Burnaby NewsLeader, December 24, 2014 by Black Press Media Group

THE JOY OF GIVING AT CHRISTMAS

page

CLIMATE TALKS IN DISARRAY

page

PORT TRUCKERS GETTING ANGRY

page

WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 24 2014 www.burnabynewsleader.com

IT’S THE EVENT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! FRIDAY DEC 26, 2014 TO SUNDAY JAN 4, 2015 OVER 50 BRANDS & 500 MODELS ON SALE | See our flyer online at www.trailappliances.com Silver Mist 3-Piece Kitchen Package with Top-Freezer Refrigerator, Self-Cleaning Ceran-Top Range and a 5 Wash Cycle Dishwasher

M#: WFW87HEDC/YWED80HEBC

While Stock Lasts! MISMATCHED PAIR SPECIAL!

139994

PRICED

Also available in White or Black

Stainless Steel Ceran-Top Range with 6.2 cu ft Oven Capacity and Convection

Stainless Steel Dishwasher with 5 Wash Cycles and Stainless Steel Interior

79998

SALE $ PRICED

M#: FE710DRS

Also available in White or Black

M#: MDB6949SDM

M#: YWFE710H0BS

M#: FFHT1831QM/CFEF3018LM/FFBD2411NM

DOOR CRASHER SPECIAL!

59998

SALE $

MSRP 1400

PRICED

124996

SALE $

(MSRP $2200)

MSRP $ 950

109998

PRICED

DOOR CRASHER SPECIAL!

MSRP 2150

49998

SALE $ PRICED

MSRP 1050

While Stock Lasts!

30” Stainless Steel Ceran-Top Range with Divider that Turns Single Oven into Two Ovens

SALE $

White High Efﬁciency Top-Load Washer with 5.3 cu ft Capacity

MSRP 1900

M#: WRB119WFBM

PACKAGE SALE PRICED!

M#: MVWB750YW

Chrome 5.0 cu ft Front-Load Steam Washer and 7.4 cu ft Dryer

30” Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with 18.7 cu ft Capacity

79998

SALE $ PRICED

MSRP $ 1150

Also available in White or Black

$$ EXTRA SAVINGS! $$ RECEIVE UP TO A 15% INSTANT REBATE

ADDITIONAL 10% OFF ON CLEARANCE PRODUCTS

with the purchase of qualifying Frigidaire Gallery and Frigidaire Professional Major Appliances

Some conditions apply. See in-store for details.

with the purchase of qualifying Bosch Major Appliances

VANCOUVER

RICHMOND

SURREY

COQUITLAM

LANGLEY

10% INSTANT REBATE

VICTORIA

KELOWNA

ANNACIS ISLAND

F2 NewsLeader Wednesday, December 24, 2014

OUR LEGENDARY

Boxing Week

! w o N n SAdaditlioenal O g in ic r P n w o D k r a M * ! S E X A T O N Y A P S U L P ay until Spring 2015 & Do Not P

Locally Owned & Operated 路 Visit us online at: www.la-z-boy.com/vancouver

Ronald McDonald House Charities庐

Coquitlam Langley Richmond North Vancouver BOXING WEEK HOURS

1338 United Blvd. 20670 Langley Bypass #110 - 3100 St. Edwards Dr. (at Bridgeport Rd) 734 W. 14th St. (1 Block N. of Marine Dr. off Bewicke) CLOSED DEC 24 & 25

BOXING DAY DEC 26: 9-7

(604) 521-0100 (604) 533-0060 (604) 248-0330 (604) 985-9351

DEC 27: 10-6 DEC 28: 11-6 DEC 29: 10-6 DEC 30: 10-6 DEC 31: 10-3 OPEN JAN 1: 11-5

*See store for details. Financing on Approved Credit. 3 Months nothing down, no interest, no admin fee. Finance charges will not be charged on the amount financed if the account is paid as agreed. Standard APR 29.9%. A discount equivalent to the GST & PST (12%) will be deducted from the price of your La-Z-Boy upholstered furniture. No Tax offer not applicable on Canadel, Trica and Amiscio products. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Hot Buys Excluded. No price adjustments Dec 26th or 27th. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct such errors. Not all items available at all locations. Offers in effect until January 4th, 2015 or while supplies last.

THE JOY OF GIVING AT CHRISTMAS

page

CLIMATE TALKS IN DISARRAY

page

WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 24 2014 www.burnabynewsleader.com

PORT TRUCKERS GETTING ANGRY

page

A2 NewsLeader Wednesday, December 24, 2014

BOXING WEEKSale

Buy One Pair & Get Second Pair at

50% OFF

the Regular Price*

December 24 - January 1

MENS MARSHALL MID WP

KEEN.DRY WATERPROOF RAVEN/NEUTRAL GRAY (1010151)

BRYCE WP

KEEN.DRY WATERPROOF SHITAKE/BOSSA NOVA (1009541)

Reg 169.99 Sale $99.99

Reg 149.99 Sale $89.99

BOXING WEEK

BRIGGS MID WP

BRYCE MID WP

$89.99

KEEN.DRY WATER PROOF BLACK (1011485)

$79.99

KEEN.DRY WATER PROOF RAVEN/BOSSA NOVA (1011525)

TIMMONS LOW LACE

CASCADE BROWN (1010277)

Reg 119.99 Sale $69.99

BOXING WEEK

$59.99

FELDARS LO

BLACK (26066089) WATERPROOF WALKING SHOE

Reg 169.99 Sale $99.99

Reg 169.99 Sale $109.99

BOXING WEEK

$89.99

$99.99

MX608V3B

CROSS TRAINER (BLACK)

Reg 89.99 Sale $69.99

BOXING WEEK

$59.99

BRYCE MID WP

Reg 169.99

Sale $109.99

BOXING WEEK

Reg 169.99 Sale $99.99

BOXING WEEK

$89.99

BERN BABY BERN LACE

BLACK (1011456)

BERN ANKLE

Reg 149.99 Sale $89.99

BOXING WEEK

KOVEN WP

BERN BABY BERN BOOT

Reg 129.99 Sale $79.99

Reg 219.99 Sale $129.99

$79.99

BERN BABY BERN LACE

DEER TAN (1011457)

OAK (1011142)

$79.99

KEEN.DRY WATERPROOF BLACK/LIME GREEN (1011546)

Reg 159.99 Sale $99.99

BOXING WEEK

$89.99

$69.99

BERN BABY BERN BOOT

(BLACK) SCHWARZ

LANEY

WOMEN’S JUNGLE MOC LEATHER

BOXING WEEK

Reg 119.99 Sale $89.99

$89.99

BLACK (1005481)

Reg 219.99 Sale $129.99

BOXING WEEK

$119.99

SHAPPIRE LINA

BLACK (26067223)

Reg 149.99

Sale $79.99

BOXING WEEK

$69.99

LEXI CHESTNUT

Reg 159.99 Sale $89.99

$79.99

KESSA BETTY

BURGUNDY (26066522)

MIDNIGHT (J56400)

BOXING WEEK

$79.99

KESSA BETTY

BRYCE WP

MAGNET/EVENTIDE (109532)

$79.99

OAK (1005482)

BOXING WEEK

$119.99

AZURA MID WP

KANGAROO (J24320)

SAVE

$10 OFF

SALE RACK SHOES WX608V3P

CROSS TRAINER (WHITE/PINK)

BOXING WEEK

$89.99

BROWN LEATHER (26066512)

$59.99

WX608V3W

CROSS TRAINER (WHITE/BLUE)

Reg 89.99 Sale $69.99

Reg 119.99 Sale $69.99

BOXING WEEK

INGALLS DIVINE

HEDGE IGLOO

INGALLS ROSA

KESSA AGNES

Reg 119.99

Reg 159.99

$59.99

Sale $59.99

Sale $69.99

Sale $79.99

BOXING WEEK

$49.99

$89.99

Reg 89.99 Sale $69.99

BLACK (26067358)

Reg 109.99

BOXING WEEK

BLACK (26062720)

BLACK (26067372)

Reg 149.99

Sale $99.99

Reg 169.99 Sale $99.99

KESSA AGNES

DARK BROWN (26062392)

MW968BR

WATERPROOF (BROWN)

$99.99

BERN ANKLE

BLACK (1011423)

$59.99

FELDARS LO

BROWN LEATHER (26066088) WATERPROOF WALKING SHOE

WOMENS KEEN.DRY WATER PROOF BRINDLE HOT CORAL (1010142)

MX608V3W

CROSS TRAINER (WHITE/NAVY)

$59.99

BLACK (26068784)

$69.99

$59.99

BLACK (26066514)

Reg 119.99

Sale $69.99 BOXING WEEK

$59.99

Metropolis @ Metrotown 604-437-5600 Park Royal North (By the Bay) 604-925-9756

“Your Favourite Shoe Store.”

