Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Maple Ridge’s Casey Wright was the guest of honour at a recent RCMP Musical Ride in Burnaby.
Page A5 • LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT • mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 20 PAGES Wildlife
Black bear tranquilized in Haney A dramatic scene unfolded near downtown Maple Ridge on Thursday when urban and wild interacted.
RCMP files
by Troy Landreville and Maria Rantanen
Police hunt masked man
editorial@mrtimes.com
People in Haney had an up-close look at the community’s wild side Thursday afternoon. A large black bear was reported in the neighbourhood near the CEED Centre where it clambered up a tree in the residential neighbourhood, about five minutes south of Haney Place Mall. Guns ready, Ridge Meadows RCMP officers waited on the street for nearly two hours for conservation officers to arrive, just in case the large bruin decided to make its way down. They also had a bear banger in case it started to come down from tree. More than a dozen onlookers gathered to watch the scene unfold at 223rd Street and 117th Avenue. B.C. Conservation officers arrived at just before 4 p.m., and one of them shot the bear with a tranquilizer gun. A few minutes after getting shot, the bear toppled from the tree, breaking a few branches before landing directly onto a wasps nest in the front yard of a home. An RCMP officer was stung as he moved in to check on the bear. The conservation officers and RCMP members worked together to pull the bear from the yard and into a waiting truck, which carried it away. The bear, which conservation officer James Kelly called a “good big bear” – estimating it weighed between 250 and 300 pounds – was relocated to the east, away from residential areas. Kelly was unsure where this bear had come from, and said it could have come down any green belt to the Haney neighbourhood. Although it fell from the tree and was tranquilized, Kelly said it was still somewhat conscious and was able to break its fall on the tree branches as it came down. The bear sustained no injuries, he added, saying conservation officers wouldn’t release it in the wild if it were injured because it wouldn’t be able to forage or fend for itself. Kelly said conservation officers had no previous information about this bear and it wasn’t acting aggressively so they felt comfortable relocating it. Relocation of bears is rare, Kelly said, but
Shake and Shingle Pub in east Maple Ridge was robbed by a masked, armed bandit. A bear that roamed into a residential neighbourhood in Haney was tranquillized and put into the back of a truck for possible relocation. The black bear (inset) spent several hours in a tree near the CEED Centre.
Troy Landreville/TIMES
this bear had no signs of being habituated to humans. “This one instance, it was a one-off – we had no previous history on it,” Kelly said. Call volumes for bears in the Maple Ridge area have been “on par” with other years, Kelly said, but he added bears are starting to get ready for hibernation.
At this time of year, bears are fattening themselves up for winter, Kelly said, and he reminded people to secure their garbage and reduce things that attract bears. “An unsecured garbage can is going to be sought after,” he said. Bear sightings or poachers can be reported to 1-877-952-7277.
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Maple Ridge Mounties are asking for help to find the man responsible for an armed robbery in Ruskin in late August. More than a week after the incident, local police released details about a brazen heist at the Shake and Shingle Pub on Aug. 20. The call came to Ridge Meadows RCMP on the Tuesday evening, at about 9:15 p.m., after a lone man – wearing a disguise to cover his face – entered the pub, produced a weapon, and stole an undisclosed amount of cash, said Cpl. Alanna Dunlop. He was seen fleeing the scene, running out of the bar towards 287th Street, where “police believe the suspect was able to get into a vehicle to facilitate his escape,” she said. The robbery suspect is described as a Caucasian man, approximately 5 ft. 10 in. tall, with a slight build, about 150 to 160 pounds. He was wearing black-rimmed glasses, a black track jacket, blue jeans, and white running shoes. “We are thankful no one was injured,” Dunlop added, noting the investigation is ongoing. “Ridge Meadows RCMP are investigating this robbery, and are hoping for more information to follow up on,” she said. Anyone with information can call Const. Colin Ryder at 604476-6951, or to remain anonymous, CrimeStoppers at 1-800222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.solvecrime.ca.
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Gun charges laid A 41-year-old Maple Ridge man will be back in court on Sept. 19, facing 50 gun-related charges. In June, RCMP officers found guns, including a fully automatic Galil assault rifle, an automatic Sten machine gun, an AK-74 assault rifle, a Glock 17 handgun, and an M1 Carbine, ammunition as well as body armour. • More at www.mrtimes.com
Restrictions breached Christopher Neil, a former Maple Ridge resident and convicted sex offender – known as the notorious swirl-face in child porn videos – was charged with violating his court order by possessing a laptop. Neil returned to B.C. last fall after five years in a Thai prison. He’s back in court in September. • More at www.mrtimes.com
Leisure centre closed The Maple Ridge Leisure Centre is closed for its annual maintenance. The entire facility is closed until Sept. 8, but the pool will be closed for an extra week, re-opening on Monday, Sept. 16. Registration is open for programs offered at the leisure centre, Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre, and other municipal facilities. To see the fall guide, go to www.recreg4u.ca. • More at www.mrtimes.com
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Grace Teboekhorst visited with North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association horse Keno last week. Grace is one of dozens of people who benefit from the Maple Ridge association. Troy Landreville/TIMES
RCMP equestrian drill team
Ride benefits young horse lover
An association that helps disabled adults and children, including an eightyear-old girl with a rare kidney disease, will benefit from a Thursday event.
