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Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Times November 5 2013
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Tuesday, November 5, 2013
• LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT • mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 20 PAGES
A leadership class from ThomasHaney Secondary hit the streetslast week encouraging positive
thoughts and actions.
Page A5
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Hold My Beer!He started as a DJ at Roosters CountryCabaret in Pitt Meadows years ago, and hasturned into one of Canada’s biggest countrymusic singing and songwriting sensations. Thisweekend, Aaron Pritchett was back in his oldstomping grounds for the first time in nineyears, performing both Friday and Saturdaynights to sold-out shows at the new ChancesMaple Ridge gaming centre. During his showSaturday night, he called on his friend andprotege, a young Maple Ridge up-and-comer,Ray Gibson to perform with him. The 19-year-old helped sing the last song, one ofPritchett’s biggest hits, Hold My Beer.
Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES
A development proposal for 240apartments in downtown MapleRidge is moving forward.by Maria [email protected]
The designer of a new project nearmunicipal hall hopes it will add a con-temporary, urban element to MapleRidge’s downtown core.
Wayne Bissky, principal of BisskyArchitecture, said that the project onBrown Avenue and Edge Street in down-town Maple Ridge will make the areamore liveable and encourage residents tolive in the area.
There are “fairly big gaping holes”in the area near municipal hall, butBissky hopes this project will “kickstart”urban development in the vicinity, “so itbecomes a vibrant, active place not only
during the day, but in the evening aswell.”
Bissky said the plan is to start the firstphase – a six-storey building with 48 resi-dential units and commercial on the mainfloor – in the spring.
The second tower will be 13 storeyshigh, and the third, 19 storeys high.
Phase two and three will depend on themarket, but Bissky said hehopes the entire projectwill be completed withinsix to eight years.
When the project wasbefore council for firstreading in February,Bissky said the councillorswere in favour of it, andhe hoped it would be the same as he pre-pared for Monday’s council in committeemeeting where it was being presented.
“We’re hearing nothing but positivecomments from council,” he said.
Council voted unanimously on Monday
to move the project forward to the Nov.12 council meeting for the final vote onpassing second reading.
Bissky has lived in Maple Ridge andhad his company here for about twodecades, and he said he cares about hiscommunity.
But also, from an urban design perspec-tive, he said this project is “exciting” to
be working on.He would like the
development to be onpar with newer develop-ments in Port Moody andVancouver.
Other projects that thecompany has designedinclude the new build-
ing for Ridge Meadows Association forCommunity Living and the expansion ofHaney Builders.
The report to council on the projectdescribed the development as “one of themost significant development projects and
private capital works projects ever pro-posed in the Town Centre,” adding thatit will make a “major contribution to theemerging urban character” of the area.
When completed, the development willinclude commercial space of 4,380 squaremetres. There are several communityamenity elements in this proposal.
A $100,000 contribution to public artwill be required after the project passesthird reading of council.
In addition, 11 per cent of the units willbe “adaptive units,” which means theycan be converted to accommodate resi-dents as they age.
In addition, 10 per cent of the unitshave to be rental housing, which wouldbe 24 of the 240 units that would bebuilt.
There will also be a 2,040-square-metrespace built into the later phases, whichwill be dedicated either for communityuse for a daycare, for college use, or acombination of these.
Maple Ridge council
Towers bring urban look to core area
“We’re hearingnothing but positivecomments fromcouncil.”Wayne Bissky
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UpFrontMaple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, November 5, 2013 A3
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Schools locked downStudents and staff at Maple Ridge and
Pitt Meadows secondary schools coweredin their classrooms behind locked doorson Wednesday to test their lockdownprocedures. They were helped by RidgeMeadows RCMP general duty officersand the Emergency Response Team. Alocal police spokesman said it was eeriewalking the halls of the schools and hear-ing nothing, although the schools wereoccupied.
• More at www.mrtimes.com
Students get grantsTwo Maple Ridge students received
grants from the New Car DealersFoundation of BC through its bursaryprogram CarCareerBC. Sarah Case, abusiness student at Douglas Collegereceived a $1,000 grant, and BrendanJones, a business student at SFU, receiveda $2,500 grant.
• More at www.mrtimes.com
Parks surveys usersMaple Ridge and Pitt Meadows resi-
dents are encouraged to give feedbackabout parks and leisure services. To fillout the survey, go to www.mapleridge.caand click on the “How did we do?” link.
• More at www.mrtimes.com
The school district and Mounties stagedlockdown drills at two schools last week.
ExperienceSome images and advertisements in today’sedition of The TIMES have been enriched withLayar and contain digital content that you canview using your smartphone or tablet.How it works:Step 1. Download the free Layar app for iPhone,
Android, iPad, or tablet.Step 2. Look for pages with the Layar logo.Step 3. Open the Layar app, hold your device
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A dozen tradesmen fromMaple Ridge travel to CentralAmerica to help a smallcountry train its youth.
by Maria [email protected]
Driving down the pothole-filledstreets of rural Belize and see-ing a child taking a shower out-side because there is no indoorplumbing made Maple Ridgeresident Matthew Robinson real-ize how lucky he is.
“What’s that kid’s life going tobe like and how will they over-come that?” he said.
Currently, the plumber whoruns his own company, is plan-ning his umpteenth trip to thesmall country in Central America– he can’t remember if it’s hisseventh or eighth – and thistime he will be part of a groupof 12 men finishing up a duplexthat will serve as a residence forinstructors at a trades camp foryoung adults.
Trades 4 Life is building atraining facility for young adults
to learn skills and thereby getgood jobs and improve theirlives.
There is no other trade schoolsin the small country, so thisgives them an opportunity tolearn a trade, for example,plumbing, mechanics, and car-pentry.
For David Hildebrand, also aplumber, he is looking forwardto his first trip to Belize.
“We’re so rich here we don’trealize it,” he said about his lifein Canada.
Trades 4 Life is afaith-based group,and both Robinsonand Hildebrand aremembers of MapleRidge Baptist Churchand draw much of their inspira-tion to help from their faith.
But of the 12 men going onthis trip, some of them arechurchgoers, while others aren’t,Robinson pointed out.
The group will be in Belizefrom Nov. 29 to Dec. 8, andRobinson expects them to be“hitting the ground running,”working long hours to finish theduplex.
Included in the group are
three plumbers, a gas fitter, amillworker, a general contractor,handymen, a millwright, and amechanic.
“It’s hard to get that muchskilled labour to agree to... com-mit to a project,” Robinson said.
The duplex they are finishingis a project that was started lastMay by a charity group fromBurnett Fellowship Church,another Maple Ridge church.
While 11 of them will beworking on the duplex, the one
mechanic inthe group willbe workingfull-time to fixthe vehiclesthat belongto the trades
school.Robinson made his first trip to
Belize in 2002 when he was just19, something he described as a“real adventure.”
Over the years, he has goneback regularly and he has builtfriendships with the locals.
On his last trip, he helpedbuild a four-bedroom house fora large family.
With the heat in the high 30sand the humidity excruciating,
they worked from early morningtill late at night to finish thehouse.
But, Robinson said, theBelizeans depend on volunteersto help them improve their lives.
“That one week of our life isnothing,” he said about helpingthe Third World country.