Woodgrove Centre, Nanaimo, B.C. 250-390-2821 Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge 604-466-6405

All advertised shoes are available at the Burnaby (Metrotown) and Maple Ridge locations only. *Certain exceptions for BOGO promotion apply including SAS, Mephisto, Blundstone, Ecco, Frye, Hunter, UGG Australia, Robeez, and accessories. Half price discount applies to the equal or lower price pair of shoes. Limited quantities available. Sorry no rain checks

www.astepaheadfootwear.com

Wednesday, December 24, 2014 NewsLeader A3

Infocus

OPINION page 6 | LETTERS page 7

Today’s cover was drawn by Brielle, a student at Taylor Park Elementary.

Joan Stevens, 78, helps supervise the volunteers from Burnaby Neighbourhood House who wrap gifts at Metropolis at Metrotown to raise money for programs like Teen Leadership and Seniors Together.

Thoughts on the Gift of Christmas We asked Burnaby residents to share their own memories, inspired by the idea of the Gift of Christmas. Here are a few of the responses:

MARIO BARTEL NEWSLEADER

IN THIS TIME OF GETTING AND SPENDING...

What’s the real Gift of Christmas? Mario Bartel

photo@burnabynewsleader.com

For Kimberly Barwich, the gift of Christmas begins in September. That’s when the program director at Burnaby Neighbourhood House begins recruiting and training the 200-250 volunteers who will be needed to staff the gift wrapping table at Metropolis at Metrotown for the holiday season. The wrapping service, which operates from Nov. 28 to Christmas Eve, raises about $18,000 to support the Youth Leadership and Seniors Together programs at Neighbourhood House. Joan Stevens, 78, occupies both sides of that equation. She’s a volunteer with Seniors Together, which provides activities like monthly outings, ESL lessons and game nights to local seniors. And three hours a week through December she pitches in at the gift wrapping station, supervising a team of young people cutting and folding sheets of colourful paper over boxes and parcels, curling and tying ribbons, stretching tape. For Stevens, the gift of Christmas is about the appreciative smiles from the men—and it’s 75 per cent men, said Barwich—who drop their carefully considered acquisitions at the table near the Disney store for the wrappers to transform into beautifully dressed gifts. “They say ‘I tried to wrap this, but it just

doesn’t look right,’” said Stevens. “They’ve given up.” She also enjoys the smiles and squeals of excited kids visiting the Disney store, or eyeballing the growing pile of presents at the wrapping station awaiting retrieval by their owners. The gifts Bill Wong distributes aren’t in ribboned boxes; they come in plain cotton satchels. But it’s the love and caring that those bags filled with essentials like warm socks, toothpaste, shampoo and soap represent that are Wong’s gift of Christmas. He’s been keeping the lights on at the Union Gospel Mission in New Westminster for 16 Christmases. The mission serves 80-90,000 warm meals a year to people who don’t have much, if anything. But more importantly the daily lunch gatherings for the homeless create community. “It isn’t about the food,” said Wong. “It’s belonging somewhere that is safe, where they can be who they are. The things we take for granted are big for them.” Wong said his gift of Christmas isn’t a job, it’s a calling. “You have to have a heart. We give people hope, not just lip service.” Dignity and respect are gifts of Christmas Pastor Brian Fraser hopes his parishioners at Brentwood Presbyterian carry with them every day. “That gift creates the spirit and space for community,” said Fraser. “In a day of

YOUR HEARING IS A PRICELESS GIFT DON’T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED. At Lloyd Hearing Solutions we offer solutions to fit your communication needs, lifestyle and budget

Call today for a FREE Hearing Screening

NEW YEAR’S EVE

PARTY DECEMBER 31 OPEN UNTIL 4:00AM

NO COVER CHARGE

Stuart Lloyd

Owner & Hearing Instrument Practitioner

Sears Hearing Clinic) 5066 (formerly Kingsway, Burnaby MARINE PUB www.lloydhearingsolutions.ca New place, familiar face 5820 SE Marine Dr

604-434-2070

religious, racial, economic and political polarization, the spirit of community and collaboration is desperately needed.” During the Christmas season his church helps make that happen by collecting socks for people living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and clothing and donations for the Dixon Transition Society that supports families fleeing violence. “Christmas confirms that the gift is here, if we choose to see it and respond positively to it,” said Fraser. At the wrapping station at Metropolis at Metrotown, the gifts are starting to pile up even though it’s early on a Tuesday. The wrapping service is by donation, with a maximum suggested cost of $5 for a large parcel. But people are often more generous, said Barwich. And since the mall provides the wrapping paper and tape as well as the space, all the money goes to Neighbourhood House. “All we have to do is fill it with volunteers, said Barwich. Joan Stevens watches her team of helpers from the Youth Leadership program scurrying with scissors from the thick bolts of colourful paper to the tape dispensers. Stevens smiles. Once, a little girl passing by spied the red Santa hat she wears through the holiday season, ran over and asked her if she was Mrs. Claus. “It’s easy to get into the Christmas spirit when you sit here,” said Stevens.

604 435-2245 www.marinepub.ca

PRIZE GIVEAWAYS! LIVE MUSIC!

I still remember the simple Christmas gifts in years after the Second Great War when I was 10. There was no shopping for Christmas gifts in poverty-stricken rural Germany, and all toys were wood, we kids believed, made by dwarfs and elves to fill the orders for Santa Claus. During the dark evenings of winter we were sneaking up on the local painter’s shop to have a peek through the window into the illuminated work area where the wooden toys had been lined up awaiting for paint jobs. With great anticipation we were spying in awe which item might be on the wish list we submitted to Santa. And what a surprise it then was on Christmas Eve to discover one of those toys under our Tannenbaum, or even more joy when the sparkling toys were delivered by Santa Claus in person. John Schwermer •••••

I grew up in a small town in Italy. At 12, I remember watching my mother undo two old wool sweaters. She used the yarn to knit me a new one for Christmas. That same year, the priest of our parish, on Christmas Eve, had a gift delivered to my house for me. It was a coat, my very first. On Christmas Day I wore both the sweater and the coat, feeling like the richest young boy in town. Those are two gifts and one Christmas I will never forget. Frank Di Cesare MORE CHRISTMAS STORIES, A4

...by Accident We Meet and we’re there when you need us with over 68 years of award-winning collision repairs

ALL MAKES & MODELS

• Courtesy Cars • Lifetime Guarantee

FREE Mobile Estimates (WITHIN 30 KM)

FREE Mini Detail with Every Job

DONN DEAN METROTOWN

1 PLAC 2013E

Collision Repairs Ltd.

6919 Merritt Ave., Burnaby

604-434-7221 • www.donndeancollision.com

A4 NewsLeader Wednesday, December 24, 2014

WE ASKED READERS THEIR...

Gift of Christmas memories One of my fondest memories as a young teenager was a yearly tradition with my father. He was a high school principal, and would change from his regular professional attire into work-at-home clothing to become a silent delivery man. My father and I would then drive to the poorest places in the city to deliver to several specifically identified families all of the items they needed to cook their Christmas dinner. He insisted I be the person to knock on their door, and present this special gift while he—the well-known, respected professional—remained unrecognized in the background. This was a thoughtful gift for people who were less fortunate—and a lasting message of humility and compassion for me. Wanda Mulholland Burnaby Task Force on Homelessness •••••

Some of my most memorable Christmas gifts have come from students I’ve taught. I’ve received colognes, plaques, coffee mugs, chocolates, a watch, a tie, dress shirts, hockey souvenirs, ornaments, and snow globes. One year I even got a turban that made its way from India in time for Christmas. A few Decembers ago, a large silver-coloured eagle sculpture found a nesting place overlooking my class on the filing cabinet beside my desk. It was tacky, random, and from a student. It was perfect! Harman Pandher School Trustee Burnaby Board of Education

PRICES IN EFFECT

DEC. 26-31, 2014

BOXING DAY SALE

CHRISTMAS FABRICS Select Christmas Tabling, Christmas Flannelette Prints, Quiltland Christmas Prints

% OFF REG. PRICE

CHRISTMAS ◆ FAUX FUR - by metre or piece NOTIONS All stock

◆ FELT - by metre

All Stock

60 50 % OFF REG. PRICE

CHRISTMAS RIBBON based on regular price get SPOOLS- 2 of equal or lesser value

BUY 1 GET 2

CHRISTMAS ORGANZA FOIL PRINTS - Regular $8.00/m

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS TABLING - Regular $12.00/m

% OFF REG. PRICE

FREE

3. m $ 50 3. m

(some exclusions may apply, this includes Promotional Clearance, "Special Purchase" , Signature Styles & Yarn)

1678 Southeast Marine Drive

604-321-1848

10th Street

vancouver

Store Hours Colu Columbia mb Mon.-Wed. & ia S Square Plaza t . new weSt Sat. 9:30-5:30 Entry 1015 columbia Street hidden in Save On Thurs. & Fri. Foods X corner columbia Square Plaza 9:30 - 9 Royal Ave. 604-525-0074 www.fabriclandwest.com Sun. 12 - 5 NEW LOCATION

➔

EXPANDED LOCATION

Put Some Extra Money in Your Bank

Deliver the Newspaper! We’re looking for carriers in your area to deliver the Wednesday and Friday editions of the NewsLeader. Call or Email the Circulation Department Today!

