Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Times September 9 2014 by Maple Ridge Times

Tuesday, September 9, 2014 John Skanks widow keeps the boxing icon’s legacy alive…

Page A20

Inside

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“I sometimes feel like I want to singlehandedly go out there and crush cancer.”

Ali Wakeling, one of the Terry Fox Run organizers, shares her personal connections with cancer.

Ali Wakeling

by Troy Landreville tlandreville@mrtimes.com

Before cancer stole him from his wife and two young sons, Sandy Wakeling wore a special pair of shoes during local Terry Fox Runs. Unveiled in 2005, the 25th anniversary Terry Fox limited edition replica shoes are a duplication of the ones Fox wore during his Marathon of Hope for cancer research in 1980. It was in those shoes that Fox ran an average of 42 kilometres every day for 143 days, before cancer forced him off the road on Sept. 1, 1980. That’s when the disease spread to his lungs. By February 1, 1981, Fox’s dream of raising $1 for every

In memory of her late husband Sandy, who lost his battle with cancer, and to raise funds for cancer research, Ali Wakeling is helping to promote the Maple Ridge Terry Fox Run. The run takes place Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Hammond Community Centre. Open to all, registration is 8:30 a.m. with a 10 a.m. start time. Troy Landreville/TIMES

Canadian was realized – the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope fund totalled $24.17 million. Fox died in June 1981. To carry on the legacy of not

only Fox but also her late husband, Ali Wakeling brought the replica shoes with her to Pitt Meadows Elementary recently. The Pitt Meadows teacher is

utilizing them to help promote the 2014 run at the Hammond Community Centre on Sunday, Sept. 14. Wakeling is part of an organ-

izing committee that includes Betty Levens, who has been spearheading the local run for more than a decade.

continued on page A13…

Labour unrest

School board calls dispute ‘unprofessional’

Teachers will vote Wednesday to end the strike, if the province agrees to go to binding arbitration. by Christopher Sun

csun@mrtimes.coma

George Serra is confident teachers will vote to walk off the picket lines and directly into the classrooms, if the provincial government agrees to binding arbitration. On Monday, B.C. Teachers Federation president Jim Iker said teachers will vote on Wednesday to end the strike – but only if the province agrees to enter

binding arbitration and leave the issues regarding class size and composition to the courts to resolve (the province is currently appealing an order to restore class size and composition to pre-2002 levels). On Saturday, Education Minister Peter Fassbender rejected the BCTF’s call to enter binding arbitration, basing his decision on BC Public School Employers’ Association recommendations. “It’s not advantageous to teachers to put everything on the table, but an arbitrator will take a look at things fairly,” said Serra, who is president of the Maple Ridge Teachers’ Association. Two meetings were held Friday, where teachers were asked if they’d go back to

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work if the government agreed the provincial government are, to arbitration. Teachers’ response quite simply, unprofessional and was “positive,” Serra said. unacceptable,” Murray said. “This shows teachers want this “We heard from many students, strike to be over,” he added. “The parents, and employees who government has to agree, but that are directly affected by the curhappens to be the problem.” rent job action. We understand In the meantime, Maple Ridge and share their frustrations, and Pitt Meadows school board and believe a continuation of Mike Murray chair Mike Murray issued an open the dispute will have significant School board chair letter Monday expressing “dislong-term negative impact on the appointment” and “anger” that no public education system in this agreement has yet been reached. province.” “The theatrics, vitriol, game playing, The letter ends with the district suppersonal attacks and politics that have porting binding arbitration. characterized this and previous rounds Results of the teachers’ vote is expected of bargaining between teachers and by Wednesday evening.

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Tuesday, September 9, 2014

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Arts advocate declares Pitt Meadows community activist Korleen Carreras wants a school board seat. The local arts advocate and mother of two is the first perKorleen Carreras son to formally announce their intention to seek one of the seven trustee positions on the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows school board. • More at www.mrtimes.com

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Downtown Haney

Top cop pleads for health care, not handcuffs Most of the ‘marginalized individuals’ demanding Mountie attention now are not criminals, but people struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

mrtimes.com

by Christopher Sun

csun@mrtimes.com

The current approach in dealing with Maple Ridge’s homelessness, mental health and drug addiction problems is a Band-Aid solution and cannot be resolved strictly by police, said Ridge Meadow RCMP’s top cop. His officers can shoo people away from private property in downtown, but that just fans the problem further into the community, Supt. Dave Fleugel told Maple Ridge council at Monday’s workshop meeting. The topic was raised during discussion of a “vibrant downtown task force’” that’s making recommendations on how to make downtown Haney more attractive to residents as a place to shop and frequent. “We need health care not handcuffs,”

Fleugel said, adding the Mounties are merely However, that visible appearance has also coping with the issue, and don’t have the made people realize that the police are in a tools, resources, or mandate to solve these bind when dealing with marginalized people. social ills. Councillor Corisa Bell asked about RCMP “We can move them along but staffing levels and priorities, after that is not the solution in dealing hearing about recent responses with mental illness,” Fleugel said. from officers on the street, being There needs to be a mental health asked to deal with trespassing, approach to eliminate the issue, homeless people. which is provincial jurisdiction. “Literally, the officer will say, He spoke of a judge in Port ‘we can’t help you because we Coquitlam who shows a willinghave [other] priorities,” Bell said. ness to deal with these problems “I heard that a couple of weeks like Vancouver does, with its drug ago.” court in the Downtown Eastside. Coun. Mike Morden said the Enhanced foot patrols were issue will never be resolved unless Supt. Dave Fleugel introduced recently through a joint all levels of government meet and initiative between RCMP officers start spending money to help these Ridge Meadows RCMP and Westridge Security in Haney, people off the street. giving people a visible assurance that the “Everybody wants the RCMP to pick up community is safe and secure. people with needles in their arms, to pick It also allows people to inform officers them up and move them,” Morden said. about problems that needs to be dealt with, “But it scatters the issue. We need to stop Fleugel said. coping and we need to start solving the prob“I’ve gotten positive feedback from busilem.” • Stay tuned to The TIMES for a much more in depth look nesses I’ve chatted with,” Mayor Ernie at the issue Daykin said about the foot patrols.

