy Michaels Kevin Parnell Wade Paterson John Reed Jennifer Smith Alistair Waters
spring & summer 2012
Production Director Tessa Ringness
Production Designers Kelow
Photographer Doug Farrow
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Advertising Manager Account Executives
Your Style is published by Black Press 2495 Enterprise Way, Kelowna BC V1X 7K2 Ph. 250-763-3212 Fax. 250-862-5275 adsales@kelownacapnews.com www.kelownacapnews.com Distributed free to select households in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.
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Drinking Up Kelowna Kelowna’s very own summer beverage
Karen Hill Amber Coyle Cindy Draper Marvin Farkas Colleen Groat Ron Harding Antony Hutton Curtis Jenkins Terry Matthews Alan Monk Sheri Jackson Wayne Woollett
Strange but true tales for summer reading Okanagan Regional Library’s summer programs
Sideca na
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Kiana Haner-Wilk Teresa Huscroft-Brown
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Know Wineries? Trivia to test your winery knowledge
A good vintage Consignment store finds
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Picture perfect winery weddings Beautiful venues, so many choices
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Art at the Roxby Artists showcase their talents in Rutland
Free fabulous fun Family fun at the Y
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Golf apps on the upswing Players embrace technology
Nothing beats the open air experience Convertible fun!
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Local volunteers invaluable to SPCA Make a difference for a dog
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This summer be bear aware Educate yourself and be safe
DrinkingUp
Kel wna By Wade Paterson
The sense of taste has the ability to take you somewhere. Sip a margarita and suddenly you’re on a Mexican beach; gulp back a Guinness and you’re in an Irish pub. The Caesar has done well to put Canada on the map, and a good wine likely produces mental images of the Okanagan for many. But there are still mixologists who are trying to define Kelowna with a drink. Okanagan Spirits, a Bernard Street distillery that uses 100 per cent B.C. fruit in its products, recently invented the Kelowna Sidecar: A local
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twist on an early 20th Century concoction. “A traditional Sidecar goes back to the early 1900s in France,” says Rodney Goodchild, director of marketing and operations for Okanagan Spirits. “The Kelowna Sidecar is our variation of it, using local fruits.” Goodchild says the drink was created at The Ritz hotel in Paris, around the end of the First World War. An American army captain, who was driven around in a motorcycle sidecar, asked the bartender at the Ritz to make a beverage that would warm him up. The resulting cocktail became known as the Sidecar. The Kelowna Sidecar is made with one and a half ounces of Okanagan Spirits Poire Williams (pear brandy), half an ounce of Okanagan Spirits Canados (apple brandy), an ounce of Triple Sec and half an ounce of fresh lime juice. The ingredients are shaken with ice, then poured into a martini glass with a pear slice for garnish. The beverage was one of several featured at a recent cocktail dinner, hosted by Okanagan Spirits. The downtown distillery has made a name for itself by using local
fruits in its products. “That’s sort of our story, and we’re keen to put it across.
We do 25 different products, a lot of those products come from fruit that grows wild throughout the province and also in orchards and berry farms that we get access to.” He says the products are made from fruit that might otherwise be thrown out. “There is so much fruit that would go to waste because the apples or pears are the wrong size or have a bruise. They’re not the polished, perfect apple that we are brainwashed to believe that we have got to eat.” Okanagan Spirits opened in 2004 in Vernon as the first micro-distillery in western Canada. This past December, the company opened its second location in downtown Kelowna, next to the Paramount Theatre.
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6 YOUR STYLE | Spring/Summer 2012
BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD
By Kevin Parnell
4O SAY 2ICK !PPLEBY LOVES DRIVING IS ONLY TELLING PART OF THE STORY !PPLEBY DOES LOVE TO DRIVE "UT TO THE /KANAGAN #OLLEGE PROFESSOR NOTHING COMPARES TO DRIVING IN A CONVERTIBLE WITH THE WIND WHIPPING THROUGH THE CAR AND THE GREAT /KANAGAN VISTAS WIDE OPEN IN FRONT OF HIM h4HERE IS A PASSION IN DRIVING v EXPLAINED !PPLEBY THE PRESIDENT OF THE /KANAGAN "RITISH #AR #LUB h4HE VAST MAJORITY OF THE TIME ) M DRIVING ) HAVE THE TOP DOWN ) VERY SELDOM PUT UP THE TOP ON MY CAR 3OME OF THE GUYS SAY ) M A REAL NUT )F IT S SUNNY AND COOL ) LL EVEN WEAR MY TOQUE AND A JACKET ) LL HAVE THE TOP DOWN IN *ANUARY IF IT S A NICE DAY v !PPLEBY IS THE PROUD OWNER OF A 4RIUMPH 42 THE CLASSIC "RITISH SPORTS CAR ORIGINALLY BUILT BETWEEN AND @ !FTER ORDERING THE CAR AND WAITING NINE MONTHS FOR IT TO BE DELIVERED !PPLEBY DROVE IT FOR SEVEN YEARS INCLUDING A CROSS #ANADA TRIP WITH HIS NEW WIFE "UT WHEN THEY MOVED TO +ELOWNA AND STARTED A FAMILY THE TWO SEATER WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR NEARLY YEARS %VEN AS HE RAISED HIS NEW FAMILY AND BEGAN A CAREER AT /KANAGAN #OLLEGE !PPLEBY ALWAYS LOVED THE FEEL OF THE WIND AS HE DROVE THE FAMILY COMMUTER h7HEN ) CAME TO THE /KANAGAN WE HAD OUR THIRD CHILD AND OUR NEEDS AS FAR AS A VEHICLE VASTLY CHANGED v HE SAID h/UR OTHER CAR HAD A SUNROOF AND WHENEVER ) DROVE THAT ) WOULD OPEN THE SUNROOF OR CRACK THE BACK WINDOW TO GET THE AIR