New Members Night Scavenger Hunt

Vernon Junior Chamber International is Vernon’s premier organization for Young Entrepreneurs aged 19-40 who are looking for Business, Community & Social networking and development opportunities. 

Members of this organization sit on committees, chair high profile community events like Rocktoberfest or the JCI Vernon Hospital Gala, attend top of the line business training, and enjoy fun monthly social events like this one. 

Date:             Saturday, March 20^th

Time:       7:00 pm

Location:  Gumtree Catering, 42-100 Kalamalka Lake Road

Come out and have some fun! Free for non-members, no pressure to join!  

To RSVP or for more information please call: 

Terry-Ann - 250-550-6616 or  Sharla - 250-550-4076

Vernon, British Columbia, May 28, 2007, JCI Vernon is pleased to announce the 2006 Junior Good Citizen of the Year (5-10years) ~ Jennifer Adams. "Jennifer is a natural student leader, who does not expect anything in return; she is always kind and friendly to her peers"  ~ Loretta Ramsey 

This Grade 4 student was nominated for this award by two of her Harwood Elementary School teachers Loretta Ramsey and Melanie Munk.

Jennifer is a top academic student, receiving straight A's.  When she is given an assignment, not only does she complete it, but goes beyond one's expectations. Before school in the morning she helps hand out the attendance boards.  She is also a "Hip Hop Helper"(peer helper), which is a playground buddy and problem solver.  While others tire of giving up their play time at lunch and recess, Jennifer continues to be there for others.  When ever someone needs an extra hand she is there to help.

Jennifer is an active member in the school choir and is also a member of the chess club.

She is also an avid reader and is involved in the district wide Battle of the Books. To support her team she has read each book 3 times!

Jennifer loves sports and displays good sportsmanship in all PE activities and also has excellent skills.

  JCI Vernon Announces Junior Good Citizen of the Year  ~ Brianna Eedy

Vernon, British Columbia, May 25, 2007, JCI Vernon is pleased to announce the 2006 Junior Good Citizen of the Year (11-19years) ~ Brianna Eedy. "Brianna has taken initiative in many areas because she really cares and knows she can make a difference" ~ Mr. Tom Wilkinson, Principal. 

This Grade 7 student is very aware of global issues and being such a passionate individual she has shared her concerns with her classmates and brought it to the attention of the student body and the greater community. During the past two years she has organized a "Vow of Silence" in support of children throughout the world who have no voice.  In addition, she also organized a "Fair Trade" fundraiser bringing recognition to forced child labour throughout the world.  Locally, she and a group of Grade 6 students presented an "I Movie" to City Council about Cigarette Butts which resulted in the Council adopting a new By-Law.

Academically, Brianna is an outstanding student who works hard to achieve very good grades.  Athletically, she is a member of the Vernon AAA Track Club and has competed across BC, Alberta and the northwest USA in sprints.  She is a dedicated and focused rising track star.

During the 2006/07 school year, Brianna has organized a "Brick by Brick" campaign, raising funds to support disadvantaged children in Africa.  The revenue from this campaign will be used to build schools and to buy school supplies.  In addition Brianna also organized the "Vow of Silence" in support of the disadvantaged children across the planet.  Presently, Brianna is helping instruct sprinting during her school's Track and Field unit.  Brianna has also been a member of the "Zirka Dancer's" of the Okanagan for the past four years.

Brianna has taken initiative in many areas because she really cares and she knows that she can make a difference.

Good citizen overwhelmed with honour

Cass Ruby mistakenly congratulated acting Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary president Margaret Cousins for some kind of honour, upon seeing Cousins holding a bouquet of roses at the hospital.

But the rose bouquet Cousins was holding was actually for Ruby, who was named the 2007 JCI Vernon Good Citizen of the Year Tuesday, although she nearly spoiled the surprise by showing up early and heading to the cafeteria, where well-wishers, including Cousins, had gathered to make the Good Citizen presentation.

"Everybody lied to me," laughed Ruby, when asked about the honour.

Lured to the hospital under the guise of attending a meeting to help the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation with fundraising ideas, Ruby, a long-time auxiliary volunteer, was stunned to see more well-wishers gathered in a VJH foyer to honour her.

She received several flower and balloon bouquets, and will be honoured with a spot in Saturday's annual Vernon Winter Carnival parade.

"I'm shocked," said Ruby, 83, tears streaming down her face, lower lip trembling, when JCI Good Citizen committee chair Alisa Briggeman announced her as this year's winner. "I'm normally a talker. I'm speechless."

Known for her big smile, encouraging words and outgoing personality, Ruby has brought innovative ideas to change the profile of volunteerism, and has rejuvenated enthusiasm for the hospital internally, as well as in the broader community.

She was the driving force behind celebrating VJH's 100th year, and also came up with the idea of the "Adopt a Room" program that became a marketing focus for the foundation's Paint A Brighter Picture campaign. VJH was adopted out and redecorated to commemorate its 100th year in Vernon in 1997.

A resident of the North Okanagan for 40 years, Ruby and her late husband, Martin, ranched for many years on Salmon River Road. She established the Neighbourhood Watch program in the Salmon River Valley in 1998, where she got residents and the authorities involved. She did fundraising for the project, organized meetings, put together a community newsletter and orchestrated Salmon River Valley community get-togethers.

Ruby has also been involved with such programs at the Cattlemen's Association and the Canadian Red Cross.

She has been a member of the VJH Auxiliary since 1991, and served as its president in 1995-96.

"Cass is wonderful," said Cousins. "She's so kind, so loving, so caring. She helps anybody in need. All-in-all, she's a great person and I'm happy to call her my friend. That lady can pull any group together. She's a ray of sunshine."

Ruby is the fourth auxiliary member to be named Good Citizen of the year, joining Leona Law, Pat Collins and Betty Ladyman.

Among the well-wishers, and among the people Ruby jokingly threatened to kill after surprising her with the award, was Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert.

"This lady does so much for this community and this hospital," said Lippert, in one of several hugs he gave the Good Citizen. "She has worked very, very hard, she's always willing to give of herself.

"She does what a lot of great volunteers do, and that's give someone else the credit when she deserves it. She's one of the true icons of the community."

In announcing the award, former JCI Vernon branch president Nikki Mulder said nothing slows down Ruby.

"Cass continues her spirit of generosity to this day with countless hours spent volunteering," said Mulder. "She is always looking for ways to make the community a better place."

Ruby called being named Good Citizen of the Year "the nicest thing that has ever happened to me."

"That's why I love this city," she smiled.