SPCA

Walk brings cash, crowds to SPCA shelter

Mounties check 816

Police roadblocks were up Friday, in an attempt to nab drinking drivers. But surprisingly, said Ridge Meadows Mounties, only two impaired drivers were taken off the road, out of 816 checked. • More at www.mrtimes.com Handyman Morgan Jensen will answer your home improvement questions.

Fix It Up by Morgan Jensen

Visit his website at www.jbshomeimprovement.ca or send your questions to morganjensen@shaw.ca.

Preparing for fall Summer doesn’t seem to be ending, at least not based on the weather or the fact that kids are still out of school. But fall is coming, and TIMES columnist and Maple Ridge handyman Morgan Jensen offers a list of 20 things people need to do around the house before summer is officially over. • More at www.mrtimes.com

Story and photos by Eric Zimmer

ezimmer@mrtimes.com

A plethora of pooches took their humans for a walk in the woods next to the Maple Ridge SPCA on Sunday afternoon. It was all part of this year’s annual SPCA’s annual Paws for a Cause event. The event drew people from throughout the community, as well as from out of town. Langley resident Jennfer Howitt explained she had come with her daughter, nine-year-old Madison, and their dog, Dobby. “There’s no Langley walk, so we have to come here,” explained Jennifer. “But we’re happy to do it.” Though the exact total had not been finalized yet, Maple Ridge SPCA branch manager Jennifer York said the event raised around $14,000. “We had $8,000 raised before the day even began,” she added. Hosted on-site at the Maple Ridge SPCA, the event featured

The fastest competitor was Maple Ridge resident Cliff Shae’s dog, six-year-old Sage. View “I knew she was going More to win,” Shae quipped. Photos “She’s been practicing for with six years.” Another Langley resident, Michelle McCrea came to the event and joined her mom Marilou, who lives in Maple Ridge, Layar or for the walk. online “It’s fun,” said Marilou, and added she and her daughter come every year. “We’re dog people.” At just 18 months old, Abigail Macmillan was already participating in her second Paws for A Cause. “We’ve always liked pets,” explained her mom, Vikki, whose husband Brandon joined the mom-and-daughter du0 for the walk. They want to teach their daughter to grow up donating to worthwhile causes, Vikki explained, and when she gets older, they’ll let her decide what Langley resident Michelle McCrea showed off her and her mom’s (Maple Ridge’s Marilou that cause is, whether it’s the McCrea) pack of pugs during the Maple Ridge SPCA Paws for a Cause walk on Sunday. SPCA or something else. But for now, the trio - with games, and activities for humans contest” was held, where comtheir dog Yoda, will continue to and dogs alike. peting dogs had to be the first Paws for a Cause. “To me, the In a twist on a traditional pieto clean out a small dog dish of SPCA is an awesome thing,” eating contest, a “bowl-licking food. Vikki said.

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Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

All that remains is burned rubble after an old farmhouse burned down on the Sahota Blueberry Farm early Sunday morning. Eric Zimmer TIMES

Rural Pitt Meadows

Farmhouse reduced to rubble

Damage makes it difficult to assess the cause of a suspicious fire Sunday. by Roxanne Hooper

rhooper@mrtimes.com

Firefighters spent six hours Sunday afternoon sifting through charred rubble, looking for any human remains and possible evidence leading to the cause of a house fire in rural Pitt Meadows earlier that morning. A two-storey farm house, in the 19400 block of Old Dewdney Trunk Road, collapsed in on itself after being consumed by fire. The blaze started before 6 a.m., outside the home – near the garage, said fire chief Don Jolley. Firefighters arrived to find the house “fully involved in flames,” and Jolley said witnesses report hearing one large explosion and multiple smaller explosions. Given the extent of the damage, he

added the exact cause of the fire might never be known. The old home, located on the Sahota Blueberry Farm, was rented out. Seven or eight occupants in the building and an adjacent camper were able to escape without injury. But, because of the transient nature of many of the house residents, Jolley said his team had to make sure there was been no one trapped inside – hence the sifting project later in the day. Given the volume of debris, excavators were called in to assist with the search. Fighting this fire was made more difficult and time consuming because the gas line into the house was burning, Jolley said. Firefighters couldn’t start fighting the fire, until the gas was shut off, and they couldn’t shut it off, because it was on fire. “The cause is suspicious based on the interview information, but we can’t collaborate it with any evidence, because of the extensive damage,” Jolley said, noting the fire investigation is all but complete.

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Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Police services

New digs unveiled

During a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, increased services were confirmed for Pitt Meadows residents. by Christopher Sun

csun@mrtimes.com

Christopher Sun/TIMES

Rexton DeLorme, three, of Maple Ridge was fingerprinted by volunteer Marjorie Locke for a child identification kit. That was done during the grand opening of the new Pitt Meadows police office Saturday, where a number of dignitaries performed an official unveiling.

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A new community policing office in Pitt Meadows’ Spirit Square means local residents no longer need to trek to Maple Ridge for most police-related services. The newly renovated building is four times larger than the previous space and will be staffed regularly by a civilian staff member, volunteers, and RCMP officers, explained Ridge Meadows RCMP Supt. Dave Fleugel. More Plans are in Photos the works so Online criminal record checks can be conducted at the office and a longer term plan is to have a breathalyzer machine on site, eliminating the need for officers to drive to Maple Ridge, the officer in charge elaborated. The new, larger space is needed as the community continues to grow, Fleugel said. “We are looking forward to growing into it as opposed to growing out,” he added. “It will be a great location for officers to prepare reports and have a break.” Residents will still be able to come and access information such as Block Watch and other crime prevention programs. The new space does not have a jail cell, so people who are arrested will continue to be sent to the

Maple Ridge detachment. A few dozen people attended the grand opening of the new facility on Saturday morning and were allowed inside to tour the entire building, which is made up of mostly office space. This $1.2 million project was approved by City council back in fall 2012. Construction started last October, and RCMP moved in during early August.

