Tuesday, November 5, 2013 A leadership class from Thomas Haney Secondary hit the streets last week encouraging positive thoughts and actions.
Page A5 • LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT • mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 20 PAGES
Hold My Beer! He started as a DJ at Roosters Country Cabaret in Pitt Meadows years ago, and has turned into one of Canada’s biggest country music singing and songwriting sensations. This weekend, Aaron Pritchett was back in his old stomping grounds for the first time in nine years, performing both Friday and Saturday nights to sold-out shows at the new Chances Maple Ridge gaming centre. During his show Saturday night, he called on his friend and protege, a young Maple Ridge up-and-comer, Ray Gibson to perform with him. The 19year-old helped sing the last song, one of Pritchett’s biggest hits, Hold My Beer.
View photos with or online at
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Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES
Maple Ridge council
Towers bring urban look to core area
A development proposal for 240 apartments in downtown Maple Ridge is moving forward. by Maria Rantanen mrantanen@mrtimes.com
The designer of a new project near municipal hall hopes it will add a contemporary, urban element to Maple Ridge’s downtown core. Wayne Bissky, principal of Bissky Architecture, said that the project on Brown Avenue and Edge Street in downtown Maple Ridge will make the area more liveable and encourage residents to live in the area. There are “fairly big gaping holes” in the area near municipal hall, but Bissky hopes this project will “kickstart” urban development in the vicinity, “so it becomes a vibrant, active place not only
during the day, but in the evening as to move the project forward to the Nov. well.” 12 council meeting for the final vote on Bissky said the plan is to start the first passing second reading. phase – a six-storey building with 48 resiBissky has lived in Maple Ridge and dential units and commercial on the main had his company here for about two floor – in the spring. decades, and he said he cares about his The second tower will be 13 storeys community. high, and the third, 19 storeys high. But also, from an urban design perspecPhase two and three will depend on the tive, he said this project is “exciting” to market, but Bissky said he be working on. “We’re hearing hopes the entire project He would like the will be completed within development to be on nothing but positive six to eight years. par with newer developcomments from When the project was ments in Port Moody and before council for first Vancouver. council.” reading in February, Other projects that the Wayne Bissky Bissky said the councillors company has designed were in favour of it, and include the new buildhe hoped it would be the same as he pre- ing for Ridge Meadows Association for pared for Monday’s council in committee Community Living and the expansion of meeting where it was being presented. Haney Builders. “We’re hearing nothing but positive The report to council on the project comments from council,” he said. described the development as “one of the Council voted unanimously on Monday most significant development projects and
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private capital works projects ever proposed in the Town Centre,” adding that it will make a “major contribution to the emerging urban character” of the area. When completed, the development will include commercial space of 4,380 square metres. There are several community amenity elements in this proposal. A $100,000 contribution to public art will be required after the project passes third reading of council. In addition, 11 per cent of the units will be “adaptive units,” which means they can be converted to accommodate residents as they age. In addition, 10 per cent of the units have to be rental housing, which would be 24 of the 240 units that would be built. There will also be a 2,040-square-metre space built into the later phases, which will be dedicated either for community use for a daycare, for college use, or a combination of these.
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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Students get grants Two Maple Ridge students received grants from the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC through its bursary program CarCareerBC. Sarah Case, a business student at Douglas College received a $1,000 grant, and Brendan Jones, a business student at SFU, received a $2,500 grant. • More at www.mrtimes.com
Matthew Robinson and David Hildebrand are going to Belize at the end of November to finish off an instructor’s home for Trades 4 Life.
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
The school district and Mounties staged lockdown drills at two schools last week.
Outreach
Students and staff at Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows secondary schools cowered in their classrooms behind locked doors on Wednesday to test their lockdown procedures. They were helped by Ridge Meadows RCMP general duty officers and the Emergency Response Team. A local police spokesman said it was eerie walking the halls of the schools and hearing nothing, although the schools were occupied. • More at www.mrtimes.com
A dozen tradesmen from Maple Ridge travel to Central America to help a small country train its youth.
Schools locked down
Parks surveys users
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents are encouraged to give feedback about parks and leisure services. To fill out the survey, go to www.mapleridge.ca and click on the “How did we do?” link. • More at www.mrtimes.com
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Step 1. Download the free Layar app for iPhone, Android, iPad, or tablet. Step 2. Look for pages with the Layar logo. Step 3. Open the Layar app, hold your device above the page, and tap to scan it. Step 4. Hold your device above the page to view the interactive content, and hit scan.
Ridge builders share skills in Belize by Maria Rantanen mrantanen@mrtimes.com
Driving down the pothole-filled streets of rural Belize and seeing a child taking a shower outside because there is no indoor plumbing made Maple Ridge resident Matthew Robinson realize how lucky he is. “What’s that kid’s life going to be like and how will they overcome that?” he said. Currently, the plumber who runs his own company, is planning his umpteenth trip to the small country in Central America – he can’t remember if it’s his seventh or eighth – and this time he will be part of a group of 12 men finishing up a duplex that will serve as a residence for instructors at a trades camp for young adults. Trades 4 Life is building a training facility for young adults
to learn skills and thereby get three plumbers, a gas fitter, a good jobs and improve their millworker, a general contractor, lives. handymen, a millwright, and a There is no other trade schools mechanic. in the small country, so this “It’s hard to get that much gives them an opportunity to skilled labour to agree to... comlearn a trade, for example, mit to a project,” Robinson said. plumbing, mechanics, and carThe duplex they are finishing pentry. is a project that was started last For David Hildebrand, also a May by a charity group from plumber, he is looking forward Burnett Fellowship Church, to his first trip to Belize. another Maple Ridge church. “We’re so rich here we don’t While 11 of them will be realize it,” he said about his life working on the duplex, the one in Canada. mechanic in “We’re so rich here Trades 4 Life is a the group will faith-based group, be working [in Canada] we don’t and both Robinson full-time to fix realize it.” and Hildebrand are the vehicles David Hildebrand members of Maple that belong Ridge Baptist Church to the trades and draw much of their inspiraschool. tion to help from their faith. Robinson made his first trip to But of the 12 men going on Belize in 2002 when he was just this trip, some of them are 19, something he described as a churchgoers, while others aren’t, “real adventure.” Robinson pointed out. Over the years, he has gone The group will be in Belize back regularly and he has built from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8, and friendships with the locals. Robinson expects them to be On his last trip, he helped “hitting the ground running,” build a four-bedroom house for working long hours to finish the a large family. duplex. With the heat in the high 30s Included in the group are and the humidity excruciating,
they worked from early morning till late at night to finish the house. But, Robinson said, the Belizeans depend on volunteers to help them improve their lives. “That one week of our life is nothing,” he said about helping the Third World country. Each group member is raising their own travel costs, but they still need about $12,000 for supplies to finish the duplex. So far, they’ve raised about $3,000 in donations from local companies. They have received money from Diverse Flooring to pay for the flooring costs in the duplex, and money from KBS Development to cover their accommodations. Belize is a tiny Central American country, just south of Mexico with a population of about 334,000 people, and as a former British colony, belongs to the Commonwealth. The group is still looking for sponsors for their trip to Belize. For more information, contact Matthew Robinson at 604-6906055. For more information about the trades program in Belize, go to www.trades4life.bz.
