Community

Ocean lovers gather for a beach clean of Cox Bay in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation territory on Sept. 17. (Nora O’Malley photo)

Surfrider Canada and Reef host International Coastal Cleanup Day in Tofino

About 60 volunteers pitched in for a cleanup of Cox Bay on Sept. 17

Ocean lovers gather for a beach clean of Cox Bay in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation territory on Sept. 17. (Nora O’Malley photo)
Veronica Carroll, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island CEO, said there’s no better reason to indulge in a sweet treat with proceeds going to Jeneece Place. (Austin Westphal/News Staff)

Smile cookie week helps families staying in Greater Victoria while receiving medical care

All proceeds from the sale of smile cookies at participating Tim Hortons to support Jeneece Place

Veronica Carroll, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island CEO, said there’s no better reason to indulge in a sweet treat with proceeds going to Jeneece Place. (Austin Westphal/News Staff)
Cim MacDonald’s Rotary Club mural on the Rotary bunker. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Unveiling tour showcases newest Chemainus murals and sculptures since 2020

Everyone invited for walking tour to see and hear about the latest additions

Cim MacDonald’s Rotary Club mural on the Rotary bunker. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Ucluelet garbageman Frank Thomas Trodden took this photo of just some of the bounty he received during an appreciation day held in his honour to thank him for his hard work and positive attitude. (Photo courtesy of Frank Thomas Trodden)

Ucluelet showers popular garbageman with gifts on ‘Frank Appreciation Day’

“Thanks Frank for doing a great job. We really do appreciate you.”

Ucluelet garbageman Frank Thomas Trodden took this photo of just some of the bounty he received during an appreciation day held in his honour to thank him for his hard work and positive attitude. (Photo courtesy of Frank Thomas Trodden)
Do you know where the Granny Smith apple originated? (Pixabay.com)

QUIZ: How much do you know about grandparents?

The second Sunday of September is National Grandparents Day in Canada

Do you know where the Granny Smith apple originated? (Pixabay.com)
The 12th Annual Vancouver Island Motorcycle Ride to Live is set to get underway, Sept. 11. (VI Westcoast Ride to Live Facebook photo)

12th-annual Ride to Live set to rev up on Vancouver Island

Westcoast Motorcycle event is a fundraiser for the Island Prostate Centre

The 12th Annual Vancouver Island Motorcycle Ride to Live is set to get underway, Sept. 11. (VI Westcoast Ride to Live Facebook photo)
Bert terHart. (Submitted photo)

PODCAST UPDATE: Bert terHart is paddling, portaging across Canada

TODAY IN B.C.: Adventurer is ahead of schedule to reach the Atlantic Ocean

Bert terHart. (Submitted photo)
Lucia and Geoff Lyons hold up their Long Service plaques beside District of Ucluelet's park and rec staff Abby Fortune and Barb Gudbranson. (Nora O'Malley photo)

Volunteer stalwarts earn Long Service Awards in Ucluelet

Geoff and Lucia Lyons honoured for dedication to community

Lucia and Geoff Lyons hold up their Long Service plaques beside District of Ucluelet's park and rec staff Abby Fortune and Barb Gudbranson. (Nora O'Malley photo)
Porter Family. (submitted photo)

PODCAST UPDATE: The Porter Family – Flying around the world

TODAY IN B.C.: They hope to raise $1 million for charity during the 14 month trip

Porter Family. (submitted photo)
Rachelle Cole hurls a keg during the 2022 Ukee Days Keg Toss competition. (Nora O’Malley photo)

Ucluelet’s Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock rider Rachelle Cole is on a roll

Cole is the top fundraiser in the 25th Annual Tour de Rock peloton of 21 cyclists by a landslide

Rachelle Cole hurls a keg during the 2022 Ukee Days Keg Toss competition. (Nora O’Malley photo)
Christy Moore, 7, Finley Butler-Parent, 10, and Mayari Grimshire, 6, were excited to slide their input into what a new playground en route to Ucluelet’s Village Green should feature during an open house event on August 17. (Andrew Bailey photo)

