Community

Joe and Della Drinkwater pose for a formal portrait circa 1898. The Drinkwater name has been a noted one since the 1800s, and numerous landmarks and streets are named for different family members. Drinkwater Creek at the headwaters to Great Central Lake was named for Joe Drinkwater, who had a number of mining claims in the Drinkwater Valley. Joe named Della Falls—the highest waterfall in British Columbia—after his wife Della (née Fayette). The couple was married in December 1899. This photo is one of 24,000 in the Alberni Valley Museum’s online archives, available for public viewing at https://portalberni.pastperfectonline.com. (PHOTO PN01129 COURTESY AV MUSEUM)

A LOOK BACK: Joe Drinkwater carves a name for himself in the Alberni Valley

Take a peek at the history of the Alberni Valley with the AV Museum

Lacey, a palomino paint, is in “amazing” shape now, compared to when she was rescued in August 2015. (Leanne Peniuk photo)

BC SPCA’s horse-rescue program offers equine intervention

Book Rescue Me raises funds, awareness for animal-welfare agency

Damien Smith, with father Thomas Smith, is “frozen” with joy as he watches a special message Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds recorded for Damien’s 9th birthday on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Contributed)

Shuswap boy celebrates 9th birthday with family, community and Ryan Reynolds

People from around the world send birthday cards showing young Canoe resident he’s not alone

Helen Watson, posing for a photo for her 100th birthday, turned 105 on Saturday (Nov. 21). (File photo)

B.C. woman who survived Spanish Flu turns 105

Helen Watson has packed a lot into life – including being in two pandemics

Helen Watson, posing for a photo for her 100th birthday, turned 105 on Saturday (Nov. 21). (File photo)
Cumberland resident Lorna Clark says she's going to treat herself to a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, after winning $50,000 on a Bingo Blast scratch ticket. Photo supplied

Cumberland lottery winner says first purchase will be a roast beef dinner

Lorna Clark won the Bingo Blast grand prize

Cumberland resident Lorna Clark says she's going to treat herself to a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, after winning $50,000 on a Bingo Blast scratch ticket. Photo supplied
Richard Hawksworth, 88, has been living in the Alberni Valley since 1946. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

VALLEY SENIORS: Port Alberni senior raises funds for the less fortunate

Richard Hawksworth contributes to the well-being of others

  • Nov 23, 2020
Richard Hawksworth, 88, has been living in the Alberni Valley since 1946. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
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The Eta Chi Sorority chapter in Port Alberni recently donated $1,840 in funds to Ty Watson House, the Salvation Army and Bread of Life, Alberni Community and Women’s Services Society and the SPCA. Lynne Galesloot, left, gives a cheque to Chris Mellin, House Manager of Ty Watson House. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Alberni sorority raises funds for community organizations

Eta Chi chapter applauded for donations

The Eta Chi Sorority chapter in Port Alberni recently donated $1,840 in funds to Ty Watson House, the Salvation Army and Bread of Life, Alberni Community and Women’s Services Society and the SPCA. Lynne Galesloot, left, gives a cheque to Chris Mellin, House Manager of Ty Watson House. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Dwight Ballantyne started #WeSeeYou day to draw more attention to the plight of remote indigenous communities. (Special to The News)

B.C. man aims to bridge gap between remote communities and rest of Canada

Schools across country to send activity kits to isolated towns for Dwight Ballantyne’s #WeSeeYou Day

Dwight Ballantyne started #WeSeeYou day to draw more attention to the plight of remote indigenous communities. (Special to The News)
MARS volunteer John shows ambassador owl Otis to visitors. Photo supplied

Merville avian rescue shelter seeing spike in victims of rat poisoning ingestion

Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society cautions against use of rodent poisons

MARS volunteer John shows ambassador owl Otis to visitors. Photo supplied
Renegade Prospectors co-founders Rick Curiston and Tina Francis pose near Cayoosh Creek. Former Agassiz resident Curiston recently celebrated one year sober from alcohol and eight years drug-free, loving his new lease on life, family and their love for treasure hunting. (Contributed Photo/Tina Francis)

Former Agassiz DJ turned prospector finds treasure, renewed life in Lillooet

Eight years drug-free, Rick Curiston reflects on his passion for agate, gold hunting