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Tuesday, November 5 , 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Halloween charity
Ghost Ridge numbers drop
The number of visitors to Ghost Ridge was down this year, but it still helped local non-profit groups. by Maria Rantanen
mrantanen@mrtimes.com
The students acting at Ghost Ridge get better every year and, this year, the sets were the best ever, according to Lorraine Bates, co-ordinator of Ghost Ridge. This year’s show, the Timeline of Terror, attracted 3,800 visitors, down slightly from last year’s 4,000 visitors. Bates chalked up the decrease in number to competing sports events and other haunted houses around town. However, she considers an event a success if, at the end, the volunteers are already talking about next year – and that’s what happened with Ghost Ridge this year. “That’s what spells success,” Bates said. There were sets that depicted horror scenes from history including the Spanish Inquisition, the French Revolution, First World War, and extended to the future with aliens. Ghost Ridge offers community groups the opportunity to take part in building the sets and running the Halloween show. The groups this year were the Ridge Meadows Bruins Rugby, Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club, Live Action Role Play, and Country Fest. Thanks to this year’s Ghost Ridge, each of the groups received $3,800 towards their activities. “Generally groups around town are struggling to find ways to raise money,” she said. Ghost Ridge also allows students a fun way to get their volunteer hours. “Some come back year after year and they get better and better,” Bates said.
View photos with or online at
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Kids and adults alike were entertained, in a fun, spooky way, at Ghost Ridge’s Timeline of Terror. After the last evening, the community also enjoyed a fireworks display.
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
A5
Education
Leadership class spread some love
Thomas Haney Secondary students hit the streets, encouraging drivers to be positive.
Sharmaine Ventura (left) and Aviana Siojo, and teacher Kristi Blakeway of Thomas Haney Secondary were on Lougheed Highway looking for positive reactions to their signs on Wednesday.
by Elaine O’Connor Special to The TIMES
- Elaine O’Connor is a reporter with The Province
Maple Ridge council
Library costs up as circulation increases
A demand for new types of books puts pressure on libraries. by Maria Rantanen mrantanen@mrtimes.com
Maple Ridge will pay about $23,000 more next year for its library services. This bring the cost of running the library on Dewdney Trunk Road to about $2.61 million, up from about $2.59 million last year. The Maple Ridge Library is part of the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) system. With an increase of 3.72 per cent in 2014, the overall FVRL budget for the 14 municipalities will be $22.72 million next year. The budget includes a five-per-cent increase to the library materi-
als budget, $100,000 for reserves, and a two-percent wage increase. Increased cost pressures for library material come from a weaker Canadian dollar, the re-instatement of the provincial sales tax, three new libraries in the Fraser Valley system, a growing population and increased circulation as well as a demand for new formats, for example, audio, e-books, large print books. The budget reflects a phasing in of a weighted funding system, whereby each municipality contributes funds according to its population. For example, Pitt Meadows will contribute about $887,000 next year if this budget is finalized. The library board, which includes Maple Ridge Councillor Corisa Bell, will vote on the final budget at its December meeting.
Wayne Leidenfrost/The Province
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When Maple Ridge resident Margrit Pitt heard car horns honking along Lougheed Highway Wednesday, she figured it was a protest. But the Thomas Haney Secondary students who lined the route weren’t protesting, they were praising. About 30 students held a streetside positivity rally, holding signs for commuters reading: “Honk if you love someone,” “Spread the love,” and “You can do it!” Their goal was to spread cheer in their community, as part of a Grade 11 and 12 leadership class. “We want the students to be out in the community. Instead of just talking about leadership, we want them to do it,” school vice-principal and leadership teacher Kristi Blakeway said over the sounds of cars honking. “When you take time to do something positive, there’s always a ripple effect. Even if it’s a simple idea, but still profound enough that ... it could change someone’s day,” she said. Blakeway brought the idea to her class after she was inspired by a Make DC Smile campaign launched last year by Washington, D.C., resident Massoud Adipour. Adipour, dubbed “the prince of positivity” by U.S. media, started putting inspiration posters around his city. Then he and his friends spent Monday mornings holding signs urging commuters to “Honk if you love someone,” “Be Happy,” and “Smile.” Blakeway said the school was fielding a number of calls from appreciative residents. “It’s uplifting,” said student Josie Teichrob. “Just to be able to make people’s days a little happier because a lot of people have to go to work and they are not too excited about it.” Grade 11 student Stephanie Richards said: “Leadership means doing things that other people are afraid to do, like standing out here.” Maple Ridge residents seemed to enjoy the pep rally. “I think it’s a very good idea,” said motorist Pitt as she encountered the signs along Lougheed. “It’s a pretty unique way to cheer people up,” agreed Kyle Mayuga, “It made me smile a bit.”
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Tuesday, November 5 , 2013
Celebrating 40 years serving our Community
faces Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
Showcasing some of this community’s people and happenings
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Gay Conn, school board chair Mike Murray, Belgium exchange student Michiel Verhalle, and Maple Ridge Councillor Cheryl Ashlie were at The ACT for the fifth annual Golden Harvest celebration, that showcased local agriculture.
A 352-pound pumpkin netted gardener Blair Stanley top prize in the recent Thornhill Community Hall giant pumpkin contest. Betty von Hardenber photo
2013
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Maria Rantanen/TIMES
g
View story & more photos
Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters received her poppy Friday from the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy campaign cochair Diane Cougar.
or online
Friends gathered to eat and mingle at the recent Golden Harvest, held at The ACT: Val Lohnes, Karen Learmonth, Leanne Koehn, and Denyse Hughes.
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
Chef Katie House (le ft) and Marissa Ferroni, ge neral manager at Concerto’s Lounge and Grill, served food at Golde n Harvest.
Chances M aple Ridge Rick Moyer/ general man Special to Th presented K e TIMES ager Andy idSport’s Le LaCroix (lef n Walters wit the Aaron Pr t) h a $500 ch itchett conce eque durin rt at the ga g ming centre Saturday.
