Love Local

A few years ago, #lovelocal alum Kristin Postill and her childhood friend Brittney Page decided to pay it forward to their community by paddling for charities of their choice. To date, their paddles have raised over $67,000 for the local community. On Saturday, August 14th, they will be paddling the length of Kal Lake (16km) in support of Archway Society. Since the pandemic began Archway Society has seen a 48% increase in women, children and youth accessing their programs - they have therefore set a goal of raising $30,000 for Archway to help support the increase in demand of their invaluable programs. You can support them on - bit.ly/supforarchway

Artist AJ Jaeger talks about the Splash of Red charity auction - how it came about, and why it is so critical to the Caetani Centre's plans to provide more people access to the arts and the history of Vernon.

First things first, this one's close to my heart - literally. AJ has made my life better now for 8 years, whether getting rid of my chipping yips, or showing up to support Special Olympics - Kindale. But it was a great opportunity to get to know the person behind the force of nature that she is, and to explore her past as a prodigy / golf star, as well as her future as a mother and realtor. Suffice to say that if you listen to this episode, you will come away with a better understanding of the challenges AJ has had to face through her career(s) and life, and how she's in a happy place now - and determined to take life's new challenges head on. A very happy birthday from Love Local to AJ!

One of my cherished ideals is that right balance of heart and head when it comes to not-for-profit organizations. Whilst the right intentions are critical, I often see missed opportunities when it is not accompanied by the right skills and expertise. In that regard, Leanne Hammond who heads up the Community Foundation North Okanagan is a real treasure - a leader in whom both traits come together really well. And the same can be said for the CFNO - when I first learned about its work a couple of years ago, it spoke to me as a financial planner as well as a supporter. As Leanne explains in the podcast, it appeals because it is a sustainable and structured form of giving, which can supplement the fund-raising efforts of individual community organisations. Leanne & CFNO truly embody the spirit of #lovelocal - bravo!

In this episode, we feature Allisha - founder and visionary behind Kelowna’s newest zero waste refillery Chickpeace. She had some BIG dreams... and being the boss babe she is, she made it happen. Not only is the refillery supporting the zero waste and sustainability movement but it has been thoughtfully and intentionally curated. Allisha is no stranger in working towards creating a better planet. She completed her post graduate studies in sustainability planning specifically on finding ways to create resilient communities. And now she is doing just that. Give up some #lovelocal for Allisha & Chickpeace!

As the Executive Director of the VPAG, Dauna Kennedy is a passionate advocate, and indeed the face of art and culture in our community. VPAG or The Vernon Public Art Gallery Society is committed to fostering the appreciation of the visual arts for all members of the community. In this episode, Dauna talks about the challenges and opportunities she sees for VPAG and the upcoming Greater Vernon Cultural Center, and how the organisation has grown its different programs ambitiously but organically through the years. The past year in particular has been a challenge that has brought the best out in VPAG and its leader. And more than ever, it needs our local love.

Not all people in business arrive there via a straight line - life's twists and turns have to be navigated first. Such is definitely the case with Cory Derpak of DIG Earthworks. From being a professional athlete to getting hurt at a young age, to losing his way and then finding redemption in work - his story is as compelling as the man himself. I loved listening to him talk with great passion about how work represents an extension of competition for him, albeit with greater discipline & confidence, and less volatility & ego. Part of the joy of doing this series is that I always present a story that is still unfolding. I know that is definitely the case with Cory and DIG.

With apologies to listeners for the gap, I'm very proud to introduce this episode featuring my friend Russell Haubrich (aka Russty Whistle, which most skiers would recognise as a run). Russ was the owner of the Putnam Station Inn when SilverStar Mountain was being established (now the Bulldog) and is currently the General Manager of the Vance Creek Hotel and Convention Centre. Every place is built on the backs of the pioneers who take a chance on putting their life's work into it, and it is fair to say that SilverStar would not be the same without characters like Russ. From teaching to owning a railway themed lodge, to now managing the lovely Vance Creek Hotel, Russ has seen the mountain go from strength to strength. I hope you enjoy his stories of the mountain's history as much as I did - with the bonus of not having to put up with the train whistle prank! Listen on...

Heath Fletcher is a refreshing rarity in business - a person who believes in partnership and collaboration, and puts that into practice in his own business. He went from photographer to marketing guru and partner (a title that is again reflective of his approach to business) at Sproing Creative, by building a collective around him that allowed him to focus on what he does best whilst letting people do what they love to do. I know that one of his proudest achievements is winning Employer of the Year for Sproing Creative, which tells you everything you need to know about the man. But he is also instrumental in the success of many local businesses as their marketing and business partner, as well as being hugely supportive of the community and #LoveLocal.

One of my favourite episodes to record since this is the story of two people who just get out and do the right thing. Between Tanya's background and experience in social welfare, and Myrika's ability to get things done (always at a million miles per hour!), giveLUCK was always going to make a difference in our community. Listening to the two of them interact on the show, and bring their completely different strengths and characters to the table, you know this is a team that will succeed. The more interesting part was understanding where giveLUCK goes from here - as ever, the two founders have a clear vision that involves more of the business and general community, as well as reaching more causes. giveLUCK defines why we #lovelocal, we wish them some LUCK too!

Imagine this - two schoolfriends from Vernon, who remained in touch as they navigated life and work in the US for years. Then, during 2020 they both independently decided to move back to Vernon, and at the same time were figuring out how to make the best possible beds for their beloved dogs. And despite the pandemic hitting at the same time as their move, went ahead and figured out what that product was like, how to make it and Le Dog Company was born. That, in a nutshell, is what Cara & Kristin have achieved in the past 12 months - and continue to build from. As I learnt from talking to them, they have a singular vision of what their product and brand stand for, and an extremely professional approach to putting together their supply and distribution chain. The vision of every dog on a Le Dog bed isn't as crazy as it sounds, but for now the Okanagan needs to know about "only the best for your best friend."