said her mom Melissa. and was always determined to get back in Once-a-week lessons at NFTRA provide the saddle again,” Conn added. emotional and physical support for Grace, “It would be two years before Grace who has a disease so rare, roughly five out achieved that goal but she is now active of every 100,000 children are in our program again and diagnosed with it every year. continuing to aim higher. So “…she had caught the high that she has now ridden Grace underwent a successful kidney transplant in Keno, the tallest horse in the horse bug and was August 2010, with her dad herd.” by Troy Landreville always determined to Dennis being the donor. By Melissa said her daughter tlandreville@mrtimes.com get back in the saddle loves to ride. the time Grace had her transplant, she had less than 20 “She had come off life supRiding Keno was a goal realized for eightagain.” per cent of kidney function port at one point and the way year-old Grace Teboekhorst. Gay Conn remaining and was at the we knew she was getting betThe Maple Ridge girl, who has nephrotic hospital four times a week for ter is, she would say, ‘Mom, syndrome – a rare, chronic, and life-threathemodialysis. I’m ready to ride. When can I ride?’” ening kidney disease – had yearned to Meanwhile, the family’s relationship with When Grace is on the back of a NFTRA climb on the back of the largest horse at the NFTRA dates back five years, when Grace horse, all of her worries, her fears, seem to North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association was initially diagnosed. melt away. (NFTRA). “Grace had always loved horses,” Melissa “Everything else is behind her,” Melissa She got her chance to ride Keno in early said. “We aren’t horse people said. June and then again in midso we’re like, ‘Where did this Essentially, nephrotic syndrome has stolen July and came away beaming “Grace is fearless come from?’” Grace’s immune system. The disease invadon both occasions. – absolutely fearless… “Horses freak you out,” a ed Grace’s body when she was three. Grace is one of many who Grace had always smiling Grace told her mom. She awoke one morning with puffiness benefit from NFTRA, a nonThe family learned about around her eyes. Melissa didn’t think much profit organization that proloved horses.” NFTRA through articles of it and sent her daughter to preschool. vides therapeutic horseback Melissa Teboekhorst they read in the local press. The teacher later phoned Melissa, informriding lessons to children and Melissa contacted the assoing her that Grace was having a hard time adults with varying degrees of ciation and started the application process. breathing during yoga. disabilities. Grace started riding with NFTRA in the fall “She has had this cold for about 10 days The fact she rode Keno, who stands just of 2009. and usually after about seven days Grace over 15 hands tall, speaks volumes about After one short session she had surgery would have kicked it,” Melissa recalled. “I how far she has progressed as a rider, said took her to her doctor, and he got us in to outgoing NFTRA general manager Gay Conn. and was unable to continue riding, Conn related. [see] a pediatrician the next day.” “I just like bigger horses,” Grace said. continued on page A5… “However, she had caught the horse bug “Grace is fearless – absolutely fearless,”
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
A5
Equestrian community
Casey welcomes riders Grand Opening as
A Maple Ridge boy was guest of honour at the recent RCMP Musical Ride in Burnaby.
Casey Wright is an honourary RCMP Staff Sgt. Major. The 12-yearold Maple Ridge resident had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his brain on Feb. 1.
by Troy Landreville
tlandreville@mrtimes.com
A 12-year-old Maple Ridge boy was outfitted in his own red serge, given the title of honourary Staff Sgt. Major, and asked to be the guest of honour at the recent RCMP Musical Ride in Burnaby. Unfortunately, Casey Wright won’t be available for Thursday’s musical ride in his hometown of Maple Ridge. But he still holds a special connection to both the RCMP and the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (NFTRA) – one of two local organizations benefiting from the musical ride’s visit to Maple Ridge on Thursday. When Casey was six months old, he was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour. Through the years he’s endured two rounds of chemotherapy, and is blind in one eye. This year, Casey was losing the sight in his other eye, a predicament that triggered doctors to remove the tumour on Feb. 1. His father Larry said the surgery was successful, and Casey returned home for roughly five days. But on Feb. 10, he suf-
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F E AT U R I N G fered a stroke at home and ended up spending just under three months at Sunnyhill hospital in Vancouver. Since then he’s been seeing therapists for speech and physio at home and in the community. Casey’s history with the RCMP dates back five years, when he started volunteering as an ambassador for Cops for Cancer. He has co-hosted the Sunshine Foundation
Dreams for Kids Christmas party for the past four years and will be getting his five-year service pin Dec. 2. Those connections earned him guest of honour status at the RCMP Musical Ride held Aug. 27 at Swangard Stadium. Casey is also an equine enthusiast, having completed one season taking of lessons at the NFTRA and hoping to return this fall.
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Country Fest and riders benefit
suppressed. It’s not dissimilar to having a Grace was diagnosed with nephrotic child with AIDS.” syndrome on Dec. 8, 2009. NFTRA riders including Grace are beneAt the time, the family had zero knowfiting from an upcoming RCMP Musical ledge about the disease. Ride performance. Grace began a hydro-steroid regimen for The 32-rider, 32-horse troop will persix to eight weeks. form its mounted cavalry drill show at the Shortly after her diagnosis, Grace and Albion Fairgrounds at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, her family went on a trip Sept. 5. to Hawaii and by the time The Maple Ridge-Pitt they arrived home, then Meadows Agricultural three-and-a-half-year-old Association applied to have In addition to the RCMP Grace had accumulated six the musical ride perform at Musical Ride performing extra kilograms of fluid on the fairgrounds. at Albion Fairgrounds her body. Association chair Thursday, Sept. 5, there are Lorraine Bates realizes the Grace’s eyes were swoltwo free chances for local len shut. benefits of NFTRA, Conn people to visit with two She was taken by ambusaid, and liked the connechorses and riders: lance to the local hospital. tion with horses. From there, Grace’s mom “So Lorraine chose us PItt Meadows Spirit Square, and dad drove her to BC to share in the proceeds,” 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and Children’s Hospital. Memorial Peace Park, 2 to 3 p.m. Conn elaborated. “And we never looked Maple Ridge is the secback,” Melissa said, ond-to-last show for the “because she required that kind of special- musical ride team in B.C., and the thirdized care.” to-last for their season. Moving forward, Grace’s health has staThe ride, like the previous ones held bilized. here in 2001 and 2009, will be at the The ambassador with the BC Children’s Albion Fairgrounds. With festival seating, Hospital Champion Child program, she people are encouraged to arrive early. recently returned home after spending a Limited tickets might still be available at week in Mission at Camp Zajac, which $15 each from the RCMP office at 11990 provides camps for children and young Haney Pl., the tourism office at 12492 adults with chronic, life-threatening and/ Harris Rd., the NFTRA at 12471 254th St., or debilitating conditions. or from the Country Fest office at the fair“She’s doing great right now,” Melissa grounds. They’re also available online at said. “She’s healthy. It’s definitely a difwww.mrpmcountryfest.com, click musical ferent kind of lifestyle, being immunoride.
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Opinion Who we are The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows TIMES newspaper is a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership. We’re located at 22345 North Avenue, Maple Ridge, B.C. The TIMES has a CCAB audited circulation of 29,950.