MOVING EVEN IF ) WAS JUST GOING TO THE CORNER STORE v 3O IT WAS NO SURPRISE THAT WHEN THE KIDS GREW UP AND !PPLEBY FOUND HE HAD MORE TIME THE OLD 42 WAS BROUGHT OUT OF STORAGE !PPLEBY SPENT THE PAST TWO YEARS REBUILDING THE VEHICLE UPDATING IT TO MAKE IT MORE MODERN AND GETTING IT READY FOR WHAT WOULD BECOME MONTHLY RUNS AROUND THE AREA WITH THE /KANAGAN "RITISH #AR #LUB h) GUESS IN SOME WAYS WE REBUILT THE CAR TO BE WHAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WHEN IT WAS NEW v HE SAID h7E UPDATED IT BOTH FOR PERFORMANCE AND ABILITY TO HANDLE TO ENSURE IT WOULD BE COMPARABLE TO BUYING IT TODAY v !ND THE BIGGEST DRAW AT LEAST FOR !PPLEBY IS THE FACT THAT THE 4RIUMPH IS A CONVERTIBLE (E SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THAT COMPARES TO DRIVING WITH THE TOP DOWN h4O ME IT WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THE ALLURE OF THE MOTORCYCLE v HE SAID h9OU HAVE THIS ENORMOUS VISTA ALL AROUND YOU 9OU RE NOT CLOSED IN BY A ROOF SO YOU CAN ENJOY THE SUN THE CLOUDS THE SCENERY 9OU RE GETTING THIS PANORAMIC VIEW OF EVERYTHING THAT IS AROUND YOU ) SORT OF FEEL LIKE YOU CAN TAKE ALL THAT IN 9OU GET SOME AIR AND YOU GET A LITTLE BIT OF WIND v %ACH MONTH THE /KANAGAN "RITISH #AR CLUB MEETS FOR ITS MONTHLY RUN 3OMETIMES THEY HEAD FOR /SOYOOS OTHER TIMES THEY DRIVE DOWN (IGHWAY OR ON THE BACK ROADS TO !RMSTRONG !LWAYS !PPLEBY IS THERE TOP DOWN AND WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE (E SAYS THE /KANAGAN IS PERFECT FOR GETTING OUT ON THE BLACK TOP h9OU HAVE THE SCENERY YOU HAVE THE OVERALL CLIMATE v SAID !PPLEBY h5SUALLY THE WEATHER IS AGREEABLE TO GETTING A LOT OF USE OUT OF THE CONVERTIBLE MORE THAN YOU MIGHT GET IN OTHER AREAS 4HERE IS A PASSION IN DRIVING A CAR LIKE THIS 4HE HANDLING THE FEEL THE SOUNDS ) ENJOY IT AND THAT S THE BOTTOM LINE v
By John Reed
s $O NOT USE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER OR HEADLIGHT WASHER WHEN THE TOP IS DOWN s 'ET A BROAD BRIMMED HAT THAT IS TIED TO YOU SO IT DOESN T BLOW OFF /R NOT IN WHICH CASE YOU CAN GET SKIN CANCER ON THE TOPS OF YOUR EARS AND ELSEWHERE ) RECOMMEND A 4ILLEY HAT FOR INFORMAL WEAR AND AN )NDIANA *ONES STYLE FEDORA FOR MORE FORMAL OCCASIONS s (AVE A LONG SLEEVED SHIRT IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES IN WARMER WEATHER TO PROTECT YOUR ARMS FROM THE SUN s $O NOT LEAVE THE TOP DOWN ON YOUR CAR WHEN YOU ARE NO LONGER IN IT 4HIS HAS NOT BEEN A GOOD IDEA SINCE THE BIRD WAS INVENTED !ND BIRDS ARE NOT THE ONLY ANIMALS THAT MIGHT WISH TO VISIT THE INTERIOR OF YOUR CAR 4HERE ARE ALSO SKUNKS SQUIRRELS CATS AND DOGS s 4HE TEMPERATURES AT WHICH YOU SHOULD PUT THE TOP DOWN ARE HIGHER THAN JUST NICE WEATHER 4HERE IS A WIND CHILL FACTOR FROM THE SPEED AT WHICH THE CAR IS TRAVELING s 'ENERALLY DO NOT HAVE THE TOP DOWN WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ! KM H WIND IS NOT A LOT OF FUN AND THE NOISE FROM THAT WIND AND THE SEMIS ROARING DOWN THE ROAD NEXT TO YOU MAKE FOR AN UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE *UST PUT THE TOP DOWN WHEN YOU ARE ON THE LOCAL KM H OR LESS ROADS 4HERE IS ALSO DIRT AND GRIT m YING AROUND )T WILL GET YOUR CAR INTERIOR DIRTY AND YOU CAN FEEL IT HITTING YOUR BODY AS YOU DRIVE s 7ITH A CONVERTIBLE YOU WILL HAVE A NEW EXPERIENCE OF HAVING TO CLEAN LEAVES AND OTHER DEBRIS AND DIRT OUT OF THE INSIDE OF THE CAR s )F YOU LIKE TO SHOP AT SO CALLED BIG BOX STORES TAKE YOUR OTHER CAR s "E PREPARED TO RECEIVE REQUESTS FROM YOUR YOUNGER RELATIVES TO USE YOUR CAR FOR CERTAIN SPECIAL OCCASIONS LIKE PARADES WEDDINGS AND BIG DATES s $O NOT HAVE LOOSE PAPERS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE PASSENGER AREA WHEN YOU PUT THE TOP DOWN s $O NOT ATTEMPT TO PUT THE TOP UP OR DOWN WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING OR IN A STRONG WIND WHEN IT IS STOPPED s $O NOT DRIVE THE CAR WHEN THE TOP IS PART WAY OPEN OR CLOSED
| YOUR Spring/Summer 2012| YOUR STYLE 7 Spring/Summer 2012 STYLE
By Kathy Michaels
e g a t n i v d o A go
Ever been in a local boutique where a Fendi handbag retailed at two-thirds its regular price? Or what about a shop where mint condition Chanel pumps cost a fraction of what they would in an urban hub? If not, you haven’t been into any number of the fun and funky consignment shops that have popped up around Kelowna in recent years, catering to resourceful shoppers with an eye for bargains and taste for high end style. “Consignment shopping has long since lost its stigma,” said Laura-Ann Kavanagh, owner of the Wardrobe, a boutique consignment shop that offers everything from nearly-new designer duds to vintage goods. “Part of it is because people are getting more sensible about reducing and reusing.” For the last 11 years her Pandosy Street store has seen a steady increase in the number of people reaping the benefits of buying slightly used and off-loading the articles that just take up space in a closet. And it’s not just bottom of the barrel fare. Kavanagh explained that Kelowna has a good population of people that live in the Valley only part of the year, and spend their winters somewhere where designer labels are more easily accessible. When they come home with clothes, shoes and handbags they’ve grown tired of, many are turning to consignment shops to help them clear space in their closets. “Probably the best thing we’ve had was a pair of Chanel shoes,” said Kavanagh, noting some items she’s had in her store that can’t be bought new in the Okanagan. “They came in quite a few years ago, but they were the first fantastic piece we had. They were chocolate brown with a beige heel and they were like butter when you put them on— you could tell the difference even if you don’t know a lot about high quality.”
