www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B1
community MARKETPLACE 2012
Businesses in our community sharing their expertise, products and services
Serving Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows since 1978
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B2 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Three generations in, local family business still going strong
When Jack Sheppard opened Haney Sewing and Sound in 1969, he never imagined that four decades and two generations later his business would still be around. Jack was originally employed with the Singer Sewing Company for 20 years and was one of their top producing sales people across the country. When they closed the location he was working at he was offered a position in management. After some soul searching Jack decided to follow his entreprenurial spirit and open his own retail sewing machine store. Over the years the store has expanded to include electronics, home theatre, appliances and vacuum cleaners. His sons Dave and Don Sheppard now co-own the store, and according to Dave, business is still booming. “My brother and I are the second generation and we have
a third generation [Sheppard] that’s working here now. It’s fun to see. My father is happy that his business has stayed in
machines, and vacuums. The store, open seven days a week, now carries audio devices, home theatre
“Allying ourselves with the Audio Video Unlimited franchise helps us with buying power and marketing. It gives us a lot more clout with the vendors ... With the addition of electronics under our belt, we now have everything under one roof.” – Dave Sheppard. the family and that we’re still running it successfully.” Located on the corner of 224 Street and Dewdney Trunk Road, the 42-year-old business is still going strong. In 2001, the Sheppard brothers joined the Audio Video Unlimited franchise and merged the two businesses into a one-stop shop for appliances, electronics, sewing
systems, and vacuums, along with televisions, home appliances and sewing machines. It also provides a range of custom installation services, from basic television setups to home automation, as well as vacuum and sewing machine repairs. Priced competitively, Haney Sewing and Sound also does ad checks to make sure they match
any big-box store’s prices. They also give a 30-day price protection guarantee, meaning if a product was purchased and later went on sale, the difference would be returned to the customer. “Allying ourselves with the Audio Video Unlimited franchise helps us with buying power and marketing. It gives us a lot more clout with the vendors,” Dave Sheppard said. Not only does Haney Sewing and Sound provide modern and new products in one place, it also provides a friendly and knowledgeable staff, who ensure every customer is well taken care of. “Our staff is great. Every one of us comes in to work with a great attitude and we have a lot of fun doing our jobs. It’s a good group of people working here,” Sheppard said. Plus we’re a local store, our product knowledge is far better and the
Dave Sheppard, Co-Owner
Five consumer tips 1 Sound is half the movie experience so don’t forget the audio.
2 Good speakers often last 10-15 years so invest in quality sound.
3 If esthetics are important to you, consider wallmounting your television and using on-wall speakers.
4 A programmable universal remote can eliminate clutter, dramatically simplify use of your system, and save marriages.
5 Home automation can simplify your life–imagine having all your lights turned off with the push of one button
sales process is far friendlier than a lot of the commissiondriven stores.” Haney Sewing and Sound actually ruled out commission sales, feeling it often detracts from the customer’s positive experience. “None of our staff are on commission. In some stores you have employees jumping from customer to customer, but here it’s about taking the time to make sure the customer gets all the information about a certain product so they can make the right choice,” Sheppard said. With so many new and modernized products arriving in store all the time, making the right choice can be a daunting task. Sheppard and his staff are always prepared to help out and to put our customers first.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B3
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B4 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Laminate Warehouse offers more than just flooring
When you walk in the front door of Laminate Warehouse you immediately get the feeling that you are dealing with a company that has your best interest at heart. All of their products are beautifully displayed with visible price tags on each piece. Free estimates, free samples and guaranteed lowest prices are some of the standard policies that have helped make this locally owned company a leader in the flooring industry. Owners Shayne Saunders, and his wife YT, strongly believe in a no-nonsense approach to serving customers. No games, no gimmicks – just great service, knowledgeable staff and a commitment to quality workmanship. “We believe in what we sell and how we sell it” says Saunders. As a member of the Better Business Bureau, Laminate Warehouse is committed to treating customers fairly. Our reputation means everything to us and that is why we closely follow the standards of the
BBB” he adds. They strongly recommend obtaining a free company report from the BBB prior to doing business with any company. “You should read more than just the rating, as many companies have excellent ratings but multiple complaints.” Would you really be comfortable dealing with a company that has 5 or 10 complaints with the BBB? Wouldn’t it be nice to know their record before being pressured into leaving a deposit? INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU INVEST!
“We believe in what we sell and how we sell it.” – Shayne Saunders Laminate Warehouse offers a huge selection of laminate, carpet, hardwood, engineered, vinyl, tile, transitions and more. “We only carry top quality products that are backed by the best warranties in the industry. Last
year we introduced the new Whistler Premium laminate, which is far superior to any other system on the market. It features the QuickLock locking system which is easier and faster to install and it is also stronger which helps to eliminate gapping. It even has a waxed edge and comes with a 5 Year Water Warranty” says Saunders. It pays to educate yourself on the different products that are available as not all products are created equal. “When we compare our Whistler Premium product to the competition the difference in quality immediately shows. They welcome consumers to bring in any competitors sample and compare both products side by side. “We also recommend trying the product out before you purchase 500 or 1000 sq. ft. only to realize the product you bought is inferior and difficult to install. If the company is hesitant on letting you touch and feel the product before you purchase, you should follow your instincts and
run for the door” he adds. Visit their showroom for a free installation demo and see for yourself why Whistler Premium is simply the best laminate flooring on the market today! Not only does Laminate Warehouse carry products that are easy to install for the do-it-yourself customer, they also offer professional installation by uniformed, licensed & insured installers that are covered by WCB. “The big advantage with our installation teams is consistent results. Satisfaction is 100% guaranteed” says Saunders. Our installers work directly for us so we don’t get the type of complaints that some of our competitors have to deal with because of the inconsistencies from sub-contractors.” For the people who prefer to do the job themselves, they offer sound advice and free on-site consultations. They will even lend you the tools to get the job done. Their customers range from homeowners doing a one room makeover to whole
YT and Shayne Saunders, Owners
Five consumer tips 1 There are many grades of laminate. Test a few boards to make sure you know what you’re getting.
2 It is foolish to think that all products are the same. Nothing good is cheap and nothing cheap is good!
3 Not all companies are created equal. Check with the BBB to see how many complaints they have.
4 Get more than one quote and compare them carefully. Avoid anyone that won’t give you a written quote.
5 Follow the manufacturers’ specifications on installation & maintenance to keep your warranty intact.
house renovations. They also cater to contractors, builders and developers. “We pride ourselves on our customer service. Whether it is a $20.00 sale or a $100,000.00 contract, people want to be treated fairly” says Saunders. “Our low prices bring them in and our level of service brings them back.” The simple idea of selling quality products with excellent prices and top notch service seems to be working as they just opened their second location in the new Silver Creek Industrial Park just West of Mission off Lougheed Highway. In an economy where their competitors are closing locations, Laminate Warehouse is opening new stores. With plans in the near future to begin Franchising their success to other people who have the desire to run their own business, Laminate Warehouse has truly become the local leader for all your flooring needs!
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B5
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B6 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Becker and Company: the People to Call
Becker & Company of Pitt Meadows is one of the oldest and largest law firms around, with more than 100 years of combined experience. John Becker said his lawyers’ reputation to battle for their clients allows its personal injury practice to be particularly successful. “People who have personal injury legal issues should consider us as their law firm of choice,” he said. “Anything that relates to a personal injury or a loss of income, consult us.” Initial consultations are free, and Becker said the firm will evaluate any claim, unlike some firms that have strict minimums before they’ll even look at a case. “We do not take the position that a claim is too minimal to talk to a lawyer,” Becker said. “To someone that’s hurt, there’s nothing that’s too minor.” Becker & Company is also focused on being a part of
the community and helping out everyone who suffers a personal injury. “These are our neighbours,” he said. “We are here for them; we will evaluate and help them with moving forward.” Becker said contrary to perceptions, personal injury law involves much more than just car accidents. “Many people think of it as just ICBC and car crashes,” he said. “ICBC is a major part, but it also covers everything from slips and falls outside businesses to health-care malpractice.” Becker said it’s vital to have an experienced lawyer who’s willing to take a stand for you in court, if necessary. “It’s important for people to know if the lawyer they’re consulting about their injury is a court lawyer,” he said. “This is particularly important if dealing with insurance companies. If you’re not dealing with
a lawyer who’s willing to fight and fight in court, you’re behind the eight-ball. If the lawyer on the other side knows your lawyer always settles and doesn’t go to court, you’re not going to get as much.” Becker said most areas of personal injury law involve
Becker said it’s important to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible after suffering an injury. “We are there for the client right from the date of the injury,” he said. “We will often assist a client by preparing the client to deal with the insurance company adjuster .
“To someone who’s hurt, there’s nothing that’s too minor.” – Eugene Fraser dealing with large insurance corporations, making an experienced trial lawyer a vital asset. “If John Smith runs into you, you’re not dealing with John Smith, you’re dealing with ICBC,” he said. “If you slip and fall at the store, you’re not dealing with The Bay, you’re dealing with a massive and sophisticated insurance firm.”
For example by reviewing the client statement , rather than having them sign off on an ICBC-prepared one.” Becker said there’s no need to wait until you’re well enough to go visit the firm’s offices. “We will go see them if they’re unable to come see us, that’s not a problem,” he said. Personal injury cases often involve dealing with insurance
Eugene Fraser, Personal Injury Lawyer
Five things to keep in mind in personal injury cases 1 If involved in a crash or an accident, come and talk to one of our lawyers, there is no charge for an initial consultation
2 Choose a lawyer who has the experience and is prepared to take your case to Court to get a fair award.
3 Injured people need to be forthright with all the healthcare providers involved in their treatment.
4 Begin a diary with details of the accident and update it daily describing the day to day effects of the accident
5 Don’t sign anything unless you are absolutely sure of what it’s for and how it affects your rights
adjustors, and Becker said it’s worth remembering that those adjustors don’t necessarily have your best interests at heart. “When you’re dealing with adjustors, you need to remember that their job is to settle the claim for a little money as possible. They may seem like your new best friend but they aren’t. Becker said the forces arrayed against an individual in personal injury cases make it vital to have experienced legal counsel on your side. “They’re experienced legal professionals,” he said. “You need to have an experienced legal professional in your corner, so you can meet them on equal terms.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B7
ICBC Claim? Serious Injury? Experiment with dinner, be certain about your law firm. 15 lawyers and staff. 100 years of experience. 30 years in the region. If you have been injured, you could benefit from experienced legal advice. We’ve been settling ICBC claims, involving complex to less severe injuries, for decades. There’s no risk to you. Simply book a free consultation to explore your options, and if you decide to proceed, you pay no upfront costs. We will seek the maximum settlement for you and, if necessary, we will take your matter to trial. And we don’t get paid until we are successful. We are your committed advocate and we will get results for you and your family. Ask us for details. Let’s get started today. Book your free consultation now.
LAWYERS & NOTARIES Business Law · Incorporations · Real Estate · Family Law & Mediation · Litigation · ICBC & Personal Injury · Wills, Probate & Estate Planning
604 465 9993 BECKERLAWYERS.CA Meadowvale Centre · 230 – 19150 Lougheed Highway, Pitt Meadows, B.C.
B8 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Service with a smile goes a long way
Haney Home Hardware staff: Scott, Wais, Dianne, Anthony, Taya, Lorne and Donna.
Home Hardware on 223 Street in the Haney area has been a community staple for the past 36 years. The brand is a part of Canadian history, as well as that of Maple Ridge. One of downtown Haney’s first department stores, Fuller Watson, opened its doors in 1924 and provided the community with a one-stop shop for furniture, appliances, hardware products and more. But in 1975, the company moved its hardware department into a separate store built just down the road from that location. That newly built store became the first and only home for Haney’s Home Hardware. “We’ve been here forever. It helps with business when you’ve stayed in one location for a long time and built a strong reputation,” owner Scott O’Dell said. Prior to purchasing the Home Hardware in 1993, O’Dell ran his own painting business, but wanted to switch careers for
safety reasons. Not only did buying the Home Hardware mean improving his health, it also brought the business back into the family. His father-in-law, Owen Fuller, along with his uncle Roe Veinotte were the first people to own the Home Hardware in Haney back in 1975 and sold the business in 1988. To this day, Fuller owns both buildings that house the Home Hardware and Fuller Watson Brand Source Home Furnishings. Fuller’s father Bill was one of the co-founders and co-owners of Fuller Watson, which was one of the largest privately owned stores in the Fraser Valley during the 1940s. “I feel proud that I brought the business back into the family. It’s really a part of Maple Ridge’s history,” he said. “I’m also lucky to have a landlord that supports me and knows a lot about the business.” O’Dell is one of more than 1,100 Home Hardware owners throughout the country. The
Canadian franchise specializes in building materials, products and repairs. It carries hand and power tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, housewears, paint and paint-
“I feel proud that I brought the business back into the family. It’s really a part of Maple Ridge’s history.” – Scott O’Dell ing supplies, sporting goods, as well as farm and garden supplies. “We’re basically a onestop shop. We stress service, knowledge and help to ease the stress of shopping,” O’Dell said. “We know everybody who comes in here because they live in our community. I run into people at the store and know their first names.
“We’re kind of like the ‘Cheers’ of hardware stores,” he said. “It gives you the feeling of being in a small town, but we’re in a big city.” Although Home Hardware is a Canadian brand, O’Dell says many customers and potential customers shopping elsewhere don’t know that. “People who don’t shop here don’t realize we are 100 per cent Canadian. Customers are dealing with someone who lives in their community, who is Canadian, and buys products from other Canadian companies as much as possible,” he said. “So in a sense, if you shop here, you’re supporting your country, your community, and it’s the ultimate local shopping experience.” It’s an experience he guarantees customers won’t find in American-owned, big-box stores. His staff provides the quintessential Canadian mentality of always being ready to help, which usually involves going the extra mile.
Scott O’Dell, Owner
Five tips on beginning a renovation project: 1 Research your project ahead of time to find out what tools and products you’ll need.
2 If you’re hiring a professional, research that professional to make sure they provide quality work.
3 Get good recommendations on how to go about your project.
4 Buy products from a store you can trust that can back the product being sold.
5 The Haney Home Hardware offers free delivery and free assembly on all products sold.
“We do a lot of repairs here with our lawnmower repair shop. It’s very popular and a big part of our business. We repair everything from tractors, lawnmowers, lamps to generators,” O’Dell said. “We special-order rare pieces to make sure your product will work. We enjoy going the extra mile for our customers, whether it’s helping them out to their car, or going to their house to hook something up for them, or giving advice they couldn’t get anywhere else. We do it without even thinking about it,” O’Dell added. “I don’t think a lot of other places will do that. My theory has always been that I could spend tons of money on advertising, but if I try and gain one loyal customer every week by doing something extraordinary for them, then I’m going to get 50 loyal customers in a year, and after 18 years, I’m going to have 900 loyal customers. “I think that’s what’s kept us going so strong throughout all these years.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B9
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B10 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Willow Senior Living Residence: care that works for the whole family
Seniors enjoying each other’s company at Willow Manor.
