by Joy Metcalfe
(click images to enlarge)

AN HONOUR FROM KING CHARLES

The Variety Club of B.C. is thrilled to share the news that Howard Blank has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his outstanding service to B.C. and Canada. A longtime advocate for Variety B.C. and Variety, the Children's Charity International, Howard has dedicated more than 20 years to philanthropy, helping to raise an incredible $1 billion for more than 1,000 organizations across North America.

And he's such a lovely gentleman! Congratulations Howard!

A WINE INDUSTRY AWARD

Bubbly, bright, and determined, Leeann Froese, the co-owner of Town Hall Brands, has just been honoured with the Master Marketer Award at the annual B.C. Wine Industry Insight Conference.

It was quite the happy party, hosted by B.C. Wine Growers and held in Penticton.

Leeann's award recognizes outstanding marketing innovation in its promotion of B.C. Wines. Leeann is the perfect person to receive this honour, and has always demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities. Bravo, Leeann!

PARSONS IS BACK!
A New Podcast With A Familiar Voice

It's hard to believe, but he's back!

After 35 years as lead anchor on Global TV, Tony Parsons, with his handsome good looks, deep baritone voice and calm demeanour, had everyone listening intently and ladies swooning.

He was Canada's Walter Cronkite and you believed every word he said. Well, he's back with his own podcast. It’s slick and sophisticated, with his little pooch featuring in the background. Tony’s first guest was the amazing Rick Hansen.

You just have to see the very beginning of Rick's amazing 26 month, 34 country journey where he's taking off from the Oakridge parking lot, with the truck packed to capacity and suddenly crashes with things crushed and broken. The question that was on everyone's mind was '"If he can't get out of the parking lot, how can he possibly do his ambitious earth's journey?"

It wasn't the best beginning but it became one of the momentous efforts to show that disabled people can do almost everything. One of those helpful things you see and use every day is the curb cut, that dip in the sidewalk for wheelchairs, walkers as well as little kids' bikes and carriages - so many things we take for granted ... Bravo, Rick!

And Bravo, too, to the irrepressible Tony Parsons and his new adventure in podcasting! His abundant hair might have greyed, but his ample charm hasn't dimmed.

ANOTHER PERSONAL RECORD

Before he retired to live with his family on his palatial estate on Bowen Island, Michael Kaile was one of Vancouver's top hoteliers.

Last month, Mike decided to attend SKAL Vancouver’s annual Academy Awards celebration at the Pinnacle Hotel, one of his old stomping grounds.

SKAL is an international network of travel and tourism industry professionals with thousands of members across Canada. Mike was having a great time at the function, chatting with all his old friends from SKAL, and the hotel and hospitality sector, when a woman approached and introduced herself as SKAL Canada’s president.

**Michael Kaile (left) and Murray Atherton in 1984.**

Susan Wilkinson was delighted to finally meet Mike in person, as she proudly announced that Michael is the longest tenured member of SKAL Canada. SKAL Canada was started in 1954, and Michael joined in 1971.

SKAL International is a professional organization promoting global tourism and, uniting all sectors of the travel industry, with more than 11,874 members in more than 299 SKAL Clubs in 85 countries. Skål is the Swedish word for “cheers,” literally meaning 'bowl,' in reference to the container used by the Vikings to drink their mead at social gatherings or festivals.

**Anna Terrana (right) and Emma Scotton.**

A WOMEN’S DAY CHAMPION

Congratulations to that dynamic whirlwind, Anna Terrana, who makes everything happen in the local world of Italia.

The big news is that Anna has just been chosen as the 25th La Giornata Internazionale della Donna on International Women's Day.

Emma Scotton was last year’s winner.

The ceremony and luncheon was held at the Italian Cultural Centre and it was jammed!

AN AUTHOR’S REWARD

The family of West Van's Rod MacKenzie were delighted to learn that Rodd had just received an unexpected treasure. Rod is a retired barrister and author, an alumni of the UBC law school where he is an adjunct professor, and a member of the Bomber Command Museum of Canada.

The happy news is that he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his just released book, Bomber Command: Churchill's Greatest Triumph"...

A GENEROUS HEART

I recently received a letter in which I read about one of my goodhearted and very generous friends. It made my heart sing to read it.

It was sent by author Dr. M. Jane Smith of the Gitxsan Nation and, it reads in part...

"For over a decade, students and staff across the Gitxsan Laxyip have eagerly awaited the incredible gifts made possible through the tireless efforts of Bianca Fusco Zanatta. Her generosity has touched the hearts of so many, benefitting the schools of Gitamaax, Sigit'ox, Kitwangax, Kispiox Gitwanyaw, Kitsegukla and Witset.

“Each year, it felt like Christmas when the truck rolled onto our Laxyip, bringing with it a bounty of gifts, warm winter boots, clothing, and orange backpacks, a wide assortment of books, musical instruments, and even a school bus.

“These contributions have made a profound and lasting impact on our communities, ensuring that our children are supported, nurtured and empowered. Reflecting on all that Bianca has accomplished for our Gitxsan Lax group is truly overwhelming. Her kindness and generosity have been immeasurable and the ripple effects of her work will continue for generations to come.

“Bianca's dedication comes from the goodness of her heart. She does not seek recognition yet her selflessness deserves to be honoured and celebrated. It has been a privilege to witness and be part of this remarkable generosity. Her spirit of giving shines brightly, leaving an enduring mark on our Lax yip.”

Bravo Bianca!…