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Our View
Math skills still lacking If we were to turn to the “Comment” section of Education Minister Peter Fassbender’s first quarterly report card, it might read as follows: “Peter’s work in most subjects is exemplary. He is diligent in attending to his work, and while it is early for a full assessment, he appears to show a willingness to complete assignments on time and to his teacher’s satisfaction. He receives a high grade in ‘Communication Skills,’ but that is more reflective of his Scan easy style with words than with of the contents of the messages he conveys. However, like most of his fellow students who have taken up studies in education ministry in Victoria, his arithmetic skills are questionable, barely earning a C–.” B.C.’s new education minister, Peter Fassbender, is a nice guy. He has a congenial disposition and a quiet, assured attitude that inspires confidence. He speaks well, but when it gets down to the ABCs and 123s, neither teachers nor school trustees are likely to be overjoyed by what he has to say. Granted, he has been handed a tough assignment: convince tens of thousands of teachers who feel betrayed by nearly all of his predecessors handling the Minister Education portfolio – including (and especially) the one who is currently B.C.’s premier and his boss – that they should sign a long-term contract in order to stabilize the delivery of education to public school students. To sweeten the pot, Fassbender offered that teachers and other staff could get wage increases – but his math breaks down (as usual) when he refuses to provide provincial money to back up the offer. The districts’ school trustees will have to figure out their end of the equation all by themselves. When you add it all up, there still seems to be a “plus” sign missing on the kids’ side of the “equals” sign. – B.G.
This Week’s Question What’s your favourite local hiking trail? ■ Your View Last week’s question, results… What are you looking forward to in September?
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Opinion
Gas attacks another booboo?
Just when my faith in humanHow ironic is that! ity was on the very edge of being I guess freedom fries will be restored by a majority (albeit a french again. slim one) of British parliamentarMy guess is that there will be ians! little more than a few perfuncThe Brit politicians got up tory bombs dropped until the on their hind legs and turned U.N. crew finds a way to confirm down their own prime minister’s or deny the Syrian government’s request for guns, ammunition, involvement in the sarin gas travand body bags to bolster an esty. American “punishment” war on A few people will be killed, Syria. They wanted more and betand little will be accomplished. ter information about the reasons And in other news that was by Bob Groeneveld for going to war and what the important enough to push aside warriors hoped to achieve. the Syrian abyss and the brink of They wanted confirmation that chemical war… Duck Dynasty has just been declared the attacks have actually taken place in Syria most-watched program in cable television hist(though most are in agreement that the heinous ory, with a viewing audience four times that of act was, indeed, perpetrated), but more importMad Men. antly, they wanted to be sure that any responI’m not sure what distresses me more, that sive attack would be aimed at the people who Duck Dynasty has taken over the coveted top actually did the deed – and that the outcome of spot from Deadliest Catch, that Deadliest Catch such an attack would be more than simply killwas purported to have been the previous recing a bunch more people. ord-holder powering our mass (but defintely not Not surprisingly, they weren’t keen on blindly massive) popular intellect, or that anyone would accepting American “intelligence” reports, with bother to compare either of them to Mad Men as debate centring on waiting for corroborating eviif there’s enough relevance to be found there to dence being gathered by United Nations observtake our minds off dead and dying children in ers. Something about Iraq’s weapons of mass some far-off exotic land. destruction seemed to be stuck in their craws And anyway, why did no one in any of the (which of course, might explain why they were reports I heard mention Here Comes Honey Boo never found in Iraq). Boo – another show that has my thumb twitchCanada and Australia, meanwhile, have both ing excitedly (even my thumb can’t stand the declared themselves allies of the United States in stuff) when I accidentally fall into one of the its resolve to set Syria straight… but have both many reality gaps that have taken hold of most declined to offer any participation other than to of my television’s cable bandwidth? stand behind their good American friends. Has the over-indulged little twerp fallen out of Far, far behind. favour? I wonder if the Americans will appreciate the Is her disrespectful blather no longer considBrits’ democratically established honesty. ered “cute”? And Germany, too, has come right out and Should my distress actually be anchored in the clearly stepped back. fact that any of these shows can be mentioned alongside Syria? That leaves the Americans now standing Somehow, I find myself pining for the days of shoulder-to-shoulder with their close friends, the I Love Lucy. French.
Odd Thoughts
Mailbag
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
A7
Ridge Meadows
Police officers arrive too late
there were burglars in his tool shed. Twenty years ago I got involved with “Sorry, sir, no one is available at the citizens on patrol in Maple Ridge. I moment.” enjoyed being useful: it is good thing, tryThe farmer hung up, and a minute ing to make a difference. later, he called back to say that he was However, it could be very frustrating, not going to wait for police, because too. One evening, about 2200 hours, we “we’ve got a shotgun to take care of were in the back parking lot of the hotel things.” known as the Haney Hilton. A couple of minutes later, We saw a man who was three police cars arrived. Scan this just about petrified drunk. Too By this time, his tools were image with drunk to walk. I got on the gone. radio and told dispatch what The police said he should we saw. not have threatened to use I kept calling, to be told seva shotgun – “with three cars eral times that no cars were here now, yet I was told no available at the moment. cars were available when I Letters to phoned.” Too drunk to walk, but of the Editor course, not too drunk to drive! Two minutes after we left Twenty-five minutes later a the hotel, after being there car was sent. for about 25 minutes, we were passing The officer looked around the front lot the Dairy Queen, and the restaurant next and said, “There’s nothing happening door had four patrol cars out in the front. here.” I know they have to eat, but this is We’d specified the back lot. Several ludicrous. times. So much for paying any attention, And infuriating too. Only moments plus it was long after we’d seen it. before, they said no cars were available. Ridge Meadows has a staff of more than I suggest there is a serious management 100 police officers. Dispatch said they problem, or a lack of any of meaninghad nobody available at the moment. ful management. I am sure that most of After waiting 25 minutes, we had to those members are good people. move on. Any community should be grateful for Unfortunately, we did not have the those people who perhaps may have to right to stop him with force. put their lives on the line in the line of This puts me in mind of the story of duty. Robert W. Stirling, Maple Ridge the farmer who phoned and told dispatch
Dear Editor,
Drugs
Marijuana laws need overhauling Dear Editor,
It is certainly a breath of fresh air to hear Mr. Speirs admitting to the occasional toke, just like Justin Trudeau and, I am sure, many others of us. Is it really all that bad? I am sure there are many people who do indulge in the practice, but most will deny that, and there is talk of fines for simple possession – is that in your vehicle, in your house,
or where? It is an archaic law that does need some serious overhauling. What about the crack, the heroin, the coke, the other mixtures? Why is there no spotlight on these drugs? Are they OK? And I am sure there are more of them than the marijuana. Are our watchdogs short of crimes to solve?
