Tuesday, August 5, 2014 Young Maple Ridge e ell sailor Rachel Spinell competes on the world stage…
Page A13 3 • LOCAL NEWS • mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 16 PAGES
Renew your ca r insurance a t BC AA.
Members and no n-Members wel come
Open Sunday s 10 - 4 Westgate Cen tre, 203 rd & L ougheed Maple Ridge
Police files
Murder motive unclear
Maple Ridge musician James “Buddy” Rogers is presenting Blues in the Park, a concert benefiting the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation. Rogers was pictured with two of his four daughters, Quinn (right, glasses) and Eliot (front), along with singer Inaya McCormack.
Friends mourning bodybuilder’s death.
– with Vancouver Sun files
• More at www.mrtimes.com
Troy Landreville/TIMES
Blues in the Park
Singing blues for her little sister Live blues music at Memorial Peace Park on Aug. 10 benefits the hospital. by Troy Landreville
tlandreville@mrtimes.com
Inaya McCormack had a personal reason for lending her singing voice to the upcoming Blues in the Park concert. The nine-year-old Maple Ridge girl’s little sister Sierah has special needs and uses the services of Ridge Meadows Hospital, which
PUSH-PULL-DRAG
will benefit from the concert, “a The focus of this event is celelot.” brating community and therefore The concert is being performances will be given presented by local musiby local acts, Rogers said. View cian James Buddy Rogers, Artists include James Video with with proceeds going to the Thorhaug, Steve Sainas Ridge Meadows Hospital (Mud Dog), Steve Hanson, Foundation. EVK, and Special Guest The first note will be Youth Bands. Also on the played at 2 p.m. on Sunday, bill are two youth bands Layar Aug. 10 at Memorial Peace chosen by Rogers as part of or online Park 11900 224th St. a contest. This is a family event, Rogers, whose CD titled with admission by donation. My Guitar’s My Only Friend has There will be kids crafts, 50/50 been nominated for a 2014 Juno draw and the Maple Ridge Lions Award for blues album of the Club will have food on hand. year, will be the final performer at www.mrtimes.com
Family and friends are mourning the loss of a slain Maple Ridge man gunned down in front of his home a week ago. Trevor Koehler was returning home with his girlfriend last Tuesday night, when he was shot repeatedly on his doorstep in the 10300 block of 240th Street in Albion. As of press deadline Friday, police had still IHIT Sgt. Jennifer Pound not made an arrest in what they’re calling a targeted shooting. There is still no clear motive as to the shooting, but Integrated Homicide Investigation Team Sgt. Jennifer Pound said this was not just some random attack. Koehler, 33, was described as an athlete and had been rising in the ranks of bodybuilding championships in recent years. Police clarified that he did not have a criminal record and was not know to local Mounties. His death leaves a hole in the lives of friends who are still reeling from the news, said Brett Wee and Richy Chan.
Online, all the time...
We Need Your Trades! $3000 Guaranteed Value Trade in on USED Vehicles!
CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE
continued on page A12…
Maple Ridge
YOUR WORKBOOT EXPERTS!
CALL US FOR DETAILS
CALL 604.465.8931
the show. He is scheduled to wrap up the festival at 8 p.m. The majority of the music is blues-based, with the exception of EVK, which is more pop orientated, Rogers explained. A father of four young daughters, Rogers has a special appreciation for the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows hospital, too. Three of his four children – seven-year-old Eliot, two-yearold Jesse, and seven-month-old Tommi – came into the world at RMH. His oldest daughter Quinn, eight, was born in White Rock.
www.mrtimes.com
22722 LOUGHEED HWY |
Wishing a Merry Christmas & Happy Centennial H you appy C entennial
604.463.7277
pittmeadows.bc.ca facebook.com/pittmeadows @citypittmeadows
A2
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Langley Farm Market PRODUCE
OKANAGAN HUNGARIAN / BLUE JAY PEPPER
(86¢ kg)
Product of BC ($2.18kg)
99
39
/lb.
BC HOT / SWEET BANANAS PEPPER Product of BC
99
$10.98/kg
2 for
/lb.
..................................................
4
$ 99
/lb.
3 M E A2T 3
$10.98/kg
..................................................
300
for $
($2.18kg)
99
¢ /lb.
$10.98/kg
/lb.
499
.................................................. $
/lb.
YOGURT PRETZELS
Assorted 125g ...............................................................................
1
$ 49
/each.
Santa Cruz
SUNFLOWER OIL
.............................................................................................
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
2
LEMONADES
$ 75
/each.
Freybe
1
$ 69
Assorted 946ml
BAKERY
250
........................................................................................... $
.............................................................
OKANAGAN APRICOT Product of BC
Inno Bakery
Mediterranean Gourmet
100g
4
/lb.
BEEFOUTSIDE ROUND STEAK
$ 99
GROCERY
98g ........................................................................................2
OVEN ROASTED CHICKEN
$ 00
for
CHICKEN BREAST S/L
BUTTER TOFFEE CORN PUFFS
250g
/lb.
Product of BC
$ 00
Amazing Wondrous Nuggets
1L
1
$ 49
BC GRAPE TOMATO 10 OZ CLAMSHELL
1lb Bag
¢
PORKBACK RIBS
99
/lb.
MINI CUKE Product of BC
/lb.
($3.28kg)
¢
LOCAL
($2.18kg)
RED SEEDLESS GRAPE Product of California
($2.18kg)
¢
¢
/lb.
PITT MEADOWS ONLY
OKANAGAN PEACH Product of BC
CANTALOUPE Product of California
ZUCCHINI LOAF
/each.
450g
DELI
280
........................................................................................... $
ITALIAN MORTADELLA 100g
400
....................................................................... 2 for $
109
............................................................. $
/each.
GERMAN EDAM CHEESE 100g
.............................................................$
SpNULVls VVlLT fQSm tONsTVW, aOgOsP 5 - SOnTVW, aOgOsP 10 wMLlN qOVnPLPLNs lVsP.
Your choice. Our honour. Our Effort. Our award.
WE ARE HIRING!
FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: • Produce Stocker • Meat cutter • caShier • Grocery Stocker
PITT MEADOWS
N
LOUGHEED HWY.
LANGLEY FARM MARKET
12438 Harris Road
604-460-7122
129
2013 - 2014
2013-2014
LFM LANGLEY FARM MARKET
For fresh and quality foods For freshness & quality you can count on!
