Families Now Summer 2014

familiesnow Summer 2014

come inside!

• Port Moody’s neighbourhoods • Kid-friendly dining

•H ow to select a babysitter •W here families can cut costs

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Summer 2014

familiesnow

Kid-friendly dining

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FamiliesNOW is published and distributed

by The Tri-Cities NOW Newspaper, a member of Glacier Media Group.

Reproduction prohibited.

Copyright protected.

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PUBLISHER Brad Alden

Port Moody: Yours to explore

Page

EDITOR Leneen Robb

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CONTRIBUTORS Lisa King Tracey Rayson Christina Montgomery

How to select a babysitter

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Catherine Ackerman ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS James Corea Kerri Gilmour Sanjay Sharma Bentley Yamaura GRAPHIC DESIGN Tracey Churchill THE TRI-CITIES NOW NEWSPAPER 216-3190 St.Johns St. Port Moody, BC V5C 1A2 Ph: 604-492-4492 Fax: 604-492-4493 www.thenownews.com

On the inside...

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Photo credits: Thinkstock (Pages 3, 4, 8, 9,10, 14,16,17, 20 & 21), Lisa King/ NOW (Pages 1, 3, 12, 13), Newscanada (Pages 10, 22), MetroCreative (Page 17)

For advertising information in Fall 2014 edition please call Catherine Ackerman at 604-492-4229 For more information: advertising@thenownews.com

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Summer Learning with School District 43

Summer camp can help your child become independent Recipes for fun cheeseburgers, peanut butter s’mores

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Does your child have a visual-perceptual disorder?

Learn where families can cut costs Tips for boating with pets

Summer 2014 I familiesnow I 3 FN

summer learning

Check out the school district’s Summer Learning program Summer — a time for creative writing, outdoor ecology or visual arts — and those are just three of the offerings elementary or middle school students can take through School District 43’s Summer Learning classes.

are choosing to take additional classes in the summer, whether it is to increase their secondary school mark for postsecondary applications or take a course of interest at the elementary or middle level. The class offerings are growing every year to meet demand, and so are the school locations throughout the district.

“We see more and more students every year, and the students we see are excited to have the opportunity to continue and enhance their studies over the summer months,” says Mike McGlenen, District Principal of LINC.

No longer viewed as a negative or a punishment, more and more students

4 FN I Summer 2014 I familiesnow

“For students who have struggled in a particular subject area, it’s an opportunity to have more individualized instruction where they need it most. For

other students, the program represents an opportunity to spend more time in a subject they love. The Summer Learning program can make a world of difference for students’ ‘back to school’ experience in the fall.”

Classes range from elementary-level French immersion, fine arts, math, reading and writing, and science (outdoor focus) to middle-level opportunities in tech ed and core academic areas to high school credit courses such as biology, Canadian studies 10, chemistry, communications, composition, English, math, physics, science and social studies. There are English-as-another-language (EAL) options and skill building offerings as well.

For more information on summer learning in School District 43, visit www.summerlearningcoquitlam.ca.

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summer camp

Summer camp can help your child become independent

By Kathy Lynn

it’s designed to meet the developmental needs of your children, with challenges and opportunities appropriate to their age.”

I’m a fan of a summer camp experience for children.

This is not surprising because research shows that 90 per cent of people who went to a residential camp also send their children. Being that my husband and I were childhood campers and counsellors, you can bet our kids attended.

I would add that camping helps children to move along the road to being capable adults. In my book, But Nobody Told Me I’d Ever Have to Leave Home, I write, “summer camp … is a golden opportunity for our children to develop independence. Camp is great because

The trick is to choose the right camp for your child. Then you need to trust the camp staff and your child. So what are the considerations when selecting the right camp? Is he ready to be away from home? Has he spent some nights with friends or relatives and how did he handle that? Now remember this is about whether he’s ready, not whether you’re ready.

It can be hard to let our kids head off into the unknown without us along to look after them. But, as soon as they’re ready, it’s the best gift we can give them.

They learn they can handle things on their own and we learn they can survive without us for a short while.

Another issue is finding a camp that you

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know is safe, with qualified staff and quality programming. The BC Camping Association offers an accreditation process for all camps that have been running for at least one year.

Knowing that the camp you’ve chosen is accredited is a great way to know that it has met the basic standards in terms of training, programming and safety.

