Kristi Dobson

No word on MRI increase for Port Alberni’s hospital

The impact to West Coast General Hospital, which is on the rotation of a mobile MRI unit on Vancouver Island, remains to be seen.

Thatcher Stokes, left, and Damon Hunt, owners of Burde Beans Coffee and Things, look forward to reopening the convenience store that was a long-standing feature next to the former high school on Burde Street.

Burde Beans fulfills a dream

The new business in the neighbourhood is a modern take on the mom and pop corner stores that are now rarely seen.

Thatcher Stokes, left, and Damon Hunt, owners of Burde Beans Coffee and Things, look forward to reopening the convenience store that was a long-standing feature next to the former high school on Burde Street.
Pat Miller, with her husband Barry, will conduct her final Christmas concert for Timbre! Choir on Sunday. She will officially retire following the choir’s annual spring concert in 2016.

Pat Miller hanging up her music baton

After more than 30 years as conductor of Timbre! Choir, Miller recently announced her retirement.

Pat Miller, with her husband Barry, will conduct her final Christmas concert for Timbre! Choir on Sunday. She will officially retire following the choir’s annual spring concert in 2016.
Brandon Adano, one of the 24 students from BCIT who participated in hands-on conductor training with the help of members of the Industrial Heritage Society in November, works a switch at the rail yard.

Conductors learn the ropes on Alberni rails

The final group of six students from BCIT wrapped up its hands-on conductor training on local rails, just in time for the real storms.

Brandon Adano, one of the 24 students from BCIT who participated in hands-on conductor training with the help of members of the Industrial Heritage Society in November, works a switch at the rail yard.
Mayor Mike Ruttan, left, presents Marta Williamson, Bev Frolic and Cathy Berry from the Community Arts Council with a Heritage Commission award.

Arts Council celebrates 50 years of culture

The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley has supported art in all its forms for 50 years.

Mayor Mike Ruttan, left, presents Marta Williamson, Bev Frolic and Cathy Berry from the Community Arts Council with a Heritage Commission award.
Alberni Valley artists, from left, including Todd Robinson, Connie Watts, Lori Wilson and Chris Doman came together to host a Holiday Art Show and Sale at Watts’ home last month.

Four artists share single vision for arts

Four artists with four different styles came together to host an annual art show.

Alberni Valley artists, from left, including Todd Robinson, Connie Watts, Lori Wilson and Chris Doman came together to host a Holiday Art Show and Sale at Watts’ home last month.
Young dancers at Stage West School of Performing Arts take a break during a rehearsal for their roles as gingerbread men in the upcoming production of The Nutcracker.

Schools team up for The Nutcracker

BALLET: | Stage West School of Dance, Urban Dance Connection from Campbell River present joint ballet on ADSS Theatre stage.

Young dancers at Stage West School of Performing Arts take a break during a rehearsal for their roles as gingerbread men in the upcoming production of The Nutcracker.
Kerri Shannon, above, says growing up in a musical family prepared her for her role as Patsy Cline, left.

A closer look at ‘Patsy Cline’

Kerri Shannon has no trouble showing her passion on stage.

Kerri Shannon, above, says growing up in a musical family prepared her for her role as Patsy Cline, left.
Behavioural consultant Janis Joseph says Fresh Steps Ability House is as much a safe haven for parents as it is for kids.

Joseph puts focus on abilities

When she opened the doors to Fresh Steps Ability House at the beginning of September, Janis Joseph saw her long-term dream become a reality.

Behavioural consultant Janis Joseph says Fresh Steps Ability House is as much a safe haven for parents as it is for kids.
Chris Hall watches a Blue Jays’ playoff game with his daughters in his hospital room at Vancouver General Hospital.

Cancer shock for Halls

HEALTH: | Alberni’s Hall family moves house to Vancouver as father Chris battles leukemia.

Chris Hall watches a Blue Jays’ playoff game with his daughters in his hospital room at Vancouver General Hospital.

Port Alberni train engineer youngest in BC

A local train enthusiast got his start on the rails, lending a…