Barry Kazakoff, Maple Ridge
Alouette Lake
Too many boats for crowded dock Dear Editor,
One Saturday in July, my friend decided to take his boat to our beautiful Alouette Lake. I went along with him. I
had a feeling that it would be quite busy, and I suggested he try another lake, but he went to Alouette anyway. When we got there, it
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A conservation officer tranquilized a black bear that wandered into downtown Haney Wednesday. Readers responded: “If the cop was a man, he would of just rugby tackled it and put it in a cage.” – Cam Kleven “I am glad they tranquillized the bear and didn’t just shoot to kill.” – Janessa Munz “Looks like just a little guy, trying to establish a territory.” – Ross Davies “Hopefully he gets back to the mountains.” – Kimberly Plumridge “I’d rather see a bear walking through town than all them crack heads.” – Donna Clydesdale
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was a “GONG SHOW,” with boats everywhere. It took quite some time to unload his boat, as the boat dock was jam packed. Anyway, we travelled to the end of the lake, and when we came back it was still a “GONG SHOW.” To load our boat back up on the trailer, we had to wait for six other boats. It took 45 minutes. A few days ago, I talked to a friend about the boatlaunch problem, and he said my 45 minutes were nothing, as he told me he had to wait three hours to get his boat out of the water. Why won’t someone build at least one other boat launch? We’re not living back in the 1950s anymore! Lawrence Scott, via email
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Mini caravan A group of 20 Vancouver Mini Cooper Club drivers gathered Sunday for a group cruise. The groups started the day in Port Coquitlam, and during their day-long trek they got split up coming across the Golden Ears Bridge into Pitt Meadows. They all met up again for a break at the Tim Hortons at Meadowtown Centre.
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Opinion
Reopened Riverview won’t solve addictions
Just Saying by Gordy Robson
T
he doctor says we should reopen Riverview. If being positively naive is a blessing, our doctor will be blessed in spades. Maple Ridge Councillor Dr. Bob Masse, a long-time chiropractor in our community, has persuaded our municipal council to support his recommendation to reopen Riverview Hospital. Council voted to support his recommendation to the convention of municipalities (UBCM). I am not sure where along the line in Doctor Bob’s chiropractic education he learned about addiction and mental health, but he has a few things confused. It’s wrong to lock up addicts in asylums. Wade lived in the Kentucky Fried Chicken garbage container enclosure for almost a decade. He was a gentle soul, and before his addiction, was a
very bright and well educated individual. As the KFC enclosure is adjoining Doctor Bob’s parking lot, he must have understood Wade’s problems on a personal level. In Wade’s methinduced world, he had died and gone to heaven. If he kept his 12-by-12 enclosure clean, at 10 p.m. every night, they would deliver all the fried chicken he could eat. Doctor Bob’s concern for Wade and the increasing number of so-called “homeless” on our streets under his watch has probably prompted his proposal. In 1904, the provincial government purchased 1,000 acres of the thenrural land of Coquitlam for the construction of Riverview Hospital and the adjacent Colony Farm lands. In 1913, West Lawn began treating 300 of the most seriously ill male patients in what was called “the provincial asylum for the insane.” At that time, Colony Farm was producing 700 tons of crops and 20,000 gallons of milk per year, using mostly patient labour. In 1924, an acute unit opened, called Centre Lawn. Then, in 1930, a 670-bed, female unit, East Lawn, opened. Crease Clinic followed, and a veterans’ unit opened in 1934, with a second phase in 1949, which today would be recognized as a PTS facility.
Over the decades since then, management rotted and broke the hearts of many dedicated employees, which produced, with union involvement, bad work rules. Many of those employees lived in Maple Ridge. Of course, the government of the day – when faced with the problem – camouflaged the issue by transferring patients to community facilities which became BCGEU-controlled. (I digress.) Technically, the facility is not closed, because Colony Farms (remember agricultural land and farm production) is now a 190-bed psychiatric hospital housing the criminally insane. Where was the Agricultural Land Commission on that one? So, Doctor Bob, if you want to build a mental health facility to house all of the people living on B.C. streets, you are going to have to build one that houses, give or take, 10,000 people. Before we institutionalize people like Wade, shouldn’t we provide a facility to get them clean and sober? When somebody says they have had enough and want to get their life back, shouldn’t it be a 9-1-1 call? But where would we take them? Sadly, this discussion is irrelevant to Wade, who recently passed. Just saying… Gordy Robson’s column appears Tuesdays in the print and/or online versions of The TIMES. Reactions can be emailed c/o editorial@mrtimes.com.
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
&places
faces
Celebrating 40 years serving our Community
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
Showcasing some of this community’s people and happenings
Sylver McLaren/T
Tuesday, September 3, 2013 3 197
2013
Pastors Tracy and Orest Goyak were raising funds for Salvation Army programs during the recent Caring Place Day in Memorial Peace Park. Sylver McLaren/TIMES
IMES
e right) and her (second from th lin ge or Ge ing hand from ne Joan beth had a help iza El d an a start cc be t). They had to daughters Re ding Carla (righ clu in in a , rs ns ou sio hb es ig ss their ne l their po after they lost al the tch us ra ro sc ne m ge fro w er ho ov ll amazed at sti is lin ge or . Ge de house fire. sed her gratitu been, and expres community has
Peter Davies and Bob Shantz, key organizers of the Rotary Duck Race, were at Fiat of Maple Ridge on Aug. 22, when this year’s Duck Race winner came to claim her grand prize – a new Fiat 500.
Rotarians Ineke Boekhorst and Deborah Hyslop were at Fiat of Maple Ridge in late August, when the Rotary Duck Race grand prize, a Fiat 500, was given to the winner.
Maria Ra
ntanen/TIMES Shanti Ang and Elaine Yamamoto, of the local literacy com mittee, wer e among the guests in attendance at The ACT’ s sneak peak of the upco ming season held on Aug. 23 .
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
Sheila and George Klassen, and their son-in-law Mike, were part of the “Like Mike” team at this summer’s Tri Cities Ridge Meadows Walk for ALS in Port Coquitlam. Mike was diagnosed with ALS three years ago. Sheila expressed how thankful she is for all the assistance their family and friends have offered to both Mike and their daughter Nadine, helping them cope with this debilitating disease. There’s more on Nadine and Mike’s struggles and triumphs on their blog at www. alswithcourage.blogspot.com, and in a web-exclusive letter to the editor from Sheila at www.mrtimes.com.
How can you share?
