Profiles of Excellence November 24 2022

Showcasing the success of local Burnaby businesses and services PROFILES OF xcellence

Seville Tailors

Neil Squire

Casa Madera Hardwood Floors

GKS Law Firm

Burnaby Now Newsroom

The Living Room Lounge

Parkland Refinery

Gleam Guard International

Madison Centre Dental Martket Branding Dignity Memorial

MGM Financial

Burnaby Hospital Foundation

xcellenceE

BURNABY PROFILES OF

This Burnaby master tailor shows no signs of slowing down after 66 years in the business

At age 76, master tailor Pat Cocco still works six and a half days a week in Seville Tailors, his Burnaby business.

“I have no plans to retire What am I going to do? I’ll get myself into trouble In the morning, I look forward to getting up and doing what needs to be done It keeps me going,” Cocco says

“My work gives me a lot of pleasure It gives me a good feeling to serve a customer. If you make them look good, they’re going to feel good ”

Located on Curragh Avenue, Seville Tailors stocks the finest English and Italian fabrics that can be tailored into just about any custom style of garment, including men ’ s and women ’ s bespoke suits, tailored legal attire, uniforms, kits, tuxedos, skirts, topcoats, slacks and more

With a reputation for excellence, Seville Tailors has been tapped by Hollywood productions to produce costumes for film and television

“You name it, we can make it,” Cocco says

“For Sean Bean in Snowpiercer, we made the outfit that he wore at the masquerade party It’s quite the masterpiece.”

Seville Tailors suits were also on the world stage when they were asked to create outfits for the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver

“The whole world saw our work that night,” Cocco says

Throughout his career, Cocco has dressed notable celebrities in custom suits including Don Cherry, Richard D Anderson, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams and a host of other stars

Cocco began his tailoring apprenticeship at the age of 10 in his home town of Morrone del Sannio in Italy When he moved to Canada at age 12, he continued to work as a tailor and served as a designer and product developer for two of Vancouver’s most prestigious manufacturers for over twenty years

before he decided to strike out on his own to found Seville Tailors in the 1980s

He considers his staff part of one big family, with the longest serving

staff member having been there for over 20 years

Quality above all has been Cocco’s key to long term success along with a hyper local focus on custom made work. Everything is produced in Seville Tailors’ Burnaby shop

Cocco aims to have every client feel proud to own a Seville garment To do so, Seville Tailors adheres to the following core principles: complete honesty, supportive teamwork, collaboration and communication, and dedication to top performance Success is measured not just in profits but in word of mouth reputation and repeat client base

“We take pride in our work and we aim to please our customers Quality is our pride,” Cocco says.

“We’re building relationships with clients who come back time after time and tell their friends ”

To learn more about ordering your own custom made bespoke tailored suit today, visit sevilletailors ca

Seville Tailors team

Left: Pat Cocco

PHOTO CREDIT: Seville Tailors

TAILOR

Booking a table at your favourite restaurant is a safe bet for a good night out, but why not try switching it up to The Living Room Lounge experience with all of the prestige but none of the pretentiousness?

First originating in 15th century India and later spreading to several Middle Eastern countries, Europe, Asia and North America, traditional hookah lounges are coffee houses that also serve hookah, a water pipe used to experience shisha (fruit flavoured non tobacco) within a communal setting During the Ottoman Empire, hookah was often used at diplomatic meetings and royal dinners, becoming a status symbol for notable people in society

Today, hookah culture has been increasingly adapted into Western culture as a social activity that brings groups of people be it friends, family, or colleagues together with a shared sense of belonging, joy and comfort

Mike Munther, owner of The Living Room Lounge, has been a resident of Burnaby for over thirty years During his travels around the world, he realized an opportunity to bring a new kind of first class nightlife establishment to Metro Vancouver

“Hookah lounges are global,” says Munther “They’re established in restaurants, neighbourhood community nightclubs and hotels in cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York and Dubai. Since they’re everywhere in the world, I wondered why we don’t have something like this in the nightlife scene in Vancouver?”

Established in Summer 2019, The Living Room Lounge is an upscale and luxurious social lounge in Burnaby’s Cascade Heights For the past three years, the space has filled a void in the Metro Vancouver area for a spot where groups can gather for casual hangouts with friends, special occasions, business meetings, industry networking and other social settings in a sophisticated space, all while enjoying the hookah experience.

While the concept of the hookah lounge is often stigmatized, with Munther and his team encountering disputes with the City of Burnaby, the Living Room Lounge stands to challenge negative views of hookah lounges by providing an all welcoming atmosphere through a VIP like experience

This is clear at first sight of the lounge’s detailed set up, from the Moroccan style seating to the exquisite decor, designed with the intention of blending Middle Eastern authenticity and West Coast elegance

The Living Room Lounge designs and engineers their own unique line of hookahs and accessories, with the hookah created by Turkish artisans and hand made carved solid wood, rare lightweight and non corrosive Japanese metals, a custom made glass base imported from Germany, and a hand

selected Phunnel clay hookah bowl from Spain

Munther has also personally cultivated an extravagant supply of specialty hookah flavours and imported coconut charcoal from Germany. The heat management system, provided by Starbuzz, sits atop of the clay bowl to regulate the heating of the natural charcoal and make the shisha session smoother

For those who don’t do hookah, they can still enjoy their time at the lounge with the assortment of food, drink and entertainment they have to offer

Utilizing world class culinary techniques from the Middle East, The Living Room Lounge features a gourmet Halal dining menu, using the best ingredients sourced both locally and across Canada The hummus and vegetables platter is perfect for sharing, followed by the succulent lamb shank for the main to finish with the sweet and crunchy baklava for dessert Meat and vegetarian options are available to cater to each guest’s dietary preferences.