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
re), his wife Sandy, Maple Ridge Councillor Bob Masse (cent Bing were at Doug and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA food. The local rated celeb that t Golden Harvest, an even tly. recen ACT The at place event took
How can you share? 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.
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2013
Celebrating 40 years serving our community
Sales 604.343.2036 Service 604.465.7622 20611 LOUGHEED HWY., MAPLE RIDGE www.marvjoneshonda.com
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District of M (and form aple Ridge’s c om e Maria Ra Harvest, r TIMES publish munications ma ntanen/TI n but stop e ped to p r) was snappin ager Fred Arms MES g picture trong ose for a picture s with his at Golden son Kall an.
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
A7
Multiculturalism
Theatre lets youth explore
A series of teen workshops will lead to a staged production. by Maria Rantanen mrantanen@mrtimes.com
Teens are being offered the opportunity to explore what it’s like to be new to Canada in a series of theatre workshops. As part of their Welcoming Communities initiative, the Family Education & Support Centre is inviting young people to explore themes of immigration, racism, and multiculturalism through a series of theatre workshops leading to the creation of an original play with public performances. There will be three initial workshops, held at the Greg Moore Youth Centre and led by husband-wife team James Rowley and Leanne Koehn. These workshops will then lead into a regular meeting of those interested in putting on a staged play based on their ideas. No theatre experience is necessary to come to the workshops, Koehn said, and English doesn’t have to be their first language. The first workshop will explore improv storytelling, the second, physical storytelling, and the third, word play and dialogue. The idea is to ask the youth about their experiences, either as immigrants themselves, or as the children of immigrants or a member of an ethnic minority, and to weave that into a narrative. These might be stories from day-to-day life as new immigrants, or personal
Help us make lasting change in people’s lives. Maria Rantanen/TIMES
James Rowley and Leanne Koehn will be leading workshops exploring multiculturalism, racism, and the experiences new immigrants have. anecdotes that help people understand what it’s like to be a new Canadian. “There’s definitely going to be comedy because that’s what life is,” Koehn said. While exploring their stories, the teens will learn how to use their body and voice as a tool. “In the workshops we will explore and teach our youth participants various theatre techniques such as improv, voice work, word play, and movement,” said Rowley. “These techniques will create a safe, trusting environment to bring out their stories, which we will use to create an original theatre piece exploring ideas of immigration, multiculturalism, and racism.” Rowley, an instructor with Immigration Services Society, and Koehn will run the workshops under the banner of their awardwinning theatre company, One Night Castle Projects.
Family Education’s executive director FayeLuxemburg-Hyam said part of their work is “connecting with people” and “to explore and create dialogue about who they are.” “Everyone looks at things differently, and youth – especially multicultural youth – are bursting to express what is precious and valuable in their culture in a novel way while becoming a part of a new community and way of life,” she said. “This project brings their stories, their voices into the public realm through the power of theatre.” The workshops begin Thursday, Nov. 7 and run from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Greg Moore Youth Centre at 11925 Haney Pl., Maple Ridge (next to the leisure centre). For more information or to register, teens can contact the Welcoming Communities facilitator at 604-467-6055 ext. 110 or diversity@familyed.bc.ca.
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Tuesday, November 5, 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
Teens need new parents When we think of adoption, we tend to think of happy couples waiting in line to fill their arms with a beautiful newborn baby boy or girl, propitiously provided for them by a young woman forced by personal misfortune to seek a better life for a child she will have no means to support. It’s a faulty picture of reality. While many prospective adoptive parents may be waiting in line for newborns, the longer line-up is one of older children and teens hoping to find permanent families. November is Adoption Awareness Month in B.C. The “awareness” part of that title includes bringing to mind the many children who are not adopted – about 1,000 across this province. That’s not a small number, considering only a third more than that – about 1,300 – were adopted from government care over the past five years (210 in the past year). Many of those awaiting adoption are teenagers with a need to belong, to be part of a real family. Indeed, while teens represent more than 30 per cent of kids waiting to be adopted, they only account for just over 10 per cent of adoptions completed each year. In real life, babies are rarely left on the orphanage doorstep. Kids come into government care for a variety of reasons. Parents may give up their children to government care because they feel unable to provide a safe, stable home, or unable to provide the type of care their child needs. Sometimes it becomes inappropriate for them to accept the child back into their own care. Sometimes parents pass away without naming a guardian. In other cases, parents have decided that adoption is the best option for their child. But children who have lost their parents need new ones. It’s as simple as that. – B.G.
This Week’s Question With the First World War nearly a century past, how relevant is Remembrance Day? ■ Your View Last week’s question, results… What is the most important thing small businesses do in your community?
They support the local economy.
28 %
They create local jobs.
35 %
They’re my neighbours.
6%
I buy their stuff.
7%
I’m one of them.
24 %
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Opinion
Poppy tribute demands action My decades in the news busiFor the most part, even when ness have brought me to a point we disagree with our governwhere I am far too cynical to be ment’s actions – even when we easily disillusioned – saddened feel disgust for our government’s from time to time, maybe, but the leaders – we continue to follow illusions evaporated a long time the government’s example. ago. Or so I thought. We gripe and complain that While I allow myself to get “we” have no business in peeved pretty easily – maybe too Afghanistan (or wherever) – but easily, sometimes – I don’t usual“we” are not there. “We” elect ly bother to get really angry about the politicians who send our solthings, and certainly not about diers into harm’s way and then by Bob Groeneveld the stupid things politicians do or treat them like they are some say – there’s too much of that to kind of inconvenience when they evoke serious emotional response come home broken… or dead. without risking onset of chronic depression. We don’t have to follow our government’s But this weekend, Stephen Harper really rattled arrogant lead. Go out and buy a poppy. Throw my chain. in an extra buck or two, if you can spare it. And if you understand the basic concepts of And wear that poppy proudly. democracy – the way it’s supposed to work, I The people who made the poppy an important mean – then your chain has to be chaffing a symbol of who we are as Canadians are worth little, too. supporting. As long as there remain people like That the leader of this country could shout out that standing guard over us abroad, there’s hope that he “couldn’t care less” what anyone who for us at home – hope that an understanding of disagrees with him thinks – about anything, let what they stand for, hope that an appreciation of alone about questions of his integrity and his their sacrifice will rub off on the rest of us and apparent complicity in scandalous behaviour at on our leaders. the very top reaches of the political structure that The poppy symbolizes more than a hope that he oversees – shocked me to the core. we can avoid war, or that we can get through I guess what bothers me most is that his outra- with as little bloodshed as possible. geous disregard – his arrogance – towards the Find a copy of Lieutenant Colonel John country and the people he has sworn to serve McCrae’s In Flanders Fields and read it carefully. should be so openly expressed in the days when All the way through. so many of the Canadians about whose thoughts The poppies in McCrae’s Flanders fields don’t he couldn’t care less are wearing poppies. just symbolize honour for those who died, or The approach of Remembrance Day is suprespect for those who put and continue to put posed to bring to mind the tens of thousands their lives on the line for the rest of us. of Canadians who over the past century have The poppy is about all of us. given their lives – or the hundreds of thousands Pay special attention to the final words: who have risked or continue to risk their lives “To you from failing hands we throw/The – because of their deep concern for their country torch; be yours to hold it high./If ye break faith and our freedom to hold and express our widely with us who die/We shall not sleep, though popdivergent views and thoughts. pies grow/In Flanders fields.” As Remembrance Day approaches, we speak of The poppy, like the final verse, is not just a their sacrifice, but we sacrifice nothing in return. tribute, it’s a call to action.