Apart from living in a lane that bears his family name, Don Kassa does not bear the marks of privilege or success. Years of hard work in a profession that chose him as much as he chose it have put him in an elite league of realtors who have made the Okanagan one of the biggest & growing markets in Canada. In this episode, Don shares his approach to work and business, and how following due process, communicating clearly and having the ability to solve problems make the difference between failure & success. And how his love for all things local enables him to make more newcomers #LoveLocal too.

One of the common characteristics of the people I have met on LoveLocal is their obvious desire to offer something special to their community. Nowhere is that more evident than with my guest for today, Marilyn Courtenay of The Boarding House Cafe. For her, the cafe which opened months before the pandemic, is more than just a place to enjoy her amazing baking and coffee and play some board games - it is a place for families, friends anhd the community to come together. The past 12 months have left that fire undimmed, as Marilyn and the cafe have negotiated the unusual times with grace and with more than a little bit of hard work - specifically, 362 days worked out of the first 365 for the owner/operator! With such talent, hard work & care, it is hard not to LoveLocal when it comes to The Boarding House Cafe.

As someone who has been involved with the not-for-profit center for some years, Dione has always impressed me with her ability to set strategic imperatives and then break them down into easily digestible and actionable action points. After her successful stint with the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, it was with some anticipation that I met with her to talk about her role at the helm of The Okanagan Science Center. As ever, she was lucid in her explanation of what the Center was about, where it was going and how they were going to help the community be part of the STEM revolution.

It's not every day that you get to sit down with a living legend - for that is exactly what Judd Buchanan is. He has been a newspaper boy, an insurance agent, a politician, parliamentarian, cabinet minister and businessman. This has taken him through all corners of the country, including Silver Star Mountain Resort which he was an owner of for a period of time. And to complete the circle, where a ski run with his name on it was the first black diamond run I skied! Despite all that he has achieved, the essence of Judd still comes down to his one love Kay, his family and an enduring belief that one's life is meant for service. It's certainly an object lesson for all of us - that success is a journey, not a destination.

In a year in which the pandemic has caused untold hardship to the local business community, the Vernon Chamber of Commerce has emerged as a shining example of what business advocacy and support should be like. Under the stewardship of new General Manager Dan Proulx, it has continued to provide advocacy for our local community and businesses, whilst providing a raft of information and support respources. Dan sat down to talk about some of the challenges the Chamber faced head on during the past year, his take on some of the ways that local businesses have adapted during this time, and his hopes for the way forward. It was a great reminder that your local Chamber does truly #LoveLocal.

I am privileged to know Destanne Norris via her art exhibits at Gallery Odin at Silver Star mountain, and later as a human being. Her work achieves the almost impossible task of mirroring the inscape and the landscape, as does her first book "Leah's Gift" - which shows how one can find new purpose and meaning after navigating the depths of grief. Perhaps more than me rambling on about her work, perhaps its best left to Destanne's own words - "It’s about being present in nature and in the studio, while painting, while living life’s mysteries. It’s about being curious; being ok with not knowing; being open to learning and considering different perspectives, possibilities and making new discoveries. It’s about making connections. It’s why I paint." The same is true of her writing as well, and of her as a human being. Listen in to Destanne talk about her journey through life and how it has manifested itself in her visual art & writing, and you will have a new appreciation for #LoveLocal.

The amazing story of how two co-workers with very different backgrounds had a shared dream which they acted on. It took plenty of chutzpah, but also talent and hard work - and now Cobbler's Rack is a Vernon main street staple. Maggie and Leonard were and are the yin and yang of Cobbler's Rack, and together they make magic. Reviving an old tradition and skill in today's throw-away society requires a leap of faith, and its nice to see it pay off. If anyone listening wants to learn this ancient trade, master shoemaker & cobbler Leonard is looking for an apprentice to train - to pay it forward, to continue the tradition and to #LoveLocal.

As an experienced hand in the hospitality and F&B space, Trevor Jones always intended to work for himself some day. After a journey through some of Canada's leading brands, including time spent at our very own Predator Ridge, that day did come to dawn in 2019 - with the opening of Il Mercato Social Kitchen in West Kelowna. Since that time, the world has been turned upside down, with Il Mercato operating for longer in the pandemic than under 'normal circumstances'. The most striking aspect of this interview though is Trevor's ability to use process to deliver a seamless great experience, and to see opportunity in adversity. I can think of few restauranteurs thinking of measured expansion whilst trying to survive the pandemic. And this is why I truly believe that under his stewardship, the Il Mercato brand will thrive and grow. So here is Trevor Jones, giving us yet more reason to #LoveLocal.

Patti Shales Lefkos is a Canadian writer and journalist. Patti’s articles, profiles, columns and travel writing have appeared in a range of Canadian and international publications. Nepal One Day at a Time is the story of her first trekking trip on her own, and also supports education in the Gorkha province in Nepal. Born and raised in Toronto, she has also lived in Neuchatel, Switzerland and Vancouver - but now calls Silver Star Mountain her home. Following a rewarding career as a teacher, educational consultant, administrator and advocate for inner city children, in 2006 she set out to pursue international adventure travel. Whether canoeing the Yukon River, backcountry skiing in BC’s Monashee Mountains, hiking in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides or trekking in Tibet and Nepal, she embraces the culture and environment of wilderness areas. Patti's story in this episode of #LoveLocal is in many ways about recognizing that the world is one big local community.