Review
THE www.keremeosreview.com PM Agreement #40012521
Vol.15 Number 29
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Serving the communities of Keremeos, Cawston, Okanagan Falls and Kaleden
SUMMER MEANS TIME AT THE PARK
$1.15 including GST
New life for historic building
Keremeos kids enjoy the playground at Memorial Park See page 11
KEREMEOS BUSINESSES WIN BIG AT BARBEQUE KING
Photo by Steve Arstad
Newly opened Sage Bush winery wins its first competition See page 4
BUSY TIMES AT THE LIBRARY
Summertime useage putting pressure on library See page 12
Keremeos Realtor Tuesday McDonald (left) hands the keys to the former Pasta Trading Post building to new owners, Liza Needham, daughter and son in law Tasha and Rick Thompson, and daughter Franki Xavior Needham. By Steve Arstad news@keremeosreview.com Good news for Keremeos and its beleagured downtown core - the building once containing the Pasta Trading Post has new owners. Liza Needham, her daughter Tasha Thompson, and her son in law Rick Thompson are the proud new owners of the historic downtown property. Liza is a Keremeos resident (nee Sanders). She has a great affinity for the historic building as she understands that her great-great-greatgreat grandfather, Xavior Richter, actually had a hand in the construction of the building.
While Needham declined specifics when asked what her plans for the building were going to be, she did say that she planned to support the local community in every way possible, from locally grown food to locally made beverages. “We will be shaking the town up,” she laughed. Her plans are to open the business in stages, and to be fully operational by next year’s May long weekend. Rick and Tasha Thompson plan to open a glassblowing works in the outdoor patio portion of the property, along with a small art gallery. “We’ll feature blown glass and local art and ceramics,” Rick explained, who originally hails from
Los Angeles and has a background in art, photography and glass blowing. He plans to produce hand blown wine glasses that will complement the local wine industry. He’ll also be producing jewelry, candlesticks and other items. Plans also call for art events and wine catered events out of the facility. Live glass blowing demonstrations are also in the works. Rick and Tasha hope to have their side of the business set up and operational soon. The two, who have two children, are looking forward to life in Keremeos. “It’s a nice departure from Los Angeles,” Rick admitted.