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Tuesday, September 9, 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 Christopher Sun Eric Zimmer Advertising Ralph De Adder Graeme Ross Anne Gordon Sheryl Jones Distribution Supervisor Wendy Bradley Administration Rebecca Nickerson

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The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows TIMES, a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership, respects your privacy. We collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at www.mrtimes.com. The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows TIMES is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and complainant. If talking with the editor or publisher of this newspaper does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. For further information, go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

Our View

Don’t sit on the sidelines this fall

We’re all a little distracted by the ongoing labour fight between the province and teachers, so people may not have noticed that election season is about to start again. On Nov. 15, we’ll be going to the polls to select our mayors and councillors, not just here in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, but across B.C. This will also be the first time that local politicians will be serving four-year terms instead of the three-year terms – which has been the norm for the last few decades. Four years is a long time. Whoever is chosen this November will have power to help define many things about our communities. They will have say over property tax rates, over which new neighbourhoods develop and how quickly they grow, over how often the grass is mowed on playing fields and over how many hanging baskets there are on City streets. They can determine the location of new stop lights, roundabouts, and bike lanes. They’re the people we call about potholes and snow removal. In addition, we’ll be electing school trustees, who have power over whether smaller schools close or stay open, and over the many special programs offered across the district. Considering they’re this important, it’s a shame that so few people will vote this November. If the turnout is more than 25 per cent, that would represent a pretty good year, historically speaking. In the next few months, we’ll be revving up our coverage of municipal election issues, talking to candidates, and covering the debates that will be sponsored by several local organizations. The TIMES will do its best to cover the major issues and hit the high points. But between Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge council, and the board of education, voters will also have some responsibility to look into things for themselves. Check out candidate websites, write letters to the editor about issues of concern, attend the debates. The next four years are up for grabs. Don’t sit on the sidelines. – M.C.

This Week’s Question Who should be fired over the teacher strike? ■ Your View Last week’s question, results… What do you have in your back-in-school shopping cart?

Fifth of scotch (or other sedative).

24 %

Protest placards.

19 %

Daycar coupons.

School supplies (finger crossed).

16 %

Nothing... yet.

41 %

Vote online at:

www.mrtimes.com

Opinion

Leave phone alone when driving

I’ve had a burial plot with my Will people look to add fire name on it since I was 12 years breathing or knife swallowing? old. Multitasking is not as effective That’s thanks to the number as people think and we are not cancer did on my 13-year-old sisas good as we think. ter and the common-sense, down To combat distracted driving, to earth, country folks who raised some people are signing pledges us figuring “we have to buy one not to use their devices. plot, why not get the adjacent Nice, but it doesn’t really get ones for when the rest of us go?” into why they want to keep their Dad finally left this realm in attention on driving. Instead, we 2010. That’s thanks to decades need to have a different kind of by Heather Colpitts of smoking and many years of pledge, focusing on what hapdrowning in his own lung mucus pens after. from emphysema. He never tried to sidestep the “I pledge that: issues. He said he lit those cigarettes, and lived “If someone hits me, when I am a pedestrian and died with the consequences. Those would be or while within a vehicle and while he/she is a decade of infirmity and him wishing each day on a cell, using a device or doing something for several years that he wouldn’t wake up each classed as distracted driving, they’d better kill morning. His ashes are beside my sister, too, in me, because if I survive, I will spend the rest of a cemetery in Calgary. my life devoted to ______ing {insert own choice So I know where I’m going to end up but not of expletive here} up him or her so badly that when. I don’t want any help getting there. they’ll wish they and automobiles and cellphones Yes, I’m looking at you, motorist with the cellhad never been born. phone/iPad/sushi platter/makeup brush. “That effort will include tying up their keisters Only you don’t notice because you’re too in legal knots for as long as possible, including wrapped up texting, talking or otherwise doing but not exclusively referencing legal action taken other stuff that’s not driving. The fines and selfon my behalf related to the Crown/police/courts, preservation don’t seem to be working. and by ICBC and/or other insurance carriers, Distracted driving is now the second leadbanks, etc. with a vested interest not only in my ing cause of car crash fatalities in B.C., trailing person and my automobile but also my quality behind speed and narrowly ahead of impaired of life, employment, health, longevity, my mortdriving. gage/rent and ability to go to the bathroom on “Yeah, but that’s not me,” people will say. my own. “I’m responsible when I use my devices behind “I also pledge that once those processes are the wheel. I can effectively do all that stuff.” played out, I will pursue civil action against said The police are having a campaign to crack dolt so that any hope of a stable income and down on distracted driving. That’s the term for stable life is lost in a morass of paperwork, court those who choose to believe they can do eight appearances and garnishments. things at once and none are driving. Guess wha? “Codicil: If there’s alcohol/drugs involved Driving is a complex enough task without more on top of this, oooohh you don’t even want to stunts. know…” o Js What will happen when a driver thinks he or “Signed by ___________________________ she has mastered the art of driving while being a So if we had oodles of people signing pledges digital divo or diva. (Urban dictionary time: divo like that, maybe we could stay more focused on – the male version of a diva.)? the task of driving.