Thank you to all our valued UOsPSmNQs fSQ WSOQ SngSLng sOppSQP
MAPLE RIDGE
#1-22621 Lougheed Hwy
604-466-0281
W
LOUGHEED HWY.
E
NeW hourS: MSnTVW - FQLTVW 8:30 Vm PS 8:00 pm. SVPOQTVW VnT SOnTVW 8:30 Vm PS 7:00 pm. hSlLTVWs 9:00 Vm PS 6:00 pm.
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
UpFront Click for community
Animal conflict
Neighbours make nice after dog deaths
After the horrific death of their dog last week, Greg and Judy Wyatt have made peace with the assailant’s owners. mrtimes.com
Funding announced The District of Maple Ridge and Invest North Fraser will receive $110,900 of provincial money to research and assess the region’s current labour market situation and anticipated labour market needs for the next five year. • More at www.mrtimes.com
Rick Moyer/TIMES
Phil Ransom was emcee of the talent show.
Winners picked Twin sisters Alanna and Brianne FinnMorris, as well as Nehmy and Arianna Abegayle, were winners of this year’s Ridge Meadows Got Talent show at Country Fest 2014. While they won the youth category, the Luca Di Prata band, Forgotten Revolver, and Zigante and Haskel took top adult spots. • More at www.mrtimes.com
Lunchtime concerts Maple Ridge’s Downtown Business Association invites locals to bring their lunches to Memorial Peace Park for an hour-long music sessions by up-andcoming local musicians every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in August. The concerts take place from noon until 1 p.m. and always draw a crowd. • More at www.mrtimes.com
Experience Layar
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.
How it works:
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.
A3
by Eric Zimmer ezimmer@mrtimes.com
Tears and hugs were exchanged between neighbours Thursday night as two couples came together and mourned the passing of their dogs. “Human nature can take some unusual twists and so it did at our home,” said Pitt Meadows resident Greg Wyatt. Wyatt’s Yorkie Tucker was killed when he was attacked by a neighbour’s pitbull last Wednesday. After the attack, the pitbull’s owners voluntarily had their dog put down. Following the news of Tucker’s death, a steady stream of visitors came by the Wyatt home to offer their condolences, but one visit was most unexpected. While Wyatt and his wife Judy were sitting with another couple, the owners of the euthanized dog showed up at their door displaying “obvious signs” of distress and apprehension. “We invited them in, and there they were
both sobbing while getting a professional dog trainer, hugs from Judy and I,” Wyatt and even offered to pay for said. the first two sessions. The four sat down together At first, he said the pair and recalled the recent events resisted, but eventually and reflected on what had they recognized “their dog happened to the community skills needed the same as a result. upgrade” that Wyatt said “Of course they discussed he and his wife obtained Tucker was killed by a neighbouring moving due the negative some years prior. dog in Pitt Meadows Wednesday. vibes they were receiving,” “When Tucker passed Wyatt said. “But we wouldn’t on, both Judy and I agreed hear of them moving, and mentioned that that something good was going to happen as their restoration and the community spirit a result of this trauma, and now it has,” said was job number one.” Wyatt. The dog that attacked Tucker was a trans“Judy and I have told (them) that we will planted rescue dog, and its owners still have become their new advocates and back them another dog at home “who must now be up with our forgiveness and friends,” he dealt with as a serious handling and obedicontinued. ence problem,” said Wyatt. “We’ve told them they have as much a The couple agreed their remaining dog right as anyone to be here, especially after should not be in the community, but sometheir agreement to remove (their other dog) where she could get exercise and not remain from the home.” on a backyard tether for extended periods of For Wyatt, the encounter with the couple time. has gone a long way to helping him heal and Wyatt and Judy suggested the couple cope with the loss of his four-legged friend. obtain a dog from a reputable breeder that “It’s been a most trying two days,” he told could be brought up and trained properly the TIMES on Friday. “My body is broken emotionally but getting stronger. I am now from the start. ready to move on while still pining over my The Wyatt’s further suggested that if the pair were going to get another dog, they hire handsome little man.”
Fishing stock
MP’s eyes open on fisheries’ test voyage
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows MP Randy Kamp was part of a test fishery boat trip in Albion last week. by Eric Zimmer ezimmer@mrtimes.com
Member of Parliament Randy Kamp took a float down the Fraser River last week. And though the sun was shining and the temperature was warm, the purpose of the trip was all business. The Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission MP was along for the ride on a Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) boat Thursday out testing the river’s fish stock. Kamp was joined on his trip by neighbouring MP Mark Warawa from Langley. The purpose of the fisheries testing is to gather abundance, timing, and biological information on Fraser River chinook and chum salmon. Information such as number of salmon species caught, as well as the sex, length, and weight of each fish is all collected. In addition, DNA and scale samples are garnered from each fish. The samples then provide information on the age and stock composition of the fish harvested.
Eric Zimmer/TIMES
MP Randy Kamp was at the Albion wharf on Thursday for a ride-along where he observed the Albion salmon test fishery. “The chinook returns look good and we’re very optimistic about the sockeye returns too,” said Kamp, who is also the parliamentary secretary to the minister of fisheries and oceans. It was Kamp’s first time out with fisheries. “I was impressed with the science and the
JOIN NOW AND DO NOT PAY UNTIL OCTOBER 2014* *On all LS1 memberships. MAPLE RIDGE’S LARGEST 24 HR. COED & WOMEN’S ONLY HEALTH CLUB
work that’s done,” he said afterwards. The tests are conducted twice a day, every day from April to November, explained DFO communications advisor, Michelle Imbeau. “Salmon is an iconic species here in B.C.,” said Kamp. “It’s really important we make sure it’s available for future generations.”
SEE US FOR DETAILS!
Over 50 classes per week INCLUDED in membership! Including Spinning, Pilates, TRX, Zumba,Yoga & much more! We offer Kids Klub, Senior Rates & easy parking
For the month of August only.
OPEN 24 HOURS, Co Ed & Women’s
20629 - 119th Ave., Maple Ridge • 604-465-895 • fitnessunlimited.ca
A4
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
BUY DIRECT! OVER 100 USED VEHICLES
SALE PRICE
23,995
$
2014 Kia Sorento LX AWD Market Value $24,995 Stk#U83971
SALE PRICE
2014 Volkswagen Jetta 2.OL Trendline+
16,495
$
Market Value $17,495 Stk#U57945
SALE PRICE
16,995
$
2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS Coupe Market Value $17,995 Stk#U01738
UNDER
22,995
$
SALE PRICE
SALE PRICE
14,895
$
24 HOURS CREDIT HOTLINE
604-782-1913
Market Value $23,995 Stk#U25313
Market Value $15,495 Stk#U11621
2013 Dodge Dart SXT Market Value $15,895 Stk#U17315
All New MAPLE RIDGE DL40087
OWNERSHIP
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
2013 Chrysler 200 Touring - 2 TO CHOOSE FROM
14,495
$
Stk#U81135
Prices do not include administration fee of $599.