Willow Senior Living Residence focuses on providing individualized, customized care that works for both seniors and their families. Dale Gould of Willow said its key goal is to make sure staff know their clients, learn what they need and want, and provide the services to meet their expectations. “When you think about a seniors’ residence like Willow, we want you to come and visit,” she said. “We want to find out what is important to you, what is your situation, why are you looking at a seniors’ residence? We sit down, find out what is important to you and see how you feel. We want to learn what qualities of a seniors’ care residence are important to you.” Gould said Willow focuses on providing everything that’s
important to both seniors and their families. “We have safety, security, a warm atmosphere, a worryfree lifestyle.”
levels of care, ensuring something tailored to individual needs. “We have the levels of care from independent living to
“Supporting the family is crucially important. The family is the support system.” – Dale Gould. Gould said it’s vital for Willow to involve the whole family, not just the senior moving in. “We work with the whole family, everyone who has input with the decision-making process,” she said. “Supporting the family is crucially important. The family is the support system. They want to know the quality of the residence. It’s a critical decision.” Willow offers a wide variety of
memory care to full complex care,” Gould said. Willow can handle everything from short stays of three or four days to long-term care. It is designed to provide everything an individual needs. “It’s apartment living, it’s allinclusive,” she said. The respite care program is set up for short-term stays, and Gould said it can handle a variety of individual situations.
“If they’re recovering from a fall or surgery, or if their family’s out of town, they can stay for a short period,” she said. Willow’s memory care setup, known as The Gardens, is highly personalized to adapt to the specific needs of individuals in need of such care. “It’s assistance with daily living actions and personal support tailored to the unique needs of the memory-challenged,” Gould said. The Fireside Complex Care setup is available for short or long-term stays, and it involves a staff dedicated to individual care. “It’s full-time professional care and rehabilitation for short- or long-term, including palliative care.” An advantage Willow provides is its experienced staff, who
Wendy and Dale, sales managers
Five elements Willow offers those considering it 1 Let us plan your personal visit together so we can meet your needs.
2 We will introduce you to our residents so you can find out how they feel about the community.
3 We will customize your personal visit and find out what’s important to you.
4 You can enjoy meeting our chef while he’s planning a complementary lunch or dinner for you.
5 Ask about our short stay respite care program.
have seen many of the issues that can arise with seniors’ care and know how to deal with them. “Willow is going to be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year in July,” Gould added. “Most of our staff are very longterm staff. Many have been here since the beginning. Our core staff have all been here at least three or four years.” Staff’s focus is to provide not just for their residents, but for their residents’ families. “We have a friendly, concerned staff here who want to find out what is important to you,” Gould said. “Our goal is to give families the support and security they need.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B11
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B12 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
“Yuen’s Family Martial Arts a Leader in Character Development”
Training hard at Yuen’s creates a healthy mind and healthy body. It is a great way to get fit and have a lot of fun.
Yuen’s Family Martial Arts has been empowering people in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows for over 17 years. They have created a culture for positive personal growth in a family oriented atmosphere, giving students a positive experience and the chance to transfer what they’ve learned into other areas of their lives. The school prides itself on their “families first” attitude and offer services that focus on three key areas: offering above industry standard martial arts, providing the number one character development program in North America and employing a highly committed staff dedicated to the positive development of every student. “The character development program is our main focus. We want to focus on developing good citizens for our community. When we started this school, that was our whole purpose,” Owner Perry
Bateson said. “Our character development program is very well known in this community. We get more people that join our school because of our character development program verses wanting to just take martial arts. We really established ourselves in this community as the leaders of character development.”
students and the school offers flexible training schedules for people with hectic schedules. There is something for everyone. The children’s programs have been designed to match both the physical and emotional needs for the proper development of a child. The character development program
“We’re expanding our facility so we can incorporate more fitness for parents. We’re going to have a fitness centre. There will be bikes and weights. It’s for parents who have a hectic schedule.” – Perry Bateson. Yuen’s offers the most comprehensive program line up in the market. Classes are available everyday, Monday to Thursday either before 6 p.m. or after. There are two training floors to accommodate
is included and follows the Canadian Sport 4 Life model for physical literacy. For youth and teens, Yuen’s has developed a mixed martial arts program and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program that has
been “mom” approved yet still delivers the high energy and excitement that youth are looking for. The programs are safe and teach respect. The adult programs offer everything from intense hard work outs, to Kung Fu and self defence, to mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Yuen’s has taken into consideration the time constraints that adults usually have and offer their adult programs everyday of the week. Not to leave anyone behind, the Yuen’s also provide specialized programs for students with special needs, such as their autistic program which deals with every challenge including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The school makes it a priority to never turn a student away for having disabilities. Within this year, Bateson plans to expand his 17-year old business to include a fitness centre that will cater
Perry Bateson, Owner
Five reasons to join Yuen’s Family Martial Arts: 1 Yuen’s offers a specialized character development program .
2 The centre focuses on family fun and learning.
3 Caters to people of all ages.
4 Yuen’s offers comprehensive programs.
5 It’s a practical one-stop shop for everyone in the family.
to parents who are often waiting around for their children’s lessons to finish. “All of our programs are family oriented. We try and get the entire family training at the school. That’s what we base our pricing structure and program structure on. Everything is structured towards the family,” Bateson said. “The whole family is involved in the development of a child. If there’s a child struggling and a family needs help, we embrace the entire family’ struggles and needs with whatever is going on. “We’re a one-stop fitness shop. At the end of the day it’s just a fun place to be. That’s what the focus should be, to make learning fun and to create a space for building confidence and self-esteem in our community.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B13
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B14 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Healthy, natural products are the cornerstone of Roots
A smiling staff at your service.
Jeff Miller has run Roots Natural Organic Foods for two decades now, but the store has changed significantly in that time. “I bought it 20 years ago,” Jeff says. “It was a quarter of the size it is now.” There have been significant product changes in that time, too, as the store has evolved from a specialty shop into a full-service organic grocery. “It was your typical hippie granola thing,” Jeff says. “Now we’re full-service.” Jeff says the store’s mission hasn’t changed, however. “We’re trying to help people be healthy,” he says. “We try to sell good natural products.” Jeff says eating properly and living healthily is a lifestyle, and he’s tried to make his store a community-focused place that can help people do that.
“That’s the way I live,” he says. “I made it a store I would want to shop in.” Jeff says it can be difficult for people to make sure they’re buying natural products at a regular grocery store, which is where Roots Natural comes in. “We do the shopping for you,” he says. “You don’t have to read the labels, because we do. We stand behind all our products.” Jeff co-owns the store with his wife, Tammy. She says they’re committed to ensuring only the best products are sold in their store. “We don’t sell it unless we’ve tried it,” she says. A growing part of their business has been natural dietary supplements, which Jeff says are crucial to overall health in this era of heavily processed
foods. “No matter how good you think you eat these days, you can’t get everything from your foods,” he says. “You’ve got to fill that gap, and that’s what the supplements do.”
2 Quality tested supplements.
3 Wide selection of wheat-free and gluten-free foods.
“You don’t have to read the labels, because we do” – Jeff Miller. The store was founded in 1971, and Jeff says it’s the oldest remaining natural foods store in the Lower Mainland. He says Maple Ridge has been the perfect location for him. “The customer base is awesome,” he says. “The loyal day-to-day customer has built our business. If you want to build a good natural
food customer base, this is the place to build it.” Jeff says many of his customers and their families have been coming to the store for decades. “It’s a whole community,” he says. “We’ve hired lots of our customers’ kids.” The store also hosts speakers on healthy living. Jeff says the speakers are an important part of their goal to improve people’s health.
“We just try to educate people,” he says. Jeff says the education has caught on, as there’s an evergrowing interest in natural foods. “Health foods aren’t just for hippies any more, they’re for everyone,” he says. “It’s a part of everyday life; it’s a lifestyle.”
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5 consumer tips 1 Knowledgeable staff and old-fashioned customer service.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B15
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B16 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Fuller Watson filling big shoes
Furniture showroom at Fuller Watson.
Justin and David Fuller are happy to be filling big shoes not a big box. Justin and his brother Dave are the fourth generation to take the helm of Fuller Watson, their family’s iconic Maple Ridge furniture and appliance store at 224th Street and Lougheed Highway. Most days Justin is too busy attending to 21st Century issues of competition and customer service to think about the past, but admits he often sees the fruits of the deep roots his family has cultivated in this community. “It’s kind of nice,” he says, taking a short break in his hectic day. “There are even some older people who come in and say they’ve been coming her since the ’50s and everything they own comes from Fuller Watson.” Justin Fuller joined his mother Linda and father Bruce at
the store more than 10 years ago, and now he and his brother Dave are putting their own stamp on the 87-year-old family business that opened in 1924. It has been at its present location since 1932.
His family-operated business, once the only game in town, must now compete with larger chain stores and he’s determined to let new residents know that Fuller Watson can take on the big-box world.
“There are even some older people who come in and say they’ve been coming here since the ‘50s and everything they own comes from Fuller Watson.” – Justin Fuller Once a one-stop shop for groceries, fishing supplies, furniture and even homemade cookies, the company grew and matured along with the community to become the first private department store in the Fraser Valley. Justin Fuller knows that, as the community continues to grow, there are new challenges.
“There is a misconception that we are more expensive,” he says. “We can offer just as much as any big box store and at great pricing.” To that end, he’s been hard at work as part of a three-year journey of renovation recently completed at Fuller Watson which has transformed the store both inside and out.
“We are really happy with how the renovations have gone,” Fuller says, noting the store now concentrates on appliances, furniture and mattresses, including name brands like GE, La-Z-Boy, Simmons, Ashley, Palliser and much more. He’s also excited about teaming up in recent years with Brand Source, a buying group of hundreds of Canadian independent furniture dealers that boosts Fuller Watson’s buying power and value. “This is a big deal and means we are just as competitive as anyone.” It’s also the lessons learned through listening to his father Bruce and grandfather Owen that Justin Fuller is sure makes the difference with customers. When you are part of the community and might run into your customers at the grocery store, rink or soccer field, you just have to give better
Dave, Bruce, Linda and Justin Fuller
Five tips for selecting the a new mattress: 1 Shop when you are well rested so you will make the best possible decision.
2 There are basically three comfort preferences: soft (pillow top), plush and firm.
3 Shop with your partner to be sure that you both like the comfort feel of the mattress.
4 Mattress buying is one of the most important decision you will make in furnishing your home.
5 Consider your space. Make sure that your mattress will give you plenty of room to stretch out.
customer service. And it works. “People who grew up with my parents are now bringing in their grown kids.” And it’s not just the customers bringing their kids to Fuller Watson these days. Besides Justin and Dave, a couple of cousins also work in the store, along with the daughters of a longtime staffer. The loyalty award might go to service technician Kelly, who’s been working at the store for over 30 years. He took over from his father Gerry, who held the same position for over 50 years. Any chance of a fifth generation taking over the business? Justin and his brother are a little too busy to consider that option right now. “Not yet,” he laughs. “But that would be nice someday.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B17
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B18 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Continuity, technology and community key for Maple Ridge Chrysler
Some of the team at Maple Ridge Chrysler.
Maple Ridge Chrysler is a long-established institution in town, and its proud of that. “We have 120 employees here, we’re one of the largest employers in Maple Ridge,” said dealer principal Ian Speckman. “I’ve worked here since 1985, our service manager has been here since 1975, our shop foreman’s been here since 1975, our general sales manager has been here 20 years.” That kind of continuity has allowed the business to maintain high standards of service while keeping up with the times. Cars have changed a lot over the past few decades, and Speckman said the changes have been for the better. “Our product today is the best we’ve ever seen,” he said. “These cars are easy to sell.” One key improvement has come in the area of fuel economy, as technology has allowed for improvements in gas mile-
age without sacrificing power. “Our vehicles are much more fuel-efficient,” Speckman said. An example he cites is the multi-displacement engine available on models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Dodge Ram 1500 and some Dodge Dakotas and Durangos. It’s a V8 engine that can act like a V4 when extra power isn’t needed, drastically improving fuel economy while still keeping horsepower for the times it’s required. Speckman said Maple Ridge Chrysler’s models have improved across the board. Another key advance has come from European technology, obtained via partnerships with Fiat and Mercedes. “We have a relationship with Mercedes, a lot of the technology from Mercedes is in our new cars,” he said. One challenge of advancing vehicle technology has been
that cars are more complicated to service. “Our guys are no longer called mechanics, they’re called technicians because the cars are so technical,” Speckman said. Maple Ridge Chrysler sees that as an opportunity. It invested heavily in high-technology diagnostic equipment and all of its technicians go for two weeks of specialized training every year. That gives them a substantial edge on the maintenance and repair front. “We have close to $150,000 worth of diagnostic equipment in our shop, so we can diagnose problems quickly,” Speckman said. “You go to a different repair facility, they don’t have the computers we have, they don’t have the training we have, they won’t be able to identify issues as quickly or as accurately.” The Maple Ridge Chrysler service shop deals with all
makes and models and has become a key part of the company’s business. It’s also embracing web technology, with tips and newsletters on the dealership’s website (mapleridgechrysler.com), a convenience for customers.
“Our product today is the best we’ve ever seen.” – Ian Speckman
“You can book all your service appointments online, and we’re working on an app for service so you can book through your phone,” he said. The web’s also become a key part of Maple Ridge Chrysler’s sales efforts. “We have pictures, specs, finance info, all of this online,”
Ian Speckman, Maple Ridge Chrysler
Five tips for buying a car 1 Go to a licensed dealer for a new or used car.
2 If buying used, make sure you ask for a CarProof, which gives you the vehicle history.
3 Deal with a licensed salesperson. Their integrity is in place and they’re monitored by the Vehicle Sales Authority.
4 Don’t buy off an individual. You have no recourse if you have problems with the car.
5 Live local and shop local, good local dealers put money back into the community.
Speckman said. “We have hired staff, that’s all they do is look at Internet business. You e-mail us, they’ll e-mail back right away.” Despite all the changes over time, Maple Ridge Chrysler retains its historic values. One of those is a huge emphasis on community outreach and working with local charities. “We donate out every year in excess of $150,000 to give back to our community,” Speckman said. Maple Ridge Chrysler works with everything from local soccer, lacrosse and baseball teams to Union Gospel Mission and the Children’s Wish Foundation. Speckman said it’s crucial for Maple Ridge Chrysler to be not just a local business, but a key part of society. “We give a lot of support to our community.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B19
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*Payments are bi-weekly, and include taxes, and the 2nd payment seen with each vehicle represents the equal 1/2 paid by Maple Ridge Chrysler for 1 year after no payments for 6 months offer has expired after date of purchase; $600/month maximum payment allowed for 50/50 payment offer. **With the no payments for 6 months offer, interest is accrued on loan. ***30 day exchange policy on used only, due to mechanical failure, dealer will not repair. A) 96 months @ 5.99 fixed. B) 84 months @ 5.99 fixed. C) 72 months @ 5.99 fixed. TI = Total Interest Paid. TP = Total Amount Financed Including Interest. 06 Mazda 3 TI3456 TP19489, Pontiac G6 TI3058 TP17240, 09 Kia Spectra TI3602 TP18918, 06 Ford Mustang GT TI4748 TP26769, 08 Dodge Charger TI4243 TP23925, 07 Chrysler 300 TI3655 TP20608, 07 Dodge Caliber TI2574 TP14515, 10 Dodge Dakota TI6810 TP35759, 06 PT Cruiser TI2071 TP11676, 08 Jeep Commander TI6179 TP34840, 06 Grand Caravan TI3251 TP18331, 11 Dodge Grand Caravan TI6968 TP34350. No two offers can be combined. Net of all Rebates.