Each group member is raisingtheir own travel costs, but theystill need about $12,000 for sup-plies to finish the duplex.
So far, they’ve raised about$3,000 in donations from localcompanies. They have receivedmoney from Diverse Flooringto pay for the flooring costs inthe duplex, and money fromKBS Development to cover theiraccommodations.
Belize is a tiny CentralAmerican country, just southof Mexico with a population ofabout 334,000 people, and as aformer British colony, belongs tothe Commonwealth.
The group is still looking forsponsors for their trip to Belize.For more information, contactMatthew Robinson at 604-690-6055. For more informationabout the trades program inBelize, go to www.trades4life.bz.
Outreach
Ridge builders share skills in Belize
Matthew Robinson andDavid Hildebrand aregoing to Belize at theend of November tofinish off an instructor’shome for Trades 4 Life.
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
“We’re so rich here[in Canada] we don’trealize it.”David Hildebrand
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A4 Tuesday, November 5 , 2013 Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES
Kids and adults alike wereentertained, in a fun, spooky way,at Ghost Ridge’s Timeline of Terror.After the last evening, the communityalso enjoyed a fireworks display.
Halloween charity
Ghost Ridgenumbers dropThe number of visitors to Ghost Ridge was downthis year, but it still helped local non-profit groups.by Maria [email protected]
The students acting at Ghost Ridge get better everyyear and, this year, the sets were the best ever, accord-ing to Lorraine Bates, co-ordinator of Ghost Ridge.
This year’s show, the Timeline of Terror, attracted3,800 visitors, down slightly from last year’s 4,000 vis-itors.
Bates chalked up the decrease in number to competingsports events and other haunted houses around town.
However, she considers an event a success if, at theend, the volunteers are already talking about next year– and that’s what happened with Ghost Ridge this year.
“That’s what spells success,” Bates said.There were sets that depicted horror scenes from
history including the Spanish Inquisition, the FrenchRevolution, First World War, and extended to the futurewith aliens.
Ghost Ridge offers community groups the opportun-ity to take part in building the sets and running theHalloween show.
The groups this year were the Ridge Meadows BruinsRugby, Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club, Live Action RolePlay, and Country Fest.
Thanks to this year’s Ghost Ridge, each of the groupsreceived $3,800 towards their activities.
“Generally groups around town are struggling to findways to raise money,” she said.
Ghost Ridge also allows students a fun way to get theirvolunteer hours.
“Some come back year after year and they get betterand better,” Bates said.
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, November 5, 2013 A5
Thomas Haney Secondary students hit the streets,encouraging drivers to be positive.by Elaine O’ConnorSpecial to The TIMES
When Maple Ridge resident Margrit Pitt heard car hornshonking along Lougheed Highway Wednesday, she fig-ured it was a protest.
But the Thomas Haney Secondary students who linedthe route weren’t protesting, they were praising.
About 30 students held a streetside positivity rally,holding signs for commuters reading: “Honk if you lovesomeone,” “Spread the love,” and “You can do it!” Theirgoal was to spread cheer in their community, as part of aGrade 11 and 12 leadership class.
“We want the students to be out in the community.Instead of just talking about leadership, we want them todo it,” school vice-principal and leadership teacher KristiBlakeway said over the sounds of cars honking.
“When you take time to do something positive, there’salways a ripple effect. Even if it’s a simple idea, but stillprofound enough that ... it could change someone’s day,”she said.
Blakeway brought the idea to her class after she wasinspired by a Make DC Smile campaign launched lastyear by Washington, D.C., resident Massoud Adipour.
Adipour, dubbed “the prince of positivity” by U.S.media, started putting inspiration posters around his city.Then he and his friends spent Monday mornings holdingsigns urging commuters to “Honk if you love someone,”“Be Happy,” and “Smile.”
Blakeway said the school was fielding a number of callsfrom appreciative residents.
“It’s uplifting,” said student Josie Teichrob. “Just to beable to make people’s days a little happier because a lotof people have to go to work and they are not too excitedabout it.”
Grade 11 student Stephanie Richards said: “Leadershipmeans doing things that other people are afraid to do,like standing out here.”
Maple Ridge residents seemed to enjoy the pep rally.“I think it’s a very good idea,” said motorist Pitt as
she encountered the signs along Lougheed. “It’s a prettyunique way to cheer people up,” agreed Kyle Mayuga, “Itmade me smile a bit.”
- Elaine O’Connor is a reporter with The Province
Education
Leadership classspread some love
Sharmaine Ventura(left) and AvianaSiojo, and teacherKristi Blakewayof Thomas HaneySecondary were onLougheed Highwaylooking for positivereactions to theirsigns on Wednesday.
Wayne Leidenfrost/The Province
A demand for newtypes of books putspressure on libraries.by Maria [email protected]
Maple Ridge will payabout $23,000 more nextyear for its library servi-ces.
This bring the cost ofrunning the library onDewdney Trunk Road toabout $2.61 million, upfrom about $2.59 millionlast year.
The Maple Ridge Libraryis part of the Fraser ValleyRegional Library (FVRL)system.
With an increase of 3.72per cent in 2014, the over-all FVRL budget for the14 municipalities will be$22.72 million next year.
The budget includesa five-per-cent increaseto the library materi-
als budget, $100,000 forreserves, and a two-per-cent wage increase.
Increased cost pressuresfor library material comefrom a weaker Canadiandollar, the re-instatementof the provincial sales tax,three new libraries in theFraser Valley system, agrowing population andincreased circulation aswell as a demand for newformats, for example,audio, e-books, large printbooks.
The budget reflects aphasing in of a weightedfunding system, wherebyeach municipality contrib-utes funds according to itspopulation.
For example, PittMeadows will contributeabout $887,000 next yearif this budget is finalized.
The library board, whichincludes Maple RidgeCouncillor Corisa Bell, willvote on the final budget atits December meeting.
Maple Ridge council
Library costs up ascirculation increases
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2013
Friends gathered toeat and mingle atthe recent Golden
Harvest, held atThe ACT: Val
Lohnes, KarenLearmonth,
Leanne Koehn,and Denyse Hughes.
Gay Conn, school board chair Mike Murray, Belgium exchange studentMichiel Verhalle, and Maple Ridge Councillor Cheryl Ashlie were at The
ACT for the fifth annual Golden Harvest celebration, that showcased localagriculture.
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
How can you share?Do you have a local photo of someone or some place you’d like to share with the rest of Maple Ridge and PittMeadows? Email it to us as a high-resolution .JPEG to [email protected]. Please include a brief description– including everyone’s first and last name. Put “faces & places” in the subject line of your email.
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
District of Maple Ridge’s communications manager Fred Armstrong
(and former TIMES publisher) was snapping pictures at Golden
Harvest, but stopped to pose for a picture with his son Kallan.
Maria Rantanen/TIMESChef Katie House (left) andMarissa Ferroni, general managerat Concerto’s Lounge and Grill,served food at Golden Harvest.
A 352-pound
pumpkin netted
gardener Blair
Stanley top
prize in the
recent Thornhill
Community Hall
giant pumpkin
contest.
Betty von Hardenberg
photo
Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES
Chances Maple Ridge general manager Andy LaCroix (left)presented KidSport’s Len Walters with a $500 cheque during
the Aaron Pritchett concert at the gaming centre Saturday.
