Tuesday, September 10, 2013 Pitt Meadows is open for business, and being recognized for its efforts.
Page A13 • LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT • mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 20 PAGES
Troy Landreville/TIMES
As dusk settled in, Supt. Marty Chesser, Officer in Charge of the RCMP Musical Ride, watched Thursday evening’s performance at Albion Fairgrounds. A total of 32 ride-and-horse teams with the RCMP Musical Ride wowed onlookers with their horsemanship and synchronicity.
See related coverage on pages A9 and A12
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www.mrtimes.com RCMP
Storm clears in time for musical ride An estimated 1,300 spectators gathered at the Albion Fairgrounds outdoor arena Thursday to watch the Mounties on mounts perform. by Troy Landreville and Roxanne Hooper
editorial@mrtimes.com
The forces of nature passed through Maple Ridge Thursday afternoon with an intense deluge of rain accompanied by lightning flashes and booms of thunder rocking the region. The storm passed through nearly as quickly as it arrived, making way for another force – adorned in red serge and aboard jet black horses with Hanoverian bloodlines. Under a blanket of cloud, 32 rider-and-horse teams with the RCMP Musical Ride performed outdoors in front of a near capacity audience at Albion Fairgrounds. Much to the astonishment and delight of organizers, that pelting rain, flash floods, lightning strikes, and roaring thunder stopped just in time for Maple Ridge’s presentation of the musical ride. The horrifying mid-afternoon weather had organizers of the show terrified. It was honestly looking like a washout, said Lorraine Bates, manager of the host group from Country Fest. The outdoor show began at 6:30 p.m., and she believes
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it was close to 5:30 p.m. when the torrential downpouring of rain and stormy conditions ceased. “At one point this afternoon, I said to myself, ‘oh, what will be, will be.’ I just couldn’t believe it was happening. So many put so much time and effort into making this happen… but you have to shake it off because there’s only so much that’s within your control,” Bates said. A short time later, the storm passed, and much to her surprise and glee cars full of families began pulling into the Albion Fairgrounds to see the show. “I’m ecstatic with how it all turned out,” Bates said. “I’m just surprised at how many people showed up,” estimating the crowd to be at about 1,300. Online, all the time...
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Doug Fynn was one of those who brought his family of 10 – representing four generations – to the show. “It was with some trepidation that we came through the storm from Vancouver, New Westminster, Port Moody, and Mission,” he said. “But God was very good and the weather was great, and we all had a wonderful time.” Speaking to organizers, he said, “You folks are to be commended for putting on an excellent evening… It was the first time my two grandsons, aged four and two, have seen this production, and they loved the horses, and dogs, and policemen. It was also the first time my stepmother, aged 85, has seen the ride – and she loved it. Thank you for all your effort to provide such a great evening for us.” The musical ride Bates described as “phenomenal,” and said everyone she asked after the show used words like “awesome” and “terrific” to describe the event. “When you have perfect, what more can you say,” Bates concluded, thanking the RCMP Musical Ride team, all the volunteers, sponsors, and spectators for making the local event such a success. “When the day is over, and all is said and done, we have raised some money for two worthy charities and the community had a chance to watch a national treasure.” The event was put on by and benefited the Country Fest and the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association. As of Monday, organizers were estimating the charity show raised about $8,000 for each organizations.
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Tuesday, September 10 , 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
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BC Corrections staff is checking for noxious plants at provincial prisons.
Aquilinis reach deal Francesco Aquilini, whose family owns thousands of acres of cranberries and blueberries in Pitt Meadows, and his wife have reached a settlement in their divorce, thus avoiding a lengthy court battle. The couple is expecting to finalize a deal this week. • More at www.mrtimes.com
Grace Teboekhorst with therapy horse Keno.
SuperWalk succeeds
by Maria Rantanen mrantanen@mrtimes.com
Twelve inmates from Alouette Correctional Centre for Women were taken to hospital on Sunday for observation after they ingested angel’s trumpet, a plant that causes hallucinations. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. One inmate was observed hallucinating under the influence of a substance. All were checked out and have since been returned to the local jail. Marnie Mayhew, spokesperson for BC Corrections, said all angel’s trumpet plants and seeds are being removed from the Maple Ridge prison and other prisons across the province are being checked for this plant and other noxious plants. “It is important to note that this is the first time a situation like this has ever occurred in the history of ACCW,” Mayhew said.
Organizers expected “a couple hundred people” to participate in Saturday’s Parkinson’s SuperWalk, which started at Spirit Square in Pitt Meadows. This was the third year for this branch of the walk, which raises funds for Parkinson’s research and support services.
Becoming a champion Grace Teboekhorst is in the limelight again. This eight-year-old Maple Ridge child, profiled in The TIMES last week, will be crowned BC Children’s Hospital Champion Child Tuesday in Vancouver. Recognizing how she has triumphed despite severe medical challenges, this young transplant patient – and her parents – will travel to Ontario and Florida next month as the hospital’s ambassador. • More at www.mrtimes.com
Woman wins $10,000 A Maple Ridge woman, Natasha Khan, was one of three people across the country who won $10,000 in a Mr. Lube anniversary celebration. “I was totally shocked and amazed,” said Khan. “I’ve been a customer for just a year now and their service and staff have kept me coming back.” • More at www.mrtimes.com
Experience Some images and advertisements in today’s edition of The TIMES have been enriched with Layar and contain digital content that you can view using your smartphone or tablet.
