New Westminster Record December 24 2015 by New West Record

NEWS 3

A family makes room for more COMMUNITY 10

Ring in the NewYear here A SPECIAL STORY 15

JJ Lee’s gift to our readers

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

There’s more online at

SEE PAGE 16

NewWestRecord.ca

THURSDAY DECEMBER 24, 2015

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Thursday, December 24 2:00 pm City Hall Closed

Friday, December 25 City Hall Closed

Monday, December 28 City Hall Closed

Thursday, December 31 4:00 pm City Hall Closed

Friday, January 1 City Hall Closed

Saturday, January 9 10:00 am – 3:00 pm NW Fireﬁghter’s Charitable Society Tree Chipping Canada Games Pool Parking Lot

CITYPAGE NEW WESTMINSTER FIRE FIGHTERS’ CHARITABLE SOCIETY TREE CHIPPING

Saturday, January 9, 2016 and Sunday, January 10, 2016 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Canada Games Pool Parking lot, 65 E Sixth Ave Join us for a BBQ, popcorn, face painting, music, and extinguisher demos. Trees will be chipped and recycled. All proceeds go to the New Westminster Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society. Make a donation and support local community charities! The New Westminster Scouts will also be holding a bottle drive. Please bring your recyclable bottles and cans to help bring adventure, outdoor experience and friendship to New West youth.

Sunday, January 10 10:00 am – 3:00 pm NW Fireﬁghter’s Charitable Society Tree Chipping Canada Games Pool Parking Lot

For more information on any of these events, please visit www.newwestcity.ca/events

CITY HALL HOURS OF OPERATION

Eﬀective January 1, 2016, the hours of operation for New Westminster City Hall will be: Mondays: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Tuesdays – Fridays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

NEW WESTMINSTER RECYCLING DEPOT HOLIDAY HOURS

Please be advised of the holiday hours for the New Westminster Recycling Depot:

Dec 24th – closed at 2pm Dec 25th – closed Dec 26th – open Dec 31st- closed at 2pm Jan 1st – closed

2016 CURBSIDE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Expect to see your new Curbside Collection Schedule in the mail this week. The schedule will contain your garbage and recycling calendar, as well as updated information on our progress to date in diverting waste from landﬁlls. The 2016 collection schedule is also available on our website at www.newwestcity.ca.

NOTICE OF LEASE AND PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE

Pursuant to section 26 of the Community Charter, the Corporation of the City of New Westminster hereby gives notice of its intention to lease approximately 40,400 square feet as shown outlined in bold on the sketch below, located within Moody Park at 710 Eighth Street, New Westminster, to the NEW WESTMINSTER LAWN BOWLING CLUB, for the purpose of operating a lawn bowling club. The term of the lease will be 3 years, commencing on December 16, 2015 and terminating on December 15, 2018. The City further gives notice, in accordance with section 24 of the Community Charter, that it will be providing assistance to the NEW WESTMINSTER LAWN BOWLING CLUB by leasing the area for a nominal value. A base rental amount will be $10.00 per year.

New Westminster Lawn Bowling Site Plan Terry Atherton, Manager, Civic Buildings and Properties

Happy Holidays from the City of New Westminster

511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, B.C. V3L 1H9 | Ph. 604.521.3711 | Fx. 604.521.3895 | www.newwestcity.ca

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 3

Up Front MAKING A DIFFERENCE

City family makes room for six more The Black and Russell family are sharing their goodwill and home with the Edom family, who have come to Canada fleeing political persecution in Nigeria

By Jennifer Moreau

jmoreau@newwestrecord.ca

When David Black and his wife Maya Russell settle in with the kids this Christmas morning, they’ll be gathering around the tree with a few extra house guests – a refugee family of six from Nigeria. Black and Russell took in the Edom family a few weeks ago, and they are living in the upstairs loft while they apply for refugee status in Canada.The Edoms usually celebrate Christmas with a special dinner, so toys under the tree will be a novelty for the little ones. “This is going to blow their minds,” said Maya Russell. “The kids are very excited. I’ve explained what’s going to happen at Christmas, and they are very excited.” Black and Russell took in the family in late November, after they got in touch with the Inland Refugee Society of B.C., a group that helps asylum seeking refugees. Black said they were hoping to help Syrians, but they said yes to the family of six that was living in a onebedroom apartment with another couple. “We were doing this for Syrians, but a refugee is a refugee, and these people sound desperate,” Black said.

SAY CANADA! David Black band his wife, Maya Russell, wanted to share their good fortune with a refugee family. The Edom family was living in a one-bedroom apartment with another couple. The two families now live in the same Sapperton house. From left: Cynthia Edom; Emeka Edom; Goodluck, Valentina, Kate (behind), Maggie (in front), David Black with Mandela on his lap, Maya Russell, Clinton and Rebecca. PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

Black and Russell have a four-bedroom home in New Westminster’s Sapperton neighbourhood, and the refugee family is staying on the top floor, which is a converted loft. The father’s name is Emeka Edom; the wife is Cynthia, and their children are Valentina, 8, Goodluck, 5, Clinton, 3, and Mandela, 1. They arrived in Canada in October, and are in the process of applying for refugee status, as they say they are fleeing political perse-

cution. Black said the hosting experience has been going remarkably well and is a lot of fun.The guest family is not disruptive, and the kids

They are giving us hope to live again as a family

have been playing together. Black said he’s committed to housing the Edom family

on a month-to-month basis, and he’s hoping they will be approved for refugee status as quickly as possible. “When looking at the news and seeing all these people leaving these a horrible situations around the world there was a bit of guilt about how good we had it here in Canada,” Black said, adding he feels very good about taking in the Edom couple and their children. “I see what a difference it’s making for this family.They are very, very, grateful. I see how it’s enrichment for my

kids. It doesn’t come without its challenges, but it’s very, very, very exciting.” Black also said he’s been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family and coworkers, all pitching in to help the New Westminster couple’s newest housemates. Clothes, household items, gift cards have been flooding in from across the country. “It’s been unbelievable,” he said. Emeka is happy to be staying in the New West home with his wife and kids.

“I don’t know how to explain it; we just call it home. It’s an awesome place for me to stay. It’s been a pleasant place for me and my family,” he said. Emeka mentioned the family went ice skating for the first time ever recently, and his family has been “so, so, so happy.” “They are giving us hope to live again as a family,” he said. Black is president of MoveUP, formerly known as COPE 378.

Campaign to reunite Syrians nears halfway mark A New Westminster woman’s crowdfunding campaign to reunite a Syrian family is gaining momentum and nearing the halfway mark, and the man at the centre of it all couldn’t be happier. The campaign to bring Mohammed Alsaleh’s family to Canada surpassed the $13,500 mark early this week. He’s hoping to raise $30,000 to sponsor his siblings and mom to come to

Canada. “It’s been doing quite good,” Alsaleh told the Record. “I’m so excited.” Deana Brynildsen, a retired foreign affairs secretary and New West resident, started the campaign. She befriended Alsaleh after she read about his plight in the Record. Alsaleh, 26, fled Syria, leaving his family and medical school studies behind after he was detained and

tortured for protesting the regime. He’s been in Canada for about 13 months. Since the campaign started on Dec. 9, 134 people (and counting) have donated, and the page has been shared on social media more than 400 times. The last time Alsaleh spoke with his family was before the launch.They recently left Syria and are now staying in Turkey, but they don’t have a phone number

yet, so Alsaleh hasn’t updated them on the progress. “I can’t wait to tell my family,” Alsaleh said. Metro, CKNW and Roundhouse Radio also covered the story, and Alsaleh went on Global TV and asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau what he was going to do to help reunite refugee families. Alsaleh said one of his wishes was to take a selfie with Trudeau, which he did.

“That was amazing, it was a dream coming true,” Alsaleh said. On Monday, he met New Westminster MP Peter Julian and shared his story. “He said he will try to help me and he will do his best, as well,” Alsaleh said. Julian told the Record Alsaleh’s story was very compelling and that he’s had a number of refugees approach him to follow up on their family members.

“What I’ve told everybody is we have no magic wand, but we have a good track record of pushing the government to act, so that’s my commitment I’ve made to him and a number of other refugees that have come to see me.We’re going to do everything we can,” Julian said. To donate, go to www.go fundme.com/SyrianFamily Rescue. - Jennifer Moreau

4 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

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New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 5

News

Do you know this guy? Cayley Dobie

cdobie@newwestrecord.ca

New Westminster police are hoping the public can lend a hand identifying the suspect in a break-and-enter in the fall. The theft happened in the 500 block of Royal Avenue on Oct. 14 around 2 p.m. Police believe the lone suspect entered a ground-

floor apartment by prying open the sliding door. None of the residents were home at the time. The suspect, who was caught on a security camera inside the unit, stole several items before fleeing, according to a media release from the police department. Police say the suspect has a light complexion and is clean shaven.

Do you recognize him? New Westminster police are hoping the public can identify the suspect in this photo. Police allege he broke into an apartment in the 500 block of Royal Avenue on Oct. 14.

He was wearing a white T-shirt, a dark-coloured vest with a NewYorkYankees logo on the front and a baseball cap. He was also wearing a glove on his right hand. Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to contact Det. Sweet at 604-5255411.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Sex offender sentenced Cayley Dobie

cdobie@newwestrecord.ca

A 45-year-old NewWest man has been designated a high-risk violent offender and is banned from transit for three years after two sexual assault convictions. The first sexual assault took place on May 2, when a suspect, identified as Jason Steven Taylor, boarded a bus at Metrotown.Taylor sat next to a 19-year-old woman and started rubbing her thigh, noted a press release from Transit Police. The second incident happened on May 19, this time on a bus heading westbound on Lougheed Highway from Colony Farm Road in Coquitlam. Police say Taylor ran his

hand up the woman’s thigh and showed her pornographic videos on his phone. In June,Taylor was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual assault. He pled guilty in November. Taylor was sentenced to nine months in prison, less time served, and three years on probation with condi-

tions that forbid him from possessing weapons, having contact with the victims, owning a cellphone or any wifi-capable devices, and riding on any transit system in the Lower Mainland. As a high-risk violent offender,Taylor will be monitored by the Ministry of Justice.

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6 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

Opinion OUR VIEW

’Tis the season for joy and gratitude ’Tis the season, as the saying goes, but the season for what? For some, it is a solemn time where the focus is on the traditional biblical story, with the addition of joyous music, candlelight services and the careful placing of the baby Jesus in the manger. For others, it is Hanukkah with traditions that go back thousands of years, with the lighting of the candles and special foods.

Many others will celebrate a long weekend this year with no particular religious overtone, but with appreciation for the additional time to spend with family and friends. However you choose to celebrate this most joyous of holidays, we hope you will reflect on how fortunate we are to be able to do so in peace and security and with hope for the future. As we have learned so often in the past year, we can-

not take these things for granted. We are fortunate not to be in refugee camps that now house millions of people throughout the world. We are fortunate that we go to the mall or the movie theatre or school without fearing for our safety. We are fortunate to not have to make life-or-death decisions about our family’s future every day – choosing between staying in a wartorn land or making a per-

We hope you will be grateful this season for all that we have. ilous journey to safety that might or might not ever come. We are fortunate to have people around us: family, friends, neighbours, co-

workers, loved ones from all walks of life who also enjoy this country of peace and security. We are fortunate to have enough – enough to eat, enough to live on. Most of us have food in the cupboard, heat in our homes, medical care at our disposal when we need it. And we are fortunate to live in a country where, when life takes a turn for the worse and we no longer have enough, we have places

to turn – we have organizations that offer help and assistance all year long and a government that provides support for its citizens. Whatever your beliefs, we hope you will be grateful this season for all that we have. Joy is not guaranteed in this world, and peace can vanish in an instant. ’Tis the season to remember.