Odd Thoughts
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Mailbag
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Pitt Meadows
Council playing games with taxes
ly responsible, and delivering needed serviDear Editor, ces to citizens? A zero-per-cent tax increase It is interesting that Pitt Meadows city or even a small rollback is possible with council is considering two budgets, one strong leadership and little fiscal restraint. with no tax increase and the other with a While I need to work full time to 3.3-per-cent increase. pay my share of the City’s property Of course, we all know how this Write taxes, I would happily find the time game plays out: council will put in! to work with the council to help forth a heroic effort to rework the prioritize spending and deliverables budget so that it passes with only a – just in case they ask. two-per-cent tax increase. Then in Letters to The City’s new director of finance December, we can all go “Whew!” the Editor said he is impressed by the services – knowing we had been facing a 3.3provided by the City, considering per-cent increase a few weeks ago. the average tax increase per household over Great work, council, a job well done! the past 10 years has been $72. You have to ask yourself why politicians Really? I moved to Pitt Meadows in play such silly games. Municipal governFebruary 2005. Between 2006 and 2013 ments have been increasing spending and (eight years) my property taxes increased by property taxes for years, at unsustainable $1,315.07. If Mark Roberts is correct about rates that are way ahead of inflation, and his $72 number, a lot of residents’ taxes the City of Pitt Meadows is no exception. must have actually gone down – which is Deb Walters said council’s mandate is to very hard to believe. deliver services to citizens. Really? Is that How much is the City paying Mark for his the mandate of council? How about having a mandate that focuses fine math skills? on providing good government, being fiscalChristopher Hatherly, Pitt Meadows
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Smart meters
Hydro frantically trying to silence dissent Dear Editor, Fiona Taylor defends BC Hydro’s smart meter program [Program more than meters, Oct. 24 Letters, TIMES], but electrical upgrade programs with merit are not brought in through legal back doors which silence debate,
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orchestrated by conflicted boards of directors, then turned over to American managers and companies. BC Hydro’s wish was to install the meters in a blitzkrieg before we knew what was going on, and their frantic concern now is silencing dissent lest it catch fire.
What you’re telling us on Facebook
•
There have been compliments – and complaints – this year about haunted houses and zombie walk pictures portrayed in the print and online editions of The TIMES. Readers shared their views: “I didn’t know about this at all… then as I was driving home, I saw them all walking downtown. First thought: Awesome! Second thought: wait a minute, this is Maple Ridge, nothing this awesomely spontaneous happens here. Third thought: this is pretty cool and probably pretty good for the downtown, too. Good job, everyone involved, and good job for reporting with great pics!.” – Chris Laing “I think the Zombie Walk hosted by Shop Maple Ridge was fantastic! Did you see how many people came out to participate? Over 350 people in the downtown core buying costumes, make up, coffees, and stimulating the local economy with enthusiasm! I understand you can’t please everyone, but I think this was all in good fun.” – Once Upon A Tea Leaf “I don’t really support Halloween… Still, I couldn’t care less if pictures… related to Halloween are in the paper.” – Luke Magnus Tengs “The picture that I found very offensive was of a baby in a stroller painted up like it had been beaten about the head and was all bloody. Why would any so-called parent do this, or any so-called newspaper print it and think it is funny or cute? Sorry, but that’s sick.” – Eve M. Watson “I get offended by all the religious people showing up at my door, and all the religion on TV. But I turn the channel or shut the door. Move on, folks.” – Anthony Nadeau “Get a life, people. There’s worse going in the world… seen on the TV stations. Carry on showing photos of events here in Ridge .” – Alvin Cohen “Clearly the people who are offended by this were never allowed to dress up and have fun being scary! Omigosh, people, it’s Halloween; get over it. The entire point of Halloween is being scary. It’s not always princesses and fluffy unicorns! … I understand why people want to make sure their children aren’t exposed to specific things, but Halloween has a number 1 thought: Scary!” – Janessa Munz
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Taylor’s claim to save $1.6 billion over 20 years is ludicrous. BC Hydro is currently $12 billion in debt, $55 billion on the hook for run-of-river projects, and headed for bankruptcy and privatization. Nowhere is the truth so completely traumatized as in Taylor’s reassurances of the safety of smart meters. The assurances of safety from BC Hydro, Health Canada, and provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall are based on hiding behind Health Canada’s obsolete Safety Code 6, which only considers thermal heating effects – if it doesn’t cook you, it can’t harm you. That code ignores the chronic effects of long-term cumulative exposures to radiation in our environment. Taylor doesn’t mention large volumes of scientific studies showing biological effects from low-level radiation. A trillion-dollar wireless industry can relatively easily manipulate science and deceive the public with weight-of-evidence studies to suit its ends. Rather than giving their blessing to smart meters, as Taylor suggests, the WHO classified the type of radiation they emit as Class 2B Possible Carcinogen. The Bioinitiative Report 2012 recommended the term “human carcinogen.” It is beyond despicable that BC Hydro deceives the public on an issue as crucial as human health. I sat through Taylor’s vacuous smart-meter presentation to District council about two years ago. Taylor simply regurgitates talking points, likely written for her by someone else. No questions are permitted. Ron McNutt, Maple Ridge [Note: A fuller version of this letter is online at www. mrtimes.com. Click on Opinion/Letters, 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.