The lounge offers an extensive full bar menu, including an award winning wine selection, champagne, unique cocktails and other premium drinks There are also a variety of non alcoholic drink options, such as tea, espresso, fresh juice, mocktails, milkshakes and fruit smoothies

The Living Room Lounge is also available to host special events, such as birthday celebrations and holiday parties

Mike Munther, owner

PHOTO CREDIT: TwinLens Photography

Casa Madera Hardwood Floors owner Peter Pocrnic was inspired to open his own custom flooring store after working for one of the leading flooring distributors in Canada for around five years

“From what I saw, I wasn’t happy with how many of these retail stores were serving their clients,” Pocrnic says “I decided it was something I wanted to embark on for myself Eighteen years later, and I’m still doing it.”

Casa Madera Hardwood Floors has a reputation for excellence in its community, including being the winner of Burnaby’s Favourite Flooring Store 10 years in a row, as voted by readers of Burnaby Now

When considering their strong customer loyalty, Pocrnic credits Casa Madera’s unique approach to customer service for resonating with clients, who have returned many times over the years and referred their friends and family to his store. Being personable, approachable, and educational is part of the store’s values They are committed to providing great value and high quality service

“We have a unique way of doing business,” he explains “We’re open Monday to Friday by appointment, so we can give all our time to the client ”

“The whole point is that people are making a big investment, and you want to be really detailed about the process ”

Casa Madera supplies and installs a wide variety of solid, engineered hardwood, and laminate flooring, including prefinished hardwood flooring and luxury vinyl tile flooring They install steps with stair treads or flooring with stair nosings They also refinish existing hardwood floors

“We like to educate our clients We break down everything, so they’re aware of the charges,” Pocrnic says.

“I’m not a typical retail store. That’s the way we choose to operate, and I prefer it, as well.”

One of Casa Madera’s most important steps with its

customers is the essential role floor prep plays in installation Frequently, floors aren’t flat, so they need to prep the area with self levelling concrete before laying down new flooring.

“If we don’t do that, the job’s a failure,” Pocrnic describes

“I value craftsmanship, and if we can’t do the prep, we can’t go

ahead with the work because we stamp our name on the finished product ”

Pocrnic and his staff will take customers through every step of the process when choosing new flooring First, clients can come into the store to choose colours, then the Casa Madera staff will come out to the location of the

new floor to do measurements, and finally, they will provide a detailed quote

“After we do a price quote, we encourage customers to ask all questions, so there are no surprises,” Pocrnic says

Once the flooring is installed, Casa Madera is committed to customer satisfaction

“We follow up with our work If there are problems, we come back and fix the job,” Pocrnic says

To learn more about the services offered by Casa Madera Hardwood Floors, visit casamaderafloors.com or in store at 3744 Hastings St in Burnaby

Peter Pocrnic, owner of Casa Madera Hardwood Floors.

PHOTO CREDIT: TwinLens Photography

OF xcellenceE

Providing peace of mind for clients is a big part of the equation for the advisors at MGM Financial

Comfort and security They are a simple pair of words possessing great promise and value, that, when combined, also produce a desirable state and destination, especially when it comes to your finances

But how do you achieve that feeling, how do you get there?

MGM Financial has a proven and trusted road map to chart the way, one they have been using to guide clients along since opening their Burnaby office in 2010 And at the core of what their financial advisors do is based on developing trusted relationships with their clients.

“We really get to know our clients well and create customized plans,” says Mike Mollica, company founder and senior financial advisor “We find the right solutions for people We don’t just provide them with a product ”

“We match clients with the right strategy to achieve their goals ” This is what best characterizes MGM Financial’s holistic approach to financial planning

“We do a bit of everything,” Mollica says “We look at the big picture We are independent so, we don’t have any financial institution watching over us telling us what to do, what strategies to implement And ultimately, we do what’s right for the client ”

MGM Financial can take care of all areas of personal and corporate financial planning, including investment management (RRSPs, TFSAs, pensions), retirement, estate and tax planning, insurance planning (life, critical illness, disability, key person, buy sell coverage), and benefit plans for small to medium businesses

“At the end of the day, our goal is really to give clients peace of mind,” Mollica says “If they leave our office feeling better than when they came in, knowing they have been taken care of well, then we have done our job ”

“And if a client comes to us and says, ‘Thank you for helping us out,’ or ‘Thanks for making this

more clear for us, we feel like we ’ re in good hands,’ we take that responsibility seriously, to heart, and it makes us strive to succeed, achieve positive results and become that trusted person in their lives ”

That commitment has led to an increasing number of personal referrals from clients, something Mollica said is a true measure

of MGM Financial’s success and growth

“Essentially, that’s how we ’ ve built the business,” he says “It’s about building long term relationships, doing a good job for people, and then being recognized for that, which leaves us with a sense of satisfaction knowing we ’ ve touched customers’ lives in a positive way ”

What helps make all of this possible is the company ’ s independent, holistic and boutique style structure

“We can be nimble in providing guidance without any outside influence This allows us to help people who want to get started with a plan for the first time as well as helping others who are more established with more complex situations, we ’ ve seen it all,” says Mollica, who is joined by colleague Steven Kanjer, and together they have more than 30 years of experience in the industry.

