Avenue M Microgreens is a new unique business that grows and sells a variety of microgreens.
Owned and operated by Tina and Ralph Gerlitsch, the microgreens are grown indoors using certified organic non-GMO seeds from Mumm’s in Saskatchewan. The Gerlitschs use only degassed water and follow strict organic growing practices with their microgreen products. Microgreens are baby salad greens, a little bit like sprouts and grown in soil. Microgreens are one of the newest foods used by chefs and home cooks. Grown in trays, there is a seven to 10-day turn-around, which is a new way of urban farming. Avenue M grows microgreens from spicy hot radish, baby broccoli, crunchy red cabbage, oriental mustard, Tokyo Bekana mustard, arugula, pea shoots, sunflower shoots, sweet wheatgrass and a micro mix. They can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, wraps, on top of your favourite pizza, or as a garnish or a stand-alone veggie with a sushi accompaniment. Not only are they delicious, they are nutritious. Did you know that one ounce of broccoli microgreens (28 grams) is equivalent to 1.5 pounds broccoli florets for the same nutrient value? Avenue M microgreens are available exclusively right now at Quality Greens Farm Market locations.
Well-known gal around town, Susan Steen, executive director of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association, is moving to Chilliwack. She has taken on a new job as executive director of the Chilliwack Hospice Society. Susan has left and returned to Kelowna three times, so I’m hoping we will see here back here again sometime in the future. A new executive director for the COHA has yet to be announced.
Valley First Credit Union president Paulette Rennie is retiring on June 30 after 25 years with the company, the last six years as president. Returning to the valley in 1995, Rennie will retire to Penticton. Under her tenure, Valley First merged with Envision to form First West Credit Union and branches were open in Kamloops and Enderby.
Lindsay Kelm, a seven-year veteran with the BC Wine Institute, is the new marketing and communications manager at Quails’ Gate Winery. Contact her at lkelm@quailsgate.com or 250-769-4451 (268).
Restore Vein and Skin Centre, a centre for skin cancer detection and treatment, has opened at 288-1835 Gordon Dr. in Kelowna, owned and operated by Dr. Mandy Wong. The clinic boasts the latest skin cancer diagnostic equipment as well as state-of-the-art technology for both medical and cosmetic treatments. Wong is joined by a team of expert doctors—Drs. Henry Docherty, Harpeet Lotay and John Nah—along with nurse injectors. They perform treatments ranging from fillers and neuromodulators to laser treatments for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing, as well as treatment for varicose veins, skin tightening and fat reduction. The centre is accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons and performs laser treatments on veins replacing stripping with no downtime. Lynda Burns is the medical and operations manager of the company. Call 250-420-2888; online www.kelownarestore.com.
Company has opened at 103-1940 Kane Rd. in Glenmore, next to Brandt’s Creek Liquor Store in the IGA Center. Owned and operated by partners Darren Hutchinson and Emil Miles, the restaurant has an up-scale and fun atmosphere with a large wrap around bar. Darren manages the front-of-the-house and Emil manages the back-of-the house. The menu offers a good variety of appies and snacks, flatbreads, steak and pulled pork sliders and tacos, pastas, lettuce wraps, ribs and short ribs, burgers, sandwiches and a good selection of salads. The restaurant also offers daily food and drink specials daily. Open daily at 4 p.m. for dinner and Saturday and Sunday at noon, with a breakfast feature each weekend. Loads of parking.
Happy 66th anniversary Nick and Rose Kardynal, my Kelowna mom and dad (May 28).
The Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre and Mickie’s Pub are proud to be sponsors of the GolfBC Championship at Gallagher’s Canyon Golf and Country Club. We would like to invite the public to Mickie’s Pub on Monday, June 6, from 5 p.m. on to join in the festivities and meet some of the players. There will be pictures with the players, great food and beverage specials and lots of fun. See you there.
Interior Savings Cedit Union has a new board of directors for 2016: Elmer Epp, chair, Kamloops; Jeff Holm, vice-chair, also from Kamloops; directors Rolli Cacchioni, Stacey Fenwick, Pat Ryan, Rick Weger and Caroline Grover (elected nominee) all from Kelowna; Liza Curran (Ashcroft), Shelley Sanders (Merritt), Ken Christian (elected nominee, Kamloops), Don Grant (elected incumbent, Peachland) and Daphane Nelson (elected nominee, Kamloops). Leaving the board are Stephanie Teare (Clearwater), Bianca Iafrancesco (Kelowna) and Gordon Matthews (Ashcroft).