SALE PRICE 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Premium
SALE PRICE
13,495
$
SALE PRICE
Market Value $14,495 Stk#U33584
2013 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT STOWN GO
17,995
$
2013 Dodge Avenger SXT
Market Value $18,995 Stk#U00423
25,995
$
Market Value $26,995 Stk#U90945
SALE PRICE
2013 Kia Optima LX
16,995
$
SALE PRICE
19,995
$
SALE PRICE
13,995
$
Market Value $17,995 Stk#U04528
2013 Dodge Charger SE Market Value $20,995 Stk#U68538
2013 Hyundai Accent GL
CALL US TODAY AT 604-467-3401 23213 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge mapleridgehyundai.com
Market Value $14,995 Stk#U03328
Lougheed Hwy.
Tamarack Lane
SALE PRICE
Market Value $19,995
Kanaka Way
18,995
$
NEW
2013 Hyundai Elantra Limited
Haney By-Pass
SALE PRICE
MAPLE RIDGE
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
A5
Caring Place
Kettles heighten awareness
about your next move?
A summertime initiative helps a local charity help others.
GET SOME DIRECTION
by Eric Zimmer ezimmer@mrtimes.com
For the second year in a row, a number of Salvation Army Caring Place volunteers in Maple Ridge hit the streets recently with hardware normally reserved for the Christmas season. About 25 to 30 people were set up at six different locations as part of Caring Place Day, explained Darrell Pilgrim, executive director of the Caring Place. And along with the volunteers was the unmistakable symbol of the charity – the red kettles – were present. “We had good community response,” Pilgrim said. “Everyone seemed to really enjoy the day.” In total, the event raised about $500. “People showed a good interest, and I just want to thank the community for their ongoing support,” remarked Pilgrim. “We’re happy to be part of this community.” In addition to the day, the Caring Place is also hosting an ongoing media campaign they call How I
• Family Law • Real Estate • Wills & Estates • Business Law • COQUITLAM SQUARE • 206-2922 Glen Drive Coquitlam • Mediation
604-942-8880
Next to Coquitlam Centre Mall
Schwarz & Co. L AW
C O R P O R AT I O N
www.schwarzlegal.ca
Carrier of the week
Cameron McIntyre Congratulations on doing a fantastic job. As winner of one of our Good Sport Awards you get Rick Moyer/TIMES
Caring Place volunteers were out in full force recently for the second annual Caring Place Day in Maple Ridge. Care. People are invited to snap photos of themselves making positive differences in the community – whether big or small – and share those photos online
via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag: #HowICare. “We’ve had some response to this campaign, but like other social media initiative, it can take
awhile to get going and really pick up steam.” For more information on the campaign, people can visit The Caring Place’s website at www.thecaringplace.ca,
ONE FREE SMALL PIZZA
22441 Dewdney Trunk Rd. MAPLE RIDGE
South Asian Cultural Society
Fellowship fostered on the course
A round of golf and a barbecue dinner on Sunday will benefit local charities.
Ed Gurm is a director with the Ridge Meadows South Asian Cultural Society, and the contact person if you want to register for the society’s seventh annual golf tournament being held this Sunday, Aug. 10 at the Maple Ridge Golf Course.
by Troy Landreville
tlandreville@mrtimes.com
Ridge Meadows South Asian Cultural Society is teeing up another fundraiser to help the community. This Sunday, Aug. 10, the society is hosting its seventh annual golf tournament at the Maple Ridge Golf Course, with proceeds going to local charities. Tee times are 1 p.m. and registration is at noon. Cost is $80 per golfer, which includes a round of golf, door prizes, and a barbecue dinner. The dinner only is $35 per person. The society’s mission is to reflect the rich diversity and heritage of the people of South Asia and their contributions to Canadian society and to uphold the best values of their cultures and of Canada. It is non-religious, non-political, and non-profit. Society director Ed Gurm said the focus of the society is to “pay attention to the local problems and offer charity to anyone who needs some sort of help.” “We do focus on drug addictions and homelessness,” he added. “We promote fellowship and friendship.”
GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
MEAT DRAWS EVERY TUES., THURS., FRI., SAT., SUN. FULL DINING DAILY EXCEPT MONDAYS KARAOKE WITH PHIL EVERY THURSDAY AUG. 8-9............................................BOB MARLOW AUG. 10.....................................ROGER & SUSANNE AUG. 15-16................................. MIDNIGHT EAGLES AUG. 17 ............................MIDNIGHT EAGLES (JAM) AUG. 22 .............................................. STEVE HILLIS AUG. 23 ....................................................... DJ PHIL AUG. 24 ...................................................... DJ PHIL AUG. 29-30 .......................................... BRIAN ZALO AUG. 31.............................................. SWEETWATER
Be sure to come to Branch 88’s
Troy Landreville/TIMES
There are no limitations to who can become a member. “Anybody and everybody is welcome,” Gurm said. Gurm has been a director since, he said, “day one” with the Society, which is nearly nine years. He has lived in Maple Ridge for 42 years, and all three of his grown children were born and raised in this community. “It’s home,” he said. “I feel [the community] has helped me with raising m y children, and now I feel it’s time to give back.”
A trio of local groups benefited from the society’s Gala 2014 event held in March. The gala raised $12,000, which was divided up to three organizations. A total of $5,000 was donated to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, $5,000 went to Alouette Addictions, and $2,000 was given to the Maple Ridge Arts Council. To register for the upcoming golf tournament, email Gurm at edgurm@hotmail.com, or call him at 604-202-7475.
Music by DJ Phil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 23 Flowers • Costume prizes Great entertainment • Drink specials MEMBERS & GUESTS WELCOME. ASK ABOUT OUR FUNDRAISERS.
12101-224th St. Maple Ridge 604.463.5101 (Office & Lounge)
A6
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
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.