\Maple Rid General ge-Pitt Meadow s MLA D Su ou correctio zanne Anton, a nd parlia g Bing, Attorne ns Lauri ymentary e Thron Regiona e s s l Correc tional C s recently visite ecretary for entre. d the Fra ser
Do you have a local photo of someone or some place you’d like to share with the rest of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows? Email it to us as a high-resolution .JPEG to editorial@mrtimes.com. Please include a brief description – including everyone’s first and last name. Put “faces & places” in the subject line of your email. Or visit The TIMES website at www.mrtimes.com, find “More Ways to Connect,” and click on “send us your letters, photos, videos.”
3 197
2013
Celebrating 40 years serving our community
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Bryan Stark hit a shot towards James Lepp and the Kikkor Golf Join in and have some fun with flop wall at the Who Am I? The Facebook second annual feature is part of a twiceFORE Charity weekly TIMES contest, where tournament that readers are asked to identify attracted nearly people from this community’s a hundred distant and recent past. For golfers to Swaninstance, who’s the subject of e-Set last week. this week’s picture? Readers
Neighbourhoods
by Maria Rantanen
mrantanen@mrtimes.com
Maple Ridge council is hoping designers of a new treatment centre in Hammond will incorporate heritage features into the new building. But in the absence of an area plan for Hammond – something that is planned for the near future – there is no requirement on the part of the designer to take into consideration the historic look of the area. Council approved first and second readings on a rezoning application that would change a lot at 20581 Maple Cres. from a residential designation to institutional. InnerVisions has been running a 20-bed treatment centre for five years in the lodge next to the site, but they want to tear down the house and build a 17-bed facility. The facility will be built
with a provincial grant of $250,000 and funds raised by InnerVisions, said the society’s founder Billy Weselowski. “InnerVisions isn’t building this as a for-profit centre,” he said. “They’re building it as a legacy for the community.” When they bought the lodge, it was “well known” to police, Weselowski said, and the society cleaned it up and turned it into a treatment centre. “We brought that building to life five years ago,” he added. The hope is to start demolishing the old house in January in order to prepare for construction. Councillor Al Hogarth said he’d like the new building to “respect” the architectural style of the area. There was discussion among Maple Ridge councillors whether to defer the zoning until a Hammond area plan is in place, but council voted to pass both first and second readings. District staff pointed out Hammond is next on the list for an area plan.
A councillor’s complaint prompted a legal opinion. by Maria Rantanen
mrantanen@mrtimes.com
A legal opinion states that municipal councillors are the employers of municipal staff and “certain District human resources policies” might not be applicable to them. In response to a human resources complaint from Maple Ridge Councillor Corisa Bell, the District of Maple Ridge sought a legal opinion from Young Anderson to clarify the status of councillors. “An individual cannot act as part of the governing body and be an employee at the same time given the conflict of interest that would result,” the lawyer Carolyn MacEarchern wrote in her legal opinion. This is why a municipal employee must take a leave of absence if running for office and resign if elected, she added.
Council
Cut trees evoke review
District staff will work with a property owner to restore vegetation after a slope was cleared. Maple Ridge council deferred rezoning of a lot at 24325 126th Ave. in Silver Valley after several trees were cut down on a slope on the property. The deferral is for a month, and, in the meantime, District of Maple Ridge staff will work with the applicant on a remediation plan to figure out how to restore the vegetation. Chuck Goddard, manager of development and environmental services with the District, told council at Tuesday’s council meeting that the tree cutting was a “significant violation.” The application is to split the property into two single-family lots.
The Maple Ridge Community Foundation gets a boost at its second annual golf tournament. by Ronda Payne editorial@mrtimes.com
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Proceeds are still being tallied, yet by all measures, Monday’s golf tournament to raise funds for the Maple Ridge Community Foundation was a success. The organization’s second annual FORE Charity Golf Tournament was held at Swan-e-Set Bay Resort and Country Club with great results, according to organizers. Robert Prince, chair of the foundation’s board of directors, noted that although the amount of money raised has not yet been finalized, it is definitely more than
was raised last year. “We were shooting for more golfers, more money raised, better weather,” Prince said with a chuckle. “Basically we’re up everywhere which is good.” Funds raised go to the foundation, which maintains and grows an endowment fund to support charitable groups in Maple Ridge. The more funds the foundation raises, the more local groups receive financial help to continue programs and activities in the community. The emcee for the tournament’s dinner and evening festivities was Steve Darling of Global TV, who joined the nearly 100 other golfers on the links. As for the dinner, Prince noted, “There were more than 100 people there. Quite a few were there who didn’t golf.”
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Municipal matters
Lawyer defines role of Ridge politicians
FORE tourney flourishes
can “Like Us” on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/ MapleRidgePittMeadowsTIMES) and answer before 9 a.m. Friday to be entered to win. Leah Baker correctly identified last week’s subject as Phyllis Kratschmer (formerly Phyllis Campbell), owner of Bosley’s at the time of the picture. Baker, along with all others who Facebooked in the correct answer, is entered in a grand-prize draw.
Like us to win
A11
Fundraising
Who am I?
Hammond area plan next in line
An area’s heritage value was highlighted via a rezoning process.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
www.mrtimes.com
A10
at Baptist church
Tenore’s faith-based concert is being held Friday. by Roxanne Hooper rhooper@mrtimes.com
Tenore, a faith-based Canadian trio made up of internationally acclaimed tenors Jason Catron, Mark David Williams, and Kevin Pauls will be performing in Maple Ridge this week. They perform sacred, classical, and traditional music with what a local pastor calls “rock star charisma.” Since the group burst onto the international music scene in 2011 with its debut album Sing! Presents Tenore, the trio of talented 20 and 30-somethings has gone on to win awards and tour the globe, explained Shawn Green, the pastor of worship and arts with the Maple Ridge Baptist Church. Now, they’re prepared to make a stop in Maple Ridge this Friday. “I have seen Tenore in concert before and was blown away by the power in their voices and the timeless truth in the music that they perform,” Green said. “I am excited for an all-ages night of great music here in our city. This is a world class group and everyone who attends will not be disappointed.” Tenore, which has appeared on numerous local and national television and radio programs, including 100 Huntley Street and Hour of Power, was created by Jill Ann Siemens – the creative force behind The Canadian Tenors, as well. The Tenore concert takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6 at the Maple Ridge Baptist Church, 22155 Lougheed Hwy., in Maple Ridge. Tickets are $20, and available through the Maple Ridge Baptist Church at 604-467-9613 or online at http://ridgebaptist.ca/events/tenore/. Tickets can also be purchased at House of James in Abbotsford and Blessings Christian Marketplace in Langley.