Third Space Coffeehouse, at 1708 Dolphin Ave. (Landmark building), founded by Ken Stober, has topped Buzzfeed’s list of the 31 coffee shops in Canada you must visit. Third Space has a cool atmosphere and their coffee tastes like nothing else you have tried before. It’s a perfect place to grab a bite and do work. The coffeehouse has great tables for laptops and a chill vibe. The top post may bring more notoriety for the small coffee house as Buzzfeed’s global network generates six billion views each month, expanding into Canada last June. The term “third space” derives from the idea that people live in three main spaces: home, work and a space where people find community. They want to be that space for people to build relationships and find support and inspiration with others. The non-profit foundation re-invests 100 per cent of their coffee profits to helping those in need through its wellness center and counseling services. Communal tables and meeting space provide a great hangout, but plan for social discussion as you sip. With a high-end espresso machine, award winning barista and custom-roasted Matchstick coffee from Vancouver, Third Space is a coffee lover’s heaven. Scott Lanigan is the CEO.
The Downtown Kelowna Association AGM is Wednesday, June 1, 9 a.m., at the Royal Anne Hotel.
The Kelowna Old Time Fiddlers will host the 20th annual and Provincial Championship Fiddle Contest from June 3 to 5 at the Rutland Centennial Hall (Friday and Saturday) and workshops at Rutland Activity Centre (Sunday). The provincial contest is open to all fiddlers from Canada and the U.S., but for most categories must be a resident of B.C. The competitors will be vying for a portion of more than $4,500 in cash and trophies. The event starts with a Fiddle Concert on Friday, June 3, 7 p.m., with renowned champions Calvin Vollrath, Daniel Lapp, Mark Sullivan and Keith Hill. Tickets at the door.
The City of Kelowna has received the BC Recreation and Parks Association PERC Award for management, innovation and ingenuity for its Strong Neighbourhoods Program. The focus of the PERC Award is creativity and the development of something that provides value to the community and its citizens by delivering additional benefits. The Strong Neighbourhoods Program aims to inspire, involve and empower resident participation in building neighbourhoods as great places to live, work and play. The goal is to foster an engaged community and spark nieghbourhood projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Kelowna.
The inaugural Harvest Ladies Amateur 2 Ball Tournament is Monday, July 25, hosted by Kelowna Mercedes-Benz. Cost is $200 per team with range balls, cart, gift bags, dinner and refreshments on several holes. Two hole-in-one sponsors include $10,000 from Avalon Rentals and $7,500 towards a cruise from Expedia Cruiseship Centers. Live auction and great prize table with funds being donated to the Central Okanagan Hospice Association. Contact Kathy Krasnov at 250-864-0533 or register online at harvestgolf.com.
Located in Skaha Hills near the Penticton Airport, the new Play Estate Winery opens June 10. This 14-acre, stunning new establishment will feature a full service restaurant and patio with a beautiful view of Skaha Lake, elevated tasting room, function space, gift shop and an entire production level. Owned and operated by partners Jason Pechet (CEO of the iconic Stagewest Hospitality brand) and sommelier Mohamed Awad who was the former manager of the Spirit Ridge Resort and Vineyards in Osoyoos and also former manager of Black Hills Estate Winery. Mohamed will be the general manager of the property.
Kiwanis Club of Kelowna—Summit has launched its new website. To see all the good work that Kiwanis does check out kiwaniskelowna.org. Wendy Falkowski is the president of the club.
The Glenmore Landfill will now be able to recycle mattresses beginning June 1. Residents disposing of a mattress will be directed to a specific location at the landfill and charged a handling fee of $12.50 per mattress to cover the cost of processing.
Around Town…
• Cops for Kids and Trucks Plus Auto third annual Wine’n Dine Winery Cruise is Saturday, May 28. Lunch at the Eldorado, two winery tastings and dinner at the Fish and Game Club with chefs Todd Hollett and Stewart Klassen.
• Cops for Kids Show’n Shine, Sunday, May 29, McCurdy Corner. Register online at copsforkids.org/events
• Fripp Warehousing inaugural Spring Community Sale, Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1005 Ethel St. in Kelowna. Tables $10 with all vendors welcome. Call Jennifer at 250-860-2511.
• Neighbourhood Nosh, Thursday, June 2,from 4 to 6 p.m., at The Laurel Packinghouse. Sample bevies, treats, fruits and more. Participate in games, puzzles or trivia.
• House of the Caribbean 5th annual Customer Appreciation and BBQ (Caribbean Festival) is May 28, 3 to 8 p.m., at 557 Bernard Ave.
Birthdays of the week: Ron Mattuissi (May 25); Edward Burran (May 25); Don Shafer (May 26); Sandy Zimmermann (May 26); Ian Williamson (May 26) Carmen Sparg (May 28); Dick Prowse (May 28); Renee Wasylyk (May 26); Ria York (May 28); Nan Pellatt (May 29); Ron Manoin (May 30); Roma Niessen (May 31).