B20 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Meadowridge School has its heart in the community What place does an independent school like Meadowridge School have in its surrounding community? It’s a question the average person in Maple Ridge might never ask, but it’s one that the students, staff and administration at Meadowridge ask themselves regularly. That’s because finding one’s place, and learning to serve a purpose in society, is integral to the learning process at Meadowridge School. From the day they first walk through the doors of the school to the day they graduate, those two quests are paramount in the daily lives of Meadowridge students. When the idea for Meadowridge School was first broached more than 25 years ago, the goal was to develop graduates who would shape our world by serving society, and by offering leadership. Lyn Tyler, Director of Development at the school, says the school’s founders, and all who have come after them, have long believed that a child’s education should constitute more than the provincial curriculum. “A well-rounded education for any child involves exploring and understanding all aspects of the world around them,” she says. “Meadowridge School is about providing a supportive environment in which students can immerse themselves in that exploration.” Exploration is, by definition, an adventure, and the students share that adventure with their families… their immediate family as well as their school and community families. “Most of our families come here for the journey,” says Ms. Tyler, herself a mother of two children who have attended Meadowridge. “Yes, they come because they believe the International Baccalaureate programme we offer is a superior education programme, but they also come because they
believe in the values we teach about learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community.” The school’s mission statement is a deceptively simple concept because it seems so obvious. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds, for in order to achieve the desired result one must learn to look beyond one’s personal needs and desires. In a society that tends to prize individualism over the collective good that can be very difficult indeed. “Our students are encouraged to look at the world around them, analyze what they see, and then discover ways to make improvements through action. In fact, everyone involved with Meadowridge School is encouraged to become active in their community in some fashion, and I think it’s fair to say most do get involved to one degree or another.” While roughly 42 percent of the school’s student body is comprised of children from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, the others are drawn from seven different school districts. Often, after a year or two, many of these families choose to
relocate here from their homes in Coquitlam, Surrey, Mission, Langley and Abbotsford, to be closer to the school. Our children also represent 40 different countries from all parts of the globe. This means all of the children have an incredible opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of living. That opportunity is extended to the residents of Maple Ridge at large because more and more of those students from other countries are coming to this community with their entire family. “In the early days of the school, many international students would come with their mother and rent locally for a couple of years while the student was attending school, and then they’d return home,” says Ms. Tyler. “These days we find more and more families are coming to stay for good, which is proving very beneficial to the community in many ways. “Families are coming from across the Lower Mainland and Canada and from every part of the world. Each year we get applications from places like
Peru, Argentina, South Africa, Nigeria, The Netherlands, Russia, Britain, China, India, Iran and Japan. Families are settling here and choosing to raise their children here because of the school. They are investing in the community and buying homes and opening businesses. They’re also bringing their skills and talents here to help benefit everyone, and they’re getting involved in the community as volunteers and financial contributors because that’s what they believe is necessary for a community to be vibrant and strong.” In the end, the students and their families become valuable assets to Maple Ridge because so many of them are choosing to stay here as they learn to love the community as much as those born and raised in the area. As our school matures, we are now also seeing our alumni return to the community with their young families to enroll their children in the school or even to come and work here as teachers. Naturally, a community cannot prosper if the people who live in it refuse to take
One of the principals shakes the hand of a Meadowridge student, something done daily at the school.
Five points to investigate when considering an independent school 1 Transparency, leadership, governance and financials. Are they accessible and are they audited?
2 Is the school in good standing with organizations and accreditation bodies such as ISABC, IBO or CA+IS?
3 If they say they’re a university prep school, how many of the students actually go to university, and graduate.
4 Do the school’s values and goals match your family’s values and goals? Will your child be happy there.
5 Take the time to visit and talk with the teachers, administration, students and other parents.
responsibility for its progress, says Meadowridge’s Director of Development, and Meadowridge School helps each student take a small measure of responsibility for the school, the community and the world. It teaches them that combining those small efforts into larger efforts can create tremendous benefits and changes for the better, and it does this by encouraging them to turn their thoughts into actions. “All children have gifts that can be shared with the world around them,” says Ms. Tyler. “Our role as educators is to help them channel those gifts toward positive, productive ends. It’s teaching them the responsibility they have for helping others, and while we provide support and advice, we let them make the decisions about how and what they’ll do to help people. In the end, it ingrains in them what it means to be human… what it means to live well by living well with others.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B21
B22 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Getting to the root of the problem at Maple Ridge Naturopathic Clinic One of the major advantages of 21st Century medicine is that never before has there been so many treatment options from which to choose. Not only that, but the ability of medical practitioners to access all possibilities – from the most ancient to the most innovative – is as easy as a click of the computer mouse. The options are boundless when it comes to treatments – provided the person you turn to for medical advice and help is open to those ideas. Naturopathic doctor Jason Hughes believes strongly in using any and all proven therapies when applicable. “I think one of the things that sets me apart from many, if not most, medical practitioners is that I’m very comfortable in seeking out and exploring new and innovative ways of treating illness. I’m not willing to settle for a narrow set of treatment options simply because that’s all I know.” It’s all part of his holistic approach to treating patients, an approach that stems from a desire to get to the root of a patient’s problems, to find a cure rather than just treating symptoms. “That’s what naturopathic medicine is all about,” says Dr. Hughes. “We aren’t just looking to alleviate the symptoms of illness; we want to find out what the underlying causes are so that the patient has the opportunity to make the kinds of changes that can get rid of the problem once and for all.” The beauty of naturopathic medicine, he adds, is that there is a greater willingness to use a wider range of treatments. “It’s not that other doctors or other medical health practitioners don’t have access to these same treatments, but often they either don’t know about them, or they don’t have the knowledge and training necessary to use them.
Dr. Jason Hughes treating one of his patients.
“A naturopathic doctor, on the other hand, learns from day one that options are generally good, and that a good naturopathic doctor seeks out these options and incorporates them into his or her practice because he or she knows that an actual cure is better than a lifelong dependence on unnatural solutions. “One of the biggest knocks against the medical system these days is an over reliance on prescription drugs. As a naturopathic doctor, I have access to those drugs as well, but I’m not interested in prescribing them to a patient so that they’re dependent on them for the rest of their life. “If I can find ways to treat the problem so that the patient can stop taking those drugs, then we’re going to explore those methods because it’s much better for people not to be taking drugs over the long
term.” Dr. Hughes says the same problem exists in the “alternative medicine” field, where herbal remedies are often treated the same way as prescription drugs. “They may not be synthetic, but that doesn’t mean a patient should be prescribed a lifelong program for taking expensive herbal supplements when some simple lifestyle changes could achieve the same thing. “Don’t get me wrong … prescription drugs have their place in the panoply of tools available to a doctor, but they shouldn’t be the only option available. In fact, they should be the option of last resort as much as possible, in my opinion, because they can do so much more harm than most other treatments.” In naturopathic medicine, lifestyle is a big issue, says Dr. Hughes, who takes his
time in getting to know his patients and how they live. As a seasoned practitioner who not only treats patients but also teaches other naturopathic doctors, he knows that the only way to truly help someone is to go deep into the way they live to find the root causes of their particular issues. “It’s all about improving the overall physiology of the body; it takes a bit more time, but the end results are exponentially greater. Changing a person’s nutritional habits, or getting them to exercise more, or even teaching them how their body works so they understand what they’re doing to it can be highly effective in helping them with particular problems.” He uses the simple example of antacids to explain the concept. “Anyone who has ever had heartburn has likely reached for antacid tablets, but that’s
Jason Hughes, Naturopathic Doctor
Five Tips for Choosing a Naturopathic Physician Who’s Right For You: 1 To get the treatment you deserve, ask about training and regulations of any member of your health care team.
2 Ask your doctor and extended health care provider what is covered by your health plan.
3 Inquire about treatments offered that will be most effective for the condition you have.
4 Has the doctor treated patients with the same or similar conditions?
5 Make sure that your naturopathic doctor is someone you are comfortable with, and trust.
only a temporary relief. If you have persistent heartburn, then you’re going to be taking antacids for the rest of your life unless you do something to eliminate the cause of heartburn. Well, the only way to do that is to figure out why your body is producing the symptom of heartburn, and then take steps to reduce those causes. It’s a simple concept, but it requires a bit of work to achieve the desired result, and too often people aren’t willing to invest the time.” In a sense, he suggests, naturopathic medicine is for those who are tired of being sick all the time. It’s a way to get to the root of the problem, then eliminate it, and that, says Dr. Hughes, is what the medical profession is supposed to be about – healing the body, not just masking or eliminating symptoms.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B23
Extensive Lab & Treatment Options
604-477-6363
Treatments Offered Clinical Nutrition Specific diet and supplemental protocols are used to enhance cellular function and maximize the body’s defense mechanisms. Neural, Meso, and Prolo Therapies Small therapeutic injections are given into specific locations around the body. These therapies allow for many clinical benefits from pain relief to aiding in fatty tissue reduction. Intravenous Therapy I.V. therapies allow for large doses of medicines to enter directly into the blood stream which can mean dramatic benefit for immune support, cancer, and chronic diseases. Clinical Mind-Body Medicine Various techniques are used to encourage healthier perspectives on life. Engaging our mind allows our body to function optimally. Dr. Hughes has been trained in clinical mind-body medicine at Harvard Medical School. Structural & Physical Therapies Soft tissue & joint manipulations are used to correct disorders of the skeletal system that can arise due to stress or trauma. Biotherapeutic Drainage This form of treatment supports the body’s natural routes of eliminating toxicity and enhances the cellular function of the organs and tissues.
Homeopathy Minute amounts of natural substances are used to stimulate the body’s own self-healing capacity. They are specific to the essence of each person. Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture An elegant, time-honored system of medicine that respects the energetic as well as the physical aspect of our being. NET – Neuro Emotional Technique Using a biofeedback tool, this technique identifies and corrects subconscious patterns that have been affecting the individual’s physical & emotional health. NET seeks to normalize neurological imbalances using a physical correction. Botanical (Herbal) Medicine Plant substances are combined and used for their healing effects and nutritional value. Herbal combinations are selected on the basis of which organs and areas of the body need support in healing. Bowen Technique A gentle therapy that works on muscles & tendons and allows for ‘neural reprogramming’. This is effective on issues ranging from pain & structural imbalances to hormonal complaints.
Common Conditions Treated Virtually all chronic and acute conditions can benefit from naturopathic treatment. Some of the more common conditions Dr. Hughes treats include: Cancer, Hepatitis, HIV, & Aids Autoimmune Conditions & MS Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome Hypertension & Heart Problems Digestive Problems, IBS, & Crohns Skin Problems, Eczema, & Acne Allergies & Food Sensitivities Physical Pain & Trauma Hormonal & Women’s Issues Menopausal Problems PMS, Menstrual Issues, & Infertility Anemia & Blood Abnormalities Colds & Flu’s Ear, Throat, & Other Infections Diarrhea & Constipation Strains, Sprain, & Injuries Stress, Anxiety, & Depression Insomnia, Fatigue, & Low Energy Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
22353 McIntosh Ave. Maple Ridge B.C. 604-477-6363 www.mapleridge-naturopathic.com
www.mapleridge-naturopathic.com
B24 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Bare Interiors helps find the perfect paint colour for you! Tammy Diniz of Bare Interiors sees it as her mission to help people find the ideal paint colours for their homes. “Why do I do what I do? I genuinely enjoy helping people find that perfect colour”, Tammy said. Having the right colours can make a crucial difference in your home. “Your home is supposed to be a safe place and a refuge. When you walk into a room that’s the perfect colour, you feel peace, joy and happiness.” The opposite can be also true too, as a poor colour choice can make a room much less welcoming. “When you walk into the room that is painted the wrong colour, you just feel let down,” There’s no universal solution for colour choices, as they depend on people’s individuality as well as the room they are going in.
“I genuinely enjoy helping people find that perfect colour.” – Tammy Diniz, Bare Interiors. “Certain colours invoke different feelings in different people,” Tammy said. “It’s about what you like, what you’re drawn to and how you want the room to feel.” Proper colour selection also depends on the lighting and furniture you already have. “Light plays a huge role in what colours look like,” “Fluorescent lights, halogen lights and natural daylight all make a colour look different.” That’s why Bare Interiors offers home consultations. For $125, a colour consultant will provide a 90-minute in-home consultation to find colours
that work the best for you. We also give a $50 gift certificate to Bare Interiors with the purchase of a in-home colour consultation. “We take the time so you can have your inspiration and achieve the feeling that you’re looking for,” Tammy said. “We work with you to get the right colour. My colour designers and consultants do an excellent job of spending time with the clients to find out what they want.” If you can’t have an in-home visit, Bare Interiors offers free in-store consultations, and sells small sample-sized paints so you can see what paint will look like in your house before you buy a large can. “We sell small samples so you can see what it looks like. It’s really hard to choose from just a two-inch by two-inch chip.” If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, Tammy recommends putting together a collection of pictures that appeal to you. Her staff can then help you identify elements from those pictures that might fit well with your décor. “Build a file of things you like, that appeal to you,” Tammy said. “Bring them in here and we can help.” Bare Interiors is about much more than just colour consultations, through a network of professionals, they also offer: design direction and intervention; kitchen and bath design; renovations; complete design service for new construction; staging; interior decorating; custom draperies and upholstery; space planning; and interior and exterior painting services for both residential and commercial jobs. Bare Interiors sell sundries, specialty paints, wallpaper, and window coverings (both hard and soft), and offers custom paint colour matching, as well as custom colour caulking.
Bare Interiors also hosts an Ask the Expert events throughout the year. The next one is Feb. 17 and will focus on kitchen makeovers. The Ask the Expert events are free, but participants are requested to register in advance as seating is limited. For more information, call Bare Interiors at
604-467-3241 or drop into the store located at 22602 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge. Tammy is also heavily focused on community outreach. She recently donated all the interior paint for a full extreme home makeover in the community for a family that had lost their
Tammy Diniz, manager
Five tips on finding the perfect colour: 1 Test test test: Try our colours in our pint-size colour samples, tinted on demand for $7.99.
2 Achieve colour 3 Lighting affects flow: the main colour. Be aware of areas of your home the lighting in your should flow. Choose rooms – the colour colours that may look good at complement the store, but not each other. good in your room.
4 Ceilings do not have to be white. A darker ceiling will bring your eye down to focus your view on the room.
5 Contrast makes the room appear smaller, not dark colours.
father. “The project turned out wonderful,” Tammy said. She thinks there’s much more to her job than just moving paint. “It’s all about colour,” she said. “It’s not about just selling paint. I prefer to sell joy, peace and happiness.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B25
Bare Interiors Inc 22602 Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge, B.C. 604-467-3241 march 31, 2012
COLOUR CONSULTANTS: Wendy Boechler ~ 604.762.5295 Brenda Kraakman ~ 604.467.3241 CERTIFIED DESIGNERS: Maureen Pengelly ~ 604.785.9224 CERTIFIED AND TRUSTED PAINTERS: TAGE KRISTENSEN Kristensen Painting ~ 604.418.6242 NOEL HONEY Castle Towers Painting ~ 604.868.0717 GEORGE HAGEN Hagen Painting ~ 604.619.0159 JACK ZOCHOWSKI Advance Painting ~ 604.720.9714 DILLON BRAYTON Pure Painters ~ 778.238.1915
Bare Interiors 22602 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge
604.467.3241
B26 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Big Valley Heating and Sheet Metal goes high-tech
Some of our friendly staff at Big Valley Heating and Sheet Metal - Ron, Marlow, Gary, Jeannie & Rob.