8 YOUR STYLE | Spring/Summer 2012
In the years that have followed she’s acquired everything from Jean Paul Gaultier pants to vintage frocks. Those years have also seen an increase in the number of shops cashing in on the consignment market. Stores such as Tweaked and Yummy, Rosebuds and Frock are all Kelowna shops offering their take on the slightly used market. Frock owner Kaela Tompkins decided it was an undertaking she was interested in four years ago, when her own hankerings for vintage fare weren’t being met. “I have a theatre arts degree and I love drama and costume …everything artsy fartsy, “ she said. “When I moved to Kelowna, there were a couple eclectic shops, nothing like Main Street in Vancouver. I felt a huge loss, because that’s where I shopped.” With filling that gap in mind, she raided her own, and her friends’ wardrobes and opened up shop. “That first year I was open I didn’t know a ton of people, and they didn’t know me,” she said, noting she had to replenish her stock with trips to Vancouver. “Now a lot of elderly women come in and they’ll look at the dresses hanging up and say, ‘Oh my god I have something hanging in my closet. I hate it, you can get money for it?’ The stuff is finding me.” As her brand increased in the area, she also widened her reach. Tompkins displays the work of local artists, retails artisan jewellery and now sells everything from the vintage goods that once were her mainstay to high end designer goods. “You’re just as likely to find something that’s very expensive as you are to find something really affordable,” she said. “Right now, for example, I have a Fendi purse that was purchased last year for $2,400 that I’m reselling for $800. Right beneath it, you can find something for $10. Whatever your price, we have something on consignment.”
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Spring/Summer 2012 | YOUR STYLE 9
PICTURE PERFECT
WINERY WEDDINGS By Jennifer Smith
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, there’s nothing quite like a vineyard in the Okanagan to set a romantic tone. Whether from Calgary, Vancouver or right here in the Okanagan, plenty of brides like their grapes in more than just their wine glasses and their picturesque sunsets against a greenery-laden backdrop. Since 1994,“They Three Wishes Clothing Boutique new trends out there, that will be attractive coats, jackets, dresses and more. want to get married in Penticton has offered high quality, to my customers,” notes Pat Currie, owner of Great events occur throughout the year… Perched above a wide expanse of Okanagan Lake’s deep blue, the outside and the vineyard’ s always a for the past 18 years. beautiful and varied fashions and Three Wishes trunk shows, visits by jewelry designers such Sincebonus,” 1994, Threesaid Wishes Clothing Boutique new trends out there, that will be attractive coats, jackets, dresses and more. accessories to discerning women throughout winery fully-outfitted to cater to a busy couple looking for that wedding photographer Jon Adrian of Adrian Photography. as Susan Rind, the semi-annual “Sillyis Sale” Customers will appreciate the full range of Penticton has and offered highAnquality, to my customers,” notes Pat Currie, Everything owner of Great the inSouth Okanagan beyond. ever- fashions events throughout year… outdoor and more. occur Special orders stunning aretheavailable, as offered atfor Three Wishes. feel without spending a copious amount of time on Positioning himself behind the lens the last six years, Adrian has beautiful and collection varied follows fashionstrends and isThree Wishesfrom for casual the pastto18 years.and special trunk shows, visits by jewelry designers such changing apparel available, career well as custom, one-of-a-kind purchases. accessories discerning women throughout gleaned from to trade shows in Vancouver, setups. The winery only allows couples they book for a full wedding to SusanEstate Rind, the semi-annual “Silly Sale” seen a few outdoor weddings in his time and said CedarCreek Customers will appreciate the full range occasions. Friendly, experienced staff offerofto asThree Wishes is a vibrant, happening the South Okanagan and beyond. AnYork. ever- fashions offered at Three Wishes. Everything and more. Special orders are available, as Montreal, Toronto, Las Vegas and New assist customers with their every wardrobe destination boutique, appealing to women so it is an exclusive shot. do pictures, Winery is generally among the favourites. changing apparel collection follows trends is available, from casual to career and special as ages custom, one-of-a-kind purchases. “Style is never static and there are always need, from jewelry to shoes, designer jeans, well of all and stages. gleaned from trade shows in Vancouver, occasions. Friendly, experienced staff offer to Three Wishes is a vibrant, happening And at 32 weddings this year, their bookings are more limited than Montreal, Toronto, Las Vegas and New York. assist customers with their every wardrobe destination boutique, appealing to women Visit Wishes & discover oasis of comfort & style in the heart of Downtown Penticton! most as well. “Style Three is never static and there are always an need, from jewelry to shoes, designer jeans, of all ages and stages. Offering Sizes XS to XXL “It’s just that perfect winery wedding,” said Marsha Morrish, Visit Three Wishes & discover an oasis of comfort & style in the heart of Downtown Penticton! hospitality manager, noting they can seat up to 200 people safely, Offering Sizes XS to XXL providing an indoor backup in case the weather sours. Couples willing to venture outside Kelowna often request Spirit Ridge Resort & Spa in Osoyoos and, more recently, Sparkling Hills has been attracting attention well beyond its Predator Ridge locale. While some couples opt for a wedding at a private estate, gardens like the Elysium Garden in East Kelowna, a public garden and nursery, and Belgo Wedding Chapel generate a lot of attention. If you’re talking public parks, on the other hand, wedding planner Winona Phillips says the top of Knox Mountain is the crest of the hill in the pile of blissful nuptial spots. Degelder, Linda Ward ilyn Helbling, Sharen Mar rie, A close second is Bertram Park, buried deep in its Mission Cur Pat wn, Linda Ward mpson, Jeannine Bro ling, Sharen Degelder, Sandy Mertz, Linda Tho Pat Currie, Marilyn Helb n, Brow neighbourhood, just short of Okanagan Mountain Park, but Philips nine Jean , pson Sandy Mertz, Linda Thom upit’with Pat looks at the future of women’s wear as Pat is passionate about keeping admits s hard to beat Gellatly Nut Farm and The Cove Lakeside Pat Currie jewelry about and footwear trends, an self-expression and selfis passionate keeping up with and Patopportunity looks at thefor future of women’s wear as Patfashion, Resort, on the Westside, for beauty. And Falcon Ridge Farms, on Pat Currie about promoting self-respect and style in confidence regardless of place or time. “Our an opportunity for self-expression and self- fashion, jewelry and footwear trends, and Pat’s background in Business product women’s apparel choices. Dilworth mixregardless is alwaysof changing to “Our reflect about promoting self-respect and style in Mountain, is always a big hit for the cobblestone house on the confidence place or time. Pat’s background in a love Business Administration together with of new product is trends. always changing reflectto women’s apparel choices. ideasmixand I want a to woman Administration with positioned a love of know people and fashiontogether has uniquely new ideas and can trends. a woman that she live I awant casual life heretoin property and stunning echinacea fields. people and fashion has uniquely positioned her to build Three Wishes into the complete the know that she can casual Okanagan but live not afeel outlife of here placeinin her todestination build ThreeitWishes into the complete London the Okanagan not feel out of place in fashion is today. or Newbut York.” fashion destination it is today.