The BC Camping Association website (bccamping.org) lists all the accredited camps. The website also explains the accreditation process.

Once you have chosen a camp, be sure to attend the parent information night. Talk to the staff. Ask about the camp philosophy. Ask them to walk you through a typical day. Good camp people love to talk to parents and you can get a sense of the camp by asking questions. continued on page 7

Serving people with disabilities and their families in the Tri-Cities and beyond.

We are a non-profit society that provides foster families for children with disabilities, summer camps, respite for families, life skills training, community inclusion programs, employment, and shared living services to support people with developmental disabilities and their families.

For more information call 604.939.8070 or visit www.communityventures.ca Kevin Lusignan Executive Director 200 - 1024 Ridgeway Ave. Coquitlam, B.C.

604-937-2020

www.communityventures.ca

continued from page 6

Trust your instincts. Does this sound right for your child? If they don’t want to talk to you or hedge, then find another camp.

It’s also a good idea to talk to parents whose children have attended the camp.

When you tell your friends and colleagues that you are considering sending your child to camp you will get lots of advice and recommendations.

The most consistent complaint from parents about camp is religious content in the program. If you’re looking for a religious orientation that’s fine, but when it’s a surprise parents find that sometimes the kids come home from camp talking about being “born

again” or about daily Bible study. If you don’t want this for your child, ask the staff.

Listen to the description of the day’s activities and choose accordingly.

In recent years, some camps have installed video cameras to enable parents to keep an eye on their kids. It may sound great, but I’d avoid such a camp. For kids, the whole point of going to camp is to have a chance to succeed away from their folks. If they know their parents are checking them out online every day, they may as well be at home.

Camps!

Coquitlam

Be the first to know!

Do you like to plan ahead? Sign up for email notifications about camps, pro-d day activities and registration dates. As soon as we know, you’ll know!

Sign up at coquitlam.ca/campmail

Choose the right camp.

Do your homework. Then let your child go.

Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author. Sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.

coquitlam.ca/campmail |

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By Christina Montgomery It’s date night and your sitter cancelled at the last minute.

Maybe it’s been a long, hot afternoon and you and the family want to escape the house.

Or it’s just a good day to reward the kids for helping out all week.

You’d like to dine out. With young ones.

What you need is a restaurant that’s going to serve you a tasty meal but is also kid friendly. One that offers child-compatible flavours and portions, and with luck, a kids’ menu priced accordingly. A spot that offers friendly, patient service. High chairs. Change tables in the bathrooms.

And a clientele that won’t make you feel like a leper if your kids break into a toddlersized version of drunk and disorderly.

If you’re lucky, you already have a favourite spot your family has adopted — a Greek or Indian restaurant where you

stick with a special that goes down well. Or an Italian joint with big bibs and baby-style spaghetti. Maybe even sushi that suits the crowd.

But what to do when you want to think outside the lunchbox?

Sometimes the local coffee shops are perfect. continued on page 9

continued from page 8

Starbucks offers kiddie-size hot chocolates, a number of non-caffeinated cold drinks and small snacks. Many of the bathrooms have change tables and room for strollers.

Waves has hot and cold drinks, share-able snacks and sandwiches, and most outlets have some big, comfy chairs. Ditto for Blenz.

It’s worth giving the big chains a look too. Many of them have gone the extra mile to attract families.

ABC Country Restaurants and IHOP both have kids’ menus.

Boston Pizza has a huge kids’ menu. Meals come with a drink, dessert and fun pack.

Red Robin has an under10s menu that features bottomless drinks, healthy sides and is served up with crayons and colouring pages.

The Pantry has a kids’ menu for every meal and features a $2.99 kids’ dinner every Wednesday. De Dutch offers day-long breakfasts and a range of yogurt, fruit and oatmeal options.

Even The Keg — not a spot that always comes to mind when you’re thinking kids — has a great children’s menu that includes a main, fries or salad, ice cream and a drink.

But the Tri-Cities also offer some good alternatives to the chains. If you don’t have a favourite family café, it isn’t hard to find one.

In Coquitlam, for example, Montana’s has an under-12s menu that include dessert and drink, healthy sides and tablecloths you can colour on.

In Port Moody, vegan café Chomp offers a kids’ menu that is gluten free.

Swiss Chalet has a great kids’ menu for children under 12.

Meals come with dessert, a toy and a bottomless drink.

