Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Times October 7 2014 by Maple Ridge Times

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 It’s Fire Prevention Week – test your smoke detectors.

Page A3 • LOCAL NEWS • mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 20 PAGES

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Trustee doubts school boards useful While one trustee is questioning the role of school boards, there are still takers for the positions available in the upcoming election. 4

The 203 Street rail crossing was closed on Sunday afternoon as officials investigated the death of a teen girl who was hit by a CPR train.

Eric Zimmer/TIMES

csun@mrtimes.com

Train incident

Teen killed on railway track

A teenage female was hit by a train near the 203rd Street rail crossing on Sunday. by Eric Zimmer ezimmer@mrtimes.com

A 16-year-old Maple Ridge female is dead after she was struck by a CPR train in Maple Ridge on Sunday afternoon. Just before 1 p.m., a call came into the Ridge Meadows RCMP detachment, regarding a pedestrian on the tracks who was hit

by an eastbound CPR train, said Insp. Bryon Massie, an RCMP regional duty officer for the Lower Mainland. “There was a fatality as a result,” he told the TIMES on Sunday. The victim, Tiffany Williams, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the incident appears to have been a “tragic” and “sad” turn of events. “Tiffany was walking along the railroad tracks and it appears she did not realize there was an approaching train,” said Cpl.

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Alanna Dunlop of Ridge Meadows RCMP. “Despite all the efforts [of bystanders] to catch the teen’s attention and stop the train, it struck and killed the girl.” She noted investigators feel that the victim may have been distracted as she was wearing ear bud headphones, listening to music, and texting. Ridge Meadows RCMP are reminding citizens that the property surrounding railroad tracks is private property, and said caution must be exercised whenever persons are around the tracks or trains. Online, all the time...

by Christopher Sun

The Coroner attended to the scene and now has conduct of the investigation. Ridge Meadows RCMP, and CP Police will assist with the Coroner’s investigation, which is ongoing. The incident closed the 203 Street rail crossing in Maple Ridge, as well as the Maple Meadows Way crossing near Meadow Town Centre to traffic in all directions until about 4 p.m. A family friend created a gofundme page to help Tiffany’s family deal with the financial stress of her death.

Serving one term as school trustee was a disillusioning experience for Sarah Nelson who now believes school boards should be eliminated. And that thought has also crossed the mind of other current Maple RidgePitt Meadows school trustees as campaign season starts up. “The provincial government use trustees as scape goats and I’m not cool with that,” said Nelson, who represents Pitt Meadows and is not running for re-election. “The school board has no real power so why have one. We can’t really do anything except execute cuts for the province.” continued on page A13…

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Universities event

More than 40 university representatives will be at Meadowridge independent school on Friday, Oct. 10, to meet parents of students, looking to pursue post-secondary education. The event is open to the community and will take place in the gym from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 12224 240th Street. • More at www.mrtimes.com Discover the joys of flora and fauna in our rural areas. Liz welcomes questions at g.hancock@ uniserve.com

River Talk by Liz Hancock

Revering those trout

Most species of trout do not seem to be on the endangered list yet, with a few exceptions. But TIMES columnist and environmentalist Liz Hancock shares some insight about the cut-throat trout, and encourages readers to help keep their spawning grounds uncluttered with garbage, and the waters unpolluted.

Rick Moyer/TIMES

A wide variety of activities took place during open houses at both the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows fire halls on Saturday. The events marked the kick-off to this year’s annual Fire Prevention Week. In Pitt Meadows, three-year-old Gabriel Gimour (left) got a high-five from Sparky the Dog. In Maple Ridge, five-year-old Davis Housley showed off his own personal fire truck. The theme of this year’s campaign is all about checking and maintaining smoke alarms to make sure they are always working.

Firefighters kick off campaigns

Firefighters kicked off this year’s Country star performs Fire Prevention week on the Canadian country music star George weekend with a message. • More at www.mrtimes.com

Canyon is making his way to Maple Ridge next week as part of his Decade of Hits tour. Canyon will perform on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the ACT. Tickets are on sale and available for $37.50 through the ACT. • More at www.mrtimes.com

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Some images and advertisements in today’s edition of The TIMES have been enriched with Layar and contain digital content that you can view using your smartphone or tablet.

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by Eric Zimmer ezimmer@mrtimes.com

Working smoke alarms save lives: Test yours every month. It’s a simple but important message when it comes to fire safety, and that message is theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week. On Saturday, Sparky the Dog, along with the RCMP, Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue, and a host of others were on hand at Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge fire halls to welcome people to their annual open houses on Saturday, and to help kick off the annual fire prevention campaign. In addition, those in attendance enjoyed a kids zones, face

painting, and refreshments. “I think it went really well, said Pitt Meadows assistant fire chief Brad Perrie of the event. “We had between 200 and 300 people show up, there were a lot of families, and the weather was good.” In addition, all students in kindergarten through Grade 3 will receive a booklet this week, with activities to teach them about smoke alarms and escape planning with their family. Once these activities are completed, teachers will give the students each an entry form to take home for a parent’s signature, after which the forms will be submitted for chances to win an iPad. This year, there are five iPads being given away in the province, sponsored by the Office of the Fire Commissioner. Also up for grabs is the chance for kids to be fire chief for a day. The contest closes Nov. 4

The Panago Pizza Partnership will see firefighters accompany a Panago delivery driver on randomly selected orders between 6 and 9 p.m., each evening of the week. If all of the customer’s smoke alarms are working, and they can demonstrate a family escape plan, their Panago order will be free. If not, however, once the customer has paid for their order, the firefighters will install a working smoke alarm and provide them with information about family escape planning. For Perrie, though, the success of the day was underscored by promoting the importance of a working smoke alarm. “These things (smoke alarms) are up on the ceiling, and oftentimes no one gives them a second thought,” said Perrie. He noted this is especially important in older homes, as prior to 1979 homes weren’t

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required to have smoke alarms in them. “A lot of times in these older homes, we’ll see the alarm that’s been put in after the fact, but the battery is missing or something.” Perrie noted that smoke alarms aren’t meant so much as monitors, but as early – and often the first – warning of a fire. This early warning is especially crucial at night when people are asleep, as roughly half of home fire deaths result from night time fires, and two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms or any smoke alarms at all. That’s why this week and throughout the year, firefighters recommend people check and maintain them regularly. For more information on this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, visit www.firepreventionweek.org

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Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Brian McCristall settled into his new position as publisher of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows TIMES on Monday morning. The long-time veteran of the industry said he’s excited to take on the role.

