PEDESTRIAN STRUCK | Senior injured while crossing downtown intersection Monday [A6]
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Cassidy Sharman, 10, takes a shaved ice break with her cousin Sydney Sharman, three, and brother Zack Sharman, six, at the Downtown Vernon Association’s Sunshine Festival Saturday. Beamer Wigley, nine, sings the song he wrote for Vernon’s RBC Cup bid during the RBC Cup Kickoff Rally at the 18th annual Sunshine Festival. For more photos, see page A25 and online at www.vernonmorningstar.com
Citizen’s selfless acts cause a buzz Armstrong’s Busy Bee is its 2012 Good Citizen of the Year. Betty Bifano, who does volunteer work at the Bargain Bin among other selfless acts of kindness, was caught off guard when presented with the honour Friday morning at the Bin. “I was shocked, absolutely,” said Bifano, a widow, mother and grandmother. “I guess it’s an honour to be chosen, but I don’t feel I have done enough to be given that award.” Those who nominated Bifano, referred to by one nominator as “The Busy Bee,” would disagree. Several people nominated Bifano for her work with the Bargain Bin, for the fact she reads to people with poor eyesight, and
for children at Highland Park Elementary School. Bifano visits patients in the hospital. She bakes cookies and buns for an Armstrong senior home and a friend who is ill. She prepares lunch and makes muffins for the senior day care in Enderby twice a week. And Bifano volunteers in the flower division at the Interior Provincial Exhibition, plus plants the flowers at her apartment building for all to enjoy. Whatever she does, wrote one nominator, Bifano does everything “with a very cheerful and patient attitude.” Born and raised on an Armstrong farm, Bifano and her husband, Ralph, raised three kids before moving to Trail, where Bifano would spend 17 years. After Ralph passed away in 1992, Bifano stayed in the Kootenay city substitute teach-
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ing and working at Trail’s famous Colander Restaurant. When she wasn’t working, Bifano started to visit older people in their homes, helping “people who need help,” she said. A desire to be closer to her kids and grandchildren resulted in Bifano moving back to Armstrong in 2007 where she continued volunteering her time, something she certainly enjoys doing. “It gives something to occupy your time that’s worthwhile,” said Bifano. Bifano was slated to attend the Citizen of the Year tea, hosted by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum & Art Gallery, Tuesday, before being officially recognized by the community at Canada Day July 1 in Memorial Park. She will also be the honorary parade marshal for the IPE parade Sept. 1.
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Chamber president Sandra Starke (right) congratulates 2012 Armstrong Spallumcheen Citizen of the Year Betty Bifano.
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