MY VIEW KEITH BALDREY

B.C. watchdog isn’t going away Relax, everyone. B.C. is not going to lose its unique watchdog for children in government care anytime soon, if ever. A number of people and certain media outlets last week seized on what was a rather minor part of career civil servant Bob Plecas’ report on the ministry of children and family development. Plecas painted an alarming picture of a ministry that, while not in “shambles” as he points out, is nevertheless beset with internal problems and a worrisome corporate culture that borders on the paranoid. He also suggested that a recommendation (long forgotten, it seems) by former civil servant Ted Hughes that the position of the Representative for Children and Youth evolve to a position for advocacy, rather than one of scrutiny of the ministry, be considered at some point down the road. Plecas said that could only happen once the ministry greatly improved its performance, and he rightly concluded that has yet to happen, so the position is remaining and will continue to be ably filled by the person who has been in that position for years now: Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond. However, Plecas also put forth the novel argument that the children’s rep very existence – because it inevitably leads to heavy criticism of the ministry, which ignites blanket media coverage and political attacks on it – may be one reason for

the ministry’s low morale and inability to attract and retain child protection workers. Predictably, this was all seen as some sort of hatchet job on Turpel-Lafond herself, which is nonsense. Still, First Nations leaders lined up behind Turpel-Lafond, suggesting she was under some kind of unprecedented attack that had to be thwarted immediately. Unfortunately, all this drama masked the most important parts of Plecas’ report, namely where he makes the case for a significant increase in funding for the ministry and at least an 11 per cent raise in pay for front-line child protection workers. It doesn’t matter that Turpel-Lafond has been calling for things largely along the same lines for some time now. It should be clear to anyone paying attention that the relationship between her and the ministry has become strained to the point of appearing almost broken. That’s not to diminish her work and performance, but it is likely inevitable that a watchdog and the party under that watch are going to stop listening to each other at some point.That appears to have happened. Hopefully, the government will at least listen to the person it brought in to look at things, and act accordingly: more resources to ensure more than 7,000 children and youth in care get the services they deserve. Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global B.C.

’TWAS SAID THIS WEEK ...

OUR TEAM

I don’t know how to explain it; we just call it home. Emeka Edom, story page 3

ALVIN BROUWER Publisher

abrouwer@newwestrecord.ca

PAT TRACY Editor

ptracy@newwestrecord.ca

LARA GRAHAM Associate Publisher

lgraham@newwestrecord.ca

ARCHIVE 1991

Runner is ‘outstanding’ Local resident and track phenom Jeff Schiebler took home a bundle of titles in June at the B.C. track and field championship.The Grade 12 NWSS student scored in several long distance competitions, winning gold medals in the 1,500 metres and the 5,000 metres, and setting a new record in the 2,000-metre steeplechase. Schiebler was also named the meet’s Outstanding Male Athlete.

201a-3430 Brighton Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5A 3H4 MAIN SWITCHBOARD 604.444.3451 DELIVERY INQUIRIES 604.398.3481 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 604.444.3000 EDITORIAL/NEWS TIP LINE 604.444.3020 FAX LINE 604.444.3460 EDITORIAL editorial@NewWestRecord.ca ADVERTISING display@NewWestRecord.ca CLASSIFIED DTJames@van.net THE NEW WESTMINSTER RECORD IS A CANADIAN-OWNED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED IN THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY BY THE RECORD, A DIVISION OF GLACIER MEDIA GROUP. THE RECORD RESPECTS YOUR PRIVACY–WE COLLECT, USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR PRIVACY STATEMENT WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.NEWWESTRECORD.CA

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 7

Opinion INBOX

TRENDING

Poverty levels are a ‘disgrace’ to Canada

More response to the spanking law debate

Dear Editor I have to congratulate the Record’s recent editorial on bringing poverty in this city to our attention. I knew it was bad, just not how bad. What kind of society do we live in that allows such poverty to affect over 800,000 in B.C., of which 170,000 are children and many others, seniors, for example, who are homeless, hungry and out in the cold? While many of us give generously, relying on charity, however well-meant, is not the answer. If charity and philanthropy were the answer, there wouldn’t be poverty. We have a collective moral responsibility to each other or, as the scriptures say, we are our brother’s keeper. Is that not what we pay taxes for, or should, and why we elect representatives to govern, for the good of all? We climb on board and support suffering refugees, as we should, but ignore the plight of our own people. What hypocrisy! We should all remember the unanimous vote in parliament in 1989 to end child poverty by the year 2000? What happened to that commitment? Why was it allowed to gather dust in the parliament records? Now, 26 years later, we are still anguishing over the increasing misery of the poor. Where is the money going to come from? Properly tax the rich and their corporations. Stop bailing out the banks as we did in the 2008 crisis when we bought up their sub-prime mortgages to the tune of $119 billion, and cut back the billions spent on the armament industry, the military and war. In this rich country, there is lots of money. We just need to get our priorities straight. It is a disgrace and an outrage and, as was pointed out, we should be ashamed to let it go on. Bill Zander, New Westminster

Further thoughts about child poverty Dear Editor Season’s Greetings to all concerned about poverty in New Westminster and Canada. I believe Dom Hélder Pessoa Câmara’s aphorism is appropriate in this season of charity and goodwill: “When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist.” Andrew Phillips, Sapperton

Coal plan just doesn’t jive with our vision Dear Editor I can’t believe that this coal port plan has actually been approved. I was watching the speeches from the Paris talks regarding global warming, and our illustrious leader told the world that it was our responsibility to help the developing countries get on board. So why am I miffed by Justin? Coal coming from the states which Portland and Seattle didn’t want or approve so why not create 30 odd jobs here and to H–E–double toothpicks with the environmental pressure it puts on my environment. So here we are, supposed leaders in environmental issues and we are selling lowgrade acid-producing coal to China. Nice work on behalf of the Port of Vancouver. Hats off to those that tried to make a difference. John Unger, by email

Dave Lundy You know Peter, it could also be that people don’t see things the way you do, when it comes to the disciplining of their children. Perhaps as was suggested by someone wise and sage in my household, we need to devote more resources in our education system to child rearing and alternative methods to dealing with behavioural problems at that level... especially as people are having children at considerably younger ages today. Many of us learn how to raise kids from the way our parents raised us. Many have seen at times the errors of the methods used, but some,.. its all they know. Hell I would love it if everyone saw things the way I do in New West, BC, Canada and the world. If so, the world would be such a better place, we’d have governments in place that work for the people and not against them. And things like child poverty would be a thing of the past. But thats the fun in living in a free democratic society. People are entitled to their opinions, as much as you are entitled to yours regarding how to discipline a child.. others are free to disagree with you. And let’s be clear, there’s a line between spanking a child and child abuse and neglect. Spanking should be an absolute last resort, not the first measure, and definitely not a repeated thing either (constantly). If it is, then yes its abuse. But then that’s my 2 cents worth and no doubt people will disagree with that. contrarian “Hitting anyone of any age is assault, so I cannot believe that you...believe spanking should be anything other than illegal.” Yeah, spanking your child is “assault” exactly the way vaccinating your child is “stabbing.” The reason it is permissible to spank your own children for discipline but not permissible to hit another adult is... they are your children. That is not hypocrisy, it is a full and complete reason that does not need any elaboration or supplementation of any kind. Denny J. If you don’t like spanking, don’t spank your child. Leave everyone else alone.

New year, new hope for a new NWSS @RoyalCityFamily @DarcyJudy @ TheRecord wow! Would be like winning the education lotto for our kids if construction starts next yr! Melissa Werth Hopefully the school gets replaced very soon! So glad I graduated this past June.

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THE NEW WESTMINSTER RECORD WELCOMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. We do, however, edit for taste, legality and length. Priority is given to letters written by residents of New Westminster and/or issues concerning New Westminster. Please include a phone number where you can be reached during the day. Send letters to: The Editor, #201A–3430 Brighton Ave., Burnaby, B.C., V5A 3H4, email to: editorial@newwestrecord.ca. (no attachments please) or fax to: 604444-3460. Letters to the editor and opinion columns may be reproduced on the New West Record website, www. newwestrecord.ca

FUN TIMES AT RIVER MARKET EVENTS DECEMBER 24th - DECEMBER 30th

PAINTED POTS & POLKA DOTS Thursday, Dec 24 & Monday, Dec 28 (10:30am - 3pm) Get artistic with the new workshop from Pottery Works! Choose a blank pottery canvas and paint it in your favorite colours. Drop-in fee is $15-$30 depending on your chosen materials. SOAP MAKING DROP IN Dec 24, 27, 28 (10:30am - 5:30pm) Come learn the basics of soap making. Come by yourself or with a friend. An excellent activity for anyone 6 years and older. This workshop is $12.50 for a pound of glycerin soap base and scents. MUSIC KIDS CLUB Wednesday, Dec 30 (12:30pm - 2:30pm) Music Kids Club is a new Arts Enrichment programs for ages 3, 4, and 5. Each two-hour club session combines a music-based class with active learning and teacher-led immersive play. Drop in: $25 Club card: $20. For more information, visit Music Box or go to www.musicboxnw.ca ZUMBA - Shake your way to health Sunday, Dec 28 (9am - 10am) ZUMBA brings together the best of dance and fitness. Open to all fitness levels, ages 14 & up. Drop in is $5/session. Community Square. BOARD GAME MEETUP Sunday, Dec 28 (11am - 6pm) Join the Board Game Meetup group for Sunday board games! This all-ages meetup is a great place to meet friends. Bring your games and let’s have a great time. FREE to join.

RIVER MARKET WILL BE CLOSED ON DEC 25TH AND JAN 1ST DUC SHUTTLE WILL NOT BE OPERATING DEC 25TH, 26TH AND JAN 1ST rivermarket.ca

@rivermrkt 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster BC 604.520.3881

8 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

News

Walkability is high – but so are diabetes rates Cornelia Naylor

cnaylor@newwestrecord.ca

More New Westminster residents are overweight and suffer from diabetes than their Metro Vancouver counterparts despite living in a “very walkable” city. The findings seem to contradict a recent study linking walkability and lower obesity. The research, a collaboration between the Fraser Health Authority,Vancouver Coastal Health and UBC, was presented at the World Diabetes Congress in Vancouver this month.

It found people who live in neighbourhoods where daily errands can be done on foot are 31 per cent less likely to be obese or overweight than people living in areas where a car is needed to run errands. The study combined obesity data from My Health, My Community, an online Metro Vancouver survey conducted in 2013/14, and walkability data from Walk Score, a website that measures walkability on a scale from 0 to 100 based on walking routes to destinations like grocery stores, schools, parks, restaurants

and retail. Overall, New Westminster has a walkability score of 70, making it “very walkable.” Most of uptown and downtown is even considered a “walker’s paradise,” with Walk Score ratings in the 90s. And neighbourhoods nearby are rated “very walkable,” with scores between 70 and 89 – as are parts of Sapperton. The recent study found Metro Vancouver residents living in a “walker’s paradise” were 31 per cent less likely to be obese or overweight, while people living

The fact that New West is walkable is probably having a protective effect

in “very walkable” neighbourhoods were 11 per cent less likely to be carrying extra weight. But New West’s obesity rate was five per cent high-

er than the Metro Vancouver average and nearly seven per cent higher than neighbouring Burnaby. But walkability is only one factor that influences a community’s obesity risk, said Salman Klar, the Fraser Health researcher involved in the study. Factors like income, social status, genetics, diet, smoking and exercise also play a role, he said, but walkability is nonetheless emerging as an important piece of the puzzle. “It’s not the only thing that explains differences between communities,” Klar

told the Record, “but it plays a key role. It’s about having easier options to be healthy. Is it easier for you to walk or drive? Is it easier for you to get healthy or unhealthy food? Is there a grocery store that sells healthy food within a walkable distance?” If New West wasn’t as walkable as it is, Klar said local rates of obesity and diabetes would likely be even higher. “The fact that New West is walkable is probably having a protective effect on the population that’s living in New West,” he said.

Local man arrested, charged after an alleged assault Cayley Dobie

cdobie@newwestrecord.ca

A New West man is facing charges after he allegedly attacked someone last Friday. New West police say officers were called to the

400 block of Eighth Street around 5 p.m. after receiving reports of an assault in progress. When they arrived, they found two men at the scene, both New Westminster residents. One had a laceration on

his left arm and was taken to hospital, while the other man was arrested and taken into custody. Investigators with the police department’s Major Crimes unit are still looking into the dispute, but it is believed the two men knew

each other, noted a media release from New Westminster police. The 41-year-old suspect appeared before a justice of peace at a bail hearing on Saturday and was released, according to Acting Sgt. Jeff Scott, spokesperson for the

New Westminster Police Department. After the file was reviewed by Crown counsel earlier this week, the suspect, Shawn White-Bynoe, was officially charged with one count of aggravated assault and two counts of as-

sault with a weapon. He remains out on bail with several conditions. White-Bynoe is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 13, 2016, to consult counsel.

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SOLD As close to a detached you can find! 2003 Built Whistler design Inspired Downtown Condo,steps from skytrain. This SE facing Top floor well maintained suite has river and city views, laminate floors and gas Townhome on 3 spacious fully finished levels features 3 beds & 2 bathrooms Fire Place. 1 bedroom,1 bathroom plus den/storage & 1 parking stall on upper level, bathroom on main & Huge eat in kitchen with river views to with opportunity to rent a second stall($20/mth). Gas/hot water back deck PLUS 1 full bathroom downstairs that adjoins a huge Media room/4th included in maintenance fees. A Wheel chair accessible & PET Friendly bedroom. Single car garage & plenty of street parking, close to shops, schools, Building in a super Central location, no car required, walk to shops, parks, skytrain, Quay public market & movie theatres! Be quick!! restaurants, movie theatres & choice of 2 skytrains.