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Opin Opinion
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Provincial government
Education: All things appear quiet on the western front
A
positive thing in our province is the teachers’ union and the government representatives led by Education Minister Peter Fassbender are talking. The presumption is they are trying to get a consensus to maximize the education of our children. The teachers’ union has stopped running ads blaming the government for our problems in the education system. Premier Christy, whose father was a teacher, boldly suggested we should have a 10-year agreement with teachers. Whether Minister Fassbender is pursuing that dream will probably be disclosed later, especially if the talks break down. I hope they all read Malcolm Gladwell’s new book David and Goliath. Gladwell has been a staff writer at The New Yorker for more than a decade and his previous book, The Tipping Point, pointed out
Gladwell’s talents. His writing draws upon history, psychology, and a powerful storytelling ability to reshape what we think about the world around us. In his latest book, he establishes that David was the favourite in the battle with Goliath. He also establishes the school class size has very little to do with achievement of the students. Education economist Eric Hanushek, in The Evidence on Class Size, says, “Probably no aspect of schools has been studied as much as class size. The work has been going on for years, and there is no reason to believe there is any consistent relationship with achievement.” Gladwell is a Brit who was raised in rural Ontario. His research says that “77 per cent of Americans think that it makes more sense
Dr. Teodor Ivanov is pleased
to announce that he has joined the Golden Ears Medical Clinic.
to use taxpayer money to studies class with Mr. Day lower class sizes than to had 60 students. raise teachers’ salaries.” According to Gladwell, There are very few when teachers are asked things that Americans what size class they would agree upon. like to have, their first According to Gladwell’s answer is 24. book, between 1996 and Choice two was 30. 2004, education spending Obviously our teaching in the U.S. soared 21 per philosophies believe in cent. teaching in increments of There isn’t a single prosix. by Gordy Robson fession in the world that I hope all the parties has increased its numbers involved take into account during the past two decades by as much Gladwell’s view of things and come to a or as quickly as teachers have. healthy adult solution so we don’t spend He suggests we should be paying another decade distracting our children good teachers more money and end the with labour spats and negatively affecting unproven philosophical discussion about their education. Just saying… class size. Gordy Robson’s column appears Tuesdays in the print and/or The best class that I had in high school online versions of The TIMES. Reactions can be emailed c/o editorial@mrtimes.com. was taught by now Dr. Bill Day. My social
Just Saying
CORRECTIONS NOTICE The Zumba ® with Kathy White classes at Ridge Meadows College on Tuesday, Oct. 29th was incorrect. ADVERTISED Wed. Nov. 6 - Dec. 11 6:30pm
CORRECT CLASS INFO Thurs. Nov. 7 - Dec. 19 7:00pm
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Carrier of the week
AmandaHodges Congratulations on doing a fantastic job. As winner of one of our Good Sport Awards you get
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Television personality Mike McCardell signs books on Saturday.
TIMES files
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YEAR END SALE!
Long-time television reporter and author Mike McCardell is visiting Maple Ridge next week, but this time he’s not snooping out a story. The broadcast media hound is going to be in town on Saturday, Nov. 9 autographing his newest book, Haunting Vancouver: A Nearly True History. McCardell has hundreds of thousands of fans who appreciate his tongue-incheek investigative report-
ing and human-interest stories. He is the author of the bestselling Unlikely Love Stories, Here’s Mike, Chasing the Story God, Back Alley Reporter, Getting to the Bubble, The Expanded Reilly Method and Everything Works, as well as The Blue Flames That Keep Us Warm, a national bestseller and BC Book Prize finalist. His newest book takes readers back in time for a rollicking tour of Vancouver’s history and some of the incredible personalities behind it. Black Bond bookstore is hosting his visit at 1:30 p.m. at the Haney Place Mall location.
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People behind the story
Like us & win with
Join in and have some fun with Who Am I? This Facebook feature is part of a twice-weekly TIMES giveaway, 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 correctly before 9 a.m. Friday to be entered to win. Lorne Riding correctly identified last week’s subject as the late Sieb Swiestra. He started his political career as a director with the former Dewdney Alouette Regional District and later became a member of Pitt Meadows council. In keeping with his Dutch roots, he was especially passionate about issues of farming and dikes. Also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he was instrumental in rebuilding the Pitt Meadows cenotaph and helped organized the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies. This consummate community volunteer passed just days before the 2011 services. Riding, along with all others who correctly answered, is entered in a grand-prize draw.
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Tuesday, November 5 , 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Meals on Wheels Fundraiser
“Meadowvale Family”
New Patients & Emergencies Welcome
Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES
Firefighters, police, and paramedics were all on scene after a scooter crashed next to the Port Haney wharf, across from the Billy Miner Pub on Sunday night.
Port Haney
View more photos with or online
www.mrtimes.com
Senior scooter rider recovers Witnesses kept a man’s head above water at wharf crash.
Taking a right turn onto River Road at the Port Haney wharf landed a 62-year-old Maple Ridge man in hospital this weekend. Police are still investigating the cause of the single-vehicle crash across from the Billy Miner Pub just after 8 p.m. Sunday.
NOVEMBER
2013 For more information about these events and upcoming events contact or visit the
THE ACT Arts Centre & Theatre 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
The man, riding an electricpowered, two-wheeled scooter, crashed into what Mounties describe as a water-filled ditch. He ended up pinned under his scooter in about six inches of water. Witnesses came to his aid, keeping his head above water, until emergency crews arrived and could fish him from the ditch. He was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
We will donate $25 to Meals on Wheels for every new patient exam and cleaning with our office from now until Christmas. Help us reach our goal of $2500 Proud partner of the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services
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This month at The ACT Maple Ridge Art Gallery: Now – November 9
Celebrate Craft! celebrates the Craft Council of British Columbia’s 40th Anniversary with works by thirteen artists working in a broad spectrum of fine craft.
Ensemble 2013 November 16 – December 20
This seasonal favourite features small ensembles of work in all mediums by local and regional artists. Come by to look for that elusive perfect gift, or just to enjoy the art. Opening Reception: November 16, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission free.
Chor Leoni Men’s Choir: Memory Eternal
Sunday, November 10 – 4:00 p.m. A diverse and expansive program of works exploring themes of remembrance and memories.
Dal Richards Orchestra
Monday, November 11 – 2:00 p.m. Remember the big band days with living legend Dal Richards’ annual Remembrance Day concert.
GEMS Movie Series: Quartet
Monday, November 25 – 7:30 p.m. At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents. Rated PG-13.
Classical Coffee Concert with Sarah Hagen and Cellist Rebecca Wenham
Wednesday, November 27 – 10:00 a.m. Join us for coffee and treats, along with special guest “musical force of nature” Rebecca Wenham.
The Fab Fourever – The Ultimate Beatles Experience
Friday, November 29 – 7:30 p.m. Take a trip to the age of peace, love and flower power as The Fab Fourever perform the Beatles’ monster hits.
