Community at Its Finest

Phyllis Simon (L) and Chelsea Kramer

ABC Notary in a smaller centre can expect to become knit into the community in wonderful ways.

When I opened my practice in Vernon in 1983, the citizens of British Columbia had recently made it clear they wanted options in legal services. Interest rates remained high, bankruptcies in business were frequent, and men without work became commonplace. On a sunny Okanagan work day, the playgrounds and beaches saw noticeably more men caring for their children.

Business was anything but brisk but I was fortunate the people of Vernon were accustomed to dealing with a Notary Public. Those in the profession who had retired left a legacy of confidence I could build on. I enjoyed support from the law firms where I had worked previously. I was already well known as an active volunteer in the community and an active member of the faith community.

Debra Burden

Charlene Silvester

My staff brought their own connections to the office and, little by little, things settled down to years of good business. I encouraged two of my assistants, Debra Burden and Charlene Silvester, to become Notaries. Debra recently retired after completing her 25th year as a BC Notary and Charlene continues to work across town. Rhoda Chapman and Chelsea Kramer complete the Notary presence in Vernon today.

While some

Rhoda professionals become

Chapman adversaries fighting for a share of the marketplace, we are more likely to call our colleagues to refer favourite clients because we cannot fit them in.

While some professionals become adversaries fighting for a share of the marketplace, we are more likely to call our colleagues to refer favourite clients because we cannot fit them in.

We are good friends, supportive of each other in business and as families. Those relationships are priceless and have added much to my life over the years. I can reach out to good friends when working through difficult situations. Cooperation in a small centre creates an environment of stability and personal support that is valuable in ways not evident on a financial statement.

I work 3 days a week for Notary Chelsea Kramer. Our easy relationship benefits us both. When Chelsea took two short maternity leaves, I ran the business full time. Now she takes

I have enjoyed a rich and purposeful life over the 35 years I have been a BC Notary serving the people of Vernon and surrounding communities.

Wednesdays off to attend to swimming or riding lessons with her little girls; I also have time to participate in things I love to do. It’s the best balance of working and doing other things I enjoy. My garden flourishes with extra attention and I have lots of time for my family and the senior people in my life.

My husband John and I are Board Members of Pioneer Place Society and operate and manage a 24-unit affordable housing complex for seniors. I have been a Board Member of Turning Point Collaborative Society (formerly John Howard Society) in Vernon for 17 years; the Society is in the midst of an $11.2 million housing project that will alleviate a small portion of the homeless situation in our city.

I have been around for so long, many clients have become friends. It is a wonderful part of my work day to meet with people I have seen many times before. They leave with a handshake or a warm embrace. Long-time relationships strengthen each of us. This is community at its finest!

Clients know the day will come when I will no longer be working. “Will the new girl Chelsea be my Notary?” My answer is always, “Yes, she will be! I am confident Chelsea will treat you well. You can count on her to help you make good decisions and since she is young, she can be your Notary for as long as you will need one.”

I have enjoyed a rich and purposeful life over the 35 years I have been a BC Notary serving the people of Vernon and surrounding communities. The public has a sense of having invested in me and the work I do. What a privilege it is to serve the community in this way! s Phyllis I. Simon is a BC Notary in Vernon.

Margot R. Rutherford* Notary Public

A Member of The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia

*Denotes Professional Notarial Corporation

981 Fitzgerald Avenue Courtenay, BC V9N 2R6 Tel: 250 338-6251 Fax: 250 338-5337 email: mrrutherford-notary@shaw.ca

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