White Spot does a kids’ pirate pack for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Denny’s does a kids menu for under-10s that includes a main, drink and ice cream. Even better, at participating locations (phone ahead to check), on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m., for every adult entrée ordered, up to two kids’ entrees are free.

Pajo’s doesn’t have a special kids’ fish and chips menu, but it does offer a really fun setting at its Rocky Point Park café in Port Moody, and at Reeve Park in Port Coquitlam.

So does Rocky Point Ice Cream, where the handcrafted treats are dished up just a short wander from the spray park at Rocky Point.

So go ahead, reward yourself and your kids with a meal out.

With so many local businesses catering to families, it’s easy to find something everyone will enjoy.

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dining in

Have some fun with your cheeseburgers Making a tower of chips and crushing them into smithereens is bound to bring back the kid in you. From Weber’s Big Book of Burgers, this is a recipe creation that your own kids will love building too.

Method 1. Mix the patty ingredients, and then gently form eight patties of equal size, each about ½ inch thick. Refrigerate the patties until ready to grill.

2. Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat (400° to 500°F).

3. Grill the patties over direct medium-high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked to medium doneness (160°F), about 6 minutes, turning once. During the last 30 seconds to 1 minute of grilling time, place a quarter-slice of cheese on each patty to melt, and toast the buns, cut side down, over direct heat.

4. Place a patty on each bottom bun half and top with ketchup (if using), a patty, pickles, and a stack of chips. Put the bun tops on and then press down. Serve immediately.

More information is available online at bigbookofburgers. weber.com

–www.newscanda.com

Crunch Burgers

Serves 4 (makes 8 sliders) Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: about 6 minutes

Patties

1½ pounds ground chuck (80% lean) 1 tablespoon ketchup ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 slices cheddar cheese, each about 1 ounce, cut into quarters 8 slider buns, split Ketchup (optional) 16 dill pickle chips 8 handfuls thin potato chips, such as Lay’s® Classic

Peanut butter makes s’mores a campfire treat This twist on a fireside favourite is a must-have in the summer and is ready in mere minutes. The addition of peanut butter is sure to please the palate, and using chocolate peanut butter cups takes the s’mores experience to a whole new level.

Directions Spread peanut butter over graham cracker wafers. Place 3 peanut butter cups on top of the peanut butter of 4 of the crackers.

Toast marshmallows over fire to desired golden brown colour.

Place a toasted marshmallow on each cracker with the peanut Prep Time: 5 minutes butter cups. Top with second Cook Time: 2 minutes graham cracker wafers. Squish Ingredients together to form s’mores.

Additional recipes can be found at www.peanutbureau.ca.

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¼ cup (60 ml) peanut butter 8 graham cracker wafers 12 mini peanut butter cups 4 marshmallow

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Port Moody’s neighbourhood hubs Connecting through community spirit

By Tracey Rayson Although Port Moody is chock-full of culture and credited with the official namesake “City of the Arts,” there’s much more to this city than it’s widely known moniker. At its most understated, Port Moody’s allure is its award-winning livability. Its fusion of green space and mixed-used neighbourhoods, as well as three distinctly family-friendly enclaves — including two walkable urban villages — create an energetic air, a community vibrancy that explains its appeal to the growing number of families who call Port Moody home.

These qualities also make it an equally fine choice for daytrippers.

Rocky Point Park With a synthesis of simplicity and serenity, Rocky Point Park spans 3.8 12 FN I Summer 2014 I familiesnow

hectares (9.4 acres) and lies at the head of the sheltered waters of Burrard Inlet, flaunting water views at every turn.

Rocky Point Pool and Spray Park add to the H2O quotient — the perfect antidote to summer’s soaring mercury.

It’s a hotbed of activity on the pier with a spectacular view of the inlet and the perfect vantage point for watching boats launch. If you’re looking to trade your land legs for sea legs, both the Old Mill Boathouse and Rocky Point Kayak provide various crafts and services for water adventure.

“Rocky Point makes an ideal location for novice paddlers because of its flat lakelike waters,” says Jamie Cuthbert, owner of Rocky Point Kayak. “We have some of the most user-friendly ocean water to learn any type of paddle sport. We offer

kayak, canoe and SUP (stand up paddle board) rentals and lessons, plus SUP Yoga & PaddleFit exercise classes.”