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Mitch Thompson/TIMES
Climate
Thursday’s weather strains responders
Calls came in fast and furious to local firehalls during last week’s storm. by Maria Rantanen mrantanen@mrtimes.com
Pitt Meadows fire department responded to 13 calls in 60 minutes on Thursday all related to the weather that included torrential rain and thunder and lightning, causing power failures and traffic mayhem. The buildings were hit within the core area of Pitt Meadows and two homes had small fires. “It was very concerning for everyone to be operating out in the open during the storm, particularly investigating the strike on the roof of the apartment, while more lightning was continuously occurring nearby,” said Pitt Meadows fire chief Don Jolley. Surrey dispatch was overwhelmed with calls, Jolley added, so the calls were routed to the firehall and he ended up triaging them
and dispatching resources. All five truck were out with the three permanent fire staff and 15 volunteer firefighters. “Each apparatus responded completely independently and simultaneously to separate incidents,” Jolley Don Jolley said. “This was an Pitt Meadows fire chief unusual experience for us and the crews did an exceptional job. It validated all the time we spend training all members to assume any role at any time, including that of incident commander.” In Maple Ridge, the three firehall crews were kept busy responding to alarms going off and flooding, but there were no fire calls resulting from the lightning. The worst flooding was at Maple Meadows Way and Stewart Crescent where there
was about four feet of water, said Maple Ridge assistant fire chief Mark Smitton. “The drainage just couldn’t keep up,” he said. In Pitt Meadows, both new and experienced members of the fire department had to Mark Smitton assume responsibility for Maple Ridge assistant chief crew and responding to incidents, Jolley said. The fire department didn’t receive any reports of injuries and there was only minimal damage to two homes. Two people had to be rescued from elevators. “Overall, the crews responded to 17 incidents yesterday,” Jolley said. “I believe that this is the highest total for a single day that the department has ever had.” He added that he was “very proud of the job they did.”
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Tuesday, September 10 , 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Marijuana
Speirs heads petition Local support for pot decriminalization crosses political lines.
Craig Speirs (background) is helping organize a petition calling for a referendum on decriminalizing marijuana. Robert Hornsey was one of the first to sign. They joined Wendy Cook, TAGGS president Mike Joinson, and Alex Pope on Monday when the petition was launched.
by Maria Rantanen
mrantanen@mrtimes.com
A Green, an NDP, a Liberal, and a Conservative all agree on the same point: the province needs to decriminalize marijuana and start a discussion on the recreational drug. Former Maple Ridge councillor and NDP candidate Craig Speirs is heading up the Sensible BC petition locally to collect signatures from 10 per cent of registered voters across the province asking the provincial government to hold a referendum on decriminalizing marijuana. Speirs summarized the question that the referendum would ask: “Is it reasonable to make people criminals who possess a small amount of marijuana?” The campaign officially kicked off on Monday, and, in Maple Ridge, the headquarters will be at The Always Growing Green Society (TAGGS), a medical marijuana dispensary, on 224th Street. The campaign is twofold, Speirs said, asking for a referendum on decriminalizing marijuana, but also starting a dialogue on where society is going with its drug laws. Alex Pope, who is a federal Liberal but ran in the recent provincial election under
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
the Green Party banner, said he’s never smoked marijuana, but he believes using pot is a “personal choice.” “Give people a personal choice and don’t turn them into criminals,” he said. Organizers have 90 days to collect the signatures, and Speirs said they are aiming locally to have 15 per cent of voters sign in. He estimated that is about 3,500 voters.
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
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Join in and have some fun with Who Am I? The Facebook feature is part of a twice-weekly TIMES contest, where readers are asked to identify people from this community’s distant and recent past. For instance, who’s the subject of this week’s picture? Readers can “Like Us” on Facebook (at www.facebook. com/MapleRidgePittMeadowsTIMES) and answer before 9 a.m. Friday to be entered to win. Vicki McLeod correctly identified last week’s subject as nationally acclaimed harpist, songwriter, and singer Mike Absalom. He was born in Britian, raised in England and Quebec, and settled in Maple Ridge for a while before returning to Europe in 2002. McLeod, along with all others who Facebooked in the correct answer, is entered in a grand-prize draw.
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A6
Tuesday, September 10, 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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The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows TIMES, a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership, respects your privacy. We collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at www.mrtimes.com. The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows TIMES is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and complainant. If talking with the editor or publisher of this newspaper does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. For further information, go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.
Our View
Pot petition calls off cops It’s official. Elections BC has issued petition sheets for an initiative to amend the Police Act. The goal of the petitioners is to stop police from enforcing laws against possession and use of marijuana in B.C. – or at least to make it more difficult to prosecute against Scan simple possession and use. with The petitioners, calling themselves Sensible BC, see it as a way to decriminalize marijuana in B.C. without having to go through a federal government that is decidedly antagonistic towards any efforts to back off on its current drug laws. They now have 90 days to make their case and collect supporting signatures from at least 50 per cent of registered voters in B.C. If they can do that, the government will be forced to consider the proposal. They’ve got a long row to hoe – and it’s not just weed in that row. Interestingly, there has been little vocal support from prominent proponents of ending the prohibition on marijuana. And perhaps with good reason. For one thing, many of the high-profile people who have come out against the legal status quo for marijuana do not support decriminalization. Many want pot legalized, regulated, and taxed – just like alcohol. Even among those who favour decriminalization, with possession and use of small amounts of pot penalized through tickets and modest fines, there are few who want to do it the Sensible BC way, by effectively hamstringing police, whose efforts against more serious offenders – high-level traffickers, grow-operators, multi-drug purveyors, and the like – might also be hampered. And then, of course, while they may be a technical minority in Canada these days, there are still plenty of people who simply won’t sign any petition that allows freer use of marijuana or any drug. – B.G.
