Meet one of our Joe Rich Families
Sienna, Sebastiaan, Catherine and Cailex Pynappels
Meet the Pynappels Family
(yes, pronounced Pineapples like the fruit!).
We recently relocated to Joe Rich almost one year ago and regret not doing it sooner. We are so grateful for the welcome we have received from the Community.
It has been such a great move for our family as we enjoy the outdoors,
campfires and visits with our neighbors.
We moved from West Kelowna where we lived for 12 years.
We keep busy with owning and operating our local businesses.
We have owned and operated Kelowna Cell Repair on Bernard Avenue for over 12 years. We also have a small Excavation Business called Diggers Kelowna.
Catherine works from home as a Mortgage Broker with BlueTree Mortgages West.
We have two children Cailex (almost 13) and Sienna (age 10).
We love soccer and in normal times, that is where you can find us, is on the pitch!
We have really enjoyed the Community Events at the
Joe Rich Community Hall and are looking forward to more.
It is so amazing to see our children enjoying the outdoors for
hours a day with the other Joe Rich kids.
Our children mention often how happy they are that we
moved out here, during COVID-19.
We are excited to create more amazing family memories and
are looking forward to meeting more Joe Rich Community members.
(yes, pronounced Pineapples like the fruit!).
We recently relocated to Joe Rich almost one year ago and regret not doing it sooner. We are so grateful for the welcome we have received from the Community.
It has been such a great move for our family as we enjoy the outdoors,
campfires and visits with our neighbors.
We moved from West Kelowna where we lived for 12 years.
We keep busy with owning and operating our local businesses.
We have owned and operated Kelowna Cell Repair on Bernard Avenue for over 12 years. We also have a small Excavation Business called Diggers Kelowna.
Catherine works from home as a Mortgage Broker with BlueTree Mortgages West.
We have two children Cailex (almost 13) and Sienna (age 10).
We love soccer and in normal times, that is where you can find us, is on the pitch!
We have really enjoyed the Community Events at the
Joe Rich Community Hall and are looking forward to more.
It is so amazing to see our children enjoying the outdoors for
hours a day with the other Joe Rich kids.
Our children mention often how happy they are that we
moved out here, during COVID-19.
We are excited to create more amazing family memories and
are looking forward to meeting more Joe Rich Community members.
Meet the Joe Rich Fire Department
Community Liaison:
Tanya Chartrand
Hello! My name is Tanya Chartrand, and I am the Community Liaison for Joe Rich Fire Department (JRFD). As Community Liaison, I sit on the Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenants
Society Board in a non-voting role, and it has been such a pleasure to work with so many
wonderful, community-minded people over the last few years.
I have been a member of JRFD for the past 5+ years but have lived in Joe Rich for most of the past 35 years – you could say that I was born and bred in this community. I love the country life! Peace and quiet, looking out my window to watch deer grazing in the meadow, laying in my hammock listening to the breezes in the trees, sitting beside a campfire reading or whittling on a piece of wood – you don’t get those experiences in the city!
But I also enjoy travelling! I lived in central China (Wuhan) for two years, spent 6 weeks traveling through India, and another 6 weeks living in the jungles of the Amazon rainforest in Bolivia. I have also traveled extensively through North America and there are many more stops remaining on my Bucket List!
My travels led me to pursue and obtain a degree in Political Science at UBC because I find it fascinating how the decisions made in government impact ordinary people and their daily lives. Following my graduation, I worked at UBC’s Okanagan campus and enjoyed assisting faculty and students in their pursuit of knowledge.
But anyone who knows me knows that I am deeply passionate about the fire service. Last year I started working for the District of Lake Country (Lake Country Fire Department). JRFD has trained me well, and I hope to always make my JRFD family proud! It has been my honour to serve our Joe Rich community – I have so many life-long friends in this community, and it will always be home!
Society Board in a non-voting role, and it has been such a pleasure to work with so many
wonderful, community-minded people over the last few years.
I have been a member of JRFD for the past 5+ years but have lived in Joe Rich for most of the past 35 years – you could say that I was born and bred in this community. I love the country life! Peace and quiet, looking out my window to watch deer grazing in the meadow, laying in my hammock listening to the breezes in the trees, sitting beside a campfire reading or whittling on a piece of wood – you don’t get those experiences in the city!
But I also enjoy travelling! I lived in central China (Wuhan) for two years, spent 6 weeks traveling through India, and another 6 weeks living in the jungles of the Amazon rainforest in Bolivia. I have also traveled extensively through North America and there are many more stops remaining on my Bucket List!
My travels led me to pursue and obtain a degree in Political Science at UBC because I find it fascinating how the decisions made in government impact ordinary people and their daily lives. Following my graduation, I worked at UBC’s Okanagan campus and enjoyed assisting faculty and students in their pursuit of knowledge.