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10 YOUR STYLE | Spring/Summer 2012
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FABULOUS Fun! By Barry Gerding
It started out as an exercise to help engage children and their parents in making healthy lifestyle choices.t But in the six years since, Healthy Kids Day has become a unique event in Kelowna. Unique because of its healthy lifestyle message and because all the activities are free. Kelly Howard, marketing director for the Kelowna YMCA/YWCA, said Healthy Kids Day began as a national initiative for the Y across Canada. “Only a few of the Ys picked up on the idea initially,” recalls Howard. “It has grown into something we didn’t really envision at the start. “We had hoped to reach out to families with each year and provide relevant activities and information on issues that kids face today, and also to showcase the services we and other community non profits provide. “We try to have constant movement within the activity stations and try to represent a message that speaks to families today.” Howard says the parkspace adjacent to the Kelowna Y on Hartman Road in Rutland provides an ideal indoor/outdoor venue space to host the event. “The Rutland area is very special to us because it is a community of families within Kelowna… we like to think we started with the Athans Pool 30 years ago and have developed and grown along with the community.” This year’s Healthy Kids Day will feature 45 different activity stations, some hosted by outside community agencies and corporate partners, others run by the Y. “We don’t ask for money and we’ve kept it that way from the start because the event is meant to be inclusive to everyone.” As a result, volunteers play a key role in making that possible. Danielle Miranda, volunteer coordinator for the Kelowna Y, says more than 150 volunteers, many who donate their time to other Y activities during the year, turn out to help along with the volunteer support from other corporate and community agency partners. “We also have high school teens who come and support us as do local seniors’ groups,” adds Miranda. She says it’s because of that consistent volunteer support that Healthy Kids Day has grown from its early years. “We are able to get bigger and better every year because of that volunteer support,” she says.
This year, Healthy Kids Day, presented by Interior Savings, takes place Sunday, June 3, noon to 4 p.m., inside and outside the Kelowna Y facility, 375 Hartman Road. Look for the official Healthy Kids Day program in the June 1 edition of the Capital News, which will include your “Healthy Passport” and a free Kelowna Regional Transit ticket to and from the event.
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A unique overnight
experience
By Kevin Parnell
School may be out for the summer but that doesn’t mean the University of B.C.’s Okanagan campus will be deserted. With facilities for thousands of students not being used for educational purposes, the university has followed the lead of other educational institutions across the country and has created its own conference and accommodation business. “We have a great variety of space up here,” says Debbie Harding, conference sales and service manager at UBCO. “Something for every size of meeting.” Handling groups as big as 300, the university also turns many of its more luxurious dorm rooms and apartments into first class accommodation that can be rented just like hotel rooms. The university has as many as 700 beds to offer the travelling public each summer. And when it comes to facilities for large and small meetings, there are few facilities in the city that can rival the wide array of space offered at UBCO. Everything from large lecture theatres to small meeting rooms, areas for receptions and even technology-equipped spaces that can provide video and audio links to other sites are available. And meetings can be catered, said Harding. With many of the dormitories being offered as “hotel” rooms being recently built, the level of accommodation is not what one might expect when a paying customer replaces a student in a dorm room. “Unlike when I was in college, our dorms have just one person to a room and most have their own bathrooms,” said Harding. Finishes are first rate and even during the school year, many rooms appear more like hotel rooms than the typical student dorm. In addition to single rooms, the university also offers apartments, some that can sleep as many as five people, with a large queen-sized bedroom for two and three single rooms, as well as a kitchen and sitting 12 YOUR STYLE | Spring/Summer 2012
and dining areas. Prices for single rooms start at $46 per night, said Harding and the most expensive accommodation— the five-person apartment— goes for $199 a night. Operated just like a hotel, guests check in at a reception desk in one of the dorm buildings, where they are greeted by the university’s accommodations staff. Harding said eight students are hired for the summer to work as staff members at the UBCO “hotel” and are not only trained to accommodation industry standards prior to starting as hosts, they are also very knowledgeable about the area so they can help visitors find interesting things to do and places to visit and dine. While the city has improved bus service to the UBCO in recent months, there is also plenty of parking for guests who bring a car. As the closest accommodation to Kelowna’s busy airport, Harding said the university is ideal for travellers using the busy facility. “It’s a very unique experience for people,” she said. As an accommodation provider in the city, UBCO collects the two per cent Kelowna hotel room tax that goes to help pay for tourism promotion here. Harding said UBCO has become a popular place to stay and hold conferences. Business is up by nearly 50 per cent this year, thanks in part to the fact UBCO is part of a nation-wide network of universities and colleges that offer hotel-like accommodation at their facilities in the summer months, as well as conference and meeting facilities. Bookings at UBCO —both for accommodation and for conferences and meetings— can be made on-line at www.okanagan.ubcconferences.com. In July, the university will host a large provincial soccer association gathering and has also been asked to set aside a block of rooms for the upcoming Centre of Gravity event in Kelowna this summer.>>
MOREINFORMATION Open May to August, the retreat-like campus is conveniently located close to Kelowna’s International Airport. With accommodation for up to 500, over 50 meeting rooms ranging from classrooms to theatres, as well as athletic facilities, and full catering services for up to 300, all your group’s needs can be easily met. NUMBER OF ROOMS: COACH PARKING: DEPOSIT REQUIRED:
500 YES YES
✓ Air Conditioning ✓ Fitness Room ✓ Meetings & Conventions Accepted ✓ Sports Teams Accepted ✓ Welcome Reception ✓ Corporate Groups Accepted ✓ Laundry Facilities ✓ Restaurant ✓ Student/Youth Tours Accepted ✓ Wheelchair Access Bookings at UBCO - both for accommodations and for conferences and meetings can be made on-line at:
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Strange but true tales for summer reading By Alistair Waters