Pitt MeadowsMayor Deb
Walters receivedher poppy
Friday from theRoyal CanadianLegion’s poppy
campaign co-chair Diane
Cougar.
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
Maple Ridge Councillor Bob Masse (centre), his wife Sandy,
and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA Doug Bing were at
Golden Harvest, an event that celebrated local food. The
event took place at The ACT recently.
&facesplacesShowcasing some
of this community’speople and happenings
www.m
rtim
es.co
mViewstory &more
photos
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A6 Tuesday, November 5 , 2013 Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, November 5, 2013 A7
A series of teenworkshops will lead toa staged production.by Maria [email protected]
Teens are being offeredthe opportunity to explorewhat it’s like to be new toCanada in a series of the-atre workshops.
As part of theirWelcoming Communitiesinitiative, the FamilyEducation & SupportCentre is inviting youngpeople to explore themesof immigration, racism,and multiculturalismthrough a series of theatreworkshops leading to thecreation of an original playwith public performances.
There will be three initialworkshops, held at theGreg Moore Youth Centreand led by husband-wifeteam James Rowley andLeanne Koehn.
These workshops willthen lead into a regularmeeting of those interestedin putting on a staged playbased on their ideas.
No theatre experience isnecessary to come to theworkshops, Koehn said,and English doesn’t haveto be their first language.
The first workshop willexplore improv storytelling,the second, physical story-telling, and the third, wordplay and dialogue.
The idea is to ask theyouth about their experi-ences, either as immigrantsthemselves, or as the chil-dren of immigrants or amember of an ethnic min-ority, and to weave thatinto a narrative.
These might be storiesfrom day-to-day life as newimmigrants, or personal
anecdotes that help peopleunderstand what it’s like tobe a new Canadian.
“There’s definitely goingto be comedy becausethat’s what life is,” Koehnsaid.
While exploring theirstories, the teens will learnhow to use their body andvoice as a tool.
“In the workshops wewill explore and teach ouryouth participants varioustheatre techniques such asimprov, voice work, wordplay, and movement,” saidRowley.
“These techniques willcreate a safe, trustingenvironment to bring outtheir stories, which wewill use to create an ori-ginal theatre piece explor-ing ideas of immigration,multiculturalism, andracism.”
Rowley, an instructorwith Immigration ServicesSociety, and Koehn willrun the workshops underthe banner of their award-winning theatre company,One Night Castle Projects.
Family Education’sexecutive director Faye-Luxemburg-Hyam said partof their work is “connect-ing with people” and “toexplore and create dialogueabout who they are.”
“Everyone looks at thingsdifferently, and youth– especially multiculturalyouth – are bursting toexpress what is preciousand valuable in their cul-ture in a novel way whilebecoming a part of a newcommunity and way oflife,” she said. “This pro-ject brings their stories,their voices into the publicrealm through the power oftheatre.”
The workshops beginThursday, Nov. 7 and runfrom 6 to 9 p.m. at theGreg Moore Youth Centreat 11925 Haney Pl., MapleRidge (next to the leisurecentre).
For more informationor to register, teens cancontact the WelcomingCommunities facilitator at604-467-6055 ext. 110 [email protected].
Multiculturalism
Theatre lets youth explore
Maria Rantanen/TIMES
James Rowley and Leanne Koehn will be leading workshops exploringmulticulturalism, racism, and the experiences new immigrants have.
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OpinionA8 Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Our View
Teens neednew parents
When we think of adoption, we tendto think of happy couples waiting inline to fill their arms with a beautifulnewborn baby boy or girl, propitiouslyprovided for them by a young womanforced by personal misfortune to seek abetter life for a child she will have nomeans to support.
It’s a faulty picture of reality.While many prospective adoptive
parents may be waiting in line fornewborns, the longer line-up is one ofolder children and teens hoping to findpermanent families.
November is Adoption AwarenessMonth in B.C. The “awareness” partof that title includes bringing to mindthe many children who are not adopted– about 1,000 across this province.That’s not a small number, consider-ing only a third more than that – about1,300 – were adopted from governmentcare over the past five years (210 in thepast year).
Many of those awaiting adoptionare teenagers with a need to belong, tobe part of a real family. Indeed, whileteens represent more than 30 per centof kids waiting to be adopted, they onlyaccount for just over 10 per cent ofadoptions completed each year.
In real life, babies are rarely left onthe orphanage doorstep.
Kids come into government care for avariety of reasons.
Parents may give up their childrento government care because they feelunable to provide a safe, stable home,or unable to provide the type of caretheir child needs. Sometimes it becomesinappropriate for them to accept thechild back into their own care.
Sometimes parents pass away with-out naming a guardian.
In other cases, parents have decidedthat adoption is the best option for theirchild.
But children who have lost their par-ents need new ones. It’s as simple asthat.
– B.G.
My decades in the news busi-ness have brought me to a pointwhere I am far too cynical to beeasily disillusioned – saddenedfrom time to time, maybe, but theillusions evaporated a long timeago. Or so I thought.
While I allow myself to getpeeved pretty easily – maybe tooeasily, sometimes – I don’t usual-ly bother to get really angry aboutthings, and certainly not aboutthe stupid things politicians do orsay – there’s too much of that toevoke serious emotional responsewithout risking onset of chronic depression.
But this weekend, Stephen Harper really rattledmy chain.
And if you understand the basic concepts ofdemocracy – the way it’s supposed to work, Imean – then your chain has to be chaffing alittle, too.
That the leader of this country could shout outthat he “couldn’t care less” what anyone whodisagrees with him thinks – about anything, letalone about questions of his integrity and hisapparent complicity in scandalous behaviour atthe very top reaches of the political structure thathe oversees – shocked me to the core.
I guess what bothers me most is that his outra-geous disregard – his arrogance – towards thecountry and the people he has sworn to serveshould be so openly expressed in the days whenso many of the Canadians about whose thoughtshe couldn’t care less are wearing poppies.
The approach of Remembrance Day is sup-posed to bring to mind the tens of thousandsof Canadians who over the past century havegiven their lives – or the hundreds of thousandswho have risked or continue to risk their lives– because of their deep concern for their countryand our freedom to hold and express our widelydivergent views and thoughts.
As Remembrance Day approaches, we speak oftheir sacrifice, but we sacrifice nothing in return.
For the most part, even whenwe disagree with our govern-ment’s actions – even when wefeel disgust for our government’sleaders – we continue to followthe government’s example.
We gripe and complain that“we” have no business inAfghanistan (or wherever) – but“we” are not there. “We” electthe politicians who send our sol-diers into harm’s way and thentreat them like they are somekind of inconvenience when theycome home broken… or dead.
We don’t have to follow our government’sarrogant lead. Go out and buy a poppy. Throwin an extra buck or two, if you can spare it.
And wear that poppy proudly.The people who made the poppy an important
symbol of who we are as Canadians are worthsupporting. As long as there remain people likethat standing guard over us abroad, there’s hopefor us at home – hope that an understanding ofwhat they stand for, hope that an appreciation oftheir sacrifice will rub off on the rest of us andon our leaders.
The poppy symbolizes more than a hope thatwe can avoid war, or that we can get throughwith as little bloodshed as possible.