Venture out at sunset for an evening paddle and the opportunity to get up close and personal to many nocturnal marine mammals (harbour seals) and bird life (eagles and osprey) on the Full Moon Paddle (there are 10 dates from June to September). Return by the light of the moon and enjoy Rocky Point Ice Cream for dessert.

Cuthbert’s family-run confectionery shop consists of a blend of traditional and modern elements, which complement 36 vintage, unique and traditional ice cream flavours (think Australian Black Licorice, Earl Grey ‘n Honey, Salted Caramel, Rum Raisin, continued on page 13

continued from page 13

Maple Bacon, and Mexican Chocolate). “We use as many local ingredients as possible and handcraft our ice cream in small batches, which allows us to offer unique flavours,” reveals Cuthbert.

Quash the growlies with Pajo’s fresh fish and chips; lace-up for some activity (Skate Park, POMO Rotary Bike Trails Park, Off-leash Dog Park, 6 km Shoreline Trail/paved bike path, playground); or take in the special events (Golden Spike Days on Canada Day weekend, and the blues, soul, funk, R&B and reggae Summer Sunday Concerts, from July 6 to Aug. 24).

“The support from our enthusiastic audiences ranges upwards of 1,000 spectators weekly,” says concert producer George Balzer. “In addition to the community support, it’s facilitated by the City of Port Moody and our corporate sponsors, PCT, TD and Polygon, who make Summer Sundays a prime, free summer entertainment event. Moreover, 100 per cent of the concert donations support Crossroads Hospice, making us ever grateful for the generosity of our audience.”

Newport Village At Ioco Road and Newport Drive, Newport Village mixes easy accessibility with down-to-earth amiability and manages to feel intimate while maintaining a metropolitan edge.

Anchored by Pavilion Square for community events and gatherings, over 50 merchants provide shopping, dining, personal and professional services — and their savvy shops match the populace’s discerning taste.

Baristas and bakers know your name (try Gallagher’s smoothie to beat the heat; Casa Del Pane Italian Bakery & Deli will happily share its chocolate lava cake recipe) and Malcolm the fishmonger (family-operated Inlet Seafoods) is on hand for recommendations — the salmon is always wild and homemade crab cakes won’t disappoint.

Fashionistas delight in designer boutiques like BELLISSIMA (dazzling metals are the newest jewelry collection from RUSH by Denis and Charles) and VIVE (check out the inspired and bold Desigual collection); Wish on a Star has you covered for home décor and hostess gifts; share conversations over libations and culinary mainstays at Browns or St. James’s Well or pick from the freshest market goods at Kin’s (kick up your bruschetta with their flavour-bursting signature Hawaiian Sweet and Thai Basil); if the home cook is

taking the night off, visit George’s for fine meats (think fresh BC free range beef ) and prepared gourmet meals (plus Eco Friendly Raw Dog Food) for your four-legged family members.

“Newport has a character of European flair and animated community, and the Newport Village Summer Festival (July 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is always a fun event,” says Maria Wood, property and strata relations with BOSA Development Corp.

“For the merchants it’s a way to say ‘thank you’ for your patronage.” Check out Will Stroet and the Backyard Band (an award-winning children’s entertainer) and Sway as Michael Bublé, who headline the entertainment.

Suter Brook Village A tad trendier than its neighbour, Suter Brook’s master-planned condo village flanks Capilano Road and Murray Street with a group of 20 companies consisting of retail, service

and grocery (anchored

by BC Liquor Stores and Thrifty Foods) for your most immediate needs. The vibrant social centre and multi-cultural hub lend the community a hip feel while preserving an approachable atmosphere.

Cyclists, joggers and dog walkers can be spotted enjoying this pedestrianfriendly corridor. Undeniably urban, Suter Brook embraces the great outdoors with its wide streetscape and bustling plazas that merit leisurely strolls; plenty of benches are perfect perches for sidewalk people watching, a seamless pairing with your JJ Bean or Starbucks.

Lured by their reputation as the most popular yogurt in the world, Menchies will hook you with its fun and creative goodness; serious carnivores head to Onyx, while lighter fare and small-plate eats attract at Chomp Vegan Eatery, where everything is 100 per cent vegan, gluten free and organic.

Easily accessible and selfsufficient, Suter Brook’s lifestyle is about comradery, connectedness and convenience; here you don’t live in your car commuting from place to place — you live in your community.