This Week’s Question If you participate in the annual Terry Fox Run, how and why? ■ Your View Last week’s question, results… What’s your favourite local hiking trail?
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Just about anywhere.
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In front of the TV.
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Opinion
Morbid curiosity raises rates I’ve been here before. So I kept my distance from the Hundreds of times. action. Too many times. But there he was. And contrary to a lot of folks There always seems to be one who don’t understand what we in of them, usually a police officer, the news business do for a living sometimes a firefighter. – and why – it’s not my favourite It was one of the firefighters, place to be. this time, watching me with A youngster had been hit by a obvious disdain. car. Maybe his fault, maybe the He sent over a subordinate to driver’s. At this point it didn’t shut me down. “No pictures,” he matter. I was there to take some said. His voice was not gentle. by Bob Groeneveld pictures and put together a basic “I’m with the newspaper,” I narrative about what had hapsaid. pened. And he backed off, and I In the old days, I would have snapped a few entered into brand new territory. A few moments pictures, got the name of the police officer who later, when he finally had a few to spare, he would conduct the investigation, and then head came over to me and politely apologized. back to the office, getting the details later, in “I didn’t know you were with the paper,” he time to send the newspaper off to press. said. And although the “old days” weren’t all that Wow. No one in that position had ever apololong ago, even in dog years, the fact is that they gized before, and I didn’t quite know what to were a long, long time ago, in technological say, except, “That’s okay. No problem.” terms. Now an important component of the It’s not like I wear a uniform or a fire helmet “paper” is electronic, and goes to press immedior something. ately – stories now appear on our website litHe mentioned something about “looky loos” erally minutes after they happen. and how he really didn’t like how some people As always, I was careful to stay out of the way morbidly take pictures of grisly scenes… well he of the people who were there to do what they didn’t say all of that, but it was clear that was could for the stricken lad. what he meant. I need my pictures, but they come first. And I agree with him. I believe what I and my colleagues in the news But he also appeared to realize that I’m not out business do in situations like that saves lives… there to take pictures for my morbid curiosity but in the long term. We hope that, when you – nor for yours, for that matter. read your newspaper (or visit our website) and You have a right to know that bad things like you see something tragic like this, it reminds you this happen, and you have a right to know what that this sort of thing can happen to you, too. the dedicated members of the emergency crews Or it can happen to someone you care about. you pay for are doing. You need to be careful out there. And then, because someone was obviously But what the first responders do – the police paying more attention to the kid on the ground officers, the firefighters, the ambulance paramed- than on the road ahead, we all heard a thump. ics, and yes, sometimes the BC Hydro linemen And one more looky loo got a lesson in the or other specialists called in to help – matters correlation between unfettered morbid curiosity immediately. and rising automotive insurance rates. Their lifesaving efforts work on time frames By the way, the kid’s not out of the woods, but literally spanning seconds. he’s going to make it!
Odd Thoughts
Mailbag
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
A7
Development
ALR was wrong from the start
the installation of proper drainage system. In regards to the Agricultural Land This alone is a large expense requiring Commission’s recent negative decision in big equipment and thousands of man the Albion area, I found the ALC made hours. no sense at all [Soil and issue, Aug. 27, Farming in an urban area is difficult TIMES]. enough when a farmer has the equipment In fact, logic and common sense were with access to the property. Lougheed totally void. One would Highway and 240th and 232nd think the Agricultural Land Streets are big constraints, Scan Commission (ALC) and staff with thousands of vehicles per with had an agricultural backday driving by at high speeds. ground along with experts in Farming is a business and a the field. This is clearly not gamble. No farmer in his right the case. mind would wager several One quote from regional million dollars on equipment planner Tony Pellet sums it all and property for a very small Letters to up: “The commission would or no return on investment. the Editor like to see it (Albion) made The Albion area property suitable for farming again.” owners are not farmers and do The area has not been farmed for 100 not want to farm. Those business people years, for several very good reasons. want and need to develop the property The ALC admits the area has a major for a return on their investment. drainage issue due to poor soil conditions The alternative: retail and commercial and inadequately served urban developjobs that bring prosperity and keep shopment. This alone would take tremendous ping dollars in town, plus new tax reveffort and expense, excavating the poor enue that allows for lower property taxes. soil and bring in new high grade top The ALC has been the biggest deterrent soil. But where would one get enough to progress in the Lower Mainland. I am, high-grade top soil, and at what cost? however, hopeful that the government Hundreds of trucks would be needed to will look at redrawing the ALR map. remove and replace the soil. The land reserve was created in 1973, High chromium levels are also menwith the board being a non-elected body, tioned. My dictionary refers this to be denying landowners their rights of due metal, not soil. Look for rusting metal. process. It is no wonder these land probThe drainage issue will require a comlems continue. Jim Bulpit, Maple Ridge plete survey of elevations with layout and Dear Editor,
Transportation
Too many too heavy trains passing Dear Editor,
I have lived in Pitt Meadows for two years, and eight years in Maple Ridge prior to that. I love the area.