Find a copy of Lieutenant Colonel JohnMcCrae’s In Flanders Fields and read it carefully.All the way through.
The poppies in McCrae’s Flanders fields don’tjust symbolize honour for those who died, orrespect for those who put and continue to puttheir lives on the line for the rest of us.
The poppy is about all of us.Pay special attention to the final words:“To you from failing hands we throw/The
torch; be yours to hold it high./If ye break faithwith us who die/We shall not sleep, though pop-pies grow/In Flanders fields.”
The poppy, like the final verse, is not just atribute, it’s a call to action.
Opinion
Odd Thoughtsby Bob Groeneveld
Poppy tribute demands action
Opinion
They support the local economy.
They create local jobs.
They’re my neighbours.
I buy their stuff.
I’m one of them.
This Week’s QuestionWith the First World War nearly a centurypast, how relevant is Remembrance Day?
■ Your ViewLast week’s question, results…
What is the most important thing small business-es do in your community?
VOTE ONLINE: www.mrtimes.com
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, November 5, 2013 A9Mailbag
LETTERS POLICY: Copyright in letters and other materials submitted voluntarily to the Publisher and accepted for publication remainswith the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic, or other forms. Letters are also subjectto editing for content and length. The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows TIMES is a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership.
Dear Editor,It is interesting that Pitt Meadows city
council is considering two budgets, onewith no tax increase and the other with a3.3-per-cent increase.
Of course, we all know how thisgame plays out: council will putforth a heroic effort to rework thebudget so that it passes with only atwo-per-cent tax increase. Then inDecember, we can all go “Whew!”– knowing we had been facing a 3.3-per-cent increase a few weeks ago.
Great work, council, a job well done!You have to ask yourself why politicians
play such silly games. Municipal govern-ments have been increasing spending andproperty taxes for years, at unsustainablerates that are way ahead of inflation, andthe City of Pitt Meadows is no exception.
Deb Walters said council’s mandate is todeliver services to citizens. Really? Is thatthe mandate of council?
How about having a mandate that focuseson providing good government, being fiscal-
ly responsible, and delivering needed servi-ces to citizens? A zero-per-cent tax increaseor even a small rollback is possible withstrong leadership and little fiscal restraint.
While I need to work full time topay my share of the City’s propertytaxes, I would happily find the timeto work with the council to helpprioritize spending and deliverables– just in case they ask.
The City’s new director of financesaid he is impressed by the servicesprovided by the City, considering
the average tax increase per household overthe past 10 years has been $72.
Really? I moved to Pitt Meadows inFebruary 2005. Between 2006 and 2013(eight years) my property taxes increased by$1,315.07. If Mark Roberts is correct abouthis $72 number, a lot of residents’ taxesmust have actually gone down – which isvery hard to believe.
How much is the City paying Mark for hisfine math skills?
Christopher Hatherly, Pitt Meadows
Pitt Meadows
Council playing games with taxes
Letters tothe Editor
Writein!
Dear Editor,Fiona Taylor defends
BC Hydro’s smart meterprogram [Program morethan meters, Oct. 24Letters, TIMES], but elec-trical upgrade programswith merit are not broughtin through legal back doorswhich silence debate,
orchestrated by conflictedboards of directors, thenturned over to Americanmanagers and companies.
BC Hydro’s wish was toinstall the meters in a blitz-krieg before we knew whatwas going on, and theirfrantic concern now is silen-cing dissent lest it catch fire.
Taylor’s claim to save$1.6 billion over 20 years isludicrous. BC Hydro is cur-rently $12 billion in debt,$55 billion on the hook forrun-of-river projects, andheaded for bankruptcy andprivatization.
Nowhere is the truth socompletely traumatizedas in Taylor’s reassur-ances of the safety of smartmeters. The assurancesof safety from BC Hydro,Health Canada, and prov-incial health officer Dr.Perry Kendall are basedon hiding behind HealthCanada’s obsolete SafetyCode 6, which only consid-ers thermal heating effects– if it doesn’t cook you, itcan’t harm you. That codeignores the chronic effectsof long-term cumulativeexposures to radiation inour environment. Taylordoesn’t mention large vol-umes of scientific studiesshowing biological effectsfrom low-level radiation.
A trillion-dollar wirelessindustry can relatively eas-ily manipulate science anddeceive the public withweight-of-evidence studiesto suit its ends.
Rather than giving theirblessing to smart meters, asTaylor suggests, the WHOclassified the type of radia-tion they emit as Class 2BPossible Carcinogen.
The Bioinitiative Report2012 recommended the term“human carcinogen.”
It is beyond despicablethat BC Hydro deceives thepublic on an issue as crucialas human health.
I sat through Taylor’svacuous smart-meter pres-entation to District councilabout two years ago. Taylorsimply regurgitates talkingpoints, likely written for herby someone else. No ques-tions are permitted.
Ron McNutt, Maple Ridge[Note: A fuller version of
this letter is online at www.mrtimes.com. Click onOpinion/Letters, or search thewriter’s name.]
Smart meters
Hydro frantically trying to silence dissent
• There have been compliments – and com-plaints – this year about haunted housesand zombie walk pictures portrayed in theprint and online editions of The TIMES.Readers shared their views:
“I didn’t know about this at all… then as I was drivinghome, I saw them all walking downtown. First thought:Awesome! Second thought: wait a minute, this is MapleRidge, nothing this awesomely spontaneous happenshere. Third thought: this is pretty cool and probablypretty good for the downtown, too. Good job, everyoneinvolved, and good job for reporting with great pics!.”
– Chris Laing“I think the Zombie Walk hosted by Shop Maple Ridgewas fantastic! Did you see how many people came out toparticipate? Over 350 people in the downtown core buy-ing costumes, make up, coffees, and stimulating the localeconomy with enthusiasm! I understand you can’t pleaseeveryone, but I think this was all in good fun.”
– Once Upon A Tea Leaf“I don’t really support Halloween… Still, I couldn’t care lessif pictures… related to Halloween are in the paper.”
– Luke Magnus Tengs“The picture that I found very offensive was of a baby ina stroller painted up like it had been beaten about thehead and was all bloody. Why would any so-called parentdo this, or any so-called newspaper print it and think it isfunny or cute? Sorry, but that’s sick.” – Eve M. Watson“I get offended by all the religious people showing up atmy door, and all the religion on TV. But I turn the channelor shut the door. Move on, folks.” – Anthony Nadeau“Get a life, people. There’s worse going in the world…seen on the TV stations. Carry on showing photos ofevents here in Ridge .” – Alvin Cohen“Clearly the people who are offended by this were neverallowed to dress up and have fun being scary! Omigosh,people, it’s Halloween; get over it. The entire point ofHalloween is being scary. It’s not always princesses andfluffy unicorns! … I understand why people want to makesure their children aren’t exposed to specific things, butHalloween has a number 1 thought: Scary!”
– Janessa Munz
What you’re telling us on Facebook
Share your views. Like us on Facebook at:www.facebook.com/MapleRidgePittMeadowsTimes
A10 Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, November 5, 2013 A11
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Apositive thing in our provinceis the teachers’ union and thegovernment representatives ledby Education Minister Peter
Fassbender are talking.The presumption is they are trying to
get a consensus to maximize the educa-tion of our children.