Summer 2014 I familiesnow I 13 FN

learning

Does your child have a visual-perceptual disorder?

Visual-perceptual disorders are commonly an underlying factor affecting learning, reading, concentration, comprehension and attention.

enhances the ability of children and adults to perform to their full potential,” according to the American Academy of Optometry and American Association of Optometrists.

“Prompt remediation of learningrelated vision problems

If a child should display any of the following, an eye exam and a visualperceptual assessment should be conducted to evaluate performance of the visual system:

• Dropping of the head to the page • Excessive blinking or squinting • Headache • Head movement on reading • Bumping into doors or furniture • Short attention span • Reversal of letters or numbers • Misreading of words • Loss of place • Rereading of lines • Left-right confusion • Poor reading comprehension Children’s eye examinations are covered under BC MSP, with initial visual-perceptual assessments provided at no charge.

— Information submitted by Dr. Lloyd J. Mah of Westwood Eye Doctors (www.westwoodeyedocs.com).

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Buy a computer — and you won’t have to wait for Mom to get off Facebook before you surf, play games and chat with friends (or even do homework).

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GETTING A CHARGE Port Moody unveils four electric vehicle charging stations

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thenownews.com

THE NOW FRIDAY

APRIL 19, 2013

FANTASTIC FEAST Tri-City Potters display juried works at centennial exhibit

11

Serving COQUITLAM, PORT COQUITLAM, PORT MOODY, ANMORE and BELCARRA since 1984

HIGHWAY HAZARD

Mayor calls for median on Lougheed NEWS A6

Is Bear Fewer geese at Aware message Como Lake Park sinking in?

NEWS A4

NEWS A4

NOW FILE PHOTO

School trustees will provide more details on proposed cuts at a meeting Tuesday at the district’s offices.

District to cut 142 jobs PROJECTED OPERATING DEFICIT ESTIMATED AT $12M

www.sharesociety.ca

Jeremy DEUTSCH

A self employment opportunity

InQuiring Minds Show tonight at Evergreen

ARTS A10

FINDING BALANCE IN A BUSY WORLD LIFE A15

jdeutsch@thenownews.com School District 43 officials knew they would have to make cuts to deal with a ballooning deficit, and on Tuesday employees and the public learned just how deep the reductions will be once the budget is done.

To make up for a $12.1-million projected operating deficit for the 2013/2014 school year, the district is looking at cutting six per cent of its staff across the board.

More specifically, it’s proposing to cut 142 pos-

itions within the district.

A further breakdown of the numbers has the district cutting 81 teachers, 19 teacher assistants/special education assistants/youth workers along with 32 clerical/custodial/IT and facilities positions and 10 from administration.

The staffing cuts add up to $11.5 million in savings.

Some of the positions being cut will be offset by attrition, with as many as 30 staff in various positions already putting in their retirement papers for the end of the year.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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To view budget documents, download the free Layar app to your smartphone and scan this page

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Summer 2014 I familiesnow I 15 FN

How to select a

babysitter Hiring a babysitter can be a difficult decision for many families. For the first several years of their children’s lives, many parents only trust themselves or direct family members to take care of their kids. But most parents must eventually rely on babysitters to look after their children.

Selecting a babysitter is not something to take lightly. Putting your child into the care of another person requires trust and careful vetting of that person.

The best place to begin looking for a babysitter is within your own community. Churches, preschools and a network of friends can usually yield suggestions for potential babysitters. An older child of a close friend is often a person to consider. Otherwise, ask around at your child’s daycare center or preschool. Some teachers watch children as a side job, while others may offer recommendations. A school that conducts background checks on their employees as well as screens them for drug use and illnesses can take much of the work out of the vetting process for you. As a parent, you may simply need to call up some of the sitter’s references to validate his or her claims of responsibility.

The next step is to interview a sitter and see how he or she interacts with your child or children. Ask questions at this point, finding out if the sitter is trained in CPR and first aid and if the sitter completed any courses in handling medical emergencies or other potentially sticky medical situations. Be sure to ask about experience watching particular age groups as well.

Discuss your rules with the sitter, including bed times, food restrictions, policy on visitors, use of certain appliances and use of social media or digital devices while babysitting. The babysitter should understand all of your requirements and agree to them readily before being offered the job. continued on page 17 16 FN I Summer 2014 I familiesnow

ASK

Dr. Paunovic

continued from page 16

Once a babysitter has been selected, have the sitter come to the house roughly 30 minutes before you decide to leave. This time gives your children time to grow acclimated to the sitter’s presence, and it gives you the chance to answer any questions the sitter may have. Leave emergency phone numbers as well as details on how you can be reached and where you are going.

