Community

Carl Poole, left, from ADSS and Melody Burton from the ADSS Breakfast Club accept a $1,000 donation from Save-On-Foods manager James Arbouw and assistant manager Trent Clay, May 5, 2022. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

Save-On-Foods ‘rounds up’ donation for Port Alberni high school’s breakfast program

42 classrooms at Alberni District Secondary provide fruits, veggies daily for students

Carl Poole, left, from ADSS and Melody Burton from the ADSS Breakfast Club accept a $1,000 donation from Save-On-Foods manager James Arbouw and assistant manager Trent Clay, May 5, 2022. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
People in the Alberni Valley turned to trails like the Bingo Bay Trail inside the Alberni Valley Community Forest to be physically distanced outdoors during the height of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. June 12, 2020 (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Alberni Valley Community Forest open house takes place May 13 at AV Regional Airport

Recreational users, general public welcome to give input on future planning

People in the Alberni Valley turned to trails like the Bingo Bay Trail inside the Alberni Valley Community Forest to be physically distanced outdoors during the height of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. June 12, 2020 (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Members of the Boots and Bridles 4-H Club, from left, Naomi Dorst, Abby Lamb, Jett Laborsiere, Jaxxon Wunderlick and Sophie Wunderlick held a bake sale and cake raffle at Spirit Square Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 7, 2022. (SONJA DRINKWATER/ Special to the AV News)

4-H alive and well in Port Alberni

Members of the Boots and Bridles 4-H Club were at Spirit Square Farmers’ Market

Members of the Boots and Bridles 4-H Club, from left, Naomi Dorst, Abby Lamb, Jett Laborsiere, Jaxxon Wunderlick and Sophie Wunderlick held a bake sale and cake raffle at Spirit Square Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 7, 2022. (SONJA DRINKWATER/ Special to the AV News)
Ron MacLeod is part of the Dream Chopper competition. (Screen grab)

B.C. man needs votes to build dream motorcycle on Orange County Choppers

Ron MacLeod needs votes to build motorcycle with Paul Teutul Sr. of Orange County Choppers T.V. fame

Ron MacLeod is part of the Dream Chopper competition. (Screen grab)
Eva Hompoth says she isn’t getting hung up on what her cancer diagnosis is taking away from her, but is focusing instead on cherishing the time she has left. (Contributed photo)

Facing terminal cancer, BC woman holds ‘Ashes Shower’

‘Even if I’m not here, the memories, I still want them to be fun,’ says Eva Hompoth

Eva Hompoth says she isn’t getting hung up on what her cancer diagnosis is taking away from her, but is focusing instead on cherishing the time she has left. (Contributed photo)
A beaver swims in the Burde Street beaver pond in this undated photo. Friends of the Burde Street Beaver Pond are holding a town hall meeting on May 16 to discuss protecting the area from development. (PHOTO COURTESY SANDY MCRUER)

Citizens concerned about beaver ponds to host town hall in Port Alberni

San Group development vs. Burde Street beaver ponds at heart of May 16 event

A beaver swims in the Burde Street beaver pond in this undated photo. Friends of the Burde Street Beaver Pond are holding a town hall meeting on May 16 to discuss protecting the area from development. (PHOTO COURTESY SANDY MCRUER)
All participants who sign up for Sweatin’ for Science are automatically entered to win the grand prize, but they can also gain extra entries by following @sweatinforscience on Instagram, liking the post announcing the grand prize, tagging friends and sharing it to their stories.

Win a two night stay at Westin Whistler with Sweatin’ for Science

The Science Fair Foundation BC’s biggest fundraiser, Sweatin’ for Science Space Edition…

  • May 9, 2022
All participants who sign up for Sweatin’ for Science are automatically entered to win the grand prize, but they can also gain extra entries by following @sweatinforscience on Instagram, liking the post announcing the grand prize, tagging friends and sharing it to their stories.
Christine Parfitt holds up a tray of starter plants that were on sale at the Alberni Valley United Church on Saturday, April 30, 2022. (SONJA DRINKWATER/ Special to the AV News)

Spring plant sales proliferate in Port Alberni

United Church’s annual sale was back with plants and other treasures

Christine Parfitt holds up a tray of starter plants that were on sale at the Alberni Valley United Church on Saturday, April 30, 2022. (SONJA DRINKWATER/ Special to the AV News)
North Island College’s CARE² Plan’s goals include the development of academic processes and curriculum that better support student mental health, the creation of more programs focused on de-stigmatizing mental illness and furthering the development of inclusive and effective supports such as counselling and emergency funding for students. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE

New North Island College plan supports student mental health and well-being

CARE² Plan commits to creating a culture of care and compassion

North Island College’s CARE² Plan’s goals include the development of academic processes and curriculum that better support student mental health, the creation of more programs focused on de-stigmatizing mental illness and furthering the development of inclusive and effective supports such as counselling and emergency funding for students. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE
Thomas Ambrose (right) was supported by his nephew and a host of other family and friends during the first annual “Wish You Were Here - Edie Ambrose suicide awareness ride” on April 23. (Submitted by Thomas Ambrose)

Training ride takes on bigger meaning for Cowichan cyclist

From Duncan to Tofino in memory of a daughter lost to suicide

Thomas Ambrose (right) was supported by his nephew and a host of other family and friends during the first annual “Wish You Were Here - Edie Ambrose suicide awareness ride” on April 23. (Submitted by Thomas Ambrose)
Gerrie Pavan has prepared dozens of plants<ins>—such as the red valarian, angelica and raspberry cane she’s holding—</ins> for the Mt. Klitza Garden Club’s annual plant sale, coming up Saturday, May 7 at the Rollin Art Centre in Port Alberni. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

Mt. Klitsa Garden Club annual plant sale returns to Rollin Art Centre

Port Alberni plant sale well established since its first year in 2000.