The teachers’ union has stopped run-ning ads blaming the government for ourproblems in the education system.
Premier Christy, whose father was ateacher, boldly suggested we should havea 10-year agreement with teachers.
Whether Minister Fassbender is pursu-ing that dream will probably be disclosedlater, especially if the talks break down.
I hope they all read Malcolm Gladwell’snew book David and Goliath. Gladwellhas been a staff writer at The New Yorkerfor more than a decade and his previ-ous book, The Tipping Point, pointed out
Gladwell’s talents.His writing draws upon history, psychol-
ogy, and a powerful storytelling ability toreshape what we think about the worldaround us.
In his latest book, he establishes thatDavid was the favourite in the battle withGoliath.
He also establishes the school class sizehas very little to do with achievement ofthe students.
Education economist Eric Hanushek,in The Evidence on Class Size, says,“Probably no aspect of schools has beenstudied as much as class size. The workhas been going on for years, and there isno reason to believe there is any consist-ent relationship with achievement.”
Gladwell is a Brit who was raised inrural Ontario.
His research says that “77 per cent ofAmericans think that it makes more sense
to use taxpayer money tolower class sizes than toraise teachers’ salaries.”
There are very fewthings that Americansagree upon.
According to Gladwell’sbook, between 1996 and2004, education spendingin the U.S. soared 21 percent.
There isn’t a single pro-fession in the world thathas increased its numbersduring the past two decades by as muchor as quickly as teachers have.
He suggests we should be payinggood teachers more money and end theunproven philosophical discussion aboutclass size.
The best class that I had in high schoolwas taught by now Dr. Bill Day. My social
studies class with Mr. Dayhad 60 students.
According to Gladwell,when teachers are askedwhat size class they wouldlike to have, their firstanswer is 24.
Choice two was 30.Obviously our teaching
philosophies believe inteaching in increments ofsix.
I hope all the partiesinvolved take into account
Gladwell’s view of things and come to ahealthy adult solution so we don’t spendanother decade distracting our childrenwith labour spats and negatively affectingtheir education. Just saying…Gordy Robson’s column appears Tuesdays in the print and/oronline versions of The TIMES. Reactions can be emailed c/o
Provincial government
Just SayingJust Sayingby Gordy Robson
Opin
Education: All things appear quiet on the western front Who am I?Join in and have some fun with Who Am I? This
Facebook feature is part of a twice-weekly TIMESgiveaway, where readers are asked to identify people
from this community’s distant and recent past. Forinstance, who’s the subject of this week’s picture?
Readers can “Like Us” on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/MapleRidgePittMeadowsTIMES) and answer
correctly before 9 a.m. Friday to be entered to win.Lorne Riding correctly identified last week’s subject
as the late Sieb Swiestra. He started his politicalcareer as a director with the former Dewdney Alouette
Regional District and later became a member of PittMeadows council. In keeping with his Dutch roots, he
was especially passionate about issues of farming anddikes. Also an active member of the Royal Canadian
Legion, he was instrumental in rebuilding the PittMeadows cenotaph and helped organized the annual
Remembrance Day ceremonies. This consummatecommunity volunteer passed just days before the2011 services. Riding, along with all others who
correctly answered, is entered in a grand-prize draw.TIMES files
Like us& winwith
Television personalityMike McCardell signsbooks on Saturday.
Long-time televisionreporter and author MikeMcCardell is visiting MapleRidge next week, but thistime he’s not snooping outa story.
The broadcast mediahound is going to bein town on Saturday,Nov. 9 autographing hisnewest book, HauntingVancouver: A Nearly TrueHistory.
McCardell has hundredsof thousands of fans whoappreciate his tongue-in-cheek investigative report-
ing and human-intereststories. He is the authorof the bestselling UnlikelyLove Stories, Here’s Mike,Chasing the Story God,Back Alley Reporter,Getting to the Bubble, TheExpanded Reilly Methodand Everything Works, aswell as The Blue FlamesThat Keep Us Warm, anational bestseller and BCBook Prize finalist.
His newest book takesreaders back in timefor a rollicking tour ofVancouver’s history andsome of the incredible per-sonalities behind it.
Black Bond bookstoreis hosting his visit at 1:30p.m. at the Haney PlaceMall location.
Literature
People behind the story
Opinion
Witnesses kept a man’s headabove water at wharf crash.
Taking a right turn onto RiverRoad at the Port Haney wharflanded a 62-year-old Maple Ridgeman in hospital this weekend.
Police are still investigating thecause of the single-vehicle crashacross from the Billy Miner Pubjust after 8 p.m. Sunday.
The man, riding an electric-powered, two-wheeled scooter,crashed into what Mountiesdescribe as a water-filled ditch.
He ended up pinned under hisscooter in about six inches ofwater. Witnesses came to his aid,keeping his head above water,until emergency crews arrivedand could fish him from theditch. He was taken to hospitalwith non-life threatening injuries.
Port Haney
Senior scooter rider recovers
Rick Moyer/Special to The TIMES
Firefighters, police, and paramedics were all on scene after a scooter crashed next to the Port Haney wharf, acrossfrom the Billy Miner Pub on Sunday night.
www.m
rtim
es.co
mViewmore
photoswith
or online
A12 Tuesday, November 5 , 2013 Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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2013NOVEMBER This month at The ACT
For more informationabout these eventsand upcoming eventscontact or visit the
THE ACTArts Centre & Theatre11944 Haney Place,Maple Ridge
Find us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date info on events at The ACT!
Maple Ridge Art Gallery:Now – November 9Celebrate Craft! celebrates the Craft Council of British Columbia’s40th Anniversary with works by thirteen artists working in a broadspectrum of fine craft.
Ensemble 2013November 16 – December 20This seasonal favourite features small ensembles of work in allmediums by local and regional artists. Come by to look for thatelusive perfect gift, or just to enjoy the art.Opening Reception: November 16, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Admission free.
Chor Leoni Men’s Choir: Memory EternalSunday, November 10 – 4:00 p.m.A diverse and expansive program of works exploring themes ofremembrance and memories.
Dal Richards OrchestraMonday, November 11 – 2:00 p.m.Remember the big band days with living legend Dal Richards’ annualRemembrance Day concert.
Showstopping ClassicsSaturday, November 16 – 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.Presented by Showstoppers Academy.
Coastal City Ballet: Les SylphidesSunday, November 17 – 7:30 p.m.A romantic reverie choreographed to the enchantingmusic of Chopin.
Royal City Youth Ballet: The NutcrackerSunday, November 24 – 1:00 & 4:00 p.m.The longest running Nutcracker ballet performance in Canada!
GEMS Movie Series: QuartetMonday, November 25 – 7:30 p.m.At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrateVerdi’s birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal divaand the former wife of one of the residents. Rated PG-13.
Classical Coffee Concert with Sarah Hagen and CellistRebecca WenhamWednesday, November 27 – 10:00 a.m.Join us for coffee and treats, along with special guest “musical forceof nature” Rebecca Wenham.
The Fab Fourever – The Ultimate Beatles ExperienceFriday, November 29 – 7:30 p.m.Take a trip to the age of peace, love and flower power as The FabFourever perform the Beatles’ monster hits.