You may want to inform a close neighbour that you are having a sitter watch the kids and find out if he or she can be available in case of an emergency.

You will probably be anxious the first time you leave your children with a sitter.

Call home several times to check on things and reassure yourself that all is well.

When you return home, ask the sitter how things went. Talk about situations you know may have been a problem, such as a reluctance

for the kids to go to sleep.

Reassuring the sitter that these behaviours are not a reflection on his or her skills as a sitter will make the babysitter feel more comfortable and secure.

Some parents feel better by using a nanny cam to keep a close watch on the situation at home. This is a personal preference and may not be necessary unless you suspect something is awry.

In such instances, it is better to look for a new sitter instead. Your children can tell you if they liked the sitter and if they felt comfortable with him or her. Kids who appear reluctant to be around the sitter or who exhibit a strong desire for their parents to stay home should raise some red flags. However, if you’ve done your research and have found someone you believe to be a reliable and safe sitter, there should be no problems.

M-F M-F 8aM-6pM, 8AM-6PM, sat SAT 9aM-4pM, 9AM-4PM, sun SUN closed CLOSED we are open on wednesday from 8 to 8 1119c austin ave. coquitlaM 1119C AUSTIN AVE., COQUITLAM

604.931.3565 604.931.3565

email: coqah@shaw.ca • web: www.coquitlamanimalhospital.com

Welcome

Dr. Janet Gordon

Certified Specialist in Orthodontics

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available!

—MetroCreative Summer 2014 I familiesnow I 17 FN

Diana Zitko koo Owner / CEO Mortgage Professional

604-931-2722

MARINER

2662 AUSTIN AVENUE

N

: 604.937.8888 604.937 937.8888 8 : 604.937.7283 TOLL FREE : 1.866.618.0884 dianazitko@westcoastmortgages.ca BUS FAX

www.westcoastmortgages.ca

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18 FN I Summer 2014 I familiesnow

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604-936-6008

Summer 2014 I familiesnow I 19 FN

Where

families can cut costs W

hether they’re still recovering from the recent economic troubles or simply looking for ways to build their savings, many families are hunting for ways to cut costs. Increases in the cost of living have forced the hands of many families, some of whom may not know where to begin with regard to scaling back their expenses, while others are worried that cutting costs will negatively affect their quality of life. But there are numerous ways in which families can trim some fat from their everyday expenses without sacrificing the things they enjoy.

Food

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 FN I Summer 2014 I familiesnow

in 1984 the average American household spent slightly less than 17 per cent of its annual post-tax income on food, a figure that had dipped to 11.2 percent by 2011. But over the last century, Americans also have spent more and more on food they eat away from home. In fact, the United States, at seven pe rcent, and Canada, at 10 per cent, spent substantially less of their family budgets on food they eat at home than many similarly developed countries, including Germany (11 per cent), France (13 per cent) and Italy (15 per cent). So while families may be trimming their grocery bills, those efforts might be offset if they are routinely dining out for dinner.

Instead of weekly meals at a favourite restaurant, families looking to cut costs

can reserve such nights on the town for truly special and unique occasions.

Another way to trim food costs is to write up a grocery list before visiting the supermarket. Going into the store without a list is a great way to overspend and buy things you already have at home or simply don’t need. continued on page 21

continued from page 20

Mobile services

Data analysts at the global financial firm UBS AG found that in 2007 wireless carriers brought in $22 billion in revenue in the United States alone by selling mobile services like e-mail and web browsing.

By 2011, that revenue had nearly tripled to $59 billion. So what happened in those four years? The popularity of smartphones skyrocketed and so, too, did families’ monthly mobile costs. A typical family of four now budgets several hundred dollars per month just for their smartphones, a sobering reality that is cutting into family funds and stretching their budgets awfully thin. Families looking to cut costs can shop around for a new provider offering less expensive plans or cut back on their mobile usage.

Instead of four smartphones, which are often

accompanied by expensive data plans, for the family, cut back to two smartphones and give youngsters more traditional cellular phones that don’t allow them to surf the Internet or enage in other costly activities that are a luxury but not a necessity.