Looking for something the kids can do in the summer that will exercise their minds after all that running around in the sunshine exercising their bodies? Well have them join the club... the Okanagan Regional Library’s Summer Reading Club. Back for another year, the club not only encourages kids aged five to 12 to keep reading over the summer, it makes it fun, with puppet shows, speakers, prizes, medals, certificates and, a little something for everyone. According to ORL media relations co-ordinator, Marla O’Brian, this year’s theme for the Summer Reading Club is Strange But True and kids can start registering for the club at the end of June. They will receive a reading log to keep track of the books they read and they can win prizes and medals for their reading. “Reading (for kids) has had a renaissance with Harry Potter and the Twilight books,” said O’Brian, noting that in recent research the library
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conducted it found many kids said they like “paper” instead of reading on computer screens, something they already do a lot in school and at home. The ORL, which has branches throughout the community— all of which offer summer reading clubs—has made moves in recent years to not only help instil good reading habits in young kids, but also to provide materials that will interest older teens as well. The surging popularity of graphic novels has been recognized and for those who do want e-books and other materials delivered over the Internet, that is available too. The ORL offers what it calls Tumble Books, books that are available over the Internet that offer interactivity and, in some cases, readaloud capability. Always popular with the kids, the library has become a place for them to go and learn while having fun. “We try to get them reading young so it is something that will stay with them and become routine,” says youth services assistant Wendy Jewel. For parents like Heidi Gatti of Kelowna, the library has become a place where she can spend quality time with her three-year-old daughter Tavia, with mom and daughter reading together. “She loves the songs, the books and the displays at story time,” says Gatti, who calls the services provided by the library for children “fabulous and fun.” And she is not alone. Karolyn Engel, another Kelowna resident brings her one-year-old son Colin to the library, just like her mom brought her when she was a child. “It’s so very important,” she says, noting her son will often pick up a book to play with before a toy. “He just loves the touch and feel of books,” she says. With so much to do outdoors in the summer here, the folks at the ORL recognize that staying in and reading may not be top of mind at this time of year. But the staff at all the branches are striving to make it fun for the kids to pick up a book and let their imagination transport them to anywhere the words on the page take them. The library different offers programs for children up to age five and for kids aged six to 12, as well as materials for older children. Just ask at the desk. For more information go the ORL website at www.orl.bc.ca.
GOLF
APPS
on the upswing!
By Jennifer Smith
There’s more to the cellphone than holding up a game on the golf course these days.
But have Twitter and iPhone apps really affected the green? This year’s 140 Character Conference, a meet-up for the social media savvy, seemed to indicate a swing toward better games, after assembling a panel of golf industry and media professionals to address how social media was changing the game of golf. But when the big take away turned out to be the connection fans could make with each other and the professionals they follow, one had to wonder whether a traditional sport could really experience a technological revolution here in the Okanagan. Rich Chlopan, head pro for Kelowna Springs Golf Course, believes it can—but it’s not the accuracy at the hole that’s in play. When he started with the course 16 years ago, the course itself had only three or four major competitors to deal with whereas today there’s easily dozens within a 30-kilometre radius of his facility. And that means the golf courses themselves have to compete harder and look at every play to get the customer through the door. From iPhone applications, to their website, to always controversial Twitter, Kelowna Springs uses its social media and Internet time to get deals into golfers’ hands
and golfers out on the course. There are now apps and websites dedicated to tracking leftover tee times and selling them off at discounted rates and most of the golf pros in town Tweet to build their course profiles and their own. Chad Scott, head pro for the Harvest Golf Course, sees another application—luring the fickle new golfer. “Golf has a problem in that we’re not attracting the next generation,� he said. “Playing takes four hours and if you’re working or you have a young family, it’s hard to get the time to play.� And for those hours that young professionals can spare, there are plenty of other options to choose from with a proliferation of new formerly alternative sports out there going mainstream—like kiteboarding and paddleboarding. For the most part, the demographic of clients currently playing the Harvest course don’t use Twitter at all, but he sees value in making the commitment to Tweet, if only to catch the eye of those who might not otherwise choose the traditional sport. But can technology change a golfer’s game? Not according to these pros. “Golf is about time,� said Chlopan. “You’ve got to put the time into playing.�
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Q. There aren’t many traces of medieval times in the Okanagan, but one East Kelowna winery’s name is an homage to one of the most storied legends. A six foot suit of armour, assorted shields, swords and jousting gloves, and a replica of the round table from King Arthur’s court can be found. A. Camelot Vineyards began as an orchard and was owned and operated by Ruth and the late Robert Young Senior for almost 40 years. In 1996, keeping it in the family, Robert Young Jr. and his wife Denise decided to take over the business. Exactly ten years later in October 2006, a huge decision was made to remove all of the trees and replant the acreage with a vineyard. Following this, Camelot Winery was erected. Q. The Okanagan’s wine and food culture has grown in both reputation and size in recent years, but a few brave souls tried their hands at winemaking long before planting the valley’s legendary apple orchards. What Ellison area winery can boast pioneer vineyard land? Hint: The name is old …really old. A. Ancient Hill Estate Winery planted the vineyard they make wines from in 2005, but they weren’t the first. The Rittich brothers were some of the viticulture pioneers of the Okanagan. In the 1930s they imported various vinifera varieties from Europe, with the goal of seeing which ones would grow well in the Okanagan. Based on their trials, various vineyards were planted in the 1940s. The hillside across from the Kelowna Airport, the current location of Ancient Hill Estate Winery, was one of their test areas. Part of the vineyard planted in the 1940s still survives on the property to this day.