• More at www.mrtimes.com
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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the black bear and the coyote, eating rabbits, deer, and birds. But, when hunger draws them to civilization, they have been known to attack domestic animals. A human encounter is extremely rare here in the Lower Mainland. According to the Ministry of Environment only five people have been killed in the past 100 years, but care must always be taken when walking the trails in the local forests as a cougar attacks from behind and is quite silent. If you encounter a cougar do not turn your back on it, talk firmly, and confidently to it, throw rocks, and wave sticks and branches. Make it think you are a threat not prey. Pick up children and small animals as quick movements excite the cat. Never run. Being very territorial, you never see two cougars together, and a father will chase off or sometimes kill his offspring if they try to take over the
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River Talk pair of golden eyes calmly watching from the rocks tucked away on the high trails of the Golden Ears Provincial Park could be the only sighting you ever get of the wonderful large cat known here as the North American cougar. This animal goes by several names. Mountain lion, puma, and catamount are among the most common. The fur of the adult cougar is tawny to yellow, but when born they have a lovely, spotted coat all varying slightly in shade and colour. They also have blue eyes, which eventually turn into the golden yellow of an adult cougar. An average litter is one to four kits and a male lion can reach seven to eight feet in length and weigh in at 100 to 200 pounds. Solitary and nocturnal by nature, a sighting is very unusual, and if you do see one it is usually a young animal not yet settled in its own territory and still learning the art of stealth, or it could be old or sick. I have lived in Maple Ridge for 22 years, and all I’ve ever seen is a pair of paw prints in my garden. The cougar competes for food with
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dominant animal’s patch. They are wonderful hunters with the largest hind legs in the cat family and can jump 20 feet or more using their large pads to grip rock faces and trees. They have been recorded at up to speeds of 64 to 80 km/h. One of the interesting things about these cats is they are almost silent, usually making occasional hissing or low growling noises. The only time conversation goes on between them is at mating time when a bit of “chatting up” is required. They are truly magnificent creatures, but dangerous. Do not approach a cougar, and if you see one in your area call the conservation officer at 1-877-952-7277. More information can also be found on the ministry of environment website.
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This month at The ACT 2013-2014 ACT Presents Season On Sale Now!
by thirteen artists working in a broad spectrum of fine craft. Join us for a free opening reception September 7, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Join us for another great season of Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. award-winning programming at The ACT – 4:00 p.m. Admission free. featuring music, theatre, comedy, dance, acrobatics and more! Free Lobby Nights at The ACT Visit www.theactmapleridge.org for schedules and tickets, or visit The ACT to pick up a free brochure!
Canada CULTURE Day at The ACT
Saturday, September 28 – 1:00 p.m. Celebrate the cultures that live and contribute to our communities with lots of free activities at The ACT! There will be lots of free activities, displays, a tea-tasting in the Maple Ridge Art Gallery and a performance by the Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra.
GEMS Movie Series: Rust and Bone Monday, September 30 – 7:30 p.m. A struggling single father helps a whale trainer recover her will to live following a terrible accident that leaves her confined to a wheelchair. Rated R.
Maple Ridge Art Gallery: Celebrate Craft!
September 7 – November 9 Celebrate Craft! celebrates the Craft Council of British Columbia’s 40th Anniversary with works
Join us for free evenings of music and creativity in The ACT Lobby select Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. visit www. theactmapleridge.org/lobby-nights for schedule.
Fall Arts and Leisure Guide Out Now! Register today for fall arts and leisure programs. With over 30 new programs there’s sure to be something for everyone!
Visit www.theactmapleridge.org for schedules. Register at recreg4u.ca or 604-465-2470. Become an Arts Angel Today!
Arts Angels help those in need see performances at The ACT. Visit www.theactmapleridge.org/ donate to learn how you can help! Find us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date info on events at The ACT!
604.465.4263
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 3, 2013 14. For more information, call: 604-465-4113.
September 9: Lego Club
What’s On
www.mrtimes.com Post events 10 days in advance by email to:
editorial@mrtimes.com September 3: Support
• Coquitlam prostate cancer support and awareness group invites Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents to its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. in the Coquitlam Pinetree Community Centre, 1260 Pinetree Way. All those involved with prostate problems are encouraged to come and share their concerns and experiences in a strictly confidential atmosphere. There is no charge (donations are accepted). Info: Norm at 604-9368703 or Ken at 604-936-2998.
September 4: Dialogue
• Family Education and Support Centre launches “Many Candles: First Wednesday Interfaith Dialogue Series.” The dialogue series continues throughout the fall on the first Wednesday of the month from September to December in the Fraser Room, Maple Ridge Library, 22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30 p.m.
September 5: Wells
• Well Owners Workshop (WOW) is hosted by TAPS at 7 p.m. at Thornhill Community Hall, 26007 98th Ave. There will be a panel presentation from provincial and local experts to help residents learn how to care for their wells and drinking water.
September 5: Poets
• Holy Wow Poets meet at the Pitt Meadows Golf Course for their four-year anniversary at 6 p.m. The featured guest is Terry Thompson and the theme will be new age poetry.
September 5 & 9: Auditions
• SPECC-tacular Productions is auditioning for their musical Christmas pantomime – Aladdin at the Dance Circle, 12011 224th St., Maple Ridge on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 9 from noon to 5 p.m. Fifteen main characters are required as well as numerous parts for villagers, dancers, and chorus. Aladdin will play at The ACT from Dec. 8 to 21. Contact Su Wolfe at speccauditions@yahoo.ca to book an audition spot stating preferred date. Check SPECC-tacular Productions’ Facebook site for a list of characters.
September 6: Music
• A concert featuring Tenore, a faith-based trio of tenors, takes place at 7 p.m., at the Maple Ridge Baptist Church located at 22155 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge. Tickets are available through the Maple Ridge Baptist Church at 604467-9613 or online by visiting http://ridgebaptist.ca/events/ tenore/.
September 7: Charity run
• Seeds of Love and Hope International is hosting its third annual run/walk/bike-a-thon at North Harris Road-Osprey Rotary Loop. Attendees can choose between a seven-kilometre or a five-kilometre route which they can run, walk, or bike; sorry no pets allowed. The cost of admission is $30 per person or $60 per family. Proceeds will go towards the group’s community centre in Medellin, Colombia, where they serve more than 130 children and their families by offering meals, medical and dental attention, school supplies, tutoring, and counselling.
• The first Monday of the month is Lego Club at the Pitt Meadows Library. They have the Lego, kids bring the ideas. Lego Club is a fun program for children ages five to 10. The program runs from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Call 604-465-4113 or visit the library for details and to register.