My Two Cents

Heather C lpitt

editorial@mrtimes.com

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Redevelopment

Modular plan unacceptable

Dear Editor, It appears the District of Maple Ridge is tainly urban in nature. poised to rip up the Official Community Plan I am not opposed to modular homes in to rezone several properties fronting onto principle; after all the PNE prize homes are the South Alouette River between 239th and modular. Put that quality of modular home 240th Streets, spanning both sides of on one acre lots and that would be Letters the river. appropriate in the estate suburban The District is proposing the residential area. to development of a 166-strata modular Part of the proposal in question the home “community” on 237 square shows 32 modular homes on the meter (2,551 square feet) lots. flood plain on the north side of the Editor South Alouette River at 240th Street I am dismayed that anyone would suggest that this would be appropriwith access from Fern Crescent. ate in “estate suburban residential” areas. This will result in the elimination of the Current housing along 128th Ave., 128th current horse trail and an expansion of Crescent, and 129th Street characterize the urban development in the area. “estate suburban residential” concept. This proposed high-density development In such an area, one would expect larger doesn’t provide the 166 homes with any lots and quality construction. The designaamenities within walking distance, not even tion typically provides for one dwelling on a coffee shop or convenience store. one-acre lots. The proposal is to provide for Stop this nonsense now! almost 17 dwellings per acre, which is cerHarvey Gigun, Maple Ridge

Education labour dispute

Teachers make their own problems

Dear Editor, Teaching is an honourable profession, and most of us will agree that most teachers are completely sincere in their job, and we respect them for that. However, it is those teachers who are ultimately responsible for the mess we

are in, regarding the current conflict. After all, they, the members of the teachers’ federation, are the ones who have for several decades elected ultra-militant executives. When bargaining time comes, they start out with outlandish demands, far

Education labour dispute

Teachers bested by leaders

Dear Editor, B.C. teachers have among the highest annual union dues in Canada. The BCTF leadership has starting salaries of approximately $80,000 that can rise at five years to $99,000 – twice the starting salary of a teacher who would take 10 years to rise to $69,000. The union staff’s pensions are higher than teachers’, due to higher wages. The benefits that they receive, the teachers can only dream about. Those are 2006 statistics. What are they in 2014? The teachers are on the front lines, and yes, are “university-educated, work hard, and care for our children.” Why do they receive so much less than the BCTF leadership? One letter writer says the business mantra is, if you want the best, you pay top price. It seems to be the BCTF’s mantra as well. They are just like the CEOs of large corporations, skimming the cream. Ms Raynolds can’t restrain from interjecting credibilitylost Marxist nonsense with, “The government keeps the masses dumb and uneducated for cheap labour to compete with China.” Okay. What government does she suggest? I seem to recall the NDP was not education’s friend. The teachers should be questioning their leadership. Do they still get their paycheque while the teachers don’t even have a strike fund? Just curious. Aren’t they? Cherryl Katnich, Maple Ridge

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The manager of the Tim Horton’s at 224th Street and Lougheed Highway was slugged by a customer a few weeks back, after telling him he was banned from the store because of past bad behaviour. The suspect in this assault was arrested last week, thanks to surveillance video, and faces charges. Readers weigh in: “What were the customers doing” “I agree Tom!”

– Tom Manion – Rebecca Nickerson

“Come to our store, we’ll see who the f@$k gets beat.” – Mick Szabo “Why is the assailant not named?”

– Stephanie Hill

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beyond what they themselves expect to get. That way, they try to convince the public that they have made very significant concessions, when in fact, even after cutting back 50 per cent, the demands are still outrageous. Don’t compare your wage packages to teachers in other provinces, but compare it to what thousands of British Columbians have to deal with. For that matter, when will we, the people who pay every cent of their income, see a complete and open disclosure of teachers’ wage packages, including the cost of all benefits? Furthermore, as members of the BCTF, they are the ones who can tell your executive to settle for the wage offer from the government, because the executive is answerable to the members, not the other way around. That will show that teachers are sincere when they say that it is “all for the children”. Once the wage package has been agreed on, that is the time to zero in on class size and composition. But don’t forget that smaller classes means more teachers for the same amount of students, and consequently less work for the current complement of teachers. One more observation: teachers should be educators, not social workers. It is high time to reverse the trend. There are numerous agencies to do the social work, and furthermore, we have to be much more critical of the parents who abdicate their responsibility for guiding their children and providing for them. Walter Verwoerd, Maple Ridge Letters on this page have been edited for space. For longer versions, or more letters to the editor visit... www.mrtimes.com – Click on Opinion, or search the writers’ names.

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.