11th Annual Country Christmas
Saturday, November 30 – 1:30 p.m. Annual benefit for Meals on Wheels.
Arts Programs for All Ages!
Showstopping Classics
Lots of holiday-themed programs in November, including Friday Fun for Christmas, Winter Wonderland of Face Painting, Holiday Party Plates & Platters, and more!
Coastal City Ballet: Les Sylphides
Visit www.theactmapleridge.org for schedules. Register for Arts Programs at recreg4u.ca or 604-465-2470.
Royal City Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker
Find us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date info on events at The ACT!
Saturday, November 16 – 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. Presented by Showstoppers Academy. Sunday, November 17 – 7:30 p.m. A romantic reverie choreographed to the enchanting music of Chopin. Sunday, November 24 – 1:00 & 4:00 p.m. The longest running Nutcracker ballet performance in Canada!
SCAN TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
A13
Flora and Fauna
Coyotes prove clever pests
I
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f you are out early on a misty autumn problem to domestic pet owners. morning, you may see slinking along They love nothing better than to get into the side of a building or crossing the the hen house where they can do a lot of fields, one of the animal damage. world’s most adaptable creaThe coyote’s expansion tures. came about when the early Ears alert, nose up, the settlers began changing the North American coyote is land for farming, allowing scattered right across the the dogs to travel further continent. afield through the open corEverybody knows him and ridors of cleared land. unlike the hapless animal in Here they also began to the cartoons he is a cunning find easier pickings when and successful critter. hunting and soon found The colours of a true that they could live an by Liz Hancock Coyote range from a light uneasy existence with man. Discover the joys of flora and fauna in our yellow, to tawny and black They are definitely a pest rural areas. Liz welcomes questions at with a narrow muzzle and animal and are regularly g.hancock@uniserve.com long stringy tail. shot, but despite this they But they are not adverse do not seem to be dwin“They are definitely to finding a mate amongst dling in number. a pest animal and the domestic dog popuThey find homes in all are regularly shot, lation and many of the sorts of places. urban animals are crossMy neighbour on the but despite this they breeds, which gives them border of urban and rural do not seem to be different coat colours and Maple Ridge had a pair sometimes a broader face. dwindling in numbers.” dig a hole under his large But they do not inherit greenhouse, then drag a the more docile nature of blanket from the stables the domestic dog, and as such are danger- into the den to make a cosy place for the ous if approached. pups. Hollow tree stumps and small caves It was thought that they mated for life, are also used for the pack. but it has been discovered that although They hunt mostly in the early morning, they may stay as a pair for several years, but if pickings a slim they can be seen they sometimes get bored with each other during the day. and change partners. Listen for the “coyote chorus,” which They live in small packs with a domincan give you the chills as it sails across ant pair. These two dogs are the only the clear night air. Sometimes it is to ones permitted to breed and when the attract a mate and sometimes it is just for pups come, they are looked after by all the pure pleasure of being a coyote. the aunties in the pack until they are old – Liz Hancock is a member of the Alouette River enough to forage for themselves. Management Society. She is also a writer, artist, environmentalist and teacher of self-sustainable living. They eat almost anything, and can be a
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C y ARE YOU AN ACTIVE WALKER OR CYCLIST IN PITT MEADOWS? ARE YOU AN ACTIVE WALKER OR CYCLIST IN PITT MEADOWS?
The City of Pitt Meadows is now accepting applications from interested individuals in serving on the following Council appointed committee:
PITT MEADOWS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Active Transportation Advisory Committee advises Council and staff on strategic priorities and policies relating to active transportation in Pitt Meadows using the Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan and the Master Transportation Plan as a guide. Other matters may include public education and promotion of active transportation modes, including the biannual Bike Week. Letters of interest are being sought for the following volunteer positions: • Six (6) public-at-large members residing in Pitt Meadows to begin December 1, 2013 for a two year term to expire November 30, 2015. Letters should include an indication of why the candidate wishes to serve, along with their community involvement background, if any. Preference will be given for local representatives of HUB and other avid local cycling and walking organizations. An online application form is available on the City’s website under the City Hall – Committees and Commissions tab. For further information, please contact Ike deBoer, Engineering Services Coordinator, Development Services Department at ideboer@pittmeadows.bc.ca or 604-465-2425.
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
A15
Health care
Vaccines arrive at pharmacies, clinics Fraser Health is encouraging people to defend against the flu.
by Maria Rantanen mrantanen@mrtimes.com
For those who really don’t like a needle, the flu shot is now available as a nasal spray. For the first year, after limited trials last year, the nasal spray flu shot is available across the province, and has been approved by Health Canada for anyone up to the age of 49. Health professionals think it might even be more effective than the flu shot for children aged two to six because it is a live virus vaccine, according to Dr. Michelle Murti, a medical health officer with Fraser Health. Each year, flu viruses are “clever” Murti said, and they can mutate slightly so that the virus that someone might have had last year can affect them the next year in a new form. Flu shots are available at family physician offices, public health units, and pharmacies. There are a few flu shot clinics (one today, Tuesday, in Maple Ridge and one tomorrow, Wednesday, in Pitt Meadows), but Fraser Health is encouraging Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents to ask their pharmacist to administer the shot. To find the closest flu clinic, people can go to www.immunizebc.ca, click on “Get Vaccinated” and locate one according to their postal code. The focus for Fraser
Haney Place Mall hosts Halloween
Flu shot clinics
About 3,000 people swarmed Haney Place Mall on All Hallows’ Eve Thursday as merchants dressed up in costumes and put on displays, offering candy and other treats to trick or treaters.
Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St., Maple Ridge
Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pitt Meadows Seniors Centre, 19065 119B Ave., Pitt Meadows
View photos with
Monday to Friday, by appointment
or online at
www.mrtimes.com
Maple Ridge Health Unit, #40022470 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge. Call 604-4767000.
Health’s campaign this year is to get the flu shot not just for oneself but for others as well. “The flu shot is the best defence against the flu,” Murti said. She recommends frequent handwashing, but points out the flu is “droplet-spread” through sneezing and coughing. Being in close quarters during the colder months of the year causes flu viruses to spread more than during the summer. It’s especially important for anyone visiting a longterm health unit or a hospital to be vaccinated as the people there are often more vulnerable to infection, she pointed out. But people don’t always know when they are getting the flu. “The day before you have symptoms, you can be passing [it] on,” Murti said. Getting the flu shot is a “simple thing to do” to help prevent getting seriously ill and passing it on to other people, Murti said. There are between 4,000 and 8,000 deaths per year in Canada from the flu, Murti said.