September 9: Financial literacy
• The Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie Community Literacy Committee is hosting a financial literacy information session to connect local non-profit organizations with regional service providers who offer free financial literacy services. The workshop is from 9 to 11 a.m. at Riverside Centre, 20575 Thorne Ave., and will give information about what resources exist locally and regionally to help clients manage their money more effectively. RSVP: coordinator@communityliteracy.ca or 604-466-8254.
Computer help
• One-on-One Computer Help is available at the Pitt Meadows Library on Mondays from Sept. 9 to Dec. 9 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Need help setting up an email account or formatting a Word document? Library staff can offer one-on-one help for some of the tougher problems. Come in or call to register. The library is located at #200-12099 Harris Rd. The library is closed Oct. 14 and Nov.
Buy Local Give Local
• Mention “Community Literacy” when shopping at Bean Around Books & Tea until Oct. 15 and part proceeds will go directly to support local literacy programs and services. Bean Around Books is located at 22626 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge. Info: Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Community Literacy Committee, coordinator@communityliteracy.ca.
Volunteers needed
• The multicultural department at the Family Education and Support Centre is looking for volunteer performers and assistants to help at various community events between August 2013 and March 2014. They are looking for all kinds of artists with special skills in cultural forms of theatre, art and crafts as well as hosts, greeters, and helpers. Hours are flexible but they request a minimum commitment of at least four hours. Info: multicultural services centre coordinator, Family Education Centre at 604-467-6055 ext. 108.
Palliative training
• Ridge Meadows Hospice Society will be offering an eight-week training program for their volunteer palliative support program, beginning at the end of September. Anyone interested in volunteering for the hospice society can get more information by contacting the office at 604-463-7722.
Operating since 1997 the Ladner Village Market marks its 17th year of operation in Historic Ladner Village (Delta) just 20 minutes south of Vancouver. It has become an ideal destination to share with family and friends for the day or for just a couple of hours to quickly replenish your favourite foods. Featuring over 150 local BC artists and craftspeople the market allows you to meet the individuals who create their product as well as sample their delectable food creations. Local merchants and restaurants, live entertainment, face painting and young inspiring buskers create a lovely village atmosphere. Strolling through this village market you will find plants, garden art, jewellery, beauty products, wood, fabric, photography and local art intermingled amongst the 50 high quality food artisans. And “from the farm to you” - this is the opportunity to taste the freshest products available whether it be beef, lamb, poultry, seafood, produce or fruit. Learn from the producer where they are from and how it is grown. This open air market spans 3 blocks on 48th Avenue from Delta Street to Elliott Street and is open 10 am to 4 pm. The last market of the 2013 season is September 8th. Visit www.ladnervillagemarket.com for more information and photos.
Last Market of the Season
September 7: Walk
Sunday, Sept. 8
RAIN OR SHINE
September 8: Carnival
• NorthRidge Church is holding its fifth annual free carnival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thomas Haney Secondary, 23000 116th Ave. There will be bouncy castles, ponies, a dunk tank, prizes, and facepainting as well as an Adrenaline Bootcamp Obstacle Course for the big kids, and a free lunch.
September 8: Grandparents day
September 8: Port Haney Day
• The Port Haney neighbourhood is celebrating in style this September to mark its third year of bringing a great place back to life. Port Haney Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the wharf in Port Haney.
September 8: Charity walk
• Paws for a Cause takes place at the Albion Fairgrounds. Registration is at 11 a.m., and the walk starts at 1 p.m. Come join the walk to help the fight against animal cruelty. There will be live music, pet photography, kids zone, agility demos, and more. Visit spca.bc.ca/walk for details.
• More online: www.mrtimes.com
The Ladner Village Market Welcomes You
• Parkinson’s Superwalk takes place at 11 a.m. (registration is 10:30 a.m.) at Spirit Square in Pitt Meadows, 12027 Harris Rd. For more information or pledge sheets, contact Edith at 604-463-6018.
• Greystone Manor holds its third annual Fun Fair and Grandparents Day starting at 11 a.m. There will be a concession, games, prizes, and more. Greystone Manor is at 11657 Ritchie Ave., Maple Ridge.
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on 48th Avenue • Farm fresh produce • Fabric, Jewellery & Beauty • Plants, Garden Art & Accessories • Wood, Canvas & Glass Creations • 50 Food Artisans
Sunday 10am - 4pm September 8
150 Artisans Live Music • 10am - 4pm MOJO ZYDECO
www.ladnervillagemarket.com
17TH YEAR
Join thousands at this great family event!
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Sports On Deck
Kang captures B.C. bantam title A 14-year-old member of the Swan-e-Set Bay Resort in Pitt Meadows is the B.C. bantam boys golf champion. Roy Kang posted an under-par final round to claim the 2013 British Columbia Bantam Boys’ title at the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club in Qualicum Beach. Kang closed the championship in style during last Tuesday’s final round, posting a two-under-par 68 on a day that featured wind gusts and overcast skies. His two-day 69-68-137 (minusthree) total gave him a two shot victory over first round leader and fellow 14-year-old A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Justin Shin
Shin shines as pro Justin Shin of Maple Ridge made an impressive pro debut at last month’s PGA Tour Canada event in Morrisburg, Ont. Shin, who finished his collegiate golf career this past spring at New Mexico State University, fired rounds of 70, 68, 69, and 67 to finish at 14-under par and tied for 18th place at the Great Waterway Classic. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Cup contributes After 18 years, the Founders Cup Charity Classic golf tournament is still going strong. This year’s tournament will be on Sept. 12 at Swan-e-Set Bay Resort. Visit www.founderscup.com for more information. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Skaters sought Those aged four and up who are interested in speed skating are invited to register with the Ridge Meadows Speed Skating Club on Sept. 3 at Planet Ice from 3 to 6:30 p.m. No skating experience is required. Find more information at www.ridgemeadowsracers.org. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Send your scores and game reports to editorial@mrtimes.com
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Recreation
Reach The TIMES' sports desk: Phone: 604-463-2281 or email: editorial@mrtimes.com
Junior B hockey
Flame on! Juniors ready for takeoff The Ridge Meadows Flames hope to climb the Harold Brittain standings this season. by Troy Landreville
tlandreville@mrtimes.com
The pieces seem to exist for the Ridge Meadows Flames to take yet another step forward this junior B hockey season. Only time will tell if they fit properly. The Flames made strides last season when they qualified for the Pacific Junior Hockey League playoffs with a mediocre 16-21-25 record. A third place finish in the Harold Brittain Conference standings followed by a five-game loss to the Aldergrove Kodiaks in their best-of-seven opening round playoff series wasn’t cause for a ticker-tape parade along Lougheed Highway. However, put in context, it was a quantum leap from the previous season. In 2011/12, the Flames finished out of the PJHL playoff picture with a terrible 11-32-0-1 mark. The 16-point improvement and resulting playoff berth is reason for optimism heading into this season. The man tasked with keeping the Flames on an upward trend is Jamie Fiset, who replaced Tavis Eaton as Flames head coach in February 2012. At the time of the change behind the bench, Fiset was the team’s assistant coach. Looking ahead, Fiset isn’t satisfied with simply making the playoffs. “This year is the year that we’re hoping to see continued growth,” he said. “We still think we’re one more year away from really putting all the pieces together, but we’re pretty optimistic. This year we’re going to surprise people. We might be a little bit slow out of the gate but this will be a team that, as the year progresses… we’re going to get better and better.”