CITY OF PITT MEADOWS 2014 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS NOTICE OF NOMINATION Public Notice is given to the electors of the City of Pitt Meadows that nominations for the offices of: Mayor – 1 to be elected Councillors – 6 to be elected School Trustee – 2 to be elected will be received by the Chief Election Officer or a designated person, as follows: By hand, mail or other delivery service: City of Pitt Meadows 12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows From 9:00 am Tuesday, September 30, 2014 To 4:00 pm Friday, October 10, 2014 Excluding statutory holidays and weekends By fax to: (604) 465-2404 From 9:00 am Tuesday, September 30, 2014 To 4:00 pm Friday, October 10, 2014 Excluding statutory holidays and weekends By email to: kkenney@pittmeadows.bc.ca Originals of faxed or emailed nomination documents must be received by the Chief Election Officer by 4:30 pm on October 17, 2014. Nomination forms are available at the City of Pitt Meadows City Hall during regular office hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday beginning August 22, 2014 to the close of the nomination period. Nomination documents will also be made available on the election webpage of the City’s website at www.pittmeadows.bc.ca. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE A person is qualified to be nominated, elected, and to hold office as a member of local government if they meet the following criteria: • Canadian citizen; and • 18 years of age or older on general voting day November 15, 2014; and • a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day nomination papers are filed; and • not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from being nominated for, being elected to or holding the office, or be otherwise disqualified by law. ADVANCE ELECTOR REGISTRATION Are you eligible to vote in the November elections for City Council and School District Trustees? Is your name on the current list of electors? If you are not sure you can find out by calling 604-465-2414 or visiting the City of Pitt Meadows City Hall at 12007 Harris Road. The office is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). Advance elector registrations will be accepted at the Pitt Meadows City Hall until 4:30 pm, Tuesday, September 23, 2014. With the exception of registrations on voting days, elector registrations will not be accepted during the period September 24, 2014 to November 15, 2014. ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS RESIDENT ELECTORS: • 18 years of age or older on general voting day; and • a Canadian citizen; and • a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; and • a resident of the City of Pitt Meadows for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and • not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law. NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS: • 18 years of age older on general voting day; and • a Canadian citizen; and • a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; and • a registered owner of real property in the City of Pitt Meadows for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and • not holding the property in trust for a corporation or any other trust; and • not entitled to register as a resident elector; and • not disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law; and • if there is more than one registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the owners, register as a non-resident property elector. LIST OF REGISTERED ELECTORS Beginning September 30, 2014 until the close of general voting for the election on November 15, 2014, a copy of the list of registered electors will be available for public inspection, at the City of Pitt Meadows City Hall at 12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC, during regular office hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Before inspecting the list, a person must sign a statement that they will not inspect the list or use the information included in the list except for the purposes of Part 3 – Electors and Elections of the Local Government Act. An elector may request that their address or other information about them be omitted from or obscured on the list of electors. OBJECTION TO REGISTRATION OF AN ELECTOR An objection to the registration of a person whose name appears on the list of registered electors may be made in accordance with the Local Government Act until 4:00 pm on October 10, 2014. An objection must be in writing and may only be made by a person entitled to be registered as an elector of the City of Pitt Meadows and can only be made on the basis that a person whose name appears on the list of electors has died or that a person whose name appears on the list of electors is not qualified to be registered as an elector of the City of Pitt Meadows. MAIL BALLOT VOTING Mail ballot voting will be permitted when electors meet one of the following criteria: • have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at another voting opportunity; • expect to be absent from the City of Pitt Meadows on general voting day (November 15) and at the times of all advance voting opportunities to be held in early November. Applications to vote by mail ballot will be available at the reception desk of City Hall in September. Applications must be signed and submitted to the elections office. FURTHER INFORMATION on the foregoing may be obtained by contacting: Kelly Kenney, Chief Election Officer (604) 465-2433 or Linda Kelly, Deputy Chief Election Officer (604) 465-2414

12007 Harris Road Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B5 The Natural Place Phone: 604.465.5454 Fax: 604.465.2404

Opinion

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Employment opportunities

Anyone in Canada want to work?

One side would say Canadians are unwilling to do the tough jobs in remote areas. The other side would argue the only reason these foreign workers do the job at minimum wage level is because they are prepared to live like rabbits, squirrel their money away, and send it home. In many cultures that is reality. There are signs in fast food restaurants in Edmonton and further north offering employment starting at $25 per hour. The problem there, just like Whistler, is by Gordy Robson you need to be able to afford to live near where you work. pparently the economy of British In our soft Canadian reality none of Columbia is going to come crash- our children seem prepared to move to ing down if we don’t convince unpleasant areas in uncomfortable livthe federal government to loosen ing conditions to support themselves. the reins on the foreign workers program. Our pioneering spirit that built British According to an Australian waiter who Columbia apparently has evolved to an is here on a temporary foreign workers entitled group that wants more from govpermit, Whistler and other ski hill econernment which in their minds includes a omies in B.C. would not survive without pension for life. the Aussies. If Canada needs additional workers, we Fast food restaurants initially tried should have an immigration plan; not a Mexican foreign workers, and then moved temporary foreign workers to the Philippines as a program. source. They claim they The first foreign workers If Canada needs cannot sustain their restauI know about in B.C. were rants in the north without additional workers, Kanaka’s from Lahaina, foreign workers. we should have an Maui who came to manHaving been in the fast age the Hudson Bay post immigration plan; not food and resort business at Fort Langley. The next for more than 35 years, I a temporary foreign most significant group I can understand the tempknow of were Chinese, workers program. tation to contract a disciwho were brought in slaveplined work force from like conditions, to build abroad rather than spendthe railways. It took them decades to get ing time to educate, train and reward rights as citizens. Canadians. (I can feel one of my teachers We need to open our immigration to knuckles on the back of my head and him people who want to come to Canada and saying, “We train seals Gordy, and we contribute to the future of Canada. educate people.”) If our immigration policies work well, There was a time when employers we will have enough new Canadians who recruited and built their own local workwill be able to tell the pompous Aussie force and a number of our kids who who started this discussion, to go home. worked in places like McDonald’s now We don’t need you. Just saying… own one or are in senior, corporate management positions at McD’s. Gordy Robson’s column appears Tuesdays in print and/or online versions of The TIMES. Reactions can be sent to This brings up an interesting philosopheditorial@mrtimes.com ical discussion.

Just Saying

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12007 Harris Road Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B5 The Natural Place Phone: 604.465.5454 Fax: 604.465.2404

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO AMEND ZONING BYLAW TAKE NOTICE THAT a Public Hearing will be held in the Council Chamber of the Pitt Meadows City Hall, 12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC on Tuesday September 16, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the following amendment to Zoning Bylaw No. 2505, 2011 the Zoning Bylaw for the City of Pitt Meadows. City of Pitt Meadows Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 2662, 2014 The purpose of this text amendment is to introduce regulations permitting residents to keep urban backyards hens, as part of a one year pilot program. Several amendments are proposed as follows: • Section 2.3, Definitions, will be amended to add new definitions for Hens, Chicken Coops and Enclosures, and the definition for Livestock will be amended to exclude backyard hens kept for personal purposes. • Section 5.13, Domesticated Animals, will be amended to allow for keeping of up to five (5) hens for personal use.

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The Bylaw and associated staff report may be viewed at City Hall, 12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, between September 5, 2014 and September 16, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., excluding weekends and statutory holidays. Please direct inquiries to the Development Services Department at 604-465-2428.

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• Section 5.16, Backyard Hens, is a new section to be added to the Zoning Bylaw. This section will regulate the keeping of hens on properties zoned RS, R-1 and RR-5 on lots greater than 409m², (excluding duplexes). This section will also regulate size (maximum 10m²) of chicken coops and enclosures, their placement in rear or side yards, (setback 1.2m from lot lines), and will regulate coop construction and maintenance.

