Next time you are in Peachland, stop into the Porto Peach Restaurant for breakfast, seved until 2 p.m., or lunch.
Owned and operated by Claire Reeder, the quaint restaurant of 40 seats inside and 22 on the patio is located at 5830 Beach Ave. in Peachland's downtown core. In the summer months, it becomes an open-air restaurant. Porto Peach has a spectacular view and great atmosphere with the restaurant right across the street from Okanagan Lake. Long-time 27-year chef John Bailey is well-known in our area and serves up the delicious menu, all local and fresh. We had a lovely breakfast with the Mediterranean ham and cheese omelette and French toast. Both were nothing less than incredible. The lunch menu offers appetizers, shareables, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Unique to Porto Peach is their self-service Hot Sauce Bar. Check-out their special events, supper club and entertainment. Porto Peach is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rory Fader 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 has 35 years as a Registered Piano Technician with Piano Technicians Guild, which is a global association for piano technician training and skill upgrading. Rory is a full-service technician, who can fix most problems on a tuning visit 鈥� tuning, technical adjustments, for better playability, minor repairs, reconditioning such as restringing or hammer and damper replacement, purchase evaluations and general advice. Rory鈥檚 service area is from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm. Rory is also the conductor of the local German Liedertafel Choir.
After 16 years as CEO of Urban Systems Ltd., Martin Bell is stepping down and passing the baton to Jacob Scissons, helping guide the firm's 120 partners and 750 employees into its next business chapter on its 50th anniversary. 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鈥檚 success. First, though, Martin plans to take some time to recharge, travel and prepare for some new professional adventures.
Aaron Wills is the new regional sales manager for B.C. for Old Dutch Foods Ltd. He will be based out of 麻豆精选. 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 in Alberta. In March 2014, Aaron was promoted to business sevelopment manager for the Calgary region. Aaron鈥檚 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.
Md Kamrul Hasan is the new senior business advisor of the Rutland branch of Scotiabank, located at 190 Highway 33 West. He is a seasoned professional with over 16 years of banking experience and has been a business advisor since February 2022.
Huge thanks to Jacob Cinkant of the Okanagan Foundation for your kind help Jan. 30 on the Okanagan College campus.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Heart of Hospitality Awards: Heart and Soul June Memorial Award, Jack Milner (Housekeeping Supervisor at Hotel Zed); Service Superstar, Bud Stirman Maintenance Technician, (Comfort Inn & Suites 麻豆精选); Tourism Spirit, Miriam Halpenny, Marketing Manager (Coast Capri Hotel). I was honoured to be a judge for the awards.
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鈥檚 Day full of laughs fundraiser, Comedy For A Cause, on Friday, Feb 14, 6:30 p.m., at Dakoda鈥檚 Comedy Lounge, hosted by Riley Hlndley and featuring Amanda Rose. Tickets $20 at www.kelownacomedy.ca.
There鈥檚 a new game in town and it鈥檚 a lot of fun for everyone of all ages. Cornhole, or Bean Bag Toss, was considered a backyard game but is now played in facilities indoors and outdoors across Canada. 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 麻豆精选 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 Jan. 14 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 to 9 p.m. Come on your own or bring a friend. Drops-ins are welcome anytime during league play for $20 or full league play for $160. Come and check them out at the Ramada, 2170 Harvey Ave. in 麻豆精选. Contact Kindra Wirch at ktowncornhole@gmail.com for more information.
Virgin Radio 99.9's 8th annual B Mack & Karly Cold Weather Clothing Drive, supporting the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, is in full gear running until Feb. 28 to keep 麻豆精选鈥檚 most vulnerable warm and cared for. Thanks to your donations, as already more than 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. The main drop-off location for donations is 麻豆精选 Toyota on Cary Road. Monetary donations are accepted online at www.virginradiokelowna.ca with a tax receipt provided along with updated information on the most needed items.
The nomination deadline for the City of 麻豆精选 50th annual Civic & Community Awards is Monday, Feb. 10. 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.
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 麻豆精选, celebrated on Sunday, Febr. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Parkinson Recreation Centre as the Year of the Snake is welcomed with a spectacular free evening filled with culture, entertainment and fun for all ages. It鈥檚 more than a celebration, it鈥檚 an opportunity to experience the rich traditions to the Lunar New Year with our vibrant community. I鈥檓 looking forward to seeing you there. Fei Liu is the executive director of the association. Reserve your spot and complimentary dumpling online on www.eventbrite.ca.
Gasthaus on the Lake鈥檚 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. Anyone who visits the restaurant for lunch or dinner and brings a non-perishable food item(s) donation will receive a 20 per cent 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.
From Feb. 5 to 23, 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鈥� iconic musical score. The cast includes 麻豆精选 favourites Joanne Ryan, Delphine Litke, Gracelynn Sali, Nathan Flavel, Ron Green and Chad Abrahamson.
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, Feb. 11.
Maxine DeHart is a 麻豆精选 city councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662, email mail max@maxinedehart.ca.