Entertainment

According to a 2013 report from Leichtman Research Group, a communications research and consulting firm, the average consumer spent $83.25 per month on multi-channel video service in 2013. In 2010, those same consumers spent an average of $71.24 per month, meaning the cost of multi-channel video services increased by nearly 17 per cent in just three years. Industry analysts expect those increases to continue, as cable television providers continue to point to the escalating cost of programming as the driving force behind the rate hikes. But families who feel their monthly cable or satellite television service is a luxury they can no longer afford or rationalize have options. Broadband Internet connections allow families to access streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video, and access to such services is typically available at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable or satellite

television services. Certain streaming services have even begun to produce their own original content, putting them in a better position to compete with more traditional content providers by offering more than just a lower price.

The cost of living is on the rise, but families can find ways to trim their monthly expenses without negatively affecting their quality of life. —MetroCreative

Summer 2014 I familiesnow I 21 FN

outdoor fun

Tips for boating with pets Boating is a pleasure for the entire family, including your beloved pets. No matter whether we are out on the water for a day, a weekend or a month, we all prefer to bring our pets on board instead of leaving them on dry land.

DiscoverBoating.ca offers some helpful tips to prepare to go boating with pets, including: Bring a flotation device.

Pets should always wear a flotation device, preferably one with a handle so their head can be lifted above water.

On-water exercise. Get your pet active by letting them run on deck or swim.

Bring floatable toys to play with. It’s a good idea to have their nails trimmed and in good shape before your boating excursion.

Eats and treats. Bring a little extra pet food, plus some treats, just in case they work

(: all smiles :) courtesy of:

Dr. Myrna Pearce, Dr. Candace Woodman and Dr. Felix Wu Call us today

604.552.9700

up an appetite. Carry a fresh water supply as well.

You don’t own a boat? Go to DiscoverBoating.ca to

discover all the other options for getting out on the water anywhere in Canada.

—www.newscanada.com

Martial Arts Has Been Proven to Raise Concentration Levels!!!!

What better way to start you child off to A new Year of School!!! with FOCUS, CONFIDENCE, AN AWESOME ATTITUDE!!!

These are Built Right In to our Summer Camp!!!!

9am to 3pm.

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Martial Arts

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or

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KIDS LOVE OUR SUMMER CLASSES!

STILL THE SAME WITH A NEW CLINIC NAME

2203-2850 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam www.ontrackdental.com 22 FN I Summer 2014 I familiesnow

2 MONTHS OF SUMMER CLASSES Sign up at

99

FOR $ ONLY

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or Call 604-802-4377

Personal Best Martial Arts 124-1647 Broadway St. Port Coquitlam brand new location!

Wake up to

5 4 $

8

ing n r o aM g e M

T BL

Take a big bite out of summer with our Mega Morning BLT sandwich.

Delicious ciabatta bread loaded with an egg, melted Swiss cheese and the classic bacon-lettuce-tomato combo, all served with roasted potatoes. Scrumptiously yours for a limited time only!

Sunwood Square #390, 3025 Lougheed Hwy. Coquitlam, BC 778-285-8577

Breakfast and Lunch Summer 2014 I familiesnow I 23 FN

Serving delight since 1928.

From award-winning burgers & signature fries, to our fresh salads, BC Chicken, Spot Classics & famous Pirate Paks, there’s always something delightful on the menu at White Spot. Join us, morning, noon or night.

WHITE SPOT COQUITLAM 500 - 3025 Lougheed Hwy. 604-942-9224

50% OFF 2ND BREAKFAST

$5.00 OFF LUNCH OR DINNER

Monday - Friday

Monday - Thursday Monday - Thursday after 11am receive $5 off Lunch or Dinner when you spend $25 or more.

Valid Monday - Friday before 11am for dine-in only at the Coquitlam location.

Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value.

Limit one coupon per party of two per visit. Valid until August 30, 2014.

Valid Monday - Thursday after 11am for dine-in only at the Coquitlam location. Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one coupon per party of two per visit. Min. purchase of $25 per party of two or $12.50 per single diner. Max discount $5 per two people or $2.50 per single diner. Valid until August 30, 2014.

Order any breakfast entrée Monday - Friday before 11am & receive the 2nd entrée of equal or lesser value 50% off.

24 FN I Summer 2014 I familiesnow