Skywatching

An international team of astronomers may have discovered the closest black hole to us so far.

Good time for pre-approval?Tracy Head 11:00 am - 2676 views
Avoid ill will after deathBrett Millard 6:00 am - 3582 views
5 strategies for changeReen Rose May 24 - 2502 views
Horoscope: May 24-30Heather Zais May 24 - 7497 views
Like stubbing your toeTania Gustafson May 23 - 3314 views
Chewing on food nostalgiaKristin Peturson-Laprise May 23 - 2209 views
A long and winding roadKen Tapping May 22 - 5851 views
Oil is NOT dead May 22 - 5571 views
At risk of CERB claw backDan Albas May 21 - 14293 views

The Mortgage Gal by Tracy Head

Mortgage professionals Laurie Baird and Tracy Head provide guidance for obtaining a mortgage, a new home, or planning a move.

Good time for pre-approval? May 25, 2020
Interest in home-buying up May 11, 2020
Still can get a mortgage Apr 27, 2020

It's Your Money by Brett Millard

Certified financial planner Brett Millard translates complex investment, insurance and planning jargon into language everyone understands.

Avoid ill will after death May 25, 2020
Retirement hit by COVID-19 May 18, 2020
Financial plans for women May 11, 2020

The Happiness Connection by Reen Rose

Reen Rose shares strategies to help you find happiness.

5 strategies for change May 24, 2020
Your level of happiness May 17, 2020
Don't hide your brokenness May 10, 2020

Heather's Horoscope by Heather Zais

What's in your future? This is your horoscope stop, with psychic Heather Zais.

Horoscope: May 24-30 May 24, 2020
Horoscope: May 17-23 May 17, 2020
Horoscope: May 10-16 May 10, 2020

FIT Talk With Tania by Tania Gustafson

The FIT Nutritionist, Tania Gustafson, educates and shares valuable tips to help people achieve their health and weight loss goals without dieting and live longer, stronger, better lives, naturally.

Like stubbing your toe May 23, 2020
Don't miss the gift May 9, 2020
Don't sit on it, move it Apr 25, 2020

Happy Gourmand by Kristin Peturson-Laprise

Happy Gourmand is about enjoying life and living in the moment, and sharing that joy to keep those good vibes going.

Chewing on food nostalgia May 23, 2020
Keeping everyone happy May 16, 2020
Taking solace: pause, reflect May 9, 2020

Skywatching by Ken Tapping

Astronomer Ken Tapping shows you the sky and the stars.

A long and winding road May 22, 2020
A surprise in the attic May 15, 2020
How bad can sun behave? May 8, 2020

Writer's Bloc

Welcome to Writer’s Bloc, a column for guest writers to share their experiences with our readers.

Oil is NOT dead May 22, 2020
500-year-old plague advice May 18, 2020
A deficit of empathy May 13, 2020

Dan in Ottawa by Dan Albas

Dan Albas, MP for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, keeps us posted on what's going on in Ottawa.

At risk of CERB claw back May 21, 2020
Should we ignore fraud? May 14, 2020
Strong opinion on gun ban May 7, 2020

On Balance by Bill Downey

Traffic safety seen through the lens of motorcyclist experience and knowledge.

Gap in motorcycle safety May 21, 2020
Pandemic and motorcyclists May 7, 2020
Wrong side of the road Apr 23, 2020

Okanagan Taste by Allison Markin

Allison Markin tastefully explores the wine, libations and food scene in the Okanagan, with thoughtful commentary and reviews of her favourite bottles.

Wineries to watch May 20, 2020
No-touch tasting rooms May 6, 2020
The rise of sourdough Apr 22, 2020

New Thought by Corinne Crockett

Food for the mind and the heart, to encourage an awakening of the power and potential within everyone.

Death during COVID-19 May 20, 2020
Go ahead, get dirty May 13, 2020
Does it really matter? May 6, 2020

Behind the Wheel by Tim Schewe

A veteran columnist and traffic enforcement officer with the RCMP, Tim writes on all things traffic-related.

Stay on your side of the road May 19, 2020
How to ticket with radar May 12, 2020
The two-way left-turn lane May 5, 2020

Achieving Justice by Paul Hergott

Lawyer Paul Hergott is most drawn to, and passionate about, pursuing fair compensation for injured victims.

How are your dog manners? May 19, 2020
Another vicious dog attack May 12, 2020
Bitten by outdated laws May 5, 2020

Mortgage Matters by April Dunn

April Dunn has been assisting clients to purchase, refinance, or renew their mortgages for over 20 years.