MLS# R2021334

MLS# COMING SOON

2-1222 CAMERON ST, UPTOWN NEW WEST

412 509 CARNARVON ST, DOWNTOWN NEW WEST

$499,000

$225,000

OPEN HOUSE CANCELLED...SOLD WELL OVER LISTING PRICE!

Rarely available Large 3 bedroom, 2 full bath south facing quiet corner unit! Located in the most desirable and extremely well maintained Riviera building at New Westminster’s Quay. Rentals and Pets are allowed. A wonderful home & investment in this truly beautiful locale. At this price…Be Quick!

MLS# R2020693

402-1185 QUAYSIDE DR, NEW WESTMINSTER QUAY

$389,900

RECENT SOLDS WITH THE LONGRIDGE REAL ESTATE MARKETING TEAM: SOLD

SOLD

303-338 WARD STREET, NEW WESTMINSTER $169,900

405-2745 E. HASTINGS VANCOUVER $318,800

SOLD

506 TENTH AVE, 301-1185 1425 LONDON GLENBROOKE, Quayside Dr, STREET, WEST END, NEW WESTMINSTER New Westminster NEW WESTMINSTER $678,000 $518,800 $768,000

SOLD

7310 BOUNDARY ROAD, BURNABY $898,000

2140 DUBLIN STREET NEW WESTMINSTER $898,000

1185 Durant Dr, Coquitlam $800,000

2607-892 Carnarvon, Downtown New Westminster $300,000

48 East 10th Avenue, New Westminster $1,098,000

209-611 Blackford Street, New Westminster $112,000

If you are thinking of buying or selling, think of ASSIST2SELL... Your Full Service, Results with Savings Real Estate Agency! *In comparison to a percentage commission such as 7% on the 1st $100K & 2.5% on balance total of $28,500 & $25,500 are for illustration and comparison purposes only. Fees vary for homes over $500,000. Call for details. Commissions are negotiable and not set by law.

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 9

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

News Chilliwack man charged in local bank robberies along with five banks in Vancouver. Local police were able to identify a suspect, and on Dec. 11, he was arrested by Vancouver police. Dana Scott Dacey, a 51-year-old from Chilliwack, is now facing numerous counts of robbery, including six counts for the alleged New Westminster incidents. “Robberies have an element of violence and are

www.edgoss.com

were with Canada Revenue Agency and if she wanted to stop a “procedure” moving forward against her, she needed to pay $4,500 right away. The scammers didn’t ask for any personal information, only the money, and McKay said they had some knowledge of her tax history.

McKay contacted the Record in hopes of warning other residents who may think the calls are legit. The police encourage anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up and call the alleged agency directly or the police department’s non-emergency line at 604-525-5411. – Cayley Dobie

111-1015 Columbia Street New Westminster

$379,900

705-10 Laguna Ct

SOLD

$267,500 D

• Lovely 1 bedroom at the Quay • Beautiful views • Very bright, 748 sq. ft. • Laminate floors, insuite laundry • Living room has gas fireplace • Large covered deck • Great building that allows pets • 1 parking & storage locker • Steps to the boardwalk,

303-3 K de K Ct.

207-5 K de K Ct.

LIS

SOLD

$399,900 D

• Waterfront living at the Quay • 2 bedroom + den • Updated kitchen w/ s/s appliances & quartz counters • Bathroom is totally renovated • Quality laminate flooring throughout • Front deck overlooking the boardwalk & Fraser River • Steps to the market, skytrain, transit, shopping & entertainment district • Insuite laundry • Rentals allowed w/ restrictions • 2 pets allowed

• Perfect buy for the contractor • Fantastic top floor location • Over 1200 sq. ft., 2 bed, 2 bath • Insuite laundry & gas fireplace • Master bedroom is very spacious w/ dressing room closets • Vaulted ceiling in kitchen w/ potential to open up • Excellent layout with lots of natural light • Steps to boardwalk, skytrain & amenities

424-3 Rialto Ct.

$339,900

SOLD

• 1 bed, 1 bath

207-60 Richmond St.

$239,900

• Popular Fraserview area • Suite recently painted • Bath features soaker tub & separate shower

SOLD

• Large master bedroom with walk-in closet lighting over breakfast bar

• Rainscreened & newer roof • 19+ age restriction

406-428 Agnes St

$166,900 D SOL AYS D IN 5 D

$189,900

• Top floor, bright 1 bedroom • Nearly 700 sq. ft. in downtown New West • Private balcony surrounded by beautiful trees • Recently painted in living room & dining room • Huge insuite storage room off entry way • Underground parking w/ street parking • Building is being re-piped (already paid for) • 5 year old roof • Convenient downtown New West location • Everything just steps away • Pet & rentals allowed

• 207-60 Richmond St • 605-612 Fifth Ave • 821 Agnes St • 705-10 Laguna Ct

• Kitchen has s/s appliances & pendant

skytrain & River Market

106-1040 Fourth Ave.

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• 2 bed, 1 bath • Waterfront living at the Quay! • Large balcony over looking the boardwalk • Renovated open kitchen, quartz counters, s/s appliances & breakfast bar • Gorgeous laminate throughout • Gas fireplace in living room • Tons of natural light • Re-painted, updated light fixtures & baseboards • Insuite laundry • This location cannot be beat!

LIS

$288,900

SOLD

• 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom • Well cared for condo in Uptown New West • Insuite laundry • Huge master bedroom w/ big closet • Updated appliances, countertops & cabinets • Private covered balcony • Not on the ground level • Loads of storage • Maint. fee includes heat & hot water • Brand new roof • Re-piped 2002 • Exterior painted 2008

116-707 Eighth St.

$409,900

LIS

• 960 sq. ft. of outdoor space • 2 large & private patios • Unique 2 bed, 2 bath • Split level, corner unit • No elevator as you have your own front door • Everything is new • New flooring & paint throughout • 12 ft ceilings, very bright & airy • Move in and enjoy

SOLD

115-225 Francis Way

LIS

$395,000

• 3 Bed, 2 Bath • Kitchen features granite counter, s/s appliances, pendant lighting & breakfast bar • Quality laminate floors • Master bed with walk-in closet & full ensuite • Electric fireplace in living room & 9 ft ceilings • 2 lovely garden patios

207B-1210 Quayside Dr.

Cyndi will give each new patient a

C a l l To d a y t o B o o k N o w 6 0 4 - 5 2 9 - 9 3 9 3

• 115-225 Francis Way • 723 First St • 328 Strand Ave • 406-428 Agnes St

• Lovely home in sought after Tiffany Shores • 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom • Newer appliances in kitchen • Quartz countertops • Large master bedroom with a 4 piece ensuite • Separate laundry room • Peek-a-boo river view overlooking the greenbelt • Gas fireplace in living room • Close to skytrain, transit, shopping & entertainment district

“Manager’s Special”

when you reserve your new patient exam and cleaning.

pattigoss@shaw.ca www.pattigoss.com facebook.com/wesgoss

AS VER

Month of December

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Voted Best REALTOR® for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015

SOLD KING

You will be pleased to know that December is

Patti & Wes Goss

RECENTLY SOLD HOMES $819,900

Call Ed... serving you for 31 years

mynewwestminsterdentist.com

ARE YOU PUTTING OFF DENTAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL CONCERNS?

Advantage Realty

723 First St

Selling / Buying

604-644-0141

604.526.2888

• Sweet little gem of a home • 3 bedrooms on main floor • Professionally designed front & rear yard • Fabulous deck off recently renovated kitchen • s/s appliances, gas range, spice cabinet, soapstone counter tops • 3 piece bath on main floor w/ double shower & marble floor • New furnace & heat pump • Lower floor could easily be converted back to a suite with just some appliances

“Your Sign of Excellence”

Cyndi Manager

Scammers at work in city A New Westminster woman is warning other residents after she received a phone call from someone trying to get money from her, claiming they were with the Canada Revenue Agency. Frankie McKay said she was contacted three times in the last couple of months by someone saying they

ED GOSS

A Fraser Valley resident is facing several robbery charges after he allegedly robbed several banks in New Westminster and Vancouver earlier this month. The spree of alleged bank robberies happened between Dec. 8 and 10. New Westminster police say that during that time, two uptown banks were robbed,

dangerous for the public,” Acting Sgt. Jeff Scott said in a media release. “The efforts of our detectives and officers from the VPD, led to the successful arrest of Mr. Dacey, who will be appearing before the courts for these offences.” Dacey is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 14, 2016, to fix a date. He remains in custody at this time.

cdobie@newwestrecord.ca

Cayley Dobie

• 1 bed, 1 bath • The second least expensive strata on the market • Central location in uptown New West • Quality laminate floors • Updated kitchen and bath • Private & spacious patio, perfect for barbeques & entertaining • 2 pets, no rentals

103-1025 Cornwall St.

SOLD

$139,900

wesgoss@gmail.com www.wesgoss.com twitter.com/wesgoss • 207B-1210 Quayside Dr • 103-1025 Cornwall St • 207-5 K de K Ct • 1875 Coleman Ave

From our homes to yours, wishing you all the best this holiday season and a happy & healthy New Year. Patti, Wes, & Brooke

10 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

City Beat

Here’s where to ring in the new year From a paddlewheeler river cruise to a Beatles tribute band, there’s a host of offerings in NewWestminster Wondering where you can ring in 2016 in New West? We’ve surfed the Net and rounded up a few things you might want to consider for Dec. 31. CRUISE THE FRASER with the Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours on Thursday, Dec. 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 12:20 a.m. This cruise is for folks aged 19 and up. For more information, visit www. vancouverpaddlewheeler. com. SWING INTO 2016 at the Royal City Swing’s gathering at the Sapperton Pensioners Hall, which features live music by The Palomars and band breaks by DJ Jose.The tiki theme night is $35 per person. For more details on the event at 318 Keary St., check out Royal City Swing on Facebook. ROCK IN THE NEW YEAR with the Day Trippers, a popular Beatles tribute band.They’re playing at the Paddlewheeler Pub in River Market on NewYear’s Eve.Tickets are $20 and include party favours and champagne at midnight. HIT THE DANCEFLOOR AT THE COLUMBIA when Billy Dixon and his Soul Train Express, plus the So Tight Band, take to the stage on NewYear’s Eve. Doors open at 7 p.m. at 530 Columbia St. Early bird tickets are $50 or $75 at the door. For tickets, call 604-522-4500. HEAD TO ONE OF THE WATERING HOLES to ring

Hard day’s night: The Day Trippers Beatles tribute band rocks in the new year at the Paddlewheeler Pub at River Market. Tickets for the night are $20, including party favours and champagne at midnight. The event is just one of a host of New Year’s Eve offerings around town. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

in 2016. Union Jack Public House (525 Seventh St.) starts its festivities at 4 p.m. with New Westminster’s bagpipe band to celebrate the Scottish NewYear and kicks the party into high gear after 8 p.m. ($10 include party favours and free champagne toast at midnight); River’s Reach Pub’s (320 Sixth St.) event features champagne, door

prizes, party favours and live R&B music and a threecourse meal for $39.99. BUZZ DOWN TO THE HERITAGE GRILL where The Wasps (Stingin’ Hornets) are playing rockabilly tunes on NewYear’s Eve.The Heritage Grill is at 447 Columbia St. For info, call 604-759-0819.

LAUGH IN 2016 at Lafflines Comedy Club with Kyle Jones. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show is at 9 p.m. After that you can dance the night away, get party favours and enjoy champagne at midnight.Tickets are $39.95. For more info visit www.lafflines.com. MAKE A RESERVATION and enjoy a nice dinner out at

This Christmas, let’s remember to keep it simple

one of the many restaurants in the Royal City.Wild Rice at River Market, Stefanos or El Santo on Columbia Street, the Boathouse at the Quay and the Hub at the Shops at New West are just a few of the local places for foodies to celebrate the arrival of 2016.You should reserve your tickets quick before they’re booked up for the night.