Renegade Prospectors co-founders Rick Curiston and Tina Francis pose near Cayoosh Creek. Former Agassiz resident Curiston recently celebrated one year sober from alcohol and eight years drug-free, loving his new lease on life, family and their love for treasure hunting. (Contributed Photo/Tina Francis)
For the first time in two years, the No. 7 steam train steamed up and passed inspection. The locomotive has been out of commission since 2018. (PHOTO COURTESY WVI INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SOCIETY))

No. 7 Baldwin locomotive steams up for first time in two years

Port Alberni-based steam locie has been dormant since a boiler problem halted train trips

For the first time in two years, the No. 7 steam train steamed up and passed inspection. The locomotive has been out of commission since 2018. (PHOTO COURTESY WVI INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SOCIETY))
Roxy Manson of Port Alberni is collecting socks for the month of November. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)

Port Alberni teen rocks with drive for warm socks

Roxy Manson is collecting socks to donate to people living in the cold

Roxy Manson of Port Alberni is collecting socks for the month of November. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)
Several longshoremen are seen working on the deck of a lumber ship on Port Alberni’s harbourfront, circa 1961. The men are identified as: Bert Wahlberg, from left, Dan Dobie (holding a board), unknown, John Luzza, John Gillbanks, Art Dube, Jack Sherwood and Jack Nayler (front right). This photo is one of 24,000 in the Alberni Valley Museum’s online archives, available for viewing at https://portalberni.pastperfectonline.com. (PHOTO PN06814 COURTESY ALBERNI VALLEY MUSEUM)

A LOOK BACK: Longshoremen at Port Alberni’s waterfront

Take a peek at history with the Alberni Valley Museum

Several longshoremen are seen working on the deck of a lumber ship on Port Alberni’s harbourfront, circa 1961. The men are identified as: Bert Wahlberg, from left, Dan Dobie (holding a board), unknown, John Luzza, John Gillbanks, Art Dube, Jack Sherwood and Jack Nayler (front right). This photo is one of 24,000 in the Alberni Valley Museum’s online archives, available for viewing at https://portalberni.pastperfectonline.com. (PHOTO PN06814 COURTESY ALBERNI VALLEY MUSEUM)
A special Tree of Life pendant that ‘Rose’ purchased during a sabbatical to Victoria. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Island woman warns of scams on dating sites from personal experience

Rose gets her $1,500 back, but most aren’t as fortunate

A special Tree of Life pendant that ‘Rose’ purchased during a sabbatical to Victoria. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Roger Miller is a veteran of the Vietnam War and has made his home in the Alberni Valley.

THEN AND NOW: Veteran remembers service, comrades in Vietnam

Roger Miller is a veteran of the Vietnam War and has made his home in the Alberni Valley

  • Nov 11, 2020
Roger Miller is a veteran of the Vietnam War and has made his home in the Alberni Valley.
Tim Murphy

THEN AND NOW: From supply tech to peacekeeper

Tim Murphy was raised in a military family

  • Nov 11, 2020
Tim Murphy
Roy Buchanan

THEN AND NOW: A PPCLI leader among legions

Roy Buchanan enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1973

  • Nov 11, 2020
Roy Buchanan
Ron Simpson joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1963.

THEN AND NOW: A life spent aboard Canadian naval ships

Ron Simpson joined the Royal Canadian Navy in March 1963

  • Nov 11, 2020
Ron Simpson joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1963.
Port Alberni veteran Bruce Proudfoot was born in Porthcawl, Wales and joined the British Army as a Royal Engineer apprentice at age 15.

THEN AND NOW: From Wales to Alberni, an army tale

Port Alberni veteran Bruce Proudfoot joined the British Army at age 15

  • Nov 11, 2020
Port Alberni veteran Bruce Proudfoot was born in Porthcawl, Wales and joined the British Army as a Royal Engineer apprentice at age 15.
Don Bryant, who passed away in October 2020, presents a Certificate of Merit to fellow Legion member and daughter Linda Biamonte in 2014. (PHOTO COURTESY SONJA DRINKWATER)

Port Alberni’s Legion loses beloved leader, staunch volunteer

Don Bryant was known for his involvement in numerous Legion activities

  • Nov 11, 2020
Don Bryant, who passed away in October 2020, presents a Certificate of Merit to fellow Legion member and daughter Linda Biamonte in 2014. (PHOTO COURTESY SONJA DRINKWATER)