Maple Ridge
Incident clarification Dear Editor,
Councillor Corisa Bell is right. The District of Maple Ridge is governed by the mayor and the councillors. The municipal staff are employees of the District. In any workplace, the employer comments on the work done by employees. The word “suspension” is shocking to hear, but it doesn’t convey defamation. It means the work is not in accordance with the employer’s mission. Coun. Bell’s incident clarified the difference between the two parties.
Kimie Takusagawa, Maple Ridge
What you’re telling us on Facebook
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More than a thousand spectators turned out for the RCMP Musical Ride in Maple Ridge on Thursday. “It was wonderful!!!!!!! So glad the rain stayed away.” – Kelly Lilley “I thought it was cancelled.”
– Maple Wine
“It was an awesome show, and I can’t believe the rain stopped and the skies cleared enough to make it possible.” – Roxanne Hooper
Share your views. Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MapleRidgePittMeadowsTimes
But what gives with the trains? There are so many trains going through Pitt Meadows, it is not amusing. There are trains with 140 cars – trains at night that are so heavy that the ground shakes like an earthquake because they are too fast. Weekends there have been non-stop parades of trains. Is this now the only line that is used? We need to take action here!
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Response
Canadians ashamed Dear Editor,
I sure hope the 16 per cent of Canadians who made it possible for Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to get a majority are happy; they have done what I would have believed not long ago impossible: made the majority of Canadians ashamed to be Canadians. Yes, we have not always done the right thing for one excuse or another [We need a punch in the nose, July 23 Odd Thoughts, TIMES], but overall, I think this government – and ultimately, this country – is trying to outdo those past injustices. How about the places in Canada where local governments use biological weapons to get rid of their homeless population? Or other cities that are actually criminalizing poverty? And how can we ignore the First Nations people when talking about poverty – who have had a two per cent cap on core services since 1996, and due to population growth and inflation now have the equivalent of 23 cents on the 1996 dollar?
Wayne Clark, Maple Ridge
[Note: A fuller version of this letter is online at www.mrtimes.com. Click on Opinion, or search the writer’s name.]
LETTERS POLICY: Copyright in letters and other materials submitted voluntarily to the Publisher and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic, or other forms. Letters are also subject to editing for content and length. The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows TIMES is a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership.
The City of Pitt Meadows Green Leadership Team invites you to join them for a free fun family event on Sunday September 15th • 11 AM to 1 PM This is the City’s 6th annual participation in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup and will occur on the Alouette River at Harris Road. Meet at the parking lot on the east side of Harris Rd. just south of the Alouette River at 10:30 am. Refreshments will be provided. Bring your rubber boots for muddy areas. Make a difference in your community and contribute to the sustainability of our water ways. For more information about how you can participate or register contact at 604-465-2497 or greenteam@pittmeadows.bc.ca Visit shorelinecleanup.ca for more details about the annual Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.
A8
Tuesday, September 10 , 2013
BC Supreme Court
Arguing for the right to die
A
s one ages, “do not resuscitate it is natural order” – to let her to think go. The mother about the has advanced end of life. Alzheimer’s and The Baby the nursing staff are Boomers, of which I spoon-feeding her. am one of the first, In Belgium, the are facing the reality Netherlands, and of their demise. Switzerland, the Soon the B.C. governments permit Court of Appeals euthanasia, and in is going to rule on some cases accept by Gordy Robson whether or not we Canadian patients. have the right to But you don’t decide when we are need to go that far; allowed to die. Washington and Oregon allow it, as well. There are hundreds – I think thousands Good luck with the concept of sneaking – of people who are being kept alive at your mother across the border to let her great expense to the public and against pass with dignity. their wishes. A week or so ago, Joan Little Personally, one of the toughest wrote a great article in the things I have had to deal with in Hamilton Spectator on the issue. I Read my life was my mother’s death. am going to follow her advice and more Not that she died, but the way our have written my own directive: “If with health system tortured her. I should become non-responsive, My mother, who was a registered don’t resuscitate me if the medical nurse all her working life, had a opinion is that I could be handifear and family history of dementia. capped mentally or physically to She made my dad and me promise that the extent that I could no longer function we would not allow her to waste away, independently.” suffering in dementia. I am going to give a copy of my health Over a period of 10 years, my Mom care directive to my wife, my doctor, and decayed into a 97-pound, unresponsive my kids, and carry one in my wallet. person living in a fetal position. In British Columbia the question is: “Do Thankfully, a doctor finally assisted us you have a living will?” in letting her go. Sadly, neither my Dad And as Joan says, “Whether it is heednor I had the tools to ensure her wishes ed when that time comes, who knows? I were honoured earlier. would like to think it would be.” That would explain why I am so conMe too, Joan. cerned about the pending decision of the Just saying… B.C. Supreme Court. Gordy Robson’s column appears Tuesdays in the print and/or A B.C. family wants the right for their online versions of The TIMES. Reactions can be emailed c/o editorial@mrtimes.com mother – who has actually written a
Just Saying
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
&places
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Celebrating 40 years serving our Community
faces Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
View photos with or
online
Roxanne Hooper/TI
www.mrtimes.com
Showcasing some of this community’s people and happenings
Roxanne Hooper/TIMES
MES
Former Maple Ridge councillor and school trustee Faye Isaac was among those in attendance at last week’s musical ride.