Q&A Q. West Kelowna winery Quails’ Gate wins its fair share of awards each year, for any number of the wines it produces, but the people behind it all are just as interesting as what’s been bottled. Name the family behind Quails’ Gate. A. Quails’ Gate was founded by the Stewarts, one of the Okanagan’s pioneer horticultural families. Richard John Stewart arrived in the Okanagan Valley from County Kildare, Ireland in 1908. He and his two brothers purchased several parcels of land and established nurseries. In 1956, his son Richard Stewart acquired the Allison Ranch on which the winery now sits and started planting vines along with fruit orchards. His son Ben, a banker by trade started working at Quails’ Gate in the 1980s. In 1989, the family abandoned the orchards and focused the properties on producing wine, relaunching the business as Quails’ Gate Estate Winery. In 1992, Richards’ other son, Tony, left his career as a stockbroker to return to the family business Q. Originally known as Pioneer Vineyards, this LEED certified winery is set on one of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in B.C. Riesling vines planted in 1978 and Pinot Noir planted in 1983 make up the backbone of the vineyard. It shares a name with the son of Zeus and the father of Pelops, from Greek mythology. A. Tantalus Vineyards.
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Q. Wine maker Harold Soon helped put this winery on the map with a German-style Riesling blend, but its main distinction is that it’s B.C.’s original winery. Here’s a hint, the name sounds like the city you’re in. A. It’s Calona Vineyards. Established in 1932, it boasts being BC’s original winery. Approximately 1,500 tonnes of BC grapes are crushed every year to produce many selections of VQA varietals offered by Calona.
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Q. The Fitzpatrick family bought this well-known winery in the fall of 1986, but in 1988 the free trade agreement nearly wiped them out. Across the valley, grape growers pulled their crops, reducing the total vineyard space to 250 acres from a previous 3,500. A. Cedar Creek Winery kept their grapes planted. “I believed it was an opportunity, not a disaster,” said Senator Ross Fitzpatrick, of the policy change that prompted many to pull out. Q. Okanagan media was aflutter with excitement when this winery got a nod from actress Brooke Shields. Name the wine, and the winery she generously named in a brief video clip. A. Actress Brooke Shields and the cast and crew of her latest film were sipping on Hot Flash from the House of Rose. At the actress’s request, House of Rose winery delivered two cases of their Hot Flash wine to the wrap up party in New Orleans for the cast and crew of her latest film The Hot Flashes.
know Q. This winery burst onto the scene with a load of tasty wines and unconventional labels. The wine maker at Vibrant Vines also employes unconventional methodology. What high tech tools does Anthony Lewis use to turn grapes into wine. A. He uses iPhone apps like iWinemaker and Cellarhand to work out his crop yields and molecular sulfur dioxide levels to prevent the wine from going off as it ages.The wine is poured from bottles that could double as psychedelic record labels and from taps, making it one of the least conventional faces of the local industry. Q. This winery, which shares a name with the northern European patron saint of hunters and animal protectionists, was burnt down in the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Wild Fire. A. It’s St. Hubertus. Since 1984 its owners have farmed their 76 acre vineyard to produce wines that reflect the terroir of the north Okanagan Valley under the St. Hubertus & Oak Bay label.
Q.Did you know you can get a good bottle of mead in these here parts? It’s not just for biblical imbibing either. A local honey wine maker jumped all sorts of hurdles to bring their sweet nectar to the valley. A. The saying “what is old is new again” is most fitting at Meadow Vista. There they’ve worked on the technical aspects of honey wine making and bundled it in progressive packaging. Q. Whether you’re interested in organic farming practices or fertility festivals the Cipes family-run winery has you covered. What, beside’s their organic wine, sets Summerhill apart from just about everybody else? Hint: It’s not the Sphinx, but it’s still pretty impressive. A. A pyramid. The Cipes claim the Summerhill Pyramid is second only to the Great Pyramid of Egypt for alignment and precision. Those qualities bring the best out of their wines. Q. Much has been said about this West Kelowna winery. Its beauty stuns tourists each year and its high end wines never cease to impress top echelons of aficionados. In recent years, however, it’s been the subject of some controversy in the neighbourhood in which it’s situated. A. Mission Hill Family Estate has plans to expand operations by adding guest cottages, a small boutique hotel, artist in residence studio, wellness centre, restaurant, art gallery, wine museum and micro brewery in the next 10 years. It may be a rich tourist’s dream, but area residents fear the 15 hectare expansion will increase traffic exponentially and tax the local road system.
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Top marks for energy efficient GlenValley
R
oland Nadon is proving that energy efficient building does not mean sacrificing comfortable and appealing finishes that buyers expect from a new home. Nadon, in conjunction with Darter Developments, has developed an 86-unit townhouse project in Kelowna, called GlenValley. What makes GlenValley noteworthy is that it combines optimal energy efficiency and aesthetic features which appeal to savvy homebuyers. Hardwood floors, acoustically engineered walls, and HardiPlank siding are all featured in the homes. Plus, FortisBC’s PowerSense program provided rebates for each unit for ENERGY STAR® stainless steel appliances and bathroom fans. GlenValley residents will benefit from a FortisBC owned and operated geoexchange system which uses solar heat stored in the ground or a body of water to heat or cool buildings. Heat pumps draw heat from the ground to warm buildings during colder months. In warmer months, the heat pumps carry heat away from the home, depositing it back into the ground. FortisBC can build, operate and own geothermal exchange systems for multifamily residential developments like
18 YOUR STYLE | Spring/Summer 2012
GlenValley, creating an energy efficient and cost effective energy solution for builders and homeowners alike. How optimal is the energy efficiency? Using a scale of 0 to 100, a measurement called an EnerGuide rating evaluates the energy consumption of a home. The higher the EnerGuide rating, the better the home performs on being a well-insulated, energy-efficient home. Most new homes built to standard building code in British Columbia rate a 72. The townhouses in GlenValley have achieved EnerGuide ratings between 83 and 85 and received rebates from PowerSense for attaining this outstanding rating. Keeping energy efficiency in mind early and involving FortisBC as a partner for the energy system was a natural fit for Nadon who says, “We wanted to provide a product that other developers weren’t. Because we incorporated energy efficiency at the start of the planning process, it wasn’t cumbersome or cost-prohibitive.” For more information on rebates and how to build an EnerGuide rated home and energy saving technologies contact FortisBC at 1-866-436-7847 or visit fortisbc.com/energysolutions.