For more information about how MGM Financial can help chart your financial future, visit their website at mgmfinancial com

BURNABY PROFILES

Steven Kanjer, QAFP, RRC, Dipl. T. (left) and Mike Mollica, CFP, CLU, CIM, FEA

PHOTO CREDIT: Natalia Anja

Accessible hearing centre is Neil Squire’s newest social enterprise

The Neil Squire Society’s latest social enterprise aims to eliminate the financial barriers that may prevent people from getting the hearing help they need

Hearing Solutions, a Neil Squire program, is a fully equipped hearing health centre located just steps away from Gilmore Skytrain Station

As a non profit organization, Hearing Solutions can offer the latest advances in hearing aid technology at a price that is affordable They also provide a number of free services including free hearing tests, ear wax removal, and hearing aid consultations

“A lot of people face financial barriers in obtaining the hearing aids or hearing tests they need. These financial barriers can prevent people from investigating their hearing loss and address issues they may be facing in their everyday life,” registered audiologist and hearing instrument practitioner Heather Ritchie says

“Sometimes a financial barrier can make it hard to approach a subject You don’t want to think about it because you know it might be difficult.”

Through available grants and subsidies for qualified clients, Hearing Solutions can reduce the financial barriers that may prevent people from getting the hearing help they need

“We always look at every possible source of funding to help people get those devices Whether it’s a program they can apply for or extended health benefits I always go the extra mile to help people find the funding they need because I know that every little bit makes a difference,” Richie says

When clients choose Neil Squire Hearing Solutions, they are supporting people with disabilities in their community All proceeds from the services go towards Neil Squire programming for people with disabilities

Ensuring those with disabilities can access the hearing help

they need is also a priority for Hearing Solutions, which features an accessible custom built sound booth and a state of the art facility that allows us to help people with all types of disabilities

Addressing any hearing issues as soon as possible is crucial, Richie says

“Your communication abilities affect so much in your day to day life that you don’t realize, including maintaining your independence We rely on our

hearing a lot and it also affects your brain because you don’t just hear with your ears, you hear with your brain,” Richie says.

As each person ’ s journey to better hearing is unique, Richie strives to develop strategies that are tailored to each person ’ s requirements

She closely follows the newest developments in hearing research, using recent advances in technology to find these unique solutions for her clients’ communication needs

RAUD, RHIP,

“We take the time to understand our clients’ needs and find a solution that works for each individual,” Richie says

“I think the quality of care that we provide is a really important characteristic of our organization that makes us unique ”

To learn more and to make a hearing appointment today, visit www neilsquiresolutions ca, or call 778 945 1215

Neil Squire Hearing Solutions is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of hearing loss The fully equipped hearing health centre offers compassionate and client centered service in the Greater Vancouver area They offer a fully accessible, custom built sound booth and a state of the art facility that allows them to help people with all types of disabilities

Heather Ritchie, MSc, Aud(C),

Registered Audiologist & Hearing Instrument Practitioner, Neil Squire Hearing Solutions.

PHOTO CREDIT: TwinLens Photography

When you ’ ve been an integral part of the local landscape for nearly 90 years, you might be tempted to sit back and take your standing in the community for granted But that’s not what’s happening at the Burnaby Refinery

“This facility has been producing the fuels that keep British Columbians moving since the early days of the automobile era, ” says Robert Pinchuk, director of Low Carbon Strategy and Planning at the Refinery. “We haven’t missed a beat, and continue to safely and reliably deliver the essential fuels our Lower Mainland customers want, and need, every day”

The essential role they play within the community was never clearer than during the 2021 B.C. floods.

“With the Transmountain pipeline shut down, the Refinery was unable to operate as normal, and many were concerned the Lower Mainland could run out of fuel,” says Pinchuk “We were determined that wouldn’t happen Using the Refinery’s supply infrastructure, our teams worked around the clock to source and supply the fuels that the Lower Mainland depends on ”

As much as the Burnaby Refinery meets consumers ’ needs for transportation fuels today, it is also playing a leading role in meeting their needs of tomorrow For many years, the Refinery has been focused on answering a simple question; how can they significantly lower the carbon intensity of the liquid fuels B C residents depend on?

The answer lies in a technique called co processing, and the Burnaby Refinery was the first in North America to pilot and scale such an innovation But what is co processing?

Simply put, it requires replacing some of the crude oil required in the refining process with renewable feedstocks such as non food grade canola oil, or animal fats “The resulting fuels perform exactly the same as conventional fuel but have one eighth the carbon intensity,” says Pinchuk “And the best part is, you can use it in your existing vehicle without modification ”

Parkland began co processing in 2017, and quickly advanced to commercial production They were the first North American refinery to achieve this using existing equipment and infrastructure.