The man behind the woman: Few people ever get a chance to meet the man behind Lorraine Bates, the manager of Country Fest, organizers of the annual Ghost Ridge, and cochair of the local Christmas Hamper Society. But her husband Mike joined Lorraine to watch the RCMP Musical Ride at the Albion Fairgrounds last week. The show was held in part to raise money for Country Fest, as well as the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association.
Roxanne Hooper/TIME
S Lisa Shepherd led a group called the Golden Ea rs Metis Jiggers who perform ed before the RCMP Musical Rid e on Thursday.
Roxanne Hooper//TIMES
Roxanne Hooper/TIME
S
Gay Conn h handed ove as r the reins to the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Asso ciation to th e new executive d irector Shar olyn Wandzura. Conn said she’s taking over part-ti me duties as M LA Doug Bin g’s executive as sistant and joked she’s now aspirin g to be Miss Clo verdale. Th e pair of women w ere in atten dance at Thursday ’s RCMP Mu sical Ride, with N FT of two benef RA being one iting charitie s for the show. Roxanne Hoop
er/TIMES
How can you share?
Roxanne Hooper/TIMES
Roxanne Hooper/TIMES
Local equestrian trail blazer Bill g Archibald, hung out at the barns, takin pictures and visiting with the horses during last week’s musical ride.
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.”
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2013
2013
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Judy Daykin, her husband and Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin, Ridge Meadows RCMP Insp. Dave Fleugel (the new officer in charge), and Maple Ridge Councillor Judy Dueck were among the dignitaries invited to watch the Maple Ridge performance of the RCMP Musical Ride from a covered stand at the Albion Fairgrounds Thursday.
nt from Thomas a Grade 12 stude k, ac Bl ik ade 12 Er ld Ryan Berg, a Gr Sixteen-year-o and 17-year-old y, cruits ar re nd st co fir e Se th y Hane , are among nt de stu y k ar nd -w co ram – a 30 ee Pitt Meadows Se MP SPURS prog RC g ws in do lp ea he M s e wa deavour of the Ridg uth. Their first en ay yo sd r ur fo Th m ra ds og un pr ro policing Albion Fairg Musical Ride at y Herman. out at the RCMP of Const. Tamm on isi rv pe su e th r de un t, nigh
This summer’s Ridge t Meadows Got Talen a Jad er contest winn McKenzie-Moore, of ited Vancouver, was inv da at na Ca O’ g back to sin e in Rid al sic Mu MP the RC . ek we t Maple Ridge las
Ridge Mead Maria Rantane n/ ows RCMP Const. Oliver TIMES Broermann and Cpl. Ala nna Dunlop visited with the Adrienne Yo musical ride Mounties ung and Au drey Soucy aboard Hec , tor and Bio nic at Mem Peace Park orial in anticipat ion of Thurs evening’s ri day de at the A lbion Fairgr ounds.
or up to
Celebrating 40 years serving our community
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A10
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
What’s On
www.mrtimes.com Post events 10 days in advance by email to:
editorial@mrtimes.com September 10: Art club
• Garibaldi Art Club meets at 7 p.m. in the craft room, third floor of The ACT. G.A.C. membership is $50 or $40 for seniors. Info: www. GaribaldiArtClub.com.
September 10: Music
• SongStage at The ACT, hosted by local songwriter Ivan Boudreau, features Michael Reinhart from Montreal from 7 to 9 p.m. Open mike to follow for songwriters of original material.
September 11: GoGos
• Golden Ears GoGos will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Alouette Room at Maple Ridge Library. The GoGos support the Stephen Lewis Foundation to help grandmothers in Africa who are raising their AIDS-orphaned grandchildren.
September 11: Support
• Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parkinson’s Support Group meets from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St. This meeting is open to all persons with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, families, and friends. Info: Peta Purdy at 604-463-1332 or rpcoco@ telus.net.
September 12: Group
• Alouette Field Naturalists hold their monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St. Info: Duanne 604-463-8743.
September 12: The ACT
• SFU Philosophers’ Cafe meets at The ACT, 11944 Haney Pl. at 7 p.m. This
month’s topic is “What if our economic system is broken? Imagining alternatives: if we can’t see an alternative, none will arrive.”
September 12: Seniors
• A Seniors Helping Seniors meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. in the library room of the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St., Maple Ridge.
September 12: Cycling
• Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chapter of HUB: Your Cycling Connection will be held from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Library.
September 12: Legion
• Ridge Meadows Ex-Service Women’s Club holds its monthly meeting in the basement of the Maple Ridge Legion, 12101 224th St. Lunch is at noon, and the meeting is at 1 p.m.
Quiz night
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Chamber seeks directors
• The Chamber of Commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is looking for people interested in running for their board of directors. Nominations for directors will be accepted from members in good standing, and must be delivered in writing to the office no later than Sept. 15. For a nomination package, contact executive director Jesse Sidhu: 604-4574599 or email jesse@ridgemeadowschamber.com
Music
• Anyone who sings, plays an instrument, or just loves to listen to live music is invited to Kanaka Open mike every Wednesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Kanaka Creek
YEAR END
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 at 22626 Lougheed Hwy. Info: coordinator@ communityliteracy.ca.
Computer help
• One-on-One Computer Help is available at the Pitt Meadows Library on Mondays beginning Sept. 16 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. The library is located at #20012099 Harris Rd. Come in or call to register: 604-465-4113.
Library babytime
• Babytime starts up again at the Maple Ridge Library and runs on Mondays until Nov. 25 at 10:15 a.m. Babytime is a fun, social bonding activity for babies and caregivers. Info: 604-467-7417.
