Jowsey’s is celebrating their 70th anniversary this year, making them the oldest furniture store on Vancouver Island still operated by the founding family. Owner Jennifer Norn says they will be celebrating with a special event in May. Jowsey’s has also welcomed a new salesperson to their team. Sheri Stanley started at the furniture store Feb. 1. Stanley is a well-known local resident who worked with Lucky Printers several years ago. www.jowseys.ca
Royal LePage realtors have been recognized for excellence in their company. Chris Fenton, Esther Fenton and Maureen Mackenzie were each awarded the Royal LePage Diamond Award which recognizes the top three per cent of Royal LePage realtors in the country. Mackenzie has also received the Vancouver Island Real Estate Recognition Award. www.maureenmackenzie.ca The Fenton Team www.albernivalleyrealestate.com
Kevin Wright at Steampunk Café is feeling pretty good about a call from Oakland California last month. It was from YELP, letting him know the popular coffee shop has been awarded a five star award with YELP for the fifth year in a row.
“Apparently very rare,” says Wright. “They called … to thank us for being the kind of company that puts their customers first. I am so proud of my staff for working so hard.” Follow Steampunk on Facebook for daily specials, contests and more.
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce building has two new tenants, in offices left vacant when Huu-ay-aht First Nation staff moved to their new facilities on Elizabeth St. Member of Parliament for Courtenay Alberni, Gord Johns, is moving his office to the chamber for his constituency needs starting April 1. He was previously located at AV Financial. Gordjohns.ndp.ca. 1-844-620-9924.Mortgage professional Rabinder Dhillon has already relocated to the chamber building. If you are considering a new mortgage or renewing a current mortgage, Dhillon offers clients a wide variety choices and mortgage products. rabinderdhillon.ca (250) 731-9194
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce Community Excellence Awards are coming up Friday April 21. Guests to the awards are being asked to wear red in recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, 50 years of merging of the twin cities, and 10 year anniversary of award sponsor Home Hardware. More than 200 nominations have been received for the 18 awards that will be presented. www.albernichamber.ca
Catalyst Paper has stepped up as Title Sponsor for the Vancouver Island Race Association (VIRA) Island Series Paper Chase taking place in Port Alberni Sunday April 2. www.islandseries.org
Financial planner Brittany Larsen is celebrating the first anniversary of her business Ability Wealth Management. Larsen was raised in Ucluelet and appreciates the values that come along with being in a small community. After spending almost 8 years in Victoria, Brittany and her husband moved to Port Alberni in 2013. With 14 years of experience in the financial industry, Brittany is a proud member of Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, which is the oldest and largest voluntary professional membership association of financial advisors and planners in Canada. She completed her Business Administration Diploma (Finance) at Camosun College in 2006 and is accredited with her Certified Financial Planning (CFP) designation and Financial Management Advisor (FMA) designation. www.abilitywealthmanagement.com 250-723-0057
Two local acupuncture practitioners have teamed up to provide affordable treatments for clients. Janette Cormier and Matt Kupnicki are offering acupuncture clinics on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $20 to $40 a session, dependent on what a patient can afford. The clinics will be held at the Integrative Health Unit at 4711 Elizabeth. Learn more or book online at www.paacupuncture.org.
Port Alberni Welcome Wagon is sponsoring this years West Coast Bridal Fair March 26th at the Best Western Barclay. Megan Warrender brought Welcome Wagon back to the Alberni Valley about a year ago after a 20 year absence. Warrender also sponsored a well-attended welcome night for newcomers to the Valley in January. Find Port Alberni Welcome Wagon on Facebook.
Homestead Cookhouse owner Joan Thurston has added some new menu items thanks to a newly aquired deep fryer. Located in Spirit Square at Harbour Quay Homestead Cookhouse is now serving deep-fried french fries, chicken strips and poutine. Watch for more exciting menu items from the deep fryer. Still available are the Nathan’s Hotdogs, pulled smoked pork and pulled smoked chicken.
Homestead Cookhouse is open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (778) 421-2665.