604-438-6397 circulation@burnabynewsleader.com

There was one year I organized a Christmas dinner party with my friends in the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown and I asked everyone to bring a toy that was representative of themselves. It was entertaining as people introduced their toy to the group. I brought a big bag of building blocks that for me represented the building of the Neighbourhood House one block at a time. My husband brought a toy crane representing his love for construction. When all was done, the week following, I was proud to deliver two big massive bags of toys to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau for distribution to children of low income families. The gift of Rotary giving felt especially good that year. Antonia Beck Burnaby Neighbourhood House •••••

This is a gift I am most proud of. It was a cold and rainy winter day in downtown Vancouver. I was on the treadmill in a gym on the second floor, overlooking the street. I noticed a homeless woman shuffling along the sidewalk. She had bare feet that were trailing bloody bandages. People were walking past her and looking the other way. I remembered I had a spare pair of runners in my locker, so I got them, ran outside, and caught up with her. I gave her the shoes and helped her up the street to St. Paul’s Hospital, where she was admitted. The interesting part was that as soon as I started helping her, other people stopped to help as well. It only takes one person to start doing the right thing. Cathy Morton

Raise

money what matters

to you

Get started in 4 simple steps

Wednesday, December 24, 2014 NewsLeader A5

WE ASKED READERS THEIR...

Has fear of dentistry prevented you from seeking care?

Gift of Christmas memories

CAN

Dr Pidzarko | Dr Poulad | Dr Beckie

HELP! We are proudly Certified by the College of Dental Surgeons to Provide I.V. Sedation

604.432.7874

300 - 4789 Kingsway, Burnaby

www.oceandental.com

Thousands of other interesting items! You will find exactly what you need!

Great service! Great people! Great prices!

REDISCOVER JACK’S ALWAYS NEW STOCK

NEW RETROTECK WINDOWS!

Lisa Spitale with her son Joshua.

A year and a half ago, my dear friend Helen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. By December 2013, she was frail. I kept asking her to come and stay with me … finally last Christmas, she agreed. Christmas 2013 became very special at my house. And while it was lovely that our friends made an extra special effort to come over and visit Helen often, it was something that my oldest son did that really made the experience extraordinary: Helen could no longer walk on her own.

Rather than feel helpless and housebound, my son Joshua decided to carry Helen everywhere. In fact, it got so comical that she wouldn’t even consider going out, unless Josh was nearby. I was so proud of my son—Joshua took this responsibility very seriously and helped Helen feel more like her old self. Helen died on Jan. 30. I was very privileged to spend Christmas 2013 with my friend. Lisa Spitale Burnaby

HUGE SAVINGS! OVER 70 SIZES IN STOCK!

NAIL ON AND REBATE STYLES MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 8 AM TO 4:30 PM SATURDAY: 8 AM TO 4:30 PM SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS CLOSED

4912 Still Creek Avenue | 604-299-2967 | jacksused.com

Happy Holidays FROM

Old Orchard Centre With over 25 shops and services you can enjoy a coffee, relax over lunch, keep fit AND find what you need. Everything from convenient services to groceries and gift items; from designer fragrances to cameras ... it’s all here at OLD ORCHARD CENTRE! Alburz Smoke Shop................................ 604-433-4448 Anytime Fitness ...................................... 604-428-4848 Cornell International Education Group ..... 778-319-3591 Donair Delight ....................................... 604-451-0111 Dr. Michael Tiu Inc.................................. 604-438-8131 Easy Financial Services ........................... 604-436-0143 Fen Lin Tailor ......................................... 604-434-1617 Gala Café ............................................. 604-620-9956

Ha Café ................................................ 604-438-4818 Heng Sheng Financial Party Ltd. .............. 604-737-9966 Jenny Craig ........................................... 604-435-6616 Kerrisdale Cameras ................................ 604-437-8551 Kingsway Computers .............................. 604-222-1000 Liquor Distribution Branch ....................... 604-660-5486 Old Orchard Beauty Salon...................... 604-434-3334 Old Orchard Lanes ................................ 604-434-7644

KINGSWAY & WILLINGDON, BURNABY

Old Orchard Medical Clinic .................... 604-431-6585 Pacific Sun Produce ................................ 604-451-7788 Pat Anderson Insurance .......................... 604-430-8887 Pearl Castle Restaurant ........................... 604-559-7929 Shoppers Drug Mart ............................... 604-434-2408 Subway ................................................. 604-434-7444 Tang Tang Sushi Restaurant ..................... 604-558-3556 The Laundry Basket ................................ 604-437-7744 Vacuum Mart ......................................... 604-431-8345

A6 NewsLeader Wednesday, December 24, 2014

OPINION

PUBLISHED & PRINTED BY BLACK PRESS LTD. at 7438 Fraser Park Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5B9

NEWSLEADER’S VIEW:

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Message of Christmas

LAST WEEK:

As the clock ticks down to Christmas Eve, it is all too easy to get caught up in the panicked race to create the perfect holiday. Bombarded by imagery of idyllic homes and happy families, we sometimes lose ourselves in a pursuit that’s always going to be a little out of reach. And while there’s nothing wrong with trying to make the holidays memorable for us and our loved ones, perfection is a mighty high pillar to climb. Sure, there are those who smugly finished their shopping in November; whose packages and cards have long since been delivered. But most of us mortals lack that organizational gene. We’re the ones still looking for that one last item – the one we thought we’d taken care of, but only now realize we hadn’t. We’re there among the throngs, fear in our eyes as we scan the empty toy shelves for an item that mysteriously appeared on a new letter to Santa. But Christmas isn’t about perfection. Certainly the first Christmas was hardly ideal; the accommodations were a little rough and the timing could have been better. Since then, there have been more than a few holiday disasters – holidays with the wrong presents bought, dinners over cooked, and decorations lost and left unhung. And yet there were likely still smiles, still stories to tell and memories to keep. Think back to your most memorable Christmas and it likely wasn’t the one where nothing went wrong. It was the one where everything felt right – a special moment, a shared laugh, a quiet hug. Yes, Christmas can be chaotic. But it’s up to us to slow it down and remember its true message of kindness and compassion. Have a happy Christmas. —The Progress/Black Press

Do you believe 2015 will be a better year for Burnaby than 2014?

793 NOYES %

THIS WEEK: Are you over spending this Christmas? Vote at www.burnabynewsleader.com

Climate talks end 2014 in disarray VICTORIA – In case you missed the outcome of the latest United Nations climate change conference in Lima, Peru, it was another costly, embarrassing failure. This one is likely to be remembered mostly for a staggeringly stupid stunt by Greenpeace employees, who were threatened with prosecution for defacing the Nazca Lines, a world heritage site in the Peruvian desert. These vast 1,500-year-old petroglyphs, visible from space, are among the great mysteries of archaeology. “Time for a change!” blared huge yellow letters dragged across the sacred site by paid protesters trampling the delicate terrain. I’ll say it’s time for a change, starting with scratching Greenpeace off your Christmas card list. Earlier there was the spectacle of Canada’s national media, reflexively denouncing Ottawa’s supposed inaction on greenhouse gases after U.S. President Barack Obama unveiled a surprise climate agreement with China in advance of Peru. “Over to you, Mr. Prime Minister,” chirped CBC anchor

Tom Fletcher tfletcher@blackpress.ca

Wendy Mesley, joining other TV networks in falsely portraying the U.S. deal as a breakthrough. This non-binding gesture soon produced many cartoons, one of which shows Obama stripped to his underwear in a poker game with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is surrounded by a pile of chips and an American flag. The U.S.-China announcement served as a preview of Peru, where developing countries would again refuse any substantive restrictions on their fuel use. China graciously agreed to continue ramping up its world-leading greenhouse gas emissions until 2030, while lame-duck Obama pretended he could commit the U.S. to further reductions. Between them, the U.S. and China account for about half of global human-caused carbon

7438 Fraser Park Dr., Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5B9 newsroom@burnabynewsleader.com burnabynewsleader.com | newwestnewsleader.com

emissions. Due mostly to the surge from China and India, Canada’s share has fallen from two per cent to 1.5, which should help put all those “tar sands” protests into perspective. Days later, Environment Canada released its latest national emission statistics, an event ignored by most media. “Between 2005 and 2012, total Canadian GHG emissions decreased by 5.1 per cent, while the economy grew by 10.6 per cent over the same period,” the report states. B.C. Environment Minister Mary Polak joined the throngs who jetted to Lima. There she met officials from California and other U.S. states to re-announce their modest efforts to put a price on carbon emissions. TV anchors and other wideeyed innocents might have been left with the mistaken impression that the huge U.S. petroleum industry is cutting back, when in fact it has grown enormously thanks to shale oil and gas production. And California continues to produce, by its own state government measure, the most carbon-intensive heavy crude in

Newsroom:

604-438-6397

Delivery:

604-436-2472

Classifieds:

604-575-5555

Advertising:

604-438-6397

Fax:

604-438-9699

North America. Overshadowing all of this is the drop in the world price of oil, mainly the result of Saudi Arabia flooding the market in an effort to push competitors out of business. In the latest sign of the U.S. public’s lack of interest in reducing emissions, sales of larger vehicles immediately spiked up as gasoline prices fell. I’m still receiving criticism for a recent column in which I declared myself an “agnostic” on humancaused global warming. Agnostic means searcher, and my search has continued for real signs of climate change and its potential causes. Our glaciers are receding, no question, but the current trend started around the 1850s, when a sport utility vehicle had one horsepower in leather harness and B.C. was about to be declared a British colony. But amid the noise, there is serious evidence being put forward that our province is undergoing a climate shift with major consequences. And there are calls for action. I’ll discuss that next week. tfletcher@blackpress.ca

Jean Hincks

Matthew Blair

Chris Bryan

Christy Foubert

Publisher

Editor

Creative Services Supervisor

Circulation supervisor

The NewsLeader is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith,B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

COMMENT

Wednesday, December 24, 2014 NewsLeader A7

EMAIL letters@burnabynewsleader.com

TransLink executives out of touch If this latest revelation regarding executive allowances for vehicles is true, TransLink has a colossal nerve asking for more money. There’s already such disgusting waste of the money, they have some nerve pleading poor-mouth. For starters, the people running TransLink must have attended the same business schools as those at BC Ferries, because both made the mistake of raising fares, which resulted in loss of ridership, which equates to loss of revenue for both taxpayer-owned entities. If they are as smart as they think they are, they should have foreseen the end result, and realized that the people are tapped out, and can’t afford more taxes, or fare increases. They act as if this is their money to do with as they please. But the taxpayers have to put up with their mistakes. For that reason, I vote “NO,” to any increases in taxes or fares. TransLink needs to bring their house into order, and that includes finding savings in the CEO’s office, and the rest of the

executive, including consolidating management into a much smaller executive, with lower salaries for all. Now we find out the people charged with providing transit services to the people of Metro Vancouver think themselves too good to ride public transit, like the rest of us common folks. Instead, they’re receiving between $950 and $1,200 for vehicle allowances, per month. If they choose not to ride on public transit, how will they ever know how crowded and inconvenient it is on some routes? The 49 Metrotown/UBC bus for instance is usually packed to the doors all day, every day. So what does TransLink do on weekends, when even more people use this bus route? They take the articulated buses (which are capable of carrying more passengers) off this route, and run nothing but the smaller buses on this route. As a result there are times when passengers have to stand in front of the red line, which is dangerous if the driver needs to make an emergency stop.

Okay, so maybe they can make a case for the executives to be supplied with a car, but why not a Smart Car, and cut the vehicle allowance enough to cover only a vehicle of that size and type? And if they insist on having a larger vehicle, let them pay the difference themselves. It’s not like they aren’t being paid enough. Wayne McQueen Burnaby

THIS TRANSITION WILL COST US Re: Some advice to Kinder Morgan from the mushy middle (Column, NewsLeader, Dec. 12) So the B.C. government does or did give electric car incentives. A very small number of people took advantage of the program and I think it’s over or done this next calendar year. Geothermal is now a possibility in many areas but the cost is still high—the program would have to pay around 50 per cent to the home/business owner to make it financially viable. You realize your “levy” is just another production/product

tax that will be passed on to the consumer, no? There’s going to be an increased cost of living to move to nonpetroleum based power sources. I’m just not sure only adding a VAT is going to cover much of the cost. Ken Grierson —burnabynewsleader.com

NO MONEY IN THE BUDGET, EH? Re: B.C. MLAs budget $3.6 million for their own severance package Is there no end to the selfserving, self-interest and greed of our politicians? Notwithstanding an over-the-top pension plan, MLAs who are defeated or don’t run again are to receive up to $127,323 (15 months of an MLA’s annual salary) in a severance package. This, based on a base salary of $101,859, along with other perks such as a $9,000 career counselling or re-education when leaving the job is, in my opinion, an over-the-top entitlement and an outrage.

Join Canada’s #1 Fitness Club! Get into the BEST SHAPE of your life this

New Year for 4 * WEEKS!

NO JUDGEMENTS® EveryBODY Welcome Proudly Canadian SINCE 1979

Over 320 Clubs Across Canada Northgate Village Co-Ed and for Women’s Club 24 Hrs, 4 Days / Week

3433 North Rd. goodlifefitness.com

604-444-3343

*When joining you will be required to pay $10 + applicable tax. No additional fees are required above the membership fee. Offer based on the purchase of a 4 week term membership. Promotion valid at participating British Columbia GoodLife Fitness locations only. Offer not valid to existing members. Limited time offer. Please check goodlifefitness.com or with club for hours of operation. Other conditions apply, see club for details.

The fact that this is contained and discussed by an all-party parliament committee leaves no-one out of the loop. It will be interesting to see whether any of our representatives speak out against this golden handshake. With recent cuts to Seniors Services Society (SSS) budget, 100 out of 175 homeless seniors in October without a roof over their heads were turned away and left out in the cold. This is unconscionable. And it is just one example of the government’s callous disregard in cutbacks to people in dire need. The reason given? There’s not enough money in the so-called budget. Really!! Is it possible that our government might, like Ebenezer Scrooge, recant, or as the Grinch that stole Christmas, rethink what they have done and show some respect and empathy for those less fortunate in our society? Merry Christmas to all. Bill Zander New Westminster

A8 NewsLeader Wednesday, December 24, 2014

...to WIN great prizes go to our website and click on CONTESTS

reat prizes go to our website click on CONTESTS In partnership with

SAVE nTESTS ANYWHERE. SAVE to our website In partnership with In partnership with

In partnership with

SAVE ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE.

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. Introducing the New Mobile Feature. With exclusive offers for theSave.ca brands you loveCash-Back & $5 cash-out minimums With exclusive offersnever for thegobrands youwithout love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll shopping your smart phone again! Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. through PayPal, you’ll neverBack go shopping without yourSteps smart phone again! Get Cash in 3 Easy With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

Cash Back inReceipt 3 Easy Steps 1. Browse &Get Shop 2. Upload 3. Get Cash Back!

COnTESTS

Get Cash Back in 3 Easy Steps

Browse the mobile app Take a photo of your Once you reach just $5, 1. Browse & Shop 2. Upload Receipt Get Cashyou Back! for your favourite brand’s andin submit it 3.the money save will Get Cash receipt Back 3 Easy Steps mobile app a photo ofapp your Once youCash reach just $5,your 1.Browse Browse & Shop 2.Take Upload Receipt 3. Get Back! offers, andthe purchase through the be transferred into for your favourite brand’s receipt and submit it the money you save them at any store app PayPal Browse the mobile Take a photo of your Once you reachwallet justwill $5, offers, and 1. Browse &purchase Shop for your favourite brand’s them at any store offers, purchase Browse theand mobile app at anybrand’s store for yourthem favourite offers, and purchase them at any store

through the app 2. receipt Upload Receipt and submit it

through the of app Take a photo your receipt and submit it through the app

be into your 3.transferred Get Cash the money you saveBack! will PayPal wallet beOnce transferred into your you reach just $5, the PayPal moneywallet you save will be transferred into your PayPal wallet

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

WE ASKED READERS THEIR...

Gift of Christmas memories My Christmas story does not involve gifts (in the traditional sense) but is about as Canadian as you can get. My mom, dad, little sister and myself embarked on a Christmas journey from Alberta to visit my aunt, uncle and cousins in Ottawa via train in the early ’60s. It was a marvellous trip, through Canada’s winter wonderland with a train full of students, armed forces members and families traveling east to family and friends in hope of arriving for the 25th. Near North Bay, the train halted in a tremendous blizzard. The snow was so high on either side of the tracks the snow blower could not blast it any higher. And so we sat. For more than 30 hours. Trapped on the train, with Christmas rapidly approaching. What happened then was amazing. The Christmas spirit kicked in, and everyone decided to just make the best of our situation. Some young soldiers took the fire axe, climbed the snow bank and came back with the top four feet of a fir tree. (I always hoped it was not from someone’s yard). It was erected in the viewing lounge car, and carefully decorated with things like cigarette foil ornaments, mostly gathered by my sister, and soda straw garlands, contributed from the galley.

Some young students had guitars, and Christmas sing songs went on through the night. The train staff joined the party, and made hot chocolate and punch drinks for everyone— for free. We made it to Ottawa the day after Christmas, but had the best stories to tell and a memory for a lifetime. Colleen Jordan Burnaby City Council •••••

When I was six or seven, my parents gave me a Mickey Mouse watch that shone in the dark. As a treat they gave it to me on Christmas Eve. I didn’t go to bed, I spent about four hours in a dark closet just watching the watch light up. I still wish I had the watch. I could have retired wealthy years ago. Brian Pound •••••

The coolest gift I ever got was when I was six I think. It was a train set, all set up with a little village and everything. I was floored. I asked my mom how Santa got it down the chimney. “Oh, your dad helped him carry it throught the front door,” she said. That’s when I knew I had the most awesome parents ever—and that Santa lived in their hearts, not at the North Pole. Peter Cech

Kiddie lands silver at worlds Burnaby teen Caroline Kiddie is bringing home a silver medal for Canada from the International Dance Organization World Championships in Poland. The Grade 10 Moscrop secondary student earned her silver in the junior female ballet solo category, while competing against 24 dancers from around the world. Kiddie also won silver as a member of the junior large ballet from Team Canada West, while Team Canada East won gold. She also took sixth place in the world as part of the junior small ballet team.