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE at Starlight Casino in Queensborough, where you can enjoy dinner, music and more.The RedBar Lounge has live music by Dr. Strangelove, while the Match eatery has live music by theYoung Executives. For details visit www. starlightcasino.ca. – Theresa McManus

604-526-2888

love everyBody! Blessings and heartfelt thanks from my family to yours. “It pays to call tays“ honest • trusted • experIenced

re/Max advantage realty

Merry Christmas

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 11

Community

Carrying on the family tradition A special Santa suit gained a new lease on life when, 50 years ago, a son chose to spread Christmas joy By Theresa McManus

tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca

When Don Elliott puts on his family’s Santa Claus suit each December, it’s like slipping into a piece of his family’s history. Seventy years ago, Elliott’s mother made a Santa Claus outfit for his father to wear when he was a baby and his brother was a toddler. His father wore the suit for a number of years, before it was put into a closet and forgotten, until Elliott was 14 and was asked to play Santa at a community function. “I have worn that suit every Christmas since then, either for youth groups, Cub Scouts or relatives,” he says. “Santa has appeared every year at somebody’s house.” While Santa is busy at the North Pole and too busy to attend all of the gatherings he’s invited to, Elliott is happy to fill in and keep the magic of Christmas alive. “I guess it’s memories of what my dad must have done and felt, and it makes me feel good – just to go out and do that for kids that don’t expect it,” Elliott says. “You are giving them a little bit of joy, you are giving them a little bit of fun, maybe keeping the idea of Santa Claus alive.” As a youngster growing up in New Westminster, Elliott was involved in Cubs and Scouts when the leader of the local Brownie pack asked if he’d be willing to play Santa Claus. He told his mom he needed to find a Santa suit to help out the Brownies. “My mother says, ‘We have one downstairs.’This was the first time I’d ever heard of the suit,” he recalls. “It had been put away all those years.” His father only wore the suit for a few years, but Elliott has worn it annual-

ly since finding it in a suit box on a shelf more than 50 years ago. “I wore it for the Brownies that year, and for multiple years after that, and for Scout gatherings and this and that. It was just something that happened,” he says. “I have worn it every year since.” The suit box is long gone, but the Santa suit remains intact – if not a little more worn than it was the first time Elliott put it on. “It’s getting threadbare. It’s the original cotton, cheap material.This would have been made just

I guess it’s memories of what my dad must have done and felt

after the war,” he explains. “Originally the suit had cotton batten for fur around the cuffs and things like that. It had a really weird beard. Over the years we have added a better beard, a better wig. My wife has put more fur felt on the sleeves, things like that.” Santa’s shoes have changed over the years as well. “At one point, I was playing Santa Claus at my nephew’s house. He looked down at my toes and said, ‘Gee Santa, you’ve got the same kind of shoes that Uncle Don has,’” he says. “After that, I went out and bought a pair of black rubber boots.” Elliott, 70, has donned the suit at for family, friends and community gatherings for decades. He enjoys enjoyed dropping by friends’ homes to spread a little Christmas cheer.

A suit of many seasons: Don Elliott found his father’s Santa suit more than 50 years ago and decided to keep the magic of Christmas alive. The city man has been spreading joy playing Santa for numerous groups in the suit for decades. PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

“A lot of memories,” he says of the feeling he gets when he puts on the suit. “The feeling you get from it is the fun of popping in unexpectedly. Sometimes it’s been a repeat visit because we have known them over the years and Santa always shows up, but even my

nieces that are now in their 20s, if we are having a family dinner, I’ve got to put the suit on, ring the doorbell and come in the front door with the jingle bells.That’s part of the tradition.” This year, Elliott will be suiting up as Santa for his three-year-old grandson

and other family members. Undoubtedly, there will be other visits at Christmas as well, as Santa sometimes finds gifts at the bottom of the sleigh and returns to drop them off later on Christmas day. “Friends up the street from us have three children,

Make some new friends Join us on Facebook … ROYAL CITY RECORD

I’ll pop in at their house and leave a little gift,” Elliott says. “There’s always somebody to drop in on. I think the fun part was always dropping in to people who didn’t expect you.”

12 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

Community

There’s a car under her Christmas tree Theresa McManus

AROUND TOWN

tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca

A lucky Lower Mainland resident is getting a new car for Christmas. New Westminster Family Place has been raising funds for its programs through a raffle, with Key West Ford supplying a 2008 Ford Focus SE. Mayor Jonathan Cote dropped by the dealership on Dec. 16 and drew Cindy Chang’s name from the barrel. “Thanks to all those people who bought tickets,” said Fay Duxbury, coordinator of volunteers at Family Place. The raffle is expected to raise about $2,000 for New Westminster Family Place, which offers free drop-in programs for parents and kids, parent education programs, support groups and volunteer programs. GIRL GUIDES GIVE BACK The Record helped spark a little Christmas action among local Girl Guides. After reading about the Seniors Services Society’s Santa for Seniors program in the 2015 Guide to Giving, the Girl Guides of Canada in New Westminster immediately took action.The program aims to ensure that isolated seniors aren’t forgotten at Christmas. Diamond Isinger,West Coast area commissioner for the Girl Guides of Canada, said the group wanted to help the society as it faced unexpected challenges with their Santa program. (The society normally partners with a for-profit that does a lot of the program’s legwork, but learned in November that service wasn’t being offered this year.) “Girl Guides participate in service activities to teach girls about giving back, leadership skills, and our community’s needs, and girls were glad to take on this new project,” she wrote in an email to the Record. “In less than five days, New West girls gathered a massive volume of donations: homemade holiday cards, Girl Guide cookies, warm gloves, tasty tea, sweet treats, toiletry items, and more.This collection was a huge success.” The girls delivered the items to the Seniors Services Society after school on

Dec. 17 – a generous way to start their winter vacations.

BUY A CALENDAR, SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED If you’re looking to buy a 2016 calendar, you can help the Union Gospel Mission at the same time. Folks who participated in a photography class that’s part of the Healing Through Art program at the New Westminster mission have contributed photos to a new calendar. “This program makes art accessible for people experiencing barriers such as homelessness, poverty or addiction,” said Edith Tazumi, community and outreach with the UGM. “Through programs like this, guests are equipped with important life skills that help them move forward in a healthy, holistic way.” The calendars are available by donation ($10 is suggested) by contacting etazumi@ugm.ca or at the Union Gospel Mission at 658 Clarkson St. or 604525-8989. SPREADING JOY Barbara Di Giovanni enjoyed helping others so much last Christmas that she decided to do it again this year. Last year, Di Giovanni helped supply the Elizabeth Fry Society with “shoebox presents” for women and children in need.The program was such a huge success that she did it again this year and planned to donate the items to Westminster House, a recovery home for women in New Westminster. “It’s wonderful. I am probably going to have just a little more than 32 boxes, beautiful boxes for the women at Westminster House,” she told the Record. “I am just finalizing putting bows on them. Everybody gets a nice little card that says,To you, from someone who cares.” Last year, Di Giovanni collected 55 gifts for boys and girls, as well as boxes with mittens, scarves, colouring books and crayons and other items, and about 34 boxes for the women. Women’s items contained in the boxes included gift cards, makeup, toiletries, socks and underwear, chocolates, movie tickets and jewelry.

“I have wonderful friends and family who really, really are behind this with me. They think what I am doing is a wonderful thing,” she said “I don’t like it when people who are struggling are forgotten.” Di Giovanni thinks the more people give to others, the better they feel about themselves. Along with the gift boxes filled with goodies, the New Westminster resident gathered empty cookie tins and delivered them to Westminster House in time for the holidays. “The ladies at Westminster House also bake cookies.When they go visit their families, the have made the cookies and brought them over to them,” Di Giovanni said. “It’s nice.”

PUFFERS CLUB ENJOYS LOVELY SURPRISE Members of the New Westminster Puffers Club were delighted with an unexpected surprise at their recent Christmas luncheon. Each member of the group had contributed $25 (including taxes and tip) for a lunch at the Waffle House on Dec. 14. “Our treasurer stood up. She said, ‘I have to return all your money to you, we had had an anonymous donor pay,’” Ron Wood, the group’s vice-president told the Record. “It’s such a nice gesture.” The bill wasn’t any chump change either, tallying about $500 for the group of 20.The donor was adamant about remaining anonymous. Wood said it’s the third time he’s been dining out with a local group when a kind-hearted citizen picked up the tab for dinner. Previously, he’d been with seniors groups dining at Gino’s Restaurant in Sapperton when a stranger paid for dinner. The New Westminster Puffers Club meets each month and features guest speakers.The meetings are open to anyone with or having friends with COPD, sleep apnea, asthma or any other breathing problems. The group’s next meeting is on Monday, Jan. 11 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the New Westminster Public Library auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave. Do you have an item for Around Town? Email Theresa, tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca.

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 13

Paddlewheeler Pub WHERE YOUR FRIENDS ARE

New Years Psychic Prediction here at the pub

Best New Years Bash in New West

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Tickets $20 includes party favours & champagne at Midnight

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR Sunday - Thursday 2pm - 5pm & 9pm until late

Chicken Strips & Fries • Quesadilla • Calamari Torpedo Prawns • Poutine • Deep Fried Pickles Beef Tacos • Onion Rings

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14 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

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New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 15

A special story

The Video Emporium You might know New West writer JJ Lee for his Governor-General’s Awards finalist book, The Measure of a Man:The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit. What you might not know is he worked as a clerk at Joey’s Video Stop on Twelfth Street. In tribute to the city’s last video rental shop, which shut down earlier this year, JJ wrote a Christmas ghost story, The Video Emporium.We share it today in the effort to raise funds for Syrian refugees settling in New Westminster. See the end of the story for more on how you can help.

n Christmas Eve, after the shops had closed, and all the cars had emptied from the strip mall parking lot, an old man named Oscar used a stolen key to unlock the front door of The Video Emporium. There once was a time when sounds and screens, people and movies filled The Video Emporium. It was now a cold, dark place. Oscar tried the lights.They didn’t work. He stumbled his way around the counter to where his cash register used to be. Fifteen years ago, he retired from work and discovered he couldn’t live on his pension, so he found a job at the Emporium. A young manager hired him, but she had her doubts. He surprised her. Not only did he love movies, Oscar loved people who loved movies. He became the store’s in-house film historian AND film therapist. People would talk to Oscar.They would tell him their troubles. His customers were like patients and he would prescribe videos to them. If you had a broken heart, he recommended Moonstruck.Wanderlust? He’d say, “What about The Darjeeling Limited?” Commitment issues? He’d proposed something subtle like Fatal Attraction. Oscar just cared and he loved working Christmas Eve. One time a callow co-worker joked Oscar was running a holiday suicide prevention program. Oscar did not laugh because he had figured out why some people ventured into the night to visit a video store: human contact. People NEEDED the Video Emporium. And, to be honest, Oscar NEEDED them. But with each passing year, fewer and fewer people came by.The Video Emporium chain eventually went bankrupt and shuttered its stores forever. Oscar put his elbows on the counter and sunk his face into his hands, and stayed like that until someone thumped against the storefront window. It was a woman and a boy. He recognized them instantly. It was the mother and son who came to the store just once a year and, for the last six years, rented the same movie every time. Oscar watched them put their heads against the glass and peer into the Emporium. He saw their shoulders sag.They turned and walked away. Oscar chased after them, “Wait, wait.” He caught up to them. He leaned against a lamppost trying to catch his breath. The mother said, “The shop isn’t open, is it?” “No, but I just knew, you, would, come by, so.” Oscar’s voice trailed.What was he supposed to tell them? That he broke in? “When we heard all the Emporiums were shutting down, we thought of you. And, we just wanted to see,” she said. “Do they still have the movies?” asked her son. Oscar shook his head. “So, no Home Alone?”

The boy was nearly as tall as his mother, yet Oscar could still see the bereft little child from years ago.The boy had just lost his father and just wanted to rent Home Alone on Christmas Eve. “I’m sorry. It’s gone.” The mother patted the boy on his back. “That’s okay. We can always start a new tradition.” “Do you want to come inside and have a look?” asked Oscar.