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AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE ALL PERSONS who deem themselves affected hereby shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing before Council on the matters contained herein or by making a written submission (or email) by 3:00 pm on Tuesday September 16, 2014 to the attention of the Manager of Legislative Services. Kelly Kenney Manager of Legislative Services, 604-465-2433 kkenney@pittmeadows.bc.ca

12007 Harris Road Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B5 The Natural Place Phone: 604.465.5454 Fax: 604.465.2404

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

&places

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

WE PAY CASH for Used Cars

faces Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows

Showcasing some of this community’s people and happenings

Call

604.343.2036

ALS BC sent a team of children, ages eight to 17, (below, plus centre inset) to summer camp at Zajac Ranch in Stave Falls this summer. These are kids, whose parents or grandparents are living with ALS. It’s called Camp Alohi Lani, which means “bright sky “ in Hawaiian. It is designed to be a safe setting for these kids to come together and share their experiences with the disease and have four days of fun.

Christopher Sun/TIMES

Troy Landreville/TIMES

Volunteers Jennie Brown and Marilynn MacDonald were in charge of slicing and handing out cake during the grand opening of the renovated Pitt Meadows community police office on Saturday.

School’s out, for now: As the B.C. teacher’s strike continues, Ethan Schwan spent part of his Thursday at the Pitt Meadows Skate Park, where he performed a trick on his Lucky scooter.

Haney Rotary Club (above) recently awarded 13 scholarships to graduating students from six local high schools. The students and their parents were guests of the club for dinner at the Meadow Ridge Golf Club. Each student received a signed copy of “The Canadian Achievers” and were treated to an address by 17-year-old Maple Ridge Secondary student Daniel Clarke (left). He spoke of the Youth Engaged in Service [YES] program he took through Rotary and the impact it made on him personally with leadership skills.

Fe Laan of Pitt Meadows Never Say Die Farm recemt;u showed off some garlic and cucumbers at the Haney Farmers Market. The market runs every Saturday, in Maple Ridge’s Memorial Peace Park, through until Oct. 11. Christopher Sun/TIMES

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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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Books

Tough life inspires Pitt scribe

A Pitt Meadows man has cleaned up his act and is helping restore a childhood fishing hole.

Carrier of the week Ethan Poole Congratulations on doing a fantastic job. As winner of one of our Good Sport Awards you get

From a life of addiction, violence, and crime to one that is clean and sober, Scott Magri’s life journey has had many bumps along the way – all documented in a book he’s written. Magri grew up in Pitt Meadows, and he would fish coho salmon on the Katzie Slough. It was one of the high points in a childhood, which was otherwise filled with bullying, poor results in school, and violence. This led to an adulthood of substance abuse, fighting in bars, three assault charges, guns, and drug dealing. When he finally ended up in maximum security, he realized how serious things, after he was given a sandwich. “The police didn’t scare me but the food did – it was terrible,” Magri said. He decided he wouldn’t lay a hand on anyone after that. But he was still struggling with addiction issues, and had become addicted to oxycodone. This was the darkest moment for him – when he felt he could no longer go on. “Get me the hell out of here. I’m not playing your game any more – I’m done,” Magri told the “big man” one time after taking a large dose of the opiate he was addicted to. But it wasn’t his time, and after spending some time “on the other side,” he came back. He started writing, overflowing

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to finish [the book] but you have to get better.” That’s when he went into treatment for the third time, this time successfully, and has now been clean for two and a half years. A while ago, Magri went back to find the place he used to fish in and was shocked at the garbage dumped there and how overgrown it was. As he was looking for his former fishing spot, an eagle was screaming to him, guiding him to his old spot. “I looked up at the eagle and I started to cry – tears were rolling down my face,” Magri said. “Everything from my childhood I’d been through hit me hard.” That has inspired him to get involved with the Katzie Slough Restoration Project, bringing back the place he took refuge in as a child. • More information on the restoration project, go to www.ksrp.ca.

SELECT STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES Chair: Dan Ashton, MLA (Penticton)

Whatare areyour yourpriorities priorities for for the the next What next provincial provincialbudget? budget? all-party Select StandingCommittee Committeeon on Finance Finance and will be be holding The The all-party Select Standing and Government GovernmentServices Services will holding province-wide public consultations on the next provincial budget. British Columbians are province-wide public consultations on the next provincial budget. British Columbians are invited to participate attendingone oneof of17 17 public public hearings written submission, invited to participate byby attending hearingsor orby bymaking makinga a written submission, sending audio videofile, file,ororcompleting completing an an online online survey. sending an an audio or or video survey.

WW E EWW AANNTT TTOO HHEEA OM M YO YOUU! ! AR F R O The The deadline forfor submissions 2014. To Toregister registertotoappear appear a public deadline submissionsisisFriday, Friday,October October 17, 17, 2014. at at a public hearing or for more information, please visit our website at: www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/finance

hearing or for more information, please visit our website at: www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/finance or contact: Parliamentary Committees Office, Room 224, or contact: Parliamentary Committees Office, Room 224, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BC V8V 1X4; Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BCinV8V tel: 250.356.2933, or toll-free BC:1X4; 1.877.428.8337; tel: 250.356.2933, or toll-free in BC: 1.877.428.8337; fax: 250.356.8172; e-mail: FinanceCommittee@leg.bc.ca

fax: 250.356.8172; e-mail: FinanceCommittee@leg.bc.ca

Susan Sourial, Committee Clerk Susan Sourial, Committee Clerk

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

health During his Marathon of Hope, Terry Fox ran an average of 28 miles each day in these Adidas Orion running shoes. Replica shoes were released in 2005. Sandy Wakeling, who died from cancer last July, wore the replica shoes whenever he took part in local Terry Fox Runs.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

wellness

AND THE GOODLIFE

Maple Ridge Terry Fox Run Dr. Jason C. Dinglasan Inc. • Dr. Keith C. Dinglasan Inc. Dr. Arshad B. Pirani Inc. • Dr. Eugene Sam

What: Fundraiser for cancer research, through the Terry Fox Foundation. Routes of one, five, and 10 kilometres are available. Where: Hammond Community Centre, 20601 Westfield Avenue. When: Sunday, Sept. 14. Registration is 8:30 a.m., start time is 10 a.m. Who: People on foot, bicycles, rollerblades, wheelchairs, and strollers are welcome to take part.

