Three Alberni Valley women have received King Charles III coronation medals for their longstanding service to the community in the fields of housing, healthcare and seniors' care.
Gord Johns, MP for Courtenay-Alberni, called recipients Marlene Dietrich, Jeanette Watts and Cyndi Stevens three of "the most influential, powerful, inspiring women" in the community. Johns presented the medals in separate ceremonies in November 2024.
Dietrich served as president of Abbeyfield Houses Alberni Valley Society for more than a dozen years, having joined the board a few months before the arrival of the first residents. She worked in various roles for the provincial government after raising four children and fostering four more. She has also served on several boards such as the Alberni Valley Heritage Commission, volunteers with the Alberni District Historical Society and Archives and more.
Watts is nursing manager with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and has managed the health of Nuu-chah-nulth people on and off reserve for 36 years. Stevens is the executive director at the Port Alberni Friendship Center and among other projects oversees Walyaqil Tiny Home Village on Fourth Avenue and the shelter at 3939 Eighth Avenue.