12-163_Kelowna_Springs_Ad-PRESS.indd 1
| YOUR STYLE Tuesday12-05-15 8:51 AM 19 Spring/Summer 2012
By Barry Gerding
The Rutland town centre will be a mecca for local artists and art lovers this summer. The Uptown Rutland Business Association is starting a new initiative from June 30 to Aug. 26 called Art at the Roxby, an opportunity for local artists to showcase their work and offer interactive demonstrations for the public at the Roxby Square. “This offers an opportunity to bring art and the cultural sector to Rutland town centre of which we don’t have anything like that right now,” says Deb Guthrie, executive director of URBA. “We also saw this as an opportunity to engage the Rutland neighbourhood and the rest of Kelowna with artists who need a place to display and sell their art. But it’s just not about selling art, as we are also looking for the artists chosen to participate to offer workshops and demonstrations, a kind of outreach initiative for the artist community to participate in.” Guthrie said the concept of creating what amounts to outdoor art galleries has been successfully done in other cities. “It’s a way of introducing public art to Rutland without having to spend a huge amount of money to do it.” That’s because Roxby Plaza, located on Highway 33 across the street from the Plaza 33 shopping centre, offers the perfect natural setting to do this.
Mathew McDougall
“Roxby Square has a historical meaning to Rutland as it was where people stopped to water and rest their horses when venturing into Kelowna from the surrounding rural areas. And its importance as a public square to Rutland’s town centre will grow as the transit improvements planned by the city begin to take place. Work on the Shepherd Road extension is starting this year so it will become a busy area as the new transit station and road improvements take place,” Guthrie notes. After coming up with the concept, the challenge URBA had was to determine what kind of art would be sought out for the Art at the Roxby. The trio of Sharon McCoubrey, Katie Brennan and Elke Lange were brought in to offer advice on how to finetune the terms of reference for potential artist applicants. “We were looking at bringing in artists rather than artisanos, the kind of people you see at farmer’s markets or outdoor flea markets,” Brennan says. “We wanted to focus on painters, sculptors, photographers…artwork that you would normally see in an art gallery, and at the same time give the artists a chance to make personal connections with people and allow their art to do the same. “People have an opportunity to view art, but rarely do they get to talk with the artist that created that piece of art, to ask questions about what inspired them or how they did that. It’s a way of creating dialogue between the artist and people who are moved by their art.”
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If you’re one of my 1000’s of previous customers rt at the Roxby provides a great opportunity for drop in and say hello! rtists to not only display and sell their artwork but
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Watercolour for Beginners: Exploring techniques.
Drawing techniques: Using pencils and pens to create landscapes. | 20 YOUR STYLE Spring/Summer 2012
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Brennan says there are few opportunities for local artists to do that, so interest in the Art at the Roxby project was enthusiastic. Each day of Art at the Roxby, 12 artists will be invited to participate, provided with tent awnings in case the weather isn’t ideal. A schedule of who will be participating should be in place by June 1 when the artist selection process should be completed, and that will be posted on URBA’s website. “We did quite a bit of research before initiating this project because URBA has not taken anything on like this before,” says Guthrie. “But sending out the information to potential participating artists and getting their feedback, the enthusiasm has been ovewhelming. The artists are just really excited about it.”
Local volunteers ‘invaluable’ to SPCA By Wade Paterson
Simply put, if it wasn’t for volunteers, the local B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals branch couldn’t exist. “We schedule about five or six staff a day to run the entire branch from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., but we wouldn’t even get the cleaning done if it wasn’t for volunteers,” says Jamie Armer, assistant manager of the B.C. SPCA Kelowna branch. Armer says there are several different opportunities available for volunteers, including dog walking, cat care, kennel cleaning and grounds maintenance. But regardless of what area potential volunteers want to help out with, they must all take the same route. The process involves visiting the Kelowna SPCA website, clicking on the volunteer tab and filling out the online application. Once completed, the form is sent to the local branch’s database. “We then invite that new group of potential volunteers to an orientation session where we talk about what it is to be part of the B.C. SPCA. “We make sure that they understand our mandate. . .if you want to be part of what we do here at the shelter, you have to have a certain amount of buy-in.”
Those who volunteer for any position other than dog walking are asked to commit for a minimum of six months. “The reason for that is because we’ve got hundreds of people that are interested in being volunteers. So if we’re going to allocate you a spot, that’s a spot somebody else isn’t going to have.” But dog walking—the most popular task for volunteers—doesn’t require a commitment. “After you’ve done the orientation, you can literally come one day and (walk a dog), then not come back for six months and no one will bat an eyelid.” When asked what type of person is best suited to volunteer for the SPCA, Armer says, “Anyone and everyone.” “We’ve got students, retirees, very wealthy people and people that are unemployed. “We get really good feedback from our volunteers—it doesn’t take long before they feel like part of the team. The more often you come, the more you get involved with things. . .some volunteers attend our staff meetings because they feel that involved.” Fortunately for the Kelowna SPCA branch, volunteers haven’t been hard to find. “We put a hold on applications at the beginning of the year because we had a backlog of 600 people waiting to go through the (orientation) process.” Despite the huge interest in helping out with the SPCA, Armer says that the society doesn’t take their unpaid helpers for granted. He encourages anyone interested to fill out the online volunteer application, which can be found at www.spca.bc.ca/branches/kelowna.