High technology is showing up everywhere – including the home-heating industry. Ron McMyn, co-owner of Big Valley Heating and Sheet Metal in Maple Ridge, lists off a number of recent innovations that have brought computerized convenience to the field: high-efficiency water heaters that waste far less energy than older models; home heating systems that can detect internal problems and automatically send a corresponding alert message to repair professionals; heaters that are equipped to link with solar-energy panels to reduce the use and costs of conventional energy sources; and wireless links between heating systems and computers that allow users to monitor those systems, even allowing for making
adjustments from remote locations. You can now adjust your home thermostat right from your office. Still, there’s a lot more than just whiz-bang technology to the range of services and vast experience on offer at Big Valley Heating and Sheet Metal. Big Valley sells natural-gas and propane furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, natural-gas fireplaces, woodburning stoves and gas barbecues. They also have a full service sheet metal shop enabling them to install custom new home fits as well as replace aging heating systems, and offer on-site servicing and repairs for all related products. A family-run firm from its
inception, Big Valley’s roots lie in its North Vancouver shop established some 85 years ago. The Maple Ridge location was set up 25 years ago and is co-owned by Ron and his cousin Marlow Kirkwood, with a staff of 30 employees performing repairs, sales and installation duties. All staff have top professional credentials and lengthy experience in the field. This depth of expertise gives Big Valley the ability to offer customers total assurance their needs are met. “We do everything possible for the customer, If you’re not happy, we’ll take care of it. We stand behind our work 100 per cent.” That doesn’t necessarily mean selling the customer the biggest-ticket items available
either. Sometimes we will see a customer already has a wellinsulated building that simply doesn’t need the most powerful heating units, and we advise the customer accordingly. Such honesty has made a mark on Big Valley’s clientele. While most of Big Valley’s business comes from Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and surrounding areas, customers request the company’s services from as far away as Whistler and the Okanagan, even picking up the tab for any additional transportation costs along the way. Big Valley gets many referrals from professionals in various lines of the heating, electrical and construction industries. “We get lots of ‘atta-boys’ from the customers,” he said. “It’s because of the professionalism
Marlow Kirkwood and Ron McMyn, Owners
5 consumer tips 1 Make sure you get your systems and equipment inspected annually.
2 Check how long the company you’re dealing with has been in business, are they fully certified and licensed?
3 Get a clear understanding of how heating systems function in your home.
4 Choose products with brand names whose components are likely to be commonly available for several years.
5 Choose products that best suit your home’s real needs after talking with a Big Valley technician.
of the staff here.” Big Valley also takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. The shop ensures that all of its materials are carefully recycled, from the mercury in thermostats to the copper and aluminum in electrical gear. “Nothing goes to the landfill anymore,” McMyn said. “We recycle everything right here in-store.” All of us believe in giving back to our communities. Since 2002 we have been holding an annual golf tournament every September. In that time we have raised over $21,000 for local charities as well as Children’s Hospital and the fight to end Breast Cancer.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B27
For All Your Heating,Cooling, Household and Commercial Needs
We Offer Sales, Service and Installation of • Furnaces • Hot Water Tanks • Gas Fireplaces • Heat Pumps/Air Conditioning • Geothermal Heating Installed by Bonded, Licensed Gas Fitters Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Technician
Custom Sheet Metal Shop Hours Mon. to Fri. 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
A L V L E G I B Since 1986 Y HEATING & SHEET METAL LTD.
Showroom Hours
11868 216th Street, Maple Ridge 604-467-6474
Mon. to Fri. 8 am to 4:30 pm Sat. 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
B28 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Service is central for NuConcept Cabinets NuConcept Countertops and Kitchen Centre focuses on supplying customers with effective, highly customizable cabinets and countertops with quick turn around times and low prices. Joe Li said his company’s main goal is to ensure a positive experience for the customers throughout. “We’re focused on good quality products and good service,” Li said. Our emphasis is on service that stretches throughout the business, from stocking highquality products to helping customers find what’s right for them to ensuring a professional installation. “We have a high quality products and great instulation,” Li said. Li said one element that’s helped make NuConcept successful is the longevity and experience of the staff. “We’ve been around for more than 15 years,” he said. “The sales staff is well-trained. Nobody has less than four years’ experience.” NuConcept offers a wide variety of cabinet materials and colours. One of its most popular items has been our newest stock item white PVC doors. “The price is really good,” he said. “They’re already stocked, so the timing is about one week. Because NuConcept has doors on hand, there are also substantial savings on doors. NuConcept also has painted doors ready in stock in a wide variety of colours.
“This is a service-oriented business.” – Joe Li. “We can do whatever colour you want.” Li said the antique White doors have been particularly popular lately. If in stock, it doesn’t take long to have the cabinets assembled, with your choice of colour.
NuConcept Staff: Rich, Carla and Alvin.
With their great selection of oak, maple and cherry cabinets there is sure to be something for everyone’s taste. NuConcept also offers a great selection of countertop options, from laminate to granite or quartz. In stock laminate countertops can be ready for you to install in 48hours. Granite or Caesarstone counters installed in approximately 2 weeks. Bring in your kitchen or bathroom measurements and let the sales team design and quote your new cabinets. All designs and quotes are free of charge! “Because we build each cabinet, we can make custom size cabinets to fit your space. We do not have to work in only standard sizes.” NuConcept’s business model is to provide a great experience and hope customers tell their friends. So far, it’s worked out very well.
“We’ve had very good feedback,” he said. “We always get lots of referrals.” Li said with cabinets and home renovations, it’s vitally important to be a reputable company people can trust and one they’ll want to recommend to others. “This is a service-oriented business,” he said. His goals for the future are primarily to expand upon the areas NuConcept is already strong in. “We’ll bring in more selection this coming year,” he said. “We’ll bring in more products, we’ll continue giving great service, the time will be quicker.” It’s an ambitious strategy, but one that has paid off so far.
Five things to consider when purchasing cabinets: 1 Quality – stronger cabinets will last longer and cause fewer problems.
2 Timing – how long will it take to get your new cabinets?
3 Knowledge of sales team – an informed staff is crucial to finding what’s right for you
4 History of company – is the company reputable and trustworthy?
5 Price – are you paying too much?
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B29
BEFORE
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OFF
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Our one stop shop offers Cabinets, Laminates, Granite, Caesar Stone, Natural Stone Tiles and Accessories. In our shop our Experienced Manufacturing team will build and customize your cabinets and countertops.
/SQ. FT.
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NuConcept Countertop & Kitchen Centre has a well trained professional Sales team using the newest design program to help you design your kitchen and bathroom.
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00 /BOX
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www.nuconceptkitchen.com COQUITLAM #2–2773 Barnet Highway 604.464.4488 PITT MEADOWS 18601 Lougheed Highway 604.465.4585 PORT COQUITLAM #129–1585 Broadway Street 604.944.7677
B30 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Epic Yoga, uniting self and community
Students in Chakra Flow Yoga - connecting with their body and energy centers.
When Antje Hope started her Epic Yoga and Fitness Studio in 2007, people came primarily for the physical aspects of what yoga could do for them. It was all about fitness and feeling better physically. But Antje knew that these people were only getting part of what yoga had to offer. She explains that the Asana (or physical) component of yoga is only one of the eight limbs of practice that comprise yoga. The other components – the Yamas, the Niyamas, Pranyama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi – deal with attitudes towards others and oneself. Breathing for energy, mental concentration, meditation and so on. In other words, everything that comprises life beyond the physicality of the body. What has transpired over the past four or five years, however, is the yoga community is developing beyond the purely physical, with more local participants looking to the other seven limbs of yoga for balance in their yoga… and
in their lives. “I think people are now more ready for the community aspects of yoga than they were just a few years ago,” says Antje. “Yoga means ‘union’ and people are looking to become more connected, not only internally, but to the community around them.” It’s wonderful, she added, because the yoga community throughout Maple Ridge is maturing. The various studios tend to work together more, and when one studio can’t help someone, they recommend a different studio. At Epic Yoga, the emphasis is on variety, including TRX suspension training (a form of fitness developed by a U.S. Navy SEAL that relies on the use of one’s own body to increase or decrease intensity). The beautiful thing about yoga, says Antje, is that it truly is adaptable to every skill or fitness level. She and her 13 teaching companions have children to seniors taking part, and they work with people in all kinds of physical condition.
“We believe that yoga is for everyone,” she adds. “We have beginner classes and advanced classes, meditation classes, an open studio concept, family classes, preand post-natal classes, lunchtime drop-ins, mom and baby classes, and so much more! There’s even belly dancing for those who want a lot of fun.”
you’re looking for at Epic Yoga, our instructors all have different training and specialties.” The TRX suspension training classes are a total-body strength and muscular endurance workout – perfect for couch potatoes who know they need to get active again, or serious athletes who want a high-impact training program.
“We are dedicated to building community and providing many different opportunities to learn, experience and grow in fun and inspiring ways.” – Antje Hope. Our goal, she says, is to ensure anyone who wants to try yoga has as much access as possible to the classes and programs, and that there is as wide a variety of styles from which to choose, so each person can pick a style that suits them. “Some people want the intensity of high energy classes, others prefer more mellow classes. You’ll find whatever
It’s also great for physical rehabilitation due to injury or health issues. “We are dedicated to building community and providing many different opportunities to learn, experience and grow in fun and inspiring ways,” Antje says. “Here at Epic, we believe that a deeply reflective yoga practice helps us clarify how we interact with those in our
Antje Hope, Owner
Five tips for making the most of each day: 1 Welcome each breath as a gift - When was the last time you took a deep breath and loved it ?
2 Go through a day without judgement to yourself and others.
3 Be more present in each moment no past or future matters in the present.
4 Forgive someone for something that has been hurting you - let go and be happy.
5 Do something for yourself and a friend - try a free class on us
immediate community, across Canada, and around the world. We feel that reaching out to others honours what we teach, and brings us together.” To that end, Epic Yoga has been offering free or reducedrate classes to those who don’t have the means to pay the full price, as well as taking part in projects for the local food bank and community services. Yoga is a way of life, and is all about living in harmony with those around you. “That’s when you really feel the power of yoga and its ability to change the way you live. Everyone deserves that kind of change, and at Epic Yoga our mission is to provide the opportunity.” So it only makes sense, says Antje, for Epic Yoga to become more involved with the welfare of the community in which it operates.” • To learn more about Epic Yoga and Fitness Studio, or to find a schedule of classes and programs, visit www.epicyogastudio.com, or call 778-8883742.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B31
Welcome to Our Studio
epic Yoga & TRX Studio New to Epic Yoga Studio? Inspire yourself... be free... be present!! Try Yoga and TRX for FREE - call us to receive a 1 Week Free trial pass *** must mention this add to receive deal ***
• 12 sessions for just $88 • 2 months unlimited for just $99 Beginner Classes:
Classes for Injuries:
Tuesday 7:00 PM Yoga Basics Wednesday 5:00 PM TRX Basics Plus many more to choose from!
Yin Yoga , Restorative Yoga and Meditation
Advanced Classes:
At Epic Yoga, we have classes for everyone! For more classes and complete class schedule visit out Website: www.epicyogastudio.com
Hot Power Yoga , Chakra Flow Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga , Mediation and Yin Yoga 6 :00 am TRX Tabata classes and late night TRX classes Plus many more to choose from!!
~ NEW CLASSES ~ $2 Lunchtime classes 12:00 - 12:45 PM on Tuesdays. All proceeds go to charity. Flow Yoga , Thursday TRX Basic & Friday Restorative Yoga Kids Yoga Wednesday’s 3:45 PM - starts on January 25th Family Yoga every last Sunday of each month Gong Mediation , Belly Dancing , Pre and Postnatal Yoga , Workshops and specialty events.
#301 - 22828 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge
778-888-EPIC (3742) www.epicyogastudio.com
B32 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Technological breakthroughs at Haney Animal Hospital
Above: Veterinarian Dr. Johar examines a dog. Right: Jyoti and Jas, both Veterinary Assistants.
Technological breakthroughs are constantly occurring in the electronic world, but they can also be found in the veterinary world, as well. For almost a year now, Haney Animal Hospital has been using digital radiography, laser surgery and ultrasound scanning on pets.
to establish what’s wrong with the pet. Conventional X-rays provided poor quality images, making it harder to diagnose a problem right away. So now, we basically get better quality images to make better and accurate diagnosis at an earlier stage. “It’s been a great success. It
“The best part of doing what I do is getting the satisfaction of helping sick animals get better and being able to send them home with their families. That makes me very proud of what I do.” – Dr. Bhupinder Johar. “The digital radiography tests give us better imaging of the animal’s internal organs,” Dr. Bhupinder Johar said. “We can see the images in a brighter way, making it easier for us
saves a lot of time and gives us a good interpretation of what’s going on. If we have to get a second opinion from a radiologist, we can simply send a digital X-ray online, and within
20 or 30 minutes, we get a specialized diagnosis,” Johar added. Not only do the doctors appreciate the new technology, but the pet owners do, as well. The advancement allows ultrasound pictures to be sent via email to pet owners, and they are also provided with digital X-rays on a CD for future reference. Laser Therapy for acute and chronic pain management in dogs and cats has also been offered at Haney Animal Hospital for more than a year now with excellent results. Laser therapy is a great tool in rehabilitation after joint repairs or bone repairs. “The owners appreciate the technology a lot,” he said. “Anything that can help their pets they’re willing to try and so are we.”
Johar opened Haney Animal Hospital in 2003 and has been a veterinarian since 1991. His love of animals stems from his upbringing in Punjab, India, where he was raised in a farming community. When the time came to pursue post secondary academics, he chose veterinary sciences. In 1999, he immigrated to Prince Edward Island, where he took his challenge exams and has been practicing in Canada ever since. “I was surrounded by animals since childhood. We owned cattle, horses and other
Dr. Johar, Veterinanian
Five tips for a healthy pet: 1 Buy pets from a reputable breeder who knows the history of the animal.
2 Do your research. Find out what health problems may run in the animal’s history.
3 Get your pet examined right away. Make sure they have their vaccinations.
4 Food selection is also very important. Ask your veterinarian for advice.
5 If needed, make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise.
household animals. I was always interested in learning about their life,” he said. “The best part of doing what I do is getting the satisfaction of helping sick animals get better and being able to send them home with their families. That makes me very proud of what I do. “I’m very thankful to the people of Maple Ridge for believing in me and giving me the chance to take care of their pets. They’ve been coming back to me for years and it’s a lot of support. I’m very grateful.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B33
“Exceptional Veterinary Care at Affordable Prices.” • Open extended hours for the convenience of the people. • In house Digital Radiography. • Spacious surgical area for surgery, anesthetic and patient monitoring equipment. • In house pharmacy. • All orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries done in hospital including TPLO, TTA etc. • Laser surgery is offered routinely for elective and specialized procedures. • New Laser therapy is being offered for chropnic pain management and rehabilitaion after orthopedic surgeries • Routine vaccination, dental and medical services offered daily. • New customers and walk-ins welcome. • Behavior and nutrition consultation. • We carry all veterinarian recommended foods and pet supplies. Like us on facebook and get more information.