• New Patients & Emergencies Welcome • VEL scope Vx (helps find oral cancer) • Veneers & White Fillings • Orthodontics & Invisalign • Spadent Bleaching • TMJ Disorders & Jaw Pain • Sleep Apnea & Snoring • Saturdays & Evening Appointments Available

Run key fundraiser for cancer research …continued from page A1 The Maple Ridge run, starting at the centre’s soccer field at 20601 Westfield Ave., has a registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. start time. The event closes at 2 p.m. Routes of one, five, and 10 kilometres are being offered and they are suitable for bikes, wheelchairs, strollers, and rollerblades. Dogs on leashes are welcome. Maple Ridge is one of 112 communities in B.C. and the Yukon that hosts Terry Fox Runs each year. All are volunteer-led and organized with no entry fee, no sponsorship, and no minimum pledge. Funds raised from Terry Fox Runs locally, nationally, and internationally go to the Terry Fox Foundation. To date, the runs have raised $650 million for cancer research. In 2013, the Foundation has directed $23.5 million to its cancer research programs. The goal is to eradicate cancer. After Sandy died from the disease on July 27, 2013, his wife has been more determined than ever to do

all she can to raise funds and awareness for the cause. Ali not only lost her husband but also her dad, who had pancreatic cancer, to the disease. “I’ve had some very close friends who have had their own run-ins with cancer,” Ali added. “And of course, losing my children’s father and my best friend, it’s obviously motivating. I sometimes feel like I want to single-handedly go out there and crush cancer. If there’s a fundraising thing or something I can ride, or do, or walk, or stay up all night…”

It was a long fight Sandy’s cancer battle began five years ago when he started feeling pain in his abdomen. He and Ali believed it to be a bladder infection. Doctors prescribed him with antibiotics, which didn’t work. “It just didn’t seem to go away,” Ali said. After an ultrasound at Ridge Meadows Hospital, Sandy was immediately sent for a CT scan that afternoon. He was diagnosed with

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a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, a relatively rare form of sarcoma. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops from certain tissues, like bone or muscle. “When they saw something there, I think that they knew that it was cancer, but they don’t tell you that,” Ali shared. “We spent a number of weeks waiting.” Once diagnosed, Sandy took the oral cancer drug Gleevec. Compared to the traditional form of chemotherapy, Sandy’s side effects from the treatment were relatively mild. “It enabled him to live with cancer,” Ali said. Between taking the drug and a couple of major surgeries, it appeared as though Sandy’s cancer had completely eradicated. But this disease is cunning, and it “starts to outwit the chemicals,” Ali shared. “What happens is, for more than half of people who take Gleevec, it starts to become ineffectual,” she said. Doctors began to double Sandy’s doses and that’s when serious side effects took root. All the while,

Sandy continued to work as the Langley School District’s communications director. But he would be so exhausted by the end of his work days, Ali would have to carry his briefcase up the stairs of their home. “He had an incredible work ethic, and he never called in sick,” Ali said. “He never missed work because of his cancer. He always sucked it up and went in.” Sandy was 42 when he passed away, leaving behind Ali and the couple’s sons William, 12, and Sebastien, 10.

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Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Charity event

SuperWalk, a ‘super’ success

What’s On

www.mrtimes.com

Post events 10 days in advance by email to:

editorial@mrtimes.com Sept. 13: Port Haney

Sept. 9: Tech info

Sept. 9: Neighbourhood

• Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel hosts a family fun day as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Noon to 5 p.m. Info: Melodie 604-463-8121, email: melodie.mapleridgefuneralchapel@shaw.ca.

Sept. 9: Choral Society

• The annual Terry Fox Run kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at the Hammond Community Centre, located at 20601 Westfield Ave. in Maple Ridge.

• Webster’s Corners Day, organized by the Webster’s Corners Community Association, is a free event taking place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

•Maple Ridge Choral Society Choir starts rehearsals for this season at 7 p.m. at St Paul’s Lutheran Church. Info: Dennis at 604-465-8038 or Isabelle at 604-479-2649.

Sept. 9: Art Club

• Garibaldi Arts Club kicks off the 2014-15 year in the craft room at The ACT, beginning at 7 p.m. Info: www. GaribaldiArtClub. com.

by Christopher Sun

Sept. 13: Hospice sale

• Ridge Meadows Hospice thrift store hosts a store-wide 50%-off sale.

• Maple Ridge Library hosts It Won’t Byte, an information session on handheld electronic devices, beginning at 7 p.m. Info: 604-467-7417.

Annual event attracted more walkers and more donations.

csun@mrtimes.com

Sept. 14: Chapel fun day

Sept. 14: Terry Fox

More Photos Online

www.mrtimes.com

Sept. 9: Weavers

• Whonnock Weavers and Spinners Guild meet at Whonnock Lake Centre, 27871 113th Ave., at 7:30 p.m. Info: Marie at 604-4629059.

• Port Haney Day takes place at Port Haney Wharf, in conjunction with Maple Ridge’s 140th birthday. Info: Dave at 604-467-7433, ext 1.

Christopher Sun/TIMES

Parkinson SuperWalk in Pitt Meadows’ Spirit Square began at 11 a.m. on Saturday with three routes of varying lengths, to accommodate all participants.

Sept. 15: Not-for-profit

• North Fraser not-for-profit is holding a free meeting at 230-19150, Lougheed Hwy., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Guest speaker: TIMES publisher Shannon Balla. RSVP by Sept. 10 at 604-4659993 or info@beckerlawyers.com.

