Valley Heartbeat! by Kristi Dobson
May 10, 2016
A week ago Friday, Lorraine and Victor Kimola lost their beloved dog, Azna, to something they feel could have been prevented. Still heartbroken, the two are hoping to raise awareness so other pet owners do not have to suffer the same type of tragedy.
About three weeks ago, the Kimola’s went to...
May 6, 2016
Another option has popped up in the Uptown area to provide a farmers market-type feel and to offer the community a selection of produce, baked goods and homemade preserves and crafts. The grand opening of the Uptown Urban Market kicks off today at noon and will be open every Friday and Saturday...
May 3, 2016
It was a challenge achieved by only twelve feet on Sunday. In times under 43 minutes, six runners competing in the No. 7 Challenge beat the train in a race against the locomotive from the train station to McLean Mill. The fourth annual event attracted a record number of 204 registrants, with 160...
April 29, 2016
Gerald Trees is most comfortable on two wheels. It is no surprise since he has been riding bikes, both motorized and pedal-powered, since he was a toddler.
Growing up in southern Oregon, Gerald was surrounded by uncles and older cousins who raced motorcycles. He learned the ropes and got his first...
April 26, 2016
18 local businesses and individuals were recognized on Friday night at the annual Chamber of Commerce Community Excellence Awards gala. The event, a sell-out held at the Italian Hall, was well attended by both finalists, nominees and the public.
Some of the winners were brand new to the event,...
April 22, 2016
This week Jean Thomas brought some of her own culture and experience into the classroom at E.J. Dunn Middle School. That is nothing new for the Nuu-chah-nulth Education Worker, who regularly teaches students about First Nation language, history and traditions. This week, a handful of Grade 6...
April 19, 2016
In her quest to provide the best education for her children, Jessica Burns, with the help of other parents, hopes to open a new, specialized learning centre in Port Alberni. Jessica has two young sons living with varying degrees of Autism Spectrum Disorder and has experienced first-hand the...
April 15, 2016
The success of last year’s Fem Essentials “Time of the Month” drive was enough to encourage Melissa Turner to continue it as an annual event. This Saturday she hopes to collect even more feminine products, hygiene items and other necessities for women in need and is already well on the way.
When...
April 12, 2016
Not many people can add meeting Elvis Presley to their list of life stories. At 87 years young, Knox Coupland has led a full life with Elvis and other celebrity encounters as some of the highlights. Always on the go with a busy career in sales and marketing, as well as volunteer commitments, Knox...
April 8, 2016
Is there a place in Port Alberni to which you feel a deep connection? Did you marry your high school sweetheart in one of the many churches in Alberni? Are you a business owner who has spent countless hours at your establishment? Or maybe you remember a building from your youth that is no longer...
April 5, 2016
Zack Jones brought home some hardware from the Top 20 Under 40 awards held in Nanaimo on Saturday night. Relatively new to Port Alberni, the Save-On Foods manager was surprised by the win, but for those who know him, and the contributions he has made to the community, the recognition was well-...
April 1, 2016
When Kate Walton moved to Port Alberni last November, the change was not just a new town that she was about to call home. She moved in with her boyfriend for the first time, had to find a job and took her driver’s license exam. After only two weeks of unpacking her suitcases, however, everything...
March 30, 2016
A loss for Port Alberni will be New Zealand’s gain. Charmead Schella, the well-known friendly face at Literacy Alberni will be moving there next month to start a new life with her family. The wife and mother of two boys made the decision with her husband, Chris Marshall, so they could live closer...
March 25, 2016
Werner Krupek knows a lot about wood. He spent most of his working life in the lumber industry and after he left his career at the Somass Mill, started to explore the creative side of woodworking.
Werner was born in Germany, and like many immigrants, his parents were in search of a better life....
March 22, 2016
At the age of 10, John Howitt Elementary School student Jayden Blake is putting what she has learned about humanitarian efforts into action. She joined the school’s new Leadership Club at the beginning of the school year and has been inspired to help those in need around the world. Since January,...
March 18, 2016
As a father of three adult children, Cpl. Dave Cusson knows first-hand the challenges both teenagers and parents face in today’s society. He is currently gearing up for a powerful two days of sharing tools and strategies that kids can use to make healthy choices and parents can use to connect...
March 15, 2016
Rebecca Standley is putting two of her passions together to bring something new for parents and children in Port Alberni. She has the skills, experience and the business’ backup and support from her husband, Shawn. Within a few months, the two will be launching a unique play café on Argyle Street....
March 11, 2016
Two employees of EM Salon and Spa have recently been recognized for their personal and professional accomplishments. Both Ashley Weightman and Zoe Lowell credit their successes to their individual drive and continued learning and hope their talents can enhance the experience for clients of the...
March 8, 2016
A local aspiring photographer has been using her passion for self-expression for many years but a last-minute decision helped determine some long-term career goals. Sarah Etoile was recently accepted into VIU’s Aboriginal Ecotourism Program and intends to use the training to work in the area’s...
March 4, 2016
Have you heard of Pickleball? It is the fastest growing sport in the United States and is gaining popularity in Port Alberni. The racket sport combines tennis, badminton and ping pong and is played with a light-weight wiffle ball.
Ron Crema picked up the sport while in Arizona four years ago. The...
