Wendy's once again sponsored a fantastic Dreamlift day at all the Okanagan restaurant outlets. The goal this year will take total donations to over $1 million dollars. To help celebrate  - the actual "Wendy" from Wendy's restaurants was in town. Many volunteered to join in this fund raising event. Hats off to all the Wendy staff who donate their day's wages to this event.

Lavonne and Luke working the front Counter on Harvey Avenue

City Council and staff have been working on the 2012 budget since September 2011. In light of the ongoing sluggish economy, Council gave direction to staff to target a 0.0% increase in 2012. Kelowna City Manager, Mr. Mattiussi, delivered this in his draft budget. In a year where the national consumer price index rose 2.91% it is a challenge to keep the budget from increasing. Approximately $3 million dollars in cuts had to be found. Secondly, Council did not want to make service cuts. Through collaboration and teamwork, the goal was achieved.  

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The total budget is $332 million dollars. Of this, $97 million dollars is comes from taxation revenue.

Pictured above is the actual budget document.

Mayor Walter Gray announces Kelowna's first 0% budget to the press

Each year a special matinee of "The Nutcracker" is put on by Ballet Kelowna in the Kelowna Community Theatre.This is a free event to provide children access to this wonderful Christmas production. Pictured here is myself and from the Bridge Youth and Family Services  - Michele Hucul (In elfen red) and Lani Soar. They prepared 500 stockings for the children in attendance. Thanks to the many volunteers and donors that made this event such a big success.  Merry Christmas!

Election night was a roller coaster ride!

Thank you to all the people that supported my campaign. I am very happy to begin serving my second term as your representative.Thank you for your vote of confidence. I look forward to working with the newly elected candidates.Together we will get the job done.

For all those that did not secure a victory, I thank you for participating in the democratic process. I enjoyed meeting you all and I know that every person that ran had the best of intentions for our great city.

Sincerely,

Luke Stack

There was a huge turn-out for the 2011 Taste of Japan at the Water Street Senior's Centre on Sunday November 13.

Taiko Drumming - fashion show - tea Ceremony - Japanese food  - Kendo fighting and more was on hand. Thanks to all the volunteers of the Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association for making this annual fund raising event such a great success. A good time was had by all!