Library storytime
• The University of Victoria’s Centre on Aging presents a six-week series of workshops on “Chronic Disease Self-Management” on Wednesday, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. starting on Sept. 25. at the Pitt Meadows Seniors Centre, 19065 119B Ave. To register, call 604-940-
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Palliative training
• Ridge Meadows Hospice Society will be offering an eight-week training program for its volunteer palliative support program, beginning at the end of September. Info: 604-463-7722. • Full list: www.mrtimes.com
A jump in residential break-ins in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows during the past month prompted Mounties to issue an alert Friday, and to advise residents to be extra vigilant. There were 63 reported break and enters in local homes between Aug. 1 and Sept. 3, said RCMP Cpl. Alanna Dunlop. That’s an average of almost two break-ins a day. “I want to alert our citizens to an increase in break and enters that
She said the stereotypical thief have been occurring all over our is usually a man between 15 to 25 communities,” she said. “Our crime years old, but investigators in this analyst advises that the majority of case are advising that some of the cases involve suspects gaining entry criminals involved in the to the garage.” recent break and enters are In a large number of the likely older and many are cases, police report the women. thieves accessed the homes “If you observe persons through the garages thanks who may be in your neighto unlocked side doors and bourhood for an unlawful windows, or garage door purpose… we urge you to openers left in vehicles call police right away and in the driveway, Dunlop report this suspicious activexplained. Cpl. Alanna Dunlop ity,” Dunlop said, noting Vehicles, if keys were Ridge Meadows RCMP that citizens can help prereadily available, are being vent being a victim by foltaken. Bicycles and dirt lowing a few tips. bikes, jewelry, and electronics such “Together, we can reduce all incias iPods, laptop computers, and dents of crime and make our comvideo game systems are repeatedly munity even safer for all,” she said. coming up on the lists of stolen • Tips available at www.mrtimes.com items, as well.
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Mountie sentenced for hitting fellow officers Sergeant admits that addiction is behind her striking two RCMP at a Pitt Meadows bar.
truly thought my life was over.” Dickson was charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer, one count of resisting arrest, and one count of causing a disturbance. She said she had diffiby Cara Mckenna culty seeing how she was Glacier Media portrayed in the news RCMP Sgt. Miriam after her recent court Dickson, who was appearance. charged with assaulting “I was in the newsa police officer outside paper, and for the first a Pitt Meadows bar last day, I was devastated,” year, spoke out about her she said. alcohol addiction. “Then I realized, I’m Dickson, a former not a bad person. And spokeswoman for if people want to read Mission RCMP, was a simple news article given a conditional disthat says that I am, then When you’re wanting more than just floo charge and one year too bad for them if they of probation in B.C. believe it. I will not be Supreme Court in Port stigmatized.” Coquitlam last week. She said she is Dickson, who currently workis currently in ing in the RCMP recovery, spoke drug awareness at Nanaimo’s section, a posfirst Recovery ition she sought www.diverseflooring.ca Day event on out in attempt to Sunday afterincrease educanoon. tion on addicShe told how tions. she used to “I have grown obsess about not Sgt. Miriam Dickson in my recovery,” drinking alcoshe said. hol, but it often “I’m a better didn’t work. She would wife, a better mother, regularly turn to alcohol and I hope that I’m a betto cope with the stress of ter police officer.” her job. Nanaimo Mayor “Finally one day, my John Ruttan presented bottom hit,” she said. a Recovery Day proc“And for me my botlamation and Abbotsford tom was being arrested. South MLA Darryl Plecas Starting From sq.f I struck two other police came to show his supofficers and don’t remem- port for Nanaimo’s first ber it. I was in a blackout Recovery Day – which drunk. But when I awoke started in Vancouver last the next day and my Sept. 8 and has since husband told me of the been proclaimed by five events the night before, I B.C. cities for 2013.
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An average of two break-andenter crimes a day prompts police to issue a warning.
• The new Golden Ears Christian Toastmasters Club now meets every Tuesday at the Haney Presbyterian Church, 11858 216th Ave., Maple Ridge. Meetings run from 7:30 till 9:30 p.m. Guests are welcome.
• 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 and March.
• Storytime starts up again at the Maple Ridge Library on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from Sept. 10 to Dec.
Spike in break-ins worrying police
Toastmasters
Volunteers needed
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
RCMP files
Hours are flexible but they request a minimum commitment of four hours. 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. Info: 604-467-6055 ext. 108.
6 at 10:15 a.m. Children five years and younger, along with their parents and caregivers, will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and puppets. Info: 604-467-7417.
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• Pitt Meadows Friends of the Library holds its annual Quiz Night on Sept. 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. People are encouraged to come by themselves or as a team. Prizes and refreshments are provided. Tickets are $10 each and are now available at the library. The library is at #200-12099 Harris Rd.
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A12
Tuesday, September 10 , 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
You’re Invited To Our BBQ! SATURDAY SEPT 14th, 11am-2pm
Troy Landreville & Maria Rantanen/TIMES
Mounties Adrienne Young and Audrey Soucy, aboard Hector and Bionic, respectively, visited Pitt Meadows Spirit Square and Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge on Thursday afternoon, in advance of the big RCMP Musical Ride performance at Albion Fairgrounds on Thursday evening. See related coverage on pages A1 and A9.