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this summer, be
e r a w A r a e B
By Kevin Parnell
When local conservation officers were forced to shoot and kill a 350 pound black bear in a West Kelowna neighborhood this month, it showed that while the Kelowna area may seem like a safe place to hike and enjoy the outdoors, it is also square in the middle of bear country and residents need to make themselves aware of the dangers. The Okanagan Valley features many outdoor corridors that are among the best hiking and biking trails in the province. But what makes those trails so unique, also makes them dangerous. We live in bear country and bear encounters are not out of the realm of possibility anytime you set foot in the back-country. With that in mind here are a few tips that you should arm yourselves with if you venture out. UÊÊ >ÀÀÞÊLi>ÀÊëÀ>Þ]ÊÌÀ>Ûi Ê Ê}À Õ«ÃÊ> `ÊÀi i LiÀÊÌ >ÌÊ«iÌÃÊ>ÌÌÀ>VÌÊ grizzlies. UÊÊ vÊÞ ÕÊ` Êë ÌÊ>ÊLi>À]Ê > iÊÞ ÕÀÃi vÊ>ÃÊ >À}i }Ê>ÃÊ« Ãà L iÊ> `ÊL>V Ê off. Don’t intervene if one attacks your dog.
Got Hard Water? Many areas in the interior of BC have hard water. Lime scale deposits, caused by high calcium content in the water, cause not only hard to clean stains on shower doors, glass ware and other surfaces but it also wreaks havoc on dishwashers, laundry machines and the heating elements in boilers. The loss in energy efficiency is significant and cost associated with the replacement of a broken boiler heating element can be a tough pill to swallow. Traditional water softeners are not only expensive, but they use electricity and require constant refills of salt. Due to the high sodium content of softened water it is not recommended to drink it, which means that additional costs are often incurred purchasing bottled water. Reverse osmosis systems are also a costly affair. Recently a BC family decided to bring a proven European water technology to the Canadian marketplace. Best Water For You, based in Keremeos, BC distributes devices that can effectively solve the lime scale problem without the negative side effects of traditional water softeners.
“This is a product that is almost maintenance free” says Gloria Fedirchuck who installed a device in her Osoyoos home. “No more bags of salt etc. It is also a very “small” piece of equipment no more large water softener that takes up space. Best of all it gets rid of the lime scale - clear shower doors, clear wine glasses, nearly ‘smooth’ sinks - i.e. very little lime residue to clean up. Best of all, showering is a delight - skin, hair feels smooth, soft and nice to touch without creams and conditioners.” Other areas of application for water vitalization include hot tubs, ponds and natural ponds. Here the technology can dramatically reduce the amount of chemicals needed to maintain water quality. In natural ponds water quality also improves while foul odours and algae growth are diminished. These water vitalization devices are a natural and green technology solution to a common problem in the Okanagan and will surely attract attention. They not only address the lime scale problem but offer several other benefits such as improved taste.
You can find more information at www.bestwater.ca or by calling 1-855-499-8892 22 YOUR STYLE | Spring/Summer 2012
UÊ i>ÛiÊ> Ê Ì iÀ>ÀÞÊ vÊÜ iÀiÊ> `ÊÜ i ÊÞ ÕÊ>ÀiÊ} }Ê }° More and more common are bear encounters in residential neighborhoods, as evidenced by two recent bear deaths at the hands of V ÃiÀÛ>Ì Ê vwÊViÀÃ°Ê ÃiÀÛ>Ì Ê vwÊViÀÊ `Ê-i ÌâÊL > iÃÊLi>ÀÊV yÊ VÌÃÊ in residential areas on people who leave out attractants such as garbage and on ripe fruit not cleaned up around trees. º ÃÊà Ê>ÃÊÌ iÞÊÀiVi ÛiÊ>Êv `ÊÀiÜ>À`]ÊÌ iÞ½ ÊLiÊL>V °Ê- ]Ê vÊÞ ÕÊ iÌÊ Ì i Ê}iÌÊ Ì Ê}>ÀL>}iÊ ÀÊvÀÕ ÌÊ Vi]ÊÌ iÞ½ ÊLiÊL>V ]»ÊÃ> `Ê-i Ìâ°Êº/ iÞÊ have a keen sense of smell and a good memory for food sources that have Lii Ê«À `ÕVÌ ÛiÊv ÀÊÌ i Ê ÊÌ iÊ«>ÃÌ°Ê- ]Ê Ì½ÃÊ « ÀÌ> ÌÊ ÌÊÌ Ê iÌÊÌ i Ê have that first reward. Once they become habituated they associate the scent of people with food,” he said. Wildlife are unpredictable, so there’s no telling when they might become dangerous once they’re not afraid of people anymore, he added. Once a bear is habituated to food left by humans, it can quickly lead Ì ÊÌ iÊi `Ê vÊ ÌÃÊ vi°Ê > «iÀÃÊ> `ÊÀià `i ÌÃÊÃ Õ `ÊLiÊV>ÀivÕ Ê>L ÕÌÊ managing attractants whether in the wilderness or in residential areas. Food and garbage should be properly put away, along with dirty barbecues and pet food—and the trash should not be put out prior to Ì iÊ À }Ê vÊÞ ÕÀÊV iVÌ Ê`>Þ°Ê vÊÞ ÕÊ >ÛiÊvÀÕ ÌÊÌÀiiÃÊ> `ÊÞ Õ½ÀiÊ ÌÊ going to use all the fruit, contact the food bank rather than leaving it to rot and fall, attracting wild animals. Bears have good memories for food sources, and will return again and again to the same spot, whether it’s for birdseed, garbage, rotting fruit or to lick a dirty barbecue grate. -i ÌâÊ> à Ê>`Û ÃiÃÊ«i « iÊ ÌÊÌ Ê i>ÛiÊ«iÌÊv `Ê ÕÌà `i]ÊÜ iÀiÊ ÌÊÜ Ê attract wild animals. To complicate matters, at this time of year, it’s possible bears may be accompanied by new cubs, and the mother will take whatever steps she feels are needed to protect them. The conservation office no longer responds to bear complaints unless the animals are aggressive or threatening to people or property. - } Ì }ÃÊ ÊÀià `i Ì > Ê>Ài>ÃÊÃ Õ `ÊLiÊÀi« ÀÌi`ÊÌ ÊÌ i province-wide toll-free tip line called Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) at 1-877-952-7277.
MOREINFORMATION You can view the Ministry of Environment’s Safety Guide to Bears in the Wild at:
www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/bearwld.html
Or you can visit B.C. Parks’ bear safety page at:
www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/misc/bears/bearsaf.html
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