The woman, the boy, and Oscar meandered between the empty shelves. The mother said, “It looks so much bigger without the movies and everything.” “I always wanted to visit the back room, you know, the Purple Zone,” said the boy. Oscar said, “Sure,” but warned him that the adult movie room would be pitch black. “Don’t worry,” said the boy. “I have this.” He pulled from his pocket a glowing phone and plunged like Indiana Jones into the depths of the Emporium. The mother and Oscar stood by the front window and looked out to the parking lot. A truck quickly turned in and headed towards them.The store lights flickered back to life. Oscar stepped away from the window. The boy ran back to them. “Did you guys do that?” Oscar said to the boy, “I thought it was you.” The mother quite sensibly asked, “It’s okay that we’re here? Right?” If Oscar could have prescribed a movie, right then and there, it would have been The Great Escape. The store lights went out, plunging them back into darkness.The truck parked right in front of the Emporium. Its headlights blinded the three inside.They began to shiver.They could see their own breath.The boy squinted and held up a hand against the glare. “Didn’t

Dad have a truck like that?” A man stepped out of the driver side. His shadow fell stark against the frosting glass. Oscar knew the sound. It was the opening and closing of the late night video deposit slot. The man went back to his truck and drove away.When the taillights disappeared from view, the mother finally answered her son. “Yes, your dad did.” Oscar reached into the video deposit box and felt the familiar weight of a Video Emporium rental case. He showed it to the boy. It was a VHS copy of the 1990 holiday comedy classic directed by Chris Columbus. It was Home Alone. As he handed it to the boy, Oscar said the only thing he could have, the only thing he could have said to any bereft boy or girl, whatever the age. Oscar said, “Merry Christmas.” If you liked JJ Lee’s story about families finding solace in simple things, JJ encourages you to support TheWelcoming and Inclusive New Westminster Local Immigration Partnership Council and their work with Syrian refugees in NewWestminster.You can make a donation to the local Refugee Fund by calling the Lower Mainland Purpose Society, 604-526-2522. For J.J. Lee more information on more ways to help the refugees go to the city’s website at newwestcity.ca

16 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

City Beat

BUNDLE UP FOR THE ELEMENTS AND HEAD OUTSIDE for a nice long walk. After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, nothing clears your head better than getting some fresh air.There’s no shortage of places to stroll in the Royal City – the waterfront, Glenbrook Ravine and Queen’s Park are some of our favourites.

Work off the turkey and get active

WIND DOWN FROM THE HECTIC PACE OF THE HOLIDAYS and take in a flick at Landmark 10 New Westminster. Located at the Shops at New West Station, Landmark features new releases and charges less than you’ll pay at many theatres. For the latest info on movies and special deals, visit www.landmarkcinemas. com/new-westminster.

WORK OFF SOME OF THAT HOLIDAY DINNER at Canada Games Pool, where you can enjoy a swim or waterslide, work out in the gym, soak in the hot tub or get steamed in the sauna. On Boxing Day (Saturday, Dec. 26) the pool has a public swim from noon to 8 p.m., while parent and tot playtime and adult, family and public swims are scheduled for Sunday,

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND Theresa McManus

tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca

Dec. 27, including a public swim from 1 to 8:25 p.m. For full details, visit www. newwestpcr.ca.

TRY SOMETHING NEW AT RIVER MARKET at Westminster Quay. Along with its regular

at the annual Herb House Memorial Midget A and C hockey tournament.The tournament runs from Dec. 27 to 30.

shopping and dining offerings, River Market is hosting a number of events on Sunday, Dec. 27, including a board game meetup at 11 a.m., a soap making drop-in at 10:30 a.m. and a Zumba class at 9 a.m. For full details, visit www.rivermarket.ca.

Email your Top 5 ideas to calendar@newwestrecord.ca or tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca. You can also check out our full arts and events calendar listings on our website’s homepage at www.newwestrecord.ca.

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18 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

Arts & Entertainment A few tidbits for the holidays Julie MacLellan LIVELY CITY

jmaclellan@burnabynow.com

Christmas Eve already! That certainly flew by. Before we all hunker down for the holidays, I have a few last-minute little tidbits for you arts lovers out there. First off, if you’re still stuck for stocking stuffer ideas, Renee Bucciarelli sent along this idea. Renee, whom you may know as the artistic director of City Stage New West, is suggesting that New West folks may want to buy a professional cast recording CD of Stump City Stories – the original musical commissioned by City Stage New West and composed by George Ryan. The CD is available at Brick & Mortar Living, 42 and 52 Sixth St., for $19.99 – and the best part is, proceeds go back to supporting City Stage New West, a registered charitable professional arts organization. And good news for you last-minute shoppers: Brick & Mortar is open today (Christmas Eve Day) until 6 p.m. – so you’ve still got time to buy one before Christmas. THE ART OF THE SCARY Two generations connected over fear and monsters – and the result is a new art show at the New Westminster Museum. The museum’s Secret Gallery is hosting the Making Scaries exhibition until Jan. 3. The exhibition is a joint effort between kids and seniors, who came together to talk about the meaning of “scary.” Kids sketched up their monsters and gave them names, and the senior guides helped the kids turn their Scaries into stuffed characters. The Secret Gallery, if you haven’t visited yet, is a special space set up to showcase the result of various children’s art programs at the Anvil Centre. It’s a temporary, pop-up exhibition space behind the sliding doors in the New Westminster Museum. You can pop in before Jan. 3 to check out the exhibition. Don’t forget, the New Media Gallery at Anvil is hosting The Scary – the exhibition that inspired this cross-generational program

For the next generation: From left: Meg Stainsby, dean of language, literature and performing arts; Alannah Jacques, Doris Carruthers and New Westminster’s Shirley Miller of the senior thespian troupe The Society for the Preservation of Vaudeville, and Hazel Postma, associate vice-president advancement and alumni relations at Douglas College. The vaudeville group just donated another $3,431 to help performing arts students at the college.

- until Jan. 3 as well. Check out the website at www.newmediagallery.ca. VAUDEVILLIANS HELP OUT They’re keeping an old art form alive and raising money to help the next generation. The Vaudevillians, a group that bills itself as “B.C.’s No. 1 seniors entertainment troupe,” recently presented a cheque for $3,431 to Douglas College to help performing arts students. The group supports bursaries for young people in the performing arts, including The Society for the Preservation of Vaudeville Bursary in honour of Jim Trimble. It raises money through performances – with an annual concert at the Surrey Arts Centre – and other fundraising, and its bursary fund stands at nearly $100,000. Check out more about the troupe at online at www. thevaudevillians.com. WATERCOLOURS ON DISPLAY AT GALLERY And one last tidbit for the holidays:The Plaskett Gallery at Massey Theatre is getting ready to host a new exhibition. Out and About, featuring the work of artist Enda Bardell, will be on show at the gallery from Jan. 5 to 31. The exhibition features watercolours that were painted outdoors on location or that drew inspiration from locations around the Lower Mainland and the Sea to Sky Highway. “I revel in the colours and patterns I see, from sky to forest to raging rivers and ponds in all seasons,” writes Bardell in an artist’s statement. “There is such an abundance of landscape subject matter in the area of which I live, compelling me to capture what time permits.” Plaskett Gallery is at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. It’s open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, as well as by appointment. See www.masseytheatre. com for more. Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca. You can also find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.

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today’sdrive 20 15 Jeep

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 19

Your journey starts here.

Renegade

BY BRENDAN McALEER

brendanmcaleer@gmail.com Tweet: @brendan_mcaleer

A cheerful little crossover that’s certainly got the face of a Jeep

What qualifies a machine as a “real” Jeep? Is it the easily-recognizable grille and cheery round headlights, the boxy silhouette, a tremendous off-road capability? Is it a certain agricultural feel, a work-first, comfort-second ethos? Certainly the Wrangler still hews to most of the original elements that made a name for the ex-military go-anywhere machine. However, most of the world is now paved, or at least outfitted with forest service roads. Not everybody needs a big lift kit and huge knobbly tires, especial not when you have to commute on them. Enter the Renegade, a cheerful little crossover that’s certainly got the face of a Jeep, but has the underpinnings of an urban runabout. The purists aren’t very pleased about it, but Jeep still stocks Wranglers to please those who want mud on their boots; this machine is meant to keep sales figures in the black and provide a little Jeep flavour that still works if you need to get around in the city. Is it a real Jeep? Maybe. The bigger question might be: is it any good?

Design:

If you like pugs, you will like the looks of this car. A B-segment crossover of the type intended to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, the Renegade makes the most of its small footprint, giving it a squished face and boxy, bunchy appearance. It’s adorable, especially in a bright colour. The two-tone effect imparted by the plastic lower body cladding sets off the front tow hooks, and the iconic round headlights and front grille look eager to please. This is a very happy looking car, making it something of a standout when every other machine

on the road looks like it wants to murder you. Probably the most polarizing element is the X-shaped cross in the rear taillights, something I’ve heard many people remark on. They’re a bit odd, but then so is the whole machine: not bad-odd, but certainly quirky. My mid-grade tester rode on upgraded (from 17”) optional 18” alloys, while the base Sport model comes with 16”s and the top-spec Limited rides on standard 18”s. The Pick of the litter is probably the runty little Trailhawk which manages to look tough but cute at the same time.

Environment:

Inside, the Renegade seems to be a little insecure about the Jeep badge on its nose, and makes up for it by being absolutely festooned with little Easter Egg hints to its heritage. There are little Jeep grilles everywhere in here, a giant dash-mounted grab handle for the passenger, a topographical map in the cupholder, and “Since 1941” proudly emblazoned on the dashboard. Taken all together, it’s a little gimmicky, but there’s plenty to like. Because of its boxy outline, the Renegade is plenty roomy front and back, with a trunk space that’s entirely usable. A full 524L of cargo capacity is on offer, which isn’t far off larger crossovers like the Honda CRV. With the larger 2.4L engine, maximum towing capacity is just above 900kg, good enough for a small trailer. With regards to infotainment, my tester lacked navigation and had quite a small display screen, but was easy to hook up to a smartphone, and the Bluetooth worked well. The optional backup camera was hardly needed given the Renegade’s short length, but it’s there.

Performance:

One of the most eyebrowraising mechanical bits hidden behind the Renegade’s tough-looking sheetmetal has to be its nine-speed automatic transmission. Nine! Since when did cars have more gears in their box than your average bicycle? Mated to the transmission is either a 1.4L turbocharged engine good for 160hp and

184lb-ft of torque, or a 2.4L making 180hp and 175lb-ft. My tester was outﬁtted with the latter. For a B-segment crossover, these power outputs should be plenty, especially with lots of gears to make sure you’re always in the right ratio. However, the Renegade is a hefty little beast, some hundred kilos or so heavier than its rivals. Getting up to speed on an on-ramp is no big deal, but there’s certainly a sense of weight here. It feels bigger than it actually is. On the plus side, the extra mass is there because the Renegade has genuine offroad capability. In fact, the approach angles and low-range ratio of the Trailhawk version means this little crossover can go pretty much anywhere a Grand Cherokee can, if not a fully offroad-prepped Wrangler. Will owners ever use these abilities? Probably not – but the people who buy North Face jackets don’t intend to overnight on Everest either. Sometimes it’s just nice to know the possibility’s there. And as for on-road dynamics, the Renegade is far better behaved than any Wrangler. Fully-loaded models do feel fully laden, so if you want a bit of sport from your ride, you might want to stick to a lightly optioned 1.4T model with the six-speed manual. The all-wheel-drive North is probably the volume seller, and while it’s heavier than others in the class, it also drives with space and an airy feel.

Features:

While there are plenty of technological add-ons for the Renegade, be wary of ticking off the options boxes too much, or this little crossover can get costly. Fitted with just a few items like heated seats and the upgraded stereo, my test vehicle went quickly from $27,495 to the low-$30K range. It’s possible to option Limited and Trailhawk versions up to very costly levels. But with that said, the Renegade offers options you simply can’t get elsewhere, like the removable roof panels. Fuel economy is decent, with ofﬁcial ﬁgures rating 8.0L/100kms on the highway for manualequipped cars, and 11.2L/100kms in the city.

Green Light:

Fun and quirky looks; lots of personality; good use of space

Stop Sign:

Heavy feeling for the segment; options can get costly

The Checkered Flag:

A really fun little addition to the Jeep family.

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Community

Local faces: At left, Southern Railway of B.C. manager Joanne Kreiter, left, presents one of the many toys the railway employees donated to the Salvation Army, which runs the local Christmas Bureau and a food bank. Food bank coordinator Lyn Thompson, right, and Salvation Army Pastor Eva Galvez appreciate the donations. Above, Kait DeWolff, left, and Jennifer Pistor have teamed up on West + Wind, a new online boutique. PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Rail employees First 4 months of payments on us! spread holiday UP TO $2000 cheer in city Southern Railway of B.C. employees are lending a helping hand to the Christmas Bureau. At their recent Celebration Dinner, SRY employees brought in donations totalling $1,425, including $683 in new toys, $282 in non-perishable foods and $460 in gift cards, mostly from grocery stores. The railway company donated the items to the Salvation Army, which will help more than 200 low-income families with more than 500 children have a nicer Christmas this holiday season.

District, Squamish, Coquitlam, Langley District, Surrey, Delta, New Westminster and Port Coquitlam. “We expect the results of this year’s ranking to attract a lot of attention and provide a lot of discussion across the province,” said BCBusiness editor-in-chief Matt O’Grady in a press release. “The B.C. job market, despite what’s happening next door in Alberta, has more or less weathered the economic storm.” The complete list, along with the details on the methodology and analysis of B.C.’s top-ranked cities, can be found in the January 2015 issue or the magazine or online at BCBusiness.ca/ BestCities.