Referendum
Signatures collected
Anne Gordon/TIMES
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by Maria Rantanen mrantanen@mrtimes.com
Organizers have collected about a third of the signatures they need in the two local ridings to force the provincial government to hold a referendum on marijuana. Former Maple Ridge Councillor Craig Speirs is heading up the local Sensible BC campaign along with Michael Joinson, president of the medical marijuana dispensary on 224th Street. This Saturday, Nov. 9, there will be a rally at 1 p.m. at Memorial Peace Park, and on Nov. 12, there will be a sign-up event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Centre. Speirs has been surprised that many of the people who involved aren’t normally politically active and many don’t smoke pot themselves. “It’s people who have never been activists,” Speirs said, adding that the campaign has engaged people in the democratic process. He is also surprised at the support he’s received from seniors. Four thousand signatures are needed by Dec. 9 from both the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows and Maple RidgeMission ridings.
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A16
Tuesday, November 5 , 2013 November 7: ARMS
What’s On
www.mrtimes.com Post events 10 days in advance by email to:
editorial@mrtimes.com
November 5: Poetry
• The Holy Wow Poetry Show features poets Candice James, poet laureate of New Westminster, and Alan Hill who will be signing their books. James will also read from her book Shorelines and Hill from his book The Broken Word. The Holy Wow Poets meet at The ACT, 11944 Haney Pl., at 7 p.m.
November 5: Health
• 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, Coquitlam. All those involved with prostate problems are encouraged to come and share their concerns and experiences in a strictly confidential atmosphere. Info: Norm at 604-936-8703 or Ken at 604936-2998.
November 6: Health
• Maple Ridge Better Breathers Club meets in the Fraser Room of the Maple Ridge Library from noon to 1:30 p.m. This is a support group for people with COPD. Friends, family, and new members are welcome. The guest speaker is Rick Lescelle, respiratory therapist at Ridge Meadows Hospital.
November 6: Dialogue
• Community members from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds gather to discuss: “Environment: How does your faith tradition call you to be in ‘right relation’ with the land and all living beings?” as part of the Many Candles Interfaith Dialogue series. Gatherings begin with a panel discussion and are followed by an opportunity for dialogue and audience participation. The event takes place at the Maple Ridge Library at 6:30 p.m.
November 6: History
• Family History Group meets at the Maple Ridge Library, #130-22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd. The program is unstructured, allowing participants to present items of interest to the group, share resources, and ask for advice.
November 7: Theatre
• Family Education and Support Centre presents theatre workshops for teens to explore immigration, racism, and multiculturalism. They meet at the Greg Moore Youth Centre from 6 to 9 p.m. This is the first of three workshops. Info or to register: 604-467-6055, ext. 110.
• Alouette River Management Society invites the public to its board meeting at 6 p.m. at Rivers Heritage Centre, 24959 Alouette Rd., Maple Ridge. Everyone is welcome to attend to learn about the Alouette watershed and the work that ARMS is doing.
November 7: Seniors
• A Seniors Helping Seniors meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St., Maple Ridge.
November 7: Finances
• “Credit Cards and Credit History” is a workshop about gaining a better understanding of the basics of managing money and learning how to control one’s credit rating. The session takes place at the Maple Ridge Library at 7 p.m. and is presented by Vancity financial literacy staff and supported by the Community Literacy Committee.
November 9: Diwali
• Join the library and the Family Education and Support Centre to learn about Diwali, an Indian celebration, and about the customs of this day. There will be classic dance performances, Indian food, and more. Diwali takes place at the Maple Ridge Library at 2 p.m.
November 9: Craft sale
• Haney Pioneer Village Coop is holding a Christmas craft sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The co-op is at Dewdney Trunk Road and 230th Street and the sale will be held in the hall.
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times projects. St. Patrick’s School is located at 22589 121st Ave. Maple Ridge. Info: Gen at genlopez@shaw.ca or call 778-386-7678.
Alouette Addictions
• Alouette Addictions is offering a support group, Dual Exhaust, for people who have experiences with mental health and addictions every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. This is a drop-in group and no registration is required. Alouette Addictions is at #201-22477 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge. Info: www.alouetteaddictions.org.
Volunteers needed
• Junior Achievement of British Columbia, a not-forprofit organization dedicated to educating B.C. youth
November 9 & 16
• Maple Ridge-area families are invited to attend free Alzheimer’s Care training workshops. The sessions will be held on Nov. 9 and Nov. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Willow Senior Living Residences, 12275 224th St., Maple Ridge. During the workshops, program experts will teach family caregivers how to manage behaviours, encourage engagement, and care for themselves while caring for their loved one. To reserve a spot, contact Home Instead Senior Care at 604-552-3324 or aida.alves@ homeinstead.com. Info: www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.ca.
Crop and Create
• St. Patrick’s School Cropand-Create-a-thon takes place on Saturday, Nov. 16, and tables are available for rent. Cropping starts at 9 a.m. and goes until 9 p.m. The cost is $45 per person and includes space for crafting for 12 hours, reserved seating with friends, Chinese dinner and beverage/unlimited coffee, door prizes, goodie bags, and make-and-take
auxiliary is seeking donations for its thrift store. Items can be dropped off at 22264 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Info: 604-463-6326.
Walking group
• Ridge Meadows Hospice Society’s bereavement support services offers an informal walking group for clients who have accessed their services. The walk is every Friday morning at 10 a.m. Info: 604-463-7722.
SPCA fundraiser
• Tickets are on sale for a Nov. 22 fundraiser for the Maple Ridge branch of the SPCA, Art for Animals, an art, wine, and cheese event. The fundraiser takes place at The ACT from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can be bought at the shelter, 10235 Jackson Rd., or by calling the shelter at 604-463-9511.
Cythera thrift store
Health equipment
• The Canadian Red Cross health equipment short-term
• Ridge Meadows Hospital
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loan program in Maple Ridge needs volunteers. The depot is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. This program lends out medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and bathroom aids. The Maple Ridge office is located at #511435 201A St. and can be reached at 604-465-5050.
Walking group
• Cythera Thrift Store has volunteer opportunities for weekend retail cashiers for one-hour shifts. Info: Shelley at 604-467-4671.
Donations needed
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• Stride to Thrive is a walking group that meets at Jerry Sulina Park for a one-hour walk on the dike every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. They meet in the parking lot by the large notice board, rain or shine. This group is for women whose lives have been affected by cancer. Info: stridetothrive@hotmail.com. • Full list: www.mrtimes.com
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November 9: Books
• Black Bond Books (Haney Place Mall), hosts Mike McCardell, who will be signing his book Haunting Vancouver starting at 1:30 p.m. Black Bond Books is located in Haney Place Mall. Call 604-463-8624 to reserve a copy of the book.
about business, is looking for volunteers in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows business communities to help deliver its free business education programs. Orientation and materials are provided. Info: www.jabc.org, info@ jabc.org, or 604-688-3887.