In 2021, the Burnaby Refinery’s co processing accomplishments equated to removing 70,000

B C is setting the national bar when it comes to environmental ambitions, working with industry leaders to help find affordable energy alternatives as they work towards the goal of net zero by 2050 “Our country and Province has set lofty environment goals and to meet them, we ’ re going to need a range of solutions This will include solutions that can be deployed quickly and without having to completely replace existing vehicle fleets and critical infrastructure,” says Pinchuk

Lower carbon liquid fuels are one such ‘solution for today’ They have the added advantage of being well suited to forms of transportation such as heavy duty trucks, and

marine transportation which can’t currently be easily electrified “Not everyone can afford to discard their current vehicle and replace it with an EV,” adds Pinchuk. “Low carbon fuels present an immediate opportunity to lower the impact of the transportation we all take for granted.”

In May, and alongside significant support from the BC Government, Parkland announced a plan to increase low carbon fuel production in Burnaby This would strengthen B C ’ s leadership position, and upon completion have the equivalent effect of removing 700,000 vehicles from B C ’ s roads “We are advancing design and engineering work for this project and expect to make a financial investment decision in the second half of 2023,” says Pinchuk

The Burnaby Refinery is not just a place for innovation Many of it’s 500 employees and contractors call Burnaby and the surrounding areas home “Our team doesn’t just work in Burnaby, they live in Burnaby, says Pinchuk “They are invested in the local community and are doing their part to ensure it continues to thrive ”

“This commitment to the local community goes beyond our employees,” said Refinery Community Relations manager Rajvir Basra Rao “The refinery is an active community member, with a recently revamped Community Advisory Panel (CAP), and support of community initiatives, including last month’s ‘Parkland Fun Day’ in Confederation Park

While the refinery has been integral to the Burnaby community for almost 90 years, October marked it’s fifth anniversary under Parkland’s ownership In additional to a continued focus on safety, this period has heralded tremendous innovation and has placed Burnaby at the very heart of BC’s drive toward a lower carbon future

To learn more about Parkland Refinery, visit www burnabyrefinery ca

passenger vehicles from B.C.’s roads

Robert Pinchuck, director of Low Carbon Strategy and Planning at the Refinery

PHOTO CREDIT: TwinLens Photography

side in

Accidents are traumatic events. They can disrupt our lives and impact our ability to perform day to day tasks, both at home and at work To recover from injury often means medical treatment it also requires a heightened focus on getting better

During such painful and emotionally fraught times, dealing with legal matters can present an additional challenge, says Gail Sharma, principal lawyer at GKS Law Firm, who has been working with unions and individuals seeking WorkSafeBC (WCB) compensation for more than 16 years

“[Workers’ compensation] has been my area of practice since I became a lawyer, but it wasn’t until after my accident that I started my own firm,” Sharma says “Although I was in a motor vehicle accident rather than a workplace accident, the experience drove home the fact that when you ’ re injured, you just have to focus on getting better”

This insight inspired Sharma to deepen her commitment to workers’ compensation and assemble a “curated team of people who are good at listening ”

“We see a lot of people who experience anxiety when they’re dealing with WorkSafeBC It’s supposed to be a worker friendly and easy to navigate system, but it has become more complex,” she explains. “This makes it more difficult to navigate for people on their own ”

Working with a trusted professional can make things easier and less stressful, Sharma notes. “We are helping our clients with legal knowledge but also by giving them a chance to talk about what they’re going through ”

The ability to listen is a priority at GKS Law Firm, she says. “Many people tell us they’re not getting their story across to their case managers or other decision makers, so we really take the time to understand what

happened and how it impacted them ”

Workplace injuries can be life changing, especially when they impede someone ’ s ability to continue a chosen career “For a lot of people, this is the work they’ve trained for Not being able to return to their job can have a huge emotional impact,” says Sharma, who adds that in addition to physical injuries, her team has seen an increase in

time of need

cases related to psychological trauma

“Issues like workplace bullying and harassment are definitely coming to light, and people are more willing to talk about this,” she says “We also see people who may have started with a physical injury and then suffer psychological consequences ”

To make access to guidance easier, GKS Law Firm offers a free consultation “If you feel you need advice or have questions

or concerns about an outcome related to WorkSafeBC, we help you look at legal options,” she says “We consider the benefits people are entitled to as well as the long term implications of WCB decisions We also ensure action is taken within mandatory time frames ”

On receiving a WCB decision, people usually have 90 days to request a review “Traditionally, most people have come to us when they want to appeal a decision, but we ’ re seeing more and more clients sign up earlier They ask us to manage their files and communicate with WorkSafeBC on their behalf ”

“That way, they can focus on their health at a time when they need all their energy to get better,” adds Sharma “We want our clients to feel they have someone in their corner ”

GKS Law Firm

PHOTO CREDIT: TwinLens Photography

Burnaby Hospital has been at the heart of the community for 70 years, helping families get healthy and stay healthy. With no major renovations in the last 50 years, it is still one of the busiest healthcare facilities in the Fraser Health Authority region, seeing approximately 200,000 patients a year

Burnaby Hospital Foundation (BHF) also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and highlights its fourth decade of making an impact on the health of its community with a remarkable achievement exceeding $30 million raised for its Proud History, Bright Future redevelopment campaign