NEW WEST RANKS IN TOP 10 PLACES TO WORK New Westminster has taken ninth place in the BC Business’s annual Best Cities for Work in B.C. list. Developed in partnership with Environics Analytics, the survey evaluated 36 B.C. cities on seven indicators including income growth, average household income, population growth and unemployment. It believes these factors, when combined, paint a picture of the relative economic health of communities – and their appeal for people seeking to work there. Topping the list was Fort St. John, followed by Dawson Creek, NorthVancouver

NEW WEST WOMEN JOIN FORCES ON FASHIONABLE ENDEAVOUR Two local entrepreneurs are hoping to add a little style to the local fashion scene. Royal City residents Kait DeWolff and Jennifer Pistor have once again joined forces to offer West + Wind, a new online boutique featuring a collection of shortand long-sleeved T-shirts for men, women and children, as well as jewelry and prints for the home. DeWolff is a web and graphic designer who runs KaitCreative, while Pistor works in social media and writes the Prairie Girl in the City blog. Continued on page 24

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24 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

Community CHRISTMAS PAST

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Merry Christmas: Stockings are hung and trees are lit as the city gets ready for Christmas Day. PHOTO THINKSTOCK

If Santa Claus should stumble, As he climbs the chimney tall With all this ice upon it, I’m afraid he’d get a fall And smash himself to pieces – To say nothing of the toys! Dear me, what sorrow that would bring To all the girls and boys! So I am going to write a note And pin it to the gate, I’ll write it large, so he can see, No matter if it’s late, And say “Dear Santa Claus, don’t try To climb the roof tonight, But walk right in, the door’s unlocked, The nursery’s on the right!

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tle more enthusiasm than usual. And for Christmas Eve, we offer a delightful poem by Harriot Brewer Sterling from St Nicholas magazine, December 1895, titled A Christmas Eve Thought.

The winter market is very busy. Well-priced properties are selling very quickly.

Archie and Dale Miller

and maybe his reindeer, was in order as well. Following holiday season stories makes it clear that, while there are so very many actions or traditions that might be part of Christmas Eve, there are as many that repeat as there are those that are personally unique. Historical accounts, while noting what is already mentioned here, might also have religious services with added music, colour and festive adornments. The community might have gathered in a town square for a bonfire, carolling, and a hot drink of chocolate or cider. A small city band might have added a tune or two. There may have been horsedrawn sleigh rides, ice skating or tobogganing, with many folks out for a walk on this joyous eve extending best wishes, season’s greetings, or Merry Christmas to one and all with just a lit-

2701-5611 GORING ST. BURNABY

editorial@newwestrecord.ca

It’s Christmas Eve! All the effort, planning, preparation, shopping, and on and on, have all come together to lead to the “big day” tomorrow. People have a great variety of memories of this day before Christmas. For some, the evening is spent with family or friends talking, playing games, or simply enjoying being together.The decorations are up and all seems bright and sparkly. Sometimes this eve includes a dinner and gifts. For the younger ones it is difficult to sit quietly reading or playing at something – the excitement level is just too great. For others the evening may have family and friends, but the tree and major decorations are not yet set up. At a reasonable time in the evening the young reluctantly head off to bed, and then the parents and perhaps other adults set up the tree and get everything done for the morning. People who have memories of a Christmas like this look back with immense joy at the recollection of that first glimpse of the decorated tree with gifts piled underneath. In both of these sets of memories, the stockings were hung up or laid out in anticipation of finding them filled with goodies in the morning. A treat left out for Santa,

Angila

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New West women start new online boutique Continued from page 23 “We had worked on a couple of other projects together.We seem like a very complimentary fit. It’s been awesome,” Pistor said. “I have the retail and blogging background, and she has the artist and graphic design background.” Pistor, who has been wanting to do something along the lines of West + Wind for quite some time, had an “aha moment” at a women’s conference and thought it was something she should work on

with DeWolff. Since June, they’ve been hard at work sourcing T-shirts, jewelry and other items for the boutique and working on designs and artwork for the prints and T-shirt collection. “Our little tagline is, live your life in West + Wind. That’s really what we want,” Pistor said. “T-shirts are such a wardrobe staple. Everybody has a drawer full of T-shirts these days. We wanted it to be something that people could dress up with a sparkly little necklace or a cute skirt

for the Christmas season, or they could also wear it for brunch on the weekend or hanging out on the couch watching a movie. It’s really for people just to be comfortable. It still has a little more personality than just your basic T-shirt – because we are putting a little stamp of our own on this.” While West + Wind is mainly women focused, there are also a couple things for the fellas and kids. The online boutique is up and running at www.west andwind.com.

Expires 2015 ExpiresNov. Dec. 30th, 31, 2015

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 25

LOCAL

HANGOUTS NEW WESTMINSTER

EXPLORE YOUR HOOD! Serving food since 20yrs

WELCOME TO ROZZINI’s

SOLODKO UKRAINIAN BAKERY

Last year, when Sergii Kuznietsov and his wife Iryna brought their Ukrainian baked goods to the Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market, they could not have predicted how people would respond. By the end of the summer of 2014, they had products to more than 10 markets across Mainland. Word spread quickly about its amazingly delicious products. phenomenal success, the couple decided this summer to open the doors Ukrainian Bakery. (Translated the name means sweet).

taken their the Lower After such of Solodko

Italian, Greek and Indian cuisine

Drop by at Rozzini’s and enjoy a wide variety of ITALIAN, GREEK & INDIAN food. We deliver to your doorstep and also specialize in all kinds of Parties, big & small to accommodate the unique needs of your party.

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In less than a year, Solodko has garnered rave reviews, including “The Best Hut” award at Vancouver Christmas Market last year.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET!

Catering and customized menus available.

Both Sergii and Iryna are committed to quality, freshness and more importantly delicious and nutritious Ukrainian products. They believe the key to their bakery’s success lies in the fact that he, his wife and their team of bakers don’t cut corners on taste or texture. “We believe that what make us stand out are our excellent customer service, exceptional staff and high-quality traditional Ukrainian products,” he says.

the hide out cafe

Specials:

The couple immigrated to Canada nearly three years ago from Kiev in order for Sergii to complete his masters of business. At the time, Iryna was working for a downtown Vancouver bakery. Their entrepreneurial spirit spawned the idea for their own bakery.

HOMEMADE paninis, wraps, bagel sandwiches, soups and salads LOCAL Fair trade, organic coffee, great selection of pastries (including gluten-free)

With the fast growth of Solodko, the couple has hired three full-time employees and up to four part-timers. Using only the best high quality ingredients, the bakery creates delicious items such as bread, borsch (traditional beet soup), piroshki (baked buns with meat or fruit filling inside), makovik (sweet roll with poppy seeds) and orehovik (sweet roll with walnut), using authentic recipes handed down by Iryna’s great grandmother.

FRESH sauces, soups, dressings and mayo are made fresh and in-house WIRELESS Customers connect for free!

Come and discover for yourself how delicious Ukrainian baked goods can be. Solodko Ukrainian Bakery is located at 444 Sixth Street. New Westminster. For more information, call 778-232-9135 or visit www.solodko.ca.

THE ORIGINAL

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26 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

Santa’s Scramblers 12 - $25 SAFEWAY GIFT CERTIFICATES TO BE GIVEN AWAY

RULES

Unscramble the key words (all associated with Christmas) and deposit your entry form in the contest box in each sponsor’s place of business. A random drawing from all correct entries will be held at noon on Monday, December 28, 2015. One entry per person per location.

WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY PHONE

WANOMSN

RPOLUHD

Answer.............................................

Name................................................

Phone............................................... SAFEWAY SHOPS AT NEW WEST 800 Carnarvon Street

Phone............................................... STICKY’S CANDY 618 6th Street 604-544-8090

Phone............................................... SAFEWAY ROYALSAFEWAY SQUARE MALL CANADA Royal Square Mall, 800 McBride Blvd Royal SquareMall 8th604-524-4418 Avenue&McBride ue

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Answer.............................................

Name................................................

Phone............................................... SOLODKO UKRAINIAN BAKERY 108 - 444 610 Sixth SixthSt. Street 778-232-9135

Phone............................................... PADDLEWHEELER PUB 810 Quayside Drive at River Market

Phone............................................... ROYAL CITY JEWELLERS & LOANS 515 Columbia Street

Answer.............................................

Name................................................

Phone............................................... CANADA SAFEWAY SHOPSSAFEWAY AT NEW WEST Plaza 800 88, 800 Camarvon Carnarvon StreetStreet

Phone............................................... ALDO’S RESTAURANT 441 Columbia Street 604-525-3473 Open: Tue -Sun 5 pm

Phone............................................... SAFEWAY SHOPS AT NEW WEST 800 Carnarvon Street

604-524-1894

LLO

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GBD

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Phone............................................... HYACKTIRE 66 - 6th Street 604-524-2264

Phone............................................... G&F FINANCIAL GROUP SAFEWAY ROYAL SQUARE MALL 760 - 6th800 Street Royal Square Mall, McBride Blvd 604-526-2122 Open: Tue -Sat 604-524-4418

Phone............................................... CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL 635 - 6th Street 604-525-3344 www.holidaytrips.ca

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 27

Community

y p p a H

The UBA wants you to have a safe and

GALLOWAY’S

FINE FOOD SPECIALTIES

New Year s Eve.

When you plan your festivities, plan a safe ride home too. • Take transit. • Be a designated driver or make sure you have one in your group

Bright lights, little city: Above, Record reader

and avid photographer Alanna Dochtermann sent us this photo of Downtown New Westminster all lit up. Left, Norman Zieberth sent us this photos of a Blue Tree at Westminster Pier Park a few months ago. The Blue Tree is one of many located around the city, all part of the Vancouver Biennale. The installation is the creation of Australian artist Konstantin Dimopoulos. If you have a photo to share with Record readers, email it to editorial@newwestrecord.ca. Put ‘Snapped’ in the subject line.

SNAPPED

• Call Royal City Taxi at 604.521.6666 The place to ﬁnd the spices, herbs and other food •items Call that Operation Red Nose! They get stores. you aren’t available at the big can grocery and your car home safe. For a ride, Botanical herbs, spices, peppers, curry powders, dried beans call 778-866-6673 at least 60 – 90 minutes and peas, essential oils, grains, rice, nuts and seeds, along with before you’re ready to be picked up. packaged foods and drinks, all waiting to be discovered, proceeds benefit Tri-Cities, andAll all reasonably-priced. It’s noKidSport wonder that people from all over New West and Burnaby. Metro Vancouver and beyond seek out Galloway’s for items that simply can’t be found anywhere else.

HOURS OF OPERATIONS

Monday - Thursday 9am - 5:30pm

Friday

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Saturday

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12pm - 4pm

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• New Westminster HAPPY NEW YEAR 702 B 6 Avenue th

AND CHEERS TO A GREAT 2016 FROM THE UBA!

Centre of our City

28 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

Community

Greenery is part of the Christmas tradition Anne Marrison GREEN SCENE

editorial@burnabynow.com

When darkness comes in mid-afternoon and rain goes on for weeks, the one thing that drives away depression is light – lots of light. Long ago our ancestors made huge bonfires timed roughly for the winter solstice on Dec. 21. That’s the point when the heat of the sun gradually increases to bring spring again. But later, the bonfire tradition moved inside houses and became the tradition of the yule log. This was often large enough to burn for several days and there were magical beliefs that saving a piece of the yule log would protect the house and inhabitants from thunder, lightening and many other kinds of ills.Tradition held this log should be kindled from a saved piece of last year’s yule log. There had always been a tradition in ancient Europe of bringing evergreen

branches into the house to give the wood spirits a refuge from chilly winds and blowing snow. But as time went on, somewhere in Central Europe this morphed into a custom of bringing an evergreen tree into the house for Christmas. There it combined with the ancient practice of bringing light into winter’s cold, dark world. By the 18th century some trees

Long ago our ancestors made huge bonﬁres

were being decorated with candies and small presents. Also candles. The first Christmas tree I ever saw was decorated with small white lit candles. It was so beautiful I still remember every detail.The candles were fastened with metal clips clothes-peg style but much smaller. But the next year we had Christmas

lights. In America the early tree decorations tended to favour strings of wild berries and perhaps popcorn. But the practice of placing lighted candles on a Christmas tree spelled disaster for many a pioneer family. The ancient European plants brought into houses were branches of fir, holly, ivy and mistletoe – their permanent greenery speaking of lasting life through winter.To Christians and other spiritual people, they symbolized the everlasting life of the soul. Today the tradition of greenery and light-seeking meets in Christmas flowers such as the tropical poinsettia with its brilliant sunshaped blooms.The most popular colour is always red, but they can be obtained in yellow, pink, white-and-pink with almost black leaves for some of the reds.They’re light-lovers, which is rough for them in our winters. But at least these Christmas guests can be made to feel welcome by giving them evenly moist soil and a spot

Christmas blooms: Poinsettias are a popular option for bringing colour indoors for the holidays. They’re available in a multitude of colours, but red remains the perennial favourite. PHOTO THINKSTOCK

away from draughts and heating vents. Potting soil dries out fast. Kalanchoes are also sold everywhere now.They come in bright red, orange, yellow or white and need to dry out between waterings but not sit in water.They like

sun and well-drained soil. Treated well, they can flower repeatedly. Christmas azaleas also like bright light, but they can be heart-breakers if their huge need for cool temperatures, humidity and frequent watering is not

met. Excess water should be dumped. My father had one for years. It grew in a large pot within an unheated porch that was closed in winter but open in summer. It grew huge and was a mass of pink flowers every fall.