Self-employed and owe tax? May 16, 2020
First-time homebuyer tips May 2, 2020
Homebuying in a pandemic Apr 18, 2020

In Your Service by Tracy Gray

MP Tracy Gray serving her constituents of Kelowna-Lake Country

Lots of COVID-19 questions May 15, 2020
Uncertainty for many May 4, 2020
Responding to you Apr 20, 2020

Health and Happiness by Hannah Gibson

Dr. Hannah Gibson brings you the latest health news and advice to help you live a happy and healthy life.

Recognizing heart disease May 14, 2020
It's not all about COVID-19 Apr 30, 2020
The Quarantine 15 Apr 16, 2020

Okanagan Eco-Noggin by Jerry Vandenberg

Jerry Vandenberg delves into the science behind environmental issues.

Hazardous DIY disinfectant May 8, 2020
Build a little free library Apr 14, 2020
Protecting our biodiversity Feb 22, 2020

By the ounce by David Wylie

By The Ounce is written by veteran journalist David Wylie, keeping you in the know about the growing weed industry. Follow on social media: @okanaganz.

Weed in the USA Apr 29, 2020
Passing on the puff, puff Apr 15, 2020
Weed labs help in pandemic Apr 1, 2020

Investment Real Estate by AJ Hazzi

With a well-deserved reputation as a real estate renegade, AJ Hazzi has been shaking up the Kelowna real estate scene since 2002.

Less risky real estate strategy Apr 23, 2020
Cardinal rules of real estate Apr 10, 2020
A retirement rescue plan Nov 28, 2019

Bonnie on Stage by Bonnie Gratz

Bonnie Gratz is the Artistic Director of Kelowna's New Vintage Theatre, and offers us an exciting insider's view of local theatre.

Going into the dark Mar 27, 2020
Life is a cabaret! Feb 21, 2020
Hitting the chocolate factory Dec 6, 2019

It's All About . . . by Mark Jennings-Bates

Mark writes about ways to improve on success in our lives, with ideas to help stay focused for growth and development.

Nanotech to the rescue? Mar 27, 2020
Nanotech hits the road Mar 20, 2020
What can save the world? Mar 13, 2020

Dr. Oz's Vet Advice by Dr. Moshe Oz

Dr. Oz of Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital provides expert advice and information about our pets.

COVID 19 and pets Mar 25, 2020
A vet's view of euthanasia Dec 23, 2019
Dogged by ACL tears Jul 4, 2019

Empowering kids by Tracey Maxfield

Tracey is a retired nurse, speaker, author, peer specialist and mental health/stop bullying advocate and educator.

Self-harm, a new epidemic Mar 9, 2020
Mental disorders in kids Feb 24, 2020
Toxic stress and our kids Feb 10, 2020

How's Your Waste Line? by Rae Stewart

Make joy, not garbage Dec 16, 2019
Don't heave ho haz waste Nov 26, 2019
Waste-free lunches Oct 29, 2019

Fashion File by Marla O'Brien

"Life is short...you might as well go through it looking good."

Farewell from Fashion File Nov 14, 2019
Fashion at Orchard Park Oct 31, 2019
Totally not worth it Oct 17, 2019

The Joy of Travel by Joy McGinnis

Joy McGinnis shares her personal wanderlust and professional insight for emerging travel trends, destinations and useful "what now?" tips.

African Safari 101 Oct 21, 2019
Enjoy some Galapagos glory Oct 7, 2019
Your travel bucket list May 22, 2018

Transitions by Ross Freake

Ross Freake is the columns editor at Castanet.

Finding light in others Oct 2, 2019
Did you know? Sep 23, 2019
Who wrote your life script? Jul 29, 2019

On Your Father's Side by David Trifunov

David Trifunov is a freelance journalist, writer and editor based in Kelowna. He’s the proud father of three girls and the humble author of three middle-grade books for reluctant readers.

Shouldering the load Mar 14, 2019
It's chickenpox, run! Feb 28, 2019
Everyone needs a Kelly Feb 20, 2019

The Art of Speaking

Public speaking and presentations are skills that can be learned and one of the most successful ways is through Toastmasters.

A common tongue Feb 11, 2019
What was I saying? Feb 1, 2019
The art of conversation Jan 11, 2019

Writer submissions

Are you a writer, looking for a home to showcase your work?

We occasionally have openings for new columnists.

Successful writers will show that they have a solid plan for a column, and demonstrate that they can generate fresh ideas weekly or bi-weekly. You will have good writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and a willingness to work with us on changes that we deem necessary.

If accepted, your submissions will be kept in the range of 500 to 800 words.

As a Castanet columnist, you will have your own columnist page with masthead, along with excellent exposure to your work in the Okanagan region, as well as further afield.

Our columns are weekly and bi-weekly. We also have a Guest Column for occasional submissions.

To query for information or to submit your idea, please e-mail [email protected]. If submitting an idea, please give a brief write-up of the idea along with a short sample of your writing (paste sample directly into the body of the email).