Examinations .......................... $2500
February is Pet Dental Month
Cat Neuter from ...................... $4000
Bring your cat or dog in for dental cleaning & receive 10% off PLUS a free bag of food.
Cat Spay from .......................... $5000 Basic Cat Vaccine (FVRCPC).......$2800 $
00
70 Dog Spay from ........................ $8500 Basic Dog Vaccine (DA2PP) ..... $3200 Dog Neuter from .....................
• Prices you cannot believe! • Clean, modern, climate controlled facility • We carry a variety of pet food & supplies Now Available in Clinic: laser surgery, digital radiography & ultrasound OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Heartworm tests available.
We Do Housecalls!
WINTER HOURS: Nov. to March Mon-Sat 8am to 8pm, Sun 11 am to 7 pm SUMMER HOURS: April to Oct. Mon-Fri 8 am to 10 pm, Sat 8am to 8 pm, Sun 11am to 7 pm
Member of VIN
Haney Animal Hospital Your Full Service Veterinary Clinic
#104 - 22645 Dewdney Trunk Rd 604•476•2525 Visit us at www.haneyanimalhospital.com
B34 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Jolly Coachman offers incredible food and great service At the Jolly Coachman Pub in Pitt Meadows, the focus is twofold: food and service. Pub owner Marilyn Sanders said those elements are what keep people coming back. “Our big thing is customer service, and we have, I feel, the best pub fare around,” she said. That includes plenty of traditional pub food served with exceptional quality, as well as some more unconventional offerings that you won’t find at every pub out there. “We have everything from a prime rib dinner Friday to fish and chips,” Marilyn said. “All our soups are homemade.” Another unique offering is the Coachman’s weekly baron of beef buffet, which takes place Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and includes freshly-carved beef, homemade Yorkshire pudding and gravy. The Coachman also has a Sunday brunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. featuring eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, fresh honey ham, and homemade desserts.
“Our big thing is customer service, and we have, I feel, the best pub fare around,” – Marilyn Sanders, owner, Jolly Coachman. The pub’s focus goes beyond just the food, though, as Marilyn’s aim is to provide an exceptional service environment. The pub staff love their regular customers, all of whom they know by name. They’re always open to new meeting new people and greeting them as they move into the area.
“I like everyone to think of this as their living room,” Marilyn said of the Coachman. One of the elements that helps build that atmosphere is continuity. The pub has been around since 1976, and Marilyn has owned it for the past nine years. She has a veteran staff that’s been there for a long time, and she said they do an awesome job. “Most of my staff have been here for several years,” Marilyn said. “We have an amazing staff. I’m really proud of our customer service.” Just because the building’s been around for decades doesn’t mean it’s antiquated, though. Marilyn said the pub is continually being renovated to improve the experience. “Since I bought the pub, we’ve redone the kitchen twice, built a new liquor store, new patio, and put in new bathrooms,” she said. The Coachman has added other amenities over the years, too, including a wide variety of gaming products. “We have a full gaming centre here, and full B.C. Lottery products available,” Marilyn said. “We carry 647, Super 7, Lotto Max, and 16 bins of pull tabs.” Marilyn said the Coachman is also a great place to watch sports, with more than 41 high definition flat screen TVs. “There’s not a bad seat in the house,” Marilyn said. The sports events the pub focuses on include everything from hockey to football to the UFC. “Hockey and football are huge for us,” Marilyn said. “We show every UFC fight with no cover charge.” “In our liquor store, our beer’s ice-cold and at or below government prices,” Marilyn said. “We also have an amazing selection of wines from around the world.” The Jolly Coachman also
The pub staff, Brent, Debbie, Bruce and Rebecca love their regular customers, all of whom they know by name. They’re always open to new meeting new people, as well.
takes being part of the community very seriously. “We do fundraisers for sports groups all the time,” Marilyn added. The pub also does a weekly meat draw every Saturday, with all the proceeds going
to the Variety telethon to help children, and the pub finished a Movember contest, raising $8,490 for Cancer Below the Belt. “We’re totally into the community,” she said. Marilyn feels that goal of
Marilyn Sanders, owner
Five reasons to choose the Jolly Coachman: 1 Food – from qual- 2 Service – the pub 3 Ice-cold beer in ity pub standards focuses on makthe liquor store – to innovative ing everyone, it’s always ready dishes, there’s whether regular or for you. something for a new visitor, as everyone. happy as possible.
4 Sports bar – with 5 The liquor store more than 41 high has a great varidefinition flat ety of beers and screen TVs, there wines from around isn’t a bad seat in the world at or the house. below gov. liquor store retails.
reaching out fits well with the pub’s overall goals of top food and incredible service. “Customer service is No. 1”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B35
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B36 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Warm Hearth’s quest for quality
We have a great selection of fireplaces for you to choose from.
For Rick Springer of Maple Ridge’s Warm Hearth Heating, the focus is selling top-quality stoves that will last. “The store specializes in good-quality products,” he said. “The stuff we sell, we know you are going to get a good lifespan out of it.” Springer said buying a quality stove is often less expensive in the long term, as cheap stoves can break quickly and require frequent expensive repairs. “It’s really hard to repair a damaged wood or gas stove,” Springer said. “A good quality product is usually cheaper in the end.” Figuring out which makes and models will and won’t last isn’t always easy, but a large part of Warm Hearth’s ability to do so comes from the experience Springer and his staff have picked up. “We’ve had the store in
operation for about 10 years, but I’ve been in the business about 30,” Springer said. “We have a lot of experience in the field.” Springer said discerning
categories, so there are plenty of top-quality stoves to choose from. Warm Hearth does service as well, and it’ll service all categories. “We do a lot of gas fireplac-
“It’s really hard to repair a damaged wood or gas stove. A good quality product is usually cheaper in the end.” – Rick Springer of Maple Ridge’s Warm Hearth Heating. the quality of a stove is more important now than it’s ever been. “It used to be if it was good enough to be manufactured, it held up,” he said. “A lot of stoves now aren’t good quality.” Warm Hearth offers a substantial selection of products in a wide range of heating
es, and we are one of the few businesses that also do wood stove service and pellet stove service,” Springer said. Pellet stoves are a newer idea that burn compressed wood or biomass pellets instead of straight wood or natural gas, and Springer said they’re starting to take off locally. “They’re very popular up
north, they’re catching on down here,” he said. “The advantages are you can control the heat very well. We actually have a working model in the store, people can check it out.” Another new type of stove Warm Hearth sells is one that combines cooking and heating. “Pacific Energy has a new cast-iron stove with shelves that swing in and out for cooking,” Springer said. “The feedback we’ve gotten is that some of our customers have become very good at cooking on it.” Springer said it’s crucially important to pick a high-quality stove, as installing a stove or fireplace involves a lot of effort and planning, so you don’t want to be doing it frequently. “It’s such a tough job to install a stove, why would you want to install one that only lasts 10
Lisa Blaine, manager
Five things to think about when buying a stove: 1 If you recognize a name, it’s usually because the company has been around for a while & is proud of its reputation.
2 Is it built in B.C.? Warm Hearth deals with manufactures that you can turn to if you have questions or concerns.
3 Do you see and feel the quality? We are careful to carry solid lines of products made with superior construction.
4 Not just a warranty - The length of the warranty is important, and so is where the replacement parts come from.
5 Quality fireplace manufacturers require their dealers to be experts at servicing and repairing their products.
years?” To ensure it’s constantly offering only the best products, Warm Hearth also works hard to get frequent feedback from their customers on how they like their stoves. That often informs future purchasing decisions. “It’s generally based on the feedback we get from customers,” Springer said. “We’re constantly getting feedback from our customers to find out what’s working well.” Springer said Warm Hearth’s service-oriented approach and commitment to serving individual customers’ needs motivates them to continue striving for excellence and maintain their quest to only sell top reliable products. “We make sure to the best of our abilities the stuff we sell will last.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B37
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B38 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Superior customer service that’s the MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas way What does it take to build a solid reputation in the plumbing industry? For Richard Lock of MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas, it’s all about honesty, integrity and superior workmanship. “MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas has only been going for the past four years, but already we’ve developed an excellent reputation in the community for our service work and for our new home installations,” says Richard, who has been in the plumbing business for the past 12 years and worked in the construction industry since he was 15. “Our guys go to work every day knowing that the success of the company rests squarely on their shoulders through the work they do.” It’s a lot of pressure, but Richard is confident in his team because he chose each of them for the fact that they personify his own insistence on excellence. MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas built its core reputation working on high-end renovations and new home construction. The same attention to detail demanded in that kind of work is carried over into the service side of the business. “People pay us hard-earned money to make sure the plumbing in their home is working properly, so whether it’s a dripping faucet or a broken down boiler, we respect that it’s important, and we do our best to fix it as soon as possible. “Everything is a priority for us because it’s a priority for you,” Richard adds. Small jobs, large jobs, it doesn’t matter to the guys at MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas. They work six days a week to ensure homeowners in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have peace of mind when it comes to their plumbing systems. So when should you call
MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas? If you’re having problems with your plumbing or radiant heating system, need sewer or drain tile cleaning, or have an issue with your hot water tank or boiler, then you should be calling Richard and company for professional, clean, friendly service. They also do a lot of annual maintenance work for those customers who believe prevention is the best cure not only for the common cold, but also common plumbing problems. “There is no call-out fee in the Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows area and we will provide a free estimate,” says Richard. “Most of the time I can tell you what the problem will cost over the phone, but even if we have to come for a visit to check out the problem first-hand, there’s still no estimate cost.”
“Everything is a priority for us because it’s a priority for you,” –Richard Lock It’s important to the owner of MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas that customers and potential customers feel confident when they call his number, and that starts with getting a real person on the phone instead of an answering machine. Richard strives to ensure every call is responded to within the hour so that people don’t get frustrated waiting for the plumber to call. “I don’t want people complaining about my company because they couldn’t even get a callback. That’s just not good business, and I’m building a company for the future of not only myself, but more importantly my family and my employees. “My customers will always
be treated fairly because that’s how I want to be treated. We give them an honest estimate of the work that needs to be done, we don’t pad that estimate by suggesting things which don’t need to be done, and we keep the price reasonable. “You combine that with friendly service from either Ted – one of the friendliest, hardest-working guys I know – or myself, and it equals the professionalism and integrity that I want my company to be known for.” And even if the guys at MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas can’t help you with your particular problem, Richard says he’ll always point you in the right direction towards someone who can. “We’ve built solid relationships with some of the best companies in the plumbing and heating industry, so if your job is something we can’t tackle, then we’ll refer you on to someone we trust to treat you the same way we would take care of you.” It’s all part of ensuring MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas becomes the first name in plumbing and heating for homeowners in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. “Helping people is the No. 1 priority at MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas,” Richard notes. “I want the people who call us to be customers for life, so we will do everything we can to ensure their experience with us is professional and friendly. “We do what we say we’re going to do, we respect our customers’ time and wallet, and we make sure that everything we do is first rate. That’s our promise to our customers, and that’s what MeadowRidge Plumbing and Gas is known for locally.”
5 consumer tips 1 Talk to family and friends and see who they recommend – and just as importantly, who they don’t recommend.
2 Ask for referrals from the plumbing company.
3 They should be licenced, and insured for property and personal liability.
4 Go with someone you’re comfortable with – if you don’t feel their attitude is right, you’re under no obligation.
5 Get a minimum of three quotes for the work, and ask probing questions if any of them seem out of line.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B39
B40 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Polished reputation makes for bright future at Hammond Jewellers
The staff at Hammond Jewellers. From left to right; Ghazal, Bev, Dean, and Laurie.
Dean Davey is in the celebration industry, and he proved it Christmas Eve, when he set out to knock on a few doors and hand deliver jewellery to clients so they could have the Christmas morning they were hoping for. “I guess I was a little like Santa,” he reluctantly agrees. “I wanted them to have their special morning.” Davey and his family took over the 54-year-old Hammond Jewellers – 20832 Lougheed Hwy in Maple Ridge – from former owner Alf Kiilerich three years ago and is determined to keep his long-time ethic of customer service and integrity alive. “We just want to keep doing things the way Alf did,” Davey says. “He did such a great job
of bonding with the people of Maple Ridge. To that end, Davey has kept the staff of goldsmiths and other experts and he calculates they have almost 350 years of experience between them. The Daveys aren’t short on experience themselves,
major sponsorship of the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, Rotary initiatives, and “just about any one who asks us. We’re happy to help out.” One of the secrets of Hammond Jewellers success is its large selection of jewellery at a wide range of prices
“This can be very moving work at times. It’s a privilege to be part of people’s celebrations,” – Dean Davey growing up in the jewellery trade in the Surrey store which their mother founded decades earlier and turned a success in that community. He’s also proud of Hammond Jewellers’ place in the community, noting his company’s
for everything from watches to diamonds. Davey has also branched out in recent years to include lines of leather silver and First Nation’s jewellery. He’s particularly pleased that his company is now an exclusive distribu-
tor of the extremely popular Pandora bracelets. But it’s repairs and service that set the store apart, he suggests. “The expertise and knowledge of our staff makes the difference,” he says. “Service is such a great part of our business,” He says helping customers over time, by tinkering with their watches or checking the delicate claws on their grandmother’s ring to keep diamonds safe, is a “way more fun” way to build a business than making a quick sell. “You prove yourself over time,” Davey says. He is often called upon to help clients in times of great joy and – more rarely – in times great loss. He tells of the
Dean Davey, Owner
Five tips to consider when buying jewellery 1 Find a jeweller you can trust. Ask around. Look for a jeweller with a reputation of honesty and a history of integrity.
2 Always compare equivalent grade diamonds when choosing your stone. Compare ‘apples to apples.’
3 Don’t just look at prices.
4 Find a jeweller who can service your purchase. Service is an important part of maintaining the value and look of
your jewellery. 5 Be sure to get the claws checked on your diamonds to ensure the stone remains secure.
economically savvy practice of transforming family heirlooms into new engagement rings that also brings a sentimental connection to the past which impossible to put a price tag on. “That’s the real delight,” Davey says. He also feels honoured to be part of other tender moments. Recently, he took a piece of jewellery that a mother had bought before her daughter had passed away and transformed it into a new creation. “This can be very moving work at times,” he says. “It’s a privilege to be part of people’s celebrations.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B41
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B42 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Gearing up for state-of-the-art service at Marv Jones Honda
Customer service is our number one priority at Marv Jones Honda.