Eric Zimmer/TIMES

Media industry

Newspaper vet takes reins Brian McCristall returns to Maple Ridge to lead TIMES’ team a

The TIMES they are a-changin’. As of this Monday, it has meant a new face at the publisher’s desk of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows TIMES. Brian McCristall has been appointed the publication’s publisher, as former publisher Shannon Balla has accepted a publisher position with the Tri Cities Now. A long-time veteran of the industry and no stranger to Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, McCristall said he identifies as a “community newspaper lifer.” He has led numerous publications in a variety of management positions over the course of his career.

McCristall said that it’s because of the people he gets to meet through these positions that he enjoys community publishing. He added that community newspapers play a crucial role in the day-to-day life of citizens. “I don’t know how you can get into the community that you’re living in more effectively than through the newspaper business,” he said. “I read newspapers every single day.” McCristall said that, because Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are bit removed from Vancouver and immediately neighbouring municipalities, they remain unique as communities with their own stories. People like to know what’s going on where they live, he added.

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12pm lunch ● 1pm fashion show Maple Ridge Legion 12101 224th Street, Maple Ridge Tickets: $20 per person includes lunch & coffee/tea

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Choose a licensed natural gas contractor Natural gas is used safely and reliably in homes across B.C. Having your natural gas appliances regularly inspected and maintained by a licensed natural gas contractor helps ensure your safety and keeps them operating at their best. Use the FortisBC Trade Ally Network directory to find a contractor in your community. Learn more at fortisbc.com/appliancesafety.

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Fundraising event featuring ‘fashion finds’ of the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society Thrift Store

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Lemonade stand

Families grateful for outpouring

A boy’s expensive surgery in the U.S. was only possible thanks to those who donated. by Troy Landreville tlandreville@mrtimes.com

The seven-year-old pals behind the most successful lemonade stand in Pitt Meadows’ history are returning to normalcy, settling into their Grade 2 school year at Hammond Elementary. On July 6, Quinn Callander and Brayden Grozdanich sold glasses of lemonade outside of the Real Canadian Superstore at Meadowtown Centre, to raise funds for an expensive surgery in New Jersey for Brayden, who has cerebral palsy. Quinn’s mom Heather Roney set up an online fundraiser prior to the sale, and it went viral, grabbing the attention of The TIMES, and subsequently other media outlets and the public, throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond. The sale raised more than $23,000 in six hours, thanks to what Quinn and Brayden’s families called a stunning outflow of support from the public. “It was amazing,” Roney recalled. “We had so much community support. The mayors from Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge were both there, the fire departments from Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge [were there]… I think we estimated probably 1,500 people came, and most of them came just to donate. They knew we were going to be there.”

Troy Landreville/TIMES

Brayden Grozdanich and his mom Toni (left), stood near the entrance Hammond Elementary with Quinn Callander and his mom Heather Roney. Brayden and Quinn attend Grade 2 at the school. Quinn said the fundraiser was “a lot” of fun. “We had all the people come and donate,” Quinn said. Combined with the sale itself, the fundraiser raised $61,487 – roughly $20,000 of which went to pay for a surgery that relieved the tightness and spastic action of muscles in Brayden’s legs and in one of his arms. The surgery, performed Aug. 7 in Summit, NJ by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Roy Nuzzo has made a world of difference for Brayden. “Now, his heel is flat to the ground,” Brayden’s mom Toni said. “He no longer walks on his tippy toes.” “We’ve seen so much of him, and it’s a huge difference,” Roney added. “He’s able to walk without a brace… and he can walk with his foot flat on the ground. It’s given him a lot more freedom to just be a kid.” Within hours of the surgery, Brayden’s family saw

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dramatic differences in the boy. “Before, he couldn’t open his hand all the way open, or even to shake your hand [and] now he can,” Toni said. “He was never able to raise his arm straight over his head, now he can. Now he needs a little strength training to get the muscles to memory.” Pre-surgery, Brayden wasn’t not able to cross his legs by himself without teetering and falling backwards. The operation changed that. “He did that himself within four days,” said Toni, who added that her son has more confidence, now. “Right now, he just has to believe he can do it,” she added. “He’s just not used to doing it. He’s more stable, that’s for sure.”

Making this possible: the generosity of donors from Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and beyond. “It was so overwhelming,” Toni said. “We never expected that. We felt like celebrities. It was wonderful, it was something we’ll never forget. It’s given me a new hope for humanity. It’s enlightened me, a lot.” Brayden and Quinn are not only schoolmates, they are also in the same Beaver Scout group. “I’d say they are pretty much best buddies,” Roney said. “We play games, we basically have fun together,” Quinn said. A little more than a month after the surgery, the two buddies and their moms went on a California adventure together, appearing on the show The Doctors on Sept. 19 (the show aired on Oct. 1) and going to Disneyland a few days later. “It’s been a whirlwind of a summer,” Toni said. Quinn said Disneyland was a highlight. “We went on all the rides, of course, and we went on the Tower of Terror,” he said. “I did not like it, though.” Not only has this experience brought the boys even closer, the families have gotten to know each other, as well. “We were friends before, but now we’re very close friends, that’s for sure,” Roney said.