11th Annual Country ChristmasSaturday, November 30 – 1:30 p.m.Annual benefit for Meals on Wheels.
Arts Programs for All Ages!Lots of holiday-themed programs in November, including Friday Funfor Christmas, Winter Wonderland of Face Painting, Holiday PartyPlates & Platters, and more!
Visit www.theactmapleridge.org for schedules.Register for Arts Programs at recreg4u.caor 604-465-2470.
Find us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date infoon events at The ACT!
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, November 5, 2013 A13
If you are out early on a misty autumnmorning, you may see slinking alongthe side of a building or crossing thefields, one of the animal
world’s most adaptable crea-tures.
Ears alert, nose up, theNorth American coyote isscattered right across thecontinent.
Everybody knows him andunlike the hapless animal inthe cartoons he is a cunningand successful critter.
The colours of a trueCoyote range from a lightyellow, to tawny and blackwith a narrow muzzle andlong stringy tail.
But they are not adverseto finding a mate amongstthe domestic dog popu-lation and many of theurban animals are cross-breeds, which gives themdifferent coat colours andsometimes a broader face.
But they do not inheritthe more docile nature ofthe domestic dog, and as such are danger-ous if approached.
It was thought that they mated for life,but it has been discovered that althoughthey may stay as a pair for several years,they sometimes get bored with each otherand change partners.
They live in small packs with a domin-ant pair. These two dogs are the onlyones permitted to breed and when thepups come, they are looked after by allthe aunties in the pack until they are oldenough to forage for themselves.
They eat almost anything, and can be a
problem to domestic pet owners.They love nothing better than to get into
the hen house where they can do a lot ofdamage.
The coyote’s expansioncame about when the earlysettlers began changing theland for farming, allowingthe dogs to travel furtherafield through the open cor-ridors of cleared land.
Here they also began tofind easier pickings whenhunting and soon foundthat they could live anuneasy existence with man.
They are definitely a pestanimal and are regularlyshot, but despite this theydo not seem to be dwin-dling in number.
They find homes in allsorts of places.
My neighbour on theborder of urban and ruralMaple Ridge had a pairdig a hole under his largegreenhouse, then drag ablanket from the stables
into the den to make a cosy place for thepups. Hollow tree stumps and small cavesare also used for the pack.
They hunt mostly in the early morning,but if pickings a slim they can be seenduring the day.
Listen for the “coyote chorus,” whichcan give you the chills as it sails acrossthe clear night air. Sometimes it is toattract a mate and sometimes it is just forthe pure pleasure of being a coyote.
– Liz Hancock is a member of the Alouette RiverManagement Society. She is also a writer, artist,
environmentalist and teacher of self-sustainable living.
Flora and Fauna
Coyotes prove clever pests
River TalkRiver Talkby Liz Hancock
Discover the joys of flora and fauna in ourrural areas. Liz welcomes questions at
“They are definitelya pest animal andare regularly shot,but despite this theydo not seem to bedwindling in numbers.”
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ARE YOU AN ACTIVE WALKER OR CYCLIST IN PITT MEADOWS?The City of Pitt Meadows is now accepting applications from interested individuals in servingon the following Council appointed committee:
PITT MEADOWS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEEThe Active Transportation Advisory Committee advises Council and staff on strategic prioritiesand policies relating to active transportation in Pitt Meadows using the Pedestrian and CyclingMaster Plan and the Master Transportation Plan as a guide. Other matters may include publiceducation and promotion of active transportation modes, including the biannual Bike Week.
Letters of interest are being sought for the following volunteer positions:
• Six (6) public-at-large members residing in Pitt Meadows to begin December 1, 2013for a two year term to expire November 30, 2015.
Letters should include an indication of why the candidate wishes to serve, along with theircommunity involvement background, if any. Preference will be given for local representativesof HUB and other avid local cycling and walking organizations. An online application form isavailable on the City’s website under the City Hall – Committees and Commissions tab.
For further information, please contact Ike deBoer, Engineering Services Coordinator,Development Services Department at [email protected] or 604-465-2425.
Please note: Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 29, 2013 at 4:30 pm.
ARE YOU ANACTIVE WALKER
OR CYCLIST INPITT MEADOWS?
A14 Tuesday, November 5 , 2013 Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, November 5, 2013 A15
Haney Place Mallhosts HalloweenAbout 3,000 people swarmed HaneyPlace Mall on All Hallows’ EveThursday as merchants dressed upin costumes and put on displays,offering candy and other treats totrick or treaters.
www.mrtimes.com
View photos with
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Fraser Health isencouraging people todefend against the flu.by Maria [email protected]
For those who reallydon’t like a needle, the flushot is now available as anasal spray.
For the first year, afterlimited trials last year,the nasal spray flu shotis available across theprovince, and has beenapproved by HealthCanada for anyone up tothe age of 49.
Health professionalsthink it might even bemore effective than the flushot for children aged twoto six because it is a livevirus vaccine, accordingto Dr. Michelle Murti, amedical health officer withFraser Health.
Each year, flu viruses are“clever” Murti said, andthey can mutate slightly sothat the virus that some-one might have had lastyear can affect them thenext year in a new form.
Flu shots are availableat family physician offices,public health units, andpharmacies.
There are a few flushot clinics (one today,Tuesday, in MapleRidge and one tomor-row, Wednesday, in PittMeadows), but FraserHealth is encouragingMaple Ridge and PittMeadows residents to asktheir pharmacist to admin-ister the shot.
To find the closest fluclinic, people can go towww.immunizebc.ca, clickon “Get Vaccinated” andlocate one according totheir postal code.
The focus for Fraser
Health’s campaign thisyear is to get the flu shotnot just for oneself but forothers as well.
“The flu shot is the bestdefence against the flu,”Murti said.
She recommends fre-quent handwashing, butpoints out the flu is “drop-let-spread” through sneez-ing and coughing.
Being in close quartersduring the colder monthsof the year causes fluviruses to spread morethan during the summer.
It’s especially importantfor anyone visiting a long-term health unit or a hos-pital to be vaccinated asthe people there are oftenmore vulnerable to infec-tion, she pointed out.
But people don’t alwaysknow when they are get-ting the flu.
“The day before youhave symptoms, you canbe passing [it] on,” Murtisaid.
Getting the flu shot isa “simple thing to do” tohelp prevent getting ser-iously ill and passing iton to other people, Murtisaid.
There are between 4,000and 8,000 deaths per yearin Canada from the flu,Murti said.
Health care
Vaccines arrive atpharmacies, clinics
Flu shot clinicsNov. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Ridge Meadows Seniors ActivityCentre, 12150 224th St., MapleRidgeNov. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Pitt Meadows Seniors Centre,19065 119B Ave., Pitt MeadowsMonday to Friday, byappointmentMaple Ridge Health Unit, #400-22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd.,Maple Ridge. Call 604-476-7000.
by Maria [email protected]
Organizers have collected about a third of the signa-tures they need in the two local ridings to force the prov-incial government to hold a referendum on marijuana.
Former Maple Ridge Councillor Craig Speirs is headingup the local Sensible BC campaign along with MichaelJoinson, president of the medical marijuana dispensaryon 224th Street.