It’s almost the first anniversary of the completion of Marv Jones Honda’s impressive redesign and renovation, but service manager John Knowles is still revved up about the changes.
there for the changes. “There’s lots of elbow room now,” he jokes. “People like new things and that’s fun for us.” He says the past year has flown by since getting back
“Longtime customers know everyone at the front counter by name and they have a real sense of trust.” – John Knowles “It’s been exciting,” he says of the project that doubled the size of the dealership at 20611 Lougheed Highway. “It was a long time coming.” And he would know. Knowles has worked at Marv Jones Honda for almost two decades, including the past three as service manager . He feels lucky to have been
home from an extended stay in a makeshift operation at the old Mussallem Motors property in downtown Maple Ridge. Knowles now happily oversees 10 service bays – up from six in the old facility. There’s also a new alignment bay and two drive-in bays for customers to drop off their vehicles indoors weather they have an
appointment or not. He wants them to feel welcome anytime, he says. “That’s a big change,” he adds. He’s been working on creating that welcoming environment for 15 years and says both customers and staff have begun to feel a bit like family to him. There are technicians who have been with Marv Jones for 25-plus years, apprentices who have stuck around just as long, and customers who now just throw their keys on the counter and leave, knowing someone will figure out who they are and what they need. “Now, that’s fun,” he says. “Long-time customers know everyone at the front counter by name and they have a real feeling of trust.” Knowles wants new customers to discover what these
long-time drivers have learned through hanging out at Marv Jones this past year – the dealership can now provide one-stop care for their Honda and Acura vehicles. Besides adding the express service and alignment bays, he also ensures that Marv Jones has an extensive stock of winter and all-season tires with a low-price guarantee. “If you’re out doing errands, you can just drop in,” he says. “There’s really no need to go anywhere else.”
John Knowles, service manager
Five tips, courtesy of John Knowles, Marv Jones Honda: 1 Having your car regularly serviced is the key to keeping everything in proper working order.
2 Checking your tire pressures regularly optimizes fuel economy and the life of your tires.
3 Replacing your wiper blades twice a year insures proper visibility & safety on those dark and rainy days.
4 With longer service intervals today, it is important to check your fluids and lights regularly.
5 Use OEM parts – these higher quality parts are recommended to achieve optimal performance.
He’s not going anywhere, either. Knowles is content sticking close to home at Marv Jones after arriving at the dealership in the ’90s. Before then, he was busy in “the only other adult job” he ever had – touring Europe as a technician with an international go-karting squad. But these days, he’s happy getting others ready for the road. “I really enjoy it here,” Knowles says before heading back to his customers and his roomy new bays.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B43
No Appointment Necessary * First come first serve basis based on availability Low Price Guarantee! Check Us Out!
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service@marvjoneshonda.com Service 604.465.7622 20611 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge WWW.MARVJONESHONDA.COM
Serving the Community for almost 40 years
B44 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Great value still in housing market: RE/MAX Lifestyles Realty.
Pitt Meadows office.
Maple Ridge office.
In the real-estate world, traditionally the spring market dominates. But thanks to a strong finish in 2011, the 2012 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows housing market should pick up right where last year left off, according to local realtor Rainer Weininger. “We’re certainly hoping that it’ll carry throughout the new year. Usually the market dies down close to December, but that wasn’t the case this past December,” said Weininger, co-owner of RE/MAX LifeStyles Realty. “As long as interest rates stay low, which they should, then I’m optimistic that 2012 will be a decent market for everybody. There’s great value out there still, especially with interest rates where they are.” The market usually dictates what people are choosing to do, he added. “It’s still a bit of a buyer’s market, but we’re starting to see a subtle shift in that. Sellers aren’t moving down any lower on pricing,
so that creates a level playing field. When that happens, it eventually forces the market to creep back up. I’m actually expecting that to happen in 2012.” With 17 years of experience as a realtor, Weininger now co-owns three RE/MAX offices with his long time partners Gary Fraipont and Michele Bouchard. Including the location on 223rd Street and Dewdney Trunk Road in Maple Ridge, another in Langley and the only real-estate franchise in Pitt Meadows.
“We’re all very proud of having the only location in Pitt Meadows,” he added. Even with all of his years of experience, Weininger isn’t immune to the problems created by the HST and he’s still feeling its affects. “There are so many insecurities that have crept in and it’s going to be hard to get rid of them. I think one of the biggest impacts it’s had is on consumer confidence,” he said. “They don’t know where the government stands on the issue because it’s been bounced
around so much. Because of that, the public is holding off on going into the market, especially on new construction. “The controversy surrounding the HST has been more detrimental than the actual tax.” All the rumors about the HST did more damage than the actual tax itself. He said the government didn’t do a good job of explaining exactly what the tax would do to the housing market and until the government can sort out the HST issue, more and more
Rainer Weininger, co-owner/broker
Five tips for first time home buyers: 1 Get a hold of a reputable realtor. Work with someone who knows what they’re doing.
2 Sit down and have a meeting with that person to discuss the ins and outs.
3 Try to keep emotions out of the transaction.
4 Establish your 5 Make sure you needs so you pre-qualify for know what you loans so that are looking for. Do you know what your homework price range to and have reasonlook within. able expectations.
people are choosing to hold out on purchasing or selling a home and it’s affecting housing markets all over B.C. Every job has its pros and cons, but Weininger truly has a passion for what he does and he has received several awards to prove it including one of the highest awards given to a RE/ MAX sales associate – the Hall of Fame award. He’s also received the Medallion Award from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. “It’s humbling. It’s the consequence of doing good business. I’m lucky because I get to work with lots of great people,” he said. “It’s a great job. At RE/MAX, we’re caring, professional realtors who work for our clients. We work full-time at what we do and we all have many years of experience and we’re highly trained. This is what we do for a living after all and I really believe that sets us apart from other companies.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B45
LifeStyles Realty
REALTORS® for the way you live RE/MAX Lifestyles Realty is one of Western Canada’s most successful real estate companies, with offices in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Langley. Our clients benefit from our local expertise in residential, recreational and commercial real estate. Experience the difference!
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B46 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Meadow Gardens: More than just a golf course
Left: Scott instructing a golfer on his swing. Right: Claire Victoria - Event Coordinator, Scott Rogers - Head Professional, Diane Bentley - Tournament Director.
Meadow Gardens Golf Club in Pitt Meadows is renowned for its quality course layout, but it has much more to offer. Event coordinator Claire Viktora said Meadow Gardens can host just about any type of special function. “We do banquets from 200 to 350 people, including weddings, golf tournaments, seminars, corporate clients and parties,” she said. “We have everything from a corporate boardroom to a banquet room that holds 350 people.” No event is too small or large for Meadow Gardens. “I’ve done a wedding for four people, and that was really a feather in our cap,” she said. “That’s the beauty of Meadow Gardens. We’re extremely flexible. We really cater to what the client wants.” Viktora said the foremost focus when arranging events is providing exactly what clients
are looking for. “We’re very accommodating,” she said. Viktora has 20 years of experience with the club, and she’s handled just about every sort of event you can imagine in that time. She said the experience of the Meadow Gardens events team has allowed it to continually become better at adapting to clients’ needs. “We always strive to improve on our services,” she said. Another feature of the club is the Loft restaurant, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Viktora said chef Mike Publicover has brought incredible cuisine to the restaurant, which has a glorious view overlooking the eighteenth hole. “He fuses West Coast favourites with Japanese fare,” she said. Meadow Gardens also has a bar and grill, which is open seven days a week for
breakfast and lunch, and has a renowned Sunday brunch. The club also has a members’ lounge. Members receive many benefits, including unlimited golf, discounts in the pro shop, restaurant and bar and grill and yearly locker and bag storage options.
“We’re extremely flexible. We really cater to what the client wants.” – Claire Viktora, events coordinator But you don’t have to be a member to experience Meadow Gardens. “Our doors are always open to new members and to the public,” Viktora said. Meadow Gardens offer plenty of golf tournaments, too, and
can accommodate groups of a wide variety of sizes. “We do small corporate tournaments for groups of 30 and over, and we have 144-person shotgun start tournaments,” said tournament director Diane Bentley . The staff’s experience handling tournaments allows them to deliver whatever your group needs. “We have an exceptional product.” Head professional Scott Rogers said Meadow Gardens’ golf course is great for all ages and skill levels, which makes it perfect for everything from intense tournaments to people just learning the game. “It lends itself to all levels, all abilities, all ages,” Rogers said. “It’s a very walkable golf course. It’s a very challenging course for the better player, a very enjoyable experience for new players.”
Claire Viktora, events coordinator
Five things Meadow Gardens offers: 1 Facilities for banquets, meetings and functions of any size, from two people to 350.
2 The top-quality Loft restaurant, helmed by chef Mike Publicover.
3 A golf course that lends itself to players of all levels.
4 Tournaments for any size of group from 30 to 144 people.
5 An experienced staff who can cater to your specific needs.
On the new players front, Rogers and Brett Saunders are partnering to launch a golf academy that will help train top Canadian golf talent. “We’re building a practice studio indoors that will allow us to analyze and coach with high technology. We’ll have a fitness studio in there, as well,” Rogers said. “Brett and I have both coached PGA-level players. We want to develop an academy that’s the best in the area; we’d love to develop the next great Canadian player.” They’re not just about training top talent, though. Rogers said they have lessons for those who are just learning the game, and Meadow Gardens is a perfect place for families to come. “Our focus is developing the whole family aspect of the game.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B47
Join us for a great year round golf and dining experience. Membership Opportunities $ *
JOIN FOR 1000 PER YEAR
Single Full Play ..................................................... $15,000 Family .................................................................... $20,000 Senior (60 plus) .......................................................... $6,000 Ladies ..................................................................... $6,000 $1000 payment due upon signing and the balance over ten years interest free. Junior Yearly Pass 12-18 years ................................................................. $550 Extended Junior 19-24 years ................................................................. $950 *Not including monthly dues or food assessment *Family includes spouse and children 18 & under *Some conditions apply *All rates are plus HST
Wedge Bar & Grill Open at 7am everyday for breakfast, Sunday brunch unwind with friends Check out specials on www.meadowgardens.com/loft OPEN EVERYDAY AT 11AM
The Loft Lounge & Eatery Join us Sundays for our Prime Rib Buffet Adults $19.95 Seniors $17.95 Children $13.95 • 8 and under FREE
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Call Cindy today for more information... Membership does have it’s privileges... **Not including monthly dues and food assessment. **Offer available for a limited time. * All fees are plus tax
For inquiries call: Cindy Street Membership Director 604-465-5474 ext 207 cindy@meadowgardens.com Driving range coming soon.
Friday Night Steak & Prawn Night $18.95
Saturday Night Steak & Lobster $29.95
Monday & Tuesday Enjoy one of our chef’s tapas platter & a glass of house wine for $10
Golf Academy Opening this March
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Reservations required
604-465-5474
19675 Meadow Gardens Way, Pitt Meadows
Checkout our green fees, daily & weekly menu specials at
www.meadowgardens.com
B48 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Plenty to sample at Firefly Fine Wines and Ales
Firefly Fine Wines and Ales also has over 650 different kinds of beer for you to choose from.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many couples will be canvassing liquor stores to find the perfect bottle of beer or wine for their special night, and Firefly Fine Wines and Ales in Maple Ridge can make that search easier. Open seven days a week, the two-year old-store has a fully equipped Italian wine tasting machine that allows customers to try wine at any time. “That really sets us apart from other liquor stores. The machine can preserve the quality of wine for a couple of months, even if the bottle’s been opened,” said Bruno Gerves, director of retail operations at Firefly. “The tasting machine is really there to provide flexibility for the customers, so this way they can come in and try some wine anytime they’d like.” The store also provides
special wine and beer tastings most Fridays and Saturdays and caters private events.
Unlike other liquor stores, Firefly provides a food pairing wall that categorizes alcohol by
“The tasting machine is really there to provide flexibility for the customers, so this way they can come in and try some wine anytime they’d like.” – Bruno Gerves. With more than 650 beers and 1,000 different wines priced competitively and hand picked by professionals, there’s plenty to sample. For Valentine’s Day, Gerves recommends sparkling wine. “It has bubbles and it’s a lot of fun to drink. But again, a lot of people will be making a special dinner that night, so it all depends on what’s being made. Just come in and ask our staff.”
taste to help make the selection process a bit easier. Customers who venture into Firefly will be approached by a knowledgeable staff member who is ready to help. “We have a very different ambiance. Our customers enjoy the store’s spaciousness and like taking their time with making choices. You can chat with the sales advisors and learn more about products. We offer a customer experience,”
Gerves added. “We have a huge selection of organic products and glutenfree products. Our selection is based on smaller wine producers and micro-brewery. We don’t avoid every mass product, but it’s not our main focus. “We carry a lot of Canadian wines, beer and spirit, especially from all over B.C.” Gerves hopes that by supporting local wineries and breweries, local residents will, in turn, support the liquor store. He finds the best way to get the word out is using social media to connect with customers. “It’s totally working for us. There is a lot of limited release beer or wines and as soon as we tweet about it, we sell out within 24 hours” Gerves said. “We have a huge following on
Bruno Gerves, director of retail operations
Five tips on choosing good wine: 1 Don’t shop by brand.
2 Listen to the experts.
3 Discover different tastes, don’t be shy.
4 Try blended wines.
5 Remember good company can make any wine taste great.
social media. It makes things a lot easier in getting the word out. Other people who don’t use social media wonder why products are sold out so quickly and we tell them, follow us on Twitter.” Firefly plans on pushing the online envelope a little more in the near future by launching a new website with its full inventory available online, allowing customers to place orders that can be picked up or delivered to their doorstep. There are also plans to open new stores in the future, as well, but Gerves won’t say when or where, yet. In time meantime, he’ll be focusing on running the two locations in Maple Ridge and Vancouver.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B49
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B50 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Wanstalls: Hunting for success in the sports shooting world
Wanstall’s staff: Craig, Dean, April, Gary, Stefan, Craig and Rob (missing).
Craig Jones walked into Wanstalls Hunting and Sporting five years ago looking for a box of ammo and walked out aiming for a little bit more. Jones started talking with longtime owner Tony Wanstall after someone backed out of a deal to buy the 40-yearold hunting and gun store on Lougheed Highway in downtown Maple Ridge. Wanstall couldn’t understand why anyone would do a job they didn’t like. And despite Jones’ arguments to the contrary, he couldn’t convince himself, either. So he bought his ammo – and the company. “It was the best move I ever could have made,” chuckles Jones, a longtime hunter and shooter who walked away from
his decade-plus career as a health care worker to take over the helm at Wanstalls. “I’m so glad I did it. Shooting is my passion.” Jones, along with partners Craig Watkin and Gary Godwin, has grown the company to one that now serves gun enthusiasts not only locally, but across B.C. and Canada. Since they started an online store two years ago, Jones and Watkin now take care of in-store customers, while Godwin is in charge of the online end of the business. “We are tapped into the Fraser Valley and now we sell all across Canada,” Jones says, noting that Wanstalls is one of few retail gun stores that can import directly from the
United States. Jones had to go through a rigorous process to obtain that privilege. “This is a big deal. You have to have your Is dotted and Ts crossed.”
“It was the best move I ever could have made. Shooting is my passion.” – Craig Jones. With specialized shooting comes specialized equipment, and Jones points out that Wanstall’s brings in specialty firearms lines including a line of AR 15 rifles called Core 15. Wanstalls also
offers the Canadian Firearms Safety courses needed to get a firearms license, and the Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) course needed to get a hunting license. He’s noticed a surge in the popularity of hunting in the past few years as the focus on organic food increases and people want to know where their food is coming from. Young people who once hunted with their parents are coming back to the sport for fun – and food. New hunters benefit from the trio’s knowhow. “We have people here with different areas of expertise,” he says. And they plan to be out in the bush and at the
Craig Jones, co-owner
5 consumer tips 1 You will need different gear depending on what game you are hunting. Do some research.
