George Ryga Centre Artistic Director Ken Smedley was recently presented with the City of Armstrong's "Recognition of Excellence Award" for his contributions to the cultural health and social awareness, on behalf of the South Okanagan's "nationally renowned heritage landmark," the George Ryga Centre, the former home of George Ryga, the author of The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, one of the best-known and important Canadian plays. While Smedley was harvesting 60 tons of apples to generate revenues for the Centre's operational costs, the provincial government and the City of Penticton declared George Ryga Week, Oct. 28 - Nov. 3. Annually the Canadian troubadours Valdy & Gary Fjellgaard go to the Okanagan/Interior to perform in support of Ryga Week & the George Ryga Centre. This year marks the 20th commemoration of George Ryga's death in 1987, at the age of 55, of stomach cancer, as well as the 40th anniversary of the premiere of The Ecstasy of Rita Joe.