Visit save.ca/cashback to Learn More

What’s Better than sunshine, lollipops & rainbows?

COnTESTS

OUR BLOG . . . seriously. Check it out blog.blackpress4good.com Showcasing heartfelt community stories from around the province.

. .. E V E S A M T IS R H C E IN L D DEAY

worth over $200,000 Win the exciting EARLY BIRD PRIZE adline midnight Dec.24 De ! SH CA 00 0,0 15 or $ i8 W BM Vacations for life or ions will not be awarded. ; other prize opt Winner will choose one prize option

IONAIRE MILL

CHRISTMAS TO A IT E AK M ... UT O S IS M ’T N DO

DESIGNER HOME

LOTTERY VG

Featuring spectacular homes in White Rock, Vancouver, Whistler, Kelowna and Victoria

VISIT:

Winner will choose one prize option; other prize options will not be awarded.

White Rock ~15574 Pacific Ave. Open daily 11am ~ 5pm. Worth over $3 million!

White Rock Holiday Hours: *Dec. 24: 11am -3pm Dec. 25&26: CLOSED Dec. 31: 11am -3pm Jan. 1: CLOSED

REMEMBER!

5 Grand Prize options! Choose your favourite Home Package or $ 2.5 million tax free cash!

H & ON AT I UB C H OS P I TA L F O U N D

PLUS

HURR

...

Jackpot up to $ million! 1,646,260!

Last year ’s total was $

Winner takes half.

Get tickets at MillionaireLottery.com 604-602-5848 / toll free 1-888-445-5825 Rules of Play: MillionaireLottery.com

Chances are 1 in 117,000 (total tickets for sale) to win a grand prize. Chances are 1 in 482,600 (total tickets for sale) to win the 50/50 prize. Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111 www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Know your limit, play within it.

BC Gaming Event Licence #68327 BC Gaming Event Licence #68326

19+

Wednesday, December 24, 2014 NewsLeader A9

2X SEARS S

CLUB POINTS EVERYDAY

When you use your Sears Master Card or Sears Card at Sears

APPLY FOR A SEARS FINANCIALTM CREDIT CARD & RECEIVE A $30 Welcome Bonus IN SEARS CLUBTM POINTS

week

(UPON APPROVAL)**

OPEN BOXING DAY 6am to 7pm ALL MAJOR APPLIANCES

Plus SAVE THE

TAX

Are On Sale!

• FRIDGES • RANGES • DISHWASHERS • WASHERS • DRYERS • MICROWAVE OVENS

ON ALL FURNITURE

• DRESSERS • CHESTS • NIGHT STANDS • DINING ROOM TABLES AND CHAIRS • COCKTAIL TABLES • END TABLES • SOFAS • LOVESEATS • CHAIRS • OTTOMANS

Plus Save an additional 5% off when

Plus Save an additional 5% off when you use your Sears FinancialTM Credit Car

TAX*

10% - 50% off

THE ALREADY REDUCED OUTLET PRICES

you use your Sears FinancialTM Credit Card

SELECTED MATTRESSES SAVEPlusTHE

SAVE AN ADDITIONAL

Some items may be reconditioned or refurbished

SELECTED SERTA ® MATTRESSES EXCLUSIVE TO SEARS OUTLET!

FASHION

Plus Save an

SALE

Truckloads of Fall & Winter Fashions for the Family $9.99 - $14.99

PLUS

$299.99 EA.

ALL MATTRESSES AVAILABLE IN TWIN, DOUBLE, QUEEN & KING SIZES

BURNABY LOCATION ONLY!

PRICES STARTING AT ONLY

Additional 50% off

• Women’s Slippers • Winter Accessories for the family (excludes items #195XXX items)

• Men’s Casual Pants (excludes jeans)

COME IN FOR TONS OF UNADVERTISED BOXING WEEK IN-STORE SPECIALS

OPEN: FRI, DEC 26 6:00am-7:00pm | SAT 9:00am-6:00pm | SUN 11:00am-6:00pm | MON - TUES 9:30am-7:00pm | WED, DEC 31 9:30am-5:00 pm

OFFERS IN EFFECT DEC 26th to DEC 31st, 2014, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, WHILE QUANTITIES LAST. SALE PRICED MERCHANDISE MAY NOT BE EXACTLY AS ILLUSTRATED.

13583 - 104th Avenue (at King George), Surrey • 604-583-3900 9850 Austin Road, Burnaby 604-421-0757 **On approved credit. Your 3,000 bonus Sears Club Points will be awarded up to 2 weeks after your Sears Financial™ MasterCard or Sears Card (“Sears Financial Credit Card”) account has been approved. Sears® is a registered trademark of Sears, licensed for use in Canada. MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated, used pursuant to license. *Sears will charge and remit any applicable taxes and deduct an amount equivalent to the taxes you will be charged from te item price, so that your total purchase will be no more than the item price. Applicable tax(es) will be shown on your receipt. Offer excludes delivery fees, installations, protection agreements and catalogue purchases. Personal shopping only. Savings offers do not include Parts & Service or Sundry Merchandise, Items with #195XXX & Sears ‘Value’ Programs with prices ending in .97. All merchandise sold “as is” and all sales final. No exchanges, returns or adjustments on previously purchased merchandise; savings offers cannot be combined. No dealers; we reserve the right to limit quantities. Prices do not include home delivery. Although we strive for accuracy, unintentional errors may occur. We reserve the right to correct any error.‘Reg.’,‘Was’and‘Sears selling price’ refer to the Sears Catalogue or Retail store price current at time of merchandise receipt. Offers valid at Sears BURNABY and SURREY Outlet Stores only.©2014 Sears Canada Inc.†Sears Financial™ MasterCard®, Sears Financial™Voyage™ MasterCard®, or Sears Card offers are on approved credit. Sears® and Voyage™are a registered Trademarks of Sears, licensed for use in Canada.®/TM-‐MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

A10 NewsLeader Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Port truckers angry with rates eye new strike

FREE PARKING AVAILABLE

www.oscarspublichouse.ca

oscars_pubvan

Fabricana's

REGULAR, PETITE, PLUS

Fabricana's

Boxing Day Sale!

Boxing Week Sale! DECEMBER DE ECEMBE E CEMBER ER 227th ER 7th 7t th to oD DECEMBER ECEM ECE ECEM EC EMBER 31s 31st

1 DA DAY Y ON O ONLY NLY LY - DECEMB DECEMBER 26th*

ALL

FABRIC! DECEMBER 26 - 28, 2014

% 60-80OFF ENTIRE STORE

DOOR CRASHERS $ STARTING AT NEW WESTMINISTER

604.522.9991 | 805 BOYD ST, NEW WESTMINISTER, BC V3M 5X2

off

s al e

Select Ready-made

Drapery Panels

OFF

NOTIONS (over $15) (excl. dress forms & lamps)

off

"SAHARA" Drapery Rod Series

50offf %

WOW! WOW! WOW! ALL QUILT PRINTS & SOLIDS

10-70

Selected

Malden Fleece Buy 1m Get 1m

Daylight Model U33050

FREE! ( full metre cuts )

Reg. Price $89

"Mettler"

(100 meter 100% poly all purpose) (Maximum 24 total)

Quilt Batting

Regular Price

(by the meter)

Sahara Drapery Rod Series

Fabricana's

Christmas Quilt Prints & Panels

10%off!

Notions*, off! Lining** & Interfacing

I.T.Y. PRINTS, GEORGETTE PRINTS AND MORE!

"SANTEE" New Blender

"Tic Tac" & COTTON "African Sky" BROADCLOTH

50%off!

COQUITLAM

604-273-5316

604-524-5454

4591 Garden City Rd

Buy 1 Get 1

FREE! (of equal or lesser value)

fashion favourites %

(including new arrivals)

$3.98 /m

REMNANTS

NEW ARRIVAL

RICHMOND

604-276-2553

off

ALL DAYLIGHT BRAND LAMPS

50%off! 50 5

Threads

Interior Delights

20%off! 33% off! 25%off!

Regular Price

BUY 1 G ET 2 FREE

FABRIC!

50%off! (*pre-packaged up to $15.00/each **For apparel including Bemberg, Whisper & Silquessa)

1348 United Blvd. Interior Delights

604-528-9100

www.fabricana.com

O R T S LTD. IMPO

*Applies to the original price. Excludes Perfect Pricing and Shapewear. Some restrictions may apply. See in store for details.