“In under three years, our community has really come together to help us surpass this major milestone in our redevelopment campaign to transform our community hospital into a state of the art healthcare campus, ” says Kristy James, President & CEO of Burnaby Hospital Foundation

“The recent success of the Foundation’s campaign secures funding needed for modern equipment and technologies in Phase One of the redevelopment,” explains James “These are essential for the upgraded Burnaby Hospital, which will encourage innovation, improve processes, and ultimately provide improved patient care and experience ”

As the fundraising organization supporting Burnaby Hospital, the Burnaby Hospital Foundation bridges the gap between what the government provides and what the community needs Their purpose is to ensure that Burnaby Hospital is equipped in every way to advance the health of all generations while helping maintain the vibrancy of the entire community

The redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital brings expanded spaces, modernizations, and upgrades to the aging facility It will have an immediate impact on patients and families, improving quality and access to medical services for the community Phase One of the redevelopment will focus on four key services essential for all local families: emergency care, surgery, maternity, and mental health

“Burnaby Hospital already has the dedicated and talented teams of medical staff, and, through this transformation, the hospital will be well equipped to address medical challenges today, as well as for future generations ”

With every passing day and every donation, the Foundation is one step closer to its vision of a modern healthcare campus, made possible by dedicated people who engage determinedly on this ambitious journey

“We want to thank our leadership donors, Betty Beedie, Jim Pattison and the City of Burnaby, as well as all the generous members of our community that have helped us reach this milestone,” says James

“This achievement is truly a team effort by so many who continue to champion our mission It would not have been possible without the

“I’d also like to share my appreciation and give credit to my leadership team, Claire Wang, Vice President of Finance and Administration and Danielle Sleiman, Vice President of Development for their determination.”

Still, James reveals their job is nowhere near done “The redevelopment is an ongoing project, and this first step is only a piece of a much bigger project

that will affect health care in our community now and for future generations.”

She affirms that this is a milestone that everyone should all be proud to celebrate

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank our community for bringing us past this significant milestone,” she says “The amount we have raised together so far shows that our community recognizes the urgent need for an upgraded and modern Burnaby Hospital, and they are willing to put their donations towards that goal ”

“A donation, no matter the amount, makes an impact on health care in your community”

To learn more about Burnaby Hospital Foundation or if you’d like to make a contribution, visit bhfoundation ca or call 604 431 2881.

steadfast support of Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Fundraising Cabinet, and Chinese Ambassador Society”

L R Danielle Sleiman, Vice President of Development, Claire Wang, Vice President of Finance and Administration, and Kristy James, President & CEO at the Burnaby Hospital Foundation

PHOTO CREDIT: Erich Saide

MADISON CENTRE FAMILY DENTAL

DR. LALANI DR WAYNE LIN

“

When our patients feel more comfortable and more in control, they get into a good routine with our team’s recommendations, helping them prevent more major treatments in the future location:

Thishigh-techBurnabydentalofficeputsyourcomfortfirst

Have you been putting off scheduling your next trip to the dentist? The team at Madison Centre Family Dental does not blame you

The team is all too familiar with the anxieties, fears and hesitation patients often feel when they sit down in the chair Even some team members admit that they are not the biggest fans of the dentist Still, it doesn’t have to be this way

“Patients are part of their own treatment planning process here,” Dr Lalani explains “If they can see and understand what needs to be done, they are far more comfortable with it. We have a variety of 3D video scanners which essentially take images of your teeth and gums and allow us to show you the status of your teeth and oral health You will be better able to see your needs and be a part of planning any treatment that you require

When our patients feel more comfortable and more in control, they get into a good routine with our team’s recommendations, helping them prevent more major treatments in the future.”

With its advanced imaging technology, Madison Centre Family Dental is one of the few offices that saves patients time and stress by offering same day crowns

“Usually, patients are left to wear a temporary crown for two weeks or more until their permanent crown is ready,” Dr Lalani explains “Instead, we can prepare and deliver a crown or several crowns within a few hours with our CEREC Milling technology, meaning you don’t have to come back for a second visit ”

”In addition, they bring specialists to you The Madison Centre team includes a range of specialist doctors so that patients can expect a consistent and stress free environment at every visit.

“Along with general family dental care for all ages, we offer treatments such as digitally guided implants, Invisalign clear aligners, wisdom teeth removal, sedation

services, and smile makeovers,” Dr. Lalani describes. “We bring the doctors to you, so you don’t have to go to multiple offices, where possible”

As a Platinum 2022 Invisalign provider, this team has been putting smiles on patients’ faces for many years now and is happy to give you a virtual smile makeover so you can see the before and after as part of your planning process Contact the team and reference this article to see how they can help you

The Madison Centre Family Dental team is determined to keep removing obstacles for people who want to protect their oral health and improve their smile This includes language barriers and financial barriers

Treatment is available in nine languages: Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi, Punjabi, Cambodian, Gujarati, French and English

Additionally, Madison Centre Family Dental offers flexible financial plans to patients needing

top: The Madison Centre team is ready to welcome you. They have been putting smiles on patients’ faces for many years left: Meet our dental hygiene team

them and accepts most dental insurance plans

“We want to make the experience as easy as possible, as comfortable as possible, and as anxiety free as possible for everyone ” , says Dr Wayne Lin, another long term Dentist on the Madison Centre team