Shannon Balla
sballa@mrtimes.com Publisher
Bob Groeneveld
bgroeneveld@mrtimes.com Editor
Roxanne Hooper
rhooper@mrtimes.com Assistant Editor Editorial Troy Landreville Eric Zimmer Advertising Ralph De Adder Graeme Ross Anne Gordon Sheryl Jones Distribution Supervisor Wendy Bradley Administration Rebecca Nickerson
Contact us Visit our Website
www.mrtimes.com Email us
editorial@mrtimes.com
Write us a letter
#2 - 22345 North Avenue Maple Ridge, B.C., V2X 0R7 Switchboard Classified Delivery Fax
604-463-2281 604-463-7283 604-942-3081 604-463-9943
Our office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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
Strike should end in summer The new plan by the province to pay parents $40 a day per child for every day the teachers strike drags on into September is not the worst idea in the world. Yes, many parents need financial help with child care. Of course, it would be better for everyone – parents, teachers, government, and especially kids – if the government was focused on actually ending the strike. It seems that the teachers were expecting that the cash saved by the strike would eventually be plowed back into education in this province, at least partially meeting their demands for smaller class sizes, better support for special needs kids, and a salary bump. So giving the money away might be popular with parents in the short term. In the long run, it will likely be less popular, if it stretches out the strike. That $40 per kid only goes so far. It is nice to see that, after a month of inaction, both sides are going back to the bargaining table this week. This time, they need to stay there and make peace – one way or another. Take the bargaining teams out for a Vancouver Canadians game and a couple of beers to make them friendlier. Buy a steel shipping container and lock them inside in the hot sun until they crack and compromise. Pay for a horde of conflict-resolution experts. At this point, maybe some marriage counselling would be appropriate? The whole battle has become so vicious it seems more like a drawn out divorce than contract talks. Our biggest question isn’t why the government and teachers are still at each other’s throats, but why did it take this long to start talking again? Summer school may have been largely cancelled, but both sides in this dispute should still have their backsides in seats and their pencils sharpened. Keep them there until they graduate to a new contract. – M.C.
This Week’s Question What do you feel are the biggest news story of this summer? ■ Your View Last week’s question, results… What are your plans for the B.C. Day long weekend?
Sticking around.
50 %
Exploring the B.C. backwoods.
9%
Leaving the province.
5%
Working all weekend.
18 %
What? It’s a long weekend. Huh.
18 %
Vote online at: www.mrtimes.com
Opinion
Educator made an impression
spanned 23 years (and, hopeThe indelible memory of my 12fully, counting) I feel a degree year educational journey, pre-colof sympathy as the labour dislege, came during its final steps, pute between the BC Teachers as I shuffled off the stage at my Federation and the government high school graduation ceremony, drags into August. my right hand clutching a dipMost teachers don’t choose loma. their profession to become rich. In the front row, a few chairs The average teacher’s salary in to the right of the stage, sat my B.C. is about $72,000 a year, not Grade 12 English teacher. exactly chump change, but reaThe enthusiasm, the pride he sonable considering the amount felt for a milquetoast teenager – a of schooling required to become mop-haired kid who fused into the by Troy Landreville an educator. And teachers’ pay high school’s cream-coloured walls in this province starts as low as during his four years there – was $38,000. palpable. In my experience, I’ve seen most earn their sal“Good on you, Mr. Landreville!” he shouted through his thick Eastern European accent. “Good ary; I’ve also found that they’re not infallible. My Grade 6 teacher lost her composure one on you!” winter’s afternoon, swiping my books, papers, This teacher’s features were as rich as his perand lunch off my desk. Then, with an exasperated sonality. White hair that looked like cotton balls howl she pushed the front of my desk, with me formed a frizzy ring around his otherwise bald attached to it, sending me careening backwards. head. He had thick lips, pale skin, and a prominent nose towing glasses that through some miracle The back of my head bounced off the classroom floor. clung precariously to the tip of it. He alternated Upset about the clutter I worked around every between what I believed to be the same rumpled pair of brown and grey suits. The man was a griz- day, she ordered me to spend the rest of the afterzled veteran of the education wars, and he earned noon sitting on the floor. Three years later, I watched my Grade 9 respect, maybe not from each and every one of French teacher dissolve at the front of her classhis students, but definitely from his peers. room. Incessant heckling of a few children, led On my graduation day, he seemed much more by a bully who resembled the love child of a excited about me surviving high school than my female version of Mad magazine mascot Alfred folks were (I wouldn’t say I lived in a broken E. Newman and the toothless hillbilly foil from home, but the cracks were visible). Deliverance, got to her. She was reduced to tears. He made an impression on me simply because There are teachers who weather this kind of he cared. abuse from children, and a few obsessive parents. But aside from a few bright moments in his But the majority of them plug along, searching classroom, I was a ghost in my high school, and for that payoff, of seeing the “light” come on, the I’m certain a fair number of my teachers in the satisfaction of knowing they passed along knowmid-’80s would have been at a loss if asked to ledge that found a way to stick in a kid’s grey place a name to my face. matter. Really, I wouldn’t have blamed them. That’s why they teach. For my favourite high school teacher, and for That’s why they’re role models to many. the dozens of dedicated, passionate teachers And that’s why I still hold fond memories of my I’ve encountered in Langley, Maple Ridge, and Chilliwack during a career in journalism that has beloved English teacher.