20-70 %

ALL

NEW Boxing Day Hours 9:30am - 5:30pm

Burnaby | 604-298-5825

3684 Hastings Street

r i

Where friends meet

f a b

(after 3pm until sold out)

f a s h i o n

NEW YEAR’S EVE

v e s i l u

MONDAY 2 for 1 Appies All Day TUESDAY $5 Burger and Fries WEDNESDAY 39¢ Wings All Day THURSDAY $8 Steak Sandwich FRIDAY $8 1/2 Rack of Ribs featuring SATURDAY $12 Steak & Prawns Herman’s SAT & SUN All Day Breakfast Heroes SUNDAY $7 Fish & Chips AND FOOD & DRINK $17 AAA Prime Rib Dinner SPECIALS

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

“We don’t want to go on strike but a deal is a deal,” McGarrigle said, noting Unifor members are still in a legal strike position. Jeff Nagel The rate structure is complex, with different Black Press amounts for employee drivers versus ownerContainer truckers voted unanimously Sunday operators, options of paying per trip or per hour, to take strike action again if needed in response minimum call-out rates and rates for “off dock” to the imposition of what they say are lower-than- movement of containers between points other promised rates to haul goods in and out of Port than terminals. Metro Vancouver terminals. Another concern is a new Port Metro Union and non-union truckers met Sunday Vancouver rule that as of 2019 only trucks less in Surrey to discuss their next steps after talks than 10 years old can access container terminals. Friday with Port Metro Vancouver’s CEO. McGarrigle said federal officials have promised Truckers staged a 28-day strike last March to review that change, which he said would be that ended on government promises to “punitive and discriminatory” because reform the rate structure to halt rampant truckers would be forced to buy new undercutting and stabilize the industry. vehicles more often. The province passed legislation in Other changes made by the port and October to set minimum rates but only province are to bring a new licence system revealed them Dec. 15. and reduce the number of trucks allowed “They didn’t live up to their end of the to serve port terminals. JOHAL bargain,” said Paul Johal, president of the But McGarrigle said the new rate Vancouver container truckers local of Unifor. “It structure is the key sticking point, predicting it was supposed to put money in our pockets but will mean continued industry instability. they’re taking money away from us.” Provincial government officials could not be He estimates the shortfall on rates will add up reached for comment. to $50 a day less for employee drivers and $150 to A transportation ministry release said the $200 less for owner-operators. rate structure will provide “fair wages” for Johal said truckers want a new meeting with truckers to halt undercutting and delivers other federal and provincial government representatives improvements. to address their issues. “It is a complicated situation and it has been “If nothing happens we’re going to look at hard to find a solution that pleases everyone,” it another shutdown – that’s the only choice we have said. left.” Port Metro Vancouver spokesman John Gavin McGarrigle, B.C. area director for Parkert-Jervis said the port is proceeding to Unifor, said both union and non-union drivers implement the new licence system. are “very disappointed” with the rates and said “Planned reforms to the container trucking the province has effectively created new rate sector that serves Port Metro Vancouver are classes not previously envisioned with the effect designed to bring stability to the port and a level of lower overall pay. of sophistication not seen in other ports,” he said.

A great place to hangout! Meet your friends...watch the game!

Container drivers to get less pay than expected: Unifor

Wednesday, December 24, 2014 NewsLeader A11

CUR TORScorner

THE STAFF AT LITTLE BILLY’S WISHES YOU A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 2015 TICKETS $50 • STARTS AT 9PM

OPEN BOXING DAY AND JAN 1ST

BOOK YOUR TABLE ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK OR BY PHONE! CUSTOMIZED CATERING AVAILABLE!

Make her wish Make her wish come tru finally, come true LITTLE BILLY’S STEAKHOUSE RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED 6785 EAST HASTINGS, BURNABY, BC 604.294.4460 • WWW.LITTLEBILLYS.COM

GRAND RE-OPENING CELEBRATION Marionettes A-doll and Razerlinda star in Die Fledermaus, the Sequel at Burnaby Village Museum. The antics will appeal to children, but adults will love the satire.

Burnaby Village vibrant during holiday season

he time between Christmas Day and back-to-school are usually lazy days, snacking on leftovers and playing with new toys.

Lisa Codd

Families who are looking for something fun and inexpensive to do, may want to visit the Burnaby Village Museum to see the lights, historical displays, and live entertainment. The illuminations light display features thousands of glittering lights, including illuminated sculptures, giant lighted sequoia tree, and a wonderland of white lights in the farmhouse orchard. Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt based on the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. Clues can be found throughout the 10-acre site. The Village includes several restored heritage buildings, and demonstrations of turnof-the century crafts from platen press printing to blacksmithing. Special seasonal displays include 1920s fashion, vintage crepe paper decorations, and seasonal greens decorated in 1920s style. Families will enjoy on site entertainment, including musicians, children’s performers, and storytelling. A special treat between Sunday, Dec. 29 and Friday, Jan. 3 is eight performances daily by the Elwoodettes Marionettes, a puppet theatre company that features antique and

handmade marionettes in 10-minute performances suited for young audiences. The Elwoodettes have been performing marionettes shows since the early 1990s. Hugh Elwood is the artist behind many of the hand-made puppets featured in the show. Elizabeth Elwood writes the music and scripts. From Dec. 26 to 29, they are performing Max, the Ho Hum Husky. The play tells the story of Max as he rides to the rescue on Christmas Eve, helped along by a challenge from Santa Claus. Their original play Die Fledermaus, the Sequel will be featured from Dec. 30 to Jan. 2.

This lively performance is set to the music of a Johann Strauss operetta, with original lyrics by Elizabeth Elwood. The story revolves around a squabble between housemaid A-doll and her mistress Razerlinda over a dress for the New Year’s Eve ball. While the puppets and their antics will appeal to young children, adults will appreciate the satirical script. The shows are performed daily between 2 and 7:15 p.m. Visit the Museum’s website for the performance schedule. The Burnaby Village Museum is open daily until Jan. 2, from 1 to 9 p.m. Visit www. burnabyvillagemuseum.ca for more information, or call 604297-4565. Admission to the museum is free.

something to smile about...

COMPLIM EN CONSULT TARY ATION

• Complete Dentures • Immediate Dentures • Partial Dentures • Repairs While You Wait • Institutional and Home Care Services • All Dental Plans • Denture Over Implants* *PROCEDURE IN CONJUNCTION WITH DENTIST

RSVP 604-931-1178

NORTH ROAD DENTURE CLINIC Boris Eroshevski - Denturist

CARIBOU PLAZA Unit J - 435 North Road, Coquitlam

Certified BPS Denture Centre

Make her wish come true

Lisa Codd is the curator at the Burnaby Village Museum.

WE HELP YOU LIVE BETTER Our warehouse carries all major brands of ostomy products to meet your needs

MEDICAL SUPPLIES #203 6741 Cariboo Rd, Burnaby 604-708-8181 Open Monday through Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays

WWW.LANCASTERMED.COM

Free PANDORA BRENTWOOD TOWN CENTRE Ornament Fr with $150 purchase of PANDORA Jewellery.* with $1 BRENTWOOD TOWN CENTRE Fr 604.298.1880 December 1-7 BRENTWOOD TOWN CENTRE with $150 purchase *Free PANDORA sleigh ornament ($25 CA retail value), with $150 604.298.1880 www.RodanJewellers.ca purchase PANDORA purchase. Prices with before taxes. $150 While supplies last, limit one 604.298.1880 per customer. See store for details. *Free P www.RodanJewellers.ca www.RodanJewellers.ca PANDORA *Free PANDORA sleigh or BRENTWOOD TOWN CENTRE 604.298.1880 www.RodanJewellers.ca

*Free PANDORA sleigh be or PANDORA purchase. Prices

A12 NewsLeader Wednesday, December 24, 2014

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS ...............1-8

IN MEMORIAM GIFTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS ...9-57

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 040

INTRODUCTIONS

Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851

TRAVEL.............................................61-76 CHILDREN ........................................80-98 EMPLOYMENT .............................102-198 BUSINESS SERVICES...................203-387

TRAVEL

PETS & LIVESTOCK ......................453-483 MERCHANDISE FOR SALE...........503-587

TIMESHARE

REAL ESTATE ...............................603-696 CANCEL YOUR timeshare. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248

RENTALS ......................................703-757 AUTOMOTIVE ..............................804-862 MARINE .......................................903-920

AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes for typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse by law.

_____________ Advertise across the Lower Mainland in the 15 best-read community newspapers. ON THE WEB:

bcclassified.com

114

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 130

CARRIERS NEEDED

SEEKING class 1 drivers for super b flat deck work. Canada wide and US hauls. We offer modern equipment, e logs, steady year round work, and family security through extended benefits and a matched contribution pension apply on line at sutco.ca fax resume and abstract to 250-357-2009 or call 1-888-3572612 ext. 230

115

HELP WANTED

YOUTH & ADULTS Deliver newspapers (2x per week) on Wednesdays and Fridays in your area. Papers are dropped off at your home with the flyers pre-inserted! Call Christy 604-436-2472

EDUCATION

for available routes email

Email circulation@burnaby newsleader.com

CHILDCARE AVAILABLE

BANANA’S FAMILY DAYCARE. Avail 1-5 yrs olds. FT/PT. Please call 604-526-2490.