This Saturday, Nov. 9, there will be a rally at 1 p.m.at Memorial Peace Park, and on Nov. 12, there will bea sign-up event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the RidgeMeadows Seniors Centre.
Speirs has been surprised that many of the people whoinvolved aren’t normally politically active and many don’tsmoke pot themselves.
“It’s people who have never been activists,” Speirssaid, adding that the campaign has engaged people in thedemocratic process.
He is also surprised at the support he’s received fromseniors.
Four thousand signatures are needed by Dec. 9 fromboth the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge-Mission ridings.
Referendum
Signatures collected
Anne Gordon/TIMES
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November 5: Poetry• The Holy Wow PoetryShow features poets CandiceJames, poet laureate of NewWestminster, and Alan Hillwho will be signing theirbooks. James will also readfrom her book Shorelinesand Hill from his book TheBroken Word. The Holy WowPoets meet at The ACT,11944 Haney Pl., at 7 p.m.
November 5: Health• Coquitlam prostate cancersupport and awareness groupinvites Maple Ridge and PittMeadows residents to itsmonthly meeting at 7 p.m.in the Coquitlam PinetreeCommunity Centre, 1260Pinetree Way, Coquitlam. Allthose involved with prostateproblems are encouragedto come and share theirconcerns and experiencesin a strictly confidentialatmosphere. Info: Norm at604-936-8703 or Ken at 604-936-2998.
November 6: Health• Maple Ridge BetterBreathers Club meets in theFraser Room of the MapleRidge Library from noonto 1:30 p.m. This is a sup-port group for people withCOPD. Friends, family, andnew members are welcome.The guest speaker is RickLescelle, respiratory therapistat Ridge Meadows Hospital.
November 6: Dialogue• Community members fromdiverse religious and spirit-ual backgrounds gather todiscuss: “Environment: Howdoes your faith tradition callyou to be in ‘right relation’with the land and all livingbeings?” as part of the ManyCandles Interfaith Dialogueseries. Gatherings begin witha panel discussion and arefollowed by an opportunityfor dialogue and audienceparticipation. The event takesplace at the Maple RidgeLibrary at 6:30 p.m.
November 6: History• Family History Groupmeets at the Maple RidgeLibrary, #130-22470Dewdney Trunk Rd. The pro-gram is unstructured, allow-ing participants to presentitems of interest to the group,share resources, and ask foradvice.
November 7: Theatre• Family Education andSupport Centre presents the-atre workshops for teens toexplore immigration, racism,and multiculturalism. Theymeet at the Greg MooreYouth Centre from 6 to 9p.m. This is the first of threeworkshops. Info or to regis-ter: 604-467-6055, ext. 110.
November 7: ARMS• Alouette River ManagementSociety invites the public toits board meeting at 6 p.m.at Rivers Heritage Centre,24959 Alouette Rd., MapleRidge. Everyone is welcometo attend to learn about theAlouette watershed and thework that ARMS is doing.
November 7: Seniors• A Seniors Helping Seniorsmeeting takes place at 9:30a.m. at the Ridge MeadowsSeniors Activity Centre,12150 224th St., MapleRidge.
November 7: Finances• “Credit Cards and CreditHistory” is a workshop aboutgaining a better understand-ing of the basics of managingmoney and learning howto control one’s credit rat-ing. The session takes placeat the Maple Ridge Libraryat 7 p.m. and is presentedby Vancity financial lit-eracy staff and supportedby the Community LiteracyCommittee.
November 9: Diwali• Join the library and theFamily Education andSupport Centre to learn aboutDiwali, an Indian celebration,and about the customs ofthis day. There will be classicdance performances, Indianfood, and more. Diwali takesplace at the Maple RidgeLibrary at 2 p.m.
November 9: Craft sale• Haney Pioneer Village Co-op is holding a Christmascraft sale from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. The co-op is atDewdney Trunk Road and230th Street and the sale willbe held in the hall.
November 9: Books• Black Bond Books (HaneyPlace Mall), hosts MikeMcCardell, who will besigning his book HauntingVancouver starting at 1:30p.m. Black Bond Books islocated in Haney Place Mall.Call 604-463-8624 to reservea copy of the book.
November 9 & 16• Maple Ridge-area familiesare invited to attend freeAlzheimer’s Care trainingworkshops. The sessionswill be held on Nov. 9 andNov. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m.at Willow Senior LivingResidences, 12275 224thSt., Maple Ridge. During theworkshops, program expertswill teach family caregivershow to manage behaviours,encourage engagement, andcare for themselves whilecaring for their loved one.To reserve a spot, contactHome Instead Senior Care at604-552-3324 or [email protected]. Info:www.helpforalzheimersfam-ilies.ca.
Crop and Create• St. Patrick’s School Crop-and-Create-a-thon takes placeon Saturday, Nov. 16, andtables are available for rent.Cropping starts at 9 a.m.and goes until 9 p.m. Thecost is $45 per person andincludes space for crafting for12 hours, reserved seatingwith friends, Chinese din-ner and beverage/unlimitedcoffee, door prizes, goodiebags, and make-and-take
projects. St. Patrick’s Schoolis located at 22589 121stAve. Maple Ridge. Info: Genat [email protected] or call778-386-7678.
Alouette Addictions• Alouette Addictions isoffering a support group,Dual Exhaust, for peoplewho have experiences withmental health and addictionsevery Wednesday from 10to 11 a.m. This is a drop-ingroup and no registration isrequired. Alouette Addictionsis at #201-22477 LougheedHwy., Maple Ridge. Info:www.alouetteaddictions.org.
Volunteers needed• Junior Achievement ofBritish Columbia, a not-for-profit organization dedi-cated to educating B.C. youth
about business, is lookingfor volunteers in the MapleRidge and Pitt Meadowsbusiness communities to helpdeliver its free business edu-cation programs. Orientationand materials are provided.Info: www.jabc.org, [email protected], or 604-688-3887.
SPCA fundraiser• Tickets are on sale for aNov. 22 fundraiser for theMaple Ridge branch of theSPCA, Art for Animals, anart, wine, and cheese event.The fundraiser takes place atThe ACT from 7 to 10 p.m.Tickets are $35 and can bebought at the shelter, 10235Jackson Rd., or by calling theshelter at 604-463-9511.
Donations needed• Ridge Meadows Hospital
auxiliary is seeking dona-tions for its thrift store. Itemscan be dropped off at 22264Dewdney Trunk Rd. Info:604-463-6326.
Walking group• Ridge Meadows HospiceSociety’s bereavementsupport services offers aninformal walking group forclients who have accessedtheir services. The walk isevery Friday morning at 10a.m. Info: 604-463-7722.
Cythera thrift store• Cythera Thrift Store hasvolunteer opportunities forweekend retail cashiers forone-hour shifts. Info: Shelleyat 604-467-4671.
Health equipment• The Canadian Red Crosshealth equipment short-term
loan program in Maple Ridgeneeds volunteers. The depotis open Monday, Wednesday,and Friday from 12:30 to 4p.m. This program lends outmedical equipment such aswheelchairs, crutches, andbathroom aids. The MapleRidge office is located at #5-11435 201A St. and can bereached at 604-465-5050.