2 Have an idea of budget before you go.
3 Deal with experts. Service after a sale is critical. An expert will ask you the right questions.
4 You need to take a C.O.R.E course to get a hunting license.
5 You need to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course to obtain a PAL (Purchase & Acquisition License).
target range for a long time to come. “We try to keep sharp.” He’s even managed to get his young family out on the range, including his wife, who has now taken to the sport after a decade of watching him head out the door. Sport shooting is also gaining in popularity. More tactical pistol matches and competitive shooting events are being organized, including one in the Fraser Valley at which Old West enthusiasts dress up in period garb and climb aboard stagecoaches. “You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Annie Oakley jump off a stagecoach and take a shot,” Jones laughs.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B51
Wanstalls has been operating in Maple Ridge, British Columbia since 1973. We stock a variety of Rifles, Shotguns and Handguns, as well as Crossbows and Bow Hunting accessories.
NEW FIREARMS USED FIREARMS
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TACTICAL RIFLES
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Remington Winchester Marlin • CZ Thompson Centre Savage • Mossberg Sig Sauer • Steyr Beretta • Kimber
Ruger 10/22 Semi Auto Rifle Birch Stock
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LICENSES KNIVES
Core - 15 Rifle (M4 Moe)
Knives • Browning • Kershaw, CRKT • Buck • Boker
Nighthawk Custom 1911
Wanstalls carries the Blackhawk line ne of Tactical Accessories Accessories, including holsters, range bags and slings. Visit us to see our large selection of firearms, safes, ammunition, optics, knives, clothing and accessories or check out our selection of products online. We also have products on consignment. Call or come in and we will be happy to answer your hunting and shooting related questions.
Your Resource Centre for Hunting & Shooting 22338 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada, V2X 2T4 Phone 604-467-9232 Fax 604-467-9254 • www.wanstallsonline Store Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm
B52 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Advanced Storage Centres: Helping make your space GREAT
The friendly staff at Advanced Storage.
Self-storage providers can be a vital resource for people moving to a new house, and they can make a difference in areas well beyond that. Dorothy Gallagher, the Operations Manager of Advanced Storage Centres, said “We help businesses clear up shops, offices and retail space and we also help residents live in a clutter free house, garage and yard. Whether it’s finding room for old business files or decluttering to prepare your house for resale, self-storage is your convenient, inexpensive answer.” Gallagher said moving items into storage before officially listing a house can be extremely beneficial. “When selling your home, everything needs to be packed up regardless,” she said. “By placing your non essential items in self-storage early on, you simplify the grueling process of selling your home and therefore save precious time, space and money: time, start packing up early and save time on moving day; space, show off that great space you
have hidden under your clutter; money, get top dollar for your home by maximizing its potential.” “Surprisingly to most, selfstorage is a very simple answer to a lot of everyday issues,” says Gallagher
residents with their storage needs by providing a clean and safe storage space at a great value,” she said. “We can also help by referring firstrate realtors, movers, stagers and expert declutterers.” Gallagher said Advanced
“By placing your non essential items in self-storage early on, you simplify the grueling process of selling your house and therefore save precious time, space and money.” – Dorothy Gallagher, the Operations Manager of Advanced Storage Centres in Maple Ridge. Advanced Storage Centres has locations in Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows, Richmond and North Vancouver. Their Maple Ridge location, at 20288 113B Ave, has proven to be a valuable resource for the community for many years. “Advanced Storage Centres ‘Maple Meadows’ opened in 2003, and our knowledgeable professionals have since helped thousands of local
Storage’s key goal is delivering exactly what each unique client needs. “Every issue has a solution and at Advanced Storage, we are here to be your solution providers.” Gallagher states the company’s flexibility as one factor in its success, as it’s able to accommodate short-term rentals as well as extended rentals. “Let’s face it, not all possession
dates line up,” Gallagher said. “We can rent you space for as short a time as one week. Or what if you just need to take a breather after the move? You can take your time moving things into your new home if they’re already in storage, as we can accommodate your move-out to the day!” That can be very helpful for those moving. Advanced Storage can also provide solutions for a wide variety of circumstances, from downsizing to home renovations, mentions Gallagher. “Maybe you want new flooring or some painting done before you move in. Extremely easy if your items are already in storage,” she said. “Or perhaps you realize after you’re in the new home, you just don’t have enough space for a few special items. No problem, we can easily transfer you into a smaller unit to accommodate
Dorothy Gallagher, operations manager
Five tips for preparing your house for sale: 1 Take an impartial look at your space, you may overlook problem areas of clutter as you see it every day.
2 Remove personal items such as family photos and knick knacks – let the buyer envision their items in that space.
3 Show off your storage space, don’t have it full of your items. Clean up the garage.
4 By removing small appliances and personal items from the countertops, you help make your rooms feel larger.
5 Create a better flow in your home by removing extra pieces of furniture.
the leftovers. No worrying about the RV either, we can store your RV year-round and you’ll have great access to it.” Peak demand for storage space tends to accompany the busy times of the real-estate market, including spring, so Gallagher recommends reserving storage space sooner rather than later. Customers can get more information, including a Space Calculator to help estimate the size they need, online at www.advancedstoragecentres.com. Reservations can be made directly online or by calling 604-460-4627. Convenient office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., MondayFriday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and they welcome site tours. Before you visit them, be sure to check out their valuable coupons and AirMiles Reward Miles promotions online.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B53
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B54 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Johnston Meier combines history, innovation
The staff at Johnston Meier. From left to right: Kirstie, Amanda, Tina, Sandy, Donna, Brandie, Adina, Lynne, Sherry, Joanne, & Tamy.
For Tom Meier, co-founder of Johnston Meier Insurance, history and continuity are a crucial part of the business. Meier and partner Bruce Johnston founded the company with a single location in Maple Ridge almost four decades ago, and they’ve since expanded to 39 locations across the province. “Johnston Meier was started by myself and my partner, Bruce Johnston, in 1973, and we started in Maple Ridge,” Meier said. “We grew from there.” Meier said their growth and scale offers Johnston Meier the ability to give clients tremendous value. “We are the largest privately-owned insurance broker in B.C.,” Meier said. “The advantage of being large is you can place business for clients, and it can be very competitive.” They haven’t lost sight of what’s made them successful,
though. Their chief focus has always been on delivering outstanding customer service, and a key part of that plan comes from employing experienced agents who have seen just about everything in the insurance business. “We have 400 employees, and of those 400, we have a lot of people who have been with us 30 years, 25 years,” Meier said. “We have a lot of experience. Our people know what they’re doing.” Another focus for Johnston Meier, is making sure that we are always there to help our customers. In addition to having experienced staff who can give the information customers need, Johnston Meier also has 24-hour emergency claim service for many of its policies. Meier said the insurance business has changed dramatically over the past few decades, but Johnston Meier has been able to keep up with
the times. “We’ve seen all the changes, from doing it by hand to computer,” he said.
The agency has taken full advantage of the opportunities technology can present, too. On its website (www. jmins.com), you can get online quotes for everything from business insurance to homeowners’ insurance, tenants’ insurance and travel
insurance. Johnston Meier offers a wide selection of insurance varieties, including commercial insurance for everyone from small contractors to large businesses and individual insurance for everything from cars to homes to boats. Meier said one of the agency’s focuses right now is expanding its commercial business, which isn’t easy given the econom. But it’s something the agency has still been able to find success with. “When you have a down economy, it’s a little more difficult,” he said. “Everyone’s going after the same business, so you have to be extremely competitive, and we are.” One innovation Johnston Meier has developed is a system where several of its types of insurance can be paid for in installments. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a financial plan where people can make
payments in installments instead of a lump sum,” Meier said. The advantage of that system for policies is it doesn’t require all the cash up front, making insurance easier to afford for many. Johnston Meier has come a long way since its beginnings in Maple Ridge in 1973, but Meier said there’s still plenty of room for the agency to keep growing, much like the communities it belongs to. “We’re in growth areas; Maple Ridge is a growth area,” he said. Times have changed significantly since Johnston Meier started, and the company’s changed with them. Meier said he expects the company to keep pressing forward, innovating and expanding. “Our clients are our most important asset.”
3 Any major change needs to be reported to the broker (vacant, renovated, rented building).
4 Commercial insurance: your broker should be familiar with your company operations.
5 Your insurance broker should be looking after your interests.
“We are the largest privately-owned insurance broker in B.C. ... The advantage of being large is you can place business for clients, and it can be very competitive.” – Tom Meier.
Five tips for buying insurance: 1 When buying insurance, “What’s new with you?” Review coverages.
2 The more information you know about your dwelling, the easier it is to purchase insurance.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B55
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B56 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Pitt Meadows Arena focusing on community needs When Nustadia Recreation took over the management of Pitt Meadows Arena, it was on the understanding that the facility would be developed in partnership not only with the City of Pitt Meadows and parks and leisure services, but with the people who use it. And now that renovations are almost completed, general manager Ray Boogaards is pleased to say that pretty much everything in the new facility is there as a result of the wishes and needs of the people of Pitt Meadows. “The City of Pitt Meadows and the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parks and Leisure Services commission made consultation a crucial part of the process from Day 1,” says Ray, “and we’re proud to say the xity so far managed to incorporate most of what people wanted to see in this beautiful new facility.” It starts with the actual building, which still features three arenas, but now incorporates a beautiful and spacious lobby, a soon-to-be-completed concession, an expanded skate shop, new bleachers, new, larger dressing rooms, an administration centre, meeting space, an energy-efficient design, more light and better links to each rink, and many structural upgrades – even such touches as woodwork made from pine beetle lumber milled from the devastated forests of northern British Columbia. “People told the city that they wanted the arena to be environmentally friendly, so the city incorporated those elements where possible,” Ray notes. “They wanted it to be user friendly, so getting around the building is easier ... and it’s more accessible for people with disabilities [elevator and ramps, for instance]. They told us they wanted it to be bright and spacious, so everything has been cleaned and painted. “People told us they wanted
healthier choices in the concession stand, and more coffee and tea choices as an example, so we are planning on having a greater variety in the concession, along with many of the old favourites.” Part of the mandate for Ray and his 25 full- and part-time staff members is to develop programs that reflect the needs of the community. It’s great to have a new building, but if people aren’t using it because it doesn’t offer what they want, then it’s all for naught. Hockey and skating in all their variations will naturally be a big part of the new facility, as will lacrosse and ball hockey, when the ice comes out in the warmer months. Programs like dry-floor ringette and indoor soccer will probably be part
of the action, and there’s even talk of starting a dodge ball league. Upstairs, if the right deal can be worked out, there will be a food and beverage service area; Ray and his team are still working on that. But if that doesn’t happen, then it’s likely sports-related services like massage therapy and physiotherapy could go into the space. There is also a meeting space at the arena that’s big enough for local clubs and groups to hold clinics and other such events. “Even though the main construction is complete, we’re still working with groups to figure out the best use of the space,” says Ray. “There is still lots of room for new ideas,
and we want to hear from people and businesses if they have something they think might work. We want to involve the schools in the facility, and we want community groups to make use of the space for things like craft fairs or charity garage sales. When the ice is off the floors, there are tonnes of options that open up, and it only takes someone with imagination to help us make it work.” Ray says it’s not just community groups that Nustadia Recreation intends to work closely with, however. Local business is also going to have plenty of opportunity to be a part of this exciting new facility. Already the rinks themselves have new names thanks to
Maple Ridge Chrysler, Maple Ridge Volkswagen and Fiat of Maple Ridge. There’s also lots of space for corporate advertising on the boards and walls of the rinks, as well as on the televisions located throughout the building. “Basically, nothing has been set in stone, and our goal is to work with all parts of the community to make this a vibrant, exciting place to be,” says the general manager. “Nustadia Recreation has six other facilities that it manages throughout Canada, with our newest facility scheduled to open in Grande Praire Alberta, and our mandate in each city is to focus on community needs first and foremost because, after all, the communities themselves own the facility, not us.” Skating for fun and health Looking for a fall/winter activity to complement your summer activities? Think ice skating. Recreational ice skating is a relaxing activity for all age groups that can be done alone, with family or socially with a group of friends. It is relatively inexpensive, has less impact on the joints than most sports, provides relaxation and numerous other health benefits. Ice skating builds muscle tone in various parts of the body, but particularly in the legs. The leg muscles that get the biggest workout are the hamstrings and the quadriceps. However, you also use your back and abdominal muscles to maintain your posture and balance. Increased muscle tone also has the added benefit of increasing your metabolic rate. In addition to muscle tone and lower body benefits, you will also experience increased endurance, flexibility, quickness, agility and better balance. Skating also helps build bone, raise your heart rate and burn calories.
Five tips for going ice skating this winter: 1 Wear snug fitting skates. Your skates should fit half to one size smaller than your walking shoe.
2 Consult your doctor prior to ice skating, if you have had knee, hip, lower back or ankle problems.
3 If you’re new to skating, join a learn-toskate program. On-Ice Instruction prevents bad habits.
4 Make sure you eat well before you go.
5 Dress in layers with loose fitting clothes.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B57
Let’s Skate PITT MEADOWS ARENA COMPLEX PRIME AND NON-PRIME ICE TIME IS AVAILABLE. March Break has some awesome ice times available. Spring & Summer ice requests are now being accepted. For all available ice rental information and bookings contact 604-460-1531. SKATE SHARPENING AVAILABLE, leave your skates with Guest Services staff and you will be called when your skates are ready. Cost $5.00 HST included ADULT AND YOUTH STICK AND PUCK TIMES AVAILABLE. Check the website info@pittmeadowsarena.com or pittmeadowsarena.com
PARENT AND TOT SKATE/ MARCH BREAK PUBLIC SKATING & STICK & PUCK Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-11:00AM Watch for March Break public skating and stick and puck times. Check the website info@pittmeadowsarena.com or pittmeadowsarena.com
PUBLIC SKATING TIMES UNTIL MARCH 25, 2012 Friday 6:45-8:15PM I Saturday 6:45-8:15pm I Sunday 3:00-4:15pm All children 12 years and under are required to wear a helmet while on the ice surface. We strongly recommend that everyone wear a helmet while on the ice surface.
MARCH BREAK HOCKEY PROGRAMS Pitt Meadows Arena Complex-Nustadia Recreation has teamed up with RPM Hockey Company to bring you exciting March Break Hockey Programs. For program information and to register go to www.rpmhockey.com and click on Programs>Spring Break 2012.
The Pitt Meadows Arena Complex has many exciting facility advertising opportunities available for businesses to promote their many services. Thousands of people will see your company’s information throughout the year. These affordable facility advertising opportunities could include your companies name on a back light, arena board, banners or many other facility advertising opportunities are available. Don’t delay! Contact Brian Acaster, Manager of Marketing & Public Relations at 604-314-2294 or e-mail bacaster@nustadia.com
Don’t be disappointed Register early!
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PITT MEADOWS ARENA COMPLEX: 11435 Bonson Road, Pitt Meadows 604-460-1531
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B58 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
Local contracting business on solid ground
Terrafirma staff: Tighe Lefebvre, Paul Griffiths, Norm Bruneau,Rob Allen is in front. Kent Changfoot is in back at far right.
Tighe Lefebvre takes pride in turning houses into homes for his customers. Now, after relocating to Maple Ridge, the carpenter and contractor has been getting the chance to impress his toughest critic – himself. Lately, he’s been hard at work taking an original westside 1940s mill manager’s home and transforming it into his dream residence and base for his nine-year-old contracting company, Terrafirma Industries. “It’s great. We found old boxes and even some old notes in the walls,” he says. “It’s a challenge making sure things are to code and keeping the style and feel of the place. The good thing is, if I want to put something I really want in, I can do it.” That’s what happens when you own the company. But it wasn’t always that way.