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Opportunity To Buy Janitorial Franchise

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of “Theo Tielenburg”. Late of Maple Ridge, and Zoetermeer The Netherlands. Theo leaves to mourn his loving wife Dolores WoodTielenburg, his step daughter Susan Zacher (Clint), and step sons, Jeff Wood & Brad Wood and many great grandchildren. Theo will be lovingly remembered by many family and friends both in BC and in Zoetermeer. Theo passed peacefully in Zoetermeer, after a courageous battle with cancer. Theo and Dolores would travel yearly to Zoetermeer and spend time with family and friends. Theo loved to build trams, and was an avid member of The British Columbia Society of Model Engineers. He will be greatly missed, his memory will live on in our hearts forever.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 33

INFORMATION SOAR is Pacific Coastal Airline’s in-flight magazine. This attractive business & tourism publication is published bi-monthly (6 times/year). Great impact for your BC Business. More than 280,000 passengers fly Pacific Coastal Airlines. Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 or email fish@blackpress.ca

THE DISABILITY TAX Credit. $1,500 Yearly Tax Credit.$15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg). Covers: Hip/Knee Replacements, Arthritic Joints, COPD. For Help Applying 1-844-453-5372.

HELP WANTED

130

HELP WANTED

NEED EXTRA

CASH? We’re looking for carriers!

Deliver newspapers on Wednesdays & Fridays

LEADER

BURNABY

Excavator & Backhoe Operator Training. Be employable in 4-6wks. Call 604-546-7600. www.rayway.ca

JAN 12, 1933DEC 7, 2014

130

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

CARRIERS NEEDED FOR UPCOMING ROUTES IN

CHILDREN

OBITUARIES

TIELENBURG, Theodorus Johannes

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

VACATION SPOTS

RV Lot Rentals $8.95 a day. 362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertainment. Reserve by 11/01/2014. Web-site: www.hemetrvresort.com. Call: 1-800-9265593

bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

ANNUAL STARTING REVENUE $24,000 - $120,000 FINANCING AVAILABLE • Minimum $6,050 down payment • Guaranteed Cleaning Contracts • Includes Professional Training • On Going Support • Proven Worldwide Franchiser

604.434.7744 info@coverallbc.com www.coverallbc.com

114

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

F/T CLASS 1 DRIVERS Pick-Up & Delivery Van Kam’s Group of Companies requires FT class 1 drivers for the Surrey area. Applicants must have LTL & P&D driving experience and must be familiar w/the Greater Vancouver region.

$1000 Hiring Bonus & Above Average Rates To join our team of professional drivers please send a resume and current drivers abstract to:

careers@vankam.com or Fax: 604-587-9889 We thank all applicants for your interest! Van-Kam is committed to employment equity and environmental responsibility.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

109 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

ROUTE#

QTY BOUNDARIES

FLAGGERS NEEDED. No Certification? Get Certified, 604-575-3944

HIGH VOLTAGE! bcclassified.com 604-575-5555

BB22202203 BB22202214

109 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

BB22202219

PART-TIME

Production Workers Black Press, Canada’s Largest independently owned newspaper group, is currently looking for part-time production workers to work at our Delta - Vantage Way 24/7 production facilities. This position is an entry-level, general labour position that involves the physical handling of newspapers and related advertising supplements.

BB23103103 BB23203201 BB23303315 BB23813802 BB23813803 BB23813804

Requirements: • Prior bindery experience is preferred but not required • Motivated self-starter willing to work in a fast-paced environment performing repetitive tasks • Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs. and stand for extended period of time • Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse, team-based environment • Demonstrate on-the-job reliability and dependability • Excellent communication skills and detail oriented • Completion of high-school • Must have your own transportation The applicant must be available to work afternoon and graveyard shifts (Monday to Friday) as well as be able to work on a weekly schedule with short notice. If you are interested in this position, please e-mail your resume referencing “Production Worker” in the subject line to: jobs.vantageway@gmail.com

blackpress.ca

BB23813805 BB23823850 BB28328354 BB28323855 BB23903906 BB24004005

Keith St - Marine Dr, Buller Av - Gilley Av 86 Keith St - Marine Dr, Royal Oak Av - Glenwood Cl 75 McKee St - Patrick St, Macpherson Av 73 Burris St - Stanley St, Walker Av - Malvern Av 102 Elwell St - Wedgewood St, Canada Way, 6th St 87 12th Av - 14th Av, 2nd St - Newcombe St 81 Halifax St - Sumas St, Holdom Av - Fell Av 92 Halifax St - Sumas St, Fell Av - Kensington Av 80 Sumas St - Broadway, Woolwich Av - Kensington Av 82 Sumas St - Broadway, Fell Av - Woolwich Av 76 Parker St - Meadedale Dr, Springer Av - Beridale Crt 122 Grant St - Broadway, Heathdale Dr - Holdom Av 67 Curtis St - Chalres St, Holdom Av - Fell Av 60 Brentlawn Dr - Ridgelawn Dr, Beta Av - Delta Av 112 Napier St - Graveley St, Ingleton Av - Gilmore Av

For more info call 604.436.2472 or email: circulation@burnabynewsleader.com

An easy way to earn extra money! Be part of a great team!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014 NewsLeader A13

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 130

HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 160

TRADES, TECHNICAL

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 160

TRADES, TECHNICAL

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 284 HEAT, AIR, REFRIGERATION

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 374

RENTALS

TREE SERVICES

706

BURNABY,

Furnace & Air Conditioning

(Surrey Terminal)

Van-Kam Freightways Ltd. requires two (2) full-time Commercial Trailer Journeyman Mechanics to work out of our Surrey Terminal located at 10155 Grace Road.

Van-Kam Freightways Ltd. requires two (2) full-time Commercial Transport Journeyman Mechanics to work out of our Surrey Terminal located at 10155 Grace Road. One (1) position is an afternoon shift starting at 3:30PM and working until midnight and the other position (1) has an 11:30PM start working until 8:00AM.

Applicants should have an inspectors ticket, a minimum of 2 years of related experience, a positive attitude and able to work in a team environment. Experience in a freight fleet environment would be preferred as this is a busy facility providing service to a large fleet of Company Owned Trucks and Trailers.

.Flagpersons & Lane Closure Techs required. Must have reliable vehicle. Must be certified & experienced. Union wages & benefits. Fax resume 604-513-3661 email: darlene.hibbs@shawbiz.ca

Seize this opportunity to work for one of Western Canada’s largest regional freight carriers. For more information, call Derek, at 604-587-9818 or 604-968-7149 Interested candidates should attach an updated resume and cover letter to: careers@vankam.com or fax: 604-587-9889 Van-Kam thanks you for your interest, however only those being considered will be contacted.

Van-Kam is committed to Employment Equity and Environmental Responsibility.

136A JANITORIAL SERVICES

JANITORS, F/T, P/T Fax resume to: 604-930-6038 or email: info@tornadobmc.com

160

Port Hardy, BC. Busy GM dealership looking for two full time positions to be filled immediately. Certiﬁed GM technician Ticketed Bodyman Very competitive pay scales, benefits, and flexible schedules. Send resume to cory@klassengm.com

WE’RE ON THE WEB www.bcclassified.com

287

FIVE STAR ROOFING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Full Service Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1-800-573-2928

356

RUBBISH REMOVAL

JOBS: Whether you’re looking to find or fill a position, this is where your search begins. Call bcclassified.com 604.575.5555

320

ABE MOVING - $35/Hr. Per Person *Reliable Careful Movers. *Rubbish Removal. *24 Hours. 604-999-6020 ABBA MOVERS & DEL Res/comm 1-5 ton truck, 2 men fr $45. Seniors Discount. Honest, bsmt clean up. 25yrs Exp. 24hrs/7days 604-506-7576

mikes hauling 604-516-9237

AFFORDABLE MOVING www.affordablemoversbc.com

$500 loans and more No credit checks

560

604-537-4140 1PRO MOVING & SHIPPING

563

Brads Junk Removal.com. Same Day Service. Affordable Rates! 604.220.JUNK (5865)

ADU

752

TOWNHOUSES

PITT MEADOWS: 2 - 3 bdrm co-op T/H $1108/mo - $1211/mo. Shares req’d. Close to WCE, schools & shopping. No subsidy available. 19225 119th Ave. For more info & to book an appt. call 604-465-1938

TRANSPORTATION 818

CARS - DOMESTIC

GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT 2005 Malibou. 75K. New brakes. $2500. Call (604)437-7309.