Gerrie Pavan has prepared dozens of plants<ins>—such as the red valarian, angelica and raspberry cane she’s holding—</ins> for the Mt. Klitza Garden Club’s annual plant sale, coming up Saturday, May 7 at the Rollin Art Centre in Port Alberni. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
Asger Bentzen and his friend Liz Huff were walking on the grounds at Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens on April 26, 2022 when Asger spotted this special ‘adventure’ rock along the path. The rock originated in Port Angeles, Wash. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

Retired geologist discovers travelling ‘adventure rock’ in Port Alberni

Rock originated in Port Angeles

Asger Bentzen and his friend Liz Huff were walking on the grounds at Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens on April 26, 2022 when Asger spotted this special ‘adventure’ rock along the path. The rock originated in Port Angeles, Wash. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
David Black owner of Black Press Media (left) and Judi Prewett, president of Carlton House, flank veteran John Hillman, 103, as he laps the Oak Bay courtyard to raise funds for Save the Children. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

Downpour doesn’t dampen Oak Bay veteran’s spirit as 103-year-old walks to Save the Children

War in Ukraine adds inspiration for third consecutive fundraiser by John Hillman

David Black owner of Black Press Media (left) and Judi Prewett, president of Carlton House, flank veteran John Hillman, 103, as he laps the Oak Bay courtyard to raise funds for Save the Children. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)
Members of the 2021 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock ride through Ladysmith on a practice ride. (Photo by Duck Paterson)

Tour de Rock team unveiling marks start of Vancouver Island cancer fundraiser

Tillicum elementary in Saanich to host naming ceremony for 2022 team riders

Members of the 2021 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock ride through Ladysmith on a practice ride. (Photo by Duck Paterson)
Funds raised through Sweatin’ for Science will help remove barriers in access to science fairs and STEM education, and ensure the success and sustainability of science fairs across BC and Yukon.

Science Fair Foundation BC kicked off its biggest fundraiser, Sweatin’ for Science, May 1

The Science Fair Foundation BC has kicked off its biggest fundraiser Sweatin’…

  • May 2, 2022
Funds raised through Sweatin’ for Science will help remove barriers in access to science fairs and STEM education, and ensure the success and sustainability of science fairs across BC and Yukon.
There were bike riders of all kinds representing the Jumping Slug Community Cyclery in the July 1 parade in 2019. ELENA RARDON PHOTO

Port Alberni’s Canada Day committee needs volunteers if July 1 event is to be successful

Committee wants parade to remain on Third Avenue, council suggests moving back to old location

There were bike riders of all kinds representing the Jumping Slug Community Cyclery in the July 1 parade in 2019. ELENA RARDON PHOTO
Kona was the grand prize winner of the 2022 Vancouver Island Dogs calendar. Photo suppled

Fundraiser for Operation Freedom Paws Canada giving dog owners the chance to showcase their pups

Vancouver Island Dogs Calendar Contest returns for a second year with great prizes up for grabs

Kona was the grand prize winner of the 2022 Vancouver Island Dogs calendar. Photo suppled
North Island College student Sally Enns samples kelp as part of a research project with the Kwiakah First Nation. Kelp production research is one of the projects funded by a new research grant from NSERC. (PHOTO COURTESY NIC)

$679,000 grant means more field work for NIC student researchers

B.C. coastal projects focus on climate change, sustainability of seafood production

North Island College student Sally Enns samples kelp as part of a research project with the Kwiakah First Nation. Kelp production research is one of the projects funded by a new research grant from NSERC. (PHOTO COURTESY NIC)
Pat Stephens and her daughter Jean are both mainstays at Abbeyfield House—Pat as a resident and Jean as an employee at the seniors’ congregate living home. (ORLANDO DELANO/ Special to the AV News)

VALLEY SENIORS: Stephens’ mother-daughter make a good team at Abbeyfield House

Jean Stephens works where her mother Pat lives in Port Alberni, and loves every minute of it

Pat Stephens and her daughter Jean are both mainstays at Abbeyfield House—Pat as a resident and Jean as an employee at the seniors’ congregate living home. (ORLANDO DELANO/ Special to the AV News)
BRACELETS FOR UKRAINE Emma Sheare of Port Alberni wants to raise $1,000 to give to two Ukrainian charities—including one that will help pets displaced in the war between Russia and Ukraine. See the full story on page A4. (CHRISTI LEASK PHOTO)

Port Alberni youth fundraises for Ukraine with handmade bracelets

Emma Sheare has chosen two charities to benefit Ukrainian people and animals

BRACELETS FOR UKRAINE Emma Sheare of Port Alberni wants to raise $1,000 to give to two Ukrainian charities—including one that will help pets displaced in the war between Russia and Ukraine. See the full story on page A4. (CHRISTI LEASK PHOTO)