THIS SPACE SPONSORED BY THESE ROTARIANS:

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the Original Owner Gordon Hobbis

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Featuring a silent & live auction with fantastic prizes to be auctioned off!

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Classic Portraits

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New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 29

People PROFILE

Mark Allison Occupation

MANAGER OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES & SUSTAINABILITY, CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER

Why is he in the news?

Mark Allison is enjoying his second stint as a staffer at New Westminster City Hall, but his education, career and interests have taken him far beyond the borders of the Royal City. City hall

Can you introduce yourself? I’ve been the manager of strategic initiatives and sustainability for the last couple of years and was a planner and senior planner with the city before that. I’m lucky to live and work in New Westminster and can even go home for lunch sometimes! What are the major projects you’re currently working on for the city? In my role as manager of strategic initiatives, I work with council and colleagues from all departments to help move all city priority projects forward. Several major initiatives that I’m more directly involved with include coordinating the waterfront team that is implementing the city’s waterfront vision, working with Fraser Health Authority and city staff on the Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment project and the development of an economic health-care cluster, responding to environmental issues such as the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and Fraser Surrey Docks coal export facility proposals and advancing the city’s goods movement strategy to promote community livability. What does sustainability mean to you? I’m a strong believer that the Brundtland Report (Our Common Future, the report of the UN’s 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development) had it

reporter Theresa McManus got him to share some of his professional and personal thoughts with Record readers.

A MAN OF ALL TRADES Mark Allison

–Theresa McManus mostly right, saying that sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Most of us in the sustainability field have since broadened the scope of sustainability beyond economic and environmental needs and feel that, to be truly sustainable, we have to address society’s social and cultural needs as well.We’re obviously on a collision path at the moment, with resources being severely depleted, our environment being severely degraded and a large number of people still not having their basic needs met, so it’s important that we all learn to make sustainability a part of everyday thinking and, of course, our municipal practices. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing New Westminster? What are the biggest assets? Our biggest challenges are also our biggest assets! We’re very central in Metro Vancouver, and while being at the centre of regional transportation networks create issues with traffic and congestion, this also puts us in the ideal location to live or operate a business. Implementing the waterfront vision is another challenge due to the constraints resulting from our historical role as a centre of industry and transportation, but we’re learning how to celebrate our past and integrate industry with other uses and will one day have an extensive waterfront park and greenway network that will be a showcase for the Lower Mainland. Social issues are also a challenge, as the city has historically provided services to those in need as opposed to turning

juggles a lot of jobs in his role as the city’s manager of strategic initiatives. He’s involved in major initiatives such as coordinating the team that is implementing the city’s waterfront vision, working with Fraser Health Authority and city staff on the RCH redevelopment project and the development of an economic health-care cluster, responding to environmental issues such as the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and Fraser Surrey Docks coal export facility proposals and advancing the city’s goods movement strategy to promote community livability. PHOTO RECORD FILES

them away, and this has contributed to our strong sense of community by being a community that cares. You previously worked as a physicist and systems engineer – is it true you are a rocket scientist who worked for NASA? What did you do? My physics studies were focused on alternative energy, but unfortunately the federal government had cut all funding to my specialty of solar energy the year that I graduated and put all of their eggs into the fossil fuel and nuclear baskets. After getting a master’s degree in experimental physics, I did work as a research scientist for Hydro Quebec and as a guest scientist at a research centre in Germany in the mid-1980s for a couple years, working on fusion energy during a very long stopover on a world cycling tour. My subsequent systems engineering work was mostly in power plant and air traffic control systems, and I’m happy to report that there have been no catastrophes ever linked to this work! I’m not sure where the NASA

rocket scientist legend originated, but it is true that I worked on a space shuttle experiment once and made the first cut for the first Canadian astronaut program in the early ’80s but was unceremoniously dumped from the program in round two, when I flunked the vision test miserably. I’ve been told you were a pacifist in Germany. Can you elaborate? My conversion to pacifism came a bit earlier than that. I’d considered a military career back in the 1970s, when Canada was an established peacekeeping nation and I’d joined the militia to get a feel for life in the armed forces while going to university, later being commissioned as a reserve infantry officer. One day, years later, after a number of serious training incidents, it occurred to me that I wasn’t saving the world, I was just teaching our teenagers how to be soldiers and fight just like the other side was doing, so I resigned my commission and committed myself to promoting non-violence. I’m hoping that the new federal government will help

us find our way back to our peacekeeper traditions. This is your second stint with the City of New Westminster.What brought you back to the New West? After working over seven fulfilling years in New Westminster as the transportation planner, I was offered a great opportunity to work as a senior policy planner for the City of Surrey, which is a dynamic organization in a fast growing community. In only three-and-a-half years there I had the chance to lead their Sustainability Charter project, city centre plan update, official community plan update and a district energy project. After that, I was asked to lead advisory services for the new Whistler Centre for Sustainability and decided to move up there as, while I’ve worked on a number of volunteer boards, I’d always wanted to try working for a notfor-profit.The experience was also great, we did a lot of award-winning projects, but life in Whistler turned out to be dangerous – in only two years I had a major bike crash and ski

crash! I’d always kept my home in New Westminster and so, when a senior planner position became available with the city, I decided to come back and be part of the excitement that was happening in New Westminster with the downtown revitalization, Anvil Centre, waterfront initiatives, transitoriented development and environmental and sustainability initiatives. I’m told you’ve been known to take matters into your own hands – can you tell us about the time you painted lines on roads? I’m guessing that legend was from my time in Ottawa in the 1990s when I was involved with local cycling issues in my pre-planner days. A number of cyclists had been killed or seriously injured in Ontario in just a few months, including one on the notorious Bank Street Bridge.That bridge was subsequently completely rehabilitated, and RMOC (Ottawa’s regional district) staff had indicated that there would be some bike facilities provided, but when the new Continued on page 30

30 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

People

The perfect day in New West begins with . . .

Continued from page 29 paving and line painting was complete, there were no bike lanes in sight. So… a group called Auto-Free Ottawa decided to take matters in their own hands and paint their own bike lanes. Being a goodie two-shoes, I didn’t do any painting myself but volunteered to be one of the photographers documenting the event. I remember that AFO had issued a tonguein-cheek press release about “painting bike lanes as a public service, since

be stressful at times – I’m sure you hear lots of complaints about this and that.You’re part of A Complaint Free World. Can you tell us about it? Does it work?

the RMOC unfortunately doesn’t have sufficient funds to do the promised work itself,” but the authorities were not amused and a number of bike advocates were arrested. Interesting to note, of course, that since that time, providing bike lanes has become common practice in road and bridge reconstruction projects in Ottawa and other major Canadian cities… just sayin’.

They’re not complaints it’s valuable community feedback! One day I noticed that a close friend was wearing a purple rubber arm band and she told me about the Complaint Free World movement, which strives to replace negativity

Working in municipal government must

with positive energy and thinking.The idea is that every time you say anything negative, about something or someone, you are supposed to snap the band on your wrist as a gentle reminder to stay positive.When you’ve gone 21 days without saying anything negative (you are allowed to think the odd negative thought), you have succeeded. Although I have not succeeded (yet!), it’s really helped to develop my problem-solving skills and to reduce stress levels

by viewing people and life in a more positive light. As we always say when doing facilitation – always remember to attack the problem, not the person!

Describe a perfect day for you in New West? The perfect NewWest day begins with having darkroast, fair-trade organic decaf coffee from Galloways while reading the Vancouver Sun (or the Record!) and admiring the North Shore mountains from my

Uptown condo, meeting a friend for breakfast at the Amelia Café on 12th Street before heading off on a bike ride down the Crosstown Greenway on Seventh Avenue and over the Queensborough Bridge to River Road along the Fraser and then coming back for one of the fabulous dinners for two at Hon’s before topping the day off with a Royal City Music Theatre production at the Massey – who would want to live anywhere else?!

“CHEERS OF NEW WEST” THE ORIGINAL

FREE LUNCH

Beyond New West: Mark Allison, whose hobbies include cycling, hiking and kayaking, is shown at Ross Lake, one of his more recent vacation spots.

Voted Best Cold Beer & Wine Store and Best Neighborhood Pub in New Westminster.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

2015

Readers’ Choice A w a r ds

320 Sixth St., New Westminster

www.riversreach.com

Sale in Effect

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Dec. 26th - 31st, 2015

BOXING DAY SALE

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CHRISTMAS FABRICS - Select stock

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New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 31

12 MONTHS FREE FINANCING OAC*

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32 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

Community

Remember when?: Education Minister Bill Vander Zalm opens the new Douglas College campus in 1983. In front row from left to right are Marylin Cassady, George P. (Skip) Cassady, an unnamed young person, MP Pauline Jewett, Emily Baker, Tom Baker and Lori Pappajohn. PHOTO BASIL KING, THE COLUMBIAN NEWSPAPER;

PHOTO COURTESY NEW WESTMINSTER PUBLIC LIBRARY, NO. 2975

Did you ever work at Douglas College? Julie MacLellan

jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca

If you’ve ever worked in one place for an extended period of time, you know how it works – the people who work alongside you, day in and day out, become your life’s companions in a way that no one else can. That’s been true for a group of now-retired employees of Douglas College, who are now reaching out to find others who spent their working years at the New Westminster institution.The recent retirees are hoping they can find more former college employees – staff, faculty and administration for a social gathering on Jan. 13 and for future gatherings as the group grows. TomWhalley, who was an English as a second language instructor for most of his 34 years at the college, is helping to spearhead the effort to track down former college employees. The idea of forming a retirees’ group grew out of a gathering organized by Whalley and two others from the faculty of language, literature and performing arts: Lorna McCallum and DianaWegner.They enjoyed getting together with the people from their immediate circle at the college, andWhalley notes that other staff and faculty groups have been doing the same. “There’s all these little, very rich, groups – book clubs, golf clubs, coffee klatches,”Whalley says. What they saw the need for was another, larger association to complement the work of all those small

Did you ever work here? If you remember this original incarnation of the New Westminster campus of Douglas College, you may want to make contact with a new retirees’ group. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

groups – a place retirees of all kinds could gather a couple of times a year. Whalley says a larger group is a good way to get out of the “silos” that employees inevitably spend their lives in and to make contact with those whose paths crossed yours in passing over the years – at the library, in the payroll office, at the gym. One of those from the library is Helen Clarke, who retired in the summer of 2013 after a career that started in June of 1971 – back when Douglas College was a collection of portable buildings at Eighth Avenue and McBride Boulevard. “You work at a place for a long period of time like that, you make some really good friends,” says Clarke. Clarke was 19 when she started at Douglas, and she built a life with the people she worked with – she even met her now-husband, Bruce, right at the beginning of her working career. “I grew up with these people,” she says of her former library workmates. “It’s

hard to cut yourself off from them.” Both Clarke andWhalley are hoping the new Douglas College Retirees’ Association (which, as yet, has no official and formal affiliation to the college) will be able to bring old friends together – and, in the future, grow even beyond that mission. Whalley points out that a group of retired college employees – a highly educated and skilled workforce – would have a wealth of resources to offer to the community. He’s hoping the group will evolve into an organization that can connect community groups in need of help to retired folks who can offer their expertise. But, first and foremost, they’d just like to see other former Douglas College employees turn out for lunch in the new year.The Douglas College retirees’ group is meeting at Taverna Greka onWednesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. for lunch. For information or to RSVP, mail DianaWegner, wegnerd@telus.net.