Madison Centre Family Dental is open :

• Mondays and Tuesdays: 9 a m 5 p m

• Wednesdays: 8 a m 7 p m

• Thursdays: 8 a m 8 p m

• Fridays: 9 a m 5 p m

• Saturdays: 9 a m 5 p m

• Sundays: 9 a m 5 p m

Madison Centre Family Dental is always there for your dental needs

Madison Centre Family Dental has been caring for smiles of all ages since 2001 In addition to their Burnaby location at 101 1899 Rosser Ave, they have five others in Vancouver, Surrey and New Westminster, which was the original clinic that opened in 1994

PHOTO CREDIT: TwinLens Photography

Losing a loved one is difficult enough, but dealing with funeral arrangements can add an entire layer of stress on top of the grieving process

To give their families peace of mind, more and more people are opting to prepay their funerals so those left behind can focus on remembering and healing instead of worrying about whether or not they’re getting the details right.

“The thing that people don’t realize is that when you come to a funeral home, there are over 80 questions you have to answer about arrangements When you ’ re grieving, your body has taken a massive hit and it’s very stressful and difficult to figure these things out,” says Nicole Cameron, Senior sales director of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC, the parent company of Dignity Memorial, which has 2,800 locations across North America, including Forest Lawn Cemetery & Funeral Home

and Ocean View Burial Park & Funeral Home in Burnaby, Victory Memorial Park Funeral Center in South Surrey and Boal Chapel First Memorial funeral services in North Vancouver

“The most important part of pre arranged funerals is that you ’ re choosing the details at your own pace and taking the guesswork out of what you would have wanted Just that alone is so precious and such a gift to your family”

For families who are left to make funeral arrangements on their own, they have to ask themselves difficult questions about what their loved one would have wanted and how they will pay for it all

Dignity Memorial believes no two people are exactly alike, which is why it’s important to find a provider that honours these differences to create a meaningful and fitting service This is the Dignity Difference,

which includes advance planning guarantees that include relocation protection to any one of the many Dignity locations throughout North America, lifetime flexibility for changes to arrangements, and an online obituary

Pre arrangement also eases the financial burden on families during a difficult time There is no need to worry about how the arrangements will be paid for. Pre paying has the advantage of inflation proofing the service.

Dignity Memorial also offers flexible payment options that will fit any budget

“It’s a huge benefit to pre arrange with a Dignity provider,” Cameron says

“If you move to New York, Atlanta, Hawaii or any of our locations across North America, your funeral or cemetery arrangements will follow you. ”

To ensure peace of mind, Dignity also offers a service guarantee

“When you choose us, we want to make sure we get every detail right every time Our goal is to provide 100 percent satisfaction with our services We are administered by J D Power and are fully committed to service beyond expectation,” Cameron says

Dignity also offers compassion helplines that provide access to professional grief counsellors for 13 months following the death of a loved one

“We’re here to support families on the worst day of their lives,” Cameron says

To find a funeral, cremation and cemetery provider in your community, visit Dignitymemorial com or call 604 328 6079

South Mausoleum and Private Estate at Ocean View Burial Park

PHOTOS CREDIT: Dignity Memorial Lakeside Garden Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Photo by Dignity Memorial

Crystal Creek Gazebo Columbarium Boal Chapel in North Vancouver

Victory Memorial Park in Surrey

TONIC ACTIVE

Localactivewearcompanycreatesstylishand functionalmade-in-Vancouverclothing

Tonic Active prides itself on thoughtful design and superior quality

Established in 2004, Tonic Active is a local activewear company that embodies its slogan of, “Smart, Strong, Beautiful ”

The female owned company was established to create timeless, functional separates for busy women on the go, who want to look effortlessly chic while still being comfortable

“We really care about quality We know busy women don’t have time to go shopping constantly They want something that is long lasting and can be worn for years and still look good,” creative director Ana Faghih says

“We’re designing for a woman who is looking for something that is stylish and good quality that she can wear all day and still look great That’s what we ’ re aiming for. Basic, practical pieces that you can wear everywhere ”

Tonic Active is designed and manufactured in Vancouver, part of the company’s commitment to creating ethical, environmentally friendly clothing. location:

Quality is paramount for Tonic Active and they are proud to source exceptional fabrics that last

Each collection is developed with top of the line Italian made textiles Tonic’s core fabric, Eterna, is named for its long lasting quality

Eterna has UPF sun protection, is quick dry, and has compression qualities. Each Tonic garment is constructed with elevated fabric designed to enhance your performance, whatever you are wearing it for

Tonic Active is designed and manufactured in Vancouver, part of the company ’ s commitment to creating ethical, environmentally friendly clothing

“Manufacturing in Vancouver allows us to have more control and oversight Our goal at Tonic is to create a sustainable brand. We really care about the environment for workers,” Faghih says.

“It’s really important for us to create a brand that cares about people If we want the customer to feel good wearing our pieces, we want to

ensure that even the people who are making the clothing are treated well ”

Contributing to the local economy is important for the Tonic owners, who are one of the last athleisure brands who has opted to keep its manufacturing and production in Vancouver.