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Sports Flames flickering Ridge Meadows’ junior hockey team is looking to snap its twogame skid on Friday at Planet Ice, when they go up against the Richmond Sockeyes. In the meantime, the Flames have taken two steps back in their quest for mediocrity in the Pacific Junior Hockey League, after a 4-2 loss to the host Abbotsford Pilots Friday at MSA Arena. It was the Flames’ second straight setback, and dropped the team’s record to 5-9-1-2. They’re sitting alone in third place in the BCHL’s Harold Brittain Conference. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Patrick Bartolo/Special to The TIMES
Ridge Meadows Knights down Chilliwack Giants Saturday, 32-6.
Knights slay Giants Ridge Meadows Knights took down the Chilliwack Giants during junior bantam footballl play in Maple Ridge this weekend. The Knights quashed the Giants 32-6 on the Rotary Fields next to Samuel Robertson Technical Saturday afternoon. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Mat time booked Action-packed All-Star Wresting returns to Maple Ridge on Friday, Nov. 15 for what’s being dubbed The Last Survivor event. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. at the Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224th St. Tickets are available in advance for $15 at Louis Leather Shop in Haney Place Mall, Haney Hawgs, 20617 Maple Cresent, and Wok Box, 20395 Lougheed Hwy. Tickets will also be available at the door for $18. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Racers achieve best This past Saturday, 25 skaters from the Ridge Meadows Racers participated in the first speed skating meet of the season, with several members breaking personal best records. Organizers say this year’s speed skating season will be exciting due to the upcoming BC Winter Games being held in Mission in February. Under the tutelage of coaches Eden Donatelli-Green and Julian Green – both past Olympians – Ridge Meadows hopes to send representatives to the Games. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Send your scores and game reports to editorial@mrtimes.com
Recreation
A17
Reach The TIMES' sports desk: Phone: 604-463-2281 or email: editorial@mrtimes.com
Senior varsity
Marauders advance to playoffs
Pitt Meadows is the fourth seed in high school football’s western conference.
by Tracey Rayson
editorial@mrtimes.com
Pitt Meadows Marauders clinched a playoff spot in AA varsity football action, defeating the Langley Saints 50-29 Friday. The win lands them a spot against Nanaimo’s number-one seed, John Barsby Bulldogs, in Saturday’s western conference, said Bruno Chu, assistant coach. “We started moving the ball, and scored a couple of touchdowns, but we had some struggles on defence,” Chu said. “Mark Ashmalla returned the third-quarter kickoff for 85 yards, which gave us the momentum to put the game away.” The Marauders made the playoffs last season, as well as in 2009. This is the varsity team’s third visit to the playoffs, he explained. With a junior-heavy roster View (almost 20 Grade 11s) and eight more seniors, only a handful of players photos have playoff experience. with “Last year we were second seed, this year we are fourth seed in the or online east,” said Chu. “That means we’ll play Barsby, the number-one seed in the western conference final. It will be a much more difficult game for us than last year, but we’re playoff tested and ready; we’re definitely the underdog.” Barsby is undefeated in the regular season and will have home-field advantage on Saturday. “We have to climb up the mountain and overcome the odds, and hopefully come away with an upset,” said Chu. “We’re as prepared as we can be, but we have to be creative in order to win the game. This year we lost a few games we should have won.” It’s an exciting time in the program’s history
www.mrtimes.com
On Deck
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Pitt Meadows Marauders football team downed Langley Saints 50-29 in Langley on Friday night. for the players and the coaching staff. “We’ve made the playoffs two years in a row and our junior varsity team is in the playoffs at the same time,” he said. “That has never happened in our history.” The juniors will host the playoffs on Wednesday as the top seed, Chu noted. In the meantime, the senior Marauders are
Patrick Bartolo/Special to The TIMES
looking to 12th Graders Cole White, defensive tackle, and Callum Willamson, defensive end, to be the leaders in the weekend game. “They’ve stepped up all season and have lead by example all year, and we’re hoping for big things from them come Saturday,” said Chu. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at Merle Logan Field, Nanaimo.
Basketball
Grads seeking a home court advantage Pitt Meadows Secondary grads and current students compete in annual tourney.
There are 55 graduates of Pitt Meadows Secondary school returning to their alma mater this week to be part of the annual grad basketball tournament.
by Roxanne Hooper
rhooper@mrtimes.com
A former NBA draft pick and several ex-college and university basketball stars are stepping back in time this week, playing back at their high school alma mater. Several dozen grads from Pitt Meadows Secondary are coming back home – so to speak – for an annual graduate basketball tournament that begins Wednesday and continues through until Saturday at their old school. It’s a six-team tournament featuring the Pitt Meadows senior boys team, junior boys team, and then four teams of graduates, explained organizer Shane Kool. There will be seven games in total, and the tournament will play Wednesday, Friday, and
Saturday in the school gym. The tournament, Kool explained, is open to players who graduated from Pitt Meadows Secondary and played in the basketball program during all of their years at the school. “We have 55 grads participating in the tournament, with grads from this most recent year and then dating back to grads from the late 1990s,” he told The TIMES. Players include ex-NBA draft pick Shawn Hughes, as well as
ex-college/university players such as his brother Bryson Kool, as well as Aaron Christenson, Nick Lafleur, Gary Pelton, Dylan Gatner, Spencer Evans, and Malcolm Williams. “There’s enough good players that the tournament is very competitive,” Kool said, noting that PMSS’ Marauders coach [Rich] Goulet sweetens the pot each year by personally offering a gift certificate to a local restaurant to the winning team. Kool said that’s “always a nice
reward.” This tournament is a tradition at Pitt Meadows Secondary, that as best Kool can tell has been going for upwards of 15 to 20 years. Coach Goulet “already has enough on his plate” and isn’t able to contact all the grads as easily as Kool can, so he took over helping run the tournament with Goulet following Kool’s graduation in 2000. “I’ve run the tournament for about 10 years now, and play in it every year as well,” said Kool. He wanted the tournament to remain intact, noting “it was always one of the highlights when we were in high school.” “It’s a great way for the guys to keep in touch, on at least an annual basis, and everybody always has a blast when playing,” Kool added, expressing appreciation to all the volunteers, including referees and scorekeepers, who help make it happen. “We always appreciate that,” Kool said.
A20
Tuesday, November 5 , 2013
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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