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Downtown Maple Ridge is stunning in autumn when the leaves on our tree lined streets start to dance around the sidewalk. Fall is when everything gets cozier and a little more pumpkin flavoured. The phenomenon started with Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte which became the official flavour of fall. Now Pumpkin Spice flavoured products are popping up everywhere: Pumpkin spice M&M’s, pumpkin spice Oreos dunked into pumpkin spice soy milk and even pumpkin spice beer.

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Just wandering through downtown Maple Ridge to explored what unique Pumpkin Spice items I could find in our local businesses. First stop: Trevi for some Pumpkin Pie Gelato. Somewhat skeptical at the bright orange colour but after one bite I was hooked! Fully intending to share, to avoid consuming too many calories, but once the gelato hit my lips I couldn’t stop eating it. REALLY loved the pumpkin pie gelato, because it tasted very real not like synthetic fake stuff, often found in flavoured products. This will be an amazing addition to your Thanksgiving menu! Next door is T’s. Owner Cindy-Lea, steeped me a cup of delicious Pumpkin Spiced black tea. This is a cozy loose leave tea, with only natural ingredients. The flavor was subtle with just the right amount of spice. Cindy-Lea says, “Because the quality of tea is so nice, we don’t want to mask the integrity of the tea leaves”. What a treat and the best part? NO fat or calories! Pumpkin Spice tea is a best seller in the fall, $6.75 for 50 grams, enough for 25 cups of tea! Purdy’s Chocolates re-opened in Haney Place Mall after closing temporarily for renovations. At the grand opening I was greeted by Filbert, a giant Hedgehog; had to take a selfie and then...... headed straight to the counter to find delightful Pumpkin Spice treats. I bit into the milk chocolate shell of the Pumpkin Spice Truffle and my mouth was filled with pumpkiny goodness. The filling had hints of ginger and nutmeg which made this treat extra decadent. The Pumpkin Spice Truffle is only available for a limited time; $10 for 7 pieces. Across the mall find Haney Bakery, famous for their happy face cookies. If you aren’t a huge fan of Pumpkin Spice, they carry cookies in the shape of pumpkins. What a great treat for kids and a nostalgic delight for adults who grew up with Haney Bakery. Better buy a whole dozen of these cookies, once you start eating them you can’t stop! More a Pumpkin Purist? You must head over to Delizie Bakery on Dewdney. They have lovely Pumpkin muffins, loaves and pumpkin cheesecake. This cheesecake is unreal! I would suggest ordering now, and wow your family at Thanksgiving dinner. Trying to watch your figure; maybe embrace the Pumpkin trend in other ways. The ladies at Welcome Home turned tiny pumpkins into wonderful home décor, painting them with their line of Cece Caldwell products and finishing them off with a metallic glaze. Find Welcome Home in Haney Home Hardware, it is the place to find inspiration for all of your DIY projects. Maple Ridge Florist found a stunning way to use mini pumpkins in their flower arrangements. One is sitting on my desk as I write this article and every time it catches my eye, I forget about the rain streaming down my window and embrace everything that fall has to offer. Embracing autumn in Maple Ridge is a fabulous experience, thanks to the wonderful people who run and own our downtown businesses. Remember to shop where you live and support local business; you won’t regret it!

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Tuesday, October 7, 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.

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Our View

Only working detectors work Working smoke alarms save lives. They’re words to live by, and quite appropriately, they’re the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week. Many times we’ve all been apprised of the importance of having smoke alarms in our homes. They save lives. It’s what we’re told, and it really doesn’t take being told to realize that that must be true – it’s simple common sense. Smoke detectors have been the focus of Fire Prevention Weeks several times over the years, which further emphasizes the importance attributed to them by professional fire responders – the folks who certainly know better than the rest of us how effective and necessary they are. They are the folks who get to clean up the mess when fire breaks out in a home where no smoke detectors have been installed… or when the smoke alarms that were installed didn’t work. It’s true that smoke detectors aren’t one hundred per cent effective – but the numbers work out very much in favour of lives saved (or homes that have been rescued from total oblivion). It’s like seat belts in your car – they might not save your life in a serious situation, but your odds of survival are greatly enhanced. But smoke detectors only work if they… well… work. And that’s the real focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week: make sure your smoke detector isn’t just installed, but that it is working properly. Past campaigns have prompted us all to test our smoke detectors at the time changes from Standard Time to Daylight Saving Time in spring and the other way each fall. And while that’s better than letting your detectors slowly die and become ineffective on your ceilings and walls, the push now is to advance our efforts towards monthly checks. Seriously, it’s your life and the lives of your family that we’re talking about. – B.G.

This Week’s Question Are your home and family prepared to survive an outbreak of fire?

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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.

Quick and dirty

Quick and clean

25 %

Not at all

18 %

I love democracy

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Elections? There’s an election?

11 %

How do you like your municipal elections?

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.