Ucluelet parents and kids weigh in on new playground

Upgrade sliding into town’s Village Green

Christy Moore, 7, Finley Butler-Parent, 10, and Mayari Grimshire, 6, were excited to slide their input into what a new playground en route to Ucluelet’s Village Green should feature during an open house event on August 17. (Andrew Bailey photo)
Tour de Rock rider Rick Geddes of Ucluelet arrives at the top of Mount Washington Alpine Resort during a practice ride in July. (PHOTO COURTESY RICK GEDDES)

Tour de Rock fundraising ramps up for 2022 team member Rick Geddes

He may be Ucluelet’s fire chief but his hometown Port Alberni is embracing Geddes’ tour appearance

Tour de Rock rider Rick Geddes of Ucluelet arrives at the top of Mount Washington Alpine Resort during a practice ride in July. (PHOTO COURTESY RICK GEDDES)
Members of the 2022 Tour de Rock team. (Tour de Rock photo)

Tour de Rock riders getting ready to hit the road for 25th-anniversary fundraiser

The team is in the final stretches of training before Sept. 24 start of annual cancer-fighting ride

  • Aug 19, 2022
Members of the 2022 Tour de Rock team. (Tour de Rock photo)
Sicamous residents Cathy and Ernie Baynes will celebrate their 72nd anniversary on September 2, 2022. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)

‘Could be we tolerate each other’: Shuswap couple to celebrate 72nd anniversary

Humour part of the glue that’s kept Cathy and Ernie Baynes together

  • Aug 18, 2022
Sicamous residents Cathy and Ernie Baynes will celebrate their 72nd anniversary on September 2, 2022. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)
Jason Heit. (photo submitted)

PODCAST: Jason Heit: From the boxing ring to security for the stars

TODAY IN B.C. Island fighter/trainer worked security for Drew Barrymore, Nicholas Cage

Jason Heit. (photo submitted)
This iconic vintage British sports car, a Morgan, was a people’s choice contender at the 21st Annual Car Show at R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)

Time to shine: Classic and antique automobiles converge at Shuswap event

R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum hosts 21st Annual Car Show

This iconic vintage British sports car, a Morgan, was a people’s choice contender at the 21st Annual Car Show at R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)
Fernie Brewing Co. Victoria rep Monique Le Sage, left, and Michelle Le Sage. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Organizers, craft brewers and food vendors pour their hearts into Island festival

Sold-out crowd enjoys taste treats and camaraderie at Cowichan Craft Beer Food Festival

Fernie Brewing Co. Victoria rep Monique Le Sage, left, and Michelle Le Sage. (Photo by Don Bodger)
The Donaldson family of Bradner Farms has received the Century Farm Award from the provincial government. Robert Donaldson (in the centre in the plaid shirt) passed away on Aug. 11. (Photo from Bradner Farms)

Abbotsford family honoured for more than 100 years of farming

Bradner Farms celebrates 4 generations of farming with provincial award

The Donaldson family of Bradner Farms has received the Century Farm Award from the provincial government. Robert Donaldson (in the centre in the plaid shirt) passed away on Aug. 11. (Photo from Bradner Farms)
Valdy performs at the 2019 ROOTSandBLUES Festival. Do you know which communitiy hosts this iconic B.C. music festival? (Black Press file photo)

QUIZ: A celebration of summer fun

There are plenty of summertime activites to enjoy during the last weeks of August

Valdy performs at the 2019 ROOTSandBLUES Festival. Do you know which communitiy hosts this iconic B.C. music festival? (Black Press file photo)
There is a 60-year reunion on Aug. 27 for all classmates of Courtenay High School in 1962. Photos supplied

Courtenay High School celebrating a 60th anniversary reunion for 1962 classmates

The 60th Courtenay High School Reunion committee is inviting all classmates from…

  • Aug 10, 2022
There is a 60-year reunion on Aug. 27 for all classmates of Courtenay High School in 1962. Photos supplied