Guest spot
editorial@mrtimes.com
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Common courtesy
Shame on the rude people
As I approached two women I repeated Having lived in Maple Ridge for more my “good morning “a second time (louder than 12 years, I grew to love the place. than the first) – it was then, and only Sadly, I moved away to Port Moody. then, that they replied. I’ve had occasion to make two recent visThere was one other fellow, and I must its and was surprised at what I found. admit I wanted to see how he would 1. I see you now have an Autobahn in react, so the third time I yelled “good place of Lougheed Highway! morning.” I was travelling it between 7 and Yup, you guessed it, he just kept 8 a.m., in both directions. It was on going. Later on my way back, I Letters interesting to see cars weaving in passed him while he was stopped to and out of traffic with inches to in the shade. He just looked down the spare between cars. at his feet as I went by. As I consider myself a “fast Maybe I’m being too harsh and driver” I was shocked at the lack I came across some rude people Editor of enforcement on the stretch that day. Maybe they didn’t speak between 207th Street and the Pitt English. Or, maybe it was just too River Bridge. hot to be polite and friendly. As I was being tailgated at 90 km/h, Thank you, but I’ll stick to the trails and several people appeared to be doing well bike paths of the Tri-Cities – out my way above 130km/h as they left me in the dust. – where people take the extra few seconds Young, old, women, men, and no parto greet you with a smile or a cheerful ticular ethnic group were seen. Was the “Hi.” Ridge Meadows RCMP on coffee break By the way this isn’t the first time I between those hours? have noticed this behaviour from your Thanks for the adrenalin rush people! residents. Shame on you! Russ Sawdon, Port Moody 2. A few weeks back, when we were having that hot spell, I decided to go for a bike ride along the dike by Pitt Meadows Municipal politics Regional Airport. Now, I have always thought of your residents as a friendly bunch, at least they were when I lived there. But, I was in for Dear Editor, a rude surprise. After reading Hot Button Issues, July Of the eight people I encountered that 29, The TIMES, I had to shake my head day, only one middle-aged couple smiled and have a good laugh. and said hello in passing. As I approached To read how Queen Walters and her the other six I smiled and wished them a crew of [Councillors Tracy] Miyashita and cheerful “Good morning!” [Gwen] O’Connell all support protecting I received nothing in acknowledgment farmland is worth laughing about. as they stared straight ahead as they kept Mayor Walters and her crew, which peddling. included the departed [now MLA Doug] Bing, all supported removing the large What you’re telling us parcel of farmland north of Lougheed Highway from the ALR. With elections on Facebook coming later this year, its no surprise that the mayor and her supporters on council With more than 9,000 Facebook are suddenly changing their spots. It’s hits less than a day after a story was time for a council that is aware of resipublished about a little dog being dent concerns, not one that has an agenkilled by a pitbull in Pitt Meadows. da to fulfill their vision of Pitt Meadows.
SATURDAY AUGUST 16
Dear Editor,
SAVE ON FOODS 227th location 11AM - 5PM
Please come down and get a hot dog or just say hi!
FUNDRAISER for Alouette Addiction Services
www.alouetteaddictions.org
Hot button humour
•
This story has obviously rekindled debate about whether pitbulls or their owners should be banned.
“Don’t blame the dog, blame the owner…” – Teddy J. Evans “People who own pitbulls, who don’t train them to fight, know that they are sweet loving dogs and if their dog had done something like this they would be shocked and devastated! This article tells me that the owner of this dog either knows full well that it attacks and did nothing, or just doesn’t give a crap, and either way the owner of the dog is to blame…” – Dana Pothecary “Enacting laws to ban something is prohibition. Can anybody tell me when prohibition has worked? Never! It just drives the item into the hands of criminals. There’s already underground dog fights (not just pitbulls) and prohibition will just drive this breed into a life of agony, fights.” – Jason White “Again another pitbull attack! Let’s face it people, these dogs are natural born fighters. Let’s stop assuming it’s the owners. What if it was a small child? So sad for the family. Horrific!…” – Jennifer Howe
Share your views. Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MapleRidgePittMeadowsTimes
Archie Blankers Pitt Meadows
Infrastructure
Warning needed Dear Editor,
Just reading about [Humps starting to pop up, July 29, The TIMES] about the new speed bumps in Shady Lane. Those are all fine and dandy, but I have been a driver for half a century. Since when did a white arrow mean you are about to become airborne? I am used to yellow strips or something of that sort, I think the warning should coincide with signs that most of us understand, or am I the only misinformed driver in town.
Barry Donna, Maple Ridge
Green lights
Traffic hopeless Dear Editor,
This is something for Gordy [Robson] to talk about: traffic lights in Maple Ridge. I did some travelling around Canada after moving here from Europe, and this must be about the most hopeless situation around. At least have a green zone. Just saying…
John Claassen, Maple Ridge
[Fuller version of letter online www. mrtimes.com. search “Claassen”]
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.
A7
FREE
Customized Whitening For Life!* SMILE BRIGHTER THIS SPRING! Call Today To Book Now 604-457-0990 meadowvalefamilydental.com *Insurance Plans Accepted
Dr. Smit & the Team Welcome You to our Clinic
* Along with your cleaning you will receive complimentary whitening with each hygiene visit! (Offer expires Sept 30, 2014. Please bring this ad to first appointment to redeem)
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry New Patients, Walk-ins & Emergencies Welcome • Open Evenings & Weekends Oral Sedation • Mouth Guards • Veneers • Whitening Invisalign • CEREC One Visit Crowns
604-457-0990
meadowvalefamilydental.com 111-19150 Lougheed Hwy. Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2H6
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
SALE BEGINS AUG 5TH ENDS AUG 10TH
The Deck of Your Dreams! Haney Builders Supplies has a wide selection of lumber, composite, accessory and finishing options for any deck project. SICO EXTERIOR PAINTS - Exterior flat finish (S8115014/24/34/44/54)
- Exterior satin finsh
(S8155014/24/34/44/54)
(S8175014/24/34/44/54)
- Reg. $49. (3.78L | 1 gallon) 99
SALE $46.99
SIKKENS CETOL SRD - New oil base formula! - Available in: Teak, Dark Oak, Cedar, Butter, Natural, Natural Oak, Redwood, Mahogany - Reg. $51.99 (1 Gallon)
SALE $129.99 FIXED CURB MOUNT SKYLIGHT - Neat® glass technology - Naturally clean glass - Weather resistant - Reg. $164.99 - #2852
NEW $84.99
TOUCHLESS TOILET FLUSH KIT - Upgrade your toilet! - Easy to install retrofit kit - Fits almost all toilets - Tank sensor to activate flush - #1160505
SALE $99.99
CROWN #47 MDF - 15mm x 4 1/4 - full lengths only - #MFPU47 BASEBOARD #412 MDF - 15mm x 4 1/4, - full lengths only - #MFPU412
Saturday September 13 | Time: TBA
Everyday Price
SALE $59.00
$2.19/sqft
RAIL SIMPLE TRADITIONAL - Powder coated baluster - Pre-drilled railing - Complete railing section (except posts) - Reg. $69.00 - #CRTRT6B391
VINYL CLICK COLLECTION - Sawmill Road colour - 4.0mm plank series - 20 sqft/box - Sold by box $43.80/bx - #FVESPLASR
Everyday Price
Everyday Price
$39.99/pk
$1.82/sqft
SHANTEX DECK TILES - Cedar or Noire colours - 6 tiles per package - Composite deck tile - Reducers avail. at $11.49/pk - #WPCD3200 / WPCD3300
SALE $2.99/lf
CONTRACTOR’S CHOICE - Ouzo (grey) colour - 12.3mm laminate - 15.38 sqft/box - Sold by box $27.99/bx - #FL196EIRKSOZ
THE DESIGN SHOWROOM AT HANEY BUILDERS SUPPLIES IS FINALLY OPEN! The Design Showroom, located east of the customer parking lot, highlights our best products from our Finishing Division. Get inspired for your next home renovation project! Installation services are available.