Walking group• Stride to Thrive is a walk-ing group that meets at JerrySulina Park for a one-hourwalk on the dike everySaturday morning at 10 a.m.They meet in the parking lotby the large notice board,rain or shine. This group isfor women whose lives havebeen affected by cancer. Info:[email protected].
• Full list: www.mrtimes.com
What’s Onwww.mrtimes.com
Post events 10 days in advanceby email to:
A16 Tuesday, November 5 , 2013 Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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On Deck
Send your scoresand game reports to
Flames flickeringRidge Meadows’ junior hockey
team is looking to snap its two-game skid on Friday at PlanetIce, when they go up against theRichmond Sockeyes.
In the meantime, the Flameshave taken two steps back in theirquest for mediocrity in the PacificJunior Hockey League, after a 4-2loss to the host Abbotsford PilotsFriday at MSA Arena.
It was the Flames’ secondstraight setback, and droppedthe team’s record to 5-9-1-2.They’re sitting alone in third placein the BCHL’s Harold BrittainConference.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,
click on “Sports”
Knights slay GiantsRidge Meadows Knights took
down the Chilliwack Giants duringjunior bantam footballl play inMaple Ridge this weekend.
The Knights quashed the Giants32-6 on the Rotary Fields nextto Samuel Robertson TechnicalSaturday afternoon.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,
click on “Sports”
Mat time bookedAction-packed All-Star Wresting
returns to Maple Ridge on Friday,Nov. 15 for what’s being dubbedThe Last Survivor event.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. andthe show begins at 8 p.m. at theRidge Meadows Seniors ActivityCentre, 12150 224th St.
Tickets are available in advancefor $15 at Louis Leather Shop inHaney Place Mall, Haney Hawgs,20617 Maple Cresent, and WokBox, 20395 Lougheed Hwy.Tickets will also be available atthe door for $18.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,
click on “Sports”
SportsMaple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, November 5, 2013 A17
Recreation Reach The TIMES' sports desk: Phone: 604-463-2281 or email: [email protected]
Pitt Meadows Secondarygrads and current studentscompete in annual tourney.by Roxanne [email protected]
A former NBA draft pick andseveral ex-college and universitybasketball stars are stepping backin time this week, playing back attheir high school alma mater.
Several dozen grads fromPitt Meadows Secondary arecoming back home – so tospeak – for an annual gradu-ate basketball tournament thatbegins Wednesday and continuesthrough until Saturday at theirold school.
It’s a six-team tournament fea-turing the Pitt Meadows seniorboys team, junior boys team, andthen four teams of graduates,explained organizer Shane Kool.
There will be seven games intotal, and the tournament willplay Wednesday, Friday, and
Saturday in the school gym.The tournament, Kool
explained, is open to players whograduated from Pitt MeadowsSecondary and played in thebasketball program during all oftheir years at the school.
“We have 55 grads participat-ing in the tournament, with gradsfrom this most recent year andthen dating back to grads fromthe late 1990s,” he told TheTIMES.
Players include ex-NBA draftpick Shawn Hughes, as well as
ex-college/university playerssuch as his brother Bryson Kool,as well as Aaron Christenson,Nick Lafleur, Gary Pelton, DylanGatner, Spencer Evans, andMalcolm Williams.
“There’s enough good playersthat the tournament is very com-petitive,” Kool said, noting thatPMSS’ Marauders coach [Rich]Goulet sweetens the pot eachyear by personally offering a giftcertificate to a local restaurant tothe winning team.
Kool said that’s “always a nice
reward.”This tournament is a tradition
at Pitt Meadows Secondary, thatas best Kool can tell has beengoing for upwards of 15 to 20years.
Coach Goulet “already hasenough on his plate” and isn’table to contact all the grads aseasily as Kool can, so he tookover helping run the tournamentwith Goulet following Kool’sgraduation in 2000.
“I’ve run the tournament forabout 10 years now, and play init every year as well,” said Kool.
He wanted the tournamentto remain intact, noting “it wasalways one of the highlightswhen we were in high school.”
“It’s a great way for the guysto keep in touch, on at least anannual basis, and everybodyalways has a blast when play-ing,” Kool added, expressingappreciation to all the volunteers,including referees and scorekeep-ers, who help make it happen.
“We always appreciate that,”Kool said.
Basketball
Grads seeking a home court advantageThere are 55graduates ofPitt MeadowsSecondary schoolreturning to theiralma mater thisweek to be partof the annualgrad basketballtournament.
Pitt Meadows is the fourth seed in highschool football’s western conference.by Tracey [email protected]
Pitt Meadows Marauders clinched a playoffspot in AA varsity football action, defeating theLangley Saints 50-29 Friday.
The win lands them a spot against Nanaimo’snumber-one seed, John Barsby Bulldogs, inSaturday’s western conference, said Bruno Chu,assistant coach.
“We started moving the ball, and scored acouple of touchdowns, but we had some strug-gles on defence,” Chu said. “Mark Ashmallareturned the third-quarter kickoff for 85 yards,which gave us the momentum to put the gameaway.”
The Marauders made the playoffs last season,as well as in 2009. This is the varsity team’sthird visit to the playoffs, he explained.
With a junior-heavy roster(almost 20 Grade 11s) and eightseniors, only a handful of playershave playoff experience.
“Last year we were second seed,this year we are fourth seed in theeast,” said Chu.
“That means we’ll play Barsby,the number-one seed in the west-ern conference final. It will be amuch more difficult game for usthan last year, but we’re playoff tested andready; we’re definitely the underdog.”
Barsby is undefeated in the regular sea-son and will have home-field advantage onSaturday.
“We have to climb up the mountain andovercome the odds, and hopefully come awaywith an upset,” said Chu. “We’re as preparedas we can be, but we have to be creative inorder to win the game. This year we lost a fewgames we should have won.”
It’s an exciting time in the program’s history
for the players and the coaching staff.“We’ve made the playoffs two years in a
row and our junior varsity team is in the play-offs at the same time,” he said. “That has neverhappened in our history.”
The juniors will host the playoffs onWednesday as the top seed, Chu noted.
In the meantime, the senior Marauders are
looking to 12th Graders Cole White, defensivetackle, and Callum Willamson, defensive end,to be the leaders in the weekend game.
“They’ve stepped up all season and have leadby example all year, and we’re hoping for bigthings from them come Saturday,” said Chu.
Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at MerleLogan Field, Nanaimo.
Senior varsity
Marauders advance to playoffs
Patrick Bartolo/Special to The TIMES
Pitt Meadows Marauders football team downed Langley Saints 50-29 in Langley on Friday night.
www.m
rtim
es.co
mViewmore
photoswith
or online
Patrick Bartolo/Special to The TIMES
Ridge Meadows Knights downChilliwack Giants Saturday, 32-6.
Racers achieve bestThis past Saturday, 25 skaters
from the Ridge Meadows Racersparticipated in the first speedskating meet of the season, withseveral members breaking per-sonal best records.
Organizers say this year’sspeed skating season will beexciting due to the upcomingBC Winter Games being heldin Mission in February. Underthe tutelage of coaches EdenDonatelli-Green and Julian Green– both past Olympians – RidgeMeadows hopes to send repre-sentatives to the Games.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,
click on “Sports”
A20 Tuesday, November 5 , 2013 Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times
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