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Opinion

Spiders, politicians seek love Don’t tell me that it’s “spider Thanks to one of those remindseason” and that this is the time ers of spiders, this one from the of year they come indoors. Royal BC Museum, I learned And you really needn’t bother something I didn’t know before. with the “but not to worry, I’m well aware of the meanthey’re not dangerous at all.” ingless platitudes that they’re I’m not listening. harmless, that they aren’t known I’d rather not know that it’s spito carry disease or bacteria that der season, thank you very much. does us damage, and that their And I prefer to ignore that they venom doesn’t affect us negacome indoors at this time of year. tively (which is true for the most My chance encounters with the part, but not a universal fact, as by Bob Groeneveld beasts are bad enough, I don’t there are a few relatively rare need to be thinking about them spiders in these parts whose bites – worrying about them – fretting pack quite a wallop). about them – obsessing on them – all day long. It doesn’t matter that they’re “innocent.” They And all night. still give people like me the creeps at a visceral, That’s when they’re the worst: when they uncontrollable level. might be there, peering at me from their dark But it is cool to learn that spiders don’t come corners, but I can’t know for sure. indoors at this time of year to get out of the I’ve developed a number of strategies to bring rain and cold. Instead, it’s the spiders’ season of my arachnophobia to heel. Chief among them is love, and it’s mostly just males who accidentto imagine that they do not exist. To go about ally stumble inside while scrounging around for my day-to-day business deliberately oblivious to something to mate with. their predatory concealment. Indeed, the parallels between spiders and politI simply pretend that there are no spiders in icians are manifold. my universe. Neither are inherently evil. They aren’t bad, Well… it’s not that simple, really, as the per se, just creepy. It’s the way they move, hidreminders are difficult to ignore: single strings of ing quietly in cracks and corners and only comalmost invisible silk catching on clothing, hair… ing out to suck the lifeblood out of whatever faces! Argggh. around them comes easy to hand. And the orb spinners’ dew-besparkled webs Like spiders, there are some varieties of politstrung through the trees lull us, deceive us with icians that bother some people less than they do their beauty, particularly at this time of year. others. Spider season. Some people fear only the big ones, while The time of year when spiders come indoors. others are creeped out mostly be the small ones. I’ve tried the same with politicians, ignoring Some people’s arachnophobia centres on the them and hoping close encounters simply won’t dark, brooding ones, others can’t stand the hairy happen. ones. But they always do. It’s spider season. Like spiders, they’ll just pop up unexpectedly And it’s also politician season. Except politor someone says something or does something icians, instead of coming indoors, come out of that shatters my personal reality, and there they the woodworks at this time of year. are, flooding into my consciousness and wreakDon’t step on them. They’re just looking for ing havoc on my existence. some love.

Odd Thoughts

Environment

Benefits outweigh emissions

Dear Editor, I do agree with Elizabeth J. Rosenau that climate change is real on a global basis [Conservatives ignore climate, Sept. 30 Letters, TIMES]. Her concerns are real, as most of us can agree, watching the news on a daily basis. But she has no facts; she goes on and on, ranting about nuclear to war, drought, and superstorms. the As usual, she and other socialists love to rant about the Conservative government. The following facts are global CO2 emissions by country in millions of tons: China, 9,977; USA, 5,233; India, 2,407; Russia, 1,812; Japan, 1,246; Germany, 759; South Korea, 61; Iran, 611; Saudi Arabia, 519; and Canada, 503. The world total is 36,131.

Letters

Canada is responsible for 1.39 per cent of world totals. The much maligned oil sands produce only five per cent of Canada’s total emissions, but contribute greatly to Canada’s economy, adding, 640,000 years of employment in operations over the next 25 years, plus 84,000 person years of employment during the construction phase. Add in multi-billions of dollars in goods and taxes. In total, the oil sands are expected to add $1.7 trillion to Canada’s GDP over the next 25 years. Please excuse Prime Minister Stephen Harper; he has bigger agendas to attend to than spending one per cent of his time pleasing the NDP. Jim Bulpitt, Maple Ridge

Editor

Teachers

Unions, like others, never satisfied

Dear Editor, When unions started, it was about safety, fair pay, and protecting the workers from corrupt employers. The union system then morphed into improving working conditions and creating benefits. Next, the unions demanded less work for more pay (shorter workdays, vacation time, stat holidays, set

N omi n ees Luncheon

editorial@mrtimes.com

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

quotas for work output). After they have achieved all these goals, they felt and continue to feel unsatisfied. Why are they unhappy when they have a lifestyle and paycheck that rivals the norm? Because human nature always demands more, even if self-interest damages everyone else’s prospects. Unions, capitalists, average workers, and

Election 2014

Tough time for new council

Dear Editor, Mayor Walters announced that she will not be running for re-election this November. Queen Walters has overseen a fat pay raise for herself, which I’m sure she will continue to collect until the end of her term. Meanwhile, resident taxpayers are left with the departing mayor’s legacy: everything from a number of city staff making over $100,000 per year, and our small fire department which has a fire chief and two deputies, all making over $100,000 per year. The library was moved into a new building with an expensive lease because it was too expensive to renovate the old building. Then that same building was renovated anyway, as the offices of the Pitt Meadows Economic Development Corp. Let’s not forget the farmland north of the Lougheed Highway that the Mayor supported removing from the Agricultural Land Reserve. Between trying to keep property taxes down and trying to move forward, the new mayor and council will have a tough time. Best of luck to them! Archie Blankers, Pitt Meadows

What you’re telling us on Facebook

• CP Rail is preparing to do some repairs to the Harris Road rail crossing at the end of

the month, and the project will cause traffic disruptions and cost taxpayers quarter of a million dollars. Readers shared their thoughts… “With the amount of cars going down Harris Road now, an overpass should be considered… with CP paying, as the trains are getting longer and longer… I have no idea what the price would be, but they could check with Port Coquitlam and see who paid what for their overpass over the tracks. It works awesome and no delays! A lot of safety concern, too, with kids going to school…” – Marlene Bruder “Awesome idea… Copy the Poco overpass.” – Allison Welters “I would love to see the breakdown costs for that bid. Someone’s making a NICE profit margin.” – Joleen Watson “Finally. My coffee spills EVERY time going over that crossing.” – Vicki Magnison

Share your views. Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MapleRidgePittMeadowsTimes

politicians all share this trait. Looking at the labour strife between the government and teachers, my mind as a parent and citizen is clear. Teachers have a tough job, but then, lots of people do. Teachers are well educated, but so are many who make significantly less. Teachers’ work can greatly benefit society in the long run, but the same can be said for many professional endeavours, from people who are paid less and work just as hard. In 2008 the world changed, and collectively, governments discovered that continued deficits in the long run can ruin everybody’s chances for success, if not survival. As unpopular as it may be, fiscal restraint is a must, or we will have austerity programs like Europe’s. A large (even if deserved) raise to the teachers would have signalled other public centre unions to demand the same, leading to financial ruin of this province. Kathryn Witwicki, Maple Ridge

Appreciation

Article strong

Dear Editor, Just wanted to thank you so much for your very strong article about Kris Harrison, and arthritis being a pain [Pain in the back pocket, Sept. 25 Our View, TIMES]. You took a great approach with it, and it has definitely garnered attention. Our community is thrilled with how you represented the information along with your insightful comments. Thanks for putting the statistics in there – you did an amazing job of helping to educate and create awareness. Thank you. Carrie Gadsby, The Arthritis Society For more letters to the editor visit... www.mrtimes.com – Click on Opinion/Letters.