TIMES files
Travis Oddy, pictured making a quick stop against the Aldergrove Kodiaks during the opening round of last season’s Pacific Junior Hockey League playoffs, returns for another season with the Ridge Meadows Flames.
If the Flames manage to qualify Grandview Steelers with a 7:30 for the post-season, Fiset believes p.m. opening faceoff). they have the ability to “do some They include defenceman damage.” Nicholas Coltura and Cam Alder “I’m hoping that by Christmasand forwards Brandon Inwood, time, we’ll be firing on all cylinJordan Gracie, and Lucas Vampa. ders,” Fiset said. “We’ve really Alder, a left-shooting defenceworked hard to assemble a good, man who played midget AAA quality group of young men who in Langley last season, is one of like being around each other but many Flames rookies set to make also like pushing their first foray into each other to do junior hockey. “We might be a little better. Our prac“I play a simple bit slow out of the tices so far have game, fast, with been quite strong – simple plays,” gate but this will be really good pace.” Alder said. “Just a team that, as the Speaking of pace, get it out our end year progresses, we’re and let the forthe Flames will be built on speed, wards do the rest.” going to get better according to their He hopes to stick and better.” coach. with the Flames Jamie Fiset “We’re going to throughout this be fast,” Fiset said. season and try junA teacher at Langley Secondary ior A hockey next year. School, Fiset as of last week had Key returnees include Coltura 12 players signed, including a (two goals, 12 assists in 2012/13) handful from south of the Fraser and forwards Travis Oddy (32 River. points in 42 games during the preFive Langley skaters are with vious campaign), Marco Ballarin the Flames as they prepare for (14 goals last season), and their regular season home opener Clayton Lake. at Planet Ice on Friday, Sept. “We’re building around our 13 (the locals are hosting the 95s,” Fiset said, referring to Flames who were born in 1995. “Our 18 year olds. We only have six 19 and 20 year olds coming back, so we’re definitely going to be younger.” With a number of rookies in the lineup, the Flames could need some time to acclimatize themselves to a new season. “With that comes some rookie growing pains,” Fiset said. “We haven’t had a chance yet to ice a complete roster in exhibition. We’ve only been dressing two veteran players and three or four rookies on top of that, so it’s mainly just been prospects playing.” With the campaign just around Troy Landreville/TIMES the corner, Fiset, who doubles as the Flames’ general manager, Ridge Meadows Flames head coach Jamie Fiset and rookie defenceman Cam Alder are looking continues to try to bolster his forward to the upcoming Pacific Junior Hockey League season. lineup.
On Aug. 26 the Flames acquired 18-year-old forward Maclean Hewitt from the Kodiaks in exchange for future considerations. A Maple Ridge resident, Hewitt joined the Kodiaks last season and notched 17 goals in 36 regular season games in his rookie campaign. Hewitt still has three years of junior eligibility remaining. Whether Hewitt will remain a Flame for the next three seasons is up in the air because the world of junior B hockey has many moving parts, with players routinely getting called up to the junior A and even major junior ranks. Fiset realizes this comes with the territory. “That’s what has happened pretty much the entire month of August,” he said. “I had 18 guys away over the past couple of weeks at junior A or Western Hockey League camps, so it’s been very difficult for us to nail down a roster.” Most of the Flames’ roster players are back with the team now. “We’re hoping to get more and more of our newly signed guys and our veteran players on the ice together for exhibition games,” he said. Fiset said one of the best ways to recruit new players is to move players on to higher ranks. “That’s a real easy recruiting tool,” he said. “Or if players like being on your team and they want to stick around even though they have other options, that’s also an easy recruiting tool.” Another draw for potential Flames: the amount of fan support the team has been receiving as of late at its home rink, Planet Ice. “Our exhibition games… were basically the same-sized crowd as what we got in the playoffs,” Fiset said. “I would say we are in the top third in the league in terms of fan support, so we’re pretty grateful for that.”
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
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Sports
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Please Drive Safe
Local volleyball player, 17-year-old Bailey Soolsma placed fifth in the Beach Volleyball Nationals at Spanish Banks Aug. 23 to 25 with her partner, 18-year-old Lauren Moretto of Surrey. Soolsma will play on the senior girls volleyball team for Maple Ridge Secondary this year.
Kids are Back to School!
Beach volleyball
Player nets fifth place title
Maple Ridge native Bailey Soolsma has been ranked among Canada’s top five U18 volleyball players. by Ronda Payne editorial@mrtimes.com
There aren’t too many sandy beaches in Maple Ridge, but that hasn’t stopped Bailey Soolsma from making waves in beach volleyball. The 17-year-old will soon return to Maple Ridge Secondary to begin her graduation year and play on the senior girls volleyball team. Going back to school with her will be the knowledge that Soolsma placed well in the Beach Volleyball Nationals held at Spanish Banks Aug. 23 to 25.
Soolsma and her third volleyball partner of the summer, Lauren Moretto of Surrey, took fifth in the U18 category of the championships. “It’s a big deal,” said Soolsma’s mom, Sue Soolsma. “They did quite well. Lauren and Bailey have been training [on the beach together] since May, some of the kids train and play [in beach volleyball] together all year long. We’re trying to bring beach [volleyball] to Maple Ridge.” Although the younger Soolsma plays volleyball all year, the transition to beach volleyball requires different training and skills. Mother and daughter held a beach volleyball camp at a local equestrian centre in the summer. “We got a lot of kids interested in it,” the elder Soolsma noted.
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
STRATA APPROVED Introducing the NEW E18 Natural Gas Insert
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