25% OFF
Everyday Price
$1.74/sqft
- Composite decking - Fade, stain, scratch, and mold resistant - Soap and water maintenance - Earth-friendly - Natural wood grain finish
SALE $4.10/lf
-Prizes-BBQ-Grand Opening Specials25% Off Kitchen Cabinets 30% Off Windows - Ask Our Experts -
THE DESIGN SHOWROOM AT HANEY BUILDERS SUPPLIES FEATURES HIGH QUALITY BRANDS AND THE LATEST TRENDS IN: > Kitchen Cabinets by Hertco and Hertco Express > Windows by Milgard and Jeld-Wen > Doors (Interior & Exterior) by Codel, Masonite and Jeld-Wen > Mouldings by Alexandria, Metrie and Taiga
PORTRAIT’S - Charcoal Sketch colour - 12.3mm laminate - 17.21 sqft/box - Sold by box $29.99/bx - #FLPO1294CH5
30% OFF
Annual
HANEY Builders Supplies
89 golfers
have already booked! (144 limit)
Register now!
Everyday Price
$1.69/sqft
- Premium composite decking - Fade, stain, scratch, and mold resistant - Soap and water maintenance - Earth-friendly - Natural wood grain finish
CONTRACTOR’S CHOICE - Burbon colour - 12.3mm laminate - 15.38 sqft/box - Sold by box $25.99/bx - #FL196EIRKSBBN
CE RO
E DS
G
TO
HANEY Builders Supplies
DeckTools Design Software
SALE 49¢/Lf
O
10’ OFFSET DELUXE UMBRELLA - In black only - Aluminum straight pole - Steel bent pole - Powder-coated steel frame - Reg. $129.99 - #PTU01401
Deck Railings
®
22740 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3K2 Office: 604.463.6206 | Fax: 604.463.0560 | Mission: 604.820.0444 www.haneybuilders.com @HaneyBuilders
KITCHEN CABINETS
- Exterior semi gloss finish
Date Where Tournament Fee Sponsorship
Thursday September 18th Pitt Meadows Golf Club $150/person includes a buffet dinner and golf cart (per pair) $150/hole
Download the registration form on-line: www.haneybuilders.com Hours of Operation Monday to Saturday 7am to 6pm Sunday and Holidays 830am - 430pm
22740 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3K2 Office: 604.463.6206 | Fax: 604.463.0560 | Mission: 604.820.0444 www.haneybuilders.com @HaneyBuilders
A9
Hours of Operation Monday to Saturday 7am to 6pm Sunday and Holidays 830am - 430pm
WINDOWS
DESIGN | PLAN | BUILD
SALE $37.49
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
HANEY Builders Supplies
ALL P
A8
A10
Opinion
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Education
Union cutting own throat
L
ast week the teachers vs. government (us) dispute elevated to a new level. The NDP, who have been strangely silent, gave the government an opening. Last Tuesday NDP education critic Ron Fleming said the government had not committed on where it was going to spend savings from the teacher strike. He demanded the government needed to make an immediate decision. On Thursday, two days later, Finance Minister Michael de Jong took the opportunity to announce the government would not be swallowing the money, but instead using it to pay parents $40 a day per child to temporarily replace the school system – should the teachers continue their strike into September. With this very intriguing move, Minister de Jong said, “Parents can utilize that money to acquire tutoring for their children; they can use that money to explore other educational opportunities as they see fit and for some parents, it’ll be basic daycare.” The teachers union (BCTF) seem to be caught flat footed by de Jong’s move to put children’s educational choices into the hands of parents. If the BCTF, with their monop-
oly, continues to highjack the public school system, they may well end up destroying it. It won’t take long for the parents of today’s elementary-aged children to discover that if the parents of 15 children band together, they will have $12,000 per month collectively to educate their children. The curriculum is not a secret. It is the same curriculum that all home-school, religiously based, and private schools follow – which they claim to enhance. If the BCTF is not careful, they might end up with one of the most liberal voucher systems for education in North America. A voucher system is where the government gives parents a voucher for a year and lets them decide to which school or district they are going to send their children. All of the teachers I have talked to during the last month just want the whole thing to be over. They are satisfied with the wage increase and blush when you discuss more benefits, and cannot understand why their union spent their strike fund and continues on its 15-year crusade to defeat the government. Free enterprisers see many kinds of opportunities for educational facili-
Just Saying by Gordy Robson
ties competing to provide the best education. The left side fears the loss of the belief of free education for all children. To me, it is sadly ironic when teachers – who understand their dedication to advancing civilization – find their union taking political stances. It is the residual of the Neville Scarf era where only people who had left-wing philosophies should be allowed to be teachers. Hopefully the educators who are members of the BCTF will wake up and take their union back. Younger teachers see the opportunity before them should the current system break. They could get a one-year contract in the Fraser Valley and relish the opportunity to have a class of 20 excelling beyond the B.C. curriculum. Minister de Jong is in a position to call the season and give parents a voucher for a year.Parents have the right to choose. Interesting. Just saying… Gordy Robson’s column appears Tuesdays in print and/or online versions of The TIMES. Reactions can be sent to editorial@mrtimes.com
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ALL
IS BACK! SIGN-UP PARTY: SUNDAY AUGUST 10th - DOORS OPEN @ 11am
FIRST 100 MEMBERS RECEIVE MNF JACKET PRIZES-BIG SCREENS-JERSEYS-FREE SWAG
MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES DRINKS AND FOOD DISCOUNT FOR MONDAY NIGHTS!
FOR MORE INFO VISIT
604-465-7715 | INFO@FOXSREACH.CA | WWW.FOXSREACH.CA
#300 - 20398 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3E3 - West Gate Shopping Center
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
&places
faces Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
WE PAY CASH for Used Cars
Call
A11
604.343.2036
Showcasing some of this community’s people and happenings
Six-year-old Christina Jones of Maple Ridge recently had her locks chopped off and is donating her hair to make wigs for people in need, including those receiving chemotherapy. This was Christina’s second time donating her hair, and she was “excited” when hairdresser Tracy Welch from Phazes Tanning and Beauty Salon in Haney pulled out the scissors.