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.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

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Opinion

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Crusades

The Blue Mountain Elementary PAC is pleased to announce the grand opening of our new playground on October 10, 2014

Canada’s foreign policy bombs

ast week Prime out on that, but it really Minister Stephen doesn’t matter. Harper authorized For some reason, Canada our military force to is sending six aging CF18 join the new “crusade” in fighter jets, two surveilthe Middle East and drop lance planes, a refueling bombs on “targets” in Iraq, plane, and another one which is next door to Syria for airlift with 600 supand Turkey. port troops to the crusade. Without getting into a Surprisingly, no one has scholastic debate, legend pointed out the fact we by Gordy Robson has it that, until 500 AD, have to set up a new base the majority of the resiin Qatar instead of using dents of what we now know as Syria, the secret Canadian base in Dubai which Egypt and Turkey were Christians we were given 30 days notice to vacate (Coptics reporting to Rome). in 2010. But that is another story. Harper Somewhere in this era, a new religion made being Canadian a bad word in based on the same book flourished, and Dubai, with his treatment of the Dubai by 1,000 AD, the teachings of the Prophet government. Mohammad became the religious views In a strange move, Harper made of the majority. Canada the only country to limit its For the next few centuries, Western bombing to Iraq, and promised not to Europeans organized crusades to take the bomb ISIS in Syria without getting perland back. To be called a crusade, you mission from Syrian President Asad. had to have the Pope’s blessing. Last year Harper called for military For an interesting story, google “King action against the Asad regime and made Louis the Ninth of France.” After leadit clear he wants to see Asad removed ing a crusade and getting his butt kicked, from power. In 2012 Foreign Affairs he was captured and held for ransom. Minister John Baird accused the Asad Sounds familiar. After his release, King regime of barbarity. Now, apparently, Louis spent five years fortifying Syrian Harper is proposing that we become cities. quasi partners with Asad. Canadian forThe influence of the First and Second eign policy is obviously in shambles. World Wars resulted in Turkey losing Despite all of this, there is just somecontrol over the area, which resulted in thing that doesn’t feel right about the formation of new countries, with no Harper’s decision to send F18’s halfway regard for tribal and cultural heritage. around the world to bomb anyone. Prime Minister Harper, after listening Canada would be much more suited to to the polls and political advisors, asked send relief to the millions of refugees the President Obama if we could come and attacks have created. drop bombs, too. PM Harper said he was Just saying… – Gordy Robson’s column appears Tuesdays in print and/or fulfilling a request from the U.S., and online versions of The TIMES. Reactions can be sent to Obama’s people are saying that Harper editorial@mrtimes.com asked for a military role. The Jury is

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Showcasing some of this community’s people and happenings

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A few dozen people – TD staff members and community volunteers, came together to plant 300 trees in the Albion Bike Skills Park on Sunday, in east Maple Ridge. It was an initiative of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. Maple Ridge was one of 18 B.C. sites picked to be a recipient on TD Tree Day. Story and more photos online at www.mrtimes.com. Rick Moyer/TIMES

Rick Moyer/TIMES

www.mrtimes.com

most 300 new ll helped plant al ad Charlotte Mitche rk on Jackson Ro on Bike Skills Pa y. Da ee Tr TD trees at the Albi e g th on Sunday, durin

More Photos Online

In a joint effort between Lower Mainland Green Team and the Alouette River Management Society, there was an invasive plant cleanup at Allco Park on Saturday. Among those participating, was Gurjiv Dhami.

Jonathan d Rick Moyer/ TIMES e Haan, five , chowed d on a donut. own His reward for a lot of work durin hard g the TD Tr ee Day at th e Albion Bike Skills Park.

na Chapman g age: Marle the team n u yo a at g Starting off were amon es Schmidt ounds of p 0 30 and Merced d ve s who remo n Saturday. of volunteer Allco Park o m o fr ts n invasive pla

Jen Baillie and Darlene Slevin were among the volunteers who helped remove a number of invasive plants from Allco Park Saturday.

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.

The Allc oP Dhason, ark cleanup tea m Kiran Bra r, Greta included (left to Caproff, Cunning Jen Bail right) So li ha e, p and dau ghter up Ray Sanborg, D m, Gurjiv Dham hia i, a front in Chapma pink are rlene Slevin, an Charly n. d Mercede s Schmid the mom t and M arlena

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Education

French immersion still popular About 10 per cent of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows students are enrolled in French immersion programs. by Christopher Sun

csun@mrtimes.com

Parlez-vous Francais? An increasing number of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows students can answer yes or “oui” to that question, according to a report released last week. In the past school year, 1,474 were enrolled in French Immersion, or 10.1 per cent of students in the school district, which is higher than the provincial average of 8.8 per cent, according to the 2014 State of French Second Language in BC and Yukon report, released by Canadian Parents for French. Despite a 4.8 per cent or a 732-student drop in overall school enrolment in the past six years, French Immersion enrolment decreased by only 2.6 per cent or about 40 students. Province-wide, French Immersion enrolment increased 16 consecutive years.