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 33

Community Let the library help with New Year’s resolutions Tammie Mercado

editorial@newwestrecord.ca

Traditionally, as people prepare to welcome the NewYear, they also resolve to make positive changes in their lives. This year, why not visit the New Westminster Public Library to help you fulfil your NewYear’s resolutions? If you resolve to read more in 2016, the library is obviously a great place to discover new authors, genres, and subjects. But remember that the library can provide resources for resolutions of many types. From how-to books for skills like cooking or fishing, to health-related books on quitting smoking or getting in shape, the library is a great place to find materials on a wide variety of hobbies and self-improvement topics. We also subscribe to

some great online resources to support subjects like automotive repair, language learning, ancestry research and more.Visit nwpl.ca and click Resources in the topright-hand corner to see the available services and how to access them.

The library is a great place to ﬁnd materials on a wide variety of hobbies Technology skills are often popular picks for New Year’s resolutions. New Westminster Public Library has many titles that can help you get more acquainted with smartphones, tablets, computers and popular software such as Mi-

crosoft and Adobe products. Our subscription to Lynda.com (currently available online at nwpl.ca to anyone with an NWPL card) provides online tutoring through instructional videos, on many types of software and other technologyrelated topics. If you are looking for some in-person guidance with technology, we offer one-on-one tutorials at both of our branches.These can help you get started with the internet and email, social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, or learning to borrow ebooks from the library. And we will also be offering another round of Sunday morning technology classes for Seniors (55+), for introductory level instruction on topics such as using the Internet and Microsoft Word. Stay tuned for more information about

how and when to register! So if NewYear’s resolutions are on your mind, let

the New Westminster Public Library help you ring in the NewYear.Visit us in person,

email AskUs@nwpl.ca or call 604-527-4660.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR MONDAY, JAN. 11 New Westminster Puffers Club meets at 12:30 to 2 p.m., New Westminster Public Library auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave. Anyone with or having friends with COPD, sleep apnea, asthma or any other breathing problems are welcome to attend. Special guest speaker each month. SATURDAY, JAN. 16 Royal City Farmers Market winter market, 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. on Belmont Street (just off Sixth Street)in uptown New Westminster. Farmers, food trucks, artisans, gourmet food producers will be on hand. SATURDAY, JAN. 30 Royal City Robbie Burns gala, featuring Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band. Presented by the Order of the Eastern Star Friendship Chapter #75 and the Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band, it’s an evening of Scottish heritage including Burns, haggis, music and worldclass bagpipers, drummers and champion highland dancers. Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75. Phone 604-524-5675 or email triumphburns@gmail.com. ONGOING New Westminster Family Place, free family resource centre for parents with

children five and under. There is a bright, actionpacked playroom filled with toys, games, puzzles and crafts and staffed by early childhood educators and a family support worker. There is a parents’ room for relaxing, and parenting classes are available. Dropin hours are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 604-520-3666. New Westminster Puffers Club, meets every second Monday of the month (third Monday of April), 12:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Anyone with or having friends with COPD, asthma or breathing problems are welcome to attend meetings, which include guest speakers. Fraser Works Co-op, offers one-to-one support with employment counsellors, connecting people to nocost career and job search services and helping people develop a plan to reach their job or career goal. Call 604522-9701 for appointment. Sapperton Pensioners Association, meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 318 Keary St. New members welcome. Info 604-522-0280. New Westminster Lions Club, meets every second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Boston Pizza, 1045 Columbia St.,

Columbia Square plaza. New members welcome. Info: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ newwestminsterlionsclub. ca. Just Pros Toastmasters meets on the first and third Saturday of the month, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Justice Institute, 715 McBride Blvd. This is for advanced toastmasters. Tillicum Toastmasters meets every Monday (except holidays) 7:20 to 9:30 p.m., Unity in Action Church hall, 1630 Edinburgh St. Do you want to get over your fear of public speaking? Do you want to learn the how to’s within a supportive environment? Do you want to nail that upcoming interview for your dream job? All guests welcomed for free. No obligation to speak or sign up. Alzheimer Society of B.C., caregiver support group, meets in New Westminster, third Tuesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. For registration or information, call 604298-0780. Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations (COSCO), an advocacy group devoted to improving the quality of life for seniors, invites membership and affiliation from seniors’ organizations, associations and individuals. Info: Ernie Bayer, 604-5769734 or ecbayer2@gmail. com. Send non-profit listings to calendar@newwestrecord.ca.

*Caitlyn mattress model. Headboard and accessories not included. Offer ends December 29, 2015. †A discount equal to the taxes will be applied to the purchase price before tax. Valid only on December 26, 2015 between the hours of 8AM – 10AM. Cannot be applied to prior purchases or gift card purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon. This offer is valid on regular and sale price merchandise.

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34 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 • New Westminster RECORD

Sports

Sport to report? Contact Dan Olson at 604.444.3022 or dolson@newwestrecord.ca

Under the hoop: Byrne Creek’s Rhoda Diabikulu (No. 14) and Neya Rattan (15) battle for the ball against their Credo Christian rivals during the Bob Gair Classic. PHOTO JEREMY DEUTSCH

New West shows ﬂare at Gair Crunch time: New Westminster’s Rhiannon Leidl, right, tries to keep her Elgin Park rival off balance during the final game at the team’s Bob Gair Classic basketball tournament. PHOTO JEREMY DEUTSCH

Stealth to rely on Bellies’ roots

Dan Olson

dolson@newwestrecord.ca

The final score read 13-12 for Calgary, but the Vancouver Stealth couldn’t be overly disappointed with the result Sunday in their last exhibition test prior to the start of the National Lacrosse League 2016 season. In a thrilling offensive showdown at the Saddledome, Curtis Dickson counted two quick goals to complete the Roughnecks come-from-behind win. The one-time New Westminster junior Salmonbellie sniper

was held scoreless until the final six minutes, when he made the Stealth pay as Calgary overcame a three-goal deficit for the exhibition decision. One-time Vancouver shooter and New West native Tyler Digby scored five times in the win. The visitors were led by Joel McCready’s four-goal game.The Burnaby firefighter’s final tally put Vancouver ahead 11-9, but Calgary proved resilient. New West senior Bellie Keegan Bal counted three goals. It came on the heels of the team unveiling its roster for the

upcoming season – a roster dotted with local content. Leading the way will be Salmonbellies Ian Hawksbee, Curtis Hodgson, Cliff Smith, Logan Schuss and goalie Eric Penney. The 2015 Most Outstanding Goalie in the Western Lacrosse Association, Penney takes over the top job with the recent retirement of Tyler Richards. The team also features junior Bellies’ Brandon Clelland, Burnaby products Matt Beers and Chris O’Dougherty and transition player Justin Salt, while veteran sniper Garrett Billings, a

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one-time junior Laker, joined the club in an offseason acquisition that sent Digby, temporarily to New England. Bal is a practice roster player who demonstrated in the last exhibition test how valuable he can be. Also on the list is junior New West alum Jarrett Toll, while Brendan Ranford is a holdout, due to his hockey commitment with the Dallas Stars’ top farm team. The season begins Jan. 9 when the New England Black Wolves visit the Langley Events Centre.

Dan Olson

dolson@newwestrecord.ca

A perfect 3-0 run gave the New Westminster Hyacks a good bounce heading into the Christmas break. The senior girls basketball team finished atop the Bob Gair Classic tournament, framing the week with a 67-42 victory over Elgin Park. Led by tourney MVP Madisen Obrovac, who cashed in 13 points in the final, New West held the hammer most of the game and led off with a 10-0 run. Up 45-15 at halftime, the Hyacks withstood a gritty rally by the Surrey rival to end undefeated.The Forgie sisters were the offensive leaders, with Sarah counting 16 points and Emma netting 15, while New West player of the game Zoe Roberts chipped in eight points. Sarah Forgie would wind up on the all-star team, joined by Byrne Creek’s Michieh Kufaitandara, Elgin’s Danielle Steer and Continued on page 35

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Visit www.stevengoodwin.ca to view photos of these fine homes

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 35

Sports

Sport to report? Contact Dan Olson at 604.444.3022 or dolson@newwestrecord.ca

Hyacks thrive on balance

Continued from page 34 Credo Christian’s Jaylene Stam. New West launched the series with an 81-80 victory over Langley’s Credo Christian, which was recently ranked No. 7 in the senior girls Single-A list. Sarah Forgie was the Hyacks player of the game, while Veronica Kobes earned the Credo honour. At 5-1 on the young season, the squad is beginning to take shape. “I am happy that we have six to eight players getting on the score sheet for every game,” remarked head coach Doug Woodward. The next month will be very telling, he said, as a series of tough assignments – the Archbishop Carney Classic in PoCo, the Centennial Top-10 in Coquitlam, and the senior girls’

Putting his shoulder into it: A New Westminster Salmonbellie, left, goes to bump a Ridge Meadows rival off the ball during recent under-15 tier 2 field lacrosse action at Queen’s Park. New West prevailed 9-8, and enter the holiday break in second place with an 8-2 record. PHOTO JENNIFER GAUTHIER

Hyacks emerge in Top-10 NewWestminster trio rank No. 1 in Canada

Dan Olson

dolson@newwestrecord.ca

At the elite Richmond Fast Swim last week, the Hyack Swim Club emerged with the most medals. Taking 62 podium spots – one more than the host Rapids – the New Westminster-based swim club put on a display that saw three swimmers take the No. 1-ranking in Canada. Sergey Chernomorchenko, Octavia Lau andYutong Wu earn the national top ranking in their respective divisions, while 10 others secured top-five positions. “Outside of the immediate meet results, the overall rankings are what we look forward to seeing,” said Hyacks coach Mark Bottrill. “It gives us a snapshot to work with as we guide the swimmers towards the season-ending goals of earning a final or a podium-level performance at the Age Group championships.” Lau, 14, won the 1415 division 200-, 400- and 800-metre freestyle races, and placed second in the 100m free and 200m butterfly. In the process, the

Burnaby swimmer established a new club record of 2:20.19 in the fly. Chernomorchenko set new marks in the boys 10 and under 50m backstroke, 200m fly and 800m free. Yu, meanwhile, collected gold in a string of boys 11 and under races: 100m free, 200m back, fly and free, 400m individual medley and 800m free. Securing spots in the national top-five rankings were Martin Dimitrov, Zoe Froh, Madisen Jacques, Stella Jin, Calin Lucas, Sehajvir Singh, Nikita Slivinsky, Avery Tamagi,Victoria Tocheva and BrodieYoung. Seven others claimed Top-10 ratings: Andy Cho, Hannah Cui, Carleen Gao, Rolando Hernandez,Yedam

Lee, Eric Sue and Kyra Tamagi. Here are more results for Burnaby and New West swimmers: GIRLS: Hannah Cui, 12 – 5th 100 fr, 13th 50 fr; Zoe Froh, 13 – 1st 200 fly, 400, 800 IM, 2nd 400 fr, 4th 100 fly, 200 bk, br, fr; Octavia Lau, 14 – 1st 100, 200, 800 fr, 2nd 100 fr, 200 fly; Regina Saenz, 11 – 5th 200 fly, 400 IM; Kyra Tamagi, 13 – 3rd 100 fr, 4th 200 fly, 6th 50, 100 fr. BOYS: Martin Dimitrov, 14 – 1st 200 fly, 3rd 400 IM, 4th 100 fly; Micah Lau, 15 – 4th 200, 1500 fr, 5th 400 fr; Sehajvir Singh, 14 – 1st 400 IM, 2nd 200 IM, 4th 200 bk, 400 fr, 6th 100 bk;Yutong Wu, 11 – 1st 100, 200, 400, 800 fr, 200 bk, fly, 400 IM, 3rd 200 br.

Canada rises at Sevens The Canadian men’s rugby team returned from the Cape Town Sevens with a mixed bag and a 2-2-1 record. A consolation semifinal loss of 21-14 to No. 5 overall England didn’t taint the trip, although placing 11th overall wasn’t where the team had its sights set, although it was a two-spot improvement on their current World ranking. Canada spanked Russia 55-0. Scoring a try against Britain was Burnaby Lake’s Admir Cejvanovic.

Sports tips wanted

Chancellor tournament at St.Thomas More – provide deep exposure to the elite lineups of B.C.’s Triple-A hoop circuit. Add five league games to that mix, and January will set the stage for either a strong push for a provincial position, or a short season. The host’s second game at the Gair tourney was an 88-27 triumph over district rival Byrne Creek Bulldogs, with guard Justice Steer earning the top player honour for New West, while Rhoda Diabikulu was Byrne’s player of the game. The Burnaby school finished with a 1-2 record, topping Credo Christian in the consolation final. Earlier, they were edged 57-56 by Elgin Park, with Jasdeep Jaswal carrying off the Bulldogs’ player of the game honour.

Got sports results you want to share, or a story idea on a local team or athlete? Send them to us at dolson@newwestrecord.ca

36 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ New Westminster RECORD

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 37

38 THURSDAY December 24, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ New Westminster RECORD

New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY December 24, 2015 39

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