After
What’s On
www.mrtimes.com Post events 10 days in advance by email to:
editorial@mrtimes.com
Aug. 5: Puppeteer • Maple Ridge Library is hosting master storyteller and puppeteer Elspeth Bowers in the bandstand at Memorial Peace Park starting at 10:15 a.m. Info: 604-467-7417.
Aug. 6: Orchestra
• Enjoy summer and the sizzling swinging sounds of the Bruce James Orchestra and guests in the Summer Serenade Concert Series. Free weekly concerts at Pitt Meadows’ Spirit Square every Wednesday evening until Aug. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. (weather permitting). Info: www. brucejamesorchestra.com/gigs.
Before
Aug. 6: Lego • Pitt Meadows Library hosts the Great Lego Challenge, from 2 to 2:45 p.m. If people think they know how to build with LEGO, organizers invite them to take part. “Can you spell your name with LEGO or build a LEGO boat that floats?” Info: 604465-4113.
August 8: Dancing
Troy Landreville/TIMES Mel Harris, Dana As her, Yvonne Hale, an d Stephanie Wallen cooked hot dogs for donations to the Friends and Need Food Bank We dnesday at the Albion Spray Park. The event was held to rai se awareness abou t child hunger in schools and through out Maple Ridge an d Pitt Meadows, and was in respons e to Maple Ridge-M ission MLA Marc Dalton’s statement in the B.C. Legislature in April that “I have not met children starving in British Co lumbia in the past 50-some years .” Retorted Harris, the event organizer, “Even though B.C. ha s the highest child po verty rate in Canada.” She later reported, “We cook ed about two and a half dozen hot dogs, and collected a Rubb ermaid bin full of food donations an d $59 in cash dona tions. All in all, it was a success.”
Albion Country Fest 2014 at the Croft attended the recent this for rs goe fair ng Maple Ridge senior Herb ecti usp the faces of a few uns up red offe . and ces s Pla und & gro es Fair week’s Fac Pitt Meadows Comm unity Foundation chair Mi chael Hayes presented a $500 gra nt to the Ridge Meadows Yo uth Diversion Program. On hand to accept the donation is youth div ersion’s Rnajit Kingra and An na Black. This group is hosting a pub night fundraiser and 20th anniversary celebration on Sept. 20, at Maple Ridge Equi-Sports Ce ntre, with tickets available at 604-467-5889.
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.
• Friday Night Dance with Robyn Picard takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. at The ACT, 11944 Haney Pl., Maple Ridge. Drop-in lesson from 7 to 8 p.m. and a practice dance from 8 to 10 p.m. The lesson and dance are $13, and the dance is $10. Info: www.ilovetodance.ca or www. theactmapleridge.org.
August 9: Eid Festival
• Maple Ridge Library is hosting the fifth annual Eid Festival, marking the end of Ramadan on the Muslim calendar. It’s a time for coming together and renewing friendship and family ties, and a chance to learn about another culture, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the library’s Fraser Room. Info: 604-467-7417.
August 9: Osprey Village
• The third annual Osprey Days will be at the Waterfront Commons Park in Osprey Village this year. The event and beer garden will be taking place between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Info: www.OspreyVillage.com.
• Full list: www.mrtimes.com, search “What’s On”
2013 CIVIC AND FIT MODELS ARE 2014 CIVIC DXGOING, GOING, ALMOST GONE.
2013 CIVIC Sales 604.343.2036 Service 604.465.7622 20611 LOUGHEED HWY MAPLE RIDGE www.marvjoneshonda.com
CASH PURCHASE INCENTIVE* ON SELECT 2013 MODELS.
CIVIC CLEARANCE EVENT ON NOW
Lease for
39
$
500 $ 0 down
* 0.99$%APR
#
‡
Freight and PDI included.
Weekly on a 60 month term with 260 payments. MSRP $17,185** includes freight and PDI
Features available on select models: • ECO Assist™ and ECON mode (standard) • Display Audio system with 7” touch screen • LaneWatch™ blind spot display • Multi-angle rearview camera • Proximity key entry with pushbutton start
# ‡ ** see dealer for details
Model: FB2E2EEX
A12
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Summer strummin’ Four-year-old Ava Yip took a turn on the drums during the final night of Twilight Tuesdays. Each July, the Maple Ridge Concert Band hosts weekly outdoor concerts on the bandstand at Memorial Peace Park. The local music group was instrumental in the construction, and more recently the restoration of the bandstand. Ava’s grandmother Gale Yip, vice-president of the band, said the group is still fundraising to refurbish the cooper roof on the bandstand – the only project remaining. That endeavour will cost $60,000, but they’re still $40,000 shy of that goal. Donation info at: www.mrcb.cam.
Liz Hancock illustration
Mountain ash
Tree medicinal
T
he bright shiny red berries of the mountain ash tree are a sudden sharp reminder that summer is slipping by and soon autumn will be here. This delightful tree is not native to North America and came with the early settlers to be used as medicine – so they could eat the berries that are by Liz Hancock rich in vitaDiscover the joys of flora and fauna in our min C. rural areas. Liz welcomes questions at This modg.hancock@uniserve.com erately sized tree is indigenous to Europe and Asia and carries the name of rowan tree there. It has been used for many centuries in healing of scurvy and relief of internal problems such as diarrhea and persistent hemorrhoids because the fruit and juice from the bark is astringent.
River Talk
• More at www.mrtimes.com, search “Hancock”
AUGUST
2014
Rick Moyer/TIMES
More Photos Online
www.mrtimes.com
Hospital dear to concert host, too …continued from page A1
Quinn and Eliot will be volunteering at the Blues In The Park concert. But Rogers’ gratitude for all that the staff at RMH dates back to his formative days as a somewhat accident-prone boy. “The hospital’s fairly close to home for me,” he said. “As a kid, I had numerous broken bones, [and was] in and out of the hospital.”
Years later, Rogers has been the architect of a successful musical career. He has toured extensively throughout North America and parts of Europe during the past two decades with many great blues legends. Rogers has been writing a lot of music and is contemplating returning to the studio to produce another solo album. He has three solo albums to his credit and has done guest
spots on he said, “countless other albums with friends.” Concert patrons are urged to bring a chair or blanket, family, and friends and “spend some time relaxing to the soothing sounds of the blues while showing support for your local hospital,” Rogers said. He added, “It’s something free and fun for people and if they’re able to donate something by all means, we’d appreciate that.”
This month at The ACT
Arts Club ON TOUR Season subscriptions on sale now!