“We believe French programs are popular in Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows because they are widely recognized by parents as providing young students with the tools and experiences that will enrich their lives and help them prepare for the future,” said Patti Holm, Canadian Parents for French BC and Yukon, in a press release. “We urge parents, educators, and local decision-

makers to work together to plan for French immersion growth and to improve learning outcomes through standardized benchmarks and authentic learning experiences.” Three elementary schools offer early French immersion: Pitt Meadows, Eric Langton, and Laity View. Both Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge Secondary offer French immersion to

high school students. Late immersion, for students enrolling into Grade 4, was offered at Golden Ears, but not this year. “We didn’t have the enrolment numbers to offer it this year,” said school district communications manager Irena Pochop. “Which is good news, because a lot of kids are actually starting in early immersion, in Kindergarten.”

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Tuesday, October 7, 2014

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Sitting trustees prefer to ‘make the best of it’ for sake of the community that is not the case here, Rempel added, explaining such uniqueness is what school board work with. However after almost 20 years as trustee, he is unsure if he’ll run again. “I’m going to decide this week, by Friday,” Rempel said, adding he’s in his 70s. “I was young yesterday, I’m not young tomorrow.” Trustee Eleanor Palais is “98 per cent sure” that she will seek a third trustee term. She accepts the

limitations the elected position has, but feels she can continue working within the confines to better the education system. “We get yelled at and we have no power but rather then get sucked down that abysmal hole, we know what we can do and we can make the best of it,” Palais said. Susan Carr is definitely running for a third term. She sees her trustee role as being a grassroots advocate.

“I’m not really a politician, just a mom who took my activism to a different level,” Carr said. “Some groups say we are not active enough but there is only so much we can do without breaking the law.” “The last two budget rounds were quite horrendous. People need to elect trustees that are more willing to take a stand.” School boards are legally required to run balanced budgets or face being fired

by the provincial government, which happened in 2012 when the Cowichan school board submitted a deficit budget. Input from teachers and parents are considered when difficult decisions are made, such as cuts Carr added, which would not happen without a locally, elected board. Ken Clarkson is also running for a third term. He feels the board could do more advocating for students and should be more political.

“We need to elect trustees who are willing to take a stronger, political stand,” Clarkson said. “The school board needs to inform the public on what’s going on and get the public involved. The government won’t change unless the people demand it.” Calls to trustee Kathy Marshall were not returned by press time. Nominations are being accepted for school board and councils until Friday. Election day is Nov. 15.

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Seven trustees are elected to the school board, five representing Maple Ridge and two representing Pitt Meadows. Trustees receive almost $19,303 annually, plus expenses, with the chair and vice chair paid an additional $3,000 and $1,500, respectively. Nelson, who has three children, said because the province controls the purse strings, and with education funding decreasing every year, trustees had to make cuts they didn’t want to make, and then “get yelled at” by parents and teachers. “It’s a pretty thankless job,” Nelson added, explaining the recent teachers strike solidified her opinion on turfing school boards. “The only power we have is to cut, cut, cut and everyone hates you.” During the strike, school board chair Mike Murray considered not running for re-election, frustrated that trustees had no say in contract negotiations. But he submitted his nomination forms last week. “I can totally appreciate and understand the frustration Sarah had,” Murray said. “I understand it first hand but I have chosen to use that frustration as my motivation to try and make a difference.” In the past three years, the school district has seen a $12-million cut in provincial funding, Murray explained. While trustees have no say in funding, he sees the school board as elected, local advocates for public education. He, along with other trustees, has been working on making the B.C. School Trustees Association, which represent B.C.’s 60 school boards, a stronger voice for trustees on the provincial level, believing a combined voice is stronger than districts advocating individually. “We need to be taking a different approach,” Murray said. “I believe if you don’t like something, change it. It maybe a naive perspective but throughout my career, I have always looked at problems in that way.” Long-time trustee and retired educator Dave Rempel also believes school boards serve an important purpose. “If we don’t have a school board, all the decisions would be made in Victoria,” Rempel said, who was first elected in 1996. “What the board does is reflect local perspectives and values which are different from West Vancouver to the Kootenays.” In Vancouver, half the student population doesn’t speak English, while