845

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL #1 FREE SCRAP VEHICLE REMOVAL ASK ABOUT $500 CREDIT $$$ PAID FOR SOME 604.683.2200

MISC. FOR SALE

The Scrapper

MISC. WANTED

MIRACLE MOVING Licensed - Bonded - Fully Equip. Residential Commercial, 1-3 Men BIG OR SMALL MOVES Start $45/hr ~ All size trucks Free estimate/Senior Discount www.miraclemoving.ca

MARINE

REAL ESTATE 625

FOR SALE BY OWNER

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

1-877-776-1660

912

BOATS

ALUMINUM BOAT WANTED 10’, 12’ or 14’ with or without motor or trailer. Will pay cash 778-237-3494

Apply at moneyprovider.com Are You $10K Or More In Debt? DebtGo can help reduce a significant portion of your debt load. Call now and see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783

130

JUNK REMOVAL By RECYCLE-IT! 604.587.5865 www.recycleitcanada.ca

372

HELP WANTED

CAR

S R IE R

SUNDECKS

Aldergrove SxS Duplex, 4 suites 8500s/f lot, full renod, new siding/ windows, rent $3400. $579K or $295K each side. 604-807-6565

for rnaby ery u B h t r deliv th/Sou in Nor r newspape ys! -doo d Frida o n t a r o s y o a d dnesd and on We vehicle quired. le b a li Re nse re r’s lice e iv r : d valid CALL

SE 72 PLEA 436-24 ) (604

HOMES WANTED WE BUY HOMES BC • All Prices • All Situations • • All Conditions • www.webuyhomesbc.com 604-626-9647

.CAN-PRO Paint and Drywall. Over 25 yrs of quality service. 3 ROOMS, $250. Insured. 604-771-7052

D E D EE

spray booth, hoist. 604-432-6050.

FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed Dealer. 1.866.960.0045. www.dollars4guns.com.

627

TE R FLOA

shop; free standing, fncd yrd, skytrain,

CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866

STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

PETS

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

$45/Hr

From 1, 3, 5, 7 & 10 Ton Trucks Licensed ~ Reliable ~ 1 to 3 Men Free Estimate/Senior Discount Residential~Commercial~Pianos

Across the street - across the world Real Professionals, Reas. Rates. Best in every way! 604-721-4555.

5329 Imperial St. Bby Auto Repair

477

GOLDEN DOODLE puppies, born Nov. 29. Mom is a sml reg. Golden & Dad is a sml Std Poodle (both 50 lbs). We have bred this litter special to create ideal family companions (intelligent, gentle, easy to train, people pleasers, happy indoors/outdoors, good with kids/animals, and low/no shed). Our dogs are part of our home/life and we wish the same for our pups. Please consider the time/commitment needed to raise a dog and you will have our support & guidance for life. 1st Shots/deworming. $1200. Ph: 604-820-4827

MOVING & STORAGE

709 COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL

PETS

All kinds of re-roofing & repairs. Free est. Reasonable rates. 778-998-7505 or 604-961-7505

~We accept Visa & Mastercard~

TRADES, TECHNICAL

HELP WANTED

604-540-2028, 778-708-6336 ABC TREE MEN Pruning, Shaping, Tree Removal & Stump Grinding. 604-521-7594 604-817-8899

PERSONAL SERVICES 182

Rooﬁng Experts. 778-230-5717 Repairs/Re-Roof/New Roofs. All work Gtd. Free Est. Call Frank.

604-461-0999

Van-Kam thanks you for your interest, however only those being considered will be contacted.

Van-Kam is committed to Employment Equity and Environmental Responsibility.

Renovated, spacious & bright 1 & 2 Bdrm units. Small pet ok. From $850/mo incl heat & HW. Near Highgate.

604 - 720 - 2009

SKILLED trades! Experienced welders and completions team members needed in Grande Prairie, AB. Welders, B-Pressure Welders, Painters with Steel experience. Fly in - Fly out with 1 week at home a month. Accommodation provided. Alberta wages without the high rent! Send resume to: hr@wester nmanufactur ing.ca www.westernmanufacturing.ca

130

LINDEN GLEN APTS

~ Hot water tanks ~ Gasfitting/Sheet metal

Commercial Transport Journeyman Mechanic

Commercial Trailer Journeyman Mechanic

APARTMENT/CONDO

www.paintspecial.com 604.339.1989 Lower Mainland 604.996.8128 Fraser Valley Running this ad for 10yrs

. Aluminum patio cover, sunroom, railing and vinyl. 604-521-2688 .Aluminum patio cover, sunroom, railing and vinyl. 604-521-2688 www.PatioCoverVancouver.com

PAINT SPECIAL 3 rooms for $299, 2 coats any colour

Need CA$H Today? Own a vehicle? Borrow up to $25,000. Snapcarcash.com 604-777-5046

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 260

ELECTRICAL

Low Cost. Same Day. Licensed. Res/Com. Small job expert. Renos Panel changes ~ 604-374-0062

263 EXCAVATING & DRAINAGE DRAIN Tiles, Sewer, Water Video Inspection, Jack Hammering, Hand Excavating Call Tobias 604.782.4322

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

(Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint. NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services.

338

PLUMBING

BRO MARV PLUMBING 24/7 Plumbing, heating, clogged drains BBB. (604)582-1598, bromarv.com 10% OFF if you Mention this AD! *Plumbing *Heating *Reno’s *More Call Aman: 778-895-2005

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

Ask about our

ROOM SPECIAL

CALL TODAY! 604-803-5041 www.benchmarkpainting.ca

In the Matter of Part 3.1 (Administrative Forfeiture) of the Civil Forfeiture Act [SBC 2005, C. 29] the CFA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: On February 15, 2013, at the 6900 block of Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby, B.C., Peace Officer(s) of the Burnaby RCMP seized, at the time indicated, the subject property, described as: $1,200 CAD, on or about 09:00 Hours. The subject property was seized because there was evidence that the subject property had been obtained by the commission of an offence (or offences) under section 5(2) (Possession for purpose of trafficking) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada. Notice is hereby given that the subject property, CFO file Number: 2014-2512, is subject to forfeiture under Part 3.1 of the CFA and will be forfeited to the Government for disposal by the Director of Civil Forfeiture unless a notice of dispute

is filed with the Director within the time period set out in this notice. A notice of dispute may be filed by a person who claims to have an interest in all or part of the subject property. The notice of dispute must be filed within 60 days of the date upon which this notice is first published. You may obtain the form of a notice of dispute, which must meet the requirements of Section 14.07 of the CFA, from the Director’s website, accessible online at www. pssg.gov.bc.ca/civilforfeiture. The notice must be in writing, signed in the presence of a lawyer or notary public, and mailed to the Civil Forfeiture Office, PO Box 9234 Station Provincial Government, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J1.

A14 NewsLeader Wednesday, December 24, 2014 A D V E RTO R I A L

Tackling the Talk If you are going home to visit family over the holidays, you may notice a change in your parents’ mental or physical condition. Perhaps your father is more forgetful, or maybe your mom is struggling with household tasks. If you suspect things are beginning to change, the holidays may present the perfect opportunity to ‘check in’ with them. In fact, if you haven’t found the right opportunities in the past, it may be time to have a conversation with them about inevitable issues related to aging. Specifically: health, finances, driving and living arrangements.

Important conversations to have with your aging loved ones

1. Begin by checking in Ask where your loved one is at: what things bring them joy, what aspects of life are most important to them, and how they see their future playing out. The most important messages you can convey are: I value your thoughts and wishes, I honour your choices, this is your journey. It’s quite possible your loved one has done plenty of reflecting on what matters to them and where they see themselves down the road. Perhaps they’ve been waiting for this door to open for sharing.

2. Listen and check back Listen more than you talk. Make it apparent that you are hearing and comprehending by reiterating what you perceive they are saying. If they seem open – let the conversation flow. If there is reservation, take it slow and suggest that they give things more thought and share more at a later date.

3. Make a date to talk again Now that you’ve begun the conversation, plan to continue and at whatever pace feels right, move in the direction of making some definitive action plans. Consider other family member or friends who might want (or need) to be a part of the discussion. Get consent from your loved one to invite them to join you in the next chat session and then set a date. You did it! You are off and running. If it went well, don’t stop. If it didn’t go well, don’t stop. Either way, you are doing a vitally important favour to your loved one and to all those who care about them. By opening up the lines of communication and venturing forward with willingness, openness and kindness, you are tackling the next chapter with all the best intentions. These conversations are not easy! Not for you and not for a senior who may prefer to focus on their strengths and vitalities as opposed to the potential for future challenges. No one wants to plan for getting old. But planning is essential! And if to date you’ve managed to avert sudden changes brought about by a major health crisis or an unexpected accident, consider yourself lucky! Then put on a pot of tea, find a comfy spot on the sofa, and begin the conversation about the days ahead. Remember, aging is not some taboo topic; it’s a fundamental part of life. We are all headed in the same direction – some are just a little further up the road than you. Here are some tips to help you begin an important dialogue that will hopefully lead to a meaningful and viable plan.

Want to read more articles about caregiving, retirement living, and seniors care? Visit www.agecare.ca/Blog

Harmony Court Estate, Burnaby, BC Affordable Retirement Living www.agecare.ca/Harmony 604-527-3300

6YOUREASONS WILL BE GLAD TO CALL Harmony Court Estate

Harmony Court Estate

Affordable Retirement Living 7197 Canada Way, Burnaby BC www.harmonycourtestate.ca

HOME

1) Spacious, bright, renovated suites 2) Meals prepared by Red Seal Chef 3) Housekeeping and laundry service 4) Relax, socialize, make new friends 5) Fitness classes with personal trainer 6) 24-hour staff & emergency response 0/month Worry-free living starts at $1,850/month

SUITES AVAILABLE NOW Contact Joel at 604.527.3323 harmonycourt@agecare.ca