Lefebvre says he fell into the business in the mid-1990s. After spending some time traveling, he got a job with a local contracting firm based in Maple Ridge, did a four year apprenticeship program at BCIT, then obtained his Canadian Red Seal carpenter certification, and in 2003, started his own company. “Things just kind of snowballed from there,” he says. His renovation and contracting company, Terrafirma Industries, which does everything from small repairs to major renos, now boasts two crews, a couple of trucks, four full-time employees, and a lot of word of mouth praise. “We are really busy and it’s mostly word of mouth,” he says. “I guess we’re doing something right.” Despite his levity, Lefebvre says that trust is one of the most important elements to a
relationship between a contractor and his client. Trust breeds loyal customers and keeps that positive word of mouth buzz happening. People are very wary of contractors and horror stories get around almost as fast. He insists it’s important for people to do some ground work and check out a company’s record.
“We are really busy and it’s mostly word of mouth.” – Tighe Lefebvre. He is just finishing a job in which he’s come in to fix up the mistakes of a bad contractor for a Langley woman. “It’s really sad,” he says. “Make calls. Talk to the Better Business Bureau.” Kitchens remain the most
popular spot to renovate, said Lefebvre, since work done in that part of the house adds value to a home. But sometimes people need a little help. Through the years, he’s built a network of subcontractors he is familiar with and can rely on. Lefebvre says the popularity of design shows have been a boom to his business and given customers some welcome ideas. He also works with a Maple Ridge design consultant, who helps customers with plans. “Designers can help give people directions and focus,” he says. “They can make all the difference.”
Tighe Lefebvre, owner
Five tips for choosing a contractor, from Tighe Lefebvre: 1 Go to the Better Business Bureau and check out the company.
2 Ask to make sure the company has WorkSafeBC insurance coverage.
3 Make sure you have someone who will communicate well with you.
4 Ask for references.
5 Make sure you do your due diligence and ask as many questions as possible.
So can he. Lefebvre seems particularly proud of the fact he’s been able to help his employees gains the skills and credentials that he worked hard to get in the 1990s. He currently has an apprentice on staff and says he’s managed to “put two guys through the BCIT program and they’re still with me. It’s great.” And while his crews continue to work at growing his business throughout the region, he’s still pretty happy with the job he’s done on his own reno job and with the community he now calls home. “I love it here.”
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B59
LET US TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO A HOME. SERVICES WE PROVIDE We provide unmatched quality in all home construction, renovation and repair work. Please contact us with your project ideas and let us take care of the details.
ABOUT US Our goal as a company is to provide outstanding service and a high quality of workmanship. By doing this we ensure an easy hassle free renovation to your home, from a small handyman job, to large additions and full renovations, our team of qualified tradesmen and subcontractors are guaranteed to fulfill all your expectations.
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11402 River Wynd, Maple Ridge, BC Phone: 604.312.6160 Email: info@terrafirmaindustries.ca
B60 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre
The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre is home to many community groups that present top notch performances and The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council that presents world-class performances from the familiar to the unique. Both have found a lot of success along the way. “The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council programming at The ACT is committed to presenting unique quality performances designed to meet the variety of interests of our patrons, plus introduce emerging and rising Canadian talent, which at times can mix artistic genres or push boundaries of traditional art forms.” said Executive Director Lindy Sisson, “If you spend your valuable time coming to a performance, ultimately, we want you to leave amazed, rejuvenated and inspired by the performance.” Pighin added “The audience feedback we are receiving attests that this is indeed the case, with patrons thrilled with their experience” “Our Executive Director,
Lindy Sisson, has programmed exceptional talent” said Karen Pighin, Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council Communication Manager, of the ACT performances. A recent example: CubanCanadian singer-songwriter Alex Cuba, a two-time JUNO Award winner, winner of a Latin Grammy for best new artist in 2010 and was nominated for the best Latin pop album at the 2011 Grammy Awards. Alex performed at the ACT in November and renowned New Brunswick blues guitarist Matt Andersen played there in October. Famed Vancouver jazz singer, pianist and composer Laila Biali will play the ACT on Jan. 28, as will other top-quality acts in the months ahead. Heart Beats, the second annual joint-fundraiser with the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, on March 15, will be in conjunction with Ballet B.C.’s performance, “Walking Mad & Other Works”. “With a VIP reception in the Maple Ridge Art Gallery, Ballet B.C.’s Canadian premier and two
World premiers, plus a preshow talk with Ballet BC Artistic Director/Choreographer Emily Molnar, this is sure to be an evening not to be missed,” Pighin said. The Ultimate Comedy Show on Feb. 4 will feature Roman Danylo, Not Available in Canada (AKA Titmouse), Toby Hargrave, It’s Good to Know People, and Urban Improv. “These comics are considered some of the best from across the country,” Pighin noted. The ACT also features GEMS, the Golden Ears Movie Series. GEMS is presented with the support of the Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival. Through them over 200 communities such as ours are able to obtain the distribution rights to screen films. We are grateful for their support in promoting film across the country and in our community. A film of note, coming up on Feb. 27, is Starbuck, a 14A Canadian film in French with English subtitles that revolves around the story of a man
named David. His irresponsible existence is upended when a lawyer informs him that he has fathered 533 children as a sperm donor under the pseudonym “Starbuck” and that over a hundred are taking legal action to learn his identity. It’s a remarkable story, and an example of some of the incredible films being produced in Canada. Winner of multiple awards including a recent People’s Choice Award at the Calgary International Film Festival and Best Narrative Feature, Palm Springs International Film Festival. “When you choose to go out for an event, it’s about the overall experience. Whether it’s a familiar one or a new one, we hope that the exceptional talent that is performing right in your own back yard will be recognized and valued by the community,” says Sisson. She adds “We want our programming to be complimentary to the other choices consumers have, and offer performances that you would not otherwise get an opportunity to see, which is why we don’t program
what you could go to see at a bar or in a casino. I also always encourage folks to try something new, and we hope that even if you aren’t familiar with a particular performer our patrons can trust that whichever of the diverse artists you choose to come and see you will go away thrilled with your experience.” “We’re a non-profit public resource,” Pighin added. Contracted by the District of Maple Ridge, the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council operates The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre which is home to two Theatres including a 500-seat proscenium style theatre, yearround arts programs for children and adults, a computer lab, clay studio and the Maple Ridge Art Gallery and Gallery Shop. The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre is the premier location for Arts and Culture in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. “We want to encourage people to drop in,” she said. “There really is something for everyone of every age. We think you will like what you see!
3 Ballet B.C., Mar. 15: Walking Mad and Other Works, Canadian and World premieres grace the stage at The ACT for a fine evening of dance.
4 Richard Scarry’s Busytown Busy, Apr. 15: Based on the best-selling children’s books, Busytown Busy captures world and adventures of six friends.
5 IZM, May 4: 10 of Canada’s most talented street dance performers led by artistic director Crazy Smooth.
Five do-not-miss events at the ACT 1 Laila Biali, Jan 28: Vancouver native, Juno Award nominee, jazz singer, pianist, composer and arranger.
2 Hard Times Hit Parade, Jan. 29: This theatrical performance recreates a dance marathon reminiscent of the 1930’s.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B61
Roman Danylo & Friends
JUNO Award Nominee
The Ultimate Laila Biali Comedy Show Student T ic k et s
Student T ic k et s Saturday, February 4 • 8pm
$15!
$15!
Saturday, January 28 • 8pm
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B62 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
The “Charity Child” – making your community part of your family When thinking about preparing a Will, most individuals divide their estate among their immediate family and friends. They want to be sure that they can provide for the needs of their loved ones. But what people may not consider are the possible tax consequences of this decision. Ask yourself, “If you had a choice to give a portion of your estate to the government in tax, or to a charity like Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, which one would you prefer?” The answer is probably obvious. Including a “charity child” could be of real benefit to those who are interested in providing for their loved ones, leaving a legacy to their community, and limiting their estate to the exposure of taxes. For example, through careful estate planning a family with three children divides their estate into quarters, leaving the last quarter to charity(ies) such as Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation. Upon the death of both the parents, the Will outlines that each child will receive one quarter of the estate. The fourth quarter is dedicated to the “charity child” and directed to the causes that are dear to their hearts. By placing a charitable bequest in one’s Will, the estate will benefit by receiving a charitable tax receipt for the gift helping to offset the tax payable. The children will still receive the portion allotted to them, plus they will be able to celebrate their parents’ legacy - making a difference in the community through their philanthropic efforts. Estate planning is an evolving process. While you are young and your children are dependent, you probably won’t think about including an outright gift
to charity in your Will. You may think about adding a contingent bequest to charity though. That is to say, if everyone in the family were to perish, the charity would receive the portion that was designated for family members. As you get older, and the
needs of your maturing loved ones change, the prospect of leaving a legacy such as a “charity child” may help not only plan for the tax consequences of the estate, but also leave a lasting impression on your children and the community.
Many of our donors were once recipients of our health care services so they have given something in return as an expression of gratitude. For some, financial circumstances may restrict them from giving significantly during their lifetime and they plan their
Sandra Rankin, executive director
Five tips to make a difference in the lives that follow. 1 Prepare a Will.
2 Leave a gift in your will for the not-for-profit organization that makes a difference in your life.
3 Leave a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your assets to a not-for-profit organization.
4 Consider using assets for your legacy gift.
5 Name a notfor-profit as the beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF, insurance policy, or pension plan.
donation through their estate. For further information on how to include a bequest in your estate planning or details on how to make a change or addition to your current Will, contact Sandra Rankin, Executive Director at (604) 463-1801.
www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- B63
Dr. Marjorie Chun died in 2000
This fall, she’ll build a chapel in the hospital where she worked. Dr. Chun practised the science of medicine, but she was
favourite cause in your Will or estate plan. Contact a
also a woman of faith. To help her hospital treat body
charitable organization such as Ridge Meadows Hospital
and soul, she funded the new chapel with a gift in her
Foundation, lawyer, financial advisor, or LEAVE A
estate plan. Thanks to Dr. Chun, patients and their
LEGACY™ Vancouver to learn how.
families will have a place to seek peace. Include your Make a difference in the lives that follow. Consider a gift in your Will for your favourite charities. For more information, visit our website at: WWW.LEAVEALEGACYVANCOUVER.COM
Make a Difference in the Lives that Follow
A program of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP-ACPDP™) LEAVE A LEGACY™ in Vancouver is promoted through volunteer efforts and with the support of charities, not-for-profits and professional advisors. LEAVE A LEGACY™ is a nationally recognized program to raise awareness of the importance of thoughtful, wellplanned, tax-reduced gifts and their impact on the quality of life for everyone in our communities.
B64 -- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com
YOU ONLY HAVE ONE PAIR OF FEET, AND THEY HAVE TO LAST A LIFETIME Most people take their feet for granted. They need to move, so they stand up and start walking or running. It’s only when their feet (or knees, or ankles) aren’t working properly that they suddenly discover just how important those collections of bones, muscles and ligaments actually are. At Kintec, however, those bones, muscles and ligaments are top-of-mind every minute of every day because Kintec employees are passionate about helping people maintain healthy feet over the course of a lifetime. “We are the experts in footwear, orthotics and bracing products,” says company president Mark McColman. “Whether you’re looking for a more comfortable pair of shoes, or you’re an athlete looking for better performance, or you’re looking to find some relief for your pain, our expert staff will advise and help you. Best of all, you won’t pay any more for this extra service than going to the mall.”
As experts in the footwear field, Kintec staff members apply their knowledge of the human musculoe skeletal system to ensure customers aren’t just purchasing shoes based on shoe size and
Vancouver
Langley
favourite colours, but on their individual biomechanical needs. Most Kintec fitting experts have degrees in kinesiology or human kinetics, and some have Masters degrees or PhDs. All have received Kintec’s extensive in-house training in biomechanics, footwear, bracing and custom orthotics. “The benefit to our customers from having fitting experts help them is that we take the time to properly assess their lifestyle, previous injuries, level of activity, and what is they’re planning to do in their footwear,” says Mark. “We use our free computerized video gait analysis and our real-world expertise to ensure our customers are not only comfortable in their new footwear, but painfree and walking properly.” “You only have one pair of feet and they have to last a lifetime,” he adds. “The human body, from a mechanical point of view, is nothing more than a bag of bones held together by elastic bands [ligaments/tendons and muscles], and everything is supported by your feet. If they’re out of alignment or not functioning properly, your knees, hips and lower back will all be affected. “In effect, your feet are the foundation for your body, so it’s important that people understand the importance that feet play in their lives. It all starts from the ground up.” In Maple Ridge, Kintec has been improving lives since 2003, and the Kintec chain is now eight-stores strong, with locations from Abbotsford to Richmond and Vancouver. Kintec delivers a level of expertise, service and experience unseen in the retail footwear market. Customers can be sure that a visit to a Kintec store will include the widest selection of approved performance footwear, expertbacked analysis and advice, and a guarantee of fit and
Surrey
Port Moody
Kintec staff: Conny Mclean, Peter Morcom (Store manager and Certified Pedorthist), Lindsey Toews, Mikaela Patterson.
service that extends long beyond the initial purchase of the product. “We would like people to think of us as the first place to call or visit for any foot- or kneerelated question or advice,” says the company’s president. “Whether it’s just a comfortable and supportive pair of running or walking shoes, custom orthotics, supportive flip-flops, or a knee brace, we can help ... and at no extra charge for the advice.” Now, if it all sounds rather complicated or time-consuming, Mark notes that it’s really a simple five-step process that isn’t onerous at all. Step 1 involves meeting a fitting expert who has been university-trained, believes in healthy, active lifestyles, and has gone through intensive fit training programs. Step 2 involves providing background information about yourself. In order to assess you properly, they need to know
North Van
Maple Ridge
all about your active lifestyle, what you do, where you do it, how often you do it. Step 3 involves telling them about your feet. Their trained professionals will assess your feet and legs, they’ll measure the length, width, and functional mechanics of your arch to determine foot type, biomechanics, and a whole lot more. Step 4 involves selecting the right shoe. It’s time to try the shoes and test them in the store. And yes, style and colour are just as important as function. We know you want to look good, too. Finally, step 5 involves your fit guarantee. Kintec guarantees the best possible fit for you. If for whatever reason you are not satisfied with the fit of your shoes, return them and they’ll replace them for free. With Kintec being at the forefront of the footwear industry, it only makes sense that the company would be involved in
Abbotsford
Richmond
supporting runners, and to that end they offer running clinics to help individuals of all abilities – from absolute novices looking to run in a local charity event, to seasoned runners looking to improve their marathon times. “Our programs were designed by Ryne Melcher, a seventime member of the Canadian national team,” Mark notes. “All clinics include educational seminars on each run, with talks from nutritionists, sports medicine professionals, and even Olympians such as Robert Esmie, 1996 Gold Medalist in the 4x100 relay race.” The clinic leaders who will lead you through your training are the best of the best, and include members of the Canadian national team and world record holders. Best of all, they have a passion and love for running that they want to spread to you.
#640-22709 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge (Valleyfair Mall) Tel. 604.463.3338
www.kintec.net