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@The Hyundai names, logos, product names, feature names, images and slogans are trademarks owned by Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. ‡Cash price of $10,959/$19,959/$17,544/$17,959/$14,959 available on all remaining new In stock 2014 Accent L 6-speed Manual/2014 Tucson 2.0L GL FWD Manual/2014 Elantra GT L 6 Speed Manual/2014 Veloster Manual/2015 Elantra L Manual models. Prices include Delivery and Destination charges of $1,595/$1,760/$1,595/$1,695/$1,595, Prices exclude registration, Insurance, PPSA, fees, leavies, license fees, applicable taxes and dealer admin. Fees of up to $499. Fees may vary by dealer. Delivery and Destination charge includes freight, P.D.E. and a full tank of gas. Financing example: 2015 Elantra L 6-Speed Manual for $17,594 at 0% per annum equals $92 bi-weekely for 94 months for a totall obligation of $14,959. $0 down payment required. Cash price is $14,959. Cost of Borrowing is $0. Example price includes Delivery and Destination of $1,595, fees, levies and all applicable charges. Prices exclude registration, insurance, PPSA, license fees and dealer admin. fees of up to $499. Fees may vary by dealer. ◊Leasing offer available O.A.C. from Hyundai Financial Services based on a new 2015 Sonata GL with an annual lease rate of 1.9%. BI-Weekly lease payment of $119 for a 36-month walk-away lease. Down payment of $2,750 and first monthly payment required. Total lease obligation is $12,032. Lease offer includes Delivery and Destination of $1,695. Lease offer excludes registration, Insurance, PPSA, fees, levies, license fees, applicable taxes and dealer admin. fees of up to $499. Fees may very by dealer. $0 security deposit on all models. 20,000 km allowance per year applies. Additional charge of $0.12/km on all models except Genesis sedan and Equus Where additional charge is $0.25/km. Delivery and Destination charge includes freight, P.D.E. and a full tank of gas. Ω Price adjustments are calculated against the vehicle’s starting price. price adjustments of up to $4,185/$3,400/$2,500/ $3,685,/$4,000/$7,500/$2,635 available on in stock 2014 Accent L6-speed Manual/2014 Tucson 2.0L GL FWD Manual/2014 Elantra GT L6 Speed Manual/2014 Veloster Manual/2014 Santa Fe Sport 2.0 Limited w/Saddle AWD/2014 Genesis Genesis coupe 3.8L GT/2015 Elantra L Manual. Price adjustments applied before taxes. offer cannot be combined or used in Conjunction with any other available offers. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be assigned. No vehicle trade-in required. t Prices of models shown: 2014 Accent 4 Door GLS/2014 Tucson 2.4L Limited AWD/2014 Elantra GT SE w/Tech/2014 Veloster Tech/Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Limited AWD/2014 Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT Auto/ 2015 Elantra Limited/2015 Sonata Limited are $18,799/$33,599/$26,799/25,199/$39,099/38,999/25,649/$32,999. Prices include Delivery and Destination charges of $1,595/$1,760/1,595/$1,695/$1,795/$1,695/$1,595/$1,695, any dealer admin fees, registration, insurance, PPSA, fees, levies charges, license fees and all applicable taxes are excluded. rThe Hyundai Accent/Elantra received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among small/compact car in the proprietary J.D.Power 2014 initial Quality StudyTM (IQS). Study based on responses from 86,118 new-vehicle owners, measuring 239 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Propriety study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jopower.com. Offers available for a limited time and subject to change or cancellation without notice. Dealer May sell for less. Inventory is limited, Dealer order may be required. Visit www.hyundaicanada.com or see dealer for complete details. The SiriusXMTM name is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Hyundai’s Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage covers most vehicle components against defects in workmanship under normal use and maintenance conditions. cancellation without notice. Dealer May sell for less. Inventory is limited, Dealer order may be required. Visit www.hyundaicanada.com or see dealer for complete details. The SiriusXMTM name is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Hyundai’s Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage covers most vehicle components against defects in workmanship under normal use and maintenance conditions.

MAPLE RIDGE

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

Sports On Deck

Season kicks off Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary’s Grade 8 football team kicks off their season today. The team will do battle against Chilliwack’s GW Graham, and the game begins at 3:15 p.m. at SRT. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Recreation

Patrick Bartolo photo

Close call It was close, but in the end, the Pitt Meadows Marauders football squad emerged the victor in a match against Chilliwack’s GW Graham on the weekend. Playing at home, the boys in green defeated the GW Grizzlies by a score of 27-26. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”

Cash announced Two local sports organizations are set to receive more than $37,000 in support, thanks to provincial Community Gaming Grants. The Maple Ridge Skating Club will receive an influx of $31,000, while the Ridge Meadows Speed Skating Association is set to pocket $6,875. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”

Pitt represents Pitt Meadows soccer player Brianna Morrsion’s season is going solid, along with her teammates as part of the Simon Fraser University Clan. • More online: www.mrtimes.com, click on “Sports”

Send your scores and game reports to sports@mrtimes.com

Did you know?

There is no referral necessary. Just come in and ask to see a counsellor.

604.467.5179 www.alouetteaddictions.org Reach The TIMES' sports •desk: Phone: 604-463-2281 or email: sports@mrtimes.com

Junior B hockey

Flames look to snap three-game skid

Conference cellar-dwelling Ridge Meadows is searching for a winning solution. by Troy Landreville tlandreville@mrtimes.com

The Marauders scored a tight victory at home this weekend.

A15

The Langley Knights celebrated their second goal as a pair of Ridge Meadows Flames skated back to their bench Thursday at the George Preston Recreaton Centre in Brookswood. Troy Landreville/TIMES

What’s up with the Ridge Meadows Flames? That’s a question head coach Jamie Fiset and his junior B hockey team are trying to figure out, as they try to stem the bleeding of a three-game losing skid. During the slide, the Flames have been outscored by a collective 21-5 count. After opening their Pacific Junior Hockey League season with two straight victories, the Flames have gone 1-5 and currently occupy the Harold Brittain Conference cellar with a 3-5 mark. “The way our league has been this year, it’s been very unpredictable,” Fiset said. “You can take the standings one week, and flip them over the next week. It’s been a very up-and-down season for a lot of teams.” Case in point: the defending PJHL champion Aldergrove Kodiaks have lost their last two games. “Every team goes through it,” Fiset said. “We are trying to keep it positive and keep it constructLangley Knights 9, Flames 3 ive, right now.” Thursday at the George Preston The Flames’ latest losses have Recreation Centre in Brookswood, come to the Richmond Sockeyes the Knights pounded the Flames and Langley Knights. 9-3. Richmond Sockeyes 6, Flames 1 The turning point came with The Tom Shaw Conference perthe score tied 3-3 in the second ennial powerhouse Sockeyes travperiod. elled to Planet That’s when the Ice on Friday and Knights scored dominated the Ridge Meadows four unanswered Flames, outshootgoals. Flames home game ing them 45-22 Langley’s Levi Who: Flames vs. Aldergrove while winning by De Waal scored a Kodiaks a five-goal marpair of goals 2:02 Where: Planet Ice gin. apart to make it 5Richmond led When: Friday, Oct. 10, starting 3 Knights. 1-0 after the first at 7:30 p.m. Carson Rose and period and 4-1 Colin Catchpole, Tickets: At the door after 40 minutes on a Knights before scoring the power play, only two goals of the third period. rounded out the period’s scoring. Ken Takahashi tallied twice “We had really bad breakdowns for the Sockeyes, with Matthew and that hurt us,” Fiset said. Bissett, Daniel Oakley, Troy “We’re giving up way too many Kaczynski, and Evan Thomas odd man rushes.” scoring the other goals for The Flames, who trailed 3-1 Richmond. after the opening frame, got goals Shawn Tilton’s unassisted goal 34 seconds apart from Andrew at the 17:12 mark of the second Strelezki and Tilton during the period was all the offence the second minute of the middle stanFlames could muster. za to tie the score.