Get the best seats for the best price and enjoy three fantastic comedies you won’t want to miss:
Avenue Q
Saturday, November 8 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 9 - 2:00 p.m. Princeton arrives in New York City looking for love, a job, and his purpose in life. The only neighbourhood he can afford is the multicultural Avenue Q, where Sesame Street-esque puppets rub shoulders with humans. Ages 18+
The Odd Couple
Saturday, January 10 – 8:00 p.m. The classic comedy of mismatched roomies. Will these two friends learn to meet in the middle or will their differences split them apart?
The Foreigner
Saturday, March 14 – 8:00 p.m. Charlie realizes that people will say the most extraordinary things when they think that no one can understand them.
ACT Presents 2014/15 Season on Sale August 25th!
Be sure to get your tickets for our great line up this season. You definitely don’t want to miss out on any of these amazing shows!
Love the Arts? Join us and become a Member of the Arts Council! Help us bring Arts to the Heart of our Community and receive great benefits. Check our website for details or call The ACT Ticket Centre at 604-476-2787
Summer Arts Camps Register today for summer fun at The ACT and South Bonson Community Centre! Half and full-day camps in animation, fashion design, drama, dance and more! Check out our website for the Friday Night Dance Schedule with Robyn Picard, everything from Ballroom to Swing!
Visit www.theactmapleridge.org for schedules. | Register at recreg4u.ca or 604-465-2470.
Blues in the Park, an outdoor concert benefiting the hospital foundation, is being held Sunday at Memorial Peace Park.
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Sports
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Recreation
A13
Did you know?
We are open until 6 pm on Mondays and 7pm on Wednesdays.
604.467.5179 • www.alouetteaddictions.org
On the water
On Deck
Bruins reunite Past and present members of the Ridge Meadows Bruins rugby club are being encouraged to RSVP and attend the club’s 25th anniversary of winning the B.C. championships, The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 28, and the day begins at Telosky Stadium where the Lady Bruins play at 10 a.m., followed by an old boys game of touch at 11:30 a.m., and finally a 1 p.m. match of the current Bruins’ squad. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Hershey hosts Twelve-year-old Maple Ridge track athlete Nicholas Aron was one of four local athletes who travelled to Hershey Pennsylvania this past weekend, where they competed in the Hershey North American Track and Field Championships. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Troy Landreville/TIMES
Maple Ridge Burrard Aaron Davis has been a big part of the team.
Season capped The Maple Ridge Burrards dropped their final game of the season by a score of 9-3 against New Westminster on Thursday night. They’ll hit the road and play their first game of the playoffs against Burnaby tomorrow (Wednesday) night. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”
Send your scores and game reports to sports@mrtimes.com
Sailor charting course to success A Maple Ridge teen water racer recently competed at an international championship in Kingston, Ont. by Eric Zimmer
ezimmer@mrtimes.com
In Rachel Spinelli’s mind, sailing is “kind of like playing chess.” While there is a huge physical component involved in what she does, mental toughness and preparedness is key, as well. “You have to consider the shifts and pressure of the wind, the currents and the tides, the favoured end of the start line and of the course. All these things change throughout the race,” she explained. And right now, Spinelli is coming off an international competition that tests both physical and mental agility: The 29er World Championships in Kingston, Ont. The event, which was a first for Spinelli, consisted of three days of qualifying and three days of championship racing, and was made up of three fleets. The top 25 remained in the gold fleet, and the remaining 75 boats were split into silver and bronze fleets. Last Wednesday was the final day of qualifying, and Spinelli and her crew finished in first place – the first Canadian team to do so at a 29er Worlds. “That was pretty exciting,” she exclaimed. Unfortunately, she said, the team had a second rough day of qualifying, and carried too many points to make it into the gold fleets. “So we’ll see if we can pull the next two days together and get back to the silver fleet,” she told the TIMES Thursday. Results were not available by this newspaper’s press deadline Friday. The 29er name comes from the type of boat used: A high-perform-
Maple Ridge sailor Rachel Spinelli (right,) and her sailing partner Ian Woodbury recently competed in the 29er World Championships in Ontario. ance, double-handed skiff – a twoperson boat. Spinelli started sailing at the age of seven, with the Rocky Point Sailing Association in Port Moody. Her partner in the 29er was Ian Woodbury, who had started sailing at Rocky Point about the same time she did. “We’ve grown up competing against each other,” Spinelli explained. “It was only this last year that we started sailing the 29er together in preparation for these events.” Spinelli also competed in the 29er North American Championships in Kingston the week before. Though she’s raced at the North Americans for the past three years, she said this was the first time, she’d competed with such an international fleet. Her team finished fifth overall, but was the second Canadian boat in competition. Her budding sailing career
MINUTE
10 OIL CHANGE
HOME OF THE
$10OFF
Any Oil Change Package – In House
Drive Thru
QUALITY OIL CHANGES
No Coupon Required. Expires August 31, 2014
10 Minutes FREE in Self Serve Car Wash with Every Oil Change 4- 21621 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge 604.466.1488
began somewhat unexpectedly as a child, she recalled. “My parents were very supportive of whatever activity I wanted to try,” she said. “Somewhere between dance and soccer we heard about sailing.” Spinelli and her siblings all took a learn to sail program at Rocky Point, and after a few summers of courses, Spinelli discovered racing and “never looked back.” Her first international event was in 2010, at the Optimist North Americans. Since then Spinelli has competed in several 29er North Americans, as well as Canadian and U.S. Nationals. She was also a member of the first Canadian team to compete in the Harken Youth International Match Racing Regatta in Auckland, New Zealand. Spinelli said one of her biggest inspirations and “personal mentors” has been three-time Canadian Olympian and Vancouverite, Nikola Girke, whom
she just had the opportunity to sail with during an event. ‘That was an incredible experience for me.” Looking ahead, Spinelli said there’s a lot of racing going on this fall, and she and her crew are looking to put together an all-girls team for the 2016 Worlds that will be held in Vancouver. She added that there are “still a lot of boats she would like to sail,” and the Olympics continue to be something she aspires to. Sailing has also shaped Spinelli’s life off the water. “I would attribute the drive and determination I have for school and near everything else in my life to sailing,” she said. “It forces you to grow up in ways other sports just don’t.” She noted that the sailing lifestyle is “really something else,” and though she admitted it might be a bit far-fetched, she’s dreamed about doing the Vendee Globe: A solo race around the world. “That would be wild,” she said.
A16
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2011
2012
2013