But anyone who knows me knows that I am deeply passionate about the fire service. Last year I started working for the District of Lake Country (Lake Country Fire Department). JRFD has trained me well, and I hope to always make my JRFD family proud! It has been my honour to serve our Joe Rich community – I have so many life-long friends in this community, and it will always be home!
Meet the JRRATS 2020 Treasurer:
Louise and Chris Abbott
It’s the time of year where the change in the season brings new opportunities.
My name is Louise Abbott and I have had the opportunity to recently join the Board of the Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenants Society as the Treasurer. It’s been a true pleasure to work alongside my fellow Board Members in the past few months while implementing some strategic planning and initiatives. I am excited to move forward in the direction we receive from the residence of Joe Rich while recognizing & promoting the spirit of the Society as being one
of inclusion, collaborative, diverse, and community focused.
Although I was born and raised in the Okanagan I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to further my education and career paths in Calgary, Victoria, a stint for a few years in remote Northern BC and lastly to Vancouver. Big City living has its advantages, but the country life is the best life, which finally brought my husband Chris and myself back home to Kelowna and for the past 14 years to the Joe Rich area.
My background for working in the Charitable and Not-for-Profit sector has been mainly specializing in the development, implementation, and management of projects for the Federal and Provincial Government as well as individual Charities for the past 32 years. Locally I was the co-founder and developer of NOW Canada Society, to which I now sit on the Board as Vice-Chair. My passion for outdoor recreation lead my husband and myself to co-found & develop the Kettle River Trails. The volunteer work I do for the Forestry and Trails Committee in Joe Rich has been a big learning curve.
I have the pleasure to oversee the charitable organization called People In Motion as the ED and I am the owner of Arella Consulting which specializes in Social Enterprise development. Recently I have been invited to be part of research and program/project development with UBCO and Thompson River University.
In my spare time I spend precious moments with my Grandson whenever possible.
My passion for horses and endurance riding has given me lots of time in the forest and miles in the saddle to solve all life's challenges and conjure up new and
approved ways to get things done.
I am looking forward to building on what the past JRRATS Directors and Volunteers have accomplished and move forward into discovering a few new ways of doing things, with solid systems in place and meeting all of the good folks in Joe Rich who do the good work that makes this blanket community so unique.
My name is Louise Abbott and I have had the opportunity to recently join the Board of the Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenants Society as the Treasurer. It’s been a true pleasure to work alongside my fellow Board Members in the past few months while implementing some strategic planning and initiatives. I am excited to move forward in the direction we receive from the residence of Joe Rich while recognizing & promoting the spirit of the Society as being one
of inclusion, collaborative, diverse, and community focused.
Although I was born and raised in the Okanagan I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to further my education and career paths in Calgary, Victoria, a stint for a few years in remote Northern BC and lastly to Vancouver. Big City living has its advantages, but the country life is the best life, which finally brought my husband Chris and myself back home to Kelowna and for the past 14 years to the Joe Rich area.
My background for working in the Charitable and Not-for-Profit sector has been mainly specializing in the development, implementation, and management of projects for the Federal and Provincial Government as well as individual Charities for the past 32 years. Locally I was the co-founder and developer of NOW Canada Society, to which I now sit on the Board as Vice-Chair. My passion for outdoor recreation lead my husband and myself to co-found & develop the Kettle River Trails. The volunteer work I do for the Forestry and Trails Committee in Joe Rich has been a big learning curve.
I have the pleasure to oversee the charitable organization called People In Motion as the ED and I am the owner of Arella Consulting which specializes in Social Enterprise development. Recently I have been invited to be part of research and program/project development with UBCO and Thompson River University.
In my spare time I spend precious moments with my Grandson whenever possible.
My passion for horses and endurance riding has given me lots of time in the forest and miles in the saddle to solve all life's challenges and conjure up new and
approved ways to get things done.
I am looking forward to building on what the past JRRATS Directors and Volunteers have accomplished and move forward into discovering a few new ways of doing things, with solid systems in place and meeting all of the good folks in Joe Rich who do the good work that makes this blanket community so unique.
Meet the JRRATS 2020 Vice President:
Clarice and Brian Bower
My name is Clarice Bower and I have lived on Falconridge Cresent in Joe Rich for almost 25 years. Recently I decided to become involved in the
Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenants Society to support this wonderful community.
I was appointed to be your Vice President and feel thankful to be volunteering with
very experienced Board Members.
My past Joe Rich community involvement has been volunteering at the ice rink,
helping to host the annual kids Halloween Haunted House, Block Watch support
and Falconridge neighbourhood gatherings.
For its 13 years, I’ve been a member of the Joe Rich Book Club.
My husband was also on the JR Watershed Committee many
years ago, with hopes this committee will get restarted officially soon.
For those who don’t know me, I’ve been married for 26 years to Brian Bower, a Geologist,
and we have raised our two girls, Julia, 23, and Christine, 20,
in this beautiful Joe Rich valley.
We all have fond memories of the easily available outdoor activities here --
particularly hiking to Mission Creek and High Rim Trail, in all seasons,
using the outdoor rink in the winter,
and gardening in the summer.
