Happy on Purpose

10/25/2026

Look at this!

Representatives from the Vernon Flying Club presented a $8,492.10 cheque to the Community Foundation North Okanagan on Friday, October 23, 2026. This money was the net proceeds of our Vernon Airport Appreciation Day held August 23rd.

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From Rob McDicken:

On behalf of the Board, Directors and Members of the Vernon Flying Club, I am pleased to present a donation of $8,492.10, representing the net proceeds from our Vernon Airport Appreciation Day, held on August 23, 2026. This event was held as a celebration of the 80th anniversary of both the Vernon Flying Club and the Vernon Airport.

The event was a tremendous success, bringing nearly 2,000 people to the Vernon Airport for a day of celebrating aviation, the Flying Club, community spirit, and the important role our airport plays in the North Okanagan.

While the day was intended as a celebration, we also recognized the hardships faced by our neighbours affected by the Badley Creek wildfire. As a result, we felt it was only fitting that the generosity shown by those attending our event should, in turn, benefit those in need. We did not “charge” admission. We simply asked attendees to spare what they could and that any net proceeds would go towards these wildfire relief efforts. As we found, folks were quite generous indeed.

We ask that this donation be directed toward your Wildfire Response 2026 Fund, helping those affected by the fire and supporting our community as it recovers.

Thank you for the important work the Community Foundation does throughout the North Okanagan. We are pleased to be able to contribute to these relief efforts and hope that this donation will make a meaningful difference.
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from left to right: Marion Ross, VFC Secretary; Rob McDicken, VFC President and 80th Anniversary Event Chair; Leanne Hammond, Executive Director of CFNO, Alison Crerar, VFC Director

Photo by Edie Schliess

10/24/2026

Not going to lie, I’m nervous.

BUT! I am also so excited!!!

10/24/2026

Today, I’m joined by Rory Lalonde, a North Okanagan dad of two, husband, entrepreneur, and owner of Altitude Carpentry.

Rory recently earned a spot in the quarterfinals of the Super Dad competition, representing Canada alongside dads from across the United States.

But there’s much more to his story than a competition.

Rory is using this opportunity to shine a light on men’s mental health, the challenges of fatherhood, and the importance of children’s healthcare.

And I think we’re going to have a really meaningful conversation about all three. carpentry

10/21/2026

Up early, to practice my TedX talk!
So grateful to Chantel and the great work she is doing!
Excited to get this wonderful opportunity to share after Marc gives some really great advice.

TEDx KalamalkaLake

10/21/2026

We spend a huge part of our lives communicating — at work, at home, with our kids, our partners, our customers — and yet very few of us have ever actually been taught how to have a good conversation.

My guest today has spent more than 40 years paying attention to exactly that.

Marc Fisher is the founder of Let’s Talk Communication, where he works with businesses, organizations, families, students and individuals to help people communicate with more confidence, navigate difficult conversations and, maybe most importantly, actually listen to one another.

Marc talks about conversation as something of a lost art — and in a world of texts, emails, social media and increasingly short attention spans, I think he may have a point.

So today we’re going to talk about what makes a great conversation, what we’re getting wrong, and whether we can get better at actually talking to each other again.

We spend a huge part of our lives communicating — at work, at home,...

10/16/2026

If you have ever thought about being involved with Community Theater, you must watch this episode!

My guest is Jeff Kirkham, someone I had the pleasure of meeting through Asparagus Community Theatre in Armstrong.

Alongside his career and family life, Jeff has found a real passion for community theatre. From performing on stage, sometimes alongside his son, to stepping into the director's chair, he's discovered plenty of ways to contribute to the local theatre scene.

Today, we're going to get to know the man behind the characters, explore what drew him to theatre, and discover what keeps him coming back.

Today we're talking about community, creativity, and the joy of get...

10/10/2026

Today’s guest is someone who spends a lot of his time thinking about leadership, growth, change — and what happens when people and organizations are ready for something different.
Philipp Gruner is an executive, coach, consultant, mentor and problem solver. Through Gruner Consulting, he works with leaders and organizations navigating growth, restructuring and change.
He’s also someone who believes pretty strongly in the power of ideas and community — which led him to bring TEDx to Kalamalka Lake.
And I should probably disclose that I have a little personal investment in that last part, because I’ll be standing on the TEDx Kalamalka Lake stage myself this November 03, 2026 — something I’m equal parts excited and mildly terrified about.
Philipp Gruner

Today’s guest is someone who spends a lot of his time thinking abou...

10/09/2026

What happens when the applause stops?

A little reflection after Dancing with the Vernon Stars, just in time for Thanksgiving.

On being seen, finding joy, and discovering that sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when nobody’s watching.

If something in this resonates with you, I hope you’ll pass it along to someone who might need to hear it.

🍁 Jeunesse Pearson | Curious Human. Still figuring it out.