Community Spotlight

Opera Kelowna is breaking the stereotype that opera is only for the elite or the overly cultured. With performances that range from full-scale productions to free outdoor concerts, the organization is creating experiences that are welcoming, engaging, and surprisingly emotional. Featured in this episode of Community Spotlight, presented by ATB Wealth, Opera Kelowna’s story is one of passion, inclusion, and a deep commitment to making opera accessible to everyone.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/A_Fresh_Look_at_Opera_in_the_Okanagan/

KelownaNow’s Community Spotlight, powered by ATB Wealth, shines this week on Izabela Picco, the spirited voice behind Let’s Not Sugarcoat It. What began as three friends chatting by a backyard fire table has grown into 125 episodes of raw, unfiltered storytelling about motherhood and life’s imperfect moments. “If we’re feeling this way, others must be feeling it too,” Izabela recalls of that first spark that pushed her to press record.

Listeners quickly embraced the show’s messy honesty, from fertility struggles to teenage growing pains, proving there is comfort in hearing the truth aloud.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/No_Sugar_Just_Real_Talk_with_Izabela_Picco/

Amy Cohen is expanding her reach with the launch of Okanagan Corporate Retreats, a new venture designed to bring corporate teams into the heart of the Okanagan for thoughtfully curated multi-day experiences.

Already known for her work with The Chic Experience and events like Connect and CoLab, Amy is building on her passion for community, connection, and purposeful business growth.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Expanding_Her_Impact_Amy_Cohen_Launches_Okanagan_Corporate_Retreats/

In this latest Community Spotlight powered by ATB Wealth, we have Kyle Horvath, Director of Business Development and Program Delivery for The Newly Institute, an outpatient mental health clinic that recently opened its doors in Kelowna.

With existing locations across Canada, from Calgary to Halifax, The Newly Institute brings its coast-to-coast approach to care by offering specialized mental health support to individuals dealing with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, addictions, and chronic pain. “We really want to help people get through their goals to where they want to be in their wellness,” Kyle shared.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Supporting_Mental_Wellness_in_Kelowna_The_Newly_Institute_Joins_the_Community/

In this latest episode of Community Spotlight sponsored by ATB Wealth, guests Heather Leary from FarmFolk CityFolk and Laura Luckhurst of Luckhurst Farm and Distillery talks about the upcoming 2025 Okanagan Feast of Fields event.

This annual celebration of local food and agriculture brings together farmers, chefs, wineries, and distilleries for a day full of delicious flavors, live music, and farm fun. Set for Sunday, September 21st, at Luckhurst Farm, it promises to be a highlight of the Okanagan’s vibrant food scene.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Community_Spotlight_Supporting_Local_Agriculture_and_Food_with_the_2025_Okanagan_Feast_of_Fields/

In this week's Community Spotlight brought to us by ATB Wealth Kelowna, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Ezra and Crystal Cremers from Kelowna City Football Club. Their passion for football and community is truly inspiring.

What began as a trick into coaching has now blossomed into a thriving football club dedicated to player development, community connection, and fostering resilience in both kids and adults alike.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Building_Community_Through_Football_A_Spotlight_on_Kelowna_City_FC/

In the latest episode of Community Spotlight, brought to us by ATB Wealth, Alexa from KelownaNow welcomes Mindy Crawford, a Human Design Coach and former Director of Digital Marketing for Jillian Harris.

What started as a maternity leave reflection turned into a career pivot when Mindy discovered human design—a self-awareness system that blends astrology, the I Ching, Kabbalah, and the chakra system to create a personal blueprint for growth. “It’s not about where you are right now, it’s about your highest potential,” she shares.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Discovering_Alignment_Human_Design_with_Mindy_Crawford/

In this latest Community Spotlight episode brought to you by ATB Wealth, host Rob Cupello is joined by Derek B. Rodriguez of Lakeside Pharmacy—a business that’s been a cornerstone of Kelowna healthcare for 50 years.

Known for doing things differently, Lakeside offers not just prescriptions but real conversations, custom formulations, and care that actually feels personal.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Breaking_the_Script_on_Pharmacy_Care_How_Lakeside_Pharmacy_Is_Leading_With_Heart_and_Innovation/

In the latest episode of Community Spotlight, brought to us by ATB Wealth Kelowna, host Jim Csek sits down with Sandrine Raffault and Elyse Wright, the dynamic duo behind Sandrine French Pastry and Chocolate.

A staple in Kelowna for 21 years, the shop is known for its exquisite cakes, chocolates, pastries, and gelato—all made from scratch with real, quality ingredients. As a third-generation French chocolatier, Sandrine brings her heritage into every creation, while Elyse keeps things running smoothly out front.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Sweet_Expansion_Sandrine_French_Pastry_and_Chocolate_Opens_Second_Location_in_Kelowna/

In this episode of Community Spotlight powered by ATB Wealth, we’re joined by Mark Veriker, the creative force behind Fancys Cold Cuts & Cocktails. Mark shares his journey from a young gas station worker to an experienced figure in the hospitality industry.

Starting with a job at a bingo hall, his passion for service grew, leading him to work in everything from fine dining to pubs, eventually shaping the vision for Fancys.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Discover_Fancys_A_Unique_Deli_Experience_in_the_Heart_of_Kelowna/