I work in Kelowna as a full time Registered Physiotherapist with Lifemark Health.
My special interests are Vestibular (dizziness) Rehabilitation and
Post-Concussion Recovery.
Working at home during this Pandemic has become my “new normal” and
it has shown me that it can be done!
Presently I am learning what the JRRAT Society does--
which is much more than I thought--
and in particular learn my part in making this community even better.
I believe that improved communication with the whole community will
encourage more involvement by all.
I look forward to meeting you all at one of our general meetings and at our planned
Post COVID 19 party to include live music from Joe Rich musicians plus other activities!
Until then, enjoy that beautiful spring weather and our
gradual return to some previous form of normal life!
Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenants Society to support this wonderful community.
I was appointed to be your Vice President and feel thankful to be volunteering with
very experienced Board Members.
My past Joe Rich community involvement has been volunteering at the ice rink,
helping to host the annual kids Halloween Haunted House, Block Watch support
and Falconridge neighbourhood gatherings.
For its 13 years, I’ve been a member of the Joe Rich Book Club.
My husband was also on the JR Watershed Committee many
years ago, with hopes this committee will get restarted officially soon.
For those who don’t know me, I’ve been married for 26 years to Brian Bower, a Geologist,
and we have raised our two girls, Julia, 23, and Christine, 20,
in this beautiful Joe Rich valley.
We all have fond memories of the easily available outdoor activities here --
particularly hiking to Mission Creek and High Rim Trail, in all seasons,
using the outdoor rink in the winter,
and gardening in the summer.
I work in Kelowna as a full time Registered Physiotherapist with Lifemark Health.
My special interests are Vestibular (dizziness) Rehabilitation and
Post-Concussion Recovery.
Working at home during this Pandemic has become my “new normal” and
it has shown me that it can be done!
Presently I am learning what the JRRAT Society does--
which is much more than I thought--
and in particular learn my part in making this community even better.
I believe that improved communication with the whole community will
encourage more involvement by all.
I look forward to meeting you all at one of our general meetings and at our planned
Post COVID 19 party to include live music from Joe Rich musicians plus other activities!
Until then, enjoy that beautiful spring weather and our
gradual return to some previous form of normal life!
Meet the JRRATS 2020 President:
Mark and Mona Poelzer
Greetings to all my Joe Rich Neighbors!
My name is Mark Poelzer. I am a graduate of NAIT in Edmonton, Alberta and have been a journeyman telecommunications technician for the past 42 years. I am presently employed with Omega Communications in Kelowna.
My wife of 41 years, Mona, and I moved from Alberta to Kelowna 20 years ago. It was our great joy to have moved into the Joe Rich area 11 years ago. We have weathered many storms during our time here but have loved living in this neighborhood so much. We are presently in the middle of renovations in our home. Our eldest son, his lovely wife and their precious 16 month old son will be moving in with us at the end of July. We can hardly wait to have them join us and look forward to all the glorious adventures that await us all.
I recently found myself in the position of President of the JRRAT Society. Despite any misgivings I may have had in the beginning, I now find myself thoroughly enjoying this new experience in my life. The best part has been the sheer joy and my sincere gratitude of being allowed to work along with the other board members. I feel both humbled and blessed to watch their great desire along with all their hard work to making a stronger and more cohesive Community for all of us whom have chosen to make the Joe Rich area our home.
I look forward to getting to know more of you in the future. It has been a particularly difficult time for all of us during this COVID 19 pandemic but I have every confidence that we will all weather this latest challenge graciously as neighbors and friends. Look forward to seeing you all at the massive “After COVID 19” Neighborhood/Block Party!
My name is Mark Poelzer. I am a graduate of NAIT in Edmonton, Alberta and have been a journeyman telecommunications technician for the past 42 years. I am presently employed with Omega Communications in Kelowna.
My wife of 41 years, Mona, and I moved from Alberta to Kelowna 20 years ago. It was our great joy to have moved into the Joe Rich area 11 years ago. We have weathered many storms during our time here but have loved living in this neighborhood so much. We are presently in the middle of renovations in our home. Our eldest son, his lovely wife and their precious 16 month old son will be moving in with us at the end of July. We can hardly wait to have them join us and look forward to all the glorious adventures that await us all.
I recently found myself in the position of President of the JRRAT Society. Despite any misgivings I may have had in the beginning, I now find myself thoroughly enjoying this new experience in my life. The best part has been the sheer joy and my sincere gratitude of being allowed to work along with the other board members. I feel both humbled and blessed to watch their great desire along with all their hard work to making a stronger and more cohesive Community for all of us whom have chosen to make the Joe Rich area our home.
I look forward to getting to know more of you in the future. It has been a particularly difficult time for all of us during this COVID 19 pandemic but I have every confidence that we will all weather this latest challenge graciously as neighbors and friends. Look forward to seeing you all at the massive “After COVID 19” Neighborhood/Block Party!