Sept. 16: Writers

Sept. 10: Gogo meeting

• Golden Ears Gogos host a monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Alouette Room at the Maple Ridge Library. Info: Lynn at lrajala@shaw.ca or 604-467-1235.

Sept. 11: Poets pasta

• Holy Wow Poets Society hosts a pasta night recital at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club. RSVP: Helene: 604-467-2357.

Sept. 11: Dementia

• A free dementia workshop takes place at Pitt Meadows Senior Centre, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Info: Lori or Kimberley at 604-298-0782.

• Golden Ears Writers’ presents Garden Writing with Mike Lascelle, in the lobby of The ACT. Info: Katherine at citizen@shaw.ca.

Sept. 16: Wrestler

• Retired WWE superstar Mick Foley brings his oneman, spoken-word show to The ACT at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and info: 604-476-2787 or www.theactmapleridge.org.

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Sept. 17: Sasquatches

• A presentation and conversation on sasquatches at the Quality Inn, 21735 Lougheed Hwy. from 6 to 10 p.m. Suggested admisssion: $10. • Full listings at www.mrtimes.com

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It was hot out but that didn’t stop the nearly 200 walkers from attending the fourth annual Parkinson SuperWalk in Pitt Meadows, on Saturday. Organizer Edith Elliott said $18,054 was raised at the annual fundraiser in Spirit Square. “It went extremely well,” Elliott said about the event. “We had more people this year than in previous years.” Last year, 164 people turned out, raising about $17,000. “It was a fabulous day, I’m very pleased,” Elliott added. “It went very well.”

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Sports

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Recreation

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Legacy

Ridge senior carries local boxing torch

The widow of the man who led the Maple Ridge Boxing Club for more than three decades is doing all she can to continue his efforts. by Troy Landreville tlandreville@mrtimes.com

In every sense, John Skanks was a fighter. So, it seems, is his widow Carol. John started managing the Maple Ridge Boxing Club in 1981 and even something as potentially disastrous as a stroke couldn’t keep him off the proverbial mat. After battling health problems for three-and-a-half years, the man affectionately known as “Pops” by the youngsters he trained, died from congestive health failure on Jan. 13 of this year. He was 85. His 74-year-old widow has taken the reins, helping to run the club while assuming almost every role possible: secretary, registrar, treasurer, and general manager. The only thing she doesn’t do is coach. “Well, sometimes I do a bit of that, too, for new ones,” Carol said. “Tell them how to move their feet.” Her late husband was around boxing all his life. John’s father Walter not only boxed but also promoted fighters from the Cabbage Town Boxing Club in Toronto. John and his big brother Robert learned the ins and outs of the “sweet science” from their dad. Neither took their knocks in amateur. The two brothers plunged right into the world of professional boxing. John was 15 when he had his first fight, against a well-sea-

Troy Landreville/TIMES

Carol Skanks knelt behind some photos and memorabilia of her late husband John, who managed the Maple Ridge Boxing Club, while also training boxers. John died from congestive heart failure in January at the age of 85. The inset photo shows the late John Skanks as a 15-year-old pugilist. soned opponent, who proceeded to break the teenager’s nose. “He said, ‘no one’s ever going to hit me in the nose again,’” Carol recalled. Years later, in 1970, the couple moved to Maple Ridge and 11 years after that, John started coaching at the club, and took over from there, Carol said. “There was another coach there at the time, Glyn Jones, and Glyn went on and he was the president of Boxing BC for one term, and John took over the running of the club,” Carol said. The club was in need of need of new equipment, there were tournaments to go to, and throughout the past 30 years, in Carol’s estimation, the couple has donated roughly $60,000 of

their own money into the club. “He [John] bought a van so he could take the guys to tournaments out of town, and he would fly to national championships all across Canada,” Carol said. “Take them every year to the Blue and Gold “He was a tough Tournament in… taskmaster. ” California, Carol Skanks and that was the biggest amateur tournament in the U.S.” Phil Ransom, who said he was “intrigued” with the club, spent some time with Carol, along with the boxers and trainers. Ransom noted that Carol and John used their own money to sponsor underprivileged youth (in conjunction with KidSport),

and to send contenders to competitions as far away as Quebec, New Brunswick, and California. Life delivered a hook to John’s chin in September, 2000, when he suffered a stroke. He spent 89 days in Eagle Ridge Hospital. After his hospital stay, John was embarrassed to come back to the club. “I said [to him], ‘don’t be silly,’” Carol shared. Eventually, John returned and coached from a chair. The paralysis from the stroke affected the right side of his body, so he used his left arm to show young pugilists the proper technique.

“No monkey business with John,” Carol said. “He was a tough taskmaster. Firm but fair.” John carried on coaching, even with the crippling pain of stenosis in his lower back. Stenosis caused spinal nerve roots in his lower back to be compressed. “He went from a cane, to a walker, to that wheelchair,” Carol said, pointing in the direction of a folded up chair positioned across a room in the basement of her Maple Ridge home. “He was there [at the club] until April, three years ago, and he got very ill.” At that point, John went into Baillie House, a residential care facility, where he remained until his passing. Today, John’s legacy of keeping boxing going in Maple Ridge continues through the efforts of not only his widow, but some of his former boxers, who have taken over the coaching duties. And Carol realizes her time with the club may be coming to an end. “I’ve been involved since John had his first stroke in 2000,” she said. “Since he went into the hospital three years ago, I’ve been doing all the secretarial, banking, everything.” Alex Nelson Llarena, a boxer with the club, started coaching and last year decided to step aside. Two other well-known local pugilists, Dylan Bishop and Rick Funk, took the coaching reins. Other coaching volunteers include Brad Scott, Jason Burke, and Bill Drewitt. “The Maple Ridge Boxing Club is a testament to old time traditions,” Ransom said.

• More: www.mrtimes.com, search “Skanks”

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Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

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