Valley Heartbeat! by Kristi Dobson

March 1, 2016
Commitment, dedication and a love of her job has earned Sharanne Gaiga the first-ever Certified Optometric Assistant of the Year award. Despite overcoming challenges, the Valley Vision Optometry employee stuck with her career for more than 24 years and continues to wake up every morning happy to go...
February 26, 2016
Ten years ago, Cst. Scott McLeod helped produce a documentary on the pitfalls of substance abuse, making a connection between a small town in BC and Vancouver’s downtown eastside. Since then, the Aboriginal Policing officer has been helping students stay safe and educating them on how to make good...
February 23, 2016
Do you know what your end-of-life wishes are? More important, do your family members know? It might not be something you want to discuss, but Gretchen Carlson wants to open up the conversation. She, along with Alberni Valley Hospice volunteers, is making it easy to do so with free Advanced Care...
February 19, 2016
Anyone looking for another source of local produce, meat and homemade goods will soon have it in a convenient location. Relatively new to town, the operators of the new family-run View Street Market are excited about the launch of the business next month. The team, including Rick Jorgenson, partner...
February 16, 2016
The City of Port Alberni is teaming up with local not-for-profit organizations to help address the need for volunteers. Theresa Kingston, director of community services, believes volunteerism has changed over the years and it is time to address the issues, including recruitment and commitment.  The...
February 12, 2016
Do you want to be a part of a small, compassionate group of volunteers who are working towards building a healthy community and improving the status of women? The Alberni Community and Women’s Services Society is seeking board members who are committed to the organization’s mission, goals and...
February 10, 2016
It might be less than stellar weather outside this month, but those involved in the arts in Port Alberni are bringing the colour indoors.  The Rollin Art Centre is off to a busy start this year. Just as Hugh Braker’s “Traveler’s Collection” exhibit wraps up, Nancy Wilson’s colourful art is being...
February 5, 2016
A joint effort between students of VAST and the Alberni Valley Childcare Society makes it easy for the public to have a chance at winning a newly built playhouse. The class unveiled the project on Thursday morning and presented it to Society representatives.  The woodworking program at the...
February 2, 2016
When Janis Joseph received a call from her mother letting her know that a large garbage bag of scarves, toques and mitts had been dropped off on her lawn last week, she was happy to accept what she thought was more donations to help a worthy project. On Sunday, though, Janis realized it was not a...
January 29, 2016
There has been a rapid growth in recent years of products and services sold by direct sales representatives. These home-based businesses offer everything from the age-old Tupperware cups and storage bins to trendy beauty products, unique food and household cleaning solutions.  Recognizing this...
January 26, 2016
According to City Economic Development Manager Pat Deakin, when he said last week that he wanted Valley citizens to combat negative online chatter, his intention was not to suppress freedom of speech. Instead, he wants the entire community to help make Port Alberni a positive place to live, and...
January 22, 2016
What will happen if entrance into and out of Port Alberni is cut off for any length of time? Have you thought of where you would acquire food for the duration? Although an emergency grab bag should contain at least one week's worth of food and water, not everyone has one ready and, if they do, the...
January 19, 2016
The Alberni Valley Transition Town Society works in the community to help find ways to ensure a sustainable future despite the challenges of climate change and peak oil. Through volunteer activism, it is hoped that small daily habits locally can make a larger impact world-wide. One of the issues...
January 15, 2016
Youth who have a passion for music and the desire to improve their performance skills will soon have a new outlet.  Todd Flaro's Alberni Teens Can Rock is about to be launched as a non profit performance school for 12 to 18-year olds. Although he does not consider himself a performer, Flaro's drive...
January 12, 2016
Organized, driven and outgoing. Those are the qualities that Jamie Vissia believes are necessary to be a candidate for Totem Spirit and on Saturday night she proved to have all three.  When the Grade 12 student was crowned the 2016 Totem Spirit winner at the 61st annual Totem Tournament at ADSS, it...
January 8, 2016
Nancy Wilmot is throwing herself a birthday party, but the gifts will not be for herself. Instead, she is hosting a fundraiser for the local Special Olympics and is inviting the whole community to help celebrate her special day for some special athletes.  Over the years Nancy has made connections...
January 5, 2016
Well-known locally for her popular tea leaf readings, Shelley Royendyk has so much more to offer. Born and raised in Port Alberni, Shelley is a successful business woman whose work spans internationally. Starting out developing and facilitating personal development workshops only seven years ago,...
January 1, 2016
As the temperature dipped to -4 C this morning, a large number of brave souls dipped in the waters off Canal Beach for the annual Polar Bear Swim.  The winner for the best costume was an anonymous dipper dressed as a Tiger. The best team costume went to the Kinsmen Club and the oldest participant...
December 29, 2015
Whether ringing in the New Year at home or out on the town, there is something happening for all ages this Thursday night.  Parks and Recreation kicks off an early evening with swimming, roller blading and ice skating. The Multiplex opens at 5 p.m. for on-ice games and activities, and both Glenwood...
December 25, 2015
More than 150 people were fed a full Christmas dinner today at Pizza Factory. With the help of volunteers and donors, there were three seatings held over the afternoon to accommodate everyone and no one walked away hungry.  When Brian Calm initially had the idea in November of hosting the dinner,...

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