“We’re ok with less profit if we ’ re giving back to society and creating

jobs by keeping everything in Vancouver,” Faghih says

“Especially after Covid, people really care about supporting local brands and paying attention to where their products are made ”

Tonic Active’s mission to create beautiful, wearable clothing that women can be comfortable in especially resonates with Faghih

who came to Canada from Iran six years ago

“In my country, women can’t wear whatever they want and they can’t express themselves the way they should Coming to Canada and working with Tonic is freedom that I can speak through my designs. I can wear whatever I want and I want to give this freedom to my clients,” Faghih says

“You can wear whatever you want You don’t have to wear high heels or be in tight jeans to look beautiful You can wear comfy clothes and still be beautiful

Especially in light of the recent news out of Iran, it’s important to send the message that women should always be themselves and wear whatever they like ”

To learn more and get your own long lasting activewear today visit www tonicactive com/en ca

Tonic Active believes in creating high quality garments that are expertly designed to help you sweat beautifully Its exceptional active, tennis, and lifestyle collections are made for customers who value long lasting fabrics, environmentally friendly production, and expertly curated style

Ana Faghih, Creative Director

PHOTO CREDIT: TwinLens Photography

Nothing devalues and diminishes the look of a space more than tired, worn cabinetry, which is often a focal point of the room Moreover, most people would rather sidestep an expensive and time consuming renovation, just to update their kitchen or bathroom wood cabinets. Fortunately, there’s an economical, efficient and sustainable solution to bring them back to their former glory

Tracy Booth, founder of Gleam Guard Cabinet Refinishing knows the struggles homeowners face With a background in the cleaning industry, he understands all too well his customer’s dilemma, having heard it time and again: “No matter how hard I clean my cabinets, they just get worse ”

“The issue isn’t neglect or that people are cleaning them improperly, but rather the root of the problem is the weakness of the finish; the reality is many finishes on cabinets are sub par, ” reveals Booth “Older ‘experienced’ cabinets lose their shine over time and can become worn down, especially in high traffic areas Once the damage sets in, the stains, chips and scratches, will remain, regardless of your efforts ”

Developed in 1987, after years of research and testing, Booth invented a process to clean, restore and protect your cabinetry without toxic and harsh odours or the difficult and expensive process or mess of stripping down and sanding off the old varnish

“The key is to choose a professional with the experience to create a beautiful, lasting finish using techniques that won’t fill the air with aggravating dust particles,” says Booth, who has been professionally refinishing cabinets for more than 30 years

Not only does it make good sense environmentally, but economically as well For as little as $2,000 rather than investing, say $20,000 to $30,000, Gleam Guard can restore your kitchen cabinets for 70% less than the cost of refacing or replacing your cabinets

“Our efficient process works to bond with your existing finish, while adding our custom stains and finishes to your woodwork,” explains Booth “This creates a durable seal that will strengthen and protect your cabinets We’ve restored thousands of kitchens to their former beauty, and customers have reported results lasting for decades ”

It’s all about efficiency for the prep work, too It’s not necessary to remove old cabinets or replace door and drawer fronts, nor empty your cupboards and drawers “Our average prep time for customers is 10 minutes,” says Booth, “less if you don’t have much to clear off your countertops.”

The dust free process starts with a Gleam Guard professional prepping the surface with a vigorous clean and then matching and applying the new finish A wood floor finish provides a long wearing result, protecting your cabinets from

hazards such as water damage, grease and dust They can change your stain to lighten or darken your cabinets; however, they don’t provide painting services

“There’s no lengthy planning, demolition or construction period,” explains Booth “Our trained cabinet refinishing professionals will have your cabinets looking great and ready to go within one to two days ”

You can preserve the character throughout your home, not just in your kitchen and bathroom All interior millwork can be refinished, so think beyond your cabinetry and look to your built in bookshelves, doors, windowsills, furniture and more

Gleam Guard comes with a five year warranty, and their post restoration service includes complimentary touch ups if necessary.

For more information, visit gleamguardcabinetrefinishing ca

Tracy Booth has been professionally refinishing cabinets for more than 30 years.

PHOTOS CREDIT: Gleam Guard

Among the NOW’ s seasoned pros is Cornelia Naylor An ex-high school jock with a love of Victorian literature, Conelia graduated from the University of Alberta with English and education degrees and spent a few years as a high school English teacher before getting a journalism certificate at Langara College.

A whirlwind career in community journalism ensued, starting with time on the school board beat at the now-defunct Chilliwack Times.

Cornelia came to the NOW in April 2014 and has written about education, health, crime and the courts. A true believer in local news, she especially loves finding the human story in whatever she’s writing about, whether it be a school board budget, a gang shooting or a giant gourd nurtured by a local gardener

One of the NOW’ s more recent hires, Jess Balzer grew up in the Lower Mainland, where she went to elementary, high school and university before attending the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s broadcast and online journalism program in 2014.

Right after graduation in 2016 she began her career in Fort St. John, spending a year and a half with the local radio station before moving to Victoria to work for Black Press.

She moved back to northern B.C. in 2018 and joined Glacier Media in opening a new publication.

“It wasn’t just that I loved the North that much, but my now husband Kyle, who is also a journalist, was working in Prince George,” she said. “After numerous years of a long-distance relationship, it was time to be in the same city.”