Hot Dogs ers Hamburg nts Refreshme All Proceeds benefit Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services for Youth, Children & Family Services r Enter Ofuor Draw eth FREE eTneing Whit
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Pre-show promotion
Riders offer kids a sneak peek Members of the RCMP Musical Ride visited Spirit Square and Memorial Peace Park prior to Thursday’s show.
www.mrtimes.com
Riders are police officers who, after at least two years of active duty, volunteer for duty with the ride. Most were non-riders prior to their equestrian training with the RCMP; however, once they complete the courses of instruction, they not only become riders by Troy Landreville but ambassadors of goodwill. tlandreville@mrtimes.com Currently on tour with the ride is 32Hector, 24, was the embodiment of year-old Young. Since she joined the patience Thursday afternoon at Pitt RCMP in 2008, the ride has always been Meadows Spirit Square. on Young’s wish list as an active Mountie. The black gelding, with Const. Adrienne Once she completed her two-year serYoung on board, stood stoically, save for vice with the RCMP, Young started lookthe odd snort, head bob, and shuffle back- ing into how to become a ride member. wards, as dozens of students from nearby Two years ago, she got in touch with Pitt Meadows Elementary took turns strok- Supt. Marty Chesser, officer in charge of ing his nose. the ride, and applied for a position. Along with another horse-and-rider “Here I am today,” said Young, who team – Const. Audrey Soucy and ninejoined the ride this year. year-old Bionic – the two visited Spirit Young admitted that joining in the ride Square in Pitt Meadows, and later the was a little intimidating, initially. She had Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge, to complete a five-week basic equesView photos to help promote the RCMP Musical trian course before performing in with Ride held that evening at the Albion front of an audience. Fairgrounds. “I had no previous riding experior They were part of the 32 horse-and- online ence,” she told The TIMES. rider contingent that performed in “I showed up at the musical ride in a show hosted locally by the Maple Ottawa, got on a horse my first day Ridge and Pitt Meadows Agricultural there, and it was baby steps for the Association and the North Fraser first few days. Then you get thrown Therapeutic Riding Association (NFTRA). into it. You give it everything you have for Thursday’s event benefited both Country five weeks to prove you want to be there Fest and the NFTRA, a non-profit organizand you deserve to be there. If you’re ation that provides therapeutic horseback lucky enough, you’re chosen to come riding lessons to children and adults with back.” varying degrees of disabilities. Being a member has opened up a whole The musical ride wrapped up its twodifferent world for Young, literally. The month tour through B.C. with shows in native of Cookville N.S. has never seen Hope on the weekend. Maple Ridge was the western provinces before, and this is the second to last show in the province. her first time visiting B.C. Between May and October, the musical “This is my opportunity to visit [other ride team tours through Canada, the U.S., parts of] Canada and parts of the U.S. and and other international venues, performother parts of the world,” she said. “It’s ing at roughly 40 to 50 venues. an amazing experience. You get to speak Thirty-six riders, the same number of to the public every day, so it’s great.” horses, a farrier, a technical production The first officially recorded musical ride manager, and three non-commissioned was performed in Regina under Inspector officers travel with the ride on tour. William George Matthews in 1887.
Cooper David Parsons Aimee Bryant & Adam Parsons would like to announce the birth of their big bundle of joy. Cooper was born Sept. 1st weighing 9lbs 4.5 ozs. Thanks to all of our families and friends for all the support and patience waiting for Cooper to finally get here. Thanks to Dr. Bhatti and all the maternity staff at the Ridge Meadows Hospital for making his birth as easy as possible.
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RMMHA welcomes everyone to our 1st Annual Golf Tournament
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
A13
Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters and Lori Graham with the City’s economic development office are thrilled that the City has been nominated for an award that recognizes their business-friendly climate.
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
about your next move?
Pitt Meadows
City creates business ‘synergy’
The economic development office helps businesses connect with City hall. by Maria Rantanen mrantanen@mrtimes.com
For the second year running, the City of Pitt Meadows has made the short list for a provincial Open for Business award. And while the City hasn’t been named a winner – the winners will be announced at the Union of B.C. Municipalities annual conference next week – the mayor said people take note of which communities are nominated. “It highlights Pitt Meadows and the good things we’re doing here,” said Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters. The Economic Development Corporation is one of the big reasons
the climate is business friendly, Walters said, as it both works to attract businesses to the City and help them once they are there. Economic development staff will facilitate meetings between businesses looking to relocate to Pitt Meadows and senior staff at the City, thereby creating “good synergy,” said Lori Graham with the economic development office. “It gives that personal touch with City hall,” Walters added. The Onni business park at the south end of Harris Road is an example of a successful business story in Pitt Meadows, Graham said. “They’re filling up – people want this space,” she said. There are 15 finalists for the awards, which recognize communities that support small business through local-government measures aligned with the BC Small Business Accord. The awards are issued by B.C.’s Small Business Roundtable,
established in 2005 to be the voice for small business to government. Each winner will receive $10,000, and the City, if it wins, plans to use the money to increase education and training programs for small businesses. In addition, the money would be used to recruit more volunteers for its ambassador program and increase the number of events the ambassadors can support. With a membership of small-business owners and association leaders, the roundtable helps government develop strategies to support the growth and success of small business throughout the province. The roundtable received submissions from 39 communities, with award evaluations based on how they enhance small-business competitiveness, recognize the contributions of small businesses to the community, and promote the principles of the BC Small Business Accord.