AT, E W OS T U YO T N EY. A N W O WE EM H T T U O B A OT N T S JU

Ridge Meadows opened the a Langley power play with 2:54 to scoring on a power play goal from go in regulation. Jordan Rendle, Catchpole led the 3:15 after the Knights attack opening puck with two drop. goals and The Knights two assists. rallied with De Waal talthree unanlied twice and swered goals, added a helper off the sticks for a threeof Donovan point night. Shambeau, Knights goalJacob Fricks, tender Nickolas and Mitchell Trenciansky Biermann. had a strong Biermann’s night, stopping goal, on 33 of 36 shots. a Langley The Flames power play will look to snap with 2:46 the skid Friday Troy Landreville/TIMES remaining when they host Langley Knight Mitchell Bierman in the openthe Kodiaks at n and Ridge Meadows Flame Grant Rostvig ing frame, Planet Ice, with a tracked the puck after they faced off during chased 7:30 p.m. openThursday’s Pacific Junior Hockey League gam Flames goaling puck drop. e. tender Kurt Then, on Klimek from Saturday, Ridge the net. Meadows travels to the Mission The hosts scored the only two Leisure Centre for a date with the goals of the third period from Mission City Outlaws. Game time Jackson Surbey and Catchpole, on is 6:45 p.m.

fitness for only

.50 PER WEEK*

on a 1 year membership ($59 enrollment fee required)

Offer Available at Pitt Meadows Women’s Club Only

*When joining, you will be required to pay a $59 enrollment fee + applicable tax based on the purchase of a 1 year membership. Bi-weekly payments will commence based on your start date. No additional fees are required above the regular membership fee. Membership fees vary based on club and the selected membership option chosen. Offer valid at Pitt Meadows Women’s Club only. Please check goodlifefitness.com or with club for hours of operation. Other conditions apply, see club for details.

goodlifeﬁtness.com

Meadowtown Centre Women’s Club 201-19800 Lougheed Hwy, 2nd ﬂoor Real Canadian Superstore

604-460-0348

A16

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

JOB FAIR

Oct. 15: Free BBQ

Post events by email 10 days in advance to:

editorial@ mrtimes.com

What’s On

www.mrtimes.com

• Community Living hosts its annual free barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Greg Moore Youth Centre. Info: Susanne at 604-466-4449 or email susanne.eddy@gov. bc.ca.

Oct. 15: Dance

for Persons with Disabilities

• Romulo Larrea Tango Trio plays the ACT at 7:30 p.m. This ensemble’s performances introduce people to some of the most sensual music and dance forms of the 20th century. Tickets and info at www.thactmapleridge.org.

Oct. 16: George Canyon

Oct. 7: Caregiver support

• A support group for caregivers, family and friends of people with Parkinson’s disease goes from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, including location, please call Julie at 604-459-9071 or email djlloyd1@shaw.ca, or Joannne at 604-462-9735, or email joanne. long@shaw.ca.

Oct. 7: Featured poet

• Holy Wow Poets recital at the ACT

begins at 7 p.m. and features Helene Levasseur.

Oct. 8: Support group

• A support meeting for those with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers, families and friends will be held at the Ridge Meadows Senior Centre from 2 to 4 p.m. Info: Peta at 604-463-1332 or rpcoco@telus.net, or Edith at 604-463-6018, or elliotte12@telus.net.

Oct. 11: Meet the candidates

• Haney Farmers Market hosts a “Meet

the Candidate at the Market” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Bandstand at Memorial Peace Park.

Oct. 12: Toy show • The Greater Vancouver Diecast Toy show takes place at the Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $10 until 9:30 a.m., and $4 beginning at 10 a.m. Kids 12 and under get in free. The show features 25 vendor tables.

• Award-winning Canadian country music star, George Canyon performs. The show features special guest Jordan McIntosh and takes place at the ACT at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $37.50. Info: www.theactmapleridge.ca.

Oct. 17: Children’s choir • Maple Ridge Christian School (MRCS) hosts a performance by the African Children’s Choir and MRCS students at 7 p.m. Tickets are free and can be obtained at the school, located at 12140 203 St., Mon to Fri between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Oct. 17: Golden Harvest • Golden Harvest, a tasting show that highlights the talents of local chefs and culinary arts students, and celebrates local food, takes place at the ACT from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets and info: Kim.GoldenHarvest@gmail.com.

Oct. 19: Fashion show • Ridge Meadows Hospice Society hosts its 5th annual fall fashion show at the Maple Ridge Legion. Event includes luncheon, followed by the 1 p.m. show. Tickets and more info at www.ridgemeadowshospicesociety. com or call 604-463-7722.

Thursday, October 23, 2014 12:30pm - 3:30pm Firefighters Banquet & Conference Centre 6515 Bonsor Street,Burnaby, BC The job fair is exclusively for job seekers with a disability. It will feature employers committed to an inclusive workforce, as well as local service providers. See you there!

Questions? Please contact:

Oct. 20: AGM

Neil Squire Society 604.637.3577 info@neilsquire.ca

• Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Youth

Centre Society hosts AGM at 5 p.m. Info: Angie: arowell@telus.net or 604-837-4812. • Full list: www.mrtimes.com

www.neilsquire.ca

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