The couple were married in 2020 and were both transferred back to the Lower Mainland by Glacier Media in 2021, with Jess joining the NOW and her husband becoming a reporter for the TriCity News

Her reporting background consists of health, policing, sports, politics and everything in-between

“Burnaby has been a great city to get to know more in depth, and it’s my honour to be able to tell the stories that lie within,” she said.

Jess’ colleague, Lauren Vanderdeen, joined the NOW the following year, covering city hall and general news

She came to the NOW from Langara College’s journalism program, where she won a Jack Webster student journalism award.

At the NOW, she loves reporting on community stories, from the blind, flightless falcon named Betty White that guards a Burnaby dump, to the now-closed rave space/motorcycle shop that operated out of a barn just blocks away from Brentwood mall.

She also has a particular interest in housing and transportation issues

Before journalism, Lauren worked at post-secondary schools and studied ancient languages in Halifax, N.S. Her fascination with parsing Latin verbs has translated into a deep love of wading through development reports

You can usually find her riding the SkyTrain or walking all over Metro Vancouver She volunteers at a thrift shop.

Multimedia reporter Abhinaya Natesh is the newest member of the team at the NOW and the New West Record Growing up as an avid reader in Chennai, a metropolitan city in South India, Abhinaya by turns wanted to become a writer, a filmmaker, a

lawyer, a dancer her ambitions changing depending on the characters of whichever book she happened to be reading at that moment.

Then it came time to make up her mind about a real-world career “I realized that there was a common thread,” she said. “I was expressive, but was looking for someone to hear my voice, which is what led me to journalism. I believe that the world is an open book with lots of stories, and I wanted to be the one to give the voiceless (someone like me!) a voice.”

Her career began in Chennai when, as a journalism student, she interned with India’s top news organization, The Hindu In 2019, she made her way to Thunder Bay, Ont., as a student of film production. Working as a freelancer for Dougall Media, she got to know the community, “which became a family of sorts,” she said.

Since arriving in B.C. to cover Burnaby and New Westminster stories, she has enjoyed discovering “the beauty and colourfulness of the two communities.” she said.

When not working, she can be found dancing (Abhinaya means dance/expression in Sanskrit),

catching up with friends across the world and travelling.

Mark Falkenberg, editor of the NOW as well as the New Westminster Record and Tri-City News, is himself a newcomer to the newsroom, having joined the team in May of this year

Mark has worked in newspapers for three decades, starting as a reporter in the Fraser Valley before joining the Vancouver Sun in 2000 and holding various roles at that paper including news editor and assistant Arts and Life editor In 2014 he was hired by Glacier Media as deputy managing editor of Business in Vancouver, helping oversee its weekly print edition, website and associated BIV publications.

The NOW newsroom’s diversity is a powerful asset, he said, in that the coverage benefits from the more experienced reporters’ deep knowledge of the issues, and from the new perspectives of the recent arrivals. The newcomers have often come up with stories bringing to light things about the community that have surprised even the veteran writers.

“It’s been exciting to see the city through fresh eyes. The thrill of discovery really comes across in the stories.”

From left, Jess Balzer, Lauren Vanderdeen, Cornelia Naylor, Mark Falkenberg and Abhinaya Natesh

PHOTO CREDIT: Mario Bartel

explore the Heights

LAWYERS

FLOORING

RESTAURANT

Some of lifes most important decisions require the upmost in expertise. Having served the community for over 60 years, Cobbett & Cotton has established itself as a trustworthy legal source providing top quality legal representation. Voted the Best of Burnaby by Burnaby Now readers for over 18 years, Cobbett & Cotton adopts a caring and respectful approach to bring about a resolution that suits you best.

OPTICAL

Award winning wood flooring specialists, Casa Madera Floors offers one of the largest selections of Engineered Hardwood, Laminate, Cork and Vinyl Plank flooring in Burnaby Many product lines, colours and styles to choose from. Locally owned and operated for over 15 years. Burnaby’s A-list winner for favourite flooring store 7 years in a row

BAKERY

Eat lots, feel at home and have fun at Anton’s Pasta! Serving up enormous portions of delicious pasta for over 30 years, Anton’s is a Burnaby legend. Enjoy over 70 traditional and original pasta creations. Casual atmosphere, friendly staff and great food that will keep you coming back for more.

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER Anton’s looks forward to seeing you soon!

FUNERAL SERVICE

Celebrating 55 years of providing

products and exceptional service for generations of families! At United Optical they keep pace in this fast-changing industry while always maintaining a personal touch. These local eyewear specialists feature a variety of lens options and brands to suit any need or task Personable, knowledgeable and professional staff always ready to help.

One of the most beloved neighbourhood favourites is The Valley Bakery, which has been serving delectable European baked goods in the Heights for over six decades. Using only the finest of ingredients, Valley Bakery’s selection is beyond compare. Try their delectable cakes, delicious cookies, fresh baked breads and seasonal favourites to name a few Voted Burnaby’s Best Bakery for over 20 years running!

Kearney’s is proud to be Burnaby’s only Canadian family-owned, independent funeral service provider They are conveniently located, enabling their knowledgeable and caring staff to serve those in the community who have experienced a loss From traditional funerals to celebrations of life, burial and cremations and pre-planning, Kearney Funeral Services will help you and your family say goodbye to your loved ones with dignity and care. No matter what your need, they will help you at every step.

BURNABY