• More online at www.mrtimes.com
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A14
Tuesday, September 10 , 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Home improvement
Houses need owners manuals
W
hen you in the home – even Handyman buy a the children. Morgan Jensen new TV 2. Make sure you will answer or dishknow how to use your home washer, even a new the various valves improvement cellphone or cordless and switches, how to questions. drill, it always comes turn them off and on, with an owner’s what happens when manual, a little book you do, what tools that details what all you may need, and the buttons mean and what you’ll need to by Morgan Jensen tells you how to use do after they’ve been Visit his website at www.jbshomeimprovement.ca it. off. or send your questions to morganjensen@shaw.ca. Well, unless you’re 3. Take pictures of extremely lucky, your each shutoff valve, home didn’t. each breaker panel, and every other perI have worked in many homes through tinent place around the home, like the the years, and am always amazed at how phone and cable service boxes. many homeowners not only don’t know 4. Call the service company for each where certain shutoffs are – like the main utility if you don’t know where things are water or gas valves – but they often don’t or how to use them, or even if the valves know how they work. or other switches appear faulty, old, or Now most of you probably do know worn. BC Hydro, for example, will be where things are, you know where the more than happy to help you with any main electrical panel is, the water, the questions about your electrical panel or gas, the main sewer connection, the meter. storm drain, and so on. But, does your 5. Put together a binder with the picfamily? tures and instructions about how to use Over the past couple of years I’ve been each of the valves or switches. putting together a new service for home6. Share the binder with the rest of the owners that would combine some infamily, and everyone else who lives in home teaching with a user’s manual for the home, go over it page by page, and their home, along with pictures and some have everyone sign off on it, making sure tips. I haven’t put the finishing details they know what they need to. on it yet but will be calling it My Home 7. Share the information with each of Capsule. your neighbours and encourage them to There are things that you can do yourdo the same. Also share the information, self, though – and they’re not difficult and the location of the binder, with your at all. Each and every one who owns a babysitters, housecleaners, handymen, or home and has others living in it should anyone else who may spend time in your do this. Here’s a simple list of what to do: home or who may have keys. 1. Find out where everything is around Be safe, know your home, and always the house, if you don’t already know, and ask questions and get more information. • More online at www.mrtimes.com, search “Jensen” share that information with everyone else
Fix It Up
HELP US MAKE A DENT. Don’t miss our MAKING A DENT food drive this Saturday, Sept. 14, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Contribute your non-perishable food item or cash to the Salvation Army Food Bank and get a free Craftsman Collision cloth shopping bag – along with our thanks for making an impact. Craftsman will match all donations one-for-one.
Save-On-Foods West Maple Ridge 20395 Lougheed Hwy
@craftsmanshops craftsmancollision.com ® Trademark of AIR MILES International Holdings N.V. used under licence by The Loyalty Group. All references to Air Miles include Reward Miles.
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
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Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Sports On Deck
Flames beat Pack The Ridge Meadows Flames wrapped up their exhibition games with a 3-2 win over the North Vancouver Wolf Pack. Regular season starts Friday at Planet Ice with a game against the Grandview Steelers. The puck drop s ta 7:30 p.m. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Ron Hole photo
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Recreation
Reach The TIMES' sports desk: Phone: 604-463-2281 or email: editorial@mrtimes.com
View photos with or online at
www.mrtimes.com
Marauders take down Belmont The Pitt Meadows AA Varsity football team, the Marauders, beat Belmont Secondary from Victoria on Friday afternooon 35-6 in an exhibition game. The team will play another exhibition game on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Pitt Meadows Secondary – under Friday night lights – against Valleyview Secondary from Kamloops. Their regular season starts on Friday, Sept. 20 when they play at home again at 7:30 p.m. against Mission Secondary.
Alex Rowley plays soccer with the Clan, SFU’s varsity team.
Locals play soccer Maple Ridge native and SRT grad Alex Rowley is back on the soccer pitch at SFU for his second year running as the university team, the Clan, kicks off its season. The men’s soccer team won two exhibition games in California over the weekend. SFU’s women’s soccer team, which includes Pitt Meadows’ Brianna Morrison, however, lost its first exhibition game 6-0 against California State University Stanislaus Warriors. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Send your scores and game reports to smclaren@mrtimes.com
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
Recognition
Hometown hero to be honoured at banquet Local athletes who have competed internationally can be nominated. by Maria Rantanen
mrantanen@mrtimes.com
The Rotary Sports Banquet is a thing of the past – but the Hometown Hero program that
honours local athletes will continue in a new format. Nominations are currently being sought for the 2013 Hometown Hero. Nominees have to have gone through the local school system, played their sport with either a local minor sports organization or a local school, and played at a national and international level. Past hometown heroes include
HOME GROWN
race car driver Greg Moore, NHL hockey players Andrew Ladd, Brandon Yip, Brendan Morrison, and Cam Neely, sports reporter Jim Robson, curler Kelley Law, and high jumper Debbie Brill. Posters are placed around the community and in schools, and the idea is to inspire young athletes to continue in their chosen sport, with the message that “this guy played in my gym and my
school and I can get there, too,” said Gordy Robson, one of the founders of the Hometown Hero program. A banquet will be held to honour this year’s hometown hero, said committee member Mary Robson, but the venue has not yet been secured. For more information and to nominate a hometown hero, contact Mary Robson